Apc mini chopper parts diagram

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

I'll be using this PC for moderate gaming (Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, Modded MC, CSGO), homework, and software development.

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

~1600 USD, I'm flexible as long as there's good value.

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 Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

I plan on buying within the next two weeks.

What, exactly, do you need included in the budget?

I only need the PC itself in the budget.

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?

I will purchasing in the USA. I do not have access to a Microcenter.

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

I plan on doing some minor CPU and GPU overclocking when I finish the build.

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?

I'm going for a Mini-ITX B&W build, however if I can save a decent bit of money with a different size/theme I'd be happy to do so.

Extra info or particulars:

I've already made a starting point for this build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/nT4Hcb

Hi everyone! I have a bunch of fandoms I'm just itching to roleplay. Currently, I would like to play canon female characters in FxM or FxF plots.
I am 19 and in the CET timezone. Discord is the only platform I RP on. I only write in third person and my messages tend to be be pretty long, meaning 400-1000 words on average. Breaking the Discord limit once or twice is something that regularly happens.
LOOKING FOR:

18+ via Discord. Canon/Canon (preferred) can make an exception for Canon/OC in some situations!
Organic Ships: Looking to give ships time to grow, create the chemistry in RP, and enjoy a gradual burn. Prefer the lead in and then 'fade to black' approach for the adult situations.
Character Psychology: Main goal is to dig into the canon history and building on it in interesting ways. Appreciate thoughtful & nuanced portrayals that treat canon characters as complex.
Privacy Respect: Always happy to keep an open OOC dialogue about daily life, media, or news in addition to character talk.
I am really only interested in romance, non-romantic roleplays don't interest me. With that being said I don't want romance to be the sole focus, that gets boring quickly.
I love writing conflicts that ultimately turn into happy endings. (Angst and slow burn romances are my favourite!)
Story and Character development > Everything else.
I am a literate writer and expect the same from you. One-liners are only acceptable for the interactions that demand them, but they will remain rare. I will not drown you in text every other response, but I will write up to what I feel is appropriate and I expect you to do the same. I average 3-6 paragraphs once we are past introductory material.
Please be open to writing a cast of characters if the plot calls for it. I don't mind if the focus is solely on two people, but there is room for secondary and background characters.
Enthusiasm to chat about our character and ship, how to crush them and then gushing over fluffy moments. I love crying over characters and what the heck they're doing. I want my heart ripped from my chest from angst, then feeling like it's going to burst from overwhelming cuteness. I want us to love these characters and the world we create. I want to make pinterest boards, spotify playlists, graphics, and toss headcanons back and forth until late at night.

FANDOMS & THE CHARACTERS I CAN PLAY IN THEM:

Marvel (Movies & Series): Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) or Jean Elaine Grey (Marvel).
Harry Potter (Books & Movies): Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Fleur Delacour or Pansy Parkinson.
DC (Movies, Series & Comics): Zatanna Zatara.
Hunger Games (Books & Movies): Katniss Everdeen, Clove Kentwell, Johanna Mason, Annie Cresta or Glimmer Belacourt.
Twilight (Books & Movies): Isabella Swan, Alice Cullen, Jane or Rosalie Hale.
Scream (All movies): Sidney Prescott, Tatum Riley, CiCi Cooper, Kirby Reid, Tara Carpenter, Samantha Carpenter.
American Horror Story (Series): Violet Harmon or Madison Montgomery.
The Vampire Diaries/The Originals/Legacies (All Series): Elena Gilbert, Rebekah Mikaelson, Freya Mikaelson, Hayley Marshall, Josie Saltzman or Hope Mikaelson.
Star Wars (Movies & Series): Padme Amidala
The Boys (Series): Annie January (Starlight) or Margaret Shaw (Meave).

PLOTTING:

Would love to tailor plots to the specific characters and their potential dynamic. I absolutely love the process of plotting, workshopping ideas, spinning off into AUs and generally finding something that can be really character driven.
I put my heart and soul into my characters because love what I do. Please: nothing one-sided. I love OC chatter and I want to be able to send you a meme tagging one of our muses. As a music enthusiast, I compile playlists. I even work on muse-specific Pinterest boards to boost the inspiration. I adore writing mini one-shots of scenes in OOC as a means of plot development, whether or not it's due to a delay in my replies. Character development is a huge part of my time spent roleplaying and as such, I expect you to be just as devoted. In a perfect world, we know each other's characters completely because we have both contributed to their development. That being said, I don't mind if you bring a pre-made character, so long as we can work on other developments together. This is going to be a creation we've made.
Plot-based stuff is going to be all up to discussion. Things can get dark. They can be as dark as you want them to be. On the lighter side, I love the different relationship dynamics that can come of the characters unique personalities. Either way, if you have an idea, spring it on me and we'll see if things work out.
Have an idea for a scene? Found a picture that inspired you? Send it to me! Be invested when it comes to plotting/worldbuilding. There's nothing worse than receiving one sentence in reply to two paragraphs of ideas, or having a doormat partner who says "sure" to whatever I ask. Building ideas one on top of the other, watching them snowball into amazing plot threads brings me joy. But having to pull plot ideas like I'm pulling teeth makes me think you're not interested, and I will lose interest in return.

Please feel free to drop me a line with whichever fandom and characters you prefer, and I can add you on discord to get things rolling! Please be detailed if you do send me a message, let me know why you chose to contact me. Seeing only “hey do you wanna rp?” with nothing else is a guaranteed no response.

Hi everyone! I have a bunch of fandoms I'm just itching to roleplay. Currently, I would like to play canon female characters in FxM or FxF plots.
I am 19 and in the CET timezone. Discord is the only platform I RP on. I only write in third person and my messages tend to be be pretty long, meaning 400-1000 words on average. Breaking the Discord limit once or twice is something that regularly happens.
LOOKING FOR:

18+ via Discord. Canon/Canon (preferred) can make an exception for Canon/OC in some situations!
Organic Ships: Looking to give ships time to grow, create the chemistry in RP, and enjoy a gradual burn. Prefer the lead in and then 'fade to black' approach for the adult situations.
Character Psychology: Main goal is to dig into the canon history and building on it in interesting ways. Appreciate thoughtful & nuanced portrayals that treat canon characters as complex.
Privacy Respect: Always happy to keep an open OOC dialogue about daily life, media, or news in addition to character talk.
I am really only interested in romance, non-romantic roleplays don't interest me. With that being said I don't want romance to be the sole focus, that gets boring quickly.
I love writing conflicts that ultimately turn into happy endings. (Angst and slow burn romances are my favourite!)
Story and Character development > Everything else.
I am a literate writer and expect the same from you. One-liners are only acceptable for the interactions that demand them, but they will remain rare. I will not drown you in text every other response, but I will write up to what I feel is appropriate and I expect you to do the same. I average 3-6 paragraphs once we are past introductory material.
Please be open to writing a cast of characters if the plot calls for it. I don't mind if the focus is solely on two people, but there is room for secondary and background characters.
Enthusiasm to chat about our character and ship, how to crush them and then gushing over fluffy moments. I love crying over characters and what the heck they're doing. I want my heart ripped from my chest from angst, then feeling like it's going to burst from overwhelming cuteness. I want us to love these characters and the world we create. I want to make pinterest boards, spotify playlists, graphics, and toss headcanons back and forth until late at night.

FANDOMS & THE CHARACTERS I CAN PLAY IN THEM:

Marvel (Movies & Series): Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) or Jean Elaine Grey (Marvel).
Harry Potter (Books & Movies): Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Fleur Delacour or Pansy Parkinson.
DC (Movies, Series & Comics): Zatanna Zatara.
Hunger Games (Books & Movies): Katniss Everdeen, Clove Kentwell, Johanna Mason, Annie Cresta or Glimmer Belacourt.
Twilight (Books & Movies): Isabella Swan, Alice Cullen, Jane or Rosalie Hale.
Scream (All movies): Sidney Prescott, Tatum Riley, CiCi Cooper, Kirby Reid, Tara Carpenter, Samantha Carpenter.
American Horror Story (Series): Violet Harmon or Madison Montgomery.
The Vampire Diaries/The Originals/Legacies (All Series): Elena Gilbert, Rebekah Mikaelson, Freya Mikaelson, Hayley Marshall, Josie Saltzman or Hope Mikaelson.
Star Wars (Movies & Series): Padme Amidala
The Boys (Series): Annie January (Starlight) or Margaret Shaw (Meave).

PLOTTING:

Would love to tailor plots to the specific characters and their potential dynamic. I absolutely love the process of plotting, workshopping ideas, spinning off into AUs and generally finding something that can be really character driven.
I put my heart and soul into my characters because love what I do. Please: nothing one-sided. I love OC chatter and I want to be able to send you a meme tagging one of our muses. As a music enthusiast, I compile playlists. I even work on muse-specific Pinterest boards to boost the inspiration. I adore writing mini one-shots of scenes in OOC as a means of plot development, whether or not it's due to a delay in my replies. Character development is a huge part of my time spent roleplaying and as such, I expect you to be just as devoted. In a perfect world, we know each other's characters completely because we have both contributed to their development. That being said, I don't mind if you bring a pre-made character, so long as we can work on other developments together. This is going to be a creation we've made.
Plot-based stuff is going to be all up to discussion. Things can get dark. They can be as dark as you want them to be. On the lighter side, I love the different relationship dynamics that can come of the characters unique personalities. Either way, if you have an idea, spring it on me and we'll see if things work out.
Have an idea for a scene? Found a picture that inspired you? Send it to me! Be invested when it comes to plotting/worldbuilding. There's nothing worse than receiving one sentence in reply to two paragraphs of ideas, or having a doormat partner who says "sure" to whatever I ask. Building ideas one on top of the other, watching them snowball into amazing plot threads brings me joy. But having to pull plot ideas like I'm pulling teeth makes me think you're not interested, and I will lose interest in return.

Please feel free to drop me a line with whichever fandom and characters you prefer, and I can add you on discord to get things rolling! Please be detailed if you do send me a message, let me know why you chose to contact me. Seeing only “hey do you wanna rp?” with nothing else is a guaranteed no response.

Hi everyone! I have a bunch of fandoms I'm just itching to roleplay. Currently, I would like to play canon female characters in FxM or FxF plots.
I am 19 and in the CET timezone. Discord is the only platform I RP on. I only write in third person and my messages tend to be be pretty long, meaning 400-1000 words on average. Breaking the Discord limit once or twice is something that regularly happens.
LOOKING FOR:

18+ via Discord. Canon/Canon (preferred) can make an exception for Canon/OC in some situations!
Organic Ships: Looking to give ships time to grow, create the chemistry in RP, and enjoy a gradual burn. Prefer the lead in and then 'fade to black' approach for the adult situations.
Character Psychology: Main goal is to dig into the canon history and building on it in interesting ways. Appreciate thoughtful & nuanced portrayals that treat canon characters as complex.
Privacy Respect: Always happy to keep an open OOC dialogue about daily life, media, or news in addition to character talk.
I am really only interested in romance, non-romantic roleplays don't interest me. With that being said I don't want romance to be the sole focus, that gets boring quickly.
I love writing conflicts that ultimately turn into happy endings. (Angst and slow burn romances are my favourite!)
Story and Character development > Everything else.
I am a literate writer and expect the same from you. One-liners are only acceptable for the interactions that demand them, but they will remain rare. I will not drown you in text every other response, but I will write up to what I feel is appropriate and I expect you to do the same. I average 3-6 paragraphs once we are past introductory material.
Please be open to writing a cast of characters if the plot calls for it. I don't mind if the focus is solely on two people, but there is room for secondary and background characters.
Enthusiasm to chat about our character and ship, how to crush them and then gushing over fluffy moments. I love crying over characters and what the heck they're doing. I want my heart ripped from my chest from angst, then feeling like it's going to burst from overwhelming cuteness. I want us to love these characters and the world we create. I want to make pinterest boards, spotify playlists, graphics, and toss headcanons back and forth until late at night.

FANDOMS & THE CHARACTERS I CAN PLAY IN THEM:

Marvel (Movies & Series): Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) or Jean Elaine Grey (Marvel).
Harry Potter (Books & Movies): Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Fleur Delacour or Pansy Parkinson.
DC (Movies, Series & Comics): Zatanna Zatara.
Hunger Games (Books & Movies): Katniss Everdeen, Clove Kentwell, Johanna Mason, Annie Cresta or Glimmer Belacourt.
Twilight (Books & Movies): Isabella Swan, Alice Cullen, Jane or Rosalie Hale.
Scream (All movies): Sidney Prescott, Tatum Riley, CiCi Cooper, Kirby Reid, Tara Carpenter, Samantha Carpenter.
American Horror Story (Series): Violet Harmon or Madison Montgomery.
The Vampire Diaries/The Originals/Legacies (All Series): Elena Gilbert, Rebekah Mikaelson, Freya Mikaelson, Hayley Marshall, Josie Saltzman or Hope Mikaelson.
Star Wars (Movies & Series): Padme Amidala

PLOTTING:

Would love to tailor plots to the specific characters and their potential dynamic. I absolutely love the process of plotting, workshopping ideas, spinning off into AUs and generally finding something that can be really character driven.
I put my heart and soul into my characters because love what I do. Please: nothing one-sided. I love OC chatter and I want to be able to send you a meme tagging one of our muses. As a music enthusiast, I compile playlists. I even work on muse-specific Pinterest boards to boost the inspiration. I adore writing mini one-shots of scenes in OOC as a means of plot development, whether or not it's due to a delay in my replies. Character development is a huge part of my time spent roleplaying and as such, I expect you to be just as devoted. In a perfect world, we know each other's characters completely because we have both contributed to their development. That being said, I don't mind if you bring a pre-made character, so long as we can work on other developments together. This is going to be a creation we've made.
Plot-based stuff is going to be all up to discussion. Things can get dark. They can be as dark as you want them to be. On the lighter side, I love the different relationship dynamics that can come of the characters unique personalities. Either way, if you have an idea, spring it on me and we'll see if things work out.
Have an idea for a scene? Found a picture that inspired you? Send it to me! Be invested when it comes to plotting/worldbuilding. There's nothing worse than receiving one sentence in reply to two paragraphs of ideas, or having a doormat partner who says "sure" to whatever I ask. Building ideas one on top of the other, watching them snowball into amazing plot threads brings me joy. But having to pull plot ideas like I'm pulling teeth makes me think you're not interested, and I will lose interest in return.

Please feel free to drop me a line with whichever fandom and characters you prefer, and I can add you on discord to get things rolling! Please be detailed if you do send me a message, let me know why you chose to contact me. Seeing only “hey do you wanna rp?” with nothing else is a guaranteed no response.

I know this is a weird ask. I’m a Warhammer 40k dweeb and I’m doing nail art for each of the legions. Part of what I’m enjoying is adapting the theme to what I can do with my nails, but there are not many 40k nail art tutorials going around. Lots of miniature painting tutorials! But I do not have minis. I have fingernails.
I’m going to try to theme my next manicure on the Death Guard. For the sake of my sanity I’m not aiming for full Nurgle the Plague Lord, but even the cleanest versions of the legion’s color scheme is mottled green and streaked with rust. Is there a way to evoke weadirt even a little bit? Darken a silver to something more iron? Make it look slimy?
EDIT: I’m putting this edit in before anyone responds: if you are easily grossed out then please do not image search any of this. I’m going to feel terrible if someone is caught off guard because they were curious.

Love the theme, mechanics and speed of play of Undead of Alive. But four things I don’t like:

• missing standard ranged zombies, like the Deadeyes in fantasy, which seems a shame in a western theme;
• minimal sculpts (eg: only two for Runners);
• very easy to run out of minis, but without more it is difficult to tune this part of play; and
• and too many Survivor minis in the Kickstarter that I’ll never use,

I’m fixing all these issues together, by converting some Walkers and Runners into Deadeyes by adding guns. Then I’ll combine with the Gunslinger and Soldier Walkers and excess Survivor minis to make more Deadeyes so I can have the number I want.
Will also do the same to add melee weapons to Runners, which means I can then add the Miner and Lumberjack Walkers and excess Survivors there too. I figure that Runners are newer and smarter than Walkers, so can move faster and still use weapons.
I’ll still have access to these Survivors to use as Survivors if I ever want to, but they will serve a purpose in the meantime.
This should fix all my issues with some very enjoyable hacking. And looking at White Death, I won’t be annoyed by the likely high Survivor count: I’ll just see this as more sculpt variety for my zombies.
Anyone else using Survivor minis as Zombies?

I have a mini 1 and its been a workhorse for a while. However its always had bad elephants foot. I tried tuning it out but nothing i did helped in the slightest. Im trying to print a part that spins but its getting fused so now im determined to fix or at least minimize it. Also in my testing i printed a 15mm cube and while the sides turned out great measuring 15.05mm the z was a whole mm shorter. tried a few more and used a different slicer with the same result. any ideas?

Hi all!
So I had my surgery at the end of January. As expected, I bloated and swelled for a bit. It eventually seemed to go down. I still have (I’m just two days shy of the seven week mark) some water retention under my armpits and possibly some on my chest, but it’s not a ton.
Here’s what’s weird.
I’m an athlete. I lift 4x a week and run/cycle 3-4x a week with some yoga mixed in. I resumed light activity (hour long walks) the day after surgery because I was so restless and couldn’t sit still!
I figured tapering my calories down during recover (yes, I know recovery takes calories but it doesn’t take the same amount of calories that my usual fitness routine does, lol) would be a good setting-of-the-stage for a mini-cut.
So I have dutifully eaten in my tiny deficit - 250 cal under target - for seven weeks. I’ve also been back to working out regularly since 3 weeks (running) and 4 weeks (lifting, light at first, now normal minus no overhead stuff).
And… despite having DDDs before surgery…
I weigh more than I did before surgery?!
Has this happened to anyone else?
I have wondered if it’s cortisol. If it’s the water retention I do still have. If it’s something else entirely. I have definitely gained a little bit of circumference in my hip measurement so it’s not just glycogen.
How can I weigh more after a mini-cut and after having actual body parts removed than I did before the cut and before the surgery?!
Edited to add: it’s not that I’m hyper fixated on the scale. I just use MacroFactor to log so I gotta weigh in every day.

When I was younger I remember watching maybe Markiplier or another popular YouTuber at the time play this game where the style of pixel art is black and white. And you see a side view of your character (which lets you see the ghost approaching). I remember the mini-games you have to play were quite simple (one being a button-pressing game), and you would also be messaging another person sometimes. Also if you mess something up your character might commit suicide with blood on the wall saying "she left me" (I think). And I think you either stop playing the minigame when the ghost is near or press a key or else you also die.
The person you are messaging is a girl and might either be a ghost or crazy, as I remember she sends some weird text messages. Which causes you to commit sudoku.
To get the ending you have to go outside and dig up a grave. (This part is in top-down view)
Edit: you are in your bedroom

I'd love to have some critiques and feedback as I plan to publish this into something real at some point. This is also a draft. Many thanks
With heavy shoulders slumped, Sebastian Pasquet walked through the door of his house and kicked off his shoes, dropping the suitcase and hanging up his jacket. The turtleneck shirt he wore was covered in specs of dust and dirt, all of which emerged from today's earlier events.
“Ugh. I swear this position is gonna drive me into the bloody ground.” he grunted in a thick English accent. “I’m home.”

His voice caught the attention of a woman dressed in a blue shirt and apron, her hair was a dark silver and her eyes were violet, but her most defining features were a pair of cat-like ears protruding from her head, as well as a tail that stretched down to her feet. 

She walked towards him and instantly embraced him in a hug, causing him to drop the suitcase. He didn’t care and simply returned the love, pushing his lips against hers as he smirked. Greeting him was his wife, Alvia. A Felis from the planet Eria some 230,000,000 kilometers from Fiore.
A world with the lowest population in Eridani at 2.5 billion inhabited by a shy, peaceful race that, while possessing spaceflight and the ability to travel through jump space, had no off world settlements apart from their moon.
“Welcome back.” she said as her tail curved around his leg. “I missed you so much. It’s five thirty by the way, don’t you usually get out by four?”
“There was an accident on one of the launch pads that needed attention.”
“Oh my, I hope no one was hurt.”
“Don’t worry, it was an unmanned test. No crew on board.”
“Ah, great. Well my love, your hard day's work is over for the time being.” She pecked his cheek once more. “Come on, dinner’s almost finished.”

He stepped into the living room where a young boy was sitting on the floor reading a children's book. The area was designed with a modern and cozy aesthetic with the TV embedded in the wall, an L-shaped couch at the center, and family portraits stacked across a nearby table. One of them depicted Sebastian five years ago in his EVA suit, taken just before launch. 

His seven year old son, Jeremy, greeted him with a hug. While he resembled a younger version of himself, he’d been born a Felis just like Alvia, inheriting his mothers ears and tail.
“Hey kiddo.” Sebastian said, picking him up and scratching behind his ears. “What’d you do all day?”
“I got to help mom with dinner.” he replied, in a cheery voice. “Oh, Dad, are we still gonna go to the expo? Mari said she’s going with her parents.”
Jeremy had been referring to the Interstellar Aerospace Expo of 2273, which was to be held on the planet Vandam in two months. The annual thirteen day long convention where space companies, private initiatives, and anti-gravity racers from all across Eridani gathered to celebrate the one thing they all shared in common; flying.
“Of course we are.” Sebastian replied. “But were you good in school today?”
His son nodded.
“Then, I’ll be sure to take you to the anti-gravity race when we go.”

Jeremy cheered at his reply. Upon putting him down, Alvia directed him to wash his hands before dinner. He watched Jeremy head up the stairs towards the bathroom as his wife placed her head against his shoulder. 

“I swear, he can’t stop talking about that event.” she said.

Changing into a t-shirt he plopped onto the couch and turned the TV on just in time to witness a news report taking place. A story discussing a recent development regarding an unknown object floating within space, specifically the Strain Belt, the massive asteroid belt that separated Fiore from Eris. The screen then switched to a photograph taken within the belt via a satellite, depicting a violet light within a field of asteroids. As his wife sat beside him Sebastian became puzzled at the story, his mind curious as to what the supposed entity could be. 

“I read this somewhere earlier. Some are just saying it could be a comet.” Alvia said.
“But what kind of comet stays in the exact same place?” he replied. “It’s probably a defunct probe that’s reached its end.”
Alvia shrugged her shoulders as Sebastian began to massage her ears, which she loved a lot. “Maybe. So, how was today apart from the accident you mentioned?”
“Sorting through paperwork. Supersiving vehicle operation. In short, horrifying.”
“Aw, my peach sounds like he’s been through too much. It’s been two years now since you’ve had this position, director of the astronaut corps.”
“It has its perks. I get to fly in those fancy spaceliners for business trips across the planet or to the moon.”
“Oh? Then maybe you can book us a nice getaway towards those fancy beach hotels.” Sebastian rolled his eyes and smiled at her answer. Alvia slowly raised her head and pressed her lips against his once more, giving Sebastian the go ahead to massage her tail.
“Ew, yuck!”

The two ceased their advances immediately upon hearing the voice of their son in front of them. There, Jeremy stood, mocking his parents' act of love causing the two of them to laugh. When all was said and done they walked towards the kitchen where dinner was served, the entire time Sebastian was subjected to Jeremy’s rambling about the exposition. 

The next day Sebastian found himself quickly jogging through the halls of Ophir Space Complex, the campus-sized facility that managed all launches and missions of the company. He arrived at the designated meeting room and was greeted by the sight of James sitting at the head of an oval-shaped mahogany table. Beside him were Romero and Alex as well, all dressed in matching suit attire. 

Sebastian noticed at the table center a hologram of the planet Fiore, which was odd because this room didn’t have that feature the previous day.
“Sorry if I’m late. Had to drop my son off at school and traffic was impatient on the way back.” Sebastian said, taking his seat.
“Not at all mate. We’re waiting on a few more actually.” Romero replied, shaking Sebastian's hand. “How is your boy anyway?”
“Excited for the expo, that’s for sure. Says some of his friends are going too.”
“Same for me and my little girl.” Alex added. “I hear that there’s going to be a Human vs. Astrean anti-gravity prix.”
“How much do you want to bet they’ll kick our arses?”

Eventually several other suited men stepped into the room and upon closing the door, took their seats and greeted Sebastian and his colleagues. 

“Good. Now that everyone’s here, let's get this meeting started.” Romero proclaimed. “To begin, what is on the schedule for this month in terms of the new models?”
“Fortunately the accident yesterday was only minor and the damage was menial, the engineers over at our plant in Harriet are repairing it as we speak.” Alex replied. “Construction on two other prototypes are underway as we speak.”
“Will it be ready in time for the exposition?” another man asked.
“We believe so. With a little more time.”
“More time? The event is in two months and we have yet to present anything to the board and CEO. If we don’t procure results fast we’ll be coming in fifth place for the fourth year in a row.”
“Easy now, I’m sure our engineers here are on the case. Yesterday’s mishap has not slowed us down before, and it will not slow us down again.”

The hologram at the center suddenly switched to a star map of Eridani, displaying all barren and inhabited worlds within the star system, including the eight planets humanity resided on. Their names were shown just below the tiny sphere they represented. 

Daphne. Rhea. Nova. Antari. Freya. Cascade. . And his own planet, Fiore.

Soon after, a hologram of the spacecraft in question appeared at the center of the map as well. Sebastian was silent for the most part, somewhat annoyed at the constant bickering between the old men. 

“The model comes in one and two seater variants we’ve labeled as the Ichinose-class. Its nickname is Epsilon.” Alex spoke. “We were implementing a two engine propulsion system that not only propels the ship forward, but provides power for the rest of the ship. Sebastian, wanna give the rundown?”
He nodded, shifting everyone's attention to the TV display on the wall which now showed a diagram of the ship.
“Our spacecraft compared to Astreans, while advanced, are relatively primitive in their eyes. Well at least in terms of design and architecture. Astreans ships use deuterium and tritium to power their reactors while we use deuterium and helium-3, with liquid hydrogen remaining as the primary fuel source. But what makes Epsilon different is its engines.”
“Oh?” another man said.
“Typically, our vehicles employ chemically fueled aerospike plasma engines, the newer engines you’re seeing here are fusion powered and designed to not only provide direct thrust, but power to the spacecraft altogether.”

Each of the men’s eyes widened at Sebastians response. Such a design for a spacecraft was unproven on Fiore, but the concept and practicality was very much real. In fact most companies and organizations on other human worlds had recently fielded such designs. Sebastian continued. 

“Speed is also another factor we’ve looked over. A typical trip from Fiore to Eris in this planetary system will take around 7 hours. These engines can cut that flight down to just 2.5 hours of non-stop travel. Especially when you consider that it takes 5 hours to get to the Strain Belt.”

The men then began conversing amongst themselves at Sebastians statement. While some of them were supportive of the concept of lower trips across the interplanetary medium, others were skeptical. When asked if the engines were tested with astronauts Sebastian shook his head. 

“I haven’t assigned anyone to fly it as of yet, but rest assured the tests are coming back with many positive results.”
“Positive, but unmanned,” he replied. “If this were to fail, the amount of bad publicity would damage our reputation for years to come. We cannot proceed further without human ratings.”

Sebastian sighed to himself as he grunted, the men of the table chatting back and forth about the safety and possible outcomes the fusion engines would provide. He tried to find the words to say to appease the table but their corporate tone, mildly annoying political voices hindered that effort. For the past several minutes the meeting continued, with two sides discussing both the pros and cons of having such a design. Finally, after seemingly an eternity of old men debating over coffee as his wife put it, he slammed a hand on the table causing Alex to flinch. Standing from his seat, all eyes were now trained on him. 

“Enough. All this bickering is not getting us anywhere. If you want results, I’ll fly the damn ship myself.”

As if coming to some horrendous realization the table's members simply stared at Sebastian upon his closing statement. For his part, Sebastian was set on fulfilling the test operation. Further explaining that he would assign himself to a manned test of the vehicle as soon as possible. 

“I’m not so sure that would be an appropriate move, as the astronaut office head you’re responsible for ensuring launch vehicles are up to company standards.”
“And what better way to do that than from inside the said vehicle?” Sebastian replied. “Look, everyone in both corporate and engineering is under a lot of stress and worrying about our place at the exposition. I can put all those to rest with a simple interplanetary flight to Eria.”
“I agree.” Alex added. “Sebastian is one of the more experienced pilots in the program as well, especially when you look at his resume.”

Silence filled the room. The diagram of the engine disappeared from the screen as Sebastian took his seat once more, their eyes wandering back and forth as if lost in thought and trying to find counter arguments. As it became evident that there were no further words to say, one of the men had taken a piece of paper and began writing. 

“I will take it to the board then,” he said. “If we’re talking about a spaceflight, then might we add an extra task?”

When Sebastian arrived at the Strain Belt he was fast at work, enjoying the wilderness of space that he’d spent so long away from. A week had passed and he was installing one of many beacons along a column of asteroids, his EVA circulating oxygen and maintaining a stable body temperature. He had departed Fiore a few hours earlier after taking Jeremy to school and kissing his wife goodbye, now conducting a mission which included not only working out any of Epsilon’s bugs, but locating an interstellar object which had been spotted by a company space probe. 

Sebastian jumped from the asteroid and floated back towards Epsilon where the airlock was still open. Pressurizing the interior he assumed control of the vehicle and used the thrusters to gently move into more open space. The thick concentration of asteroids surrounding him resembled a field of death, something no human without the proper experience should be able to survive.

While the ship's hull was sturdy, Sebastian had to maintain constant caution. His senses were on full alert even from inside the safety of the ship. The occasional bumps along the exterior would cause any inexperienced pilot to flinch, but Epsilon was made of some of the best titanium Fiore had. As he arrived at the signal's location Sebastian found himself cast into a sea of dark, the sun barely shining through the asteroids that circled him. 

“I can’t see it yet.” he said to himself. “The news showed that thing to be a bright violet light, but where would it be?”

After floating through the belt for several minutes he was caught by the flash of a bright light, the familiar violet color from the news made its appearance known again. Activating Epsilon’s fusion engines Sebastian sped towards the light as it began to vanish as quickly as it came. He turned on the spacecraft's exterior lights to get a full view of what was before him. 

“Holy crap…”

His eyes took a moment to register what everyone at the space center assumed it to be. A large horizontal object with a shape almost like an oversized satellite with a rod attached to the end, two flat extensions resembling solar panels, and a round dome that covered its opposite end. In fact its shape and various extensions gave it the appearance of a small space station. 

“Control, I think I’ve found it.” Sebastian said through comms. “These markings along the side, those definitely aren’t human made.”
“We read you Epsilon. Are you saying what we’re all thinking?”
“Yeah. This thing is definitely of Xanadu origin.”

The sound of applause could be heard at the end of the radio. Sebastian smirked as he leaned back in his seat upon discovering one of thousands, if not millions of different advanced ancient technologies spread throughout the Milky Way. After relaying the artifact’s location and back to Fiore, his celebration abruptly ended when an alarm began to sound. Glancing at the radar beneath him he spotted two red dots, each representing ships, heading for his position. Sensing something was wrong Sebastian quickly displayed an enhanced frame of the space before him, what he could see were two low grade spacecraft flying towards his position. 

“Aw crap.” Sebastian said, activating the engines. “Control, we’ve got a problem. I’ve got a band of Outcast pirates on my plate now.”
“Well would you look at that.” one of them spoke through comms. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a butterfly trapped in a thorn bush. No biggie, you hand over that structure there and things don’t have to go south.”
Sebastian sighed. “It was hard enough having to navigate through this freaking death field. Now I have scumbags like you in my schedule? Geeze it just ain’t my day.”
“What was that?!” One of the ships activated their weapons systems.
“Did I stutter? I called you a bunch of low life trash bags who’re probably too stupid to know how a coffee maker works.”

Before he knew it, a concentrated beam of energy came flying through the asteroid field. Using Epsilon’s powerful thrusters Sebastian was only barely able to dodge it. He gripped the stick and began to fly forwards into the fray. To maintain his stability Sebastian had to keep the fusion engine's velocity at a minimum so as to not crash into any asteroids, or worse, the pirates spacecraft. 

“Looks like this butterfly’s been reading too many fantasies. Let’s show em who’s in charge around here!”

He soon found one of the ships now tailing him. Another stream of energy zipped past his ship and grazed the side of the hull plating, setting off another alarm Sebastian quickly silenced. Activating Epsilon's energy shields he quickly formulated a plan in order to gain the upper hand. Despite being a prototype, Epsilon was equipped with defenses including a directed energy weapon and four missiles stored in a lower chamber. 

“Damn. If this keeps up I’ll run out of fuel before I can even plan for the expo’s entrance.” he said to himself, scoffing. “No matter, I’ve got a few tricks of my own.”

As he piloted Epsilon through the dense field he remained calm and collected, knowing that fear and panic would only make the situation much more dire. A common aspect all astronauts followed when venturing in or far from Eridani. Paranoia would only spell certain demise. Sebastian circled another set of rocks before raising his altitude, catching the tailing ship off guard. The ship slammed into the side of the asteroid at an intense velocity. Engulfing the ship in a silent explosion as the flames vanished. 

“One down, one more to go.” Sebastian said. “Hm?”

He stabilized his altitude and ceased all movement to find the last remaining pirate ship before him; it was a few thousand feet away but close enough for Sebaatian to see. Strangely it made no attempts to move, no communication from its crew, all he could see was the low-budget ship flash a red light from its bridge area occasionally. 

“What the heck are they doing…?”

Sebastian realized too late. Within several seconds his spacecraft's systems suddenly began to go haywire, the electricity malfunctioning and life support beginning to fail. Putting on his helmet Sebastian quickly maneuvered Epsilon out of view from the Outcasts using what little power from the spacecraft's backup systems he had. He’d been hit with an EMP. 

“We’ve got him. Finish him off so we can claim our prize.”

Sebastian began to assess the situation as the pirate's spacecraft hovered towards him, the Outcast fired another stream of energy towards Epsilon causing the ship's hull to deteriorate. Using the thrusters Sebastian shifted behind an asteroid to avoid another oncoming stream of energy. Several minutes had passed with Epsilon sneaking around the Outcast ship and avoiding whatever attacks it could. Eventually the two ships found themselves coming within range of a pocket of controlled space within the Strain Belt, Sebastian could spot the orbital infrastructure that made up Ophir Strait. One of only two clear paths of the Strain Belt that served as a trade route between Fiore and Eria. 

“Damn it.” he grunted, hitting the dashboard. “If I don’t end this quickly then we’re both gonna be fired on by the security bots.”
Separated by fifty miles, Sebastian was well outside the exclusion zone of the trade route, and with Epsilon's systems finally back online he ran another scan for the remaining Outcast ship. He spotted him several thousand kilometers in front of him once more, only this time he couldn't see him out the canopy window.
Sebastian squinted his eyes as he looked out the window, his grip firm on the stick as he came to realize that he had to. He thought of Alvia and Jeremy back on Fiore, both of them waiting for his safe return and comforting presence once more. Taking in a breath, he gradually began to speed towards the craft.
“Alright…we got one shot at this.” Sebastian said. “This doesn’t work, then Ophir Strait falls apart.”

Sebastian locked onto the Outcast ahead of him and fired one of the missiles beneath the spacecraft, but not before slightly altering its trajectory. Epsilon increased its speed enough causing the interior to shake and vibrate, the energy shields surrounding the outside were activated once again, as asteroids flew past the canopy glass at a high velocity. Within just a few minutes the Outcast ship came within sight. It fired its directed energy once again straight towards Epsilon which made contact with the energy shield. However Sebastian continued to fly straight towards the craft, ignoring the reducing shield's power. The Outcast panicked, as it appeared that Sebastian would crash Epsilon straight into his ship. 

“Are you crazy?!” the pirate shouted.
Sebastian was unfazed. “Maybe.”

Before he knew it the Outcast was closer than ever, within a split second Sebastian's spacecraft zipped by the pirate in a swift clean motion. Epsilon then used its thrusters to reduce its velocity once more, the pirate beginning to laugh. 

“What the hell was that? No guts to finish it huh?” His ship's energy weapon began to charge. “Looks like this is it then, butterfly.”
“Yeah. For you at least.”

Confused, the Outcast demanded to know what he meant. Sebastian for his part, chuckled as he directed the pirate to look behind him. The two missiles Epsilon fired earlier had reemerged and, with brute force, smashed into the pirates ship from both port and starboard side. A ball of fire engulfed the surrounding space followed by a brief blinding light. All of which could be seen, but not heard. The flames vanished. Filling the space with debris from the destroyed ship that floated off into various directions. Sebastian let out a breath of relief as Epsilon, damaged but still alive, gently raised its altitude to be above the Strain Belt. The sun’s light shone through the glass as he took off his helmet and accepted the light.’ 

“Epsilon, this is Fiore! Epsilon, do you read?” a voice spoke through comms.
“Fiore this is Epsilon, good to hear your voice.”
“Sebastian? Thank God. What’s happening up there? The signal cut out and we’ve been trying to reach you!”

Looking around the interior of the cabin he shrugged his shoulders, taking off his communications cap he responded. 

“Well Fiore, I don’t know how to quite say this….”
Two months had passed since the incident in the Strain Belt, the Xanadu artifact had been secured by the company and taken to an orbital research station on one of Fiore’s moons.

The stadium had been packed to the rim with civilians from all across Eridani filling the twenty thousand seats that surrounded the massive holographic screen at the center of the ring. Fireworks lit the dim sky accompanied by confetti raining from passing overhead ships, and the cheers of all resonated throughout the air. Flags of the various inhabited worlds throughout Eridani flew along the center. 

Among the thousands of civilians, Sebastian sat beside his wife with their son between them.
“Hey, look.” Alvia said, pointing upward. “They’re starting.”

Sebastian glanced towards the sky and his eyes were as wide as dinner plates, as five spacecraft conducting a flyover soared over the stadium in formation. Leaving behind trails blue and white smoke that casted the air in a striped pattern. They were Epsilon spacecraft, the very vehicle that saved his life within the Strain Belt. It was the second day of the 2273 Interstellar Aerospace Expo, hosted by the Astreans that lived on the planet Seira, the day that would kick off with a traditional anti-gravity race between the humans teams from Fiore, and the Jurahan teams from Eden. 

“Dad, are we gonna win?” Jeremy asked.
Sebastian smiled and ruffled his hair. “I sure as hell hope so kid. That way Alex will be getting me lunch when we head back.”
Alvia covered Jeremy’s ears. “Sebastian, language. Not in front of Jeremy.”
“What? If I remember correctly you did the same before we left.”
Alvia playfully punched his arm before placing Jeremy on her lap.

Within moments of the racers being introduced the host of the show gave a brief speech to the people, welcoming all in attendance to both the race and the exposition. Upon finishing the anti-gravity timer began its countdown from ten, with the people all counting in unison as per tradition. The entire Sebastian couldn’t wipe the cheeky smirk off his face as he and his family cheered. Ecstatic that everything in the end worked out, from getting Epsilon approved in time for the exposition, to satisfying his son’s thirst for adventure. As the anti-gravity vehicles sped off into the fray he wrapped an arm around Alvia’s waist to pull her closer. 

“You know you still owe me an explanation about what happened.” she said. “I want to know all about your first time back up in space.”
“Yeah. Well I’ll tell you…most of what happened.”
Sebastian pecked Alvia’s cheek, as the romanticized scale of the fireworks and race continued.

So, i bought some boxes of old minis and found parts for those to which i assembled and have no clue what they are from
https://i.postimg.cc/90yPqTTz/IMG-20230325-221550.jpg

Hello! Welcome to yet another culling of great games I'll never have time to play 😩. Y'all have been good to me, so I am posting here 2 days before taking this all to the FB market. All games are pristine (4.5+), and most never played. I went (and am going) through a sleeving craze as well and sleeved a bunch while watching TV or whatnot, so some games may be sleeved that I forget to note here.
Smoke and pet free environment. I use Pirateship, buyer pays shipping (cont-US only), also willing to meet if you're in Boulder County and buying at least $50 worth. No trades offers please. PayPal or Venmo and PLEASE use Goods and Services so we're all safe.
Comment before sending DM, y'all know the drill 😊
----------------------------------------------------------
Bundle Discount!!: 10% off when buying two, 15% off three, 20% off 4 or more. Discount applied to TOTAL with shipping! 🥳
----------------------------------------------------------
MIND MGMT Deluxe + secret missions (latest Kickstarter) - $90 - Shrinkwrap off and opened box, otherwise untouched/unplayed. Great looking and unique game, just an impulse buy I'll never play.
GlenMore II Chronicles ALL-IN + Dicetroyers insert (base game only) - $120 - Base game, Highlands expansion, all promo tiles and metal coins (promos 1-5). Base game insert replaced with Dicetroyers wood insert, expansion is still in its original box and insert. Opened and all sorted into chronicle boxes. Never played. Sold only as this set.
Transmissions Deluxe KS Edition - $85 - Opened and played once.
Oak Deluxe KS Edition - $80 - Opened and played once.
Tindaya Deluxe KS Edition - $75 - Opened and played once. All cards sleeved.
Parks + both expansions - $65 - Parks base game played once. Includes Nightfall and Wildlife expansions, both never played (Wildlife unopened).
Whistle Mountain + e-Raptor custom color insert + PNP solo deck - $65 - includes the licensed color insert from e-Raptor and I printed and sleeved the solo PNP mode and deck. This will not fit in the game box and will be packed separately in shipping box.
Boon Lake + Folded Space insert - $60 - Opened and sorted, never played.
Hamlet Founder's Edition (KS) - $60 - Opened, assembled insert and church pieces. Never played.
The Hunger + High Stakes expansion - $55 - Base game opened but untouched, cards still sealed. Expansion is brand new, never opened.
Origins: First Builders + Ancient Wonders expansion - $55 - Opened, never played. Includes expansion, added in base box. Updated official "UFOBOT" Solo PNP sheets printed on cardstock. I'll also leave my DIY plastic tackle organizer in there. I've heard the expansion really helps the game at lower player counts.
Castles of Burgundy Anniversary Edition + BGG silk bags - $50 - Played once. Includes 7 custom tile bags from BGG Geekup Market.
So You've Been Eaten (KS Deluxe) - $45 - Includes Dyspepto mini-expansion. Opened, never played.
Terracotta Army - $45 - Opened, never played. Includes official PNP solo instructions printed on cardstock.
Vivid Memories KS Deluxe - $30 - Opened, never played.
---------------------------------------------
NOT part of bundle discount - $25 each/$80 for all 4, OR add to any order for $20 each: Mercado de Lisboa, New York Zoo, Living Forest, Small Islands. All played once.
I've researched my prices and I don't haggle, BUT if you feel I'm way off on a price, feel free to ask about it. All offers will be handled in the order they are received. Thank you!

We have a one year old mini schnauzer, Wilbur who we are considering neutering. I have read a lot of conflicting opinions and experiences so would love to hear how it’s gone for others! Wilbur is all around great for the most part. He’s very playful and gentle for the most part but can be quite territorial especially when someone comes into the house, he will bark and bark (and bark some more). He’s generally good with other dogs although some just don’t tickle his fancy or he will try to hump to assert dominance and he’s not aggressive for the most part (he doesn’t like being groomed or going to the vet 😅) He’s super intelligent and we absolutely love his personality. I know neutering won’t fix any of his issues but I am wondering will it exacerbate them? Would love to hear your experience before and after neutering particularly if you have a male schnauzer who was neutered between 12-18 months! 😊

Two POVs this time around.
Prepare for some more shenanigans.
CW: Contains references to sexual material.
I hope you enjoy.
————————————
Memory transcription subject: Minuli, defective Arxur youth
Date[standardized human time]: December 7, 2136
Soccer was a really fun game. It involved two teams using anything aside from their hands and claws to smack a ball towards opposing goals, with one player on each team doing their best to protect the goals. With our top heavy bodies, playing soccer was difficult, and we often had to use our snouts to boop the ball towards the goal.
Aside from those difficulties, soccer was quite fun.
Eventually, we got a break, and I wondered off with Jurra.
We pulled out the book that Baroz had bribed us with yesterday. He said that it was full of “anatomical diagrams”. I wasn’t convinced, and I didn’t think that Jurra was either.
“Are you ready?” I asked as I prepared to flip the book open.
“Yeah!” She exclaimed with enthusiasm as she stood by my side.
This was it. The moment of truth. In this moment, we would figure out what secrets Baroz has had access to.
In 3…2…1…0!
^flip
…
…
What am I looking at?
“Is this what they look like without clothes?” Jurra asked, an odd tone in her voice.
I couldn’t answer. I don’t know why, but looking at these pictures made me feel… weird… and icky.
So many curves…
I closed the book immediately, though something in the back of my mind asked me to keep looking.
“They look… very oddly pretty without their clothes.” Jurra commented.
A traitorous part of my brain agreed.
Just what exactly is this book?
I needed to show this to Oros and Olivia.
<<>>
Memory transcription subject: Oros, Arxur defector
Date[standardized human time]: December 7, 2136
I struggled to comprehend what Captain Olivia was telling.
“So you’re telling me… that at least one book full of fantasized mating ritual stories is out and about?” I asked.
“Yes.” She replied, a rather distressing look on her face.
I was still struggling. “Why would humans make those kinds of books in the first place?” I asked.
“Cause we are officially the horniest and most passion driven species on the planet. Most adult humans go crazy after long periods of abstinence. These books help us relieve ourselves of the sexual pressure.” She answered.
That was a confusing reason, but at least it was a reason.
“And why is children having access to this material a bad thing? Wouldn’t such articles be beneficial for education?” I asked.
“They’re kids! The stuff in these books will ruin their innocence! They should be taught with proper sex ed classes, and they shouldn’t have these books until at least the age when they are considered sexually mature.” She explained.
I thought for a moment. Would reading these books at such a young age really be that bad of an influence? I supposed that, if that was the case, it would be a good idea to get rid of these books for the time being.
But just how bad were these books?
I was interrupted before I could ask.
“Oros, Olivia, we found something weird.” Mini and Jurra exclaimed as they approached us. Before I could ask what they found, they held a book open for us to see.
…
By all that is holy…
They then flipped through several more pages.
…
These really were a bad influence.
First
Previous

PM me with questions and preferred payment method (Zelle, Venmo or Cashapp Only)
https://imgur.com/a/7BuHwNj
Not parting out and not looking for trades sorry

1. Mini Gordon Clone 300 Blackout Edition - A2 Upper with Luth Rear Sight, 8” BA 300 Black Barrel, A2 Handguards, BCM Front sight, Pistol Gas System, Rearden R2 Flash Hider. $600 shipped
2. Holosun 515GM on 12 oclock Badger C1 mount. Not parting. $330 shipped
3. Badger Tdx gas block 0.625” - $45 shipped
4. Aimpoint low mount - primary Arms brand- $15 shipped
5. Lead Devil Belt - Size M - Coyote- very good shape. Inner and Outer belt 1.75 included- Catch and release- $75 shipped

Does anyone have a broken Miyoo Mini you'd be willing to sell? I need the PCB board since the little door broke off of the screen cable connection. I cannot get the ribbon not to reseat properly to show a game. Any takers? I'm in the US.

Hi everyone,
It is my first time building a mini-itx PC. I would like some review/suggestion or possible issue that I may encounter with this build (compatibility issue, size problem etc.). Will buy tonight.
Thank you all in advance.
*Located in Canada
PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor	$319.99 @ Best Buy Canada
CPU Cooler	Noctua NH-U9S chromax.black 46.4 CFM CPU Cooler	$84.95 @ Amazon Canada
Motherboard	Asus ROG STRIX B660-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX LGA1700 Motherboard	$279.99 @ Newegg Canada
Memory	Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory	$164.99 @ Amazon Canada
Storage	Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive	Purchased For $164.99
Video Card	Gigabyte EAGLE OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12 GB Video Card	$1139.99 @ Memory Express
Case	Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Mini ITX Desktop Case	$129.99 @ Memory Express
Power Supply	Corsair SF750 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply	Purchased For $159.99
Case Fan	be quiet! Pure Wings 2 33.15 CFM 92 mm Fan	$12.99 @ Canada Computers
Case Fan	ARCTIC P12 Slim PWM PST 41.1 CFM 120 mm Fan	$14.99 @ Memory Express
Case Fan	ARCTIC P12 Slim PWM PST 41.1 CFM 120 mm Fan	$14.99 @ Memory Express
Custom	DEEPCOOL FH-10 Integrated Fan Hub, Powering up to 10 Fans (3-pin Or 4-pin) with PWM, Occupying only One 4-pin Motherboard Header	$19.98 @ Amazon Canada
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$2507.83
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-25 17:13 EDT-0400

Spencer had been hired as an assassin by the crime boss Sophie Atrickson. It didn't take him long to kill the targets she assigned and he was satisfied with his earnings. He was ready to leave for the next client when she gave an offer he couldn't refuse. She’d pay for his housing and other resources if he became a permanent employee. With how easy it was to eliminate his victims, he agreed to the terms with little hesitation. Unaware that the greatest thing he’d have to face was the one he was prohibited from killing. Soon after moving into the apartment, she'd secured for him, he met her romantic partner and right-hand man, David King. An individual he despised off the bat. Despite working under him, Spencer had no respect for the tall brunette. He never bothered getting close to him since he believed he knew everything he needed to. He was a weak man obsessed with someone because of what they could be molded into, instead of what they were. A narcissist who was far more pathetic than his blind followers would accept. And worst of all, he was dreadfully boring and predictable. For someone who perceived themselves as a master manipulator, they had a rather limited bag of tricks. Unfortunately, he was forced to work for him directly when Sophie assigned him to stalk Zander Jones, the piece of human putty David couldn't pry himself away from. Spencer grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge near his foot. Opening it with a loud crack before drinking it.
“Taking a break already?” Spencer leaned back further in his foldable chair, looking up at David. Rolling his eyes and taking another sip.
“I drink some water and you assume I’m not working? You're more uptight than I thought.” David sighed, blocking Spencer’s view of the window he was looking through.
“You do realize you're stopping me from keeping watch of that boy toy you're crazy about right?” he grunted whilst harshly pushing him away.
“Well, there’s no point in you seeing anything if you aren't paying attention! You haven't taken a single note on his behavior for the past 36 minutes!” he complained, to Spencer’s annoyance.
“I haven't written anything down because he hasn't done shit! The last relevant thing he did was go into the bathroom to shower!” he retorted, getting closer to the window.
“Why are you getting so irritated with me? I’ve seen how you are with Sophie and you're not nearly this hot-headed,” he questioned in a calm yet condescending tone that only infuriated Spencer more.
“I’m irritated with you because you bitch about every little thing that doesn't go your way! Sophie isn't someone I particularly respect either, but at least she doesn't extensively nitpick people’s actions like you do!” David’s eyes widened at his response, not expecting him to be that upfront.
“I wouldn't criticize you so harshly if you handled your assignments with more care. When watching him you don't take in the greater implications of what he's doing.” He responded, slumping into the now empty chair. Spencer turned back with frustration and glanced down at David's shoes.
“Please, you're not any more productive, sitting around in your fancy little pumps looking like a Disney princess so ugly no prince came to save her.” David pulled out a green pen twirling it in his left hand, the plastic smacking against his nails.
“I do more than that and you know it. You're simply ignoring my contributions to prove your weak point. I train every member of our organization, keep Sophie in check when her plans get too risky, and most importantly, push people to not only survive their monotonous lives but break free from them.” Spencer scrunched his face up in a way that David couldn't help but smirk at. The gruff man was struggling to respond, a rarity for him. He couldn't find a reasonable counter to David's cases, as worthless as he was to him, he couldn't deny that he was good at leading the weaklings around him. And it was that ladder part of Spencer's realization that gave him ammo.
“Alright, sure, you're good at leading your little fan club. But your repetitive, bare-bones, strategies are only effective because you go after those who are already fragile. No matter how hard you try, you can't turn rock into gold.” He responded with smug pride. David cocked his head to the side, giving him an oddly enchanting smile.
“I must admit, I'm impressed with your argument, I expected far less than what you've delivered.” He snickered, temporarily stopping the rotation of the pen in his grasp.
“If I'm correct, you believe I wouldn't be able to control someone who’s less mentally vulnerable or has an opposing mindset?” he questioned, motioning his free hand to Spencer's water bottle without him noticing.
“Yeah pretty much, any way to prove me wrong? Or are you already running out of cheap party tricks?” David kept his sympathetic smile, countering with a question of his own.
“Heh, not quite, more importantly, your mouth was on this right?” he picked up the partly used bottle and Spencer stared back with further irritation.
“Are you kidding me? I was just drinking out of it dumbass! Of course, I put my mouth on it, I don't drink out my fucking nose!” David held the bottle neatly in his lap, growing in anticipation of what was about to happen. He knew the bulky man didn't like him, but his reactions were even more amusing than he expected.
“Good, I'm just checking, I needed to be sure.” the brunette then stabbed the pen into the container. In a single swift motion, the item was lodged through the plastic. Water rapidly poured from the poorly punctured opening. Spencer rolled his eyes at the sight, David’s pettiness appeared to extend further than he thought.
“Wow, real heartbreaking move there, that was my favorite...” his sarcastic response slipped past his lips as a heavy wave of tiredness wafted over him. He fell to the ground, while David grinned. His vision blurred, things went dark, and his entire body went still. David checked to see if Spencer was breathing, got up, and went into another room to grab his supplies, he expected this to be fun.
When Spencer awoke, he was greeted with an all too familiar texture. Harsh rope scratched his skin, though, unlike his past experiences, his bindings were more meticulous. Both his arms were tied together at each joint, with his legs getting the same treatment, with the addition of his upper thighs also being tied.
“I pulled out all the stops with this one, I couldn't have you getting away,” David spoke, seated in the same chair from earlier, looming tall while Spencer remained slumped against the wall.
“For God’s sake, what pathetic game are you trying to play? Spencer groaned.
David pulled out a syringe from his breast pocket. It was filled with a deep purple liquid, the end of the metal stained red.
“I'm not playing any games with you, you're far too mature for that. Instead, consider a business transaction.” David set a small container of clear liquid on the ground beside him.
“While you were unconscious I injected a deadly toxin into your body. It’s festering inside you as we speak, only giving you 20 minutes before it terminates every vital organ you have.” His domineering tone in tandem with his icy stare almost impressed Spencer. It was hard to believe that an individual with half his weight and wits just took him out in both departments.
“The vile to my left contains the antidote, but I'll only provide it to you under one condition. You beg.” Spencer's eyes widened, David was truly testing his limits.
“What?!” he yelled, managing to push his torso off the wall.
“You heard me, I want you to beg for all of it. Your life, the cure, my forgiveness, everything.” Spencer took a moment to sigh from what he just heard.
“Well, in that case, just take me out now.”
David squinted, with skepticism, placing a heel against Spencer’s forehead. Something the tied man found especially strange since the position seemed more uncomfortable for his captor.
“Are you truly willing to die for your pride? It would take you two minutes at most and no one else would see it.” David pressed the heel further into the man’s skin but he didn't budge. Instead, smirking, as if he’d just heard an inside joke only he understood.
“The better question is how much pride are you willing to sacrifice? If the roles were reversed and I had you tied up with only 20 minutes to live, would you start pleading?” Spencer questioned, with a hint of excitement.
“Of course, unlike you, I have an actual life to live. There are so many things I’d miss out on if I died this young, I'm not sacrificing years of joyous experiences for a blip of superiority.“ Spencer softened his expression and nodded in agreement.
“Alright, I see your perspective, gotta say that’s surprisingly reasonable by your standards. But there are different levels of sacrifice, so I'm going to get more specific.”A cocky grin crossed his face when he finished his sentence, making David flinch. Something about the undertone of his expression was wrong in a way that caught him off guard. He didn't expect to see it on him, or any person for that matter.
“In this scenario, you’d still be tied up with 20 minutes to live. But this time around you’d have to blow me in that time frame or I'd shoot you.”
“Are you kidding me?” The spark of intimidation instilled in him faded once he heard the bound man’s crude words.
“It’s a genuine question! You're always yapping about the value of your precious life, so I'm testing how much dignity you’re willing to live without! Cause I don't know about you but I'd just let you pull the trigger.” David looked to the ground, feeling embarrassed about what he was about to say.
“If I'm being honest with you, I would do it if I had to.“ Spencer chuckled at his response.
“Wow! You’d seriously suck my dick to spare your hopeless life!“ He laughed, as David developed a response.
“How is my life hopeless, if anything it's entering its prime. Are you unaware of the multitude of crimes I've gotten away with and the power I've accumulated in only a couple of months? While you were a dog for a government that doesn't care about you, I was re-tooling mechanisms in people’s brains.” Spencer scoffed at David’s response.
“Jeez, you're more delusional than I expected! Firstly, I'm no one’s bitch, I didn't do any of the army shit cause I cared about this country. I took on those missions so could legally end lives and beat people’s asses. I didn't feel shit for anyone involved. The kind of stuff that traumatized other soldiers is what I lived for.” He hissed, making David recoil his leg. Spencer’s pure lack of empathy took him by surprise. He knew he was sadistic but he was impressed by the extent of it.
“Secondly if this is the prime of your life then you better untie my legs and open that mouth up cause being a professional cock sucker is more respectable. You think you're so damn smart with your morbid little game but you’re nothing special. You are wasting your time on the embodiment of vanilla to answer psychological questions that have already been answered by people with degrees. This entire pursuit for inevitably lackluster results is useless.” David was awe-struck by what he was hearing, no one had ever talked to him like that.
“Spencer I-”
“What, are you surprised? You shouldn't be, I‘m not another love-deprived loser begging for your approval. I've survived in places you wouldn't last two minutes in, I’m more than capable of seeing through your bullshit“ David calmly lifted his hands.
“I know, I know, it's obvious your not my typical target. Still, all of what you have said is subjective. As thorough as your take-down of me was, it doesn't change my perspective.” Spencer’s grin grew wide once more.
“Alright, I guess I'll try to be more understanding. If working towards this Zander goal is your prime, and you're still a few years younger than me, what the hell are you doing after?” Despite his underlying smug tone, it was a valid question. David pressed the heel of his shoe back onto his face. This time landing it between his eyes, the harsh feeling making the bound man cringe.
“I predict that he’ll end up similar to me and we’ll be able to play the game together again with a target of our choosing.” He responded calmly, checking his nails.
“Aww, isn't that just adorable? Two best buddies reconnect by playing make-believe. Do you want me to pick you up from his house after you're done with this over-complicated play date?” he mocked in a patronizing tone.
“It's starting to baffle me how childish your logic is, love or hate me I don't try to hide my motives. I never lie to people since the truth is always worse, and the same goes for you. The fact is princess, you are way in over your head. This minimum required effort philosophy isn't the worst, but if you keep clinging to Mr. Meh, you’ll end up wasting most of your life away.” David shivered when he called him princess, it was secretly validating. Though he wasn't ready for the conversation about why that was. More importantly, he understood where Spencer was coming from. Spencer was a smart man with valid points. After all this time, David was speaking to someone on his level.
“I get why you think that, but you're even more naive than me by assuming that it stops there. Zander is the blueprint for something greater, once I have a proven method I’ll be able to streamline and alter it to any possible liking. I want Zander to help me with the next game as a final test to see if he came out how I wanted him to.” He got up from his chair and sat across from the bound man. Grabbing him by the face, forcing him to stare into his eyes.
“I can make anyone around me into what I want with enough effort, no matter how much they hate me.” Spencer could tell who his sentence was directed at.
“There is always an exception to the rule, now do me a favor, and let me die.” David’s eyes widened at Spencer’s casualty.
“Going off on your backward ass has been fun and you have ambition, but I'm still not apologizing. I don’t take back anything I said before, even if you become a real master manipulator and develop a whole cult around your logic. You’ll just be another lunatic taking advantage of stupid people. Our time spent with each other is proof that you can't change anyone with a shred of intelligence and stability.“ David was transfixed on the gruff man. He was a boulder impossible to budge.
“So that’s it, you’ll die in an almost empty apartment with someone you despise because you're too prideful to even pretend to say sorry? After all the things you’ve gone through, this is what you’re content with?” He asked in genuine disbelief, Spencer took a deep breath, gazing up at the ceiling.
“Yep, what can I say, I’ve had a good run. My life has been fuller than people twice my age without a plan or any definitive goals. Sure this wasn't my ideal way to die, but it's rare anyone gets an ideal death anyway. After everything, I'd rather die on my terms than humiliate myself on someone else’s.” He explained, calmer than ever. His sudden serenity unnerved David, it didn't feel right coming from him.
“You seem very content with this like you expected to pass soon.” Spencer furrowed his brow.
“Just say die, no need to be respectful with terminology. And it's not that I expected or wanted it, but I came to terms with the concept a long time ago. I mean, I'm an assassin, I risk my mortality daily going after people. Death is inevitable and with so many close calls, I accept that it’ll get me sooner than later. Don't get me wrong, I’ll fight for my life, but if I know I won't make it I'm not gonna waste my time.” David found his explanation beautiful.
“Wow, it's so rare to find someone so comfortable with dying without outright wanting it. I have a lot of respect for your perspective even if I can never relate.” Spencer was surprised by David’s appreciation of his viewpoint. Still, he had his issues.
“Of course, you can't, you're too narcissistic to feel the weight of your mortality. Even if you get scared in a life-or-death situation, in the back of your mind you’re convinced you’ll make it out.” David didn't have a response, he was spot on. He’d never admit it, but death is what he feared most, which was why he tried not to address its finality. He pulled up his phone to check the time, coming to realize they were running out of it.
“Well, we have about 8 minutes left, any final requests?” Spencer was slightly disappointed by how David ignored his statement, but it was what he expected for the most part.
“Hmm, you know a blow job-”
“Within reason Spencer.” David quickly cut off. Spencer smirked at his visible disgust.
“Oh come on, it'll only be 2 minutes max and no one will see it.” he mocked.
“Any real requests?” David asked with a twinge of annoyance
“A hand job for the sake of courtesy, I am about to die after all.” He grinned, relaxing his eyes in an exaggerated flirtatious manner.
“Ugh, why do you keep going back to these crude jokes?” David asked despite knowing why.
“Because they work every time! It makes sense, you’re too busy with the stick up your ass to get fucked by anyone else.” Spencer paused, leaning forward.
“Apart from your boss of course.” He continued with a wink.
“Sophie is not my boss! If anything I have more power over the business.” Spencer laughed at David’s response.
“Sure pal, face it she’s your pimp. I haven't been here long but I can already tell you’ve had to get on your knees in order to keep your position. Maybe that's why you're doing this weird bondage shit with me.”
“Oh shut up, you know that isn't what this is! Saying that is a pretty low blow.” As soon as David’s words left his mouth he regretted it.
“Not lower than the one you said you’d give me.” Spencer snickered, David clenched his fists, holding in the urge to groan at the obvious trap he fell into.
“Alright, do you have any real least requests?” David asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah, I'd like some coffee.” Spencer nonchalantly stated. David nodded, walking into his kitchen. He pulled out a half-empty plastic cup from the fridge and poured it into a mug. Spencer could tell the leftovers were from a chain, but he wasn’t petty enough to complain. David set the timer for under a minute. Quickly returning with it, sitting across from Spencer on the ground. A smile far sweeter than it had any right to be, spread across his face. He pressed the mug against Spencer’s lips.
“Fuck you,” he mumbled before opening his mouth wider to swallow the beverage. Being forced into needing assistance with drinking felt more embarrassing than he anticipated. He’d been so focused on the short-term joy of getting the drink, he didn't consider his circumstances. He had to stop and start in different intervals so he didn't choke, all while David had the same expression as a child playing with a new toy.
Once the cup was empty, David placed it on his counter. By this point, Spencer didn't have anything more to say. While he would have loved to continue his life, he understood that it was almost over. He shut his eyes and reflected on his life. He should have known that this job was too good to be true. Consistent pay with free housing all so he’d kill some low-level crooks and suburbanites. It was the easiest route he could have taken, and now he was paying with his life. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the pain he was about to endure.
“You passed the test!” David excitedly announced. Spencer’s eyes shot open.
“What the hell do you mean?!” He questioned, annoyed that David broke his concentration.
“This was a test to see if you were truly on my level, and you passed with flying colors! I had an interest in you since the moment you arrived, and this just proved to me that your worth is beyond what I expected.” Spencer stared dumbfounded at the news.
“So this whole fucking thing was a test to determine whether or not I was worth your time?!” he asked with a rapidly growing sense of anger.
“I know it sounds bad, but yes. Take it as a compliment though. In my eyes, most of the population is expendable, so the fact I’m enamored with you and took the time to do this says something.” Spencer couldn't believe that David was able to say such self-centered things without a hint of self-awareness.
“So the poison was made up?” he questioned with a growl.
“Yeah, I figured that seeing how you react to an ultimatum would be best.”
“David, I swear to God, or whatever the fuck is out there, I will beat your ass.” David giggled, the light-hearted smile remaining on his face.
“In your dreams, we both know what Sophie would do to you.” Spencer let out a long groan, utterly fed up with him.
“I hate your guts so much right now you can’t even understand.” He tiredly complained as David brought out a knife from his back pocket.
“Good, I’ll have fun trying to,” he replied while cutting Spencer free. It was particularly awkward when David sliced the rope around his upper thighs. He was sure that the knot’s placement was there to make things as uncomfortable as possible. Once free, Spencer rubbed his arms and legs, looking up at David with total contempt.
“You're lucky your pimp pays me well, or else I'd destroy every inch of your pathetic excuse of a body.” David’s expression relaxed, as he gave him strangely dreamy eyes.
“I guess I gotta make her lower your salary then~” he cooed, twirling a piece of tight curly hair. Spencer cringed at his comment.
“It's not funny when you do it, you sound way too sincere.” He replied, getting off the ground.
“You're seriously the worst, I don't understand how anyone wants to pound you let alone like you.” He insulted him while heading out.
“I look forward to seeing you later too.” David happily waved, Spencer scoffed and flipped him off while slamming the door. David stood outside the window in silence for a couple of seconds. Watching him speed walk with clear frustration. Once he was gone, David sat back in his chair and pulled out his laptop. Accessing the cameras in the room to review the footage. Opening a word document titled “Notes on SM” on the side. He was excited to start analyzing one of the few people who were worthy of being considered a real person.

u/nutriyum: TY so much for my adorable fox with a paper heart postcard and the "Fly the Tube to Heathrow" postcard. I love them both. The wintery washi on the fox card is so beautiful and I love all the stickers you chose for both. The floral envelope and stamp are both just gorgeous and I LOVE the wax happy mail seal :) Your wintery views sound so peaceful and beautiful. I did learn to knit at the beginning of the pandemic, but I put it down, and now, I'm not sure what pattern I was doing with the blankets, lol! I wrote them down in a book (I started like three or four blankets with different yarns and different size needles), but I cannot locate it, so I need to figure out what to do, lol!
Enjoy your upcoming trip. I was able to visit London many years ago. I haven't travelled much at all since years before the pandemic. So many amazing places in the world to see-I hope I get to!
u/mumbagoespainting: TY for your really beautiful hand painted tree card and stickers! Trees are one of my favorite art subjects and I'm tickled to have this series of 5 painted on a card! You are quite talented, and a very kind person for providing your bonus son with a loving environment! Here's to a 2023 filled with lots of snail mail and beauty!
u/ninajyang:TY so much for my Norwegian postcard! Such a gorgeous picture, and I loved my mini language lesson :) I would absolutely love to visit Norway, Finland, Iceland-all the Nordic countries have intrigued me most of my life! Maybe we'll get to do an RAoC meetup there one day :)
u/zenshark: OMG-I love my charcuterie board p/c so much!! TY for an awesome pick for your random p/c offering :) Just add cheese should be my life motto!
u/okayflan: TY for my (is it Manga style?) p/c. I love it, and the washi you added is just beautiful! I love all the pink stickers you added, and the quote about always being kind from the 14th Dalai Lama is just beautiful!
u/hufflepuffpuff_pass: TY so much for my make a friend day Route 66 card :) I loved it, and am so grateful to have made friends with you here on RAoC! I have never travelled on Route 66, but have always wanted to do at least part of it with friends on a road trip one time!
u/stephkempf: As spokesperson for Paisley, I want to thank you so much for translating her fan mail TY to me. I'm in awe that I actually have mail from a celebrity and I can't tell you what it means to me! You deserve a raise as her public relations managetranslator, that's all I have to say :) If she ever publishes a book and goes on tour, I'm definitely standing in line starting the night before to make sure I get to meet her and get a pawtograph!
u/Pumpkin-Spice-Witch: Thanks for the TY card :) Glad you had little discomfort in your recovery and I hope you are back in the normal rhythm of things now. TY for all the stickers-love them!

Hi everyone, I am NOT a coffee expert by any means and only recently started drinking it regularly. I usually get either an iced vanilla/caramel/sugar cookie/etc. latte with almond milk or a brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso from Starbucks (I only like iced drinks). At home, I just buy the cheap international delights pre-mixed iced coffees/lattes or get the Starbucks cold brew concentrate to mix with water and almond milk.
In an effort to save some money, I got a Nespresso Essenza Mini and just tried it out for the first time today! I used the blonde roast Starbucks pod and brewed a double shot, poured over iced, mixed with about a tablespoon of brown sugar, blended/frothed with a handheld frothemixer, and topped with almond milk (about equal parts milk/espresso) in hopes it would taste similar to the shaken espresso from Starbucks.
However, it came out bitter, not sweet, and kind of flavorless. I admittedly do like a very sweet/not strong drink, so I ended up adding some salted caramel syrup I had and more brown sugar and finally got it to a level of being drinkable, but definitely not like Starbucks and I feel like I added wayyy more sweetener than I should have needed.
Any suggestions for how to improve?? Would it be better to use an actual syrup instead of plain sugar? Are my ratios completely off? Help please!