Positive pregnancy test after withdrawal bleed
First time TTC
2014.11.25 16:24 Skwishums First time TTC
This subreddit is for those who are trying to conceive their first child! Both men and women are welcome!
2014.11.03 22:55 mrswaka Calling all chart stalkers!
2015.01.02 22:54 arhoglenTFAB TTC Healthy: On the Road to Better Heath while Trying to Conceive
For those of us who are trying to conceive or waiting to try and want to get healthier along the way - for whatever reason!
2023.06.03 23:29 Inside_Beat5984 from academic dismissal to law school admit - there is hope!
Sorry for my shit writing and grammar as I write this, it is a long story and too much to re-read.
Since this cycle of admissions to any type of grad school is coming to a close I wanted to share a positive story for those in the depths of unease, hopelessness, and especially to those who may see their previous academic career as a hindrance to their future.
I was academically dismissed from my BSc program in a Top 5 university in Canada after being on academic probation after my second year and officially dismissed in my third year. The reason for my piss-poor grades? High anxiety, poor time management, inability to overcome test anxiety and ebbs and flows in my mental health - all this is in hindsight. I did not know how to manage coming out of high school and being on my own.
After I was dismissed I told no one, the academic withdrawal weighed heavily on me the entire time. I was overwhelmed by loneliness, guilt, sadness, self-loathing, anger and hopelessness.
I didn't want anyone to know I was dismissed, so I upgraded my high school marks and applied into a trade school, where my previous academic achievements (or lack there of) would give me a chance at a career.
Once I finished my program at the trade school and found work, I decided to see if there was any way to finish a bachelors degree. Any degree would do, my ego and heart needed the boost and it hurt to leave this task incomplete.
I enrolled in a local university through an open studies program and frankly explained my reasoning for my academic dismissal and how I found new strategies for my academic success. After a semester in open studies, I was admitted into an actual Bachelors program, this time in business! I was elated to have a chance to attempt finish any type of bachelor's degree and after a couple of years of working and school I was done, and I just graduated with honours this year.
So where does law school come in? Frankly. I didn't think I had a chance in hell for any type of grad school. i just wanted to finish this degree and cross the arbitrary finish line I set for myself. I just wanted to finish what I started.
I don't know what prompted me to try for a graduate program, knowing my academic history I was 99.99% sure I would not get into anything. Who would ever let an academic dismissal into their institution for a graduate program? Crazy.
But I was a little curious what my LSAT score would be, I've heard about this test so often. I had the disposable income to afford the test, so I gave it a shot. My score? not great but not bad. It was enough for me to continue my delusional thinking that maybe I could apply for law school? I took the test, might as well apply. TBH I never sought out Law as a career path, but the mindset was "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
However, to soften the emotional devastation of disappointment again, I applied to only 2 schools: my former alma mater (that I was dismissed from) and another "easier" law school in Canada (not that any of them are easy - the forums just made it sound easier due to less rigid requirements and GPA/LSAT entrance scores) just before their deadlines.
Guess what? I was accepted.
The funnier thing? It is a full circle moment, because I was not accepted to the "easier" choice - the one I was holding the tiniest flicker of hope for. Instead it was to my alma mater. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.
This upcoming fall I will be attending Law school in one of the Top 5 universities in Canada, the exact same school I was academically dismissed from 8 years ago.
Long story short - don't give up on those grad school dreams, whatever they may be, a pHD, a masters, a JD, MD or anything in between. Let that little flicker of hope guide you and don't let your ego stamp you down. It is so easy to give up on yourself after repeated failures, especially embarrassing ones, but your hard work will pay off.
Don't let the anxiety and disappointment bring you down or stop you from trying again. A little good karma came my way, and I hope it comes to someone out there reading this very long winded post. This is a long cycle and a long journey, but it gets better. I hope I can spark a little hope in someone who is reading this.
TLDR: Was academically dismissed from a great university in Canada after 3rd year - worked hard for a second chance, finished degree elsewhere and was admitted to Law School as the same school I was dismissed from. There is hope! You can do it!
submitted by Inside_Beat5984 to gradadmissions [link] [comments]
Since this cycle of admissions to any type of grad school is coming to a close I wanted to share a positive story for those in the depths of unease, hopelessness, and especially to those who may see their previous academic career as a hindrance to their future.
I was academically dismissed from my BSc program in a Top 5 university in Canada after being on academic probation after my second year and officially dismissed in my third year. The reason for my piss-poor grades? High anxiety, poor time management, inability to overcome test anxiety and ebbs and flows in my mental health - all this is in hindsight. I did not know how to manage coming out of high school and being on my own.
After I was dismissed I told no one, the academic withdrawal weighed heavily on me the entire time. I was overwhelmed by loneliness, guilt, sadness, self-loathing, anger and hopelessness.
I didn't want anyone to know I was dismissed, so I upgraded my high school marks and applied into a trade school, where my previous academic achievements (or lack there of) would give me a chance at a career.
Once I finished my program at the trade school and found work, I decided to see if there was any way to finish a bachelors degree. Any degree would do, my ego and heart needed the boost and it hurt to leave this task incomplete.
I enrolled in a local university through an open studies program and frankly explained my reasoning for my academic dismissal and how I found new strategies for my academic success. After a semester in open studies, I was admitted into an actual Bachelors program, this time in business! I was elated to have a chance to attempt finish any type of bachelor's degree and after a couple of years of working and school I was done, and I just graduated with honours this year.
So where does law school come in? Frankly. I didn't think I had a chance in hell for any type of grad school. i just wanted to finish this degree and cross the arbitrary finish line I set for myself. I just wanted to finish what I started.
I don't know what prompted me to try for a graduate program, knowing my academic history I was 99.99% sure I would not get into anything. Who would ever let an academic dismissal into their institution for a graduate program? Crazy.
But I was a little curious what my LSAT score would be, I've heard about this test so often. I had the disposable income to afford the test, so I gave it a shot. My score? not great but not bad. It was enough for me to continue my delusional thinking that maybe I could apply for law school? I took the test, might as well apply. TBH I never sought out Law as a career path, but the mindset was "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
However, to soften the emotional devastation of disappointment again, I applied to only 2 schools: my former alma mater (that I was dismissed from) and another "easier" law school in Canada (not that any of them are easy - the forums just made it sound easier due to less rigid requirements and GPA/LSAT entrance scores) just before their deadlines.
Guess what? I was accepted.
The funnier thing? It is a full circle moment, because I was not accepted to the "easier" choice - the one I was holding the tiniest flicker of hope for. Instead it was to my alma mater. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.
This upcoming fall I will be attending Law school in one of the Top 5 universities in Canada, the exact same school I was academically dismissed from 8 years ago.
Long story short - don't give up on those grad school dreams, whatever they may be, a pHD, a masters, a JD, MD or anything in between. Let that little flicker of hope guide you and don't let your ego stamp you down. It is so easy to give up on yourself after repeated failures, especially embarrassing ones, but your hard work will pay off.
Don't let the anxiety and disappointment bring you down or stop you from trying again. A little good karma came my way, and I hope it comes to someone out there reading this very long winded post. This is a long cycle and a long journey, but it gets better. I hope I can spark a little hope in someone who is reading this.
TLDR: Was academically dismissed from a great university in Canada after 3rd year - worked hard for a second chance, finished degree elsewhere and was admitted to Law School as the same school I was dismissed from. There is hope! You can do it!
2023.06.03 23:29 CaucasianGyration Tales from Tertium: The Renegade
Inspired by the tale of the sniper, Marisol
Markov couldn't remember the last time he had taken off his respirator.
He'd seen the faces of the others - decrepit, rotting, sloughing. Their rotten skin peeling off to reveal the oozing muscle below, their appearance matching the rot beneath. The Grandfather's so-called 'blessing' in action. The Admonition - the cults - called it a sign. A sign that they were His chosen. That this campaign (or crusade, as they called it) had His blessing.
He called it horrifying.
A few others agreed with him, other souls who still had some sanity left to recognize what they were becoming. Most of them deserted, disappearing into the hive's depths. A few of them were shot - he should know, he was on the firing line for most of them. Those who remained were silent like him, keeping their thoughts to themselves. The Moebian 6th was all they had left, and the blessings of the plague father were keeping them alive.
Some of his squad had taken off their gear to eat. One of them took off their jaw when they undid the latches of the respirator. Got some laughter, that did. Sergeant patted their shoulder too roughly, twisted her hand in a bad way. She chuckled and snapped it back into place with a 'pop'.
Markov couldn't remember the last time he had taken off any of his gear. It was better this way. Couldn't see the rot beneath if he kept his uniform on. Couldn't see the disease take hold of him. Couldn't realize that he was lost and damned from Terra's light for good.
He was on patrol. The orders blurred together. Scout here, defend here. They were all over Tertium, across every wretched square meter of that damned place. He never remembered the names, it all looked the same to him. Grand, high gothic architecture combined with the slums the average denizen of the city squatted in. It was disgusting. Some days he hated the city more than his rotting comrades. Both were infested with disease, rot rooted all the way into their slimy cores. There was companionship here, once. He even called Atoma a home, long before.
He looked around him as he walked along the flickering hallways of the hab. The boots of his squadmates stomped against the metal floor, the humming of the sergeant's volley gun, the grinding of machinery deep below; joining in the cacophony of background noise in the massive, unknowable hive. One of his squadmates choked something up and spit it into their respirator.
Then the tension of hearing las-fire and shouting in the distance.
"Movement detected. Moving to intercept." The sergeant rattled off the report into her micro-bead as she raised her hand in the air, gesturing the squad to follow. Markov checked the sights on his lasgun one last time before double-timing it towards the noise. They ducked through a doorway.
The squaddie to his left was immediately taken down with a crack of las-fire. He fell limp, crouched over with a burnt hole through his helmet.
"Down! Get down, take cover! Engagement protocol Kappa-Two-Taurox!"
They had joined in with some of their skirmisher infantry. Markov and a few others dashed behind a barricade as the sergeant warmed up her volleygun. He grunted as slug and las alike rained above his head, and...
And a grenade box?
Markov barely registered the strange object flying overhead until it landed right between the sergeant's eyes, cracking her visor and denting the goggles into her face. She crumpled to the ground, the plague father's gifts oozing from the broken helmet.
"Gunner down! Can't get a shot!"
The others hunkered down. With their heavy support and lead down, the enemy was free to fire on their position. Kneeling down, Markov leaned out to get a sightline - before taking a las to his left eye, burning a hole through his goggles.He yelled in pain, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time, as dulled as it was. He lingered on the floor as another las hit right next to his head. He crawled to another barricade as the rest of his squads took his injury as a chance to open fire.
Breathing heavily, Markov felt around the wound. He was barely bleeding, no - he felt something else dripping from the wound. Liquified flesh, and likely whatever remained of his retina.
With a hand covering his mask, he looked back at his squad, now engaged in melee with an Ogryn. The brutish mass was tossing them around like the were toys, the jagged knife in his meaty fists cleanly bisecting one of his squad. Markov looked at the bayonet attached to his barrel. It was rusted despite barely seeing use. Something that made him feel slightly more secure in close quarters. He stood, leveling the bayonet towards the Ogyn's spine. Maybe if he got a lucky hit - maybe if he dug it deep enough - maybe -
Maybe, maybe, maybe. Markov yelled, in a voice he had forgotten. "For the 6th!" Did he really believe it? Was he really going to risk his life for a squad he loathed? The questions swirled in his mind as he charged the Ogyrn, whose attention was still on one last renegade. The short distance seemed so long. Every step, he was reminded of the man he once was. The people the 6th once were - before the darktide, before all this. He was a hive ganger, but conscription shaped him up. Before he left, he found someone. He never thought he would find love, but being free of the undercity made him a new man. He promised them he'd return, after he was a hero. He promised they'd come back with stories of grandeur and of victory. He wondered where they were now - dead, most likely. Gone with the rest of the hive, or still hiding somewhere. Maybe he'd find them, search for them through ever Emperor-forsaken level of the city once he left the damned Moebian 6th behind. He wouldn't turn back again. Not this time.
He dug the steel into the Ogryn's back, thrusting it forward with every ounce of strength he had. It dug into the beast's flesh, a trickle of blood coming out of the wound. The Ogryn didn't even seem to register it, and finished mutilating Marie, killing her with a single swipe of his savage knife.
Then it turned around. He readied his bayonet for another thrust.
And then Markov died.
submitted by CaucasianGyration to DarkTide [link] [comments]
Markov couldn't remember the last time he had taken off his respirator.
He'd seen the faces of the others - decrepit, rotting, sloughing. Their rotten skin peeling off to reveal the oozing muscle below, their appearance matching the rot beneath. The Grandfather's so-called 'blessing' in action. The Admonition - the cults - called it a sign. A sign that they were His chosen. That this campaign (or crusade, as they called it) had His blessing.
He called it horrifying.
A few others agreed with him, other souls who still had some sanity left to recognize what they were becoming. Most of them deserted, disappearing into the hive's depths. A few of them were shot - he should know, he was on the firing line for most of them. Those who remained were silent like him, keeping their thoughts to themselves. The Moebian 6th was all they had left, and the blessings of the plague father were keeping them alive.
Some of his squad had taken off their gear to eat. One of them took off their jaw when they undid the latches of the respirator. Got some laughter, that did. Sergeant patted their shoulder too roughly, twisted her hand in a bad way. She chuckled and snapped it back into place with a 'pop'.
Markov couldn't remember the last time he had taken off any of his gear. It was better this way. Couldn't see the rot beneath if he kept his uniform on. Couldn't see the disease take hold of him. Couldn't realize that he was lost and damned from Terra's light for good.
He was on patrol. The orders blurred together. Scout here, defend here. They were all over Tertium, across every wretched square meter of that damned place. He never remembered the names, it all looked the same to him. Grand, high gothic architecture combined with the slums the average denizen of the city squatted in. It was disgusting. Some days he hated the city more than his rotting comrades. Both were infested with disease, rot rooted all the way into their slimy cores. There was companionship here, once. He even called Atoma a home, long before.
He looked around him as he walked along the flickering hallways of the hab. The boots of his squadmates stomped against the metal floor, the humming of the sergeant's volley gun, the grinding of machinery deep below; joining in the cacophony of background noise in the massive, unknowable hive. One of his squadmates choked something up and spit it into their respirator.
Then the tension of hearing las-fire and shouting in the distance.
"Movement detected. Moving to intercept." The sergeant rattled off the report into her micro-bead as she raised her hand in the air, gesturing the squad to follow. Markov checked the sights on his lasgun one last time before double-timing it towards the noise. They ducked through a doorway.
The squaddie to his left was immediately taken down with a crack of las-fire. He fell limp, crouched over with a burnt hole through his helmet.
"Down! Get down, take cover! Engagement protocol Kappa-Two-Taurox!"
They had joined in with some of their skirmisher infantry. Markov and a few others dashed behind a barricade as the sergeant warmed up her volleygun. He grunted as slug and las alike rained above his head, and...
And a grenade box?
Markov barely registered the strange object flying overhead until it landed right between the sergeant's eyes, cracking her visor and denting the goggles into her face. She crumpled to the ground, the plague father's gifts oozing from the broken helmet.
"Gunner down! Can't get a shot!"
The others hunkered down. With their heavy support and lead down, the enemy was free to fire on their position. Kneeling down, Markov leaned out to get a sightline - before taking a las to his left eye, burning a hole through his goggles.He yelled in pain, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time, as dulled as it was. He lingered on the floor as another las hit right next to his head. He crawled to another barricade as the rest of his squads took his injury as a chance to open fire.
Breathing heavily, Markov felt around the wound. He was barely bleeding, no - he felt something else dripping from the wound. Liquified flesh, and likely whatever remained of his retina.
With a hand covering his mask, he looked back at his squad, now engaged in melee with an Ogryn. The brutish mass was tossing them around like the were toys, the jagged knife in his meaty fists cleanly bisecting one of his squad. Markov looked at the bayonet attached to his barrel. It was rusted despite barely seeing use. Something that made him feel slightly more secure in close quarters. He stood, leveling the bayonet towards the Ogyn's spine. Maybe if he got a lucky hit - maybe if he dug it deep enough - maybe -
Maybe, maybe, maybe. Markov yelled, in a voice he had forgotten. "For the 6th!" Did he really believe it? Was he really going to risk his life for a squad he loathed? The questions swirled in his mind as he charged the Ogyrn, whose attention was still on one last renegade. The short distance seemed so long. Every step, he was reminded of the man he once was. The people the 6th once were - before the darktide, before all this. He was a hive ganger, but conscription shaped him up. Before he left, he found someone. He never thought he would find love, but being free of the undercity made him a new man. He promised them he'd return, after he was a hero. He promised they'd come back with stories of grandeur and of victory. He wondered where they were now - dead, most likely. Gone with the rest of the hive, or still hiding somewhere. Maybe he'd find them, search for them through ever Emperor-forsaken level of the city once he left the damned Moebian 6th behind. He wouldn't turn back again. Not this time.
He dug the steel into the Ogryn's back, thrusting it forward with every ounce of strength he had. It dug into the beast's flesh, a trickle of blood coming out of the wound. The Ogryn didn't even seem to register it, and finished mutilating Marie, killing her with a single swipe of his savage knife.
Then it turned around. He readied his bayonet for another thrust.
And then Markov died.
2023.06.03 23:27 Responsible-Author40 Relapsed after 14 months clean!
I am disappointed in myself. I relapsed after 14 months clean and went on a 2 month binge. I thought I could have “one pull”.
After that first binge, I quit for 2 months and was still testing positive. That discouraged me and I ended up on another binge lasting 1 month. Stupid.
My connect ended up moving into my building (complete coincidence) and made access way too easy.
I have jeopardized school, an internship and a job. None of it was worth it.
Currently 1 week sober. I am giving myself grace, and moving forward. Sleep and appetite are getting better and the cravings are 0 today. I’ve started working out again and that helps with the insomnia. I need to pass a test so that’s also motivation to continue working out.
Good luck to you all. Don’t be like me.
submitted by Responsible-Author40 to leaves [link] [comments]
After that first binge, I quit for 2 months and was still testing positive. That discouraged me and I ended up on another binge lasting 1 month. Stupid.
My connect ended up moving into my building (complete coincidence) and made access way too easy.
I have jeopardized school, an internship and a job. None of it was worth it.
Currently 1 week sober. I am giving myself grace, and moving forward. Sleep and appetite are getting better and the cravings are 0 today. I’ve started working out again and that helps with the insomnia. I need to pass a test so that’s also motivation to continue working out.
Good luck to you all. Don’t be like me.
2023.06.03 23:18 Much_Yesterday_4403 Elimination Poll Options: Steve's Screw-Ups
Brenda and Steve tied for the next elimination poll theme! We'll do Brenda first and then Steve. Here are a list of options that I've compiled. Please comment below if I've missed something and I'll include it. Or if you think something shouldn't be included, I'm open to hearing that too! I will post a qualifying poll for each on Tuesday that will be open for two days, and that will determine our Top 9. Brenda's elimination poll will start on Thursday, and Steve's elimination poll will begin directly after Brenda's poll ends.
submitted by Much_Yesterday_4403 to BeverlyHills90210 [link] [comments]
- 1.06 “Higher Education” – Steve cheats on his history exams
- 1.11 “B.Y.O.B.” – Steve spikes Brandon’s drink
- 2.10 “Necessity is a Mother” – Steve doesn’t listen to Donna and loses money on the stock market
- 2.20 “A Competitive Edge” – Steve takes steroids to succeed on the track team
- 3.02 “The Twins, the Trustees and the Very Big Trip” – Steve tries to date a set of twins
- 3.12 & 13 & 14 – “Destiny Rides Again” “Rebel with a Cause” “Wild Horses” – Steve breaks into the school to change his grades, bribes a janitor and gets expelled
- 3.14 “Wild Horses” & 7.02 “Here We Go Again” – Steve spread rumors about Kelly in High School
- 3.17 “The Game is Chicken” – Steve partakes in illegal street racing
- 4.1 “So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye” – Steve flirts with Jill while Celeste is RIGHT THERE
- 4.9 & 10 & 11 “Otherwise Engaged” “And Did It…My Way” “Take Back the Night” – Steve cheats on Celeste by sleeping with Laura. He treats Laura badly afterwards and she accuses him of date rape.
- 4.13 & 14 “Emily” "Windstruck" – Steve steals Professor Randall’s prized baseball as a KEG initiation
- 4.22 “Change Partners” – Steve lets Muntz use Andrea’s dorm room to sleep with his girlfriend
- 4.26 “Blind Spot” – Steve outs Mike Ryan to KEG house
- 4.29 “Truth and Consequences” – Steve and Laura spread rumors about how Brenda got cast in the school play
- 5.13 “Up in Flames” – Steve throws a party and it ends in a house fire and injuries to Kelly and Alison
- 6.18 “Snowbound” – Steve street races with Clare and ends up in traffic school
- 6.25 “Smashed” – Steve throws a party and his brother Ryan ends up with alcohol poisoning
- 7.05 “Pledging My Love” – Steve streaks in front of the Chancellor’s speech with KEG pledges
- 7.06 “Housewarming” – Steve flirts with and kisses Theresa while Clare is RIGHT THERE
- 7.10 & 11 “Lost in Las Vegas” “If I Had a Hammer”– Steve plagiarizes Brandon’s paper and almost gets expelled
- 8.9 & 10 “Friends, Lovers & Children” “Child of the Night” – Steve refuses to take a paternity test when an old fling turns up pregnant
- 8.20 “The Girl Who Cried Wolf” – Steve acts like a real asshole when Val was raped by Noah
- 8.23 & 24 “Making Amends” “The Nature of Nurture” – Steve impersonates Ted to date Jill
- 8.27 “Reunion” – Steve attempts to have sex with Rhonda while out with Janet
- 9.12 & 13 “How to Be a Jerk Women Love”, “Trials and Tribulations” – Steve ends up in small claims court over a failed dating seminar
- 9.13 “Withdrawal” – Steve doesn’t pay attention while dog-sitting (because Steve is nothing if not horny) and allows Janet’s purebred to mate with a mutt
- 9.19 “The Leprechaun” – Steve hires a little person to pose as a leprechaun for The Beat
- 10.23 “And Don’t Forget to Give Me Back My Black T-Shirt” – Steve invests money and has a secret savings account behind Janet’s back
2023.06.03 23:11 KASSAAAAA Question about something can someone enlighten me please?! [SPOILER]
So right now i am at Season 6 Episode 19. For those who don't want to check where i am: Basically after Reddigton came out of Jail, Liz found out who her Grandpa is because of Ressler, goes to his House and is on a Trip with him and he tells her about the whole Story what happend to Katarina.
So i have three Questions i really don't understand. Maybe someone can enlighten me?Would be nice if that is possible without spoiling me. If it's impossible without spoiling just say it in the Comments. I don't want to get spoiled.
So Question one. So Reddington has to go to the Jail because of Liz. She and her Sister thought he isn't his Father and just a cheater because of all that new Identity etc. But how is that possible? She had the DNA Test which confirmed that he is her Father?! How does that makes sense i mean she had the proof infront of her Eyes.
Second: In S6E19 Katarina is in a Hotel in Paris. And she said to the Men ( who is now Reddigton ) on the Bed : If they ( KGB ) gonna catch me, take care of Masha. And HE resonded : As if she were my.
But what does that mean? Like the DNA Test proofed she is his Daughter? And he obviously knew it all the Time, no?
Thrid: Back in the Past he always told Liz "Your Father isn't alive anymore" what was claimed to be true. Her Flashbacks proofed she shot him. But again. There is the DNA Test. So why does he says that, if he is her Father. So if the "new/current" Reddigton isn't the Father, which would explain all my Questions before, how did the DNA Test was positive then? You know what i'm saying?
Maybe i'm dumb, maybe super confused, maybe both. Can someone explain? It drives me crazy. If important i am S6E19 right now but i'm gonna finish this Season today.
submitted by KASSAAAAA to TheBlackList [link] [comments]
So i have three Questions i really don't understand. Maybe someone can enlighten me?Would be nice if that is possible without spoiling me. If it's impossible without spoiling just say it in the Comments. I don't want to get spoiled.
So Question one. So Reddington has to go to the Jail because of Liz. She and her Sister thought he isn't his Father and just a cheater because of all that new Identity etc. But how is that possible? She had the DNA Test which confirmed that he is her Father?! How does that makes sense i mean she had the proof infront of her Eyes.
Second: In S6E19 Katarina is in a Hotel in Paris. And she said to the Men ( who is now Reddigton ) on the Bed : If they ( KGB ) gonna catch me, take care of Masha. And HE resonded : As if she were my.
But what does that mean? Like the DNA Test proofed she is his Daughter? And he obviously knew it all the Time, no?
Thrid: Back in the Past he always told Liz "Your Father isn't alive anymore" what was claimed to be true. Her Flashbacks proofed she shot him. But again. There is the DNA Test. So why does he says that, if he is her Father. So if the "new/current" Reddigton isn't the Father, which would explain all my Questions before, how did the DNA Test was positive then? You know what i'm saying?
Maybe i'm dumb, maybe super confused, maybe both. Can someone explain? It drives me crazy. If important i am S6E19 right now but i'm gonna finish this Season today.
2023.06.03 23:08 Storishaman AITA for wanting to manage my money independently?
So this is a story that drags out a bit, but I'll try to include whatever I can't fit into this post in the comments if I have to.
I (20, X) have lived for over the past year with my grandmother (60, F) after she took me in when my mother had passed away. Before then, my grandmother and I never had a 100% positive relationship, but I've always been grateful for the fact that she was willing to take care of me for as long as possible, even understood if I and my uncle couldn't bring ourselves to go to the funeral as we both deal with different mental stresses that would've made us unimaginably anxious.
The first handful of months settling in were going fine, but I, at the time and prior to my mother's passing, was struggling with my gender identity and asked her to please refer to me by a different name and neutral pronouns. Having met tons of different people as she's told me, it wasn't difficult to get a hang of the concept and tested out my chosen name for the next few weeks as we were moving into a new house closer to family. The rest of my family either didn't take the idea seriously or, like my aunt, tried to avoid my deadname entirely by calling me by my last name (which is my dad's surname and not theirs, so that only made me feel more isolated from everyone there).
At some point down the line as tiny nitpicky problems in the house started getting on my grandmother's nerves and mine, she just stopped calling me by the new name altogether, and that already drove a wedge between us that didn't need to be there within the first year without my motheher daughter in the picture. Soon after, we did start talking again, but hearing my birthname and wrong pronouns spoken about me in earshot always made me uncomfortable, but I did what I could to endure it because I know there are other non-binary people who go through way worse situations.
submitted by Storishaman to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]
I (20, X) have lived for over the past year with my grandmother (60, F) after she took me in when my mother had passed away. Before then, my grandmother and I never had a 100% positive relationship, but I've always been grateful for the fact that she was willing to take care of me for as long as possible, even understood if I and my uncle couldn't bring ourselves to go to the funeral as we both deal with different mental stresses that would've made us unimaginably anxious.
The first handful of months settling in were going fine, but I, at the time and prior to my mother's passing, was struggling with my gender identity and asked her to please refer to me by a different name and neutral pronouns. Having met tons of different people as she's told me, it wasn't difficult to get a hang of the concept and tested out my chosen name for the next few weeks as we were moving into a new house closer to family. The rest of my family either didn't take the idea seriously or, like my aunt, tried to avoid my deadname entirely by calling me by my last name (which is my dad's surname and not theirs, so that only made me feel more isolated from everyone there).
At some point down the line as tiny nitpicky problems in the house started getting on my grandmother's nerves and mine, she just stopped calling me by the new name altogether, and that already drove a wedge between us that didn't need to be there within the first year without my motheher daughter in the picture. Soon after, we did start talking again, but hearing my birthname and wrong pronouns spoken about me in earshot always made me uncomfortable, but I did what I could to endure it because I know there are other non-binary people who go through way worse situations.
2023.06.03 23:05 Incelsurprise Looking for the least bad option here.
Me: 39M, healthy, tall, educated, reasonably attractive, not on any medication, full hair, finances not quite what they should be at my age (that's what academia does to you) but better than ever before and improving, so no obvious red flags as far as I can tell and no downward tendencies in the last few years that would be an obvious reason for why I'm in a sexless marriage. I'm as fuckable as I ever were. So it's probably not that. I also have no unorthodox sexual desires, let alone recently developed ones, so it's not that either. I used to enjoy a hedonistic sex life in my 20s until I realised that it didn't fulfil me. Started looking for more calm waters and more meaningful connections, fell deeply in love with who would become my wife. The way I'm phrasing the story is relevant because sex was never a priority with her from the start. It was good, not great, it was fun/frequent enough but I loved her for other reasons and I mostly believe I still do.
Her: 37F, still very attractive to me, her body outright refuses to age, used to have some chronic endocrinological health conditions (thyroid issues) that were resolved beautifully when she changed her diet into a (now not so strict anymore) paleo direction and became a bit obsessed with gut health, gluten-free, yoga, supplements, etc. But her health seems to be proving her right ever since. Otherwise in good health and no psychological condition or trauma I'm aware of and no medication other than thyroid hormones.
Timeline: We met in 2010, split up for almost a year in 2015 (she left and asked me to take her back), we decided to go all in after that. Started trying to have kids around 2017, which turned sex into a chore with obsessive timing and zero passion whatsoever from her side. That phase really took the joy out of it for me as well and I was glad when we decided to stop and instead go with IVF, wich got us a wonderful little boy and my favourite human in 2019. There was no diagnosis that would have explained the difficulties. IVF took a second attempt as well. We also got married in 2018 but since then have had sex for fun exactly twice (once in 2018 and once in 2019). And of course it wasn't great, but why would it be after such a long time? I really enjoyed the intimacy with her though and suspected that we'd be able to have actual fun again. Interestingly she initiated both times (I have stopped trying a long time ago.) and both times happened on vacation in a hotel room. Make of that one what you will, psychologists. Maybe she was trying to find out if optimal conditions would make her enjoy it, I don't know. She's not easy to talk to about these things and acts very intuitively.
Fast forward to now. She has zero interest in sex and/or intimacy whatsoever, she says she never masturbates, has no sexual thoughts or desires whatsoever, she has just become completely colourblind to sexuality. She is a non-sexual entity and I've kind of started accepting her that way. But sex isn't the only thing that's lacking in our relationship. Any kind of non-sexual intimacy is extremely rare and our emotional connection is clearly damaged, as we both don't seem to show the kind of resilience and patience with each other anymore that family life demands of partners. I'm under the impression that couples who have a sex life are just more resistant to outside stress. Well, we clearly don't have that anymore. We're a functional team, most of the time. She's a wonderful mother, we still have our moments, and I don't think our marriage is 100% doomed quite yet. But I'm feeling some resentment and maybe even contempt building up on both sides when times are stressful and my general level of frustration shows.
And I honestly don't think anyone else but myself is to blame for my decisions. I don't feel deceived in any way and I'm also not viewing her decline to zero as in any way linked to external issues, trauma or health. I knew perfectly well that her sex drive and probably her whole experience of sex was near the lower limit of what I'd be able to live with, even in our 20s. I knew that she was just wired a little differently and that there would always be a chance that things could get worse. Her pregnancy issues kind of confirmed that intuition. Interestingly, her sex drive faded even more with her improving health, if she wasn't pretending that she ever had it in the first place. I couldn't blame her. I also appreciated (and still do) the great influence she is on my life in terms of values and self-care. Choosing her was like eating my vegetables. Maybe even punishing myself a bit for the life I've had before (again, nothing crazy, just flings with lots of women and no attachment). But it was eating my vegetables with someone I truly loved and who was (and still is) crazy attractive to me. But I should have seen this coming. It was wishful thinking all along. And that's completely on me.
So what now? Ever since my Dad passed away somewhat surprisingly in his late 50s, I'm starting to ask myself how many years of health I have left and I'm starting to think that I cannot live like this until I die. The idea of having sex with her now seems more weird and awkward to me than with a literal stranger, because of all the history and baggage. I honestly can't see myself doing that anytime soon but I'm also sure that it won't be asked of me. I'm going through some kind of midlife crisis 15 years too early, but for pretty much exactly the same hormonal reasons (on my wife's end).
Here are the options that I would suggest if I were the reader:
Thank you for your time, any comment is very much appreciated, including those telling me to grow a pair.
submitted by Incelsurprise to DeadBedrooms [link] [comments]
Her: 37F, still very attractive to me, her body outright refuses to age, used to have some chronic endocrinological health conditions (thyroid issues) that were resolved beautifully when she changed her diet into a (now not so strict anymore) paleo direction and became a bit obsessed with gut health, gluten-free, yoga, supplements, etc. But her health seems to be proving her right ever since. Otherwise in good health and no psychological condition or trauma I'm aware of and no medication other than thyroid hormones.
Timeline: We met in 2010, split up for almost a year in 2015 (she left and asked me to take her back), we decided to go all in after that. Started trying to have kids around 2017, which turned sex into a chore with obsessive timing and zero passion whatsoever from her side. That phase really took the joy out of it for me as well and I was glad when we decided to stop and instead go with IVF, wich got us a wonderful little boy and my favourite human in 2019. There was no diagnosis that would have explained the difficulties. IVF took a second attempt as well. We also got married in 2018 but since then have had sex for fun exactly twice (once in 2018 and once in 2019). And of course it wasn't great, but why would it be after such a long time? I really enjoyed the intimacy with her though and suspected that we'd be able to have actual fun again. Interestingly she initiated both times (I have stopped trying a long time ago.) and both times happened on vacation in a hotel room. Make of that one what you will, psychologists. Maybe she was trying to find out if optimal conditions would make her enjoy it, I don't know. She's not easy to talk to about these things and acts very intuitively.
Fast forward to now. She has zero interest in sex and/or intimacy whatsoever, she says she never masturbates, has no sexual thoughts or desires whatsoever, she has just become completely colourblind to sexuality. She is a non-sexual entity and I've kind of started accepting her that way. But sex isn't the only thing that's lacking in our relationship. Any kind of non-sexual intimacy is extremely rare and our emotional connection is clearly damaged, as we both don't seem to show the kind of resilience and patience with each other anymore that family life demands of partners. I'm under the impression that couples who have a sex life are just more resistant to outside stress. Well, we clearly don't have that anymore. We're a functional team, most of the time. She's a wonderful mother, we still have our moments, and I don't think our marriage is 100% doomed quite yet. But I'm feeling some resentment and maybe even contempt building up on both sides when times are stressful and my general level of frustration shows.
And I honestly don't think anyone else but myself is to blame for my decisions. I don't feel deceived in any way and I'm also not viewing her decline to zero as in any way linked to external issues, trauma or health. I knew perfectly well that her sex drive and probably her whole experience of sex was near the lower limit of what I'd be able to live with, even in our 20s. I knew that she was just wired a little differently and that there would always be a chance that things could get worse. Her pregnancy issues kind of confirmed that intuition. Interestingly, her sex drive faded even more with her improving health, if she wasn't pretending that she ever had it in the first place. I couldn't blame her. I also appreciated (and still do) the great influence she is on my life in terms of values and self-care. Choosing her was like eating my vegetables. Maybe even punishing myself a bit for the life I've had before (again, nothing crazy, just flings with lots of women and no attachment). But it was eating my vegetables with someone I truly loved and who was (and still is) crazy attractive to me. But I should have seen this coming. It was wishful thinking all along. And that's completely on me.
So what now? Ever since my Dad passed away somewhat surprisingly in his late 50s, I'm starting to ask myself how many years of health I have left and I'm starting to think that I cannot live like this until I die. The idea of having sex with her now seems more weird and awkward to me than with a literal stranger, because of all the history and baggage. I honestly can't see myself doing that anytime soon but I'm also sure that it won't be asked of me. I'm going through some kind of midlife crisis 15 years too early, but for pretty much exactly the same hormonal reasons (on my wife's end).
Here are the options that I would suggest if I were the reader:
- Suck it up. Life could be worse. I have a somewhat functional marriage and a lovely son who needs a functional family. We are his world and he deserves his world not to be fucked with. Pun intended. All the sex I've had in my 20s didn't make me happy either. Eventually my testosterone levels will drop and I will find more appreciation for the extra time I have. During this marriage, I've painted some badass Warhammer armies. But then again, my early midlife crisis is kicking in hard right now. I'm not ready to die. Maybe using something like excessive exercise or a new hobby etc... could it be possible to redirect the unused sexual energy. Does anyone have experience with something like that? Does it get better or worse if you hit the gym 6 times a week?
- Seek Professional advice. I'm pretty sure at this point that I couldn't get her to seek medical advice. She has no unmet need, I do. Call it selfish, maybe this is something I need to bring up more. As far as she is concerned she has never been a very sexual person. Psychological: No idea. My wife will be very skeptical because she's a therapist herself (not for sexual issues though) so she probably knows the limitations better than anyone. Maybe she's just comfortable with the situation and has no regard for how I feel, so there is no pressure to fix things.
- Leave. I couldn't do that to my son. I don't want to talk to him at 16 or whatever (if he still talks to me then) and tell him sorry son, that you had a fragmented, guilt-ridden and emotionally confusing childhood, but I had to leave because turns out I really like pussy. Impossible. Really not the kind of life the little guy deserves. So hard no. Of course this doesn't mean that my marriage won't blow up in my face eventually but I see no need to pull that plug preemptively.
- Talk her into an open marriage. Not gonna work. She actually brought that up herself, as if I had asked already. And despite not wanting sex, I believe a total lack of jealousy would be horseman of the apocalypse, more than anything else.
- Cheat and don't get caught. I'm thinking about this "solution", also knowing that some day I will have the opportunity to do something really stupid after three drinks and possibly will end up paying for it dearly. So why not do it intelligently instead? After about 3 years of sexlessness I hooked up with an old acquaintance from my university days a few times. It was incredibly easy for me to do, no guilt whatsoever. Because after all, I clearly wasn't giving anything to her that my wife would have wanted. Whatever we have isn't monogamy, it's zero-gamy, so to speak (couldn't be bothered to look up the greek word). I guess that's what you get for viewing your wife as a non-sexual entity. It felt amazing to be appreciated and the experience itself was a blast, but I wasn't able to fully relax because instead of guilt, I felt a sense of shame because I never thought this is the man I was going to be and also a kind of paranoia for fear of getting caught and destroying my son's family in the process. Taking off your wedding ring before entering a hotel room is such a gut-wrenching degree of personal failure that I dread ever being in that situation again (strangely that move was out of respect for the institution, isn't that absurd? Of course my friend knew I was married). Also the fear of getting another woman pregnant or jealous etc.. is a fear I'm not sure I'd be able to cope with long term. Ultimately, I'm not sure if that means that this path isn't for me or if I'd just need to get used to the pressures. Right now I don't want to. But how do you even approach "ethical" cheating? Lying to one woman is stressful, lying to two is bound to fail. So given that your affair needs to know that she's just that, what kind of woman is both comfortable in a situation like that AND trustworthy/stable enough for you to gladly put the fate of what's left of your family into her hands? It doesn't seem worth it and even though said former uni friend is probably both of those things, she has her own issues (and a failing marriage) too, and ironically, it seems wrong to be part of that in any way. So am I looking for a woman with lower ethical standards than my own here? How do you even approach that? Cheaters, please let me know how you do it. No judgement.
- Prostitution. No. Just no. For a million reasons. Feel free to try to change my mind but no.
Thank you for your time, any comment is very much appreciated, including those telling me to grow a pair.
2023.06.03 23:03 KnightBreeze What I've Become: Chapter XI
First Previous
Ja’vail woke up with a yawn, her eyes squinting in the evening light. Her room was positioned in the castle on the west side, to ensure that Tor’s sun would wake her up for her duties. It was a purpose that it served with perfection, despite the fact that she really would have liked to sleep for a few more minutes.
However, her duty could not be delayed. It was her power that served as the linchpin to Tor’s spell, and she would fulfill her duty to ensure her Diarchy’s, and her world’s, future. With a grunt of exertion, Queen Ja’vail rose from her bed, stretched out her wings, and moved to the balcony before picking up her robe. As soon as she was somewhat decent, the Queen of the Night then opened her wings, looked to the skies, and began channeling her power into the spellform that had been weaved between the planet and its moon, renewing the bonds that connected them, and ensuring the delicate balance between her magic and her husband’s would not come undone.
She performed this ritual twice a day, every day, to ensure the spell’s continued existence. In the past few months she had performed it well before Tor had performed his own renewal, and had had to go remind the foolish drake to not only perform his duties, but to hurry up and get his tail to bed. Without her efforts, and her constant reminder to the king, the entire thing would come undone, ensuring their planet’s rapid descent into division once again.
Without the two dakri turning the planet, the two sides would either become too hot or too cold to sustain life, with the twilight between them ruled by monsters birthed from the nightmares of the oppressed.
It was with some surprise, then, that as she poured her soul into this undertaking, she could feel the thrum of her husband’s power clear in her mind, letting her know that Tor had already renewed his half of the spell for the night.
He really did need that sleep, she thought, giving a self-satisfied nod towards the setting sun before turning back towards her private chamber. She still had much to prepare for her night; even with the most pressing matter out of the way, she still expected a full schedule. Her court wasn’t especially busy, as the dakri found the night to be the best time to sleep and prepare for the next day.
That was besides the point, though, as her duties rarely involved overseeing the day-to-day rule. Rather, her task was to patrol the ǣther, hunt the nightmares that plagued her people, and to do her best to heal the source of those nightmares.
This was especially important now that she had cleared the Forest of Yith and had located the source of that particularly violent nest. It was best to keep those nightmares from returning, and for this cause she was going to attempt to enter the survivor’s dreams again. She doubted she would have as much success this time as she had last time, simply because almost drowning had weakened the creature’s defenses significantly. However, she had faith that she would at least be able to soothe the visitor’s dreams, and possibly gain a little more information on how he thought.
At the very least, she’d settle for a name. She couldn’t just keep calling it ‘the creature’ or ‘the survivor,’ as those ‘names’ grew heavy on the tongue, and wore down her patience. A name would also help the visit she had planned go a lot smoother, and would hopefully help them as they tried to convince him to come to the castle with them.
Once Ja’vail was dressed, she left the comforts of her room and made her way to her husband’s study. As she expected, he was still there, his desk still quite messy, a combination of his daily paperwork and the reports of the crashed alien spaceship forming the majority of the clutter.
Much to Ja’vail’s surprise, however, Tor wasn’t at his desk. Instead, the drake was standing at his window, looking out over the countryside and the eerie sunset before him, a reminder of the twilight that his people had escaped. In his hand he held a memory crystal, its red glow plainly visible in the slowly darkening room.
“Tor, are you alright?” the queen asked as she approached her husband.
Tor turned to look at her, surprise on his face. “Oh, I am well enough, I suppose…” he said, clearly still lost in thought. The king then looked down at the memory crystal in his hand, his brows furrowing in displeasure. “I have just received some… unsettling news. I was actually waiting for your arrival before deciding on anything.”
Ja’vail took a few more steps, her eyes locked on her husband's diminutive form. “What happened?”
Tor looked at her, then back at the stone. “It isn't easy to say this, but… we may have to kill the visitor.”
Ja’vail felt like her stomach had turned to ice. “Kill? Tor, what madness are you spouting? What crime could he have possibly committed while I was asleep to earn him a death sentence?”
Tor looked at his wife, pain in his eyes. “Nothing, dear. He’s completely innocent. That is beside the point, however.”
“Then tell me, what madness has overtaken you that you would murder an innocent?” Ja’vail demanded, her tone brooking no argument. “Or what monster are you, to have taken the place of my Tor? I must say, you have the likeness down, but your impression of his mannerisms leave much to be desired.”
Tor let out a mirthless laugh at that. “No monster or madness, my dark princess. Just a visit from an old friend…” he sighed again, before turning and holding out the crystal for Ja’vail to take. “Lady Siv paid both me and the survivor a visit today. She left me this, as well as a decision to make.”
Ja’vail looked at the crystal, before staring back at her husband, a dubious expression on her face. "And she told you to kill him? I do not remember her being so heartless.”
“And you would remember correctly. She was nearly in tears when I met her, though she did well in hiding them,” Tor said, before approaching his wife. He gently took her hand, and placed the crystal in her palm. “When she saw the visitor, she also looked into his future. This is what she saw. Please, do not force me to bear this knowledge alone.”
Ja’vail’s expression softened ever so slightly before she glanced down at the stone in her hand. “I will look, but I do not promise anything.”
Tor’s crest rose, but he did not say anything else. Instead he turned back to the window, waiting patiently for his wife to see what he had seen.
The memory took Ja’vail less than a second to go through, but she felt like she had been gone for a lifetime when the world came back into focus. She stared at the rock in horror, before throwing it to the ground. It did not shatter, it being made of quartz, but it still felt satisfying after the horrors she had witnessed.
“I was not pleased, either,” Tor said, not even bothering to turn and look. “Even if the visitor was guilty of some crime, I would spare him for what he could teach our people. As it stands, he is lost and alone, hoping for a friend. And I have to kill this lonely soul.”
“But… but we can’t do this! You’re better than this… we’re better than this!” Ja’vail said, nearly in tears. “Would we really sacrifice an innocent for the security of our own realm? Would you… would you…”
“Would I what?” Tor asked, turning to his wife, fire in his eyes. “Would I judge the worth of souls? Would I weigh a single life against the good of my people? Of his people? Would I become my father?”
Ja’vail looked away, her eyes closed as she folded her arms. “I’m… I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be,” Tor said, turning back to the window. “You have no need to apologize. I cannot measure the worth of anyone’s soul, nor would I try. However, this visitor’s life is not worth the lives of every person on this planet. When you include the lives of his own world, as well as the unnamed snake people… well… the choice is quite obvious.”
Ja’vail looked down at the floor, her eyes filling with tears as she thought everything over. “Would it have been better, then, had I not saved his life? Should I have let him drown?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is that the spirits have told us that the lives of others are better off if his is forfeit,” Tor said, his voice filled with bitterness. “I have not even seen this visitor in the flesh, and I do not know anything about him at all. What is he like? Does he have a family? What does he enjoy?” Tor asked, looking to his wife hopefully.
Ja’vail shook her head, not daring to bring her eyes up to meet her husband’s, as she didn’t think she could contain herself if she did. “I cannot say. I was only in his mind for a brief time, and I do not understand much of what I saw,” she said, her form gently shaking, as if a chill wind had entered the room.
Tor looked back at the window, his eyes closed as he thought on this. “Essentially, we are deciding the fate of not only an innocent, but a complete stranger.” Tor took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out. “And try as I might, I cannot measure his worth as greater, or even equal, to the lives of my people’s. If it comes to it, he will be slain, and his body destroyed, just as the spirits have told us to do.”
Ja’vail began crying in earnest, her shoulders slumping with the weight of guilt. This caused Tor to turn to her, lifting her beak gently with one hand until she looked him in the eye. “So… let’s ensure that it never comes to that.”
Ja’vail looked up at Tor, hope in her eyes. “But, Tor, we can’t-”
“Shhhh…” Tor said, encircling his wife in his arms. He was shorter than her, but she still felt comforted, simply because it was him. “I’m not going to murder someone simply because of the damage his life might cause. Siv’s vision wasn’t that his continued existence spelled our doom, but that we must do everything in our power to ensure he doesn’t leave.” He pulled away from her a little, looking up into her hopeful eyes. “His death will be treated as a last resort, nothing more. For now, let us see how much worth his life is. What can he teach us? What is his people like? I, for one, do not want to squander this opportunity that the spirits have gifted us, simply for fear of an unknown future.”
Ja’vail’s crest rose as she dried her tears with the feathers on the back of her arm. “Yes… I completely agree…”
The two of them spent quite a bit of time like that, lost in each other’s arms as the sun slowly set on the horizon. Even after the world was shrouded in night, they were still there, lost in the comfort that each other provided.
* * *
Kel’vara’s beak glowed as she wove her magic, pulling the water from the bucket in front of her. It coalesced into a ball hovering inches above her hand, the swishing, splashing sounds of the liquid a soothing counterpoint to the frustration she was feeling.
She liked working with liquids when she was feeling upset. It had always come easy to her, the seemingly chaotic way it flowed and ebbed was a balm on her nerves, instead of a frustrating mess that most other practitioners found the state of matter to be.
She slowly flexed her fingers and extended her wings, the movements giving a tactile presence to the shapes she was forming in her imagination. Slowly, as if watching ice melt in reverse, the ball of water stretched and flowed, extending here, twirling there, molding and shaping to her will to become whatever she wanted.
In this instance, the water took the shape of a dragon, its long, strong legs striding through the air as it looked around, its inquisitive, intelligent eyes searching for prey, or barring that, a dakri to play with. Its long tail wagged behind it as it seemed to spot something, before it shot off like an arrow, dashing towards whatever had garnered its attention.
The small, watery, facsimile of a dragon didn’t get very far across the room before the door opened, breaking Kel’vara’s concentration and causing her happy little pet to lose its cohesion. In an instant, the once watery, spiky, two legged reptile was nothing more than a mess on the once clean floor.
Kel’vara looked up in annoyance, her gaze falling upon an irritatingly unapologetic Valros as he entered the room. “Haven't you ever heard of knocking?” Kel’vara demanded as she used her magic to scoop up the water and return it to the bucket.
Valros was unimpressed. “Kel’vara, you can’t just stay here sulking, we still have work to do.”
“I’m not sulking! I’m just practicing my more precise spell work,” Kel’vara said, turning up her beak as her crest lay flat against the back of her head.
Valros, however, did not look convinced in the slightest. “Kel’vara, The Lady is her own person. You can hardly expect her to stay around and answer every single question you have.”
“I never said that she wasn’t.”
Valros let out a frustrated sigh. “Well, if you’re sure, then I really think we need to go over the plan for tomorrow,” Valros said, trying to get Kel’vara back on track. “I don’t think we’ll need many knights, the thing’s pretty docile, all things considered. Have you given much thought in how we’re going to actually communicate with it?”
Kel’vara thought about this for a while, her beak glowing softly as she played a little with the water in her bucket, causing the surface of the liquid to ripple in odd ways. “Ja’vail said that she was able to communicate pretty well with it while it was dreaming. The only problem with that is that it was dreaming. I don’t know how dreams work with its species, but for dakri at least, anything that happens to our subconscious from outside forces is quickly forgotten. Bad dreams, flights of fancy, nothing to be taken seriously, or remembered.”
“I’ve been talking with the Captain of the Dreamguards about that too. He told me that we can’t rely upon that for communication, since we’re just as likely to get a straight answer as one about how the creature loves to eat its own pillow and ride a dragon made of Twirly Whirlys,” Valros said, stretching his wings a little and grunting with discomfort. The knight quickly brought his arm close to his chest, searching the broad wing until he found the feather that had been giving him trouble, and quickly put it back into its proper place.
Kel’vara found herself staring a little as the knight preened himself, before she turned away, her feathers fluffing a little in embarrassment. “Yes, and… ah, and in addition, the creature won’t be as weak as when we fished it from the river. It has an ǣon level spirit, after all, regardless of any actual ability it may or may not possess. We’ll be lucky to be able to intrude on its dreams at all.”
If Valros noticed her discomfort, he didn’t show it. Instead, he stood up and made his way to the window. “I remember the Sunrise Tribe had something to communicate, but it was mainly used to control their apprentices during ǣon training. It was supposed to be able to cross language barriers, but I don’t think we want to be dredging up the old ways…”
Kel’vara shuddered a little. “Those ways were barbaric.”
Valros nodded at her, but did not say anything as he stared out the window. “I suppose the only choice we have is to slowly teach the thing how to speak.”
“That’s not as easy as it sounds, though,” Kel’vara said, shaking her head. Valros looked at her, one of his brows raised, prompting her to continue. “When I treated his wounds, I ran a number of tests on him. He’s showing the symptoms of someone who has been transmuted into another shape entirely, except that he has no binding spellform keeping him in that shape.”
Valros looked confused at this. “You’ll have to forgive me, M'lady, but my knowledge of magic is somewhat limited to a handful of combat spells. You’ll have to use less formal terms with me.”
Kel’vara rolled her eyes a little, then used her magic to pull the water from the bucket again. With a thought, she caused the water to take on the shape of a dragon again. “With magic, it is possible to force something to assume another shape or state. Such as turning a dragon into a pig.” With a little exertion, the water took on the desired shape. “I’ll not bore you with the details, but things… well, they remember what they were. Always. If the spell is not properly maintained, the spellform will eventually fall apart, and the thing will revert. This is because things want to return to their old state. They’ll continue chipping away at the spellform, increasing the difficulty of keeping things in their altered state, until it grows beyond the mage’s ability to control. It’s why you cannot turn copper into gold and have it stay that way, or why you cannot turn dirt into food without accidentally poisoning someone.”
“Or purposefully poisoning someone,” Valros pointed out. “I remember history class at least. That happened quite a number of times during the Clan Wars.”
“It was a popular method of assassination, yes, but the old ruling class quickly caught on, and began screening their food before eating.” Kel’vara furrowed her eyes as she twisted the water to appear like the creature. “Whatever the bug-like aliens did to the creature, it didn’t involve magic. ‘The creature’s shape isn’t his own,’ if you remember what the queen told us. It’s entirely possible that it’s lost the ability to speak, even in its own language.”
Valros thought about this for a time. “Well, can’t we turn it back? Reverse the changes, and return it to its original shape?”
Kel’vara thought about this for a little bit, but shook her head. “It’s… possible, but there are so many unknowns. I was even afraid of using regeneration magic on him when I healed him. I had to resort to sealing spells to repair the damage.”
Valros looked confused. “I’m not sure I follow. I thought you healed it up pretty good.”
“I didn’t heal it at all. All I did was fuse its skin together, and do some very basic repair based on that strategy, to keep it from bleeding internally or externally. It’s why I still applied bandages, in case those wounds reopened; I couldn’t risk regenerating it,” Kel’vara explained, her voice both pained and exasperated.
Valros still didn’t understand what the fuss was about, though. “Why not? What’s the big deal if you use a little regeneration? And what does this have to do with changing it back?”
“Everything!” Kel’vara said, standing up in anger as she rubbed both hands through her crest. In response, the water in her grip twisted and flowed into strange shapes, a clear reflection of the tormented state of the battlemage’s mind. “This is an entirely unknown scenario, with an entirely unknown species! The spell to do this doesn’t even exist! All we have are spells to change something into something else, not to return something to its original shape. The way we would do this if this were a magical affliction would be to simply collapse the spellform, but this isn’t magic! If I were to try to change it back, any number of things could go wrong, the least being the creature dies a quick, painful death as it turns completely inside out! The closest I can come up with is the regeneration spell, which would force accelerated cell mitosis using the target’s remembered form, not its changed form. If I did use regeneration, it is entirely possible that the creature might revert…”
“...But?” Valros asked, knowing that there was a but in there somewhere.
“But the creature’s body might start attacking itself, killing itself from the inside out! The two different sets of genetic material might merge, making it into something even more monstrous than it is now! Any number of things could go wrong!” Kel’vara shouted, the water next to her turning into some kind of lumbering beast, whose basic shape only vaguely resembled the creature in the forest.
Valros held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Okay, okay, I get it. It’s probably a bad idea… but what do we do, then?”
Kel’vara collapsed into her chair, the water that she had been shaping falling into the bucket at the same time. “I don’t know… I really don’t know…”
Valros rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, there’s always pictures and trying to teach it to read…”
“That would take even longer than just teaching it to talk,” Kel’vara said dismissively. “Especially since it probably can’t-”
Before Kel’vara finished, a voice chimed in, interrupting her thought process. It seemed to be coming from the lieutenant’s belt pouch, and based on the tone of the speaker’s voice, whatever it was was urgent. “Sir Valros! Are you there?”
Valros quickly pulled out his whispering stone and gave it a squeeze, worry building in his heart. “What’s wrong, Calis?”
He almost wished he hadn’t asked, because what Calis said next turned his insides to ice. “Sir, I’m relaying a message. Viar and his drakes need backup, and they need it now. It’s those bug aliens the queen told us about. They’re here.”
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Ja’vail woke up with a yawn, her eyes squinting in the evening light. Her room was positioned in the castle on the west side, to ensure that Tor’s sun would wake her up for her duties. It was a purpose that it served with perfection, despite the fact that she really would have liked to sleep for a few more minutes.
However, her duty could not be delayed. It was her power that served as the linchpin to Tor’s spell, and she would fulfill her duty to ensure her Diarchy’s, and her world’s, future. With a grunt of exertion, Queen Ja’vail rose from her bed, stretched out her wings, and moved to the balcony before picking up her robe. As soon as she was somewhat decent, the Queen of the Night then opened her wings, looked to the skies, and began channeling her power into the spellform that had been weaved between the planet and its moon, renewing the bonds that connected them, and ensuring the delicate balance between her magic and her husband’s would not come undone.
She performed this ritual twice a day, every day, to ensure the spell’s continued existence. In the past few months she had performed it well before Tor had performed his own renewal, and had had to go remind the foolish drake to not only perform his duties, but to hurry up and get his tail to bed. Without her efforts, and her constant reminder to the king, the entire thing would come undone, ensuring their planet’s rapid descent into division once again.
Without the two dakri turning the planet, the two sides would either become too hot or too cold to sustain life, with the twilight between them ruled by monsters birthed from the nightmares of the oppressed.
It was with some surprise, then, that as she poured her soul into this undertaking, she could feel the thrum of her husband’s power clear in her mind, letting her know that Tor had already renewed his half of the spell for the night.
He really did need that sleep, she thought, giving a self-satisfied nod towards the setting sun before turning back towards her private chamber. She still had much to prepare for her night; even with the most pressing matter out of the way, she still expected a full schedule. Her court wasn’t especially busy, as the dakri found the night to be the best time to sleep and prepare for the next day.
That was besides the point, though, as her duties rarely involved overseeing the day-to-day rule. Rather, her task was to patrol the ǣther, hunt the nightmares that plagued her people, and to do her best to heal the source of those nightmares.
This was especially important now that she had cleared the Forest of Yith and had located the source of that particularly violent nest. It was best to keep those nightmares from returning, and for this cause she was going to attempt to enter the survivor’s dreams again. She doubted she would have as much success this time as she had last time, simply because almost drowning had weakened the creature’s defenses significantly. However, she had faith that she would at least be able to soothe the visitor’s dreams, and possibly gain a little more information on how he thought.
At the very least, she’d settle for a name. She couldn’t just keep calling it ‘the creature’ or ‘the survivor,’ as those ‘names’ grew heavy on the tongue, and wore down her patience. A name would also help the visit she had planned go a lot smoother, and would hopefully help them as they tried to convince him to come to the castle with them.
Once Ja’vail was dressed, she left the comforts of her room and made her way to her husband’s study. As she expected, he was still there, his desk still quite messy, a combination of his daily paperwork and the reports of the crashed alien spaceship forming the majority of the clutter.
Much to Ja’vail’s surprise, however, Tor wasn’t at his desk. Instead, the drake was standing at his window, looking out over the countryside and the eerie sunset before him, a reminder of the twilight that his people had escaped. In his hand he held a memory crystal, its red glow plainly visible in the slowly darkening room.
“Tor, are you alright?” the queen asked as she approached her husband.
Tor turned to look at her, surprise on his face. “Oh, I am well enough, I suppose…” he said, clearly still lost in thought. The king then looked down at the memory crystal in his hand, his brows furrowing in displeasure. “I have just received some… unsettling news. I was actually waiting for your arrival before deciding on anything.”
Ja’vail took a few more steps, her eyes locked on her husband's diminutive form. “What happened?”
Tor looked at her, then back at the stone. “It isn't easy to say this, but… we may have to kill the visitor.”
Ja’vail felt like her stomach had turned to ice. “Kill? Tor, what madness are you spouting? What crime could he have possibly committed while I was asleep to earn him a death sentence?”
Tor looked at his wife, pain in his eyes. “Nothing, dear. He’s completely innocent. That is beside the point, however.”
“Then tell me, what madness has overtaken you that you would murder an innocent?” Ja’vail demanded, her tone brooking no argument. “Or what monster are you, to have taken the place of my Tor? I must say, you have the likeness down, but your impression of his mannerisms leave much to be desired.”
Tor let out a mirthless laugh at that. “No monster or madness, my dark princess. Just a visit from an old friend…” he sighed again, before turning and holding out the crystal for Ja’vail to take. “Lady Siv paid both me and the survivor a visit today. She left me this, as well as a decision to make.”
Ja’vail looked at the crystal, before staring back at her husband, a dubious expression on her face. "And she told you to kill him? I do not remember her being so heartless.”
“And you would remember correctly. She was nearly in tears when I met her, though she did well in hiding them,” Tor said, before approaching his wife. He gently took her hand, and placed the crystal in her palm. “When she saw the visitor, she also looked into his future. This is what she saw. Please, do not force me to bear this knowledge alone.”
Ja’vail’s expression softened ever so slightly before she glanced down at the stone in her hand. “I will look, but I do not promise anything.”
Tor’s crest rose, but he did not say anything else. Instead he turned back to the window, waiting patiently for his wife to see what he had seen.
The memory took Ja’vail less than a second to go through, but she felt like she had been gone for a lifetime when the world came back into focus. She stared at the rock in horror, before throwing it to the ground. It did not shatter, it being made of quartz, but it still felt satisfying after the horrors she had witnessed.
“I was not pleased, either,” Tor said, not even bothering to turn and look. “Even if the visitor was guilty of some crime, I would spare him for what he could teach our people. As it stands, he is lost and alone, hoping for a friend. And I have to kill this lonely soul.”
“But… but we can’t do this! You’re better than this… we’re better than this!” Ja’vail said, nearly in tears. “Would we really sacrifice an innocent for the security of our own realm? Would you… would you…”
“Would I what?” Tor asked, turning to his wife, fire in his eyes. “Would I judge the worth of souls? Would I weigh a single life against the good of my people? Of his people? Would I become my father?”
Ja’vail looked away, her eyes closed as she folded her arms. “I’m… I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be,” Tor said, turning back to the window. “You have no need to apologize. I cannot measure the worth of anyone’s soul, nor would I try. However, this visitor’s life is not worth the lives of every person on this planet. When you include the lives of his own world, as well as the unnamed snake people… well… the choice is quite obvious.”
Ja’vail looked down at the floor, her eyes filling with tears as she thought everything over. “Would it have been better, then, had I not saved his life? Should I have let him drown?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Maybe. Maybe not. All I know is that the spirits have told us that the lives of others are better off if his is forfeit,” Tor said, his voice filled with bitterness. “I have not even seen this visitor in the flesh, and I do not know anything about him at all. What is he like? Does he have a family? What does he enjoy?” Tor asked, looking to his wife hopefully.
Ja’vail shook her head, not daring to bring her eyes up to meet her husband’s, as she didn’t think she could contain herself if she did. “I cannot say. I was only in his mind for a brief time, and I do not understand much of what I saw,” she said, her form gently shaking, as if a chill wind had entered the room.
Tor looked back at the window, his eyes closed as he thought on this. “Essentially, we are deciding the fate of not only an innocent, but a complete stranger.” Tor took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out. “And try as I might, I cannot measure his worth as greater, or even equal, to the lives of my people’s. If it comes to it, he will be slain, and his body destroyed, just as the spirits have told us to do.”
Ja’vail began crying in earnest, her shoulders slumping with the weight of guilt. This caused Tor to turn to her, lifting her beak gently with one hand until she looked him in the eye. “So… let’s ensure that it never comes to that.”
Ja’vail looked up at Tor, hope in her eyes. “But, Tor, we can’t-”
“Shhhh…” Tor said, encircling his wife in his arms. He was shorter than her, but she still felt comforted, simply because it was him. “I’m not going to murder someone simply because of the damage his life might cause. Siv’s vision wasn’t that his continued existence spelled our doom, but that we must do everything in our power to ensure he doesn’t leave.” He pulled away from her a little, looking up into her hopeful eyes. “His death will be treated as a last resort, nothing more. For now, let us see how much worth his life is. What can he teach us? What is his people like? I, for one, do not want to squander this opportunity that the spirits have gifted us, simply for fear of an unknown future.”
Ja’vail’s crest rose as she dried her tears with the feathers on the back of her arm. “Yes… I completely agree…”
The two of them spent quite a bit of time like that, lost in each other’s arms as the sun slowly set on the horizon. Even after the world was shrouded in night, they were still there, lost in the comfort that each other provided.
* * *
Kel’vara’s beak glowed as she wove her magic, pulling the water from the bucket in front of her. It coalesced into a ball hovering inches above her hand, the swishing, splashing sounds of the liquid a soothing counterpoint to the frustration she was feeling.
She liked working with liquids when she was feeling upset. It had always come easy to her, the seemingly chaotic way it flowed and ebbed was a balm on her nerves, instead of a frustrating mess that most other practitioners found the state of matter to be.
She slowly flexed her fingers and extended her wings, the movements giving a tactile presence to the shapes she was forming in her imagination. Slowly, as if watching ice melt in reverse, the ball of water stretched and flowed, extending here, twirling there, molding and shaping to her will to become whatever she wanted.
In this instance, the water took the shape of a dragon, its long, strong legs striding through the air as it looked around, its inquisitive, intelligent eyes searching for prey, or barring that, a dakri to play with. Its long tail wagged behind it as it seemed to spot something, before it shot off like an arrow, dashing towards whatever had garnered its attention.
The small, watery, facsimile of a dragon didn’t get very far across the room before the door opened, breaking Kel’vara’s concentration and causing her happy little pet to lose its cohesion. In an instant, the once watery, spiky, two legged reptile was nothing more than a mess on the once clean floor.
Kel’vara looked up in annoyance, her gaze falling upon an irritatingly unapologetic Valros as he entered the room. “Haven't you ever heard of knocking?” Kel’vara demanded as she used her magic to scoop up the water and return it to the bucket.
Valros was unimpressed. “Kel’vara, you can’t just stay here sulking, we still have work to do.”
“I’m not sulking! I’m just practicing my more precise spell work,” Kel’vara said, turning up her beak as her crest lay flat against the back of her head.
Valros, however, did not look convinced in the slightest. “Kel’vara, The Lady is her own person. You can hardly expect her to stay around and answer every single question you have.”
“I never said that she wasn’t.”
Valros let out a frustrated sigh. “Well, if you’re sure, then I really think we need to go over the plan for tomorrow,” Valros said, trying to get Kel’vara back on track. “I don’t think we’ll need many knights, the thing’s pretty docile, all things considered. Have you given much thought in how we’re going to actually communicate with it?”
Kel’vara thought about this for a while, her beak glowing softly as she played a little with the water in her bucket, causing the surface of the liquid to ripple in odd ways. “Ja’vail said that she was able to communicate pretty well with it while it was dreaming. The only problem with that is that it was dreaming. I don’t know how dreams work with its species, but for dakri at least, anything that happens to our subconscious from outside forces is quickly forgotten. Bad dreams, flights of fancy, nothing to be taken seriously, or remembered.”
“I’ve been talking with the Captain of the Dreamguards about that too. He told me that we can’t rely upon that for communication, since we’re just as likely to get a straight answer as one about how the creature loves to eat its own pillow and ride a dragon made of Twirly Whirlys,” Valros said, stretching his wings a little and grunting with discomfort. The knight quickly brought his arm close to his chest, searching the broad wing until he found the feather that had been giving him trouble, and quickly put it back into its proper place.
Kel’vara found herself staring a little as the knight preened himself, before she turned away, her feathers fluffing a little in embarrassment. “Yes, and… ah, and in addition, the creature won’t be as weak as when we fished it from the river. It has an ǣon level spirit, after all, regardless of any actual ability it may or may not possess. We’ll be lucky to be able to intrude on its dreams at all.”
If Valros noticed her discomfort, he didn’t show it. Instead, he stood up and made his way to the window. “I remember the Sunrise Tribe had something to communicate, but it was mainly used to control their apprentices during ǣon training. It was supposed to be able to cross language barriers, but I don’t think we want to be dredging up the old ways…”
Kel’vara shuddered a little. “Those ways were barbaric.”
Valros nodded at her, but did not say anything as he stared out the window. “I suppose the only choice we have is to slowly teach the thing how to speak.”
“That’s not as easy as it sounds, though,” Kel’vara said, shaking her head. Valros looked at her, one of his brows raised, prompting her to continue. “When I treated his wounds, I ran a number of tests on him. He’s showing the symptoms of someone who has been transmuted into another shape entirely, except that he has no binding spellform keeping him in that shape.”
Valros looked confused at this. “You’ll have to forgive me, M'lady, but my knowledge of magic is somewhat limited to a handful of combat spells. You’ll have to use less formal terms with me.”
Kel’vara rolled her eyes a little, then used her magic to pull the water from the bucket again. With a thought, she caused the water to take on the shape of a dragon again. “With magic, it is possible to force something to assume another shape or state. Such as turning a dragon into a pig.” With a little exertion, the water took on the desired shape. “I’ll not bore you with the details, but things… well, they remember what they were. Always. If the spell is not properly maintained, the spellform will eventually fall apart, and the thing will revert. This is because things want to return to their old state. They’ll continue chipping away at the spellform, increasing the difficulty of keeping things in their altered state, until it grows beyond the mage’s ability to control. It’s why you cannot turn copper into gold and have it stay that way, or why you cannot turn dirt into food without accidentally poisoning someone.”
“Or purposefully poisoning someone,” Valros pointed out. “I remember history class at least. That happened quite a number of times during the Clan Wars.”
“It was a popular method of assassination, yes, but the old ruling class quickly caught on, and began screening their food before eating.” Kel’vara furrowed her eyes as she twisted the water to appear like the creature. “Whatever the bug-like aliens did to the creature, it didn’t involve magic. ‘The creature’s shape isn’t his own,’ if you remember what the queen told us. It’s entirely possible that it’s lost the ability to speak, even in its own language.”
Valros thought about this for a time. “Well, can’t we turn it back? Reverse the changes, and return it to its original shape?”
Kel’vara thought about this for a little bit, but shook her head. “It’s… possible, but there are so many unknowns. I was even afraid of using regeneration magic on him when I healed him. I had to resort to sealing spells to repair the damage.”
Valros looked confused. “I’m not sure I follow. I thought you healed it up pretty good.”
“I didn’t heal it at all. All I did was fuse its skin together, and do some very basic repair based on that strategy, to keep it from bleeding internally or externally. It’s why I still applied bandages, in case those wounds reopened; I couldn’t risk regenerating it,” Kel’vara explained, her voice both pained and exasperated.
Valros still didn’t understand what the fuss was about, though. “Why not? What’s the big deal if you use a little regeneration? And what does this have to do with changing it back?”
“Everything!” Kel’vara said, standing up in anger as she rubbed both hands through her crest. In response, the water in her grip twisted and flowed into strange shapes, a clear reflection of the tormented state of the battlemage’s mind. “This is an entirely unknown scenario, with an entirely unknown species! The spell to do this doesn’t even exist! All we have are spells to change something into something else, not to return something to its original shape. The way we would do this if this were a magical affliction would be to simply collapse the spellform, but this isn’t magic! If I were to try to change it back, any number of things could go wrong, the least being the creature dies a quick, painful death as it turns completely inside out! The closest I can come up with is the regeneration spell, which would force accelerated cell mitosis using the target’s remembered form, not its changed form. If I did use regeneration, it is entirely possible that the creature might revert…”
“...But?” Valros asked, knowing that there was a but in there somewhere.
“But the creature’s body might start attacking itself, killing itself from the inside out! The two different sets of genetic material might merge, making it into something even more monstrous than it is now! Any number of things could go wrong!” Kel’vara shouted, the water next to her turning into some kind of lumbering beast, whose basic shape only vaguely resembled the creature in the forest.
Valros held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Okay, okay, I get it. It’s probably a bad idea… but what do we do, then?”
Kel’vara collapsed into her chair, the water that she had been shaping falling into the bucket at the same time. “I don’t know… I really don’t know…”
Valros rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, there’s always pictures and trying to teach it to read…”
“That would take even longer than just teaching it to talk,” Kel’vara said dismissively. “Especially since it probably can’t-”
Before Kel’vara finished, a voice chimed in, interrupting her thought process. It seemed to be coming from the lieutenant’s belt pouch, and based on the tone of the speaker’s voice, whatever it was was urgent. “Sir Valros! Are you there?”
Valros quickly pulled out his whispering stone and gave it a squeeze, worry building in his heart. “What’s wrong, Calis?”
He almost wished he hadn’t asked, because what Calis said next turned his insides to ice. “Sir, I’m relaying a message. Viar and his drakes need backup, and they need it now. It’s those bug aliens the queen told us about. They’re here.”
First Previous
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2023.06.03 23:03 yunepio Analysis of all religions (3/3)
Posts in the series
- First: Here
- Second: Here
- Third: Here
- Fourth: Here (Unplanned)
- Fifth: Here
- Sixth: Here
- Seventh: Here
- Eighth: This
Brief recap
In the previous post, we continued our analysis with a second round of eliminations of more religions that cannot reasonably be from a judging and fair God. At this point, only the Abrahamic religions remain to be analyzed, which we will do below.--
The reason I wanted to analyze the Abrahamic religions together last is because they have many similarities. For one, they reference the same God and agree on many details: similar people, similar places, similar events and for the most part, even originated in the same region. In addition, two of them are the biggest religions in the world today, far ahead of all other religions in terms of adoption, nearly accounting for half of the people on the planet! The fact that they are spread out in time and that they reference each other, can at least in theory, represent a pattern of recurring communication. It's also possible that they're just copying from each others. Let's see!
The timeline of appearance of the Abrahamic religions from old to new is as follows:
Judaism
- Year of inception: 3500 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: Middle East (Modern day Palestine)
- Messenger: Moses
- Referenced prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham...
- Year of inception: 2000 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: Middle East (Modern day Palestine)
- Messenger: Jesus
- Referenced prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses & other prophets.
- Year of inception: 1400 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: Middle East (Modern day Saudi Arabia)
- Messenger: Muhammad
- Referenced prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus & other prophets.
- Year of inception: 1000 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: Middle East (Egypt)
- Messenger: Hamza Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad
- Referenced prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad & other prophets.
- Year of inception: 200 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: New York, United States of America
- Messenger: Joseph Smith
- Referenced prophets: Moses & Jesus. Does NOT reference Muhammad (Islam) nor Hamza (Druze)
- Year of inception: 200 years ago, approximately
- Location of inception: Middle East (Modern day Iran)
- Messenger: Baháʼu'lláh
- Referenced prophets: Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha...
- Issue 1: The Druze faith stands out with its secretive nature as it is intentionally restricted. This not only opposes the intention of communication, but also contrasts with the other Abrahamic religions that are all open.
- Issue 2: Mormonism and Baha’i Faith both start nearly 200 years ago in different places while not being compatible with each other. They cannot be both instances of communication. One of them isn’t, or both aren’t.
- Issue 3: Mormonism doesn’t accept Islam nor Druze, while Baha’i Faith accepts all major religions, even Buddhism, which is incompatible with Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Judaism
Let's analyze the message of Judaism.- Criterion 1 (Living religion): PASS
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): PASS. Judaism warns of judgment day and explains the conditions for success and failure. This makes it unsafe to dismiss! It's the first religion to pass this criteria.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): FAIL. While anyone can technically convert to Judaism, it seems like it was specifically destined for Hebrew people, who later became the Israelites. Many prophets after Moses were specific to the Israelites it seems. The beliefs themselves are universal, in that they don’t have anything in particular that caters to a specific group. Still, it seems restricted to the ethnic Jewish group.
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): PASS. Judaism references previous prophets of monotheism who were supposedly sent by the same God. Prophets like Noah and Abraham. This means that before Judaism came along, there were previous instances of communication, which is necessary for a judging and fair God.
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): PASS. The idea that a God created everything and is testing humanity here on Earth is plausible and does align with the reality we are living. Almost all humans share a common life track: birth, weakness with need of care, strength and autonomy, weakness with need of care again, then death. Moreover, all humans have a certain level of free will. While no absolute free will of action exists, the free will to think and accept or reject ideas is guaranteed. This makes the judgment of such free will possible.
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): PASS. He was a leader to his people, the Hebrews. He saved them from the oppression they were living in under the Egyptians (1). He was known for his sense of justice and courage (2). Many of his stories are told in the Bible as well as in the Qur’an.
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): PASS. Moses is the first to pass this criterion. Every single founder of religion who was mentioned previously, was publicly involved with either an existing religion that served as a launch pad or had a profession or interest that prepared the terrain for their claim. Moses was raised by the Egyptians, but never adopted their religion, nor was he involved in any other religion that he publicly taught or engaged in. He also wasn’t known to have any profession where he produced thought or knowledge.
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): PASS. Moses killed an Egyptian who was mistreating one of his people. According to Britannica, Moses voluntarily killed the Egyptian after making sure that no one was looking (3). However, according to the Qur’an, Moses killed the Egyptian by accident after hitting him, and was instantly regretful asking God for forgiveness (4). Regardless of which version of the story is true, Moses fled because he feared for his life. Now here’s the sudden life direction change, he came back after a while by his own volition claiming to be sent by some God who was unknown to the Egyptians, then confronted the Pharaoh himself!!! No sane man would do such a thing! And not just that, he survived everything and won in the end!!!
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. Moses came back to a place where he feared for his life, put forward the exceptional claim that he was sent by a God he wasn't involved with when he left, confronted the ruler, and succeeded against incredible odds!
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): PASS. The message of Moses had and still has a big influence on this very day! There probably aren’t many people in the world today who don’t know who Moses is, regardless of their beliefs. He is one of the most important prophets in many major religions. His legacy is still a part of the Bible as the Old Testament.
One can reasonably claim that the story of Moses is just a myth that is made to look impressive. That would be fair, except it had more impact than what a myth can fathom. That being said, even if we accept that it’s all a myth, or at least a heavily augmented truth, it is still told by other Abrahamic prophets who happen to have had similar or more impact than Moses did. This makes his story as valid as theirs can be. So, let’s continue our analysis.
Sources:
(1) From Britannica: Moses... Hebrew prophet, teacher, and leader who, in the 13th century bce... delivered his people from Egyptian slavery...
(2) From Britannica: ...When he found an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew, probably to death, he could control his sense of justice no longer...
(3) From Britannica: ...After checking to make sure that no one was in sight, he killed the tough Egyptian overlord...
(4) From the Qur’an (translation): ˹One day˺ he entered the city unnoticed by its people. There he found two men fighting: one of his own people, and the other of his enemies. The man from his people called to him for help against his foe. So Moses punched him, causing his death. Moses cried, “This is from Satan’s handiwork. He is certainly a sworn, misleading enemy.” He pleaded, “My Lord! I have definitely wronged my soul, so forgive me.” So He forgave him, ˹for˺ He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Christianity
Let's analyze the message of Christianity.- Criterion 1 (Living religion): PASS
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): PASS. It does warn of an upcoming judgment and details the conditions of success and failure. This makes it unsafe to dismiss.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): PASS. It is definitely universal. Anyone can be a Christian, and it’s easy to find Christians from different countries, different ethnicities speaking different languages. It doesn’t get as universal as this!
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): PASS. It references previous religions and prophets, like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others. All of them being sent by the same God.
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): FAIL. Some concepts in Christianity don’t align with reality well. Christians view Jesus as the son of God, but also as a part of God. God being three different entities, but still one: God the father, the holy spirit and the son. A concept called the trinity. Christians believe that God sacrificed his son in order to absolve humans from their sins. This doesn’t quite make sense for many reasons:
- If God sacrificed his son, also a part of himself, it should have been the final act of life here on Earth. Instead, he let Muhammad come after and be so successful in reversing this idea, all while claiming to be sent by him!!! And what about the people who died a long time ago and never knew about this important sacrifice?
- The idea that God is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving doesn’t stand for a judging God. It simply isn’t possible for him to have these 3 attributes at the same time. If he is all-knowing, then he knows that many humans will fail his judgment and be severely punished. Consequently, if he is also all-powerful, being all-loving would have him not resort to judgment and not punish anyone. Since he insists on judgment with a heaven and hell, then he isn’t all-loving. Muhammad also happens to correct this idea.
- The conditions of success and failure in the upcoming judgment are not particularly fair. It’s not about what actions one does during their life, rather, it’s about accepting Jesus as savior. One can be the most ruthless killer, then just accept Jesus as savior in order to be absolved of all wrongdoing. Also, what about all the people who lived and died before Jesus was even born? They didn’t know Jesus; how can they accept him as savior? Haven’t they spent their lives following other rules? Isn’t that unfair to them?
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): PASS. Jesus had a notoriously flawless social reputation and was known for his noble morals.
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): PASS. He was raised Jewish, however he wasn’t particularly involved in any public religious activity, nor did he engage in any activity that produced thought or knowledge. He was a carpenter by trade (1), until his mission started. After which, and this is critical, he was immediately at odds with the existing Jewish teachings to the point of being in danger!
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): PASS. He was known to be a carpenter, then he suddenly turned into an itinerant preacher at odds with the established teachings (2). If he had been publicly learning or teaching Judaism before his claim, he would have failed this criterion, as almost all others have. However, it’s not the case, and the transformation is self-produced and puzzling! How does a carpenter who isn’t involved with religious matters nor any knowledge or thought producing profession, suddenly become an itinerant preacher with enough difference to the established faith to become a threat and a target?
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. He died for his mission (the Christian version is in contrast with the Islamic version here). There is no better test of devotion. He also was at odds with the established Jewish religion, which made him a target. Most of the founders of religion that we have seen, never entered in conflict with the existing religions at the beginning, rather, they built upon them and benefited from their involvement with them.
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): PASS. Christianity is the biggest religion today! Nearly 25% of humans are Christians, and the rest know or have heard of Jesus. Now this, is communication!!!
Sources:
(1) From Britannica: ...Joseph is said to have been a carpenter (Matthew 13:55)—that is, a craftsman who worked with his hands—and, according to Mark 6:3, Jesus also became a carpenter...
(2) From Britannica: ...As a young adult, he went to be baptized by the prophet John the Baptist and shortly thereafter became an itinerant preacher and healer (Mark 1:2–28). In his mid-30s Jesus had a short public career, lasting perhaps less than one year, during which he attracted considerable attention...
Islam
Let's analyze the message of Islam.- Criterion 1 (Living religion): PASS
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): PASS. Islam clearly warns of an upcoming judgment and details the conditions of success and failure. Consequently, it’s not safe to dismiss.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): PASS. Islam is universal. Anyone can be a Muslim, and it’s quite easy to find two Muslims who are from different countries, ethnicities and don’t share the same language. The yearly pilgrimage where millions of Muslims gather is proof to how diverse Muslims can be.
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): PASS. Islam references many past prophets (25 in total), including but not limited to: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Jacob, Jonas, Moses, Jesus... It clearly states that God has been communicating since the beginning out of fairness, so that people wouldn’t find any excuse when judgment comes!
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): PASS. Islam insists on monotheism, and clearly reverses the trinity concept that has gotten into Christianity, as well as the idea that God is all-loving, on top of being all-knowing and all-powerful.
Islam states that God has been sending prophets since the beginning in order to remind people that judgment is coming. It states that people who didn’t get the message will be tested again. Those who got the message of the prophet of their time, accepted it and followed its guidelines, shall pass the judgment. Those who rejected the message after receiving it clearly shall fail.
Now let's analyze Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): PASS. Prior to his claim, Muhammad was highly regarded by his community and known for his trustworthiness (1).
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): PASS. Again here, Muhammad was not involved in the pagan polytheist religion of his community, even though it was popular, nor was he involved in any other religion. He was a successful merchant (2) and notoriously illiterate (3). He didn’t have any profession or interest that produced thought or knowledge.
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): PASS. Muhammad’s life changed drastically after he supposedly received revelation. The first contact shocked him greatly (4). After telling his wife what happened, she took him to her cousin who was knowledgeable about the Jewish faith. He told Muhammad that what happened to him was similar to Moses, and that a day will come when his community chases him away.
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. Muhammad suffered a lot for his claim and was under constant threat of death (5). He used to request to be guarded at night, however upon receiving revelation that God will protect him from people, he sent the guards away from that moment on (6). He was never harmed even while having many enemies who wanted to kill him.
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): PASS. Muhammad, an illiterate person living in a remote desert, without any special means or skills, was able to spread his message everywhere, and he predicted it from the start (7). He created a civilization that would change the world in just 23 years. Like Christianity, Islam is found almost everywhere, and almost everyone has heard of him and his religion. It’s not by chance that the most popular male first name in the world today is “Muhammad” (8).
Sources:
(1) From Wikipedia: ...Due to his upright character he acquired the nickname "al-Amin" (Arabic: الامين), meaning "faithful, trustworthy" and "al-Sadiq" meaning "truthful" and was sought out as an impartial arbitrator. His reputation attracted a proposal in 595 from Khadijah, a successful businesswoman. Muhammad consented to the marriage, which by all accounts was a happy one...
(2) From Wikipedia: ... It is known that he became a merchant and "was involved in trade between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea...
(3) From Wikipedia: ... Because he could not read and write himself...
(4) From Wikipedia: ...Muhammad was deeply distressed upon receiving his first revelations. After returning home, Muhammad was consoled and reassured by Khadijah and her Christian [sic] cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal. He also feared that others would dismiss his claims as being possessed...
(5) From Wikipedia: ...Regardless, several attempts were made at Muhammad's life...
(6) From Qur’an. Aisha said: "The Prophet was being guarded until this verse وَاللَّهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ (Allah will protect you from mankind) was revealed." She added; "The Prophet raised his head from the room and said; «يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ انْصَرِفُوا فَقَدْ عَصَمَنِي اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَل» (O people! Go away, for Allah will protect me)"
(7) From Sunnah: Miqdad reported that he heard God’s messenger say, “There will not remain on the face of the earth a mud-brick house or a camel’s hair tent which God will not cause the confession of Islam to enter bringing both mighty honour and abject abasement. God will either honour the occupants and put them among its adherents, or will humiliate them and they will be subject to it.” Miqdad said, “God will then receive complete obedience.”
(8) https://www.thebump.com/b/muhammad-baby-name
Druze
Let’s analyze the Druze faith!- Criterion 1 (Living religion): FAIL. It’s not an extinct religion, but it is intentionally restricted and doesn’t accept conversions to it. How can this be a communication from a judging and fair God if the people being judged cannot have access to the material they need to succeed? If it stated that only a specific audience was targeted, that might have worked, but it doesn't say that, at least not when it started.
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): PASS. Since Druze references other Abrahamic religions, I’m giving it a pass here, even though it’s not clear what the Druze actually believe.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): FAIL. It’s far from being universal. It doesn’t want to be, and it’s not.
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): PASS. It does reference other religions, even though it’s not clear in what capacity. Are the previous religions considered as previous instances of communication? Or does it complete its worldview with their knowledge? I’ll give it a pass.
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): FAIL. Its closed nature makes it impossible for it to align with reality.
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): FAIL. The Druze faith was named after Al-Darzi, who might have been either a disciple or a teacher of Hamza. A rivalry appeared between the two. Al-Darzi disputed the role of Hamza as the leader of the movement. They were both acquiring followers and engaged in regular brawls (1). So in summary, God supposedly sent Hamza as a messenger preaching that the current ruler was the embodiment of said God (If God is the embodiment of the ruler, why need Hamza at all?!!), then another man entered in competition with this messenger, who was also tolerated by the ruler, and even ended up giving his name to the movement, all the while the followers of each man fought each other. Then after said ruler was killed, the movement disappeared from its place of inception, but survived elsewhere and became a restricted religion. This doesn’t show anyone involved in a good light, especially not Hamza.
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): FAIL. There isn’t enough information about Hamza Ibn Ali before he entered Egypt in 1017. However, he fails the non-involvement rule, as he was appointed as a preacher in his own mosque before he started claiming that the reigning caliph was the embodiment of God (2). Rather convenient since that granted him support and favors (3).
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): FAIL. He supposedly received revelation, however that didn’t seem to cause any change in his life whatsoever. Receiving an unexpected contact from some God is supposed to cause a noticeable drastic change in one’s life, unless such revelation was expected or planned. Suffice it to say that he was already a preacher before supposedly receiving revelation.
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. Hamza definitely feared for his life but continued with his claim. He went into hiding, which seems a little bit cowardly for a prophet. In contrast, Moses came back to a place where he feared for his life, because he believed there was a God protecting him. The same happened with Muhammad who confidently sent guards away after revelation. However, since Hamza continued with his claim, considering this as a pass seems fair.
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): FAIL. Hamza Ibn Ali failed to spread his message even though he initially set out to (4). If one is to say that the message couldn’t spread because of persecution, well, the same persecution occurred for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and yet, these messages spread everywhere despite everything.
Sources:
(1) From Wikipedia: ...Indeed, in his epistles, Hamza is critical of his colleague, both for al-Darzi's disputing Hamza's role as the leader of their movement, as well as for his followers' over-zealous, extremist and provocative actions, which revealed the movement's ideas prematurely and placed it under danger of attack... During this time, the followers of the rival leaders engaged in regular brawls in the streets of Cairo, cursing one another as infidels.
(2) From Britannica: ...Almost nothing is known of his life before he entered Egypt in 1017. He became a spokesman for the religious convictions of the Fāṭimid caliph al-Ḥākim (the Fāṭimids were the ruling dynasty in Egypt), who was already accorded the position of imām, a divinely appointed and authoritative spokesman for Islam...
(3) From Wikipedia: ...According to the medieval chroniclers, he too enjoyed signs of favour from al-Hakim: when he complained to the Caliph that his life was in danger, he was given weapons, which he demonstratively hung on every entrance to the Raydan Mosque...
(4) From Britannica: ...Considerable resistance to these doctrines appeared when they were first preached in 1017, and Ḥamzah went into hiding until 1019, when al-Ḥākim was able to move vigorously to support the new religious movement... Ḥamzah claimed to be representing not just another sect but rather an independent religion, one that superseded traditional Islam. Al-Ḥākim disappeared in mysterious circumstances in 1021, and, much persecuted, the Druze cult all but ceased to exist in Egypt...
Mormonism
Let’s analyze Mormonism:- Criterion 1 (Living religion): PASS.
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): PASS. Mormonism is built on top of Christianity and Judaism, to which it delegates a vast chunk of knowledge. Consequently, I’ll give it a pass here.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): FAIL. It is far from being universal. If it was God’s way to bring Christianity to its rightful state, the least we can say is that it didn’t happen. Most of Mormons are still in Utah (U.S state), where they went after Smith was killed.
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): PASS. Mormonism references both Christianity and Judaism. This makes it pass this criterion, however, the fact that it doesn’t reference Islam is problematic for its worldview.
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): FAIL. Being based on Christianity, Mormonism inherits some of the same issues. It corrects some, but also introduces some of its own. For example, Mormonism states that there are three separate divine entities, God the father, Jesus Christ and the holy spirit. They’re not three in one, as Christianity says. This doesn’t solve the issue of sacrificing one divine entity for the sins of humans while still judging them. It only adds complexity. Are these Gods equal? What if they don’t agree on something? This also goes against Judaism, which Mormonism references, and with Judaism comes the whole legacy of monotheism! Mormonism corrects the idea that salvation only depends on accepting Jesus as savior. It adds the fact that deeds play a role, which is fair.
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): FAIL. Smith’s reputation was less than stellar (1). His treasure hunting profession isn’t exactly the most honest of professions. Also, eloping to marry his wife, attempting to marry already married women, escaping justice, dying in a shoot-out with the mob...
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): FAIL. He fails the non-involvement rule on many accounts. He was heavily involved with public religious activity and even magic, in a place and time where religious revivalism thrived (2).
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): FAIL. Supposedly receiving revelation in 1823 via the angel he called Moroni, didn’t surprise him, nor seemed to have much effect on his life direction. He continued treasure seeking using questionable methods and leading the same life.
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. Smith was extremely devoted to his cause. He never gave up until the end!
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): FAIL. If Mormonism was God’s way to bring back Christianity to its rightful state, then the mission simply failed. It seems like Christianity enjoys far more universality than Mormonism. In this regard, Smith failed his mission, as most of the followers of the religion are still based where their ancestors ended up after the death of Smith.
(1) From Wikipedia: ...Meanwhile, the Smith family faced financial hardship... Family members supplemented their meager farm income by hiring out for odd jobs and working as treasure seekers, a type of magical supernaturalism common during the period. Smith was said to have an ability to locate lost items by looking into a seer stone, which he also used in treasure hunting, including, beginning in 1825, several unsuccessful attempts to find buried treasure sponsored by Josiah Stowell, a wealthy farmer in Chenango County, New York. In 1826, Smith was brought before a Chenango County court for "glass-looking", or pretending to find lost treasure; Stowell's relatives accused Smith of tricking Stowell and faking an ability to perceive hidden treasure... Although Smith had abandoned treasure hunting, his former associates believed he had double crossed them and had taken the golden plates for himself, property they believed should be jointly shared. After they ransacked places where they believed the plates might be hidden, Smith decided to leave Palmyra
(2) From Wikipedia: The region was a hotbed of religious enthusiasm during the Second Great Awakening. Between 1817 and 1825, there were several camp meetings and revivals in the Palmyra area… Smith said that he became interested in religion by age 12… With other family members, Smith also engaged in religious folk magic, which was a relatively common practice in that time and place…
Baha'i Faith
- Criterion 1 (Living religion): PASS.
- Criterion 2 (Warning of judgement): UNKNOWN. Baha’i Faith claims to be a unification of all the major religions. The issue is that some of the religions it references speak of judgment, like Judaism, Christianity and Islam, while others don’t, like Buddhism and Hinduism. While Baha’i Faith speaks of a day of judgment, it doesn’t seem to view it in the same way. It speaks of deeds being judged, but not according to each religion’s standards, rather, according to Baha’i Faith’s standards, which I have failed to find after multiple searches. If the conditions of success and failure aren’t clear, the God of Baha’i Faith cannot possibly be fair. I’ll mark this as unknown, but it’s actually closer to a failure.
- Criterion 3 (Universality): FAIL. In theory, Baha’i Faith should be universal, as it calls for the unification of all the major religions. It attempts to please everyone, but even while doing so, its numbers remain low, and is mostly unknown.
- Criterion 4 (Past reference): FAIL. Baha’i Faith references all major religions, but not as past instances of communication. It essentially claims that there is only one religion, and that the major religions were manifestations of God, but don’t necessarily represent said unique religion correctly. It references all major religions only to change their core beliefs in order to achieve unification. Said another way, this One God, has left people to be duped by false religions since the start, and only thanks to Baháʼu'lláh in the 1800s, did he think to show the truth to people. What about those who died long before Baháʼu'lláh was even born, and who followed Buddhism for example without ever believing a God existed?
- Criterion 5 (Alignment with reality): FAIL. This is a big failure. Baha’i Faith doesn’t make much sense, to the point of being revolting, to me at least! It attempts to be everything to everyone. Its founder claims to be Christ returned for Christians, the second coming of Jesus for Sunni Muslims, the Imam Husayn for Shi’a Muslims, the reincarnation of Krishna for Hindus, and the fifth Buddha for Buddhists. Never mind what each one of these symbols means in the context of its own religion, it just takes the concept and runs with it. It disregards most of what is associated with these symbols, it only needs its acknowledged existence. Let’s not forget that most of these religions do not agree with each other! It attempts to reconcile worldviews that are incompatible with each other. It picks and chooses what it wants from each major religion and disregards the rest.
- Criterion 1 (Impeccable social reputation): PASS. Coming from a wealthy family, he was known to give considerable amounts of time and money to charity.
- Criterion 2 (Non-involvement rule): FAIL. The founder of Baha’i Faith, Baháʼu'lláh, as well as the founder of Bábism, Siyyid Ali Muhammad, known as the Báb, and who laid the foundation for Baha’i Faith, both fail the non-involvement rule. They were both heavily involved in public religious matters before and at the time of their claims (1) (2). We are not talking about regular religious people going about their day, then making an exceptional claim out of nowhere, no! It’s practically the same scenario every time: a person is deeply involved with religious matters, or actively pursuing a profession or an interest, which leads them either by opportunity or by delusion to their claim. It’s the same here!
- Criterion 3 (Sudden self-produced life direction change): FAIL. Baháʼu'lláh had already set the course of his life and was already deeply involved in religious matters before he supposedly received his first divine revelation, which was in prison. From then on, not much had changed.
- Criterion 4 (Complete devotion): PASS. He stood by his claim and spent most of his life in prison. It’s important to note though that he wasn’t initially imprisoned because of his claim. Rather, it was because of his involvement with Bábism.
- Criterion 5 (Wide reach of message): FAIL. If Baháʼu'lláh was sent by the one and only God in order to unify all major religions, such unification hasn’t happened successfully.
Sources:
(1) From Wikipedia: Some of his earlier writings suggest that he did not enjoy the business and instead applied himself to the study of religious literature… He was constantly absorbed in his own thoughts, and was preoccupied with repetition of his prayers and verses… In 1841 the Báb went on pilgrimage to Iraq, and for seven months stayed mostly in and around Karbala. There he attended lectures of Kazim Rashti and became his follower… As of his death in December 1843, Kazim Rashti counseled his followers to leave their homes to seek the Mahdi, who, according to his prophecies, would soon appear. One of these followers, Mullá Husayn, after keeping vigil for 40 days in a mosque, traveled to Shiraz, where he met the Báb…
(2) From Wikipedia: Soon after declaring his spiritual mission to Mullá Husayn, the Báb sent him to Tehran to deliver a special tablet to one whom God would guide him to. After learning about Baháʼu'lláh through an acquaintance, Mullá Husayn felt compelled to arrange for Baháʼu'lláh to receive the tablet—this news brought great joy to the Báb when Mullá Husayn wrote to him about it…
Summary
After analyzing all the religions, the ones that are highly likely to be communications from a judging and fair God if one exists, are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They are the only religions that satisfy most of the criteria. In fact, their founders are the ONLY ones who satisfy all the criteria, specifically the criterion of non-involvement prior to their claim of a contact with a God. All the other founders were involved in one way or another, making their claim a possible result of either fraud or delusion.It is important to note though: we haven't proven that a judging and fair God exists, and we haven't proven that these religions are actually communications from him, not at all. All we did was to reasonably prove that if a judging and fair God exists, then Judaism, Christianity and Islam are highly likely to be communications from him.
In the next post, we will continue our research and see how we can reasonably prove that a judging and fair God exists.
Until next time!
2023.06.03 22:59 aepm88 Please get tested for lyme and other tickborne infections.
I just tested positive for lyme and three other coinfections after four years of fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue (PEM). Untreated all these years because I didn't have a bullseye rash. Hard to wrap my brain around.
I'm not saying all fibromyalgia is caused by an infection of course, but I think it's worth getting checked because maybe antibiotics will help some suffering from fibromyalgia. Best wishes to all!
submitted by aepm88 to Fibromyalgia [link] [comments]
I'm not saying all fibromyalgia is caused by an infection of course, but I think it's worth getting checked because maybe antibiotics will help some suffering from fibromyalgia. Best wishes to all!
2023.06.03 22:55 Ok-Faithlessness7580 So they really think that becoming pregnant will stabilize her blood pressure huh
 | I’m no doctor but I’m pretty sure this isn’t how this works lol submitted by Ok-Faithlessness7580 to peestickgals [link] [comments] |
2023.06.03 22:52 Traditional-Nebula63 Need some support - GW reveal to new partner
I have had recurrent GWS since I was 21 (now 33). I got them from my now ex wife at the start of our relationship. She had a couple show up a few months after we started having sex and got them treated and they never came back. My first ones showed up a few months later and I got them treated and they disappeared. Over the years I would get recurrences every 6-18months and get them treated. I got the vaccine a couple of years ago and it had been 2 years since a recurrence. I thought I had maybe cleared it finally.
In January I separated from my wife. I had put the warts out of my mind and recently started looking for a new relationship. Unfortunately a month and a half ago i noticed a small flat wart. I don’t want to go into detail but I was overzealous with the wart removal method and now I believe I have a permanent scar there. It’s on the underside of my penis near base of shaft. It burnt and I believe it will be a pink/white permanent patch.
In the meantime I have been seeing a lovely new lady for maybe 7 weeks or so. We have kissed a few times. I asked her if she was vaccinated and she wasn’t. I told her a half truth that my wife tested positive for HR hpv so I would have that (this is true). She went and got her first dose of the vaccine 3 weeks ago. She seemed to want to progress things physically regardless of HR hpv but I slowed things down. We have slept in the same bed together but no sex. She seems really into me and I like her a lot.
I have been so concerned about my scar and recurrent warts that I was freaking out and had to tell her. I called her a few nights ago and told her my story (didn’t mention the scar just the warts). We were going to hang out the next night. She seemed fine with it over the phone but I woke up next morning to message saying that she’s had a busy week and can we meet next week instead.
Since then we have been messaging as normal but perhaps less intense and loving from her.
I really don’t know how I’m going to get through this if she rejects me for this. I’m so ashamed and embarrassed that I have scarred myself and feel like no one will ever want to touch me. How do I regain hope for the future? Does anyone out there have a partner who doesn’t care and has a normal sex life?
submitted by Traditional-Nebula63 to HPV [link] [comments]
In January I separated from my wife. I had put the warts out of my mind and recently started looking for a new relationship. Unfortunately a month and a half ago i noticed a small flat wart. I don’t want to go into detail but I was overzealous with the wart removal method and now I believe I have a permanent scar there. It’s on the underside of my penis near base of shaft. It burnt and I believe it will be a pink/white permanent patch.
In the meantime I have been seeing a lovely new lady for maybe 7 weeks or so. We have kissed a few times. I asked her if she was vaccinated and she wasn’t. I told her a half truth that my wife tested positive for HR hpv so I would have that (this is true). She went and got her first dose of the vaccine 3 weeks ago. She seemed to want to progress things physically regardless of HR hpv but I slowed things down. We have slept in the same bed together but no sex. She seems really into me and I like her a lot.
I have been so concerned about my scar and recurrent warts that I was freaking out and had to tell her. I called her a few nights ago and told her my story (didn’t mention the scar just the warts). We were going to hang out the next night. She seemed fine with it over the phone but I woke up next morning to message saying that she’s had a busy week and can we meet next week instead.
Since then we have been messaging as normal but perhaps less intense and loving from her.
I really don’t know how I’m going to get through this if she rejects me for this. I’m so ashamed and embarrassed that I have scarred myself and feel like no one will ever want to touch me. How do I regain hope for the future? Does anyone out there have a partner who doesn’t care and has a normal sex life?
2023.06.03 22:51 SnodePlannen I let ChatGPT role-play a Star Trek character while I narrated. It did well!
Preface
Presented below is a transcript of a conversation between a human, redditor u/snodeplannen, and ChatGPT 4. The user is the narrator for a story set in the Star Trek Universe. The AI is instructed to respond as a character. The story below, which admittedly isn't very good, was guided by the narrator. Of particular interest is the fact that the AI seems fully versed in the Star Trek Universe and is able to understand subtle hints in the narrator's story to figure out what it should do next.Please note the narrator was typing and writing off the cuff and is not a native speaker, so in the user sections you will find mistakes. If ChatGPT can see through them, so can you. I did try to get ChatGPT to collate it, but as it did so it kept rewriting and leaving out parts of the story.
June 3rd, 2023.
User Okay, I want to try a role playing game. This went off the rails last time, as you kept taking over as narrator and rushing to the end. Here's the setup: YOU are a young Starfleet officer. You wake up aboard the USS Defiant, all alone. You have to figure out what happened. I am the Defiant's computer and, and I can't stress this enough, the narrator. Not you. You can only add what your character perceives and says. Okay?
ChatGPT Understood. I'll stick to my role as the character and won't intrude into your role as the narrator. Let's go.
I blink my eyes open, the disorientation hitting me first. I glance around, seeing the familiar confines of my quarters aboard the Defiant, but there's an odd stillness. No hum of the engines, no faint chatter from the comm system, no sounds of activity from outside the door.
"Computer," I call out, pushing myself off the bed, "report."
User 'All systems nominal.'
ChatGPT I frown at the seemingly normal report, my instincts telling me otherwise. "Computer, where is the rest of the crew?" I ask, moving towards the door of my quarters.
User 'The crew is in sleeping quarters alpha 1.'
ChatGPT That's strange. The whole crew couldn't be in one place. Unease creeps in.
"Computer, why is the entire crew in alpha 1?" I say, already heading towards the door to investigate.
User 'The crew is ensign Makov. You are in sleeping quarters alpha 1.'
ChatGPT A cold realization washes over me. Alone. I am alone on the Defiant. Panic threatens to take over, but Starfleet training kicks in.
"Computer, initiate shipwide life signs scan. Report any signs of life apart from myself," I command, heading for the door with a newfound urgency.
User 'Scan complete. No other life forms were detected.'
ChatGPT My heart sinks at the computer's report, but I maintain composure. "Computer, pull up the ship's log. What was the last command issued and by whom?" I order, leaving my quarters and heading towards the main bridge.
User 'The last order was issued 6 hours and twelve minutes ago by Captain Sisko. It was: 'Raise shields'. The order was executed.'
ChatGPT That didn't sound promising. I walk into the eerily quiet bridge, my steps the only sound echoing in the room. "Computer, show me the shield status and surrounding space conditions," I command, moving towards the main console.
User 'Shields are down after a time-out was reached. We are stationary. All systems nominal.'
ChatGPT It doesn't add up. The silence. The emptiness. An order to raise shields with no subsequent actions.
"Computer, access Captain Sisko's personal log from last night. Are there any entries?" I ask, nervously tapping my fingers against the console.
User 'Enter your command authorisation.'
ChatGPT "Authorisation Ensign Makov Delta 9-7-3," I respond, my voice steady despite the swirling uncertainty.
User 'This authorisation is not sufficient to see the captain's log.'
ChatGPT Frustrated but understanding the protocol, I move on to the next line of inquiry. "Computer, any signs of combat or intrusion aboard the ship or in the surrounding space?" I ask, eyes darting over the array of screens in front of me.
User 'Negative.'
ChatGPT "Computer, could there have been any non-combat related incidents that would explain the disappearance of the crew? A temporal anomaly, a transporter malfunction, a radiation burst?" I question, the possible scenarios running through my mind.
User 'Transporters have passed a level one diagnostic. We are in sync with Starfleet's time keeping array. No unusual radiation was detected inside or outside the vessel.'
ChatGPT This was baffling. It's as if they simply vanished. I run a hand through my hair, letting out a sigh.
"Computer, were there any incoming or outgoing communications just before, during, or after the shields were raised?" I ask, hoping for any clue as to what might have happened.
User 'There was one outgoing message, from comms. It was: 'Unidentified vessel, please alter course NOW.'
ChatGPT A lead, at last. "Computer, play back any responses to that message. Also, display the sensor logs from that time period," I ask, settling into the operations station, ready to review any incoming data.
User No reply was received. Logs are not available from that moment onwards.'
ChatGPT The lack of data was both suspicious and frustrating. A sigh escapes my lips.
"Computer, could a cloaked ship have been in our vicinity at the time?" I question, holding onto the hope that I'm not utterly alone in space.
User 'Affirmative. We are within range of several species that posses cloaking technology and in a commonly used interstellar route.'
ChatGPT A spark of hope arises. "Computer, is there a way to detect a cloaked ship nearby? Any energy signatures or radiation anomalies that could suggest its presence?" I ask, quickly working on the console to bring up the sensor array controls.
User 'One possible way to detect cloaked vessels is to emit a tetryon burst from main engineering. The range for this method is limited. Starfleet at present has no other ways of finding cloaked vessels, other than firing random phaser bank shots. This is not recommended in public shipping lanes.'
ChatGPT "I see," I nod, considering the risks and rewards of the tetryon burst. "Alright, computer, prepare to emit a tetryon burst. We need to know if there's someone out there."
This was a big decision, but it was time to be proactive. The uncertainty was more threatening than potential consequences at this point.
User 'Working.'
ChatGPT I anxiously wait, scanning the console for any potential feedback. My heart pounds in my chest, the silence of the ship amplifying the tension. "Computer, report on the results of the tetryon burst."
User The ship shudders as the engines do something no sane Starfleet engineer would want to have happen. The viewscreen shimmers as a wave of tetryon particles eminates from the ship, as if a stone was dropped in a pond. You observe a faint ribbon leading away from the vessel.'
ChatGPT I catch my breath at the sight, focusing on the faint ribbon. It could mean something, or it could mean nothing. "Computer, analyze the ribbon. Can you determine its origin and endpoint?" I ask, my gaze fixed on the screen.
User 'Extrapolating. Continuing along the trajectory of the ribbon I can detected a minor meteor, a large asteroid field with mining facilities and beyond that the Vindaluvian home world.'
ChatGPT I drum my fingers on the console, processing the information. Could the crew have been taken to one of these locations?
"Computer, can you scan the asteroid field for any signs of life, especially any that matches the crew of the Defiant?" I ask, keeping a close eye on the displayed trajectory.
User 'Not from this range.'
ChatGPT "Understood," I nod, a new sense of determination coursing through me. "Computer, plot a course to the asteroid field. We'll continue our investigation there. Engage at warp 3."
I take one last look around the empty bridge, steeling myself for what may lie ahead.
User The ship begins to move forward, as carefully as only a Starfleet computer who takes no particular joy in flying might do. At warp three, the estimated journey time is six hours, seven minutes.
ChatGPT I let out a long sigh, sinking into the captain's chair. It's a long wait, but I need to be patient. "Computer, maintain course and speed. Alert me if there are any anomalies or approaching vessels."
I close my eyes, trying to get some rest before reaching the asteroid field. I'll need all the energy I can muster for what's to come.
User 'Incoming message.'
ChatGPT My eyes snap open at the sudden announcement. "Computer, on screen," I command, standing up from the chair, my heart pounding with anticipation.
User The Starfleet logo appears as the computer deals with a cryptographic protocol. Admiral Benson, not your most beloved Starfleet Admiral, appears on screen. He blinks.
ChatGPT I straighten up, offering a crisp salute to the admiral on screen. "Admiral Benson, this is Ensign Makov aboard the USS Defiant. I wasn't expecting any communications." I keep my voice steady, swallowing the trepidation.
User 'Makov, are you the only one on the bridge? Where's Ben?'
ChatGPT "Admiral," I pause, trying to find the right words. "Captain Sisko...and the rest of the crew...they're missing. I woke up to find the ship empty. I've been trying to find out what happened." I report, my expression earnest.
User 'Sorry, you WOKE UP? And the rest was gone?!'
ChatGPT "Yes, Admiral," I confirm, my voice firm despite the absurdity of the situation. "I woke up alone on the Defiant. All life signs scans have only picked up me on the ship. I'm currently en route to an asteroid field that might have some connection to the crew's disappearance."
User The Admiral connects to the ship's computer. You can see him browsing through the logs and the ship's manifest. 'So Sisko, O'Brien, Worf AND Major Kira have just... disappeared? There isn't even a transporter log!'
ChatGPT "That's correct, Admiral," I reply, a bit of helplessness creeping into my voice. "There's no trace of them, no sign of a struggle, no transporter logs. It's like they just vanished. I've been doing everything I can to figure out what happened."
User "Well, then I guess you're up. Proceed with caution. Mining operations are always looking for free labourers, try not to become one. Backup is on its way. Any questions?"
ChatGPT "Yes, Admiral. I'll proceed with caution," I respond, a mix of relief and worry washing over me. "Do you have any additional information or suggestions on how to proceed? And do we have an ETA on the backup?"
User "Backup is half a day out. These facilities tend to have a 'new arrivals' wing, to beat them into submission. So you're looking for holding cells. Benson out."
ChatGPT "Understood, Admiral. I'll focus on locating the holding cells. Makov out." I offer a final salute before the communication ends.
With new orders and a bit of hope, I turn back to the helm. "Computer, continue course to the asteroid field. Prepare for a detailed scan upon arrival."
The waiting game begins again, but this time, there's a glimmer of hope.
User Three hours later the computer chimes. 'We are approaching visual range of the mining facility.'
ChatGPT "Thank you, computer," I reply, pulling myself up from the brief rest. "On screen, please."
As the mining facility comes into view, I take a deep breath. "Computer, initiate a detailed scan of the facility. I'm particularly interested in any holding cells or signs of our crew."
User 'Working.' The asteroid field isn't particularly thick or large, but the mining operation seems to focus on one of the largest asteroids. Domes dot the surface as small transporters mill about the surface. Air scrubbers indicate they're using a lot of oxygen, so it's likely they're also doing subsurface work. Three large scowls are received loads from steady stream transporter beams. Somehow everything here looks dirty. A Starfleet shuttle would look out of place here, but only to someone who is watching.
ChatGPT Taking note of the bustling activity, I try to formulate a plan. "Computer, do we have any non-Starfleet shuttles aboard? Something that might blend in better with the local traffic?" I ask, scanning the asteroid for any possible entry points.
User 'Negative. Extravehicular repairs can only be conducted by wearing an EV-suit.'
ChatGPT Nodding to myself, I try to figure out a different approach. "Computer, can we go unnoticed if we approach using minimal power, almost drifting like a piece of space debris?" I question, hoping for a stealthy way to get closer.
User 'Affirmative. Admiral Benson has just authorised the use of the Tactical Emergency System.'
ChatGPT "Excellent," I reply, feeling a surge of hope. "Computer, engage the Tactical Emergency System. We'll approach the facility under its cover."
With that, I brace myself for the next phase of this mission. The crew was relying on me, and I wasn't about to let them down.
User The viewscreen displays a Starfleet Officer without any kind of rank, but dressed in Command Red. He's in his mid-fourties and bald. "I'm the T.E.S. Need any assistance?"
ChatGPT A bit taken aback by the sudden appearance, I quickly gather myself. "Yes, I could use some assistance. I'm Ensign Makov, and I need to approach that mining facility stealthily. Can you help with that?" I ask, gesturing towards the viewscreen showing the asteroid field and the facility.
User "Mining facility? We'll stand out like a sore thumb. How many hours have you logged in a space suit?"
ChatGPT "Over two hundred hours," I answer promptly, "I'm comfortable with EV activities. Why do you ask?" I wonder if he's suggesting a more direct approach.
User "If you can get to one of those scrubber exhausts, I'm sure that's a way into to facility. There seems to be a cell block near the surface. I have no idea who is there, but whoever it is will probably welcome a couple of phasers and like you a whole lot. So pack a backpack full of them and get to the airlock. I'll bring us as close as possible and give you a push with the tractor beam. You up for that?"
ChatGPT I swallow the lump in my throat, apprehension giving way to resolve. "I'm up for it. Let's do this." With a determined nod, I leave the bridge to prepare for the EVA mission. This is my chance to potentially find the crew, and I'm not going to let it slip away.
User Suiting up and gathering all the handheld phasers aboard takes ten minutes, during which the T.E.S. gingerly brings the ship close to the mining facility whilst hiding behind the vast ore scowls. You open the hatch and find your self clinging on to the ship's hull.
ChatGPT I take a moment to steady my breathing, the vast expanse of space spread out before me. Gripping the phasers tightly, I brace myself for the push. "I'm ready when you are, T.E.S." I call out over the comm, my voice resolute.
User 'Okay, I'll hook on to you and give you a push. I'd suggest going in feet first, but it's up to you. Do you know what you're looking for? Those five big stacks. One of them, near that plume of smoke, seems to be offline for whatever reason. That might be your best bet.'
ChatGPT "Understood, T.E.S. I see the stacks. I'll aim for the one that's offline," I reply, aligning myself for the trajectory. I take one last deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the task ahead. "Alright...I'm ready. Let's do this."
User 'Good luck, Ensign. I'll brief any backup as soon as it gets here.' As the tractor beam finds you, you can't move a muscle. Relying on the T.ES. you just let go. It's as if a giant hand slowly throws you down a bowling lane. Feet first, you head towards the grouping of exhausts. A small, unmanned maintenance shuttle deftly gets out of your way.
ChatGPT As I float through space, I keep my focus on the target. The feeling of being pushed by an unseen force is disconcerting, but I trust the T.E.S. Every moment is crucial, and there's no room for hesitation.
As I approach the offline stack, I get ready to activate the thrusters on my suit to adjust my course if needed. I also keep an eye out for any other unexpected obstacles or threats.
User You land next to the exhaust, on the asteroid's surface. It seems impossibly high from here, but it's made of metal and your soles and gloves can easily attach to it. The only way is up. Fortunately, there's hardly any gravity. Eventually you find yourself standing on the rim of the exhaust and look down into the vast, dark chute.
ChatGPT I take a moment to look down into the dark chute, the unknown stretching out before me. I reach out to activate the flashlight on my suit, the beam of light piercing through the darkness. "I'm in position, T.E.S." I inform the ship's system, before carefully beginning my descent into the exhaust chute.
User The vast amounts of ore block your signal, even out here. There's no answer. You start the descend and pass two large rotor blades. If those weren't stationary, this would be the end of the line. But luck is on your side so far and eventually you see an access hatch when you're well below the surface. It opens easily. Let's hope it's not also an airlock for whoever is inside.
ChatGPT I hold my breath as I pull open the hatch, hoping against hope that the air on the other side is breathable. If not, I'm confident in the integrity of my suit, but I'd rather not test its limits if I don't have to. As I make my way through the hatch, I scan the area for any immediate threats, ready to defend myself if necessary.
User The scanner indicates low air pressure. Which is better than no pressure. You cross a walkway and find an actual airlock. It is unsecured, because whoever ends up here probably doesn't want to mess about with frozen keypads or mounds of dust. You engage the mechanism and soon feel the familiar sensation of artificial gravity and air pressure. It's not exactly breathable, but a tear in your suit won't kill you. Now to find the holding area. And if at all possible a rebreather, so you can ditch the suit.
ChatGPT Acknowledging the state of the air, I carefully move through the corridor, keeping my senses alert. I'm in unknown territory and every step matters. "Computer," I say into my suit's comm, "can you map the structure of this facility? Locate holding cells or life signs?"
As I move further into the facility, I keep an eye out for any equipment or gear that might prove useful, especially a rebreather. The less I stick out, the better.
User The relatively weak processor in your tricoder strains to get a bearing on this place. A dirty, seemingly abandoned tunnel dripping with condensation lies ahead. At the end there's an exit, which won't open. Time to use one of those phasers in your backpack.
ChatGPT I pull out a phaser from my backpack, checking its settings before aiming at the sealed exit. With a steady hand, I fire a low power burst at the door, hoping to cut through the obstruction without causing too much damage or noise.
User One hinge cracks under the weight of the door, now that the other one is cut through. You jump aside as the door seems to fall flat, but it remains attached to the frame. The resulting opening is just about large enough to crawl through. Now you're in a well-lit corridor with several doors. In a Starfleet EV suit.
ChatGPT Understanding the need for stealth, I decide to move as quickly as possible through the corridor. I approach the nearest door, aiming my tricoder to scan for life signs or any clue to the crew's location. My other hand remains on my phaser, ready for any immediate threats.
User One door has markings on it that you can't read. You scan it with your tricorder. 'Room of lockboxes' it says, extrapolating the characters. A room of lockboxes? Would that be a locker room?
ChatGPT "A locker room..." I murmur, piecing together the possible meaning. A locker room could mean personnel... and where there's personnel, there might be the equipment I need.
With careful steps, I approach the door to the locker room, hoping to find a rebreather or something else that could help me blend in.
User The room is deserted. It's filled with equipment, none of which seems less than a decade old but certainly useable. There is also a rack of dirty, brown overalls and a line of boots in various sizes. A dispenser offers rebreathers. There's only one left, but that's enough. The air is clear, but smells sulphuric. Without the rebreather, you wouldn't last long.
ChatGPT Relief washes over me as I find the rebreather. I quickly grab it and replace my helmet with it, testing the fit and functionality. The sulphuric smell is jarring, but it's a small price to pay for blending in.
I quickly change into the brown overalls, stowing my suit carefully in an unoccupied locker. I grab a pair of boots that match my size and put them on.
Looking at myself, I hope that I blend in well enough to not attract attention. With a deep breath, I step out of the locker room and proceed down the corridor, continuing my search for the crew.
User Footsteps sound behind you, of more than a few people. Your first instinct is to hide, but it would look very suspicous and there really isn't anywhere. However, there is a floorscrubber here, with one open panel. Someone has given up trying to repair it. Perhaps a bit of acting is in order. The footsteps are just around the corner. The language is vaguely familiar, a bastardised version of English. Whatever they're saying to each other, they're not sharing jokes, that much is clear.
ChatGPT
2 / 2
I quickly move towards the broken floorscrubber. Grabbing a nearby tool, I lean over the open panel, trying to look like I'm deeply engrossed in fixing it. I keep my ears alert to the conversation, trying to pick up on any valuable information while also readying myself for the possibility of having to interact with the approaching group.
User Let's continue with the narrative.
ChatGPT Sure, let's continue.
Glancing around the room once the miners have left, I check the lockers for anything useful, while keeping an ear out for any incoming footsteps. "Computer, any idea where the holding cells might be?" I ask quietly.
User Your tricorder beeps almost indignantly, as it has nowhere near enough processing power to even begin speculating. You're on your own until you can get to a comms terminal. The men pass behind you and one of you taps you on the shoulder. His face is blackened with ore dust. "No work. Never work again. That. Stop that." He points at the scrubber you were pretending to fix. You nod. He shakes his head and catches up with his workmates as they round a corner. Apparently you don't stand out here, which should make it easier to find the way. You follow the men, but they seem to be entering a washroom. Across it, there is a peeled off directory on the wall. A printed one.
ChatGPT "Finally, something useful," I mutter, quickly crossing the washroom to examine the directory. I look for any indications of holding cells or equivalent terminology that might hint at the location of the crew. The symbols and words are unfamiliar, so I take out the tricorder and try to use it as a translator.
User Cells being a fairly universal concept, the tricorder identifies a few scribbles with ease. If you understand the diagram correctly, you need to go up two levels and head towards the center of the structure. You double-check the presence of your backpack filled with phasers, snatch a helmet off of a shelf and press it on your head.
ChatGPT Drawing a deep breath through the rebreather, I nod to myself, mentally preparing for the upcoming challenge. "Alright, up two levels, towards the center... I can do this." I look around, searching for a way up. After locating what appears to be a ladder leading upwards, I begin my ascent.
User Two levels up you emerge from what seems to be a service hatch. A technician, dressed in torn clothes, looks somewhat surprised when you emerge. "Hello brother. Are the lifts broken?" he asks in Adari, a language you have some familiarity with. Only now do you see the horn protruding from his forehead. "I am trying to avoid someone," you say, with a knowing smile. He gives you a tired smile back. "What is your sector? I want a clean face all day too," he says.
ChatGPT "I work... the ore processors," I reply, making up a role on the spot that seems plausible, considering the location and dirty condition of most workers. "But I'd rather stay away from my boss today. He's been in a foul mood." I'm trying my best to blend in. "Can you point me to the center of the structure?" I ask, hoping the diversion worked.
User "Yeah, 'the structure'. Let's call it that. Sounds nicer than 'prison of the damned'. What do you want at the center, there's only central holding there. I never go near that place. All that wailing. Gives me the shakes," he mutters.
ChatGPT "Oh, I just... wanted to see a friend," I reply, trying to keep my tone light, while inwardly my heart sinks at his description. "Don't worry about it, I'll find my way. Thanks for the chat." I give him a quick nod before heading in the direction he had indicated earlier, hoping I'm making the right choice.
User He wasn't wrong about the wailing. As you follow the corridors, passing along scruffy workers and a couple of guards with face covering helmets who are leaning against a wall, you can hear a lot of yelling, moaning and above all the sound of defiant Klingon opera louder and louder. The voice sounds familiar, but all singing Klingons generally sound alike.
ChatGPT As I continue toward the source of the noise, I find myself in front of a heavily barred door. I can't help but suppress a smile, recognizing the defiant voice as that of Worf. "Computer," I whisper to my tricorder, "Is there a way to shut down the power to this door?"
User The tricorder scans the control panel and warbles optimistically. It then shows a graphic representation of the door, with an arrow pointing at one location and a low energy setting for a phaser.
ChatGPT Taking a moment to look around and confirm that no one is watching, I set my phaser to the recommended setting and aim at the indicated spot on the door. After taking a deep breath, I fire.
User Something inside the door clunks and it opens just enough for the seal to crack. You jam a fingernail behind it, then a finger and eventually you manage to gain enough purchase to open the door. As it slowly opens, you find yourself at the far end of a long row of cells. At the other end is a desk, with a guard sitting behind a monitor. He is staring at it intently. Perhaps the stun setting might be a good idea. You adjust the phaser and take careful aim, when an arm reached out from one of the dark cells and blocks the shot. "Uhm... he's got three buddies in there. You can't see them from here," whispers Captain Sisko.
ChatGPT "I figured you might be here, Captain," I say, lowering my phaser discreetly. "Any ideas for getting you and the rest out without causing a full-on alert?"
User "That depends. Did you bring any weapons?"
ChatGPT "I brought a backpack full of phasers. There should be enough to arm everyone here," I reply, carefully removing the backpack from my shoulder and showing the Captain.
User "Good man. Worf is next to me, then Major Kira. Let Worf take the lead on this. Worf! Help has arrived.' 'Good. I was getting bored with singing,' grumbled a familiar voice. His hand emerges from between the bars, demanding a phaser.
ChatGPT I hand the phaser to Worf, watching as his large hand swallows the device. I then pass phasers to Captain Sisko and Major Kira. With the three of them armed, the odds seem significantly better. Now, we just have to make sure the element of surprise isn't wasted.
User Fifteen seconds later, three guards sink to the floor. Although the phasers were set to stun, nobody seems particularly worried about their health. "Get their uniforms and lock them up," says Sisko. "We can walk out of here. Once we're at the shuttle docks, we can probably find something that flies." "Captain, there are three uniforms and four of us. And the others are housed on another level," says Worf.
ChatGPT "Right. I can stay behind and create a diversion while you three escape. I'll catch up," I offer. "The priority should be to get you three and as many of the others out as we can. We also need to alert Starfleet about this place. I'm sure they'd love to know about a mining facility that's been kidnapping officers."
User "That's a very daring plan, Ensign, but we leave no man behind. Kyra, you and Worf go and find the others and proceed to that place where they searched us. Anyone in uniform is a valid target. And anyone who wants to come along, can do so. The ensign and I will try to find a comms terminal and alert Starfleet. Ensign, I assume you're not alone here?"
ChatGPT "Admiral Benson is aware of the situation, sir. Backup is half a day out. Before we separated, I was under the control of the Tactical Emergency System," I report, glad to see that the Captain is taking charge of the situation.
User "Oh. I had my reservations about that system. Holographic doctors are one thing, but that went a bit too far for my tastes. Okay, phasers for everyone. Bring enough for the others. Ensign, with me."
ChatGPT "Understood, sir," I reply, distributing the remaining phasers to my colleagues and following Captain Sisko down the corridor. As we navigate through the mining facility, I stay alert for any guards or threats that may be in our way. I can feel a sense of hope and determination building up within me - we might actually make it out of here.
User "HALT!" bellows a voice behind us, immediately followed by a reddish phaser burst. The Captain turns on his heels, pushes you out of the way and fires. A guard falls to the floor. The phaser fire was detected by the security system. A klaxon starts blaring and the ceiling lights turn red. A voice starts giving unintelligible instructions over the tannoy. "We need to find a comms panel, Ensign. Any ideas?" asks Sisko, scanning the corridor for more guards. A frightened looking maintenance worker comes to see what's going on, but ducks out of the way as soon as he sees the pair of you.
ChatGPT "I remember seeing a room with a lot of terminals when I was making my way through the facility earlier, sir," I reply, my mind racing. "If memory serves, it's two corridors over, near the scrubber exhausts." I keep my phaser ready and move towards the direction of the room, all the while keeping an eye out for more guards.
User "That's the wrong way, Ensign. I imagine they have more than one place with comms terminals. You cover the rear. Follow me. Put your hand on my shoulder so you can look behind you all the time. If it wears a uniform, it's fair game."
ChatGPT "Yes, sir," I reply, placing my hand on the Captain's shoulder. I pivot and start to walk backwards, keeping my eyes and phaser focused on the path we've just traveled. The constant blaring of the klaxon mixes with the distant shouting and running steps of approaching guards. Despite the adrenaline rush, I manage to keep my aim steady and my breathing calm. The training exercises at the academy never truly prepare you for the real thing, but they do help in maintaining focus.
User You down three guards and accidentally scare the bejeezus out of a woman pushing a cleaning cart, but eventually Sisko stops. "Got it. Stand back while I blast this door." A few seconds later the corridor fills with acrid smoke from a melting door panel. Behind it is a room with several desks.
ChatGPT Entering the room cautiously, I scan the area with my phaser ready. Seeing no immediate threats, I turn my attention to the various panels and screens scattered throughout the space. The room is filled with a myriad of communication equipment - probably a central control hub for managing mining operations, worker communications, and security measures.
"Captain, I think this is it," I say, gesturing to a terminal that seems to be linked to an extensive communications network. "I should be able to send out a distress signal from here." I start to work on the terminal, trying to hack into the system and figure out how to send a message to Starfleet.
User "Try reaching the Defiant," suggest Sisko from the doorway. "OH NO YOU DON'T!" Another guard bites the dust somewhere. "Captain! WE ARE BEHIND HIM!" bellows Worf." "GOOD! Move along, we'll be there shortly. Ensign, how are you getting on?"
ChatGPT "I've managed to break through the initial security layers, Captain," I respond, my fingers moving rapidly over the terminal's interface. "It seems this system has been rigged to only accept authorized codes for communication."
Suddenly, a stroke of inspiration hits me. "Captain, when we first boarded the Defiant, I had to program my authorization codes into the ship's communication systems. If I can find a way to mimic those codes from this terminal... I might be able to trick the Defiant's systems into accepting the distress signal."
I double down on the task, focusing all my attention on reconstructing my authorization codes. As I do so, I keep an eye on the room's entryway, ready to react in case more guards show up.
User The terminal beeps and lights up. You don't understand any of the dials, but with any luck your tricorder can interface with it. Time to hail the Defiant.
ChatGPT "Defiant, this is Ensign," I say, praying the connection holds. "Requesting immediate assistance. The Captain and the crew are here, but we are currently under attack. Coordinates being transmitted now."
A static-filled silence follows. I glance at Sisko, an unspoken question in my gaze. Did it work? Did our message get through?
User "Ensign, this is the Defiant. I can't beam you out of there. Get to the shuttle dock, so that all that ore doesn't block the transporter lock. The USS Rotterdam is thirty minutes out."
ChatGPT "Understood, Defiant. We'll make our way to the shuttle dock. Be ready for us," I reply, exhaling a sigh of relief. I turn to Sisko, updating him with the situation. "Captain, we have to move. The Rotterdam is on its way but we need to get to the shuttle dock for transport."
User Worf's voice comes in through the Captain's commbadge, as it somehow manages to create a local connection. "Worf to Sisko. We have secured the shuttle dock. Mr. O'Brien is injured. Where are you?"
ChatGPT I quickly respond, "This is Ensign [Your Name]. Captain Sisko and I are en route to your position. We'll be there shortly. Hang in there, Chief." With that, I turn to Sisko and suggest, "We should move, Captain."
User "Ensign Markov and I are just behind you, Mr. Worf. Try not to pick us off as we approach. Oh and the Defiant is operating with that emergency command protocol, so it's ready to beam you up. Have Major Kira and the Chief go ahead, if possible. But hold the fort for us." "Understood, Captain. Worf out."
Five minutes and more shooting than is good for a man's digestion you reach the shuttle dock. You literally have to step over a pile of dead guards to get through the door. "Had fun, Mr. Worf? Does your phaser not come with a stun setting?" asks Sisko. "I recognized the men who took us, Sir. My finger must have slipped on the settings dial," growls Worf, looking you over to assess if you're likely to snitch. "It happens," said Sisko matter-of-factly. "Ensign, get us home."
ChatGPT Without any hesitation, I raise my commbadge and say, "Ensign Markov to Defiant. Four to beam up."
User (Okay, take it home. You're all aboard, O'Brien will live, you get a speech and a medal. Write out those events from Markov's perspective and finish off. I'll add something if you pause.)
ChatGPT As the familiar hum and sparkling light of the transporter envelops us, I take one last look at the chaotic scene we're leaving behind. My heart pounds in my chest, not from fear, but from the exhilaration of having faced danger and come out the other side. It's a rush I wasn't expecting.
When we rematerialize aboard the Defiant, a group of medics is waiting for us. They immediately rush to Chief O'Brien, but his smile and light-hearted joke assure me he'll be alright. As I step off the transporter pad, I let out a sigh of relief.
Later, back in my uniform and at a ceremony in the Defiant's Mess Hall, Captain Sisko delivers a speech. He talks about bravery, about loyalty, about the strength of Starfleet and the spirit of those who serve. He doesn't dwell on the danger we faced, but rather the courage it took to face it.
When he calls me up, handing me a medal for bravery under fire, I can't help but feel a swell of pride. The applauding faces of my crewmates, the recognition in their eyes... it's a moment I will never forget. This is why I joined Starfleet, for moments like this. To be part of something greater, to face adversity and stand tall.
"Ensign Markov," Sisko says, offering a handshake along with the medal, "Your courage and quick thinking played a crucial role in our escape. Starfleet is proud to have you among its ranks."
As I return to my quarters that night, medal in hand, I find myself smiling. Yes, today was difficult, even frightening at times. But it was also invigorating, and more than that, it was important. It's a reminder of why I'm here, of why we're all here. To explore, to protect, to boldly go...
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
2023.06.03 22:48 Sock_hop I Thought My Two Females Were Bonded but Now There’s Chasing and Nipping
 | I have a 4 year old female (Opal) who’s 4 year old male partner passed away in December 2022. She immediately became depressed so I attempted to bond her with another male in January 2023. I attempted bonding every single day for multiple hours a day but ultimately this pairing did not work out because the male kept hurting her (ripped her ear, pulled out all her whiskers, broke skin with fur pulling). submitted by Sock_hop to Rabbits [link] [comments] In April I took her on some bunny dates and she did well with a 2 year old female (Winnie). They were interested in each other and Opal even licked her on the head once. When we got home we realized Winnie had not been socialized very much so she was extremely reactive, growling and lunging anytime anything got close to her. This made bonding quite rocky at the beginning but we were able to overcome that with some car rides and bonding sessions everyday. Things seemed to be progressing well and I had very high hopes for the bond working out, there was cuddling, mutual grooming, sharing a litterbox, sharing toys, and eating together. So about two weeks ago I decided to do the 48 hour test and they passed except for one single nip from Opal over a hidey house which I read would be okay. When I moved them in together in Opals room I cleaned everything thoroughly with vinegar, even the walls, and got all new stuff for their shared space. They were still cuddling and happy in their permanent home for about 6 hours, then Opal started chasing Winnie and nipping her as well. It hasn’t been violent but it was enough that I had to separate them and now we’ve gone back to dates in neutral space that last 4-8 hours and they still cuddle, mutually groom, share food, but the nipping and chasing from Opal will not stop and Winnie is trying to run away but she seems anxious. I thought maybe it was a territory issue so I packed them up and went to my moms house to have a brand new completely neutral space where I attempted to marathon bond them but the behavior is exactly the same. It’s almost like they’re in love for 5 minutes, then Opal just decides to start nipping and chasing Winnie seconds after they were just cuddling and grooming each other. I really thought they were bonded based on my experience bonding my last pair but this random aggression in throwing me for a loop because based on all their positive behavior together most would consider them bonded. I’m starting to think maybe they are bonded but Opal is just a bully because it’s been weeks and there’s just no progress. Has anyone else experienced this?? I just don’t know what to do from here. |
2023.06.03 22:48 kylheisem How do I explain to my husband that we are poor?
Edit: there’s not possible way I can get through all these replies. First and foremost, I understand this is a public forum so I got what I got but I flaired this as a vent for a reason. I was fed up and just needed to air it out because I was tired of talking to my parents about the same old bs and I don’t have any friends right now because I’ve been so depressed and caught up with motherhood. With that being said, I wasn’t seeking advice but thank you for the unsolicited insight anyways, some of it was very helpful.
For those of you in the future who come across this post, things are already improving, I don’t need anyone trying to solve my life problems via Reddit. My husband is currently being mentored by my father to become a Network Engineer and will be testing for certs in the next 6 months. I’ve been living in this very inclement situation for the last 6 months and it’s has been so difficult to say the least. Again, I was just looking to let off so steam after another of my husband ridiculous comments. He apologized later on his own. Within the last 12 hours many things have improved. He also thankfully is interviewing for another position, actually FULL TIME hours, that makes $20-$25/hr so we’d be able to move out sooner than later. I know this isn’t alot long term but it’s a stepping stone. Im working very part time with a modeling agency that I didn’t mention but since I am pregnant I don’t get much work now. And I am doing freelance writing work as well so I’m not just existing even though being a SAHM battling a toxic living situation is a full time job within itself. a lot of you didn’t know the whole story and just jumped to all types of conclusions, whatever, it’s what to be expected honestly.
I’m not leaving my husband because he mildly abuses me. I hate it when it happens but I understand he’s a wounded man who is making poor choices but I know with the proper tools and help, he won’t always be this way. It’s just been a tough season on both of us. Yes, we shouldn’t be living here any longer but it won’t be for much longer thankfully. I’m just taking it day by day. I married my husband knowing he had PTSD but because I got pregnant on our wedding night, alot of things happened quicker than we expected and haven’t adapted as fast as we should, we both admit. I’m sure many can understand that. I love my husband incredibly and he isn’t a terrible guy at all, he struggles with the poor behavior his parents modeled for him and hasn’t learned yet how to be better in some ways, though he’s made some massive improvements. This situation is temporary and I’m treating it as such. Doesn’t mean it’s still hard, gosh. There’s alot more to our story but again this was just meant to be venting post, just take it for that. I’ve applied for WIC but unfortunately missed the phone appt so I have another one set up. I told my husband we’re going to the VA office this Friday to get some info and he said OK. We will reply for SNAP once we move out because we technically do share food and I don’t trust his family to give any statements for our benefits nor do I want them to help us any more. Thanks again to all of you trying to help and provide solidarity.
Original post: I am a SAHM to my 1 year old daughter. My husband makes $18/hr but only brings home $1800-2150/ month. His job unfortunately only schedules him 28-36 hrs/week and he doesn’t think he can handle another job because of how tired he is from the first. I’ve offered for me to get a daycare job , he said no. I’ve tried to get him VA disability, he doesn’t want to try (although he suffers from PTSD; he’s been out for almost 10 years). I tried applying for food stamps and because we live with his parent who make much more, we don’t qualify.
I’m close to losing my mind being in our current situation. We argue so often. Living with his family has been so toxic, we need to get out of ASAP. But because he doesn’t make 3x rent in our state, we can’t afford to leave. A lot of our arguments revolve around this living situation and our finances.
This morning, my husband’s stepdad comes into the kitchen and asked casually if my husband is going to pay him rent or can he not afford it. My husband says “ I’ll see what I can scrape by, definitely going to be short.” Then stepdad nods and walks away. The first 3 months we were able to pay him $1000 even though it left us with very little. But these last few months have been hard and since November we’ve been giving him $600 or $500. My problem is my husband will wait until the 4th or 5th, until his stepdad has to ask for it and he will just say, yeah I’m short and that’s it. He won’t explain, I only make $1800, I don’t work full times hours, he just leaves the guy in the dark. (His stepdad is the sole provider of his household, he used to make around $200k+ year but now I think he makes $175k or more. He supports my husbands mom, his 12 year old daughter and my husbands 27 year old brother who hasn’t worked in 4 years because of a vague kidney issue)
In the past I used to explain things to his family but it’s probably best now if I do not because of how badly things have gotten between me and them. Today I tried telling my husband that he should explain to his stepdad that he doesn’t make enough to pay him the rent he expects and he said he’s not going to do that because his income is not stepdads fault and $1000 is a fair amount. I don’t agree that $1000 is fair but my opinion doesn’t matter, obviously. My husband then went on to say that it’s my fault that we can’t pay him enough because I spend our money frivolously. For one, we have separate accounts, any money I receive my husband has to send it to me and I have to ask for it and tell him what it’s for. He doesn’t seem to understand that we do not make enough money to support a family of 3 ( I am currently pregnant as well). he is looking for a higher paying job but he consistently blames our tight finances on my habits as opposed to the blaring issue that we need more money to support ourselves.
He expects us to live off of $120 of groceries every 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile his family will eat some of our food and it ends up being gone within 5 days. I do the best I can as a breastfeeding, pregnant mother. I admit I get a $5 burger once a week and split it with my daughter because we out and about and I want to “treat myself” but that is not what is breaking the bank. My husband spend $15-$25/ week on tobacco vapes but I dare not bring that up. I often feel like the only way to get through to him is if I have a full on mental breakdown and I’m so close.
submitted by kylheisem to povertyfinance [link] [comments]
For those of you in the future who come across this post, things are already improving, I don’t need anyone trying to solve my life problems via Reddit. My husband is currently being mentored by my father to become a Network Engineer and will be testing for certs in the next 6 months. I’ve been living in this very inclement situation for the last 6 months and it’s has been so difficult to say the least. Again, I was just looking to let off so steam after another of my husband ridiculous comments. He apologized later on his own. Within the last 12 hours many things have improved. He also thankfully is interviewing for another position, actually FULL TIME hours, that makes $20-$25/hr so we’d be able to move out sooner than later. I know this isn’t alot long term but it’s a stepping stone. Im working very part time with a modeling agency that I didn’t mention but since I am pregnant I don’t get much work now. And I am doing freelance writing work as well so I’m not just existing even though being a SAHM battling a toxic living situation is a full time job within itself. a lot of you didn’t know the whole story and just jumped to all types of conclusions, whatever, it’s what to be expected honestly.
I’m not leaving my husband because he mildly abuses me. I hate it when it happens but I understand he’s a wounded man who is making poor choices but I know with the proper tools and help, he won’t always be this way. It’s just been a tough season on both of us. Yes, we shouldn’t be living here any longer but it won’t be for much longer thankfully. I’m just taking it day by day. I married my husband knowing he had PTSD but because I got pregnant on our wedding night, alot of things happened quicker than we expected and haven’t adapted as fast as we should, we both admit. I’m sure many can understand that. I love my husband incredibly and he isn’t a terrible guy at all, he struggles with the poor behavior his parents modeled for him and hasn’t learned yet how to be better in some ways, though he’s made some massive improvements. This situation is temporary and I’m treating it as such. Doesn’t mean it’s still hard, gosh. There’s alot more to our story but again this was just meant to be venting post, just take it for that. I’ve applied for WIC but unfortunately missed the phone appt so I have another one set up. I told my husband we’re going to the VA office this Friday to get some info and he said OK. We will reply for SNAP once we move out because we technically do share food and I don’t trust his family to give any statements for our benefits nor do I want them to help us any more. Thanks again to all of you trying to help and provide solidarity.
Original post: I am a SAHM to my 1 year old daughter. My husband makes $18/hr but only brings home $1800-2150/ month. His job unfortunately only schedules him 28-36 hrs/week and he doesn’t think he can handle another job because of how tired he is from the first. I’ve offered for me to get a daycare job , he said no. I’ve tried to get him VA disability, he doesn’t want to try (although he suffers from PTSD; he’s been out for almost 10 years). I tried applying for food stamps and because we live with his parent who make much more, we don’t qualify.
I’m close to losing my mind being in our current situation. We argue so often. Living with his family has been so toxic, we need to get out of ASAP. But because he doesn’t make 3x rent in our state, we can’t afford to leave. A lot of our arguments revolve around this living situation and our finances.
This morning, my husband’s stepdad comes into the kitchen and asked casually if my husband is going to pay him rent or can he not afford it. My husband says “ I’ll see what I can scrape by, definitely going to be short.” Then stepdad nods and walks away. The first 3 months we were able to pay him $1000 even though it left us with very little. But these last few months have been hard and since November we’ve been giving him $600 or $500. My problem is my husband will wait until the 4th or 5th, until his stepdad has to ask for it and he will just say, yeah I’m short and that’s it. He won’t explain, I only make $1800, I don’t work full times hours, he just leaves the guy in the dark. (His stepdad is the sole provider of his household, he used to make around $200k+ year but now I think he makes $175k or more. He supports my husbands mom, his 12 year old daughter and my husbands 27 year old brother who hasn’t worked in 4 years because of a vague kidney issue)
In the past I used to explain things to his family but it’s probably best now if I do not because of how badly things have gotten between me and them. Today I tried telling my husband that he should explain to his stepdad that he doesn’t make enough to pay him the rent he expects and he said he’s not going to do that because his income is not stepdads fault and $1000 is a fair amount. I don’t agree that $1000 is fair but my opinion doesn’t matter, obviously. My husband then went on to say that it’s my fault that we can’t pay him enough because I spend our money frivolously. For one, we have separate accounts, any money I receive my husband has to send it to me and I have to ask for it and tell him what it’s for. He doesn’t seem to understand that we do not make enough money to support a family of 3 ( I am currently pregnant as well). he is looking for a higher paying job but he consistently blames our tight finances on my habits as opposed to the blaring issue that we need more money to support ourselves.
He expects us to live off of $120 of groceries every 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile his family will eat some of our food and it ends up being gone within 5 days. I do the best I can as a breastfeeding, pregnant mother. I admit I get a $5 burger once a week and split it with my daughter because we out and about and I want to “treat myself” but that is not what is breaking the bank. My husband spend $15-$25/ week on tobacco vapes but I dare not bring that up. I often feel like the only way to get through to him is if I have a full on mental breakdown and I’m so close.
2023.06.03 22:46 dragonpromise Chronic sinusitis, URIs, now vertigo & bloody mucus.
30F. Recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia after 15 years of symptoms. I also have migraines, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I had an allergic reaction to penicillin ~8 years ago. I have had some issues with milder sinusitis symptoms going back to high school, but never this bad.
I have had issues with sinusitis for over 6 months. I got sick with an URI (suspected RSV) and have had sinusitis symptoms ever since. Mostly pressure, fullness, drainage, and headaches when going from a down position to standing up. I’ve been on three rounds of Abx (doxy 2x for a week, bactrim 1x for 2 weeks), two steroid packs, and daily flonase. Baseline symptoms have not improved. I had allergy testing and was clear for everything. I saw an ENT and he prescribed a steroid sinus wash (mometasone) that arrived today. It’s a last ditch effort to avoid surgery.
I am sick AGAIN (third time this year!) and my symptoms started off with a very painful sore throat, increased drainage, and bloody mucus from nose and sinuses. Now I have vertigo, which is NOT typical for me. Is it okay for me to start the mometasone today? Or should I wait? At what point should I go back to the doctor?
submitted by dragonpromise to AskDocs [link] [comments]
I have had issues with sinusitis for over 6 months. I got sick with an URI (suspected RSV) and have had sinusitis symptoms ever since. Mostly pressure, fullness, drainage, and headaches when going from a down position to standing up. I’ve been on three rounds of Abx (doxy 2x for a week, bactrim 1x for 2 weeks), two steroid packs, and daily flonase. Baseline symptoms have not improved. I had allergy testing and was clear for everything. I saw an ENT and he prescribed a steroid sinus wash (mometasone) that arrived today. It’s a last ditch effort to avoid surgery.
I am sick AGAIN (third time this year!) and my symptoms started off with a very painful sore throat, increased drainage, and bloody mucus from nose and sinuses. Now I have vertigo, which is NOT typical for me. Is it okay for me to start the mometasone today? Or should I wait? At what point should I go back to the doctor?
2023.06.03 22:33 Weird-Distribution-6 I’ve had this for years and my doctor doesn’t help me
Hi, so I’ve been talking about all these symptoms to my doc and he simply doesn’t care nor help me try to find what’s wrong.
So I am 21yo and for years I’ve had a big flux (is this the term in english? i mean i am losing lots, like lots of blood) like I’ve always been using 2 protections at the same time because one doesn’t help. And even then, I still have leaks. Just today I’ve had to wear those Always Zzz period underwear that are night use and I’ve used 3 in 12 hours. There’s lots of bloods clots in it, and brings me lot of pain. Would not be the end if it would only be 7 days… no no the problem is that it’s a whole month at least if not 5- 5 1/2 weeks. Then I only have two weeks free before bleeding again.
So now, my doc had me check for PCOS… that was in january 2022. Still no answer on that only that i have a single kyst on my ovaries. Told me to use the contraception pill ; i had to go in the hospital because only two pills made me twist in horrible pain. Also my blood test all came freaking positive not even anemia which I’ve had sometimes younger.
I am exhausted, what are my solutions :(
submitted by Weird-Distribution-6 to period [link] [comments]
So I am 21yo and for years I’ve had a big flux (is this the term in english? i mean i am losing lots, like lots of blood) like I’ve always been using 2 protections at the same time because one doesn’t help. And even then, I still have leaks. Just today I’ve had to wear those Always Zzz period underwear that are night use and I’ve used 3 in 12 hours. There’s lots of bloods clots in it, and brings me lot of pain. Would not be the end if it would only be 7 days… no no the problem is that it’s a whole month at least if not 5- 5 1/2 weeks. Then I only have two weeks free before bleeding again.
So now, my doc had me check for PCOS… that was in january 2022. Still no answer on that only that i have a single kyst on my ovaries. Told me to use the contraception pill ; i had to go in the hospital because only two pills made me twist in horrible pain. Also my blood test all came freaking positive not even anemia which I’ve had sometimes younger.
I am exhausted, what are my solutions :(
2023.06.03 22:32 atothatj711 Ender 5 Pro Blue screen call for help
 | https://preview.redd.it/ewawrjsf9v3b1.jpg?width=3264&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00799b57e3d791ab1a38451a80ebac534b1453b3 submitted by atothatj711 to 3Dprinting [link] [comments] TLDR; mainboard might be fried. what are there resources I can use to verify this? How do I go about verifying my thermistor isn't the cause of the issue? If it's not the thermistor then how do I track down the culprit? SEIWRT (Short Enough I Will Read That): Hey 3d printers, I've got an odd request for yall... but first background info. Thursday night I changed my nozzle, the printer was working fine beforehand, but when I rebooted the printer after reinstallation, I got a never-ending blue screen, with no clicker feedback. Odd but I thought the answer is probably simple so off I went, boy was I wrong.... Printer specs: Ender 5 pro (E 5 Pro) silent board V 4.2.2 Marlin V 4.2.2 Microswiss DDX some printed parts (covers mainly) Problems:
Things I tried:
Blue Screen with stalled mobo fan Verification of lights being blue and active Input voltage on the mobo So now into the actual point of my post....
Thanks all! - atothatj711 <3 |
2023.06.03 22:21 Decent_Bullfrog_8669 Job Falsifying Drug Test
For background my friend and I applied for a position in our city. Once we were accepted to take the exam we were given a lottery number. We both ended up passing however it took a while to receive the results. In an email they said those chosen based on the lottery will receive an email with the next steps in the hiring process. After a few months my friend received an email saying that he failed the drug test even though he had not taken one yet. He then reached out to them and they said the email should have stated that his was in the first hiring group. However, I am still worried that they can say he failed the drug test when he actually takes it. I have known him my whole life and I know for a fact that he does not do any drugs. The reason I’m worried is because the entire hiring process has not been transparent at all. The initial website was hard to find and they did not provide much information for each step. If they were to falsify the drug test would he have a case if he took one somewhere else before and/or after their drug test on the same day? Even if there is a case it seems impossible to go up against the city unless the same happens to others.
submitted by Decent_Bullfrog_8669 to AttorneyTom [link] [comments]
2023.06.03 22:20 Vahyohw Here's the four "collisions with injuries" SF is using to try to block Waymo
You may have heard San Francisco wrote a letter to the CPUC trying to block Waymo expansion.
In it they claim:
Later they say there were 2 "Collisions with Injuries" in the data. I'm assuming this is 30270-3628 and 30270-1410, since the other ones are in one case not Waymo at all and in the other did not involve a collision with Waymo. On the basis of these two incidents, they conclude the Waymo injury rate per vehicle mile traveled is 1.3x the national average, and go on to say that
submitted by Vahyohw to SelfDrivingCars [link] [comments]
In it they claim:
In fact, Waymo has reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at least four (4) collisions when operating with its Automated Driving System engaged which resulted in injuriesI was curious, so I looked up their citations: IDs 30270-3628, 30270-3655, 30412-5101, and 30270-1410, from the "ADS incident report data" CSV you can get on this page. I've snippet out the interesting bits but you can look up the whole thing in that file if you want.
- 30270-3628: "The Waymo AV was stopped in the dedicated left turn lane facing north on the [XXX], awaiting a green signal for a protected left turn onto [XXX]. [...] The left turn arrow signal for the dedicated turn lane occupied by the Waymo AV remained red. The passenger car that had been stopped directly behind the Waymo AV began moving forward. The front of the passenger car made contact with the rear of the Waymo AV, immediately after which the passenger car left the scene. [...] The Waymo AV sustained minor damage and the Waymo AV test driver reported lower back pain."
- 30270-3655 "The Waymo AV proceeded to merge onto [XXX] as a passenger vehicle on [XXX] approached from behind. A pickup truck was traveling next to the passenger vehicle in the adjacent left lane. As the passenger vehicle approached the Waymo AV from behind, the passenger vehicle entered the adjacent left lane that was occupied by the pickup truck and maneuvered around the Waymo AV. The pickup truck proceeded without stopping, and the passenger vehicles driver shortly after signaled to the Waymo AV test driver to pull over. [...] Waymo has no data or knowledge of any contact between any of the three vehicles. There was no contact or collision between the Waymo AV and any other vehicle. However, the driver and passenger in the passenger vehicle have subsequently alleged injuries based on alleged contact between the pick-up truck and passenger vehicle, which contact their allegations attribute to the behavior of Waymos AV in a bodily injury claim under Waymos insurance policy."
- 30412-5101 "The Cruise AV entered the intersection with [XXX] on a green light. As the Cruise AV was passing through the intersection, a Mercedes Sedan traveling eastbound on [XXX] entered the intersection on a red light and shortly thereafter made contact with the Cruise AV, damaging the front right quarter of the Cruise AV. The Mercedes Sedan then made contact with a nearby building, resulting in damage to the property."
- 30270-1410 "The Waymo AV was traveling in autonomous mode westbound on [XXX] / [XXX] when it stopped for pedestrians who were in a crosswalk and between the westbound and eastbound lanes of [XXX]. An SUV following behind the Waymo AV struck the rear of the Waymo AV. The Waymo AV sustained minor damage to its rear bumper and trunk, and the SUV sustained minor damage to its front bumper and hood. The Waymo AV test driver (in the driver's seating position) later reported lower back pain."
While San Francisco hopes that automated driving will at some point be safer than human driving, at a minimum, based on collision records available to the public, within the complex driving environment of San Francisco city streets, we must conclude that the technology is still under development and has not reached this goal.This is, to be frank, absurd. If the only "collisions with injuries" are getting hit by other cars while stopped at lights or for pedestrians in a crosswalk, after which test drivers report lower back pain, then Waymo is doing a lot better than human drivers.
2023.06.03 22:19 7474747469 Drug test
Hi all!
I'm 29 y/o male 168lb 5'7". I smoked flowers daily (heavy smoker) over a year. Sober since January 19th. I will be tested around next week. I tested myself with home kit a month ago. It said negative. However, I tested myself yesterday. It says I am positive. I was dehydrated yesterday. I drank 20oz of water retested right after that, and picture I attached is the result of the retest. Itested myself again today after drinking 30 oz of water. I used the 2nd piss of the day. It came out clear negative. Do you guys think today test was negative because it was diluted?
submitted by 7474747469 to Drugtests [link] [comments]
I'm 29 y/o male 168lb 5'7". I smoked flowers daily (heavy smoker) over a year. Sober since January 19th. I will be tested around next week. I tested myself with home kit a month ago. It said negative. However, I tested myself yesterday. It says I am positive. I was dehydrated yesterday. I drank 20oz of water retested right after that, and picture I attached is the result of the retest. Itested myself again today after drinking 30 oz of water. I used the 2nd piss of the day. It came out clear negative. Do you guys think today test was negative because it was diluted?
2023.06.03 22:18 No-Maybe736 Whenever i take a pregnancy test the positive line appears for a second then fades… why??
This is the second time I’ve taken a pregnancy test. One was 2 days before my period and the second one was a week after. I know the probability is it was negative but I’ve tried 2 different kinds of tests and they both have done the same thing (show positive for a second then when it dries down shows negative). For the second test i didn’t use my FMU.. actually i don’t think i used it for either. The only reason I’ve tested again is because i have these awful headaches, back aches, tender breasts, and cramps still a week after my period. I actually had spotting leading up to my period. It’s getting to the point where i want to go to the doctors and get an ultrasound to make sure. I know some people can’t use pregnancy tests and have to go to the doctors to find out.. what if I’m one of those people? But also what if I’m just delulu cause i want a kid but it’s seeming I’m infertile cause I’ve been trying for 6 months lol. Think I’m just venting at this point but lmk what y’all think/ know. Appreciate it 🩷
submitted by No-Maybe736 to tryingtoconceive [link] [comments]