Yep, another prompted story I wrote a few years ago, just here in the hopes I can work up motivation for later. I got sick of writing this one (I never intended to take more than a few hours on it) and I think by the end it shows, but I am marginally proud of some of the writing.
******
The first time, and the second, and the third, the trip had felt wrong. The company seemed too austere, the destination strange and foreboding, the ship too cramped. Claustrophobia is common for our kind, said to be a remnant of our past as grazing herbivores; cramped quarters and limited visibility are a poor substitute for open grasslands, where predators can't approach without being seen. But on a junkheap like the Scroungehound I think even cave dwellers would get anxious.
In any case, the first few times I made the trip to Earth, it had felt wrong. After a dozen expeditions, I no longer felt that apprehension, but I could tell the newcomers on the crew were feeling it. Maelorn was constantly at Kajath's throats, and Valish stayed in her quarters for cyrra on end, burning up her compensation on calming holovirons. Even the swarmnode was in a bad mood; I suspect she was undergoing a protandrous phase. By the mercy of the Great Attractor I didn't have to help clean up any unfertilized eggs. Still, they were all newcomers, and tensions would undoubtedly be more amiable once we reached Earth. It was a once-before-consciousness-upload opportunity for most xenoarchaelogists. Every foal- or grub, or hatchling, or what have you- knew those famous ruins, the chemical cloud patterns, the fossilized forests.
In the meantime I tried to make the most of the voyage scratching on a nerve-duller patch and staring out the hologlass at the white streaks as stars passed us by. Earth awaited.
*******
It was as beautiful and as ugly as I remembered from the last dozen trips. Like an ulcerous pearl from a Skranalid. Once upon a time Earth had been a brilliant blue with wisps of cloudlets, rugged continents settled by only a few tens of billions; now the marble was a mess of neon colors and graying, dead oceans.
My assembled assistants, peering through the vidscreen, regarded our destination with relief and, for one or two, not a little disappointment.
"It's... really not what I expected," Maelorn chattered, head tentacles wriggling nervously.
"It is a bit underwhelming at this distance. You may find it more appealing down on the surface."
"Are we going now?" Kajath asked, voice a harmonious rumbling through multiple throats.
"Yes, I believe so. A quick preliminary jaunt, to get the blood flowing- or lymph," I added quickly, seeing the swarmnode begin to object. "No serious surveying today, that can wait for when we're better rested."
That seemed to perk them right up. I did my best to suppress a smile.
*****
The shuttle touched down on Earth's surface, none too gently. Even without tongue flicking, I could taste the excitement.
"Alright," I said, voice tinny through the rebreather. "If anyone experiences any malfunction whatsoever in their life support or their ceptor interface, they're to report it immediately. As always, safety is paramount. Stay within sight of the group at all times unless specifically permitted, and if permitted, stay within comms. Are we all understood?"
A few affirmative gestures; Kajath hummed, Valish's beak clicked. The swarmnode's jellied compound eyes changed color.
I paused for a moment, unable to resist a theatrical flourish. "Alright. Disembark."
******
"What was this settlement called?" Maelorn asked over the comm.
"Instructor spent several lectures on it. And it was one of those discussed in the briefing. Anyone know?"
Quiet for a moment, nobody wanting to admit how little of the reading they'd finished.
"Vaygess?" Valish commed, hesitantly.
"Excellent. Good attempt at the pronunciation, too; we can't be entirely sure, but we think that's fairly close."
I think I saw her preen a bit, while Maelorn looked slightly sullen. Still, everyone was too enraptured with the expedition to care much.
"Not a particularly large settlement, compared to others on this continent. But it was frequented by millions of the dominant life forms."
"Some kind of temple?" Maelorn asked.
"A typical first guess for many researchers. And not impossible, but hard to prove."
Exploration took another two cyrra before we reached the edge of the survey boundary. I contemplated turning us back to the shuttle when Kajath longingly suggested we investigate one of the temple-structures. I could tell he wasn't alone in wanting to. Although it was hardly regulation, I had to admit other crews had done similar things before, and I felt my resolve waver a bit.
"Alright. Only for a moment. It hasn't been recorded yet, so take extra pains not to damage anything."
******
The antechamber was vast, full of banks of strange, primitive machines. Each was tall, positioned before a seat, and has some sort of viewing screen with three small panels on it. Although I was embarrassed to admit it, I couldn't imagine what kind of ritual function such machines could possibly serve.
My assistants were clearly in awe. Deservedly so, perhaps. They were the first life forms in this structure in perhaps two krotaans.
"Professor?" commed Valish.
"Yes?"
"This might not be the time, but... Lectures never mentioned what exactly happened to this world. It wasn't in the briefing either." I sensed the others become interested even as they wandered the temple.
"Oh? You're quite certain of that?"
"Yes," she said, not fully masking a hint of uncertainty.
"Well, you are correct. It's not fully understood what happened. Most likely it was a protracted event, generations of atmospheric pollutants, conflicts involving crude fission-based weapons. But ecological specialists believe the final spark in the pyre-"
I was interrupted. There was a hideous cracking sound and several yelps of terror that set my hearts pounding. The structure's floor had given way under Maelorn. He had fallen into some sort of subterranean room beneath the floor.
******
We were all at the edge of the hole in moments, unable to make out anything below in the low light except some scattered debris. I cursed myself quietly. Maelorn must have been fooling around- why wasn't I watching? Why had I allowed this unauthorized exploration? There would be an inquiry from the Council. Even worse if Maelorn was hurt.
I was suddenly aware of how alone we were on this planet. The nearest help was on the Scroungehound in orbit. We might not even be able to reach them for help. I could neither leave Maelorn alone while some of us went for the shuttle, nor send others alone while I stayed with him. There was no help for us out here. I quelled the urge to panic.
We tried to raise Maelorn by comm several times. On the third or fourth he finally responded, groggily.
"Are you hurt?" I asked.
"I... no. I'm fine. Just shaken. I can stand fine. No injury. I must have done something-"
"Never mind. Can you find a way to hoist yourself out?"
"I don't think so. But I think I see a stairwell leading back up. I... there's something down here with me."
My brain failed to process that fully. For some reason I assumed he meant something alive. "That isn't possible," I protested.
"I mean I can hear humming. See some sort of machinery."
I could make out no such thing in the dark, but Maelorn had better night vision. I vacillated a moment, uncertain whether to worry about getting him out or probing his discovery further. "Can you join your visual feed to ours?"
"I'm not sure... I'll try."
Momentarily a small panel on our vis-screens lit up to show us Maelorn's visual feed, as lit up as it could be. My hearts nearly stopped. I could see what he meant. Through the debris was a stretch of some sort of glowing blue material. It couldn't be... this close to the survey boundary, and nobody had detected it?
Maelorn commed again. "Should I investigate?"
Valish and Kajath and the swarmnode were all looking at me expectantly. The proper answer was no; safety was paramount. Getting Maelorn out was priority. We had already tested protocol too much. Still... this could be the most significant discovery in a dozen Earth expeditions.
"Fine," I said at last. "But be extremely careful."
The panel on the vidscreen changed as Maelorn advanced. I saw his stubby arm shove debris aside. The blue glowing thing was more visible now. At first I could not understand what I was seeing. But... yes. It was some sort of crude, primitive cryosuspension tube. And there was a human being inside it.
*******
It took some very creative tinkering with a tubule of nanostructors to haul Maelorn... and, of course, the cryopod. Cyrra later we were all whole and hale aboard the Scroungehound again, none the worse for our experience, but stunned with disbelief. All of us- myself, the students, even Carth the pilot, staring at the frozen human.
"What exactly is the protocol for this kind of thing?" Maelorn asked, trying to sound humorous.
"There is none," I said. "Not precisely. We've found suspended specimens before, but never from a totally extinct species. We never expected Earthers to have access to this kind of technology. Most surviving samples of their infrastructure have been comparatively primitive. It might be the case that the wealth differentials were significant enough that such advanced technology was restricted to the very highest echelons of society."
We mulled that over for a moment. The Earther looked... oddly menacing, somehow. Everything about it- how the limbs jointed, the shape of the eyes, the shape of the teeth, the texture of the skin and the hair. I had seen reconstructed skeletons, but this was different somehow. I had always prized myself on meeting new discoveries eagerly and with open mind- I believed as a scientist I had excised all fear of the unknown from myself. But I could not suppress some disquiet about the thing in that tube.
"Sir?" Kajath asked, choir-voice raised. I realized he had been trying to get my attention for some time.
"Yes?"
"You never finished your lesson planetside. How did these things die out? How could this one have survived."
I swallowed. "Well. Nobody knows for sure. But some specialists believe there was some sort of disruption in the ecology of the planet. The dominant life forms were... being challenged for their dominant place in the food web, possibly by another indigenous life form. Something mutated by the conditions on the planet, perhaps. The conflict grew so great that the entire chain of life on the planet was disrupted. Entire linchpin species went extinct, maybe through fission weapons, maybe because the rival life form was an effective enough predator to eliminate entire ecosystems. It's only speculation, of course."
"So this one froze itself?"
"Well. Perhaps in the last days of this struggle, it retreated into cryosuspension in an attempt to wait the whole affair out."
That gave us all a moment to think.
"We... you must all be very tired. It was a taxing expedition. Best we get some sleep for now, and when we awaken we can contact someone on the Prime Science Council. They may choose to redefine our mission parameters, or send another ship to pick this up... or something else. We shall see."
I tried to show an optimistic smile for everyone, but the unease in the group was palpable. With no particular hurry, we drifted off to our sleeping quarters.
None of us thought it necessary to keep watch on the thing in the tube. It couldn't go anywhere. The thought never occurred to us.
******
For whatever reason, I did not set the REM-projector on lucid that night. Instead I allowed myself to dream naturally, disturbing, unsettling dreams, in which the Earth-thing in the tube featured prominently. I jolted awake only 3 cyrra into my slumber with Kajath and Carth shaking me.
"What?" I asked, groggy and angry. "What is it-"
"The pod!" Carth growled. "It's hissing! It seems to be opening!"
Panic forced me awake. I bounded into the commons area where we had left the cursed thing. Carth and Kajath and Valish and the swarmnode were behind me. Maelorn was already in the commons, cowering. My first thought was the young fool must have opened it himself, eager to inspect his little discovery.
"What have you done-"
I realized Maelorn was paralyzed with fear, aware of me but not turning to face me. One outstretched limb pointed to the cryopod. It was not opening. It had opened.
We stared in hushed awe as the human, freed of the suspension fluid, glucose-drips still hooked into major veins, writhed in senseless half-sleep. It was making noises. Horrible, disturbing noises that shook me to my core.
I advanced, gently pushing Maelorn behind me. "H... hello," I said. "Are... can you hear me? Are you awake?" What are you thinking, fool? He won't understand you. But he might be able to tell from my tone and body posture that I was not a threat, and I had to say something.
"Hello! Earthman. We are not a threat to you. We... we're archaeologists. Scientists. Are you well?"
I realized that the thing in the tube was still writhing. Not with grogginess. With pain. A thought occurred to me. We believed this frozen Earther was a wealthy example of the species who had retreated from the horrors of natural devastation. But it might be otherwise. Perhaps this thing was not a refugee from the cataclysm, but a victim- a patient taken for study.
That thought entered my head just as the mosquito- proboscis dripping red, eyes staring soullessly, buzzing with angry fury, ripped its way out of the human's torso. The humans had been at war with their most vicious natural competitor- a competitor that had grown too powerful for them to possibly resist. And now it was here.
Attractor help us all.

I’m the third Totk trailer we saw some huge greudo desert ruins underground that looked kinda like the fire temple. Where is this located? I can’t find it anywhere in the depths in the desert section. When I try looking it up on Google it doesn’t come up I can’t find anything on it.

MASSIVE TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ mention of various forms of abuse including SA, mention of suicide in some detail, mention of death
PREFACE
I understand this is the internet and I cannot expect people to have grace or mercy on me for any of this. All I can do is ask that if you’re going to give me your input, that you try and be as kind as possible. My heart is hurting and I really don’t feel I am in a place to hear that I need to entirely -drop- this therapist right now. My background of abuse and trauma will hopefully explain why that is, but I am not ready to let go. I am mostly posting this to vent, but also hoping that if anyone does have any advice that could help me even just in the short term with coping, that it will be gently shared.
BACKGROUND
I will try and keep this as short and sweet as possible but there’s a whole lot of history here. I am 27F, and I grew up in an unimaginably abusive home. Sex trafficking, severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from my father and my older brother (very patriarchal family), and a slew of very complicated and scary health issues including a liver disease and cancer. My family set me up to never be able to move out or live independently because they genuinely have viewed me to be their property. The severity of this can hopefully be summed up in just a few example:

• Was never allowed to even get myself a glass of water in the kitchen or learn to cook • Was not potty trained and had to rely on my mom to go to the bathroom into my teenage years • Drinking only from sippy cups until teenage years • Location monitored on my phone • Every credit card transaction / finance watched closely • Could not move away from college 

My brother was allowed and able to do all these things, but I was not. My entire life, teachers and “adults” that were supposed to catch these things did not even bat an eye. They instead placed me in remedial classes and ESL assuming that I just had a learning disability or a language barrier (which I do not). When I told teachers in the past about my abuse, it was handled extremely poorly and no authorities ever got involved. My life felt worthless; meaningless. Like I could scream from the rooftops of my school that I was being abused and no one cared.
This past January, I did the unthinkable. I left my family and got my own apartment. Friends, therapists, coworkers, everyone who remotely knew me has been pushing me to do this for years and I genuinely thought I would die in my situation. I developed severe Stockholm syndrome so a huge part of my lack of leaving was due to my own internal thought patterns. I did it through the help of my current therapist, which is my… fourth? therapist that’s attempted to help. The last ones took advantage of how naive I was and hurt me (one of them has been arrested). This therapist, however, invested everything to get me out. He really wanted to see me free. And I am forever grateful for him.
MY CURRENT THERAPIST & BACKSTORY
I started seeing this therapist early in 2022 when I was still living with my family. I became severely bedridden and could not even go to the bathroom without my mom or dad escorting me. My anxiety and panic were at an all time high. I was on a leave of absence from work, and this therapist was the only reason I had for HAVING to get out of bed and forcing myself to drive, and most days I couldn’t even do that. He was patient, compassionate, and was willing to go to great lengths to help. Though mostly irrelevant, he’s 45M. He got into school for counseling later in life so when I started seeing him, he was just an intern under the director of the practice. At the time, the director of the practice was seeing an old time friend of mine (who happened to recently become my coworker). My friend had gotten concerned about why I wasn’t showing up to work and why I was struggling so much. I didn’t want to open up to her about it because I couldn’t open up to anyone at the time. However, my friend asked the director of the place if she knew anything about me. The director broke into my therapist’s file under the guise of “he is my intern, I can look at his stuff” and then relayed all of that information to my friend. It became an entire case against the state board and I fought tooth and nail to get that director in trouble. In the end, nothing was done and in retaliation, the director fired my therapist and I had to wait until my therapist found a new job in order to see him (he was pre-graduation by just a few weeks so he couldn’t ethically talk to me until he had another practice). During the worst moments of my life, I was without my therapist (no fault of his, and he checked on me frequently), but it was really only for a few weeks. To me that was a lot since I had been going 2-3 times a week, sometimes 4 because of my situation.
THE CRYSTAL AND THE SAGE
My therapist had gone out of town briefly and came back with a crystal he got. He told me when he purchased it he knew he wanted to give it to someone. And he said that it made him think of me and he wants me to have it. He said he wants it to be a reminder that he cares and others care and that it represents my truth to hold close. Months later, he went on another trip and said he got sage that someone gave him that was super special and he wanted me to have it. He was very invested in making sure I felt like he cares and has my back. I was never into spirituality in the same way as him so I respectfully accepted his kindness but kind of scoffed at him. It became more of a joke.
HOW MY BROTHER AND MY THERAPIST STARTED TEXTING
The director of the previous practice had tried to harass me with a fake number, as well as to my therapist. She wanted to try and get us to drop the case, I guess? When I continued to get texts from fake numbers, my therapist asked me to give him the number that was blowing up my phone. It turns out, timing was absolutely terrible. My brother (who moved out of state) was the one who started harassing me. My parents/brother allowed me to go to therapy to “work on my panic attacks” but they began hating the fact that my therapist was helping me become independent. My brother was outraged and texted me anonymously to kill myself. Because I still thought at the time that it was the director of the place, I went ahead and shared the number with my therapist. And that’s how it all began.
THE VIDEO THREATS FROM MY THERAPIST
Things got out of hand over the months. My therapist felt extremely protective of me and a “savior complex” kicked in. The reasoning for this is worth noting / important. My therapist lost his sister to suicide when they were young, and he also lost his father shortly after. His sister apparently had also been assaulted and my therapist had mentioned to me before how he views me as a friend, someone to protect, like a sister. He admitted his struggle with transference and said his main and only concern was to get me to move out of my family’s house. To take a leap of faith. He was desperate to do that. He offered to help me get an apartment near him so he could help me out, he offered to babysit my dog for me (my golden retriever is my emotional support animal that my parents have used as a bargaining chip), he offered to see me in therapy 5 times a week if I just moved. I just wasn’t ready. But my brother would not relent.
My therapist still does not know that I know this, but my brother showed me some of the videos my therapist sent him. Three separate threatening videos. In them, my therapist was shirtless with a ski mask on saying he was part of the FBI and that if my brother didn’t behave himself, that he would have his people come after him. My brother said that I was threatening him and that if I didn’t get this man to stop, it would be trouble. My therapist got extremely activated and decided to take it as a challenge.
My therapist also at some points asked my brother “how to assault me” because he wanted to know what my brother did/wanted him to admit it. But if an outsider saw the texts, it would seem like my therapist was asking to participate in assaulting me. It looked HORRIBLY incriminating.
THE MOVE OUT
I got the courage one night. Drove my dog over to my therapist’s house and moved in with a friend while I apartment hunted. My therapist was incredibly proud of me and poured so much love and care into my dog. I truly felt hopeful and optimistic and I eventually applied for my own apartment and got approved. Because of severe Stockholm syndrome and lack of knowing how to do ANYTHING, I would end up visiting home (somehow, they allowed that and I did not die!)
THE ASSAULT
Long story short (I am not super comfortable going into this part), people from the temple I was sex trafficked in (linked with my family), showed up and assaulted me at gun point in a van. I told my therapist. He was extremely upset on my behalf and called the police. He told me it was essential that I get restraining orders and that I stop going over to my parents house even if I have Stockholm syndrome. He said he could no longer be patient on that because I was actively being attacked. I told him I was still too nervous to go no contact and I could tell he was frustrated with me.
WHEN MY THERAPIST SECRETLY SAT OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT*
My brother / someone from the temple decided to start things up once he figured out the person he was texting earlier was in fact my therapist. He threatened my therapist and challenged him to meet up. My brother was bluffing but my therapist took it seriously. My therapist arranged to meet him outside my apartment at 9pm that night. I had a weird gut feeling so I texted my therapist that night and asked him not to do anything stupid, but I had no idea what he had up his sleeve. Without telling me, my therapist sat outside my apartment waiting for my brother (who never showed) to meet him. Why my therapist chose to meet him RIGHT OUTSIDE my new residence was extremely irresponsible.
I went to take my dog out to the bathroom that night and my friend and I were hanging out. She noticed a dark car with someone sitting and staring with a mask on. We walked closer and it was my therapist. I yelled at him because I was so worried he would’ve gotten shot or attacked and that he would get hurt as a result of trying to fight. My therapist apologized and was so embarrassed. He awkwardly said “you weren’t supposed to know about this…” and drove off full force. We hopped in my friends car and followed him to wherever he tried to run off to. He then promised me he would leave. About 20 mins later, my friend and I decide to go out to get food and we see him sitting in another part of my apartment complex still ready to fight. I was so upset that he lied to me multiple times and that he was risking his life. What would’ve happened if he got attacked? But my therapist apologized again and said “I just need to look him in the eye” implying he was ready to kill.
THE DREAMS ABOUT MY THERAPIST’S LATE SISTER
As my therapist had told me, his sister had passed away from suicide when they were young. He admitted to have transference in a way where he viewed me in a sisterly way. For a while, I continually had dreams about his sister and it was very weird. I told him I don’t believe in a lot of things like crystals or burning sage but that these dreams felt incredibly vivid. In the dreams, her sister was assuring me that my therapist was sent in my life to be the brother I couldn’t have. That he was sent to me as a brother, and I to him as a sister.
THE HOSPITAL
Just within the span of days after he showed up to my apartment, I was hospitalized due to complications with my liver, and I reached out to my family for help. My therapist was upset with me for interacting with my family at all. My therapist even visited me in the hospital and said that I don’t need to call my family for help and that I have him and my other friends who will have my back. After I was discharged from the hospital, I asked my therapist if I could take my dog back for at least a weekend (he took my dog in while I went to the hospital in order to help me. He said he would hang onto him while I recovered and caught up on rest). So when he gave me my dog for the weekend, out of guilt, I took my dog with me to visit my family. I just felt the need to run back. My dad manipulated me a lot about missing my dog so I felt obligated.
MY THERAPIST’S FRUSTRATION
I admitted to my therapist that I had taken my dog to my parents for the weekend (after I already gave him my dog back). My therapist was so upset about it. He had put so much love and time into my dog and helping me, and then I took him back to the hands of my abusers. This is when him pulling back began. He felt like he was doing all of this extraneous stuff for me and I was just taking steps back.
THE SUICIDE METHOD
As he got over his frustration a little bit, I became very suicidal to the point where I purchased a rope and planned it out. I made him the beneficiary of my bank accounts as a thank you to him for everything. He told me he would do what he could to help me. He said I could bring my dog back to him if I just need a life break. He didn’t know I had the rope but he knew I was thinking suicide. When I went back to drop my dog off, I admitted I had a rope. I gave it to him. He realized I was genuinely going to kill myself and was so grateful I told him the truth. He told me he would be there for me to help me through it. Showed me grace and compassion and everything.
THE MAJOR PULLBACK
No warning. No indication. My therapist immediately pulled back. Hard. He told me to call him later that week (I usually have therapy 3x a week but he was out of town), and so I did as he said and called him to update him. He immediately flipped out. “Ugh, I cannot be in anything extra to your therapy space. I am going through things on my own and I need to pull back. I can’t take calls any hour of the day anymore. I can’t take your dog. You don’t even listen to me anyway. You do what you want and go to your parents. So, I don’t know what to say. I am committed to you as your therapist but that’s it. If you feel suicidal outside of that, go to a hospital and get sedated.” I was absolutely crushed and felt so awful and guilty like I did something wrong. I didn’t want to bother him. I didn’t want to lose him. He made me feel loved and cared for (platonically, as a brother) and I felt so safe with him. Until this moment. He was very hung up on the fact that I kept going home to my family despite his efforts.
After calming down he explained how he feels like he needs to step back because his emotions shouldn’t affect my therapy and that he’s doing it to help me. But it felt very selfish. He over exerted himself by showing up to my apartment and sending threatening videos when I never asked for it, all because HE wanted to. And now he pulls back because HE wants to. None of his decisions were based on what I would feel, but what would best serve him.
THE RELAPSE AND THE DREAMS
Because my therapist stepped back so hard, I relapsed and said “screw it” / went back to my parents. I still had my apartment but I backslid majorly.
During this time I was so distraught. This therapist made me feel supported. And no, I didn’t attach onto him in an unhealthy way where he became my only hope. But he did feel like the brother I wished I had, and he felt like such a deep and important part of my life and I was devastated.
I started having dreams again about his sister and I cried. I felt like I was given this gift and then it was taken away.
THE BACK AND FORTH
My therapist began telling me that he thinks I should have additional support in this season especially while he “takes a break from extraneous stuff” with me. He said when he was younger and going through things, he had two therapists.
A week later I told him I found a second therapist and he said: “ummm I don’t know. I feel protective over that. Maybe don’t get a second one. Find a support group but I don’t want you seeing another one.”
I stood my ground and said I might still find one and he said “well then make sure the other one is a woman and is closely in touch with me.”
It felt very wishy washy and he did a lot of similar things like this for a while.
But when I listened to him and decided against a second therapist, he pulled back again. He said he wouldn’t take any more texts or calls outside of session once again and made me feel like an obsessed freak when I wasn’t even really doing much at all. Or asking for anything.
VISITING MY THERAPIST’S LATE SISTER’S GRAVE
My therapist is a famous author and singesong writer. Online, it’s very easy to find his sister’s name and I did some digging and found out where her grave is located. I was feeling really awful, like I was grieving the loss myself which is so incredibly psychotic. I know. But it more so felt like I was grieving the loss of this brotherly love I once felt from my therapist. But it’s been a couple months at this point and he still refuses to take texts or calls, and is very argumentative and angry in sessions. And I just wanted to take some flowers to the grave in private, not tell him, and just accept that he can’t be what I needed him to be for me.
MY FAMILY FINDS OUT
When I went to the cemetery, the place was huge. So I had to go into the office and ask for the location of his sister’s grave. They gave me a piece of paper with her name and grave location on it and I eventually just threw it in my wallet. My dad stumbled upon my wallet while I was at home one of the days and noticed the last name and asked me if I was still seeing my therapist. They don’t like him for obvious reasons. But I admitted to my parents that I do still see my therapist and that he’s more like family than they’d ever be. They abused me. But I stood in my truth. At the end of the day I will not deny that my therapist DID help me immensely and if that means I have to be abused for the truth, I’ll do it.
MY THERAPIST INSISTS ON INFORMATION
He knew that I was hiding something. I told him my family was abusive again but I didn’t say why. He spent an entire session saying he needs to know what happened. I said no multiple times and that I didn’t want to talk about it. He used language like “you have to tell me before you leave my office” and “if you care so much about me you’ll tell me.” He even told me he was going to take my hand and promise me that he won’t react. He held it and looked me in the eye and promised he’d meet me with compassion. I refused. He then asked me if I’ve been lying to him. Deceptive. It broke me and I felt like it was just such an insult. But I stayed strong and he apologized for bothering me about it.
Last week comes around and it feels like such a hindrance. He’s continuing to be short with me and not answer my texts, not taking emergency calls, and just… is continuing to be cold. I even texted him that I was genuinely feeling suicidal and he told me he can’t help me outside of session. Period.
So then after my latest session, I told him I’d text him what happened because I was too uncomfortable to say it. I told him I visited his sister’s grave, about the dreams, everything. I said I felt really hurt at his pullback and how it felt selfish.
He responded by gaslighting me endlessly and it absolutely crushed me furthermore. He responded as follows:
“Ok crystals and dreams? I don’t believe in them. I don’t believe that was my sister. I don’t know how I feel about you visiting her grave. I am not your brother and I can’t be your brother. And yes it was a nice gesture I guess but clearly you are focusing on the wrong thing. Let’s not talk about the weeds and the details. Let’s focus on you.” And completely shut down any further conversation about it.
In the past I have insisted and begged him to process him showing up at my apartment with me because I am still shaken up. He just always says “I never should’ve gotten involved like that but we are NOT going to talk about this ever again” and has always refused to hear how I felt about it.
He went back on vacation this past weekend and refused to take my call when I needed help, refused to text me, or anything. I called off work two days in a row because I was so devastated at his anger toward me and the gaslighting. It felt so unfair. I wanted to talk to him over the weekend because I was genuinely so hurt and felt like I truly lost him. He didn’t care.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE?
I had an appointment in person tonight. First in person one since I told him about everything. I am embarrassed and feel so guilty that I visited his sister’s grave behind his back. It makes me feel psychotic. But at least I was honest and didn’t wait until I got caught / did not gaslight him.
I have a major surgery tomorrow and he won’t help me with my dog. I’ve gone back to my parents for now until I am recovered.
I want to tell him how hurt I am but I have tried that. He never understands. I miss him. As a brother.
I ended up going to session and he asked me why I feel off in therapy. He literally said “other than me slightly having to pull back right now what have I really done?”
I don’t know if I ever can get him to see my side or my pain in this.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Again I know the majority of people will want to come at my therapist or me for doing wrong things. I know it doesn’t seem like this, but he really isn’t intentionally manipulative or gaslight-y, he’s just trying to regulate himself.
I have grace for him. And for myself. So please, please try and respond with compassion. I don’t want to lose him. But I feel like I kind of am.
What are your overall thoughts, in the most gentle way possible? Was I wrong for telling him the truth about the grave?

I am an independent contractor currently contracted with a delivery company. My company (Corporation) that I personally own, is located in Virginia. The company I am contracted with provides delivery services to a big box retailer through third party contractors, like myself. I deliver appliances & household goods for a particular retailer. I have an agreed upon price of $50 per stop/delivery in my contract. Recently, I was told that if my customer survey satisfaction percentage fell under 70%, that I would be docked $2 per stop/delivery. (My rate would go down to $48) I never agreed to this deduction in my original contract & no new contracts have been sent out or signed by myself or any other contractors & quite frankly, us contractors consider it wage theft. I've done a fair amount of research, but can't seem to figure out if what the company I contract with can legally do this or not. Basically, what I'm asking is....Is the company I am contracted with allowed to withhold wages from myself & all other contractors solely based on customer satisfaction survey results? I have no idea who came up with this rule, where the deducted money goes, or if it's even legal. Us contractors are literally being docked pay, or could be docked pay, due to the fact that customers aren't giving us all 5 stars. I am paid to deliver, that is it. I always try to make the retailer's customers happy & generally always do, but I get paid to do a service. Now I'm being told that my agreed upon pay will be docked if this particular retailer's customers aren't giving me stellar reviews, despite the fact that I provided their delivery service. Can a contractor who performs a service for an agreed upon amount have wages taken away from them in this manner in the state of Virginia? I'm so angry right now & need someone to point me in the right direction. I know independent contractors are a whole different ballpark than employees, but I'm not too keen on anyone taking money out of my pocket. Thanks! Sorry if this is the wrong section, feel free to tell me to kick rocks if I should have posted this somewhere else.

MASSIVE TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ mention of various forms of abuse including SA, mention of suicide in some detail, mention of death
PREFACE
I understand this is the internet and I cannot expect people to have grace or mercy on me for any of this. All I can do is ask that if you’re going to give me your input, that you try and be as kind as possible. My heart is hurting and I really don’t feel I am in a place to hear that I need to entirely -drop- this therapist right now. My background of abuse and trauma will hopefully explain why that is, but I am not ready to let go. I am mostly posting this to vent, but also hoping that if anyone does have any advice that could help me even just in the short term with coping, that it will be gently shared.
BACKGROUND
I will try and keep this as short and sweet as possible but there’s a whole lot of history here. I am 27F, and I grew up in an unimaginably abusive home. Sex trafficking, severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from my father and my older brother (very patriarchal family), and a slew of very complicated and scary health issues including a liver disease and cancer. My family set me up to never be able to move out or live independently because they genuinely have viewed me to be their property. The severity of this can hopefully be summed up in just a few example:

• Was never allowed to even get myself a glass of water in the kitchen or learn to cook • Was not potty trained and had to rely on my mom to go to the bathroom into my teenage years • Drinking only from sippy cups until teenage years • Location monitored on my phone • Every credit card transaction / finance watched closely • Could not move away from college 

My brother was allowed and able to do all these things, but I was not. My entire life, teachers and “adults” that were supposed to catch these things did not even bat an eye. They instead placed me in remedial classes and ESL assuming that I just had a learning disability or a language barrier (which I do not). When I told teachers in the past about my abuse, it was handled extremely poorly and no authorities ever got involved. My life felt worthless; meaningless. Like I could scream from the rooftops of my school that I was being abused and no one cared.
This past January, I did the unthinkable. I left my family and got my own apartment. Friends, therapists, coworkers, everyone who remotely knew me has been pushing me to do this for years and I genuinely thought I would die in my situation. I developed severe Stockholm syndrome so a huge part of my lack of leaving was due to my own internal thought patterns. I did it through the help of my current therapist, which is my… fourth? therapist that’s attempted to help. The last ones took advantage of how naive I was and hurt me (one of them has been arrested). This therapist, however, invested everything to get me out. He really wanted to see me free. And I am forever grateful for him.
MY CURRENT THERAPIST & BACKSTORY
I started seeing this therapist early in 2022 when I was still living with my family. I became severely bedridden and could not even go to the bathroom without my mom or dad escorting me. My anxiety and panic were at an all time high. I was on a leave of absence from work, and this therapist was the only reason I had for HAVING to get out of bed and forcing myself to drive, and most days I couldn’t even do that. He was patient, compassionate, and was willing to go to great lengths to help. Though mostly irrelevant, he’s 45M. He got into school for counseling later in life so when I started seeing him, he was just an intern under the director of the practice. At the time, the director of the practice was seeing an old time friend of mine (who happened to recently become my coworker). My friend had gotten concerned about why I wasn’t showing up to work and why I was struggling so much. I didn’t want to open up to her about it because I couldn’t open up to anyone at the time. However, my friend asked the director of the place if she knew anything about me. The director broke into my therapist’s file under the guise of “he is my intern, I can look at his stuff” and then relayed all of that information to my friend. It became an entire case against the state board and I fought tooth and nail to get that director in trouble. In the end, nothing was done and in retaliation, the director fired my therapist and I had to wait until my therapist found a new job in order to see him (he was pre-graduation by just a few weeks so he couldn’t ethically talk to me until he had another practice). During the worst moments of my life, I was without my therapist (no fault of his, and he checked on me frequently), but it was really only for a few weeks. To me that was a lot since I had been going 2-3 times a week, sometimes 4 because of my situation.
THE CRYSTAL AND THE SAGE
My therapist had gone out of town briefly and came back with a crystal he got. He told me when he purchased it he knew he wanted to give it to someone. And he said that it made him think of me and he wants me to have it. He said he wants it to be a reminder that he cares and others care and that it represents my truth to hold close. Months later, he went on another trip and said he got sage that someone gave him that was super special and he wanted me to have it. He was very invested in making sure I felt like he cares and has my back. I was never into spirituality in the same way as him so I respectfully accepted his kindness but kind of scoffed at him. It became more of a joke.
HOW MY BROTHER AND MY THERAPIST STARTED TEXTING
The director of the previous practice had tried to harass me with a fake number, as well as to my therapist. She wanted to try and get us to drop the case, I guess? When I continued to get texts from fake numbers, my therapist asked me to give him the number that was blowing up my phone. It turns out, timing was absolutely terrible. My brother (who moved out of state) was the one who started harassing me. My parents/brother allowed me to go to therapy to “work on my panic attacks” but they began hating the fact that my therapist was helping me become independent. My brother was outraged and texted me anonymously to kill myself. Because I still thought at the time that it was the director of the place, I went ahead and shared the number with my therapist. And that’s how it all began.
THE VIDEO THREATS FROM MY THERAPIST
Things got out of hand over the months. My therapist felt extremely protective of me and a “savior complex” kicked in. The reasoning for this is worth noting / important. My therapist lost his sister to suicide when they were young, and he also lost his father shortly after. His sister apparently had also been assaulted and my therapist had mentioned to me before how he views me as a friend, someone to protect, like a sister. He admitted his struggle with transference and said his main and only concern was to get me to move out of my family’s house. To take a leap of faith. He was desperate to do that. He offered to help me get an apartment near him so he could help me out, he offered to babysit my dog for me (my golden retriever is my emotional support animal that my parents have used as a bargaining chip), he offered to see me in therapy 5 times a week if I just moved. I just wasn’t ready. But my brother would not relent.
My therapist still does not know that I know this, but my brother showed me some of the videos my therapist sent him. Three separate threatening videos. In them, my therapist was shirtless with a ski mask on saying he was part of the FBI and that if my brother didn’t behave himself, that he would have his people come after him. My brother said that I was threatening him and that if I didn’t get this man to stop, it would be trouble. My therapist got extremely activated and decided to take it as a challenge.
My therapist also at some points asked my brother “how to assault me” because he wanted to know what my brother did/wanted him to admit it. But if an outsider saw the texts, it would seem like my therapist was asking to participate in assaulting me. It looked HORRIBLY incriminating.
THE MOVE OUT
I got the courage one night. Drove my dog over to my therapist’s house and moved in with a friend while I apartment hunted. My therapist was incredibly proud of me and poured so much love and care into my dog. I truly felt hopeful and optimistic and I eventually applied for my own apartment and got approved. Because of severe Stockholm syndrome and lack of knowing how to do ANYTHING, I would end up visiting home (somehow, they allowed that and I did not die!)
THE ASSAULT
Long story short (I am not super comfortable going into this part), people from the temple I was sex trafficked in (linked with my family), showed up and assaulted me at gun point in a van. I told my therapist. He was extremely upset on my behalf and called the police. He told me it was essential that I get restraining orders and that I stop going over to my parents house even if I have Stockholm syndrome. He said he could no longer be patient on that because I was actively being attacked. I told him I was still too nervous to go no contact and I could tell he was frustrated with me.
WHEN MY THERAPIST SECRETLY SAT OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT
My brother / someone from the temple decided to start things up once he figured out the person he was texting earlier was in fact my therapist. He threatened my therapist and challenged him to meet up. My brother was bluffing but my therapist took it seriously. My therapist arranged to meet him outside my apartment at 9pm that night. I had a weird gut feeling so I texted my therapist that night and asked him not to do anything stupid, but I had no idea what he had up his sleeve. Without telling me, my therapist sat outside my apartment waiting for my brother (who never showed) to meet him. Why my therapist chose to meet him RIGHT OUTSIDE my new residence was extremely irresponsible.
I went to take my dog out to the bathroom that night and my friend and I were hanging out. She noticed a dark car with someone sitting and staring with a mask on. We walked closer and it was my therapist. I yelled at him because I was so worried he would’ve gotten shot or attacked and that he would get hurt as a result of trying to fight. My therapist apologized and was so embarrassed. He awkwardly said “you weren’t supposed to know about this…” and drove off full force. We hopped in my friends car and followed him to wherever he tried to run off to. He then promised me he would leave. About 20 mins later, my friend and I decide to go out to get food and we see him sitting in another part of my apartment complex still ready to fight. I was so upset that he lied to me multiple times and that he was risking his life. What would’ve happened if he got attacked? But my therapist apologized again and said “I just need to look him in the eye” implying he was ready to kill.
THE DREAMS ABOUT MY THERAPIST’S LATE SISTER
As my therapist had told me, his sister had passed away from suicide when they were young. He admitted to have transference in a way where he viewed me in a sisterly way. For a while, I continually had dreams about his sister and it was very weird. I told him I don’t believe in a lot of things like crystals or burning sage but that these dreams felt incredibly vivid. In the dreams, her sister was assuring me that my therapist was sent in my life to be the brother I couldn’t have. That he was sent to me as a brother, and I to him as a sister.
THE HOSPITAL
Just within the span of days after he showed up to my apartment, I was hospitalized due to complications with my liver, and I reached out to my family for help. My therapist was upset with me for interacting with my family at all. My therapist even visited me in the hospital and said that I don’t need to call my family for help and that I have him and my other friends who will have my back. After I was discharged from the hospital, I asked my therapist if I could take my dog back for at least a weekend (he took my dog in while I went to the hospital in order to help me. He said he would hang onto him while I recovered and caught up on rest). So when he gave me my dog for the weekend, out of guilt, I took my dog with me to visit my family. I just felt the need to run back. My dad manipulated me a lot about missing my dog so I felt obligated.
MY THERAPIST’S FRUSTRATION
I admitted to my therapist that I had taken my dog to my parents for the weekend (after I already gave him my dog back). My therapist was so upset about it. He had put so much love and time into my dog and helping me, and then I took him back to the hands of my abusers. This is when him pulling back began. He felt like he was doing all of this extraneous stuff for me and I was just taking steps back.
THE SUICIDE METHOD
As he got over his frustration a little bit, I became very suicidal to the point where I purchased a rope and planned it out. I made him the beneficiary of my bank accounts as a thank you to him for everything. He told me he would do what he could to help me. He said I could bring my dog back to him if I just need a life break. He didn’t know I had the rope but he knew I was thinking suicide. When I went back to drop my dog off, I admitted I had a rope. I gave it to him. He realized I was genuinely going to kill myself and was so grateful I told him the truth. He told me he would be there for me to help me through it. Showed me grace and compassion and everything.
THE MAJOR PULLBACK
No warning. No indication. My therapist immediately pulled back. Hard. He told me to call him later that week (I usually have therapy 3x a week but he was out of town), and so I did as he said and called him to update him. He immediately flipped out. “Ugh, I cannot be in anything extra to your therapy space. I am going through things on my own and I need to pull back. I can’t take calls any hour of the day anymore. I can’t take your dog. You don’t even listen to me anyway. You do what you want and go to your parents. So, I don’t know what to say. I am committed to you as your therapist but that’s it. If you feel suicidal outside of that, go to a hospital and get sedated.” I was absolutely crushed and felt so awful and guilty like I did something wrong. I didn’t want to bother him. I didn’t want to lose him. He made me feel loved and cared for (platonically, as a brother) and I felt so safe with him. Until this moment. He was very hung up on the fact that I kept going home to my family despite his efforts.
After calming down he explained how he feels like he needs to step back because his emotions shouldn’t affect my therapy and that he’s doing it to help me. But it felt very selfish. He over exerted himself by showing up to my apartment and sending threatening videos when I never asked for it, all because HE wanted to. And now he pulls back because HE wants to. None of his decisions were based on what I would feel, but what would best serve him.
THE RELAPSE AND THE DREAMS
Because my therapist stepped back so hard, I relapsed and said “screw it” / went back to my parents. I still had my apartment but I backslid majorly.
During this time I was so distraught. This therapist made me feel supported. And no, I didn’t attach onto him in an unhealthy way where he became my only hope. But he did feel like the brother I wished I had, and he felt like such a deep and important part of my life and I was devastated.
I started having dreams again about his sister and I cried. I felt like I was given this gift and then it was taken away.
THE BACK AND FORTH
My therapist began telling me that he thinks I should have additional support in this season especially while he “takes a break from extraneous stuff” with me. He said when he was younger and going through things, he had two therapists.
A week later I told him I found a second therapist and he said: “ummm I don’t know. I feel protective over that. Maybe don’t get a second one. Find a support group but I don’t want you seeing another one.”
I stood my ground and said I might still find one and he said “well then make sure the other one is a woman and is closely in touch with me.”
It felt very wishy washy and he did a lot of similar things like this for a while.
But when I listened to him and decided against a second therapist, he pulled back again. He said he wouldn’t take any more texts or calls outside of session once again and made me feel like an obsessed freak when I wasn’t even really doing much at all. Or asking for anything.
VISITING MY THERAPIST’S LATE SISTER’S GRAVE
My therapist is a famous author and singesong writer. Online, it’s very easy to find his sister’s name and I did some digging and found out where her grave is located. I was feeling really awful, like I was grieving the loss myself which is so incredibly psychotic. I know. But it more so felt like I was grieving the loss of this brotherly love I once felt from my therapist. But it’s been a couple months at this point and he still refuses to take texts or calls, and is very argumentative and angry in sessions. And I just wanted to take some flowers to the grave in private, not tell him, and just accept that he can’t be what I needed him to be for me.
MY FAMILY FINDS OUT
When I went to the cemetery, the place was huge. So I had to go into the office and ask for the location of his sister’s grave. They gave me a piece of paper with her name and grave location on it and I eventually just threw it in my wallet. My dad stumbled upon my wallet while I was at home one of the days and noticed the last name and asked me if I was still seeing my therapist. They don’t like him for obvious reasons. But I admitted to my parents that I do still see my therapist and that he’s more like family than they’d ever be. They abused me. But I stood in my truth. At the end of the day I will not deny that my therapist DID help me immensely and if that means I have to be abused for the truth, I’ll do it.
MY THERAPIST INSISTS ON INFORMATION
He knew that I was hiding something. I told him my family was abusive again but I didn’t say why. He spent an entire session saying he needs to know what happened. I said no multiple times and that I didn’t want to talk about it. He used language like “you have to tell me before you leave my office” and “if you care so much about me you’ll tell me.” He even told me he was going to take my hand and promise me that he won’t react. He held it and looked me in the eye and promised he’d meet me with compassion. I refused. He then asked me if I’ve been lying to him. Deceptive. It broke me and I felt like it was just such an insult. But I stayed strong and he apologized for bothering me about it.
Last week comes around and it feels like such a hindrance. He’s continuing to be short with me and not answer my texts, not taking emergency calls, and just… is continuing to be cold. I even texted him that I was genuinely feeling suicidal and he told me he can’t help me outside of session. Period.
So then after my latest session, I told him I’d text him what happened because I was too uncomfortable to say it. I told him I visited his sister’s grave, about the dreams, everything. I said I felt really hurt at his pullback and how it felt selfish.
He responded by gaslighting me endlessly and it absolutely crushed me furthermore. He responded as follows:
“Ok crystals and dreams? I don’t believe in them. I don’t believe that was my sister. I don’t know how I feel about you visiting her grave. I am not your brother and I can’t be your brother. And yes it was a nice gesture I guess but clearly you are focusing on the wrong thing. Let’s not talk about the weeds and the details. Let’s focus on you.” And completely shut down any further conversation about it.
In the past I have insisted and begged him to process him showing up at my apartment with me because I am still shaken up. He just always says “I never should’ve gotten involved like that but we are NOT going to talk about this ever again” and has always refused to hear how I felt about it.
He went back on vacation this past weekend and refused to take my call when I needed help, refused to text me, or anything. I called off work two days in a row because I was so devastated at his anger toward me and the gaslighting. It felt so unfair. I wanted to talk to him over the weekend because I was genuinely so hurt and felt like I truly lost him. He didn’t care.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE?
I had an appointment in person tonight. First in person one since I told him about everything. I am embarrassed and feel so guilty that I visited his sister’s grave behind his back. It makes me feel psychotic. But at least I was honest and didn’t wait until I got caught / did not gaslight him.
I have a major surgery tomorrow and he won’t help me with my dog. I’ve gone back to my parents for now until I am recovered.
I want to tell him how hurt I am but I have tried that. He never understands. I miss him. As a brother.
I ended up going to session and he asked me why I feel off in therapy. He literally said “other than me slightly having to pull back right now what have I really done?”
I don’t know if I ever can get him to see my side or my pain in this.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Again I know the majority of people will want to come at my therapist or me for doing wrong things. I know it doesn’t seem like this, but he really isn’t intentionally manipulative or gaslight-y, he’s just trying to regulate himself.
I have grace for him. And for myself. So please, please try and respond with compassion. I don’t want to lose him. But I feel like I kind of am.
What are your overall thoughts, in the most gentle way possible? Was I wrong for telling him the truth about the grave?

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the world’s emerging superpower. However, it is also a country facing a growing number of economical, social, and ecological issues.
China’s GDP exceeds $11 trillion dollars, making it the second largest in the world after the US. Despite this, its rate of economic growth has sharply dropped to 6% in 2016 from 9% in 2013. The PRC has a highly centralized and government-managed economy, along with strictly regulated political life. Notwithstanding, some Chinese provinces are allowed to pursue independent economic policies.
China officially has a multi-party political system. However, in practice, there is only one party that holds significant power — the Communist Party of China (CPC), which was founded on July 1, 1921. The CPC’s ideology is based on the Marxist-Leninist doctrine introduced by Karl Marx (a Prussian economist) and Friedrich Engels (a German philosopher and businessman) in the 1880s. This doctrine was later supplemented by the theory of Socialism by Vladimir Ulyanov-Lenin (a Russian politician and revolutionary).
The doctrine postulates that society is composed of two major economic classes — the working people (exploited) and the bourgeoisie (exploiters). According to this theory, a global economic crisis will lead to a revolution, with the working class taking control of the world and the bourgeoisie being eliminated. Ultimately, capitalism will cease to exist, and communism (where goods are freely available and nobody works) will prevail. Mao Zedong, the founder of the CPC, adapted this theory to the Chinese context by including Chinese farmers in the definition of the working class.
The PRC government plays a central role in both the political and economic aspects of China. The CPC governs China through an administrative pyramid, with the Central Committee (Politburo) and the National Congress at the top.
The National Congress is comprised of over 2000 delegates who are elected mainly from local CPC committee members. This assembly convenes for a two-week session in Beijing once a year. The 22 Chinese provinces are managed by regional governors appointed by the Central Committee, and their primary objective is to fulfill the CPC’s goal of achieving GDP growth. The government operates based on five-year plans.
The list of other political parties in China includes:
Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomintang (53,000 members, representing Taiwan residents in China); China Democratic League (130,000 members, mainly composed of the middle class); China Democratic National Construction Association (69,000 members, consisting of entrepreneurs); China Association for Promoting Democracy (64,000 members, primarily intellectuals); Chinese Peasants’ and Workers’ Democratic Party (65,000 members, representing government employees); Zhigongdang of China (15,000 members, representing overseas Chinese); Jiusan Society (68,000 members, comprising individual professionals); Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (1,600 members, including prominent Chinese celebrities). All of these parties are aligned with and support the CPC in its major initiatives and policies. Opposition to the CPC is not tolerated.
Economic Review
Administratively China consists of 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities directly under the central government, and 2 special administrative regions.
China’s main economic regions:
Eastern Coastal Region: This region includes provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, as well as Shanghai. It has been a major driver of China’s economic growth due to its proximity to international trade routes and its well-developed infrastructure. The Eastern Coastal Region contributes approximately 45–50% to China’s GDP. Western Region: The Western Region comprises provinces such as Sichuan, Chongqing, and Yunnan, as well as the Tibet Autonomous Region. This region is known for its rich natural resources, including minerals, energy, and agricultural products. The Western Region contributes around 15–20% to China’s GDP. Central Region: The Central Region includes provinces such as Henan, Hubei, and Hunan. It is characterized by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The Central Region contributes roughly 15–20% to China’s GDP. Northeastern Region: The Northeastern Region consists of provinces like Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. Historically, this region was a vital industrial base for heavy machinery, mining, and manufacturing. However, it has faced economic challenges in recent years. The Northeastern Region contributes approximately 7–10% to China’s GDP. Pearl River Delta: The Pearl River Delta is a highly urbanized and economically dynamic region located in Guangdong Province. It encompasses cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan. Known as a manufacturing and export hub, it has played a pivotal role in China’s economic growth. The Pearl River Delta contributes around 10–15% to China’s GDP. Yangtze River Delta: The Yangtze River Delta region covers Shanghai and the surrounding provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It is one of the most economically developed and prosperous regions in China. With a strong focus on finance, manufacturing, and services, the Yangtze River Delta contributes approximately 20–25% to China’s GDP. China’s Latest Economic Updates
Stock Market
The Shanghai Composite rose from 2892 in November 2022 to 3284 (as of May 17, 2023).
Currency
Yuan rose from 6.7 in Jan 2023 to 7.0 as of May 17, 2023
Employment
In March 2023, China’s surveyed urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.3%, the lowest in seven months, from February’s 5.6%. Those aged 25–59 saw their jobless rate drop to 4.3% from 4.8% in February, while those aged 16–24 increased to 19.6% from 18.1%. The unemployment rate in 31 large cities and towns also declined to 5.5% from 5.7%.
Employees’ average weekly working hours across China increased to 48.7 in March from 47.9 in February. In the first quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate slightly declined to 5.5% from 5.6% in Q4 2022. The government has set a target of around 5.5% for the year, with the creation of approximately 12 million new urban jobs. China has also set a 2023 GDP growth target of about 5%.
GDP
China’s economy grew by 2.2% (SA) in Q1–2023, the third consecutive quarter of expansion following the removal of travel restrictions in Dec-2022 and a three-year crackdown on tech firms and property. However, the uneven recovery showed that while consumption, services, and infrastructure spending picked up, slowing inflation and rising bank savings led to doubts about demand.
In Mar-2023, the central bank cut lenders’ reserve requirements for the first time in 2023 and Beijing promised more fiscal stimulus.
Inflation
In April of 2023, China’s inflation rate declined to 0.1% from the previous month’s 0.7%, which was lower than anticipated. The decrease in prices for both food and non-food items was due to an unstable economic recovery after the enclosure policy was lifted. Food prices fell notably due to lower prices of pork and fresh vegetables, while non-food prices fell due to lower prices for transportation and housing. Inflation for health remained steady, while education costs increased.
Trade
Country’s exports rose unexpectedly by 14.8% YoY to a high of USD 315.59B in March 2023, rebounding sharply from a 6.8% drop in January-February combined and beating market consensus of a 7% fall. It was the first advance in shipments since September 2022 as Beijing boosts trade with developed countries and emerging economies. Steel products (53.2%) and refined products (35.1%) were the largest contributors. Exports to China’s largest partner, ASEAN, rose 35.43%, while those to the EU (3.38%) and Russia (136.43%) also increased. Conversely, exports fell to Japan (-4.8%), Taiwan (-27.6%), and the US (-7.68%), while they expanded to Australia (23.7%) and South Korea (11.3%).
SVET Analysis Space (A-):
Advantages:
Strategic location: China is located in the heart of Asia, which gives it a strategic location to engage in trade and diplomacy with neighboring countries. China also has access to the Pacific Ocean, which allows it to trade with countries in the Americas and Oceania. Natural resources: China has significant reserves of coal, iron ore, and other minerals. The country is also the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, which are essential in the manufacturing of high-tech products. This resource base has fueled China’s economic growth over the past few decades. Agricultural productivity: China has a large and fertile agricultural base, which allows it to produce significant amounts of food. The country is the world’s largest producer of rice and wheat, and it has made significant advances in crop yields through the use of technology and modern farming practices. Disadvantages:
Natural disasters: China is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and disrupt the economy. Resource depletion: China’s rapid economic growth has led to the depletion of some of its natural resources, such as water and arable land. This depletion can lead to environmental degradation and food insecurity in the future. Energy dependence: Despite having significant reserves of coal, China is also heavily dependent on imported oil and gas to meet its energy needs. This dependence makes the country vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations on the global market. Voice (C):
Pluses:
Stability: The Chinese government prioritizes maintaining stability and order in the country, which has helped to ensure social cohesion and economic growth. Economic development: China’s political system has enabled it to pursue policies that have led to rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades. Nationalism: The Chinese government emphasizes the importance of national unity and pride, which has helped to foster a strong sense of identity among Chinese citizens. Strategic planning: The government’s focus on long-term planning has enabled China to achieve its ambitious economic and geopolitical goals. Minuses:
Lack of political freedom: The Chinese government tightly controls political expression and restricts freedom of speech, assembly, and association, which has led to criticism from human rights groups. State control: The government’s control over the economy and key industries can stifle innovation and limit the potential for private sector growth. Lack of transparency: The Chinese government is known for being opaque in its decision-making processes, which can lead to uncertainty for businesses and investors. Human rights violations: The government’s policies towards ethnic minorities, such as the Uighur population in Xinjiang, have been criticized by the international community for alleged human rights abuses. Ethos (B-):
Han Chinese: The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in China, accounting for over 90% of the population. They enjoy the most favorable treatment from the government and have access to the best jobs, education, and healthcare. However, this has led to some resentment from minority groups who feel marginalized. Ethnic minorities: There are 55 recognized ethnic minority groups in China, including Tibetans, Uighurs, Mongolians, and others. They often face discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement. Some minority groups, such as the Uighurs in Xinjiang, have also been subject to government repression. Rural residents: China’s rural population is around 40% of the total population. They often have limited access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities compared to urban residents. However, the government has implemented policies to try to bridge this gap, such as investing in rural infrastructure and offering subsidies to farmers. Urban residents: China’s urban population is growing rapidly and has access to more job opportunities, education, and healthcare than rural residents. However, this has also led to increased competition for resources and rising income inequality. Time (B-):
Positive scenarios:
Continued economic growth: China’s economy has been growing rapidly over the past few decades, and it is likely to continue. This could result in increased prosperity and an improved standard of living for many Chinese citizens. Technological advancement: China has made significant strides in technology and innovation, and this trend is likely to continue. This could result in China becoming a global leader in technology, creating new industries and high-paying jobs. Improved infrastructure: China has been investing heavily in infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and new airports, which can improve transportation and connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Increased global influence: As China’s economy and political influence continue to grow, it could become a dominant player on the global stage, shaping international politics and economics. Negative scenarios:
Environmental degradation: China’s rapid economic growth has resulted in severe environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. If this trend continues, it could have severe consequences for public health and the environment. Social inequality: China’s economic growth has also created significant social inequalities, with a wealthy urban elite and a poorer rural population. This could result in social unrest and instability. Political repression: The Chinese government’s increasing control over the media and the internet, and its crackdowns on dissent, could result in greater political repression. Economic slowdown: China’s economic growth has already slowed in recent years, and if this trend continues, it could result in job losses and economic instability, which could have global consequences. Overall
The Chinese reforms were initiated by Deng Xiaoping (1978–1992) in the late 1970s. These reforms aimed to open up China to foreign investment, encourage private enterprise, and modernize various sectors of the economy. As part of these reforms, the number of directly controlled industries was drastically reduced. Additionally, the number of price-controlled goods decreased from approximately 300 to around 20.
With that said, the government still exercises strict regulatory oversight and establishes guidelines and policies that private businesses must adhere to. State-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to play a significant role in the Chinese economy and frequently receive preferential treatment and support from the government.
Those policies were continued under Jiang Zemin (1993–2003), during which China was accepted into the World Trade Organization (WTO) on December 11, 2001, and also under Hu Jintao (2003–2013). However, when Xi Jinping (2013-present) assumed power, there was a gradual shift towards increased direct control over the economy and the establishment of a more centralized system. This change was accompanied by the active implementation of mass-surveillance technologies.
That happened synchronously with the end of the world’s latest 80-year-long generational cycle, which began in the 1940s and 1950s. This cycle was characterized by massive political decentralization, resulting in the emergence of several dozen new states between 1940 and 2000. After the 2007–2008 debts debacle, this cycle of economic expansion, driven by the exploitation of readily available resources, came to a close. However, it was artificially extended for the next 15 years through the easing of monetary policies pursued simultaneously by central banks worldwide.
That led to an unprecedented growth of private businesses worldwide. It was accompanied by increased prosperity and a rising level of education across all segments of the population. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-tech industry, began to assume leading positions in the economic landscape. However, this economic progress was not accompanied by significant political reforms.
The old class of hereditary, mostly populist politicians, who often lacked education, managed to stay in power throughout that period, largely due to the outdated electoral system based on indirect political representation. However, when blockchain technologies were utilized to establish algorithmic consensus and enable effective direct governance, this new system faced resistance from entrenched political clans in all countries, resulting in its suppression.
China is currently at the forefront of this trend, with its political class focused on leveraging high-tech advancements to achieve both economic efficiency and comprehensive political control. However, there are two significant obstacles that China faces along this path.
Firstly, China is confronted with a shrinking population. In recent years, the country has undergone a substantial demographic shift characterized by an aging population and a decline in the working-age population. This is partially attributed to the one-child policy that was enforced from 1979 to 2016, resulting in a diminished labor force and a growing proportion of elderly individuals.
Secondly, there is a culmination of the resource-exploration and expansionist phase of global economic growth, accompanied by escalating political and military tensions worldwide. This situation is likely to result in a reduction of China’s import markets and an increased dependence on a less-competitive domestic market. Consequently, this could potentially lead to a scenario of stagflation, characterized by stagnant economic growth coupled with high inflationary pressures.
Faced with these fundamental challenges, it is highly probable that China will resort to aggressive and militaristic policies in an attempt to expand its territory directly or enforce its economic dominance in the Asian region through alternative means.
China is expected to continue on its trajectory towards increased global dominance through local conflicts and enhanced technological control over the economy and population over the next 15–20 years. However, this trend could be altered by a new wave of decentralization, which would require a significant deviation from current policies.
Such a shift may occur when not only the current generation of older politicians, but also the subsequent one (which is likely to further reinforce the existing trend), is replaced by “enlightened” technocrats who advocate for a return to decentralized approaches in both politics and economics.

Numero uno:
3-Me-PCP - on two ocassions I meditated and felt the shift in energy. Transcending the Levels of Consciousness i arrived at my best self. No need for anything I just am. Everything I need in life is coming my way. Then kept going redosing and had my stash confiscated. xD Even after being clean I had the most profound hallucinations when detoxing from this compound. Pure crazyness, mania over the roof.
Secondary spot:
Ketamine - First disso. I already did Molly, Tina, Lucy, Mary Jane, Alcohol but ketamine. What the heck. I was completely out of it. Not liking it. Then it shifted and I started to enjoy k-holes so much. Getting zero comedown. First I was worried about my bladder. Then I went totally crazy when I found reliable plug. It helped me stop drinking alcohol. When this happend it was Christmas and the 3-Me-PCP came to me. Everything began. World changed. Nothing was like it was before. I dont feel like sharing everything right now.
Third king:
MXiPr - first i thought china sent this to take over the world. Then I realized we were opening portals for light beings to come to this world. They want to come here and help us to find balance again. Had some nice visuals. Black outs are so easy on this one. Got me into trouble with my parents. xD
Forbidden four:
3-HO-PCP - interesting as fuk, i saw something in that opioid like state. Comfy, hard to dose, hope someday I will meet with you again.
Filthy fifth:
DMXE - Got me scared. Felt terror in my room at night. Kept doing it. As I only had a small sample. Want to research more.
Hexasix:
DCK - dont get this thing. Researching RN. It doesnt make any sense. Why all dissos produce different effects at different times. I dont understand. But as comitted researcher I will keep going and see what it has to offer. Hopefully something good.
SARVEŠAM SVASTIR BHAVATU ať jsou všichni tvorové zdraví
- health to all beings
SARVEŠAM ŠANTIR BHAVATU ať jsou všichni v míru
- peace to all beings
SARVEŠAM PURNAM BHAVATU ať všichni dojdou naplnění
- let all beings be fullfilled
SARVEŠAM MANGALAM BHAVATU ať jsou všichni v blahobytu
- prosperity to all beings
SARVE BHAVANTU SUKHINAH ať jsou všichni šťastní
- happines for all beings
SARVE SANTU NIMARAYAH ať jsou osvobození od vad
- let go of all flaws
SARVE BADRANI PASYANTU ať dbají na dobro ostatních
- to take care of wellbeing of others
MA KAS-CHID DUKHA BHAG BAVET kéž nikdo netrpí
- may no one suffer

So I managed to file my taxes about 2 weeks ago, and I just realized that I forgot to fill in the foreign country name where my foreign bank accounts are located (Schedule B, Line 7b). Will this be a big deal if there is no country listed? I would hope that IRS agents will figure out where my foreign bank accounts are located based on my foreign address listed throughout the many pages of my tax return. I have also filed my FBARs. Should I amend because of blank Line 7b on Schedule B?

I need to find an explicit equation for this problem, however I’m not quite sure how to approach it. This equation should be able to find the number of holes for the given number of folds, or steps.
Suppose you have a sheet of paper, and you fold it (hamburger style haha). Once it is folded, you cut each one of the four edges. After the first fold and cut, there would be zero holes within the paper. After this first step/ fold, you would fold it once again, and again, cut the corners. Once unfolded, the paper would have 1 hole.
So after the first step: zero holes. Second step: 1 hole. Third step: 3 holes. Fourth step: 9 holes. Fifth step: 21 holes. And so on.
I’ve worked on a recursive equation, and have tried several exponential equations but haven’t gotten the points to line up.
How could this be done? Any help would be appreciated.

My friend is convinced someone is helping him make money in crypto.

1. They met on facebook, not in person.
   
2. They had him install an app called bigbtc (I can’t find it on app store) and crypto.com (he also installed crypto.com as a “third party” app).
   
3. They “loaned” him 10k in the app (called Bigbtc) and have been advising him to bid through that app. The app balance now shows 100k in USDT, but when he tries to withdraw, it asks for a “bank card” or crypto wallet address.
   
4. Inputting that wallet address shows no change in his balance in crypto.com
   
5. He says they asked him for 10k back so they can reveal the “method” to withdraw money from this app.
   
6. The bigbtc app has no password to open and seemingly no security, unlike crypto.com where it hides the app info(when switching apps) and requires a password every time.
   

How do I convince him this is a scam? He is adamant about giving them 10k to withdraw the “100k” and has been asking his friends to borrow the money.

PC

Discord Username: supmate
Character Name and House: Maelor Costayne
Age: 19
Appearance: Behind family-given finery and trinkets that chafe on his skin, it is plain to the eye that Maelor Costayne is a wastrel. Seldom seen without a cup in hand rather than a regal goblet, the son of Three Towers is emerald-eyed and bears dark hair that is oft tousled and unkempt. Uncouth speech, dicing and carousing with lessers, and shallow bows lacking grace have all evoked no small amount of ire from his father.
The gods truly do work in mysterious ways, however, for they have seen it fit to bless young Maelor with keen knowledge on many things and none; in lapses of lucidity that dispel the drunken haze, he betrays an undeniable competence, especially in naval matters.
Gift: Admiral
Skills: Sailing (e), Swords (o), Beastmaster, Knightly
Talent(s): Drinking, Dice, Falconry, Swimming
Starting Title(s): Ser, Spare of House Costayne
Starting Location: King's Landing
Family Tree: House Costayne of Three Towers
Alternate Characters: Soon

Biography

Born in the seemingly-fortuitous year of 187 AC, Maelor was named after his father's friend—none other than the King. The spare to a spare, not much was thought of the third son of Parmen Costayne and Ceryse Hightower, in truth. He would no doubts be consigned to the Citadel or the Faith or, if all else failed, sent off to the Night's Watch.
And the third option seemed the most likely, for a while.
His grandfather died a year after his birth, and the lordship passed to Parmen Costayne, who was none too pleased about staying home.
Maelor was a lazy child. Some hint of cleverness persisted in him, and still, he was slothful and took any chance to neglect his early education to play by the beach. So at the age of seven, he was sent off to Red Lake to serve as a page and cupbearer to Lord Crane. Away from the sea, he was placed on the shores of a puddle that surprisingly boasted a warship. Why? The young Maelor couldn't quite tell why there was a galley there, curious as he was.
For the years he spent there, his habits only changed for the worse. Troublemaking by way of snide remarks came naturally to him. Nevertheless, he grew to be a friend to the Cranes and their bastards, and that warship that sat in the... bay? Lake? Wherever it sat, that ship inspired much in him. He counted the oars at dusk. Three hundred in total, a deck bedecked with finery, sails with dyes so bright that they would have evoked envy from the flamboyant Braavosi; all on a watercraft that was more made for boasting than defense, drifting uselessly as the sparse waves of Red Lake lapped against its hull.
But it shrugged off the waves, drank in the rain, and cared little for how useless it was. In that regard, it bore much in the way of similarity to the second spare of Three Towers. The languid Maelor was sent off to Seagard to squire in his twelfth year, and was subject to much clouting on the ear by his knight Ser Cortnay Mallister. Some vigor was instilled in the lad eventually. He took to falconry and hawking well, and to swordsmanship after that. But most of all, on the prow of a ship, he learned to sail.
Some years passed. Maelor grew to hate the Riverlands, open seas and clear skies for his gyrfalcon becoming meager consolations. Now a guest in feasts rather than a cupbearer, he relished in the cups he once served and became quite a nuisance, frequenting winesinks in town whenever his aunt provided an allowance. Knighted at seven-and-ten, Maelor was sent back to Three Towers a changed boy—no, a man now—yet unmoved all the same; a warship on Red Lake.
Now, he accompanies his family to King's Landing to attend the feast.

AC

Character Name and House: Parmen Costayne
Age: 49
Appearance: Black of hair and loud in a Wyneman kind of way, the Lord of Three Towers has seen the world over and has the scars to show for it. A stab wound on his arm earned after a winesink brawl in Volantis, a slash over his cheek allegedly inflicted by a Dothraki screamer, and many and more baubles from the Free Cities and Qarth and beyond the Jade Gates.
Gift: Thrifty
Skills: Shipwright (e), Architect
Talent(s): Hunting, Fishing, Swimming
Starting Title(s): Lord of Three Towers
Starting Location: King's Landing

Biography/Timeline

• 158 AC: Born to Lord Otto Costayne and Eglantine Bulwer.
• 168 AC: Begins sailing.
• 173 AC: Knighted after winning a squire's tourney.
• 175 AC: Continues sailing.
• 176 AC: Marries Ceryse Hightower. Their first son, Lucantine, is born a year later.
• 180 AC: Travels beyond the Free Cities for the first time.
• 181 AC: Returns to Three Towers to father Randyll Costayne, and leaves shortly thereafter.
• 184 AC: After getting lost at sea and finding his ship becalmed, he finally reaches the Jade Gates. Unfortunately, most of his crew grow mutinous. His dream of becoming the Sea Snake of the Reach is dashed, though he returns to Three Towers with a cargo hold full of treasure.
• 186 AC: His daughter Desmera is born. Appointed to the office of High Admiral of the Reach, and makes short work of the meager Dornish fleet in the Red War.
• 187 AC: His son Maelor is born, named after His Grace.
• 188 AC: Otto Costayne passes from an illness. Parmen assumes the title of Lord of Three Towers, and attends the King's wedding to Bethany Blackwood.
• 195 AC: Resigns from the post of High Admiral.
• 204 AC: Secures a position for his son Randyll in the City Watch of King's Landing.
• 207 AC: Travels to King's Landing for the feast.

NPCs

Randyll Costayne (Swords)

• Captain of the Lion Gate of King's Landing. An ever-scowling man, unlike his jovial elder brother and his father.

Desmera Costayne (Admiral)

• The only daughter of Lord Parmen Costayne. Rather overanxious by nature, she finds some tranquility on the deck of a ship, so long as it's well and orderly.

My Chemical Romance formed in 2001 in New Jersey and would go on to define the 2000s "emo" scene. The 2004 album "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" and 2006's "The Black Parade" remain defining albums of the decade and have only grown with praise over time, while lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way have become icons all with massively devoted fanbases. Notice I named four band members there. A cursory glance of google images shows five band members in many of the pictures. More recent photos only show the four mentioned above, to reflect that currently, the band lacks a drummer. As far as the fandom was concerned, there never was one, despite all of the photos you see showing five members. What happened to the drummer, and why, compared to many other fanbases who cling desperately to the 'classic lineup', are MCR fans so eager to erase him? This is the story of how MCR's most famous drummer destroyed his reputation and became a pariah to the fanbase of his own former band.
The Golden Age of Bob:
Almost immediately after the release of Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, My Chemical Romance was left without a drummer after Matt Pelissier was removed from the group. While not officially confirmed, poor live performances are often given as the reason for his dismissal. Quickly, MCR found a replacement in the form of Bob Bryar, who had previously been a drum tech for The Used, who MCR were close with at the time. Bryar would appear in every music video made for Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, played on the live album "Life on the Murder Scene", and would continue to perform with the band through their next album, "The Black Parade" and its corresponding live release. Bryar's time with the band marked the band's explosion in popularity, and as such Bryar was showered in praise, fan art, and would appear in the band's infamously common RPF (I believe his most common ship was with Ray Toro), though to a lesser extent compared to other band members due to him being more introverted and not seeming too fond of the spotlight.
Bob Leaves MCR:
On March 3rd 2010, the following message was posted to the My Chemical Romance website, to devastation among the band's devoted fanbase:
"As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same."
No reason has been given to why Bryar left the group, though many rumors have circulated over the years. Bob is known to have not been a fan of the band's decision to scrap their initially planned fourth album, which would later be released under the name "Conventional Weapons", and disliked the poppier direction of its follow-up "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys". In addition, Bob was beginning to have complications with his health on The Black Parade tour. Bob had received both third degree burns and a staph infection as a result of the filming of "Famous Last Words" music video, and would later have to sit out shows from November 2007 to January 2008 due to a "golf ball sized lump" in his wrist causing him to lose control and feeling in his fingers. Apparently, he had had problems with his wrist for years by that point. These injuries would leave lasting effects and ultimately make playing drums extremely difficult for Bob, leading to him essentially never playing drums again after leaving the band.
The more sinister explanation for his departure was that he had been feuding with, or even bullying Mikey Way and had been kicked out as a result, but only hearsay and Bob's actions post departure support this theory.
The Golden Age of Bob Making an Ass Out of Himself:
My Chemical Romance had broken up relatively recently, and even more recently, Mikey Way had gotten a divorce from his wife. Immediately after this, Way began dating a 19-year-old girl named Sarah. Immediately, people began accusing Mikey of cheating on his wife with this 19-year-old fan, and one of these accusers would be former bandmate Bob Bryar, who replied to an image of Mikey with Sarah's family with two emojis. 👪🍳 . This translated to "Family Breakfast". People praised Bob's joke as hilarious, due to Mikey being an enemy towards a lot of the fandom at the time. After this, Bob proceeded to run the joke into the ground. Eventually, however Bob went too far, replying to a tweet of Mikey's speaking about his drug addiction with the same two Family Breakfast emojis. By this point, the fandom had decided Bob had gone too far, being viewed as someone making fun of his former bandmate's drug addiction.
Bob had done a lot more than simply Family Breakfast to rub the fandom the wrong way, however, with some of the highlights including:
- Spreading (false) MCR reunion rumors, and just rumors about the band in general
- Making jokes about leaking Gerard Way's nudes. In addition, his profile picture of him wearing a black mask was interpreted by many (though not universally), as blackface
- Posting a "Find Kanye" meme many viewed as racist
- Making jokes about cops shooting protestors at 2015 Baltimore Protests inspired by the death of Freddie Gray
- As a side note, while many fans will point to Bob as having stolen from the band or setting the band's tour van on fire, neither of these are true. The former was done by Bob's replacement Michael Pedicone, and the latter is attributed to Matt Pelissier, though it's doubtful Matt actually set the band's van on fire either.
The combination of his edgy sense of humor and the Family Breakfast incident had made Bob a pariah among the MCR fandom, being viewed as a racist bully towards Mikey who was bitter about no longer being a band member. Bob was now intentionally forgotten by the fandom outside of naive and new fans asking what he had done. He no longer received any fan art or appeared in fanfic, a tumblr blog was made solely to edit him out of previous band photos, and fans would only ever mention My Chemical Romance as having four members. By 2015, Bob had abandoned his social media pages.
As for the remaining members of My Chemical Romance, none of ever commented on Bob's controversies. Mikey would later refollow Bob on Twitter, and according to Bob himself later on, the two had reconciled. During 2022, new action figures of the band would be made by Kidrobot featuring Bob, suggesting that his erasure from the band's history did not extend to the band members themselves.
Resurgence:
With his social media pages gone, Bob largely remained out of the public eye, getting a new job as a real estate agent. In June 2021, however, he would briefly return to social media in order to auction off the drum kit he had used for the "Helena" music video, donating the proceeds to Williamson County Animal Control and Adoption Center located in Franklin, Tennessee. According to Bob, this was his final drum kit and he was "permanently closing the book on his drumming days", citing the wrist issues he still dealt with, as well as his old age, weight, and desire to pursue "something new". His brief return caused fans to re-evaluate their treatment of Bob, with the aforementioned Tumblr blog dedicated to erasing him from photos being shut down. Bob would return once again in October 2022 to auction off his iconic Black Parade costume to benefit animals affected by Hurricane Ian, citing that "it's just sitting in a box doing nothing and people need help with money right now". During this auction however, Bob would have a concerning twitter incident.
​
Bob's Breakdown:
On the night of October 24th, Bob's twitter became active, with him demanding Worm (an associate of MCR) call him, and then shortly after, speaking out for the first time about the hatred he had received from the fandom. He mentioned wanting to be interviewed about his controversies and had seemingly picked up a new favorite annoying joke to shove into every post in the form of "Period. Ah!" Shortly after this, Bob claimed to have been driving while under the influence. Fan reaction was largely very concerned about his mental health, and many showed remorse about how Bob had been treated over the years and condemned those who were not sympathetic to his tweets, many pointing out that several fans had told Bob to kill himself during what many considered to be a mental breakdown. Fortunately, Bob would later return a few days later fondly reminiscing about his time on MCR, before quietly disappearing once again.
​
Conclusion:
While nowadays you can find more fans willing to reevaluate Bob's behavior as "not that bad" or at least believing the backlash to him was blown way out of proportion, it would be difficult to say Bob's image has been rehabilitated, with many more than willing to recap his various controversies to new fans wondering who he did, or on rarer occasions, who the hell Bob even is and genuine fans of him being hard to come by. Praise for him often comes in the form of "I'm not defending what he did, but.." At this rate, it's likely Bob's twitter incidents will continue to overshadow him for the foreseeable future, and in the eyes of many fans, My Chemical Romance are a band without a drummer, at least unless Jarrod Alexander gets a promotion form touring musician to full member. He seems to be the only one of the band's four long-term drummers fans seem fond of.

This morning, my partner and I went to get our kids in the car like normal, but my oldest had been spending the weekend with my mom, so we had to put his booster seat in the back seat. We moved a jacket that was on the seat and found what I originally thought was a power bank, but it ended up being a GPS tracker and audio recording device. It had the name "Tammy" written in a handwriting my partner and I don't recognize over the serial number, which is not the name of anyone we know. We've contacted police but they haven't come to get the device yet.
The device couldn't have been in the car for more than 48 hours because of where it was, and we both remember the jacket that was on top of it previously being in the trunk. The car was unlocked last night, so someone more than likely realized the car was unlocked last night (we forget sometimes) and tried to hide the device, but we have no idea who or why. We've been having some issues with our landlord coming by unannounced, but we can't understand why they would want to bug our car. I also have an ex who used to be really creepy, but he knows that I don't drive and would have no reason to want to track my partner, plus he hasn't known my location in years, doesn't drive himself, and lives far away. I don't know who else would bother doing this.
I'm a stay at home mom of two kids under 5, and my partner works for a pizza shop. Neither of us have any idea why someone would want to track us. We're so boring, what's the point? But it's definitely still creepy and invasive. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to start looking to see where this came from or who put it there?

What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using.

I am looking for a PC that will let me use at least 3 monitors. My basic internet usage is streaming TV while using lots of browser widows. I moderate a very large subreddit, so the biggest thing is something that will be fast enough to let me trudge through all the shit quickly and go on with my day.
Ideally, I would want something that would let me also play Master Chief Collection on Steam as well, though this isn't a huge factor as I only try to open it maybe once or twice a year.

What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?

Value and performance are the most important things here. I am a broke bitch, so I don't want to spend any more than I need to, but I rather put money up front for a good product than spend another ten years working with lag and frustration. I just don't want to spend money on power I don't need or won't use. I'd like something that will last me a long time if possible. I'd like to be under $400, but I could go as high as $1000

When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

Tonight

What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ToweOS/monitokeyboard/mouse/etc)

Tower, OS.

Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?

Illinois, and I can get to a Micro Center.

If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? Brands and models are appreciated.

Various monitors, currently 1 HDMI, 1 VGA. I'm not sure what the third will be.

Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?

Nah

Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)

No

Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-towefull-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?

No

Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference?

I don't have a copy of windows, but I could clone my old hard drive.

Extra info or particulars:

Hi everyone! this is something quick I wrote to get over writers block. the prompt was
"A girl goes missing. Fifteen years later, her parents get a call from her older self. But they listen in fear because they killed their daughter that dark night years ago."
please let me know how yall feel about it and how I can improve! i haven't written anything in months (:
July 20, 2006
A local family has reported their 16-year-old daughter Emma Downes missing late last night. Emma was last seen at around 11 PM saying goodnight to her parents, Lilly-Anne and Mitch Downes. Emma has medium-length, medium-brown hair. She also has green eyes and is around 5’3 and 112LBS. Attached to this statement is a photo of Emma. Please call the authorities if you have any information on Emma and her whereabouts.
July 19, 2021
This time of year for Briarwood is always the most difficult, even after 15 years. Every anniversary seems to dig a deeper hole into the hearts of residents of the small town and force fear deep into their guts. Fear for themselves, for their kids, and for their neighbors. The town has never healed from the loss of Emma Downes, and due to the length of time that has passed, it is only fair to assume the worst. Lilly-Anne and Mitch always have such hallow looks in their eyes and that just furthers the sadness that lingers in the town. If only the town knew what was about to unfold.
Within the safety of their home, they are free to mourn the way they do. They are free to feel the pain that has been building within them for fifteen years. The phone has been ringing all day with concerned neighbors, they are just showing their support, but their support isn’t needed. No, it never was, and as the phone rings for what must be the thirty-fifth time that evening alone Mitch can feel exhaustion rising within his being as Llly-Anne answers the phone. The voice she answers the phone with is not one she uses often, it is one she uses when trying to fool people that she is okay. Lately, time has been taking its toll on her, the dark shadows under her eyes and the sunken look of them, it is a juxtaposition of her youthful-looking skin. She answers the phone with a simple hello, as she has been doing all day- far too annoyed for any proper or kind greetings. The voice she hears is enough to cause shivers to rush through her body, her heart must have doubled its typical pace.
’ Mommy, it's me, Emma’
Lilly-Anne stays as still as she can, afraid someone can see the way guilt raids her body deep through her flesh, through her bones, before it finally makes itself at home within her heart.
They say a mother knows their child when they see them, they can pick them out in a crowd within seconds. But this- whoever this is cannot be her daughter.
‘Mommy, are you there?’
Lilly-Annes thoughts have become jumbled- they won't allow her to form a coherent thought.
No, this cannot be her, it cannot be Emma. Her brain is screaming that line over and over. Her voice is aged, not like that of her baby girl. Not like that of her Emma. She can’t find her footing- she feels as though she is falling- mentally she is kicking with her feet; only they aren't there. Her blood is ice cold and her mouth is full of cotton, her own throat is choking her.
‘Mom, can you hear me, it’s me it’s Emma’
She does the only thing she can think of doing at that moment and hangs up before collapsing to her knees on the floor. She is grateful for Mitch and the speed he reaches her at. She tries to tell him about the phone call but all that comes out is choked ‘Emma's’. The phone rings again and Mitch answers it abruptly, telling the caller now is not a good time though a faint voice makes him stop before he can press the little red button to disconnect the call.
‘Daddy, is that you? It's Emma, momma is being weird’
Mitch feels his blood boil. Just as he is about to hang up the voice on the other side becomes younger yet garbled. He knows the sounds and he has spent the last fifteen years trying to forget them. He pulls the phone away as a loud feedback rings through his ears. He puts the phone on speakerphone, and the screeching sound abruptly stops. He wraps his arms around his wife and promises her it is not real. They couldn't be delusional enough to believe that.
‘ Mommy? Daddy, why won't you answer me?’
Lilly-Anne cannot stop the tears that keep falling and Mitch cannot stop the fear from coursing through his veins. Lilly-Anne hangs up the phone once again.
A sudden banging on the front door draws them out of their silent fear-filled state. The viciousness of the banging is contrasted by the soft voice on the other side begging to be let in. Neither of them makes a move towards the door even as the doorframe begins to rattle, nor when they hear an object hitting the door, and not even when they heard the sound of the door swinging off of the hinges. What walks into the room cannot be their daughter. Whatever it is looks like their daughter, except for the tear stains and purple throat. Her poor body is covered in puncture wounds and her hair is matted with mud and blood. No, this is not their daughter. This is their sin- their sin that they committed together. The being stares at them before falling to the floor near their legs and whimpering one last question.
‘ Why did you take me from this world so cruelly?’
July 20, 2021
Late last night Lilly-Anne and Mitch Downes, the parents of the missing 16-year-old girl Emma Downes were found dead last night in their home on the fifteenth anniversary of their daughter's disappearance. Police have stated that there were two separate suicide notes found on the property, both notes had a confession of murdering their own daughter, Emma. The police are searching for Emma's remains in the location provided in the notes as of this moment. Both Mitch Downes and Lilly-Anne Downes were pronounced dead on the scene, both committed suicide with a single shot to the temple. The ending to the Emma Downes story could not have ended any worse than it did tonight. We send our best wishes to the remaining family and friends of Emma, Mitch, and Lilly-Anne. May Emma Rest In Peace eternally at 16 years old.

Rough Draft of why China isn't justified in using the Golden Urn to select the next Dalai Lama. ANy and all feed back is welcome!
Selection of the Dalai Lama
For the purpose of length, this is just on the Dalai Lama selection and why China isn’t justified to choose a Dalai Lama. This isn’t about him or the Tibetan independence argument. That said, there is overlap between Tibetan independence and the selection of the Dalai Lama. Lastly, I’m not going to hide my pro-Tibetan bias. To understand the Dalai Lama selection, we have to look at the history of the lineage. This part is not sourced as it shouldn’t be in contention. The important era will be the Qing era and this will be sourced.
We’ll start with a relatively common misconception that the Dalai Lama is the head of Tibetan buddhism. There are 4 generally regarded schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) which fall under the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. The Dalai lama is a high monk in one school (Gelug) and not the head of the school (That is the Ganden Tripa, but the Dalai Lama confirms them). Lastly, in not so correct terms the Dalai Lama is not the same person reborn into a different body but a “flow of consciousness”.
History: The Dalai Lama is a relatively recent position in Tibet (16th century). However, we need to backtrack to the 13th century.
In 1240 the Mongols invaded TIbet. Later that year, Mongolian Prince Godan (grandson of Genghis Khan) invited the Sakya lama, Pandita (who was famous at the time) to Mongolia. Pandita took his nephew Drogon Phagpa as well. Pandita capitulated Tibet to the Mongols but was the spiritual leader and de facto leader of Tibet. The Mongol leaders essentially converted to buddhism. They both died around 1251.
(Things happened, but we’re skipping over it. We just need to know that Kublai Khan (Mongol) came into power and in around 1253 Dogon Phagpa assumed the position of his uncle and became a religious teacher over Kublai Khan.)
Kublai Khan continued this relationship with the Tibetans and Tibet continued to be a vassal with autonomy under the Yuan Dynasty. Because of this relationship, the Sakya school of buddhism had control and power in Tibet. When the Yuan Dynasty fell (about 1354) so did Sakya power and control. Tibet entered about 200 years of various family control. At the end of the Yuan, the Gelug school of Tibetan buddhism was founded around 1409 (This is when the first monastery was built). Note: There is a lot to discuss about the Tibet-Mongol relationship and regards to China, but won't be discussed here
Jumping to 1543(?) the now third Dalai Lama- Sonam Gyatso (who was the first Dalai Lama to be recognized. The 1st and 2nd were posthumously identified as the Dalai Lama) was born. He was part of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1569, (Western) Mongol Leader Alton Khan invited him to Mongolia. After refusing at first, he eventually went. When there, he announced that he was a reincarnation of Drogon Phagpa and Alton Khan was the reincarnation of Kublai Khan. Buddhism became the religion of Alton Khan and Mongolia. This established an alliance between the Gelug school and the Mongols.
Jumping now to the 5th Dalai Lama who was enthroned in 1622, he and the Mongols were able to reunite Tibet. Throughout all the previous years since the fall of the Yuan, the different schools were competing for power. In 1636, the 5th Dalai Lama gave a gift to the the Qing emperor, he recognized the “Manchu monarch as an emanation of the bodhisattva Manjusri” (Oidtman p.33). By 1642, the Dalai lama became the ruler of TIbet and the Ganden Phodrang was established. This is generally what people think about as Tibet and the Dalai Lama (The 5th started the construction of the Potala Palace). The Gelug school was able to come to power because of their alliance with Gushi Khan. Although the Ganden Phodrang was the government of Tibet, Tibet was still under the Khoshut Khanate (Mongols), however the Mongols were hands off.
The 5th Dalai Lama died in 1682, which was kept secret for 14 years. In 1697, the 6th Dalai Lama was enthroned (There were many things happening between the death of the 5th up to this point). The 6th Dalai Lama wrote poetry, music, had lots of sex with women, and refused to take his vows. Lhazang Khan, leader of the Khoshut Khante kidnapped the Dalai Lama and sent him to Beijing. The 6th died on his way, maybe murdered. Meanwhile, Lhazang Khan also killed the Regent of the Dalai lama, Sanggye Gyatso. Sanggye Gyatso was allied with the Dzungars (a different Mongol Khanate).
Lhazang Khan appointed a new 6th Dalai Lama. Tibetan officials asked the Dzungar Khanate to intervene which they did and took over Tibet. They raped, killed, and looted Lhasa. In 1720, the Qing (Manchu) sent a force with TIbetans to expel the Dzungars from Tibet, which they did. Tibet became a vassal under the Qing until 1913.
Qing Empire/China’s claim/Golden Urn The source is Forging the Golden Urn, by Max Oidtman.
The Manchus established two Ambans in Tibet. They were initially there to observe Tibetan issues and handle any matters. It was a military position which was in charge of the QIng military in Lhasa. They didn’t have much control and were taken by surprise when the Gurkhas (Nepal/Northern India) invaded in 1788. Tibet agreed to pay a yearly stipend-but Tibet didn’t pay in 1791 and the Gurkhas invaded again. In this aftermath, the Golden Urn was established in 1794 in the 29-Article Ordinance for the More Effective Governing of Tibet. This was to make the Ambans be equals to the Dalai Lama and give them more power. That said, Oidtman writes that the Qinglong Emperor was afraid that if the Qing didn’t oversee Gelugs, it could “lead to a schism within the church” which would affect the empire (p.21). The idea of the Golden urn is to select/appoint officials in a random way by putting names in an urn. This would prevent pre-arranged appointments and back deals. This idea came from the Ming Dynasty before them.
As the Qing Emperor was the Manjusri, his edict described himself as a patron and priest (p.92). Essentially, the Qing Emperor had a religious authority to enact an institution. The eight Dalai Lama acknowledged the Emperor's religious teachings and allowed the justification of the Golden Urn (p.95). Although in the Emperor’s edict he states oracles wouldn’t be used, the Dalai Lama said they would be.
Tibetans still used oracles to search and confirm lamas or while making other decisions (p.129). What is important is that Tibetans generally embraced and used the Golden Urn (p.130). Oidtman writes “Other than the case of the Third Jamyang Zhepa, I have found no evidence within the Manchu-language records that Qing officials doctored searches; nor is there evidence of overt attempts by local elites to influence the outcome of the Golden Urn ritual..in only a handful of instances-all of which involved reincarnations of either the Dalai Lama or Jebtsundama-is there evidence of strong resistances to the use of the urn.” The Gelug school used the golden urn as they also wanted a credible identification process, just like the Qing (p.131). In addition to this, Tibetan elites used the Golden Urn in the late 1800’s to help define the border of Tibet (p.140).
To conclude why China has no legitimacy using the Golden Urn, Tibetans gave legitimacy to the usage of the Golden Urn. Oidtman explains “the reforms of 1793 were as much about centralizing the authority of the Ganden Podrang government-and the Geluk church within that government-than about asserting imperial decision-making authority” (p.141). He goes on to write *”According to Wei Yuan, the Golden Urn was emblematic of the unprecedented expansion of “China”. In equating the Great Qing State with China in this way, Wei Yuan presaged the elisions of modern Chinese nationalists and the historians of the PRC, who have similarly refined the Golden Urn as a symbol of CHinese sovereignty. Yet, neither the Qinglong emperor nor contemporaneous Tibetan Chroniclers saw it in such terms. On the contrary, it was a symbol of the Qing imperial house’s, vested interest in promoting the Geluk teachings…The Golden Urn was a uniquely *Qing ritual whose animating principles could not outlive the Qing state” (p.143).
In 1936 the ROC issued the “Law of the Method of the Reincarnation of Lamas”, which for all intents just changed the name of the Qing institutions to those of the ROC institutions and that all lamas were to be reincarnated using this method and no new lineages were to be established (p.147). No Lama was identified under this law.
The first case of reincarnation under the PRC was the Fifth Jamyang Zhepa (which the Golden Urn was used previously for). PRC officials didn’t insist on the Golden Urn to be used (p.148). Furthemore, the PRC didn’t “sanction nor obstruct the searches for reincarnations, and official publications made little mention of the Golden Urn.”
But why does China care now? As Oidtman writes, the Geluk church is an obstacle to the assimilation of the Tibetans, a bridgehead for Tibetan nationalism, and the potential foundation of an independent Tibetan State” (p. 22)..
It wasn’t until the Tenth Panchen Lama died in 1989 that the PRC wanted to use the Golden Urn. Due to the upheaval in Tibet at the time the PRC felt their control over Tibet was an issue (p. 148). When the Dalai Lama announced the new eleventh Panchen Lama, the PRC decided to use the Golden Urn to limit the Dalai Lama’s power. China is trying to use the Golden Urn to control Tibet, but as Sperling writes they (china) is “ignoring a crucial basis for the use of the Golden Urn: Acceptance of the ruler as an animation of Manjughosa (Manjusri).” https://elliotsperling.org/reincarnation-and-the-golden-urn-in-the-19th-century-the-recognition-of-the-8th-panchen-lama/

for context i haven’t really cared much for achievements until this month, and i’ve started achievement hunting for the easy ones i was never able to do, and this was one of the ones i could never do c: only 59 achievements more to go c:

Trying to help out someone.
They have a Sonos 5 in the kitchen, and an integra receiver with passive speakers in the tv room.
Would like to hook up a turntable in a third location and connect to the tv room speakers and the sonos 5.
Is the Sonos connect the answer? Does anyone have experience with the victrola turntable that is supposed to be sonos compatible?

First off hope you are having a great day. And hope you continue to have a wonderful day after reading this and possibly debating me. Don't want to get into any fights and arguments. I genuinely believe and might as well say know for a fact that God exists and that my religion is the only possible path to fallow to earn His pleasure.
I will try to keep it short but also present a lot of evidence. I will link a couple of youtube videos which will explain my points a little bit better, just so I don't go on for too long. Only thing I will ask of you when reading this is to keep an open mind. You might have heard a lot of bad things about my religion and you might have some prejudice against it, but hopefully you try to understand.
​

First point - Existence of THE CREATOR

The golden ratio
The golden ratio, also known as the golden number, golden proportion, or the divine proportion, is a ratio between two numbers that equals approximately 1.618. Usually written as the Greek letter phi, it is strongly associated with the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers wherein each number is added to the last. The Fibonacci numbers are 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on, with the ratio of each number and the previous number gradually approaching 1.618, or phi.
Now what is interesting about this number. Not only has the golden ratio been used in many historical constructions, art and music. For example the Egyptian pyramids, Taj Mahal, Notre Dame etc. are all built in accordance to this mathematical law. Other examples include the historical paintings and music which incorporate this ratio. Also has been mentioned in the Bible but I will leave the holy books for second point. But still this is explainable, we know that some creators of these historical building and artworks knew about to golden ratio but also some creators were ignorant of its existence.
But still nothing special about using this for art and building. What is special and quiet interesting is when this number 1.618 starts showing up around us in nature (for example; shells of snails, number of petals in a flower, tree branches, roots systems, etc.) and even on our own bodies. In fact it goes so deep in our bodies that it even applies to our DNA.
Perhaps you can say this is all just a coincidence, perhaps it does not mean anything to you but for me it means that there must be a Creator of this universe, of this world we live in, because all this order in the nature cannot just be on its own.
There is a lot of logical points I could make about the existence of God but I feel like this one is the best because there is no denying it, you can not tiptoe around it. You can choose to believe that it does not mean anything and that it does not prove anything but that is just something we do sometimes, we fail to accept the facts when they are right in front of us.
What we can all agree on is that this number and this ratio is important, whether or not we believe that it proves the existence of God. At the end of my second point I will also connect this number to the religion I am about to speak on.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keLN89CWZ-A
https://kucdinteractive.com/croy/golden-ratio-site/humans.html
​
​

Second point - One true religion - Islam

First off I would like to clarify that we as muslims don't like to call Islam a religion. I know a lot of atheist have a problem with that word also. Organized religion or religion in general. We like to think of Islam as a way of life. To be a muslim by definition is to submit your will to God. Reason why I asked you to keep an open mind is because depending on where you are reading this from. Islam might have been presented to you in a very bad way. Terrorism, oppression, backwards religion etc. But today I will try to focus on facts, I will not deny the existence of muslim terrorist and muslim oppressors, but I will ask you to keep in mind also that we believe that Islam is perfect but the one who practices is not.
Miracles of the Quran
When it comes to the miracles in the Quran there are too many to count but I will try and to state the most important and the most interesting ones. Hopefully this does not go on for too long.
​
1.) Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Qur’ān], and indeed, We will be its guardian. 15:9
Definitely the most important one, if its not impressive enough that the Quran has been perfectly preserved for 1400 years we will use this as foundation that nothing in the Quran can be faked or added in modern times to remain current.
In 2015, experts from the University of Birmingham discovered the Birmingham Quran manuscript, which is possibly the oldest manuscript of the Quran in the world. Radiocarbon analysis to determine the age of the manuscript revealed that this manuscript could be traced back to some time between 570-632 AD.
​
2.) Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’ān? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction. 4:82
14 centuries of critics have passed and not a single error or contradiction can be found, despite great advancements in knowledge
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3.) Some of scientific signs include, the Big Bang, expansion of the Universe and every living thing being made of water.
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and then We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe? 21:30
We built the universe with ˹great˺ might, and We are certainly expanding ˹it˺. 51:47
The discovery that the Universe is expanding is one of the great intellectual revolutions of the 20th century. -Stephen Hawking
How could have prophet Muhammad SAW know this in the 6th century unless this book is truly divine.
​
4.)Preservation of Pharoah of Egypt.
While the Bible does mention that the Pharoah and his army were drowned by Moses a.s. when he split the sea, the Quran adds a very important detail about the preservation of Pharoah's body.
Today We will preserve your corpse so that you may become an example for those who come after you. And surely most people are heedless of Our examples!” 10:92
https://theislamicinformation.com/blogs/why-is-pharaohs-body-so-preserved/
​
5.)The way that the Quran was written.
The Quran fallows a very remarkable structure called the ring composition. Ring composition is a way of indicating the unity of a specific episode by means of symmetry: the first element corresponds to the last, the second to the next-to-last, and so on. (see more in the video I link at the end).
​
6.) Mathematical miracles
There are countless mathematical miracles in the Quran. Some of those are the word day being mentioned 365 times, month 12 times, mirroring words like life and death which are mentioned the same number of times, angles the same number as devils, good deeds the same as bad deeds and so on. One very interesting one is that land is mentioned 13 times and sea is mentioned 32 times. Ratio between this two numbers just happens to be 71.111% and 28.888%. If you don't already know this, google how much of the earth is covered with water.
Check this video for some more mathematical miracles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtnfR3QBkNw&t=729s
​
7.) How was Quran revealed
The Quran came down over the timespan of 23 years. It came down in spoken form and was not written down. Once the verses came down the prophet Muhammad SAW recited them and his companions memorized them. The verses did not go through and editing process, once they were spoken it was done. They could not have been planned ahead of time because some of them were revealed as a results of life experiences that were out of prophets control. All of this while also keeping in mind that prophet Muhammad SAW was illiterate. So much linguistic eloquence, mathematical miracles, and fulfilled prophecies from a man who lived in 6th century who could not read or write. I don't think so.
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8.)Open challenge
And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a sûrah like it and call your helpers other than Allah, if what you say is true. 2:23
But if you are unable to do so—and you will never be able to do so—then fear the Fire fuelled with people and stones, which is prepared for the disbelievers. 2:24
1400 years have passed and no book or text or speech in any language has come close to competing with the quality, eloquence and the perfection of the Quran
​
9.) We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. 41:53
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Like I said miracles in the Quran are countless, people who read the Quran have a feeling like it is a letter that speaks to them directly, it remains current after 1400 years, while reading it you have a feeling like it was revealed just couple of decades ago.
​
Source for second point:
Why is Quran a miracle? (you can find some more details here): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q_4y0p-UHE
Mathematical miracles of the Quran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtnfR3QBkNw&t=729s
How is Pharoah's body preserved: https://theislamicinformation.com/blogs/why-is-pharaohs-body-so-preserved/
​
To connect the first and second point as promised. You can check out this video. It speaks about the golden ration of the earth, where is located. I will let you watch the video, there is too much writing and this post will go on for too long.
The mysteries of the Mecca: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loeFN3VHCWc
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-Third point (optional and not as clear evidence as the Quran, but if you are willing to do some more research yourself about the life of the prophet Muhammad SAW you will find many proofs in his life)

Some more proof could be taken out of the life of our dear prophet Muhammad SAW. I won't get too much into it because I am trying to keep this short and simple. First of we have the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad SAW, which are basically some minor or major actions and habits he used to apply to his daily life which are getting constantly proven to be good and/or healthy for us. Examples include drinking water while sitting down and also drinking it slowly. Science proves that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time, the kidneys cannot flush it out fast enough and the blood becomes waterlogged, which can, strangely, become a cause of death. Some other ones is eating while sitting on the floor, sleeping on your right side, etc. You might think some of these things are stupid and unimportant, but they all have a reason, just like drinking water, every sunnah of the prophet has a good reason behind it. There is so much to say about the sunnah of the prophet so I will leave it off here and you can do your own research if you are interested. We also learn how to practice the religion from the sunnah.
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Some other proofs of Muhammad's SAW prophethood are his prophecies which I will just link here and you can watch if you want to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW8_YWIwa3U
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Please try to address these point and evidences before you say, yeah but what about this and that... Or at least agree with me and then ask me about something else :)
I will try to reply to every single one of you, don't be hateful, try to prove me wrong, God very much exists, He created me and you and everything we see around us, to Him we will return and Islam is the only possible way of life.
Edit: Did not mean to say don't try to prove me wrong, I meant don't be hateful, and try to prove me wrong, sorry for the confusion.

Character Application:
Discord Username: myra#3994
Character Name and House: Ser Ferment Redwyne
Age: 43
Appearance: Red hair, already going grey at the temples. Slightly shorter than average height. Has become a bit overweight because of his problem with drinking. Walks with a slight limp because of a hunting accident when he was a teenager. His eyes are a light green.
Gift: Gossiper
Skills: Addict, Courtly (e), Cautious, Subtle, Sailing
Talent(s): Fishing, Playing Darts
Starting Title(s): Ser
Starting Location: The Feast
Dragon Name: N/A
Dragon Size: N/A
Family Tree: Redwyne Echo
Alternate Characters: N/A
Auxiliary Character:
Discord Username: myra#3994
Character Name and House: Ser Addam Flowers
Age: 17
Appearance: Tall and lanky, his height is about 6 feet. His skin is a light brown, his head is always shaved. He has a light mustache most of the time, although he occasionally shaves it.
Gift: Admiral
Skills: Sailing (e), Shipwright
Talent(s): Hawking
*Starting Title(s): Ser
Starting Location: The Arbor
Biographies:
Ferment Redwyne
Ferment Redwyne was born to his father Bertrand Redwyne and his mother Rowena Tarly in the year 164AC. He was born with a head of bright red hair, and promptly spent the first year of his life either sleeping or screaming as loud as he could in either despair or a plea for attention, a pattern that would repeat many times throughout the rest of his life.
His early childhood was unremarkable. He was taught the standard curriculum for noble children and did neither particularly good nor particularly badly in his learnings. He did manage to excel in his courtly manners, as he found conversing with people rather easy, but that was the only area where he particularly stood out. One problem that arose early in his life were the harsh demands and high expectations that his father Bertrand had for him. Bertrand was a man who never felt comfortable or satisfied, constantly pushing forward and looking to improve. Ferment however, even at an early age, was nothing but complacent in life. This terrain would be the sight of many battles between father and son.
An example of this dynamic is a hawking expedition the two of them went on when Ferment was but 14 years old. Ferment had never particularly liked hunting - always preferring fishing - but his father thought that a skill in hunting was a particularly important skill for a man to have. Given Ferment's lack of interest, he found himself not paying attention as their horses plodded along. Upon noticing this, his father exploded in a fit of rage, which so shocked Ferment that he fell off his suddenly spooked horse and landed on his leg awkwardly, breaking it. This broken leg never quite healed correctly. Ferment was never quite able to run at full speed again, and walked with a slight limp.
As Ferment aged more, he found a strong hedonistic pleasure in drinking and laying with women. He found himself focusing more and more on maximizing his own pleasure, even if it was often to the detriment of his reputation and the way his own family thought about him. The biggest offender in this respect was probably when he had his first bastard in 185AC, named Willem Flowers. Having a bastard is far from respectable, but what made it far worse was that the mother of the bastard was the sister of his brother Robert's wife. Her name was Alys Redding. The two of them had no real affection for each other, merely impulsively laying together after a particularly drunken feast, but nonetheless she had a child nine months after. Bertrand and Robert were both furious at him, leaving Ferment the black sheep of the family. After this Bertrand quickly scrambled to find a marriage for his idiot son, quickly finding a suitable candidate in House Swann. Bertrand's hope was that marriage would calm Ferment down, and corral some of his more unpleasant impulses.
He met the girl but once before the splendid ceremony in the sept of Vinetown. Her name was Cyrenna Swann. She was not the most attractive girl in the world, and Ferment was cautious at first because of his dislike of Bertrand and his controlling nature. But over time he began to truly love the girl, her easy-going nature was similar to his own, and her own kind heart and sense of empathy went far towards improving Ferment as a person. His drinking lessened, he never cheated on her, and his family gradually warmed up to him again. They had one child in the year 189AC, a girl named Helicent.
These happy times quickly changed though when Cyrenna sadly passed away during childbirth. She had had a stillbirth only a year before, which brought both Ferment and her much pain and heartache. Nonetheless they still wanted more children, and they both had high hopes before those tragic 3 days of painful labor that ended her life. That child was stillborn as well, leaving Ferment nothing to hold onto.
This was the final straw for any modicum of self-control that Ferment had. He quickly went from only having a minor problem with drinking to a major one. He indulged himself in gambling and whores. With his father and wife both dead, there was no one to nudge him towards self control any longer.
Every day was but a blur of hedonistic self-indulgence, for years upon years. He had his second bastard in the year 190AC, his third in the year 195AC. Neither of the women who were the mother of his bastards had any liking for Ferment, and he had no affection towards them either. They were simply the natural result of this sort of behavior. It hurt Ferment all the worse because of the death of his wife, in a kinder universe these would be his trueborn children.
His life has continued like this up until the present day. Permanent stagnation.
Addam Flowers
Addam Flowers was born in the year 190AC, the bastard son of Ferment Redwyne and Kojja of Jhala. Being both a bastard and half Summer Islander stamped him with dual stigma from birth, and seemingly from birth this stigma proved a major motivator for him.
From a very young age, he was a remarkably ambitious individual. Ferment fathering yet another bastard was not a welcome sight to the Redwyne nobility, but nonetheless they took adequate care of both him and his mother. At the age of 15 they even got Addam knighted. But these things were taken as a slight by the young bastard, he felt as if he hadn’t truly earned the knighthood. He wanted to make a name for himself, and make a name for himself with his own merits and on his own terms.
He had this goal in sight from a very young age, and from a very young age he recognized that the most effective way to make a name for yourself on The Arbor was to involve yourself with ships. Whether that entailed captaining a ship in the military Redwyne fleet, becoming a merchant and sailing the globe, or whatever else, the sea was the solution to his problems.
Following this line of logic he joined the Naval Academy at the young age of 13. He proved a remarkably fast learner, and many older sailors hailed him as a natural captain. Because of this he was granted his first ship to be captain of as soon as he became a man, at the age of 16.
This is the situation he is in now. Captain of a warship at only 17 years old, constantly hungry for ways to further his own ambition. Dreadfully hard on himself, dreadfully bitter towards his father and the other members of House Redwyne.
Family Tree:
Redwyne family tree
NPCs:*
Vargo
Vargo is a sellsword from Tyrosh, he stumbled onto Ferment in a tavern in Ryamsport a decade past. Ferment liked him and hired him on the spot, and he has followed the Redwyne scion ever since.
Skill: Daggers