Hi everyone! I've been a lurker here for a while, and I've been reading different stories about people who worked in crypto sharing their regrets and/or spiteful feelings here, so it encouraged me to share my own. I never really post or comment on reddit except in gaming subreddits for help, so this is a first! I hope I don't bore you to death, but I imagine it might feel a little nice venting it out.
In hindsight, I didn't realise this would be such a long, long read, so please forgive the wall of text. This is really really long, but I don't care; I just wanted to get it all out to actual people. Read it if you will.
Lemme get some key points outta the way so we don't start off on the wrong foot
· at the beginning, I was never really "pro" or "anti" crypto
· I didn't lose any money lol
· throughout the whole thing, I was crypto neutral
· I managed to stop the project before it launched
· please do not refer me to suicide hotlines, I'm already going through therapy
· I was ignorant about crypto at the beginning; but now I know, so please, no lectures!
· I haven't "made money" either; in fact, I put a stop to the thing my friends were working on.
· I don't think I'm very smart, in fact, I feel stupid and useless after this whole debacle
· This doesn't really have a happy or "bad" ending, so please don't expect a happy ending. Also, again, please, please refrain from "giving advice." Just hear this out, and that's it. Make fun of this or ridicule it or empathise with it, I don't care; just don't "give advice" or "reassure" or whatever. Have the decency to just read something like this and let it be. Thank you!!
About myself: I don't really have a background in tech, and most of this is rather confusing stuff (then and now). I'm actually never on social media or the internet too often. I'm a writer, musician, and artist (mostly writer and musician), and I've done administrative work, project management, and journalism work to get by. I'm currently studying my undergraduate degree. I'll go about this chronologically.
2021 Jan - Sep: one of my friends got into crypto. He's a programmer (and a good one at that). I observed from the sidelines, and he kept talking about how much money he's made by trading. The concept of it never made any sense to me, but I'm not a programmer and I trusted my friend, so I was like "well, good for you." I never really understood any of that trading hubbub either!
I never really paid attention to any of this stuff, I was usually out with my friends, working, making music, playing games, or just writing. I never even owned a twitter account until late 2021!
2021 Sep: My friend made a whole lot of money one day, and I was pleasantly surprised! This guy always had those chart things on his screen 24/7 (never closed) whenever we went to his house, so we were all like "what the heck, that's hard work, huh?" I was genuinely happy that he's gotten his big break, because I believed he deserved it. He's one of the most talented people I know. Turns out one of his friends ran this crypto project with all these strange buzzwords that I still couldn't quite understand and gave him some "airdrops" before the "governance" token things launched. Oh, this isn't the thing I worked for, by the way!
2021 Oct: I didn't know too much about crypto, but I got it's selling point (or, well, I was dumb enough to fall for it). At least according to them, it's internet money that you can send anywhere at any time that you "own" and no central authorities own whatsoever (now I know that this concept is just incredibly stupid, but bear with me). I mean, I wasn't really an anti-government nut (and I didn't really turn into one either), but my friend's adamant on it, so I was like "well, why not?" and put $1000 in — wired it to this exchange (hint: it's not FTX, Coinbase, or Binance). Long story short, I put some money into that "Sandbox" thing and made a good few hundred bucks when it went up. There wasn't any real reasoning other than "well, Sandbox is a game, and people must use it for things, right?"
Oh, also, sandbox did these giveaway things for some "alpha pass" where you play their game and post a screenshot on twitter and win one of these alpha pass NFTs that you can sell on the market. I lucked out, got one, immediately sold it — I made like $5000 reselling that thing at "floor price." I remember thinking "woah, these guys must really want to play this game," which was naive and stupid, I guess.
2021 Nov - 2022 March: I cashed that out (the exchange wires that money back into your bank account for you) and steered clear later, because the whole thing was too much for me, staring at those dumb charts watching lines go up and down. That was all the money I ever made from crypto. I used it to buy some much needed medical devices, a guitar, and.. well, a new mattress. I donated the remainder away. Every time I asked my programmer friends to explain something or the other, it's always handwaving to "DYOR!" Every source they pointed me to confused me even more, and now I know that's deliberate with these grifters.
2022 March - May: I was still in their group chat so I could see them talk about it every now and then. Sometimes I drop in my comments about real-world news. One day, my friends were talking about starting an actual business. This was something I had experience in, and as far as I've seen, anything tangible that anyone's ever done with crypto was usually with games. I've had this idea for a type of game that I really cherished, and one of my friends had experience as a game developer. It was a relatively simple idea.
Let me tell you though, I really loved this game subcategory. I'm even in a university society for it. It's been one of my lifelong dreams to see my idea come to life. So I pitched the idea in, cause why not? The subcategory was never done in crypto, so at least we'd have the advantage of novelty, I thought. They weren't really sure how to monetise it, so I said "why not monetise the characters?" It seemed reasonable at the time: the characters could act as access points to the game and anyone could buy new characters for like, what, 5 bucks? At least that's what I had in mind. They agreed, so I found a popular NFT project to pitch the idea for (since it made more sense to work under an organisation rather than going full indie into a space we had no reputation in yet).
At the time, my friends said making these characters NFTs would give people "real ownership" and be a way to "support digital artists by cutting out the middleman." I mean, as a writer and musician, that did appeal to me. I didn't really question much of it (and I know I should have, it should have been due diligence, that was careless on my part). I thought "maybe we could make these NFTs customisable, because that's what RPGs are about, right?" and we went ahead with that.
2022 April - June: Here's a reminder: I'm a social media hermit. I never get on it unless it's checking on someone on Facebook or Instagram (or messaging). I never had twitter until 2021! So, I've never heard of people like Molly White, Tante, David Gerard, Amy Castor, yada yada until around this time. One my friends showed me Dan Olson's "Line Goes Up." And man, what a watch that was. It confirmed my gut feelings about crypto, that this is all just... hollow, insane, crazy stuff. My heart sank after watching that video.
I remember googling "responses to Line Goes Up" because I was in denial back then, not because I "believed" in crypto but I just didn't want to admit I've wasted so much time and energy. And I remember how every single "response" was just... idiotic. At that point, I sent that video to that NFT organisation's discord and said "if we're all genuine about this, maybe we should watch this and try to improve ourselves." It was the whole sunk cost fallacy thing, I wanted to believe that I didn't waste my time being a complete dork.
But after a certain point, I just couldn't run away from it anymore. I told my friends "let's just switch to making a steam game, we haven't lost or earned any money yet." It was an idea that was doable with a steam game, like... all you had to do was just change the monetisation bit to having players spend 5 bucks buying it... on steam... lol. Ah, but my friends were like "no." They won't do it. They wanted to make NFTs, and I couldn't understand for the love of god why you would do that. It was my idea, they had never played a game like that in their lives, I was the only one with any exposure in that regard.
Also, I was the one making the art as well, like... the character sprites. I'd spent so much time drawing those character sprites, their features, etc. I spent some time making some music, and even some background lore that fit in with the other NFT project we were working under. I barely checked their stupid discord things or twitter posts since I was so busy actually drawing and writing stuff. This was a passion project for me, and I was focused on making the game. You have no idea how much I love these types of role-playing games (but I'm not going into detail as to what that is because I'm not so comfortable).
Little did my stupid ass realise that these things were a pyramid scheme, and I was right at the middle or bottom. Little did my naive ass realise that none of these people liked my idea or even cared; people like me doing actual stuff gave them legitimacy, so people like me were just... pawns, I guess. Being the idiot I was, I engaged with my real name and my real identity, because that's what honest people do when they're selling a fucking game they'd be proud of, right? What a mistake. And my friends who knew what this stuff is never stopped me from doing any of it while I naively put my name and reputation at the front. After watching line goes up and then reading more and more sources (and eventually stumbling across Buttcoin on reddit!) I reached the point of no return:
Crypto and blockchain were useless in all possible ways, they never made sense as a technology, they're filled with disgusting people with disgusting anarcho-capitalist ideals, and there will never be a point where the "blockchain" will ever find a use-case beyond grifting, speculating, gambling, and money laundering because that is inherent to this technology's design. It is irredeemable. NFTs were never about empowering artists like us and it could never even do that at all because the premise and technology are flawed to begin with!
That was my realisation over time after actually reading about this from critical sources (which, at the top of the hype, I thought wasn't even really there because I had bought into my programmer friends' narrative that this is just like the internet and "everybody is in.")
I only wish I realised it sooner.
2022 June - July: I vehemently begged my friends to stop. I didn't want to make or sell NFTs anymore after realising what it was. I didn't even want the money (and god knows I could use that money since it could pay off my father's debts, but not like this. Not by hurting other people who may just be in the same position as I am by "winning" or "doing really 'smart' stuff.")
No one listened. I was about to quit, until the NFT organisation we were working under announced a grant. I saw this as an opportunity to put a stop to my own friends making their own NFTs, and I grabbed it. I begged and pleaded them to apply for that grant, which they begrudgingly did. I applied for that grant thing and it got approved, and all my friends were really excited about it. They all agreed to not make NFTs anymore and just make a free-to-play game. We worded the grant that way too.
But it still didn't sit right with me personally. I agonised over it still. Sure, it's grant money now... but how did that bigger NFT organisation get that money? Obviously, by selling NFTs and collecting resale "royalties." I guess it didn't matter to my friends, but to me, that's blood money. None of them were writers or artists, by the way. They were just... tech people. Techbros, I guess.
Anyway, the grant thing works by having people vote for it, and you get as much money as the votes you get. Our idea was good and we actually had a skillset, so we got like a little over four digits, which is big to someone like me, at least!
But it still didn't sit right with me.
I agonised over it all the time, thinking about just how I had soiled and shat on my lifelong passion idea, and how my name was out there associated with these people.
I just couldn't stand it anymore. One day, I told my friends that I was fucking quitting (this was in the middle of the grant voting process, that thing dragged on for about a couple of weeks) if they didn't turn this into a steam game instead. They chose to just let me quit, take the project for themselves, and... uh, take the grant money.
My friends got me on voice call and kinda hounded me, saying "well we understand if you want to quit but damn that sucks, it's a lot of money, man. It's been my dream too to make a game like that ever since my childhood." That last line really struck home because it was something I could empathise with, but then I recognised it as just... them trying to justify making fat stacks lol. They never really felt that way, and I'll tell you why I think that in a bit.
Either way, I quit. I got out. I didn't even take any compensation money. I mean, why would I lie about it here under an anonymous throwaway account anyway? I have nothing to gain from it, not even "karma farming" since I'm throwing this account away lol. Just... I couldn't stand it anymore, man.
2022 July - September: I spent this time distancing from these people and this crowd. I grew depressed. I hadn't lost any money, but I wasted so much time. I was left feeling disillusioned about my friends. To them, I was overreacting, I was being a cunt, I was just being so difficult! I just was standing in their way of "making bread" and "hustling!"
I stopped going out or hanging out with my friends.
I stopped going to that uni society out of shame. They don't know about it but I just can't even see the game the same way anymore. I felt so ashamed.
I never played that game with my usual other friends who I used to play it with a long time back either. They don't know about any of this either, but I was just so ashamed and disgusted. It kind of feels traumatic.
I stopped writing and barely made any music. I picked up a new tablet and learned to draw in a new style, but eventually I stopped that too. I just didn't feel like it anymore.
I got burned out. I barely was able to hand in my assignments. I had stopped going to classes because I just couldn't bother getting out of bed and going out there into actual society again. I felt like I was a disgusting, naive piece of shit that would just stain otherwise normal people.
I spent my days agonising about the day someone found out that I made art for this dumb project, that I was out there passionately talking about this idea like a stupid nerdy dumbfuck, and that I am associated with it even though I quit. One of my other friends who quit with me said he'd provide testimony of my side of things, but that's not really comforting.
I mean, it's a fringe thing anyway, we barely made anything. My friends got the grant, and I spend every single day agonising over it. I mean, it's not direct "profits" from NFTs, but where'd that grant money come from in the first place, huh?
My worst fear was that they'd pocket it and not even make the game. And they did. I guess those other NFTbros really didn't notice it since a few thousand bucks is just spare change to these grifter overlords. Again, I never took any money from it.
I can only thank god that I stopped them from making their own NFTs though, otherwise I really couldn't live with myself.
Every single day, I keep checking my old discord account and twitter like I'm obsessed, out of fear. I honestly don't care if it's just me that gets fucked by association, but I don't want my existence to become a burden to my poor siblings and parents just by being associated with me. I don't want their reputations to go to the shitter. They're hardworking, honest people who don't waste their time on stupid things like I have. They don't deserve that, at least. It should be me that should suffer.
Everyday, I agonise over it.
I couldn't really cry or anything about it, I just felt hollow, I guess. I've lost interest in most of the things I loved. Sometimes I play games, sometimes I scribble for the fucks of it, sometimes I read, sometimes I write in my notebook, but that's it. I had stopped going out, and I hadn't seen anyone for a long while.
2022 September - 2022 November: I bought a rope and a pull-up bar. I continually kept writing in my journal to prepare a good, coherent suicide note instead of, like... writing it all incoherently at the last minute and then peacing out lol. The pull-up bar is because my dorm doesn't really have any places I could hang my rope from, so if I attach the pull-up bar to the door, I could tie the rope onto it and hang.
The other way I thought of doing it was heroin, because apparently it just quietly puts you to sleep; but I'm scared of needles and I don't want to buy anything on the dark web. I've never done hard drugs like that anyway.
I kept procrastinating it. Partly because I had grown too lazy to even learn how to tie a hangman's knot, and partly because I was still afraid. The thing is, I've already been diagnosed with a mental health issue that also causes depression for nearly a decade now. This, though, was the worst I ever felt. The part that sucks the most is that the game idea was a passion project for me. It was something I've always dreamed of doing. It was the sort of games I really, really loved. It was the sort of art I loved making and seeing too. It was the kind of music I had fun composing. The story idea was something from my own long-held ideas that I wanted to bring to life, and now that's in the shitter too.
On some days, I woke up with absolute certainty of what I was going to do: learn to tie that knot, hang it up, and be done with it. I got distracted, and eventually I'd forget and doze off again. I spend most of my time chatting online with some of my friends (via text), which was something I rarely ever did a few years ago. I was more known for rarely responding to texts because I was outside so frequently lol.
I decided to see everyone for one last time before I did it, so I waited to get back to my own home country first. I wanted to just see everyone and sort of hang out with them as an unspoken farewell thing before I did it.
2022 December: I went back home, I hung out with my friends and family, and I was my usual self. I don't think anyone really caught on. We all made plans to go places and do stuff, and we did. It was a nice little time with everyone. I even kind of felt like myself again. I went swimming, went to friends' houses, met up with old friends, etc. I even put up a local art page and dropped some of my writings, music, and art on there.
2023 January: It was almost time to go back, but I went on a vacation to this country with a friend by ourselves. We ate local food at the stalls and just backpacked on a budget. We went hiking and sightseeing. We went to night markets, canoed in a river, and went camping in the woods. I actually finished one of my assignments on a train ride to this city. We did so many things, but I don't want to go off on a tangent. That experience made me forget these feelings for a while. It meant a lot to me, but I'll keep it at that for this subreddit.
2023 Late January - Now: I went back, these feelings returned. I've spiralled back into agonising now, but I'm seeing a therapist and a university counsellor now. It hasn't gotten as bad as it was in September last year, and especially now I feel reluctant to do it because one of them told me "your death doesn't happen to you, it happens to the people around you."
I'm kind of just picking myself up from here, trying to forget this ever happened, and working in other industries I used to work in back then. But I know that as soon as anyone finds out I was associated with any of this, I will get rid of myself. At the very least, my family would be spared then, and I wouldn't be such a burden, no matter what my therapist says.
I'm more or less just empty and neutral now. I haven't really done anything other than just study, go to classes, and do my assignments. My daily activities consist of eating, shitting, pissing, sleeping, and repeat. If someone from 3 years ago saw me now, they'd think I'm an entirely different person.
One day I'll move on, make peace with myself, and forget about it. That's what I hope for, at least. I'm at least thankful that I've been able to stop my friends from actually making NFTs or a crypto coin and actually hurting people. I'm just glad. I don't know or care what they're up to now. I couldn't be arsed anymore.
I saw people share their stories, and I felt like doing that myself too. It turned out longer than I expected, but I didn't want to leave anyone hanging, lol, so I wrote about everything from start to finish. Sorry if that turned out to be way too long. Thanks for taking your time getting this far if you have.
I hope no one else has agonised or will have to agonise the way I have.

Devi was pleased at the surprising lack of itchiness that usually came with ethnic attire. This time, it seemed as if she had lucked out - the inside of her lehenga was incredibly soft, and the outside made her feel like a princess. As she looked at herself in the store mirror, she heard her mother call out - she would be inside the dressing room with Kamala.
After the frenzy that the past week had been, Devi relished the solitude of the moment.
Getting herself comfortable in a little armchair, she looked around the store - laden from floor to ceiling with Indian clothes of all kinds, for all ages, for all occasions. A few years ago, this same store would have elicited disgust from her, but now she felt happy and safe. At home.
She was also pleased but surprised at how comfortable she had grown to become with her Indian-ness. One might even say that she had missed feeling Indian.
A semester at Columbia will do that to you.
Kamala and Nalini emerged from the dressing room, Kamala donning a dark red lehenga with golden embellishments.
"You look beautiful Kamala!" Devi smiled at her. She doubted there was anything in this universe that Kamala could wear and not look pretty in, but this, this outfit felt as if it were made just for her.
Kamala, however, did not return Devi's smile. Instead her face held a grimace.
"Thank you Devi." she replied, standing in front of the mirror while Nalini moved around her excitedly, adjusting the veil on her head. Devi simply could not place what was wrong, but Kamala seemed more anxious than excited about her wedding, which was just two days away.
Five minutes later, Devi was back in her regular clothes with a bag in her hand and a disturbing thought in her head - Kamala didn't want to get married to Mr.K.
-----------------------------
Devi was convinced every doctor in the US was the kid of one of her mother's colleagues.
"And, Anderson, you know - he was in my third year residency! I think he's practicing in Boston now, and his daughter is in Harvard! He told me that she wants to pursue neurosurgery."
Pulling out her chair and serving herself some sphagetti, Devi wondered if shattering her eardrums and permanently losing her hearing was truly that bad of an option if she wouldn't have to listen to her mother go on and on and on about who was going to study what.
"Mom, I've told you, I don't want to become a doctor. It's too much work!"
"All professions are work, Devi!"
"I know, I know, but I think that the process is so long and grueling that you can only complete it if you really, really want to. And I don't"
"Well, you need to declare your major soon Devi. Have you been able to find another option? I'm not going to let my only daughter study something like art history"
Devi sighed. Here it was again, the same conversation that had been repeated every single night for four days straight since she had come back home for Thanksgiving.
Any time she tried to talk about her major, her brain drew a blank. Nothing seemed appealing and yet it all seemed interesting at the same time.
"This is important Devi. I don't understand how you don't have a single idea for what you want to do. All your classmates have five year plans mapped out - no, don't you interrupt me young lady! I heard you conversation with Ben! I had expected you to have at least some semblance of a vision!"
This conversation was uncomfortable, just like any conversation featuring parental disappointment was for her.
Devi had spent hours researching the process to become a doctor, only to realise that she simply did not have the stomach to study that much. Ever since, she had tried several 'what career is right for me' tests online. The result that popped up most frequently was attorney or lawyer.
She had tried to bring up the option with her mother once, only to have all her hopes crushed. "Lawyers are serious, sincere people Devi, and it is a very hard job. Are you sure you about this?"
As much as she had wanted to fire right back and tell her mother that the job of a doctor was also very hard, the first few of her words struck too hard. She didn't think Devi could ever be serious and sincere.
Ever since, she had been unable to discuss the idea again, scared that she might learn more of what her mother thought of her.
Her mother was right, even she had expected better from herself.
However, she wasn't going to suffer through this heaviness for yet another dinner, because today, she had the perfect distraction.
"Anyways, Kamala! You looked a little anxious in the store today, is everything alright?"
Kamala, who had been silently lost in her thoughts so far, suddenly sat up straighter.
"Huh? Wha - oh, that? No, I was just feeling a bit down because of the heat." she replied with a nervous smile.
Kamala's strange reaction drove any thoughts about her major out of Devi's mind, because the AC in the store had been cranked up to the point that all the metallic emebellishments on her lehenga had felt cold.
"Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?"
"No, Devi, I am perfectly fine. Now if you will please excuse me, I need to go to bed early today" Kamala snapped, taking her barely touched food back to the kitchen.
Oh, something was definitely wrong.
-------------------------------------------
The day before the wedding, the Vishwakumar household had been abuzz with activity since the morning. The final trial for their clothes had taken place earlier that day, but Devi was yet to take off her attire - she was too busy helping Pati with the flowers. Finally, when Mr.K and his parents arrived in the afternoon, Devi got the chance to sit down.
Devi realised that she had suffered the misfortune of becoming quite close to her annoyingly pretty, wannoyingly Indian cousin - so much so, that only she could tell that Kamala wanted nothing more than to escape this marriage. Hence, she also realised, the mantle to help her cousin escape this wedding, bollywood style, now also rested on her.
This realisation dawned upon her when she saw Kamala constantly fidgeting with a pen while Mr.K sat calmly by her side. No one else in the room seemed to notice that something was wrong - not Mr.K's parents, not Nalini, not Nirmala, just her.
Getting up and walking towards the stairs, she gestured at Kamala to follow her. With a nervous 'I'll be back in a moment', Kamala hurried after her.
"Okay, cousin, something is up with you. You have to tell me at least." Devi said as soon as the door to her room was shut.
Sighing, Kamala sat down on the bed.
"I don't know why, but I'm still scared of getting married. Manish is such a great guy, and I'm doing great in my career, but I still don't feel ready."
"What are you scared of?" Devi asked.
"I don't know. But maybe, I'm scared that this will change after getting married. I won't see all of you as often, and my relationship with Manish won't stay the same either. What if it's not the same any more and I regret my decision?"
Change, Devi realised. Kamala was scared of change. As much as she was herself convinced that she and Mr.K made a perfect match, she wasn't sure if she was up to the task of convincing Kamala.
"I think you should talk about this to Mr.K, no?"
"I know, but I'm too scared of that. I don't want him to think that I'm rejecting him or anything. I'm just not ready."
Kamala's voice wavered towards the end of her sentence, and Devi knew that she wouldn't be able to go through with this wedding.
But maybe she could save Kamala from having the face the music herself and leave it all for her mother and grandmother to deal with.
She might not be a great daughter, she might not know what her major should be, but she sure as hell could be a great sister right now. She was too young to give Kamala any advice, but she could buy her a lot of time.
"Alright then, Kamala" she began, with the mischievious smile that had always preceded the wildest of her plans "You don't want to get married, then don't get married. We're escaping this stuffy Indian event right now."
-----------------------------------------
Devi had never felt as much relief as she did when her feet finally touched the ground.
"That" she thought "seemed a lot more effortless when Paxton and Ben did it. Well, I would like to see them do it in a lehenga."
Devi's idea this time, had been to reach the backyard through her window, and then run to Ben's house without being found out by anyone. She had realised the risks the plan carried the moment she had placed one foot out the window, but she was willing to risk a few broken bones for the sake of being a good cousin and for the thrill of adventure.
Well, if worst came to worst and she did end up breaking something, the event would be cancelled anyways, but she preferred other, less injurious method of helping Kamala.
Dusting her hands off, she called out to her cousin.
"Kamala, you there? Just slowly put on leg out of the window, and then the other, and then hold your balance on the ledge! Don't be scared, I didn't die or hurt myself at all!"
"Why are you yelling at the window, I'm right here!"
Devi jumped in surprise and turned around to find her cousin standing right behind her.
"Wait, Kamala? How did you get here so quick?"
"I didn't want to climb down from the window so I came out through the kitchen door."
Despite being slightly pissed that Kamala had ruined her big dramatic moment, Devi whipped out her phone and dialled a number. About five minutes later, a shiny black Porsche was parked a few houses away from her, ready to take her and her cousin to safety.
---------------------------------------
"So, have you turned my home into some sort of safe house that you can escape to any time you're on the lam?"
Devi rolled her eyes at Ben. So far she had only spent five minutes in his room, but with the number of criminal activity jokes she had heard it might as well have been five hours.
"Well, I'm glad to have made the acquaintance of such a seasoned outlaw. Why are you on the wrong side of the rules this time around?" he laughed, stretching his legs out where he sat on the bed. Devi roamed around, observing.
Before Devi could send back a witty reply, she spotted something on his desk.
A grief journal. Identical to the one Dr.Ryan had given her years ago.
Kamala had requested some solitude, so they had left her alone in one of the fifty million spare bedrooms that Ben's house had, while they headed up to his room.
The room felt emptier, and Devi felt a bit strange being back here. The semester in Columbia had led to Devi becoming accustomed to Ben's dorm room, and this room brought back memories of an older self.
So far she had smiled at all the memories, as she remembered how she had run here in sophomore year, how Ben had helped reunite her with her friends, how she had lost her virginity in this very room to the boy she was slowly beginning to fall in love with.
But on seeing the journal a face suddenly flashed in her brain - a face she had gone a surprisingly long time without thinking about.
What would Dad have said, if I told him I wanted to become a lawyer?
She remembered how she had gotten into a fight with her mother, and how they had reconciled to spread her dad's ashes.
You don't like me, mom.
These thoughts were supposed to be in the past - why was she still worried that her mom didn't like her?
They are serious and sincere people, Devi, are you sure about this?
Was her mother disappointed that she hadn't been able to get into Princeton? Columbia was still an ivy , but maybe her mother had wanted her to go to her first choice.
Devi shook her head - she had to clear away all these thoughts before they became a problem.
"What is this, your journal?" she asked, holding up the book.
"Oh, that? Yeah, my old therapist gave it to me. It's empty though, never wrote anything in it"
"Your old therapist? Did you get a new one?" Devi asked as she sat on the floor beside the bed, looking up at Ben.
"Nah, I quit. I don't really need therapy, you know? I've never gone through anything traumatic and my life is great!" he smiled at her.
But Devi could tell there was something behind his smile, something he was not telling her.
"Ben, my life is great too. But I still go. What's up?"
Ben opened his mouth to throw another reassurance at her, but then thought the better of it.
"It's just, I don't like talking about anything bad that happened. My life really is great. I'm going to my dream college, I'm getting good grades, I've got you, I've got Dad, I've got Ronny and Mitch. Life is great. I don't want to dig up any of the bad stuff from the past and ruin it all"
"But then what about the next time life isn't great?" Devi asked, looking down at her hands, "All the stuff you leave unresolved will come back to haunt you, and you won't have answers for any of it."
Ben looked at her carefully for a minute.
"Are you alright, David? Is there anything bothering you?"
Devi was surprised at how well Ben could read her. Sure, she had been thinking about how she never quite convinced herself that her mother liked her, and now her doubts were here to ruin her days with full force.
"What major do you think I should pick?"
Ben was slightly taken aback by the question - this was not what he had expected.
"Uh, I don't know. What career do you want to pursue after college?"
"I don't know."
Devi turned around again to look at him.
"Suppose I wanted to be a lawyer. Would you say I'm not sincere enough to do it?"
"Who said you aren't sincere enough?"
"Mom"
And there it is, Ben thought, that is what's bothering her. By the expectant, slightly scared look on her face, Ben could tell that Devi did not like what her mom had said.
"I think you would make a great laywer, actually. You've got a great memory so you'll do well in law school, you'd be great at presenting in court, and you're a very clever and dedicated researcher. My dad's a lawyer, maybe you could ask him?"
He could see Devi visibly deflate with relief.
They stayed silent for a while, contemplating the words that had passed between them, before Devi spoke up again.
"I wonder what Dad would've said about this, if he was here."
Ben didn't quite know what to say, so he said what he believed Devi wanted to hear.
"I think he would've encouraged you to go for it. I think you can do it too, if you want to. And I forgot to tell you, I think you look really pretty in that outfit. Like a princess."
Devi closed her eyes and smiled, before looking at him again with adoration in her eyes.
"Ah, Mr. Gross, what would I do without you."
"You'd probably die."
The laughter that followed left Devi feeling a little lighter.
-----------------------------
Kamala had spent the past two hours lying on the bed, occasionally nibbling at her nails, and discovering that clear nail polish tasted extremely bitter.
She simply could not convince herself to go back. She thought she had wanted time, time to think and convince herself, but now after thinking for so long she was convinced that she absolutely could not do this. She could not get married - she just didn't have the ability.
She heard a gentle knock on the door, and Devi entered.
"How are you then, decided on anything? We can't keep hiding out here forever!"
"I know. But I still don't want to get married, and that's scary."
Devi sighed and sat down on the bed beside her cousin. If the past few years had taught her anything, it was that she hated it when other people kept giving her advice or assuming things when she was upset. Maybe if she just asked Kamala questions, her cousin would feel better.
"You're scared that you don't want to get married?"
"I'm scared that I might never want to get married at all."
Devi's eyebrows went up high as she registered what her cousin has said.
"I - earlier I thought that I didn't want to mess up my career, and that's why I was so against the idea of marriage. But even now, when everything is going great, I still can't bring myself to do it. I have no doubt that Manish will support me through anything. But I'm still scared. I can't do this without discussing this with him first and figuring it all out."
Devi nodded.
"If you're having trouble talking to him, maybe you could write him a letter or an email?"
Five minutes later, Kamala sat typing away on Ben's laptop, while Devi watched, smiling to herself. She was sure she had been a good sister today.
-------------------------------------------------
Patty frowned as she paced around in the living room.
"They'll destroy my kitchen, these kids." she muttered to herself.
Ben and Devi had decided to cook dinner that day. After long deliberation (and several threats from Patty about what she would do if they set something on fire), they settled on pasta. Simple, tasty, and with very little chance of the fire department being called.
As Devi poured out the water from the pasta, she decided to bring up their earlier conversation again.
"So, Ben, you said you don't want to go to therapy because you don't like talking about the past."
Ben stopped chopping his mushrooms for a moment, but then continued with a smile.
"Nothing gets past you, huh?"
Hoisting herself to sit on the counter, Devi continued "You know, I used to think therapy was all hokey stuff too. For the kinds who stare out of rainy windows and listen to too much Lana Del Ray - "
"Hey, anti-Lana speech is not tolerated in this house." Ben said, playfully stern, pointing his knife at her.
"No, of course not!" Devi laughed "But, case in point, I used to think therapy is for the kind of people who ponder on the meaning of life and are sad all the time."
"And it's not?"
"It's not. After Dad died, I tried to push Dr.Ryan away a lot, but at the end of the day, her advice helped me become a little less crazy."
Ben sighed and set his knife down.
"You were never crazy. You were sad because you lost the most important person in your life."
"Oh, is that so? Am I talking to the same person who once said I went straight up psycho?"
Devi had meant it as a joke - she was glad that these days she was able to joke about that period of her life, but the way Ben suddenly stopped dead and stared at her, told her he hadn't understood the joke.
"I was joking, Ben, I didn't mean - "
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that I said all that stuff to you. The things about faking your paralysis, and the UN thing, god, I was so dumb. I'm so sorry, those were such terrible things to say, I shouldn't have done that" he blurted out in a rush.
Devi smiled back at him.
"It's okay Ben. You've done more than enough to make up for it. I'm not mad at all."
"You're not an unfuckable nerd at all" he said shyly "You're actually very pretty. Especially in those clothes."
"It's called a lehenga."
"Especially in a lehenga." he smiled, going back to his vegetables.
"So, what was I saying? Yeah, therapy helps Ben."
"I know, I just - "
He paused for a moment, with his eyes closed, but when he opened them again his mind was made up.
"I know it helps. I don't want it to help. I don't want to feel any of the bad stuff again. When my parents wouldn't have dinner with me and I would be lonely, when you - you cheated on me with Paxton, I was, broken. I was broken. And I know I've broken others. There's so much resentment and guilt in those memories, there's not point in digging them up."
Devi hopped off the counter and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. This was it, she had the perfect answer.
"I'm sorry for the cheating thing, really, really sorry." she began "I was a dumb kid back then. Still am, but slightly less dumb. But the thing is, you haven't overcome any of the resentment or guilt, Ben, you've just pushed it deep down. It's still there. And if you go to therapy, you can actually get rid of it. You can forgive everyone else and yourself."
Ben looked at her for a moment, smiling slightly, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll try it out when we get back to Columbia, alright?"
Devi nodded happily and went back to her pasta, now fully drained and dry, ready to be mixed with the sauce.
"And for the record" Ben said "You would make an excellent lawyer."
Devi smiled. Good sister? Check.
Good girlfriend? Check, baby.
---------------------------------------------
Ben was convinced it was karma that had come back to get him. For all the dinners in the Vishwakumar household that he had interrupted, this was the ultimate payback.
Because Nalini Vishwakumar was currently standing in his dining room, looking angry enough to explode. The only saving grace was that she wasn't looking at him - no, she was glaring daggers at Devi and Kamala.
Ben and his father looked at each other and gulped. Neither had the courage to speak.
"How dare - HOW DARE YOU TWO DO SUCH A THING?"
"I- I can explain - " Kamala began nervously, but was cut off by Nalini's angry rant.
"WE SEARCHED FOR YOU EVERYWHERE! WE WERE SO WORRIED! Kamala, you can't keep doing this again and again! Why did you agree to marry him when you were just going to run away again? You should have seen the look on his face! He was heartbroken!"
"Manish, he was heartbroken?" Kamala asked quietly, on the verge of tears.
"Yes! He was worried you were kidnapped or dead in a ditch somewhere! He was so relieved when he recieved your email! It was from some ID called 'ben is not gross' and he thought you had run away with your secret boyfriend or something! I was the one to figure out where you where!"
As much as Devi had the urge to just shut up and let the storm pass, she knew that this was her idea to begin with.
Stupid morals.
"Mom, don't yell at Kamala. I thought she was scared and needed some time to herself, this was my idea."
Nalini's glare now turned from Kamala to Devi.
"What, Devi, instead of telling me what was wrong, you decided that running away was the best course of action? Who put you in charge? If you want to be treated like an adult you have to behave like one! This is not how adults behave!"
Devi racked her brain for an answer that would calm her mother down.
"Mom, think about it, this is marriage! It's a life long commitment! If I had taken Kamala to you, you would've convinced her to go through with this! I can't let her do that unless she's entirely sure!"
Nalini opened her mouth angrily, ready to yell some more, before realising she did not have a retort for it - Devi was right. She would indeed have convinced Kamala to go through with her wedding.
"Devi, this conversation should have happened in our living room, not in another neighbourhood entirely with less than 24 hours remaining!"
"But mom! Mr.K was there, and his parents were there, you were there, you all would have told her to not ruin it and get married! She needed some space and time to think for herself and she couldn't find it at home! I couldn't just let her get married and ruin two lives because I didn't have the guts to help her run away!"
Nalini had a strange look on her face as she looked at Devi silently for a bit. Howard Gross finally gathered the courage to clear his throat.
"We'll, uh, this seems like a family matter, we'll leave" he said, gesturing to Ben and walking out the door rapidly.
Nalini pulled out a chair and settled down in it, massaging her temples in frustration.
"Well, Kamala, I'm very disappointed in you. I want you to speak with Manish right now. He's been calling you all day."
Kamala nodded. Dialling a number on her phone, she rushed out of the room.
"Now as for you, Devi."
Devi braced herself for the upcoming punishments.
"I'm proud of you."
Huh?
Devi stared at her mom as if she had sprouted two heads.
"You made the right choice. Sure, you brought great shame upon this family, for the third time now, but you made the right choice. You placed what was important over what was easy and obvious. I'm very happy with you."
Getting up, she held out her hand for Devi to hold. Hand in hand, they walked out, with a giant smile on Devi's face.
Did that just happen? Am I dreaming? Am I stuck in a simulation?
In the kitchen, Kamala was speaking in pensive tones and nodding frquently, but from the absence of tears Devi could discern that all was well between Kamala and Mr.K.
"Mr.Gross, I'm so sorry that my daughter and niece disturbed you for so long."
"Oh, no problem, she's a delight to have around anyways."
A few minutes later, the Vishwakumars were seated in Nalini's car, speeding off towards home.
"He was angry, but mostly relieved that I was safe. His parents didn't seem to care much, to be honest. We'll have a talk when I get back home." Kamala said, quickly relaying her conversation to the other two.
Devi was happy that Kamala wasn't in trouble, but more than that, she was feeling all warm inside from her mother's words.
I'm proud of you. She's proud of me!
"Hey mom!" Devi said suddenly "Remember the conversation we had last night about my major?"
"Yes, Devi, I realise that I'm rushing you a bit. Make this choise wisely, okay? But no art history or liberal science or anything."
"Yeah, about that, I've decided. I am going to be a lawyer. I know it's tough and only sincere students are able to make it, but trust me, I can do this."
"Devi, I never doubted you for a second. Why would you think so?"
Devi was stunned for a second. But then -
"You said that only serious and sincere people become lawyers, and if I was sure?"
"Yes, it's true! It's a path as difficult as becoming a doctor, if you were so wary of studying medicine then I thought you should know it's equally difficult to become a lawyer!"
I am such an idiot.
"Oh thank god. I've been upsetting myself this whole time thinking that you found me dumb or something."
"Devi, I - of course I don't find you dumb! Why would you ever think of such things?"
Devi hesitated for a moment, before remembering the advice she gave Ben. Turning to look into her lap, she blurted it all out in one go.
"I - sometimes I tend to think that you don't like me or the things I do, and that you think that I'm lazy and I won't be able to achieve anything great. I -I thought you were disappointed about me not getting into Princeton."
A few moments of tense silence passed before Nalini spoke again.
"I'm so proud of you, Devi! You got into an ivy league school, who cares which one it is? Of course I like you! You are a brilliant, kind and strong young lady, and you will do great things. Sometimes I disapprove of the things you do, but I am so proud of you! I wouldn't want anyone else on the whole planet for a daughter! You'll make an excellent lawyer! I was fuming when I entered that room and you managed to bring me back to reason!"
A weight she didn't know she was carrying was lifted off her shoulders, making her feel weightless. Here they were, the words she had been dying to hear all her life. She didn't bother to stop her tears, but she still smiled through them.
"Thanks mom. I love you."
I love you too, Devi"
Good sister? Check. Good girlfriend? Check.
Good daughter? Finally, check.
The day may have started off with running away from a wedding, but it had ended up being one of the most wonderful days Devi had experienced in a long time.
Perhaps, she thought, it might just be one the of the best days ever.
----------------
Author's Note: Whew that was long.
So, I don't like this one as much I liked the Ben one. In my effort to stay true to the show's style, I think I got too intentionally cheesy and feel good, and the dialouge is a bit clunky. Well, I'm always improving.
I have managed to fulfil two of my greatest wishes :

1. Ben apologising for his rude comments in the beginning of S1
2. Nalini telling Devi she's proud of her.

So, here we are, this is Devi's story! Tomorrow will be Paxton's, Nalini's and El's (I already have ideas for all of them), and after S4 drops will be two more : a Benvi story with a bit of a twist, and a surprise.
I hope you enjoyed reading it! Again, critism and feeback is most appreciated, but please be kind.
​
​
​

Supreme Team Draft Challenge - Building the Ultimate Team
The Supreme Team Draft Challenge is an exciting and interactive basketball simulation game that allows participants to showcase their basketball knowledge and skills in building the ultimate NBA team. In this challenge, participants will act as General Managers (GMs) and strategically draft players from the entire history of the NBA to complete their team rosters.
Objective: The objective of the challenge is to assemble a well-rounded team by strategically selecting players who complement the starting five, filling the remaining seven positions on the roster. Participants will aim to create the most formidable team with a balance of skills, versatility, and depth. The Supreme Team has already been selected by myself and the other 7 open positions on each team are for drafting to create a Supreme Team. Of the 30 teams the best team will win a money prize and the end of the playoff.
Team 1 - "The Supreme Legends"
• Magic Johnson (PG) • Michael Jordan (SG) • LeBron James (SF) • Tim Duncan (PF) • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (C)
• Coaching Style: Triangle Offense (utilizing ball movement and player versatility)
This team is filled with basketball icons who have left an indelible mark on the game. With Magic Johnson's exceptional playmaking, Michael Jordan's scoring prowess, LeBron James' versatility and leadership, Tim Duncan's fundamental s kills and defensive presence, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's unmatched scoring ability and shot-blocking, this team embodies greatness in every position.
Team 2 - "The MVP's"
• Stephen Curry (PG) • Kobe Bryant (SG) • Larry Bird (SF) • Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) • Wilt Chamberlain (C)
• Coaching Style: High-tempo offense, aggressive defense, and emphasis on individual brilliance.
This team boasts a combination of shooting, scoring, versatility, and dominance in the paint. With Stephen Curry's incredible shooting and playmaking, Kobe Bryant's scoring prowess, Larry Bird's versatility and basketball IQ, Giannis Antetokounmpo's athleticism and all-around skills, and Wilt Chamberlain's unmatched dominance and scoring ability, this team can overwhelm opponents on both ends of the court.
Team 3 - "The King of Kings"
• Isiah Thomas (PG) • Dwyane Wade (SG) • Kevin Durant (SF) • Kevin Garnett (PF) • Shaquille O'Neal (C)
• Coaching Style: Fast-paced offense, aggressive defense, and strong team chemistry.
This team features a mix of speed, scoring ability, versatility, and dominant presence in the paint. With Isiah Thomas' leadership and playmaking, Dwyane Wade's scoring and athleticism, Kevin Durant's scoring prowess, Kevin Garnett's all-around skills, and Shaquille O'Neal's dominant inside game, this team can excel in multiple areas of the game and pose a challenge for any opponent.
Team 4 - "The Silent Assassins"
• Oscar Robertson (PG) • Jerry West (SG) • Scottie Pippen (SF) • Karl Malone (PF) • Nikola Jokić (C)
• Coaching Style: Versatile offense, aggressive defense, and efficient ball movement.
This team is filled with versatile and highly skilled players who can contribute in multiple ways. With Oscar Robertson's all-around excellence, Jerry West's scoring and playmaking, Scottie Pippen's defensive prowess, Karl Malone's scoring and rebounding, and Nikola Jokić's unique blend of playmaking and scoring as a center, this team possesses a combination of talent, versatility, and basketball IQ.
Team 5 - "The Dream Squad"
• Jason Kidd (PG) • Clyde Drexler (SG) • James Worthy (SF) • Dirk Nowitzki (PF) • Hakeem Olajuwon (C)
• Coaching Style: High basketball IQ, versatile offense, disciplined defense. This team is composed of experienced and skilled players who excel in various aspects of the game. With Jason Kidd's playmaking, Clyde Drexler's scoring ability, James Worthy's versatility, Dirk Nowitzki's shooting and scoring prowess, and Hakeem Olajuwon's dominant post play, this team combines intelligence, skill, and experience to create a formidable lineup.
Team 6 - "The Tru Masters"
• John Stockton (PG) • John Havlicek (SG) • Paul Pierce (SF) • Kevin McHale (PF) • Bill Russell (C)
• Coaching Style: Team-oriented offense, suffocating defense, and relentless energy.
This team is built around exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and defensive intensity. With John Stockton's floor leadership, John Havlicek's scoring versatility, Paul Pierce's offensive skills, Kevin McHale's post dominance, and Bill Russell's defensive prowess, this team possesses a well-rounded combination of talent and basketball IQ
Team 7 - "The Old Lords"
• Tony Parker (PG) • George Gervin (SG) • Kawhi Leonard (SF) • Pau Gasol (PF) • David Robinson (C)
• Coaching Style: Efficient offense, strong defense, and versatility.
This team boasts a combination of speed, scoring ability, defensive prowess, and versatility. With Tony Parker's playmaking skills, George Gervin's scoring ability, Kawhi Leonard's two-way dominance, Pau Gasol's versatility, and David Robinson's interior presence, this team is well-rounded and capable of competing at both ends of the court.
Team 8 - "The Bully Ballers"
• Penny Hardaway (PG) • Allen Iverson (SG) • Julius Erving (SF) • Charles Barkley (PF) • Moses Malone (C)
• Coaching Style: Fast-paced offense, aggressive defense, and dominant rebounding.
This team is packed with explosive scorers, playmakers, and fierce competitors. With Penny Hardaway's versatility, Allen Iverson's scoring and quickness, Julius Erving's athleticism, Charles Barkley's strength and tenacity, and Moses Malone's dominance on the boards, this team has the ability to overpower opponents on both ends of the court.
Team 9 - "The Ultimate Warriors"
• Steve Nash (PG) • James Harden (SG) • Tracy McGrady (SF) • Dennis Rodman (PF) • Elvin Hayes (C)
• Coaching Style: High-paced offense, playmaking, and defensive intensity.
This team features a combination of exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. With Steve Nash orchestrating the offense, James Harden's scoring and playmaking, Tracy McGrady's scoring versatility, Dennis Rodman's defensive tenacity, and Elvin Hayes' presence in the paint, this team is versatile and formidable.
Team 10 - "The High Flyers"
• Gary Payton (PG) • Ray Allen (SG) • Dominique Wilkins (SF) • Shawn Kemp (PF) • Dwight Howard (C)
• Coaching Style: Tenacious defense, fast-paced offense, and strong rebounding.
This team features a combination of defensive prowess, scoring ability, and athleticism. With Gary Payton leading the defensive charge, Ray Allen providing perimeter shooting, Dominique Wilkins adding scoring and athleticism, Shawn Kemp bringing power and finesse in the paint, and Dwight Howard anchoring the defense, this team is a force to be reckoned with.
Team 11 - "The Floor Generals"
• Nate "Tiny" Archibald (PG) • Elgin Baylor (SG) • Luka Dončić (SF) • Rasheed Wallace (PF) • Bob Lanier (C)
• Coaching Style: High basketball IQ, versatile offense, and strong defensive presence.
This team boasts a combination of exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. With Nate Archibald's court vision, Elgin Baylor's scoring prowess, Luka Dončić's versatility, Rasheed Wallace's defensive intensity, and Bob Lanier's interior presence, this team is well-rounded and formidable.
Team 12 - "The Wolf Pack"
• Derrick Rose (PG) • Reggie Miller (SG) • Jimmy Butler (SF) • Chris Webber (PF) • Bill Walton (C)
• Coaching Style: Fast-paced, high-octane offense with emphasis on explosive scoring, versatility, and strong teamwork.
Team 13 - "The Under Bosses"
• Chris Paul (PG) • Vince Carter (SG) • Grant Hill (SF) • Chris Bosh (PF) • Alonzo Mourning (C)
• Coaching Style: Precision offense with emphasis on ball movement, intelligent decision-making, and strong defensive principles.
Team 14 - "The Smooth Operators"
• Clyde Frazier (PG) • Earl Monroe (SG) • Carmelo Anthony (SF) • Willis Reed (PF) • Patrick Ewing (C)
• Coaching Style: Balanced offense, strong perimeter scoring, and solid interior presence.
This team boasts a combination of scoring prowess, playmaking, and defensive prowess. They have a mix of veterans and talented players who can create and score from various positions.
Team 15 - "The Bomb Squad"
• Russell Westbrook (PG) • Klay Thompson (SG) • Rick Barry (SF) • Bob Pettit (PF) • Walt Bellamy (C)
• Coaching Style: Up-tempo offense, strong perimeter shooting, and aggressive defense.
Team 16 - "The Ring Masters"
• Rajon Rondo (PG) • Sam Jones (SG) • Alex English (SF) • Jayson Tatum (PF) • Robert Parish (C)
• Coaching Style: Intelligent playmaking, perimeter shooting, and disciplined team defense.
Team 17 - "The High-Voltage Squad"
• Damian Lillard (PG) • Jamal Murray (SG) • Paul George (SF) • Amar'e Stoudemire (PF) • Bob McAdoo (C)
• Coaching Style: High-scoring offense, explosive perimeter play, and strong inside presence.
Team 18 - "The Firestarters"
• Kyrie Irving (PG) • Devin Booker (SG) • Bernard King (SF) • Jerry Lucas (PF) • Nate Thurmond (C)
• Coaching Style: High-scoring offense, perimeter shooting, and strategic playmaking.
Team 19 - "The Crafty Ballers"
• Tim Hardaway (PG) • Manu Ginobili (SG) • Chris Mullin (SF) • Connie Hawkins (PF) • Dave Cowens (C)
• Coaching Style: Creative offense, strong perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense.
Team 20 - "The Originators"
• Bob Cousy (PG) • Pete Maravich (SG) • Billy Cunningham (SF) • Dolph Schayes (PF) • George Mikan (C)
• Coaching Style: Fast-paced offense, creative playmaking, and strong basketball fundamentals.
Team 21 - "The Detroit Legends"
• Dave Bing (PG) • Joe Dumars (SG) • Mark Aguirre (SF) • Dave DeBusschere (PF) • Ben Wallace (C)
• Coaching Style: Tough defense, efficient offense, and strong teamwork.
Team 22 - "The High Rollers"
• Dennis Johnson (PG) • Ron Harper (SG) • Glenn Rice (SF) • Blake Griffin (PF) • Artis Gilmore (C)
• Coaching Style: Up-tempo offense with emphasis on athleticism, fast breaks, and strong inside presence.
Team 23 - "The Dominant Forces"
• Lenny Wilkens (PG) • Donovan Mitchell (SG) • Adrian Dantley (SF) • Anthony Davis (PF) • Wes Unseld (C)
• Coaching Style: Strong defensive presence, versatile offense, and efficient execution.
Team 24 - "The Underdogs"
• Kevin Johnson (PG) • Jeff Hornacek (SG) • Shawn Marion (SF) • Zion Williamson (PF) • DeMarcus Cousins (C)
• Coaching Style: Fast-paced offense with emphasis on athleticism, transition plays, and dominant inside presence.
Team 25 - "The Ballhogs"
• Deron Williams (PG) • Joe Johnson (SG) • Antoine Walker (SF) • Carlos Boozer (PF) • Dikembe Mutombo (C)
• Coaching Style: Balanced offense with emphasis on versatility, perimeter scoring, and strong interior defense.
Team 26 - "The Old Timers"
• Mark Price (PG) • DeMar DeRozan (SG) • Glenn Robinson (SF) • Kevin Love (PF) • Brad Daugherty (C)
• Coaching Style: High-scoring offense with emphasis on shooting, playmaking, and intelligent offensive execution.
Team 27 - "The Big Shots"
• Chauncey Billups (PG) • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG) • Antawn Jamison (SF) • Elton Brand (PF) • Arvydas Sabonis (C)
• Coaching Style: Balanced offense with emphasis on ball movement, versatile scoring, and solid team defense.
Team 28 - "The Go-Getters"
• Trae Young (PG) • Sidney Moncrief (SG) • Marques Johnson (SF) • Zach Randolph (PF) • Joel Embiid (C)
• Coaching Style: Dynamic offense with emphasis on perimeter shooting, versatile scoring options, and strong interior presence.
Team 29 - "The Hammerheads"
• Ja Morant (PG) • Gail Goodrich (SG) • Metta World Peace (SF) • LaMarcus Aldridge (PF) • Yao Ming (C)
• Coaching Style: Versatile offense with emphasis on fast breaks, inside-out scoring, and strong defensive presence.
Team 30 - "The Loud Defenders"
• Gilbert Arenas (PG) • Mitch Richmond (SG) • Peja Stojakovic (SF) • Draymond Green (PF) • Rudy Gobert (C)
• Coaching Style: Tenacious defense, strong perimeter shooting, and effective pick-and-roll execution.

Last updated: 06/06/23 09:02:37 EST

LEGEND

Note	Description
Italics	Pitched previous day or twice in last 3 days.
Strikethrough	Pitched back to back days.
Bold	Recent transaction.
L3:##	Number of pitches thrown in last 3 days.
***	SP first start.
**	SP yet to reach 5.0 innings in a game.
*	SP yet to surpass 6.0 innings in a game.

BULLPEN USAGE

Team	Opp	SP	CL	SU8	SU7	MID	LR
ARI	@WSN	Tommy Henry	Miguel CastroL3:19, Andrew ChafinL3:26		Scott McGoughL3:13	Austin AdamsL3:8, Kyle Nelson, José Ruiz, Kevin GinkelL3:11	Drey JamesonL3:45
ATL	NYM	Bryce Elder	Raisel IglesiasL3:21	Nick AndersonL3:11	Collin McHughL3:27	A.J. MinterL3:10, Jesse ChavezL3:24, Joe Jiménez, Kirby Yates	AJ Smith-ShawverL3:39
BAL	@MIL	Kyle Gibson	Félix Bautista	Yennier CanoL3:9	Bryan BakerL3:15	Mike BaumannL3:28, Cionel PérezL3:11, Keegan AkinL3:24, Austin VothL3:13	Bruce ZimmermannL3:28
BOS	@CLE	James Paxton*	Kenley JansenL3:43	Chris MartinL3:13	Josh WinckowskiL3:16	Justin GarzaL3:26, Brennan BernardinoL3:54, Kaleb OrtL3:44, Corey KluberL3:40	Nick PivettaL3:31
CHC	@LAA	Hayden Wesneski	Mark Leiter Jr., Adbert Alzolay	Michael FulmerL3:39	Brandon HughesL3:13	Jeremiah EstradaL3:25, Julian MerryweatherL3:18	Javier AssadL3:38
CHW	@NYY	Lucas Giolito	Kendall GravemanL3:6	Joe KellyL3:17	Reynaldo LópezL3:14	Liam HendriksL3:32, Keynan MiddletonL3:8, Aaron Bummer, Gregory SantosL3:12	Garrett Crochet
CIN	LAD	Luke Weaver	Alexis DíazL3:12	Lucas SimsL3:7	Buck FarmerL3:14	Ian GibautL3:13, Alex Young, Fernando CruzL3:17	Eduardo SalazarL3:39
CLE	BOS	Shane Bieber	Emmanuel ClaseL3:34	James KarinchakL3:30	Trevor StephanL3:8	Eli Morgan, Enyel De Los SantosL3:24, Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin	Xzavion Curry
COL	SFG	Dinelson Lamet**	Justin LawrenceL3:15	Pierce Johnson	Jake BirdL3:24	Brent SuterL3:11, Daniel Bard, Brad HandL3:26, Matt CarasitiL3:33	Peter Lambert
DET	@PHI	Tyler Alexander***	Alex LangeL3:38	Jason FoleyL3:32	Will VestL3:21	José CisneroL3:16, Chasen ShreveL3:14, Tyler HoltonL3:19, Mason EnglertL3:52, Tyler Alexander	Garrett Hill
HOU	@TOR	Hunter Brown	Ryan PresslyL3:19	Bryan AbreuL3:14	Hector NerisL3:22	Rafael MonteroL3:13, Phil MatonL3:17, Ryne StanekL3:47	Seth MartinezL3:21
KCR	@MIA	Zack Greinke*	Scott BarlowL3:31	Aroldis ChapmanL3:10	Taylor ClarkeL3:20	Josh StaumontL3:42, Carlos HernándezL3:23, Jose Cuas, Nick WittgrenL3:18, Jackson KowarL3:23	Mike MayersL3:75
LAA	CHC	Tyler Anderson	Carlos EstévezL3:11	Chris DevenskiL3:28	Jacob WebbL3:12	Ben JoyceL3:31, Aaron Loup, Sam BachmanL3:38, José SorianoL3:12	Tucker Davidson
LAD	@CIN	Tony Gonsolin*	Evan PhillipsL3:20, Brusdar GraterolL3:16, Caleb FergusonL3:23			Yency Almonte, Shelby MillerL3:11, Victor GonzálezL3:5, Alex VesiaL3:8	Tayler ScottL3:32
MIA	KCR	Jesús Luzardo	Dylan FloroL3:17	Tanner ScottL3:14	Huascar BrazobanL3:26	Steven OkertL3:24, JT ChargoisL3:14, Andrew NardiL3:19, George SorianoL3:61	Bryan Hoeing
MIL	BAL	Freddy Peralta*	Devin WilliamsL3:26	Peter StrzeleckiL3:11	Joel Payamps	Hoby MilnerL3:7, Elvis PegueroL3:14, Trevor MegillL3:46, Bennett Sousa, Jake Cousins	Bryse WilsonL3:24
MIN	@TBR	Louie Varland	Jhoan Duran	Brock Stewart	Jorge LópezL3:31	Caleb ThielbarL3:10, Emilio PagánL3:4, Jovani MoranL3:19, Griffin JaxL3:11	José De LeónL3:12
NYM	@ATL	Carlos Carrasco	David RobertsonL3:28, Adam OttavinoL3:17		Brooks RaleyL3:13	Drew SmithL3:18, Jeff BrighamL3:11, Dominic LeoneL3:18, Tommy Hunter, Stephen NogosekL3:47	Josh Walker
NYY	CHW	Clarke Schmidt*	Clay HolmesL3:33, Michael KingL3:33, Wandy PeraltaL3:27			Ron Marinaccio, Albert Abreu, Tommy Kahnle, Jimmy Cordero	Nick Ramirez
OAK	@PIT	James Kaprielian	Trevor MayL3:8	Shintaro FujinamiL3:30	Sam MollL3:26	Richard LoveladyL3:34, Lucas ErcegL3:57, Austin PruittL3:17, Sam LongL3:39	Ken WaldichukL3:34
PHI	DET	Taijuan Walker	Craig KimbrelL3:11	Seranthony DomínguezL3:32	Matt StrahmL3:22	Gregory SotoL3:14, Connor BrogdonL3:26, Jeff HoffmanL3:13, Andrew VasquezL3:39, Yunior MarteL3:13	Dylan CoveyL3:27
PIT	OAK	Mitch Keller	David BednarL3:25	Colin HoldermanL3:41	Dauri MoretaL3:25	Jose HernandezL3:15, Yohan RamirezL3:20, Angel PerdomoL3:49, Chase De Jong	Rob ZastryznyL3:21
SDP	SEA	Joe Musgrove	Josh Hader	Nick MartinezL3:29	Steven WilsonL3:17	Tim HillL3:13, Tom CosgroveL3:15, Brent HoneywellL3:15, Domingo TapiaL3:37	Drew CarltonL3:56
SEA	@SDP	Logan Gilbert	Paul Sewald	Justin TopaL3:22	Trevor GottL3:27	Matt BrashL3:19, Gabe SpeierL3:17, Tayler SaucedoL3:39, Matt FestaL3:47	Chris FlexenL3:51
SFG	@COL	John Brebbia**	Camilo DovalL3:13	Tyler Rogers	John Brebbia	Taylor RogersL3:12, Scott AlexanderL3:2, Ryan WalkerL3:13, Luke JacksonL3:19, Jakob JunisL3:45, Tristan Beck	Sean Manaea
STL	@TEX	Matthew Liberatore*	Ryan HelsleyL3:13, Giovanny Gallegos	Jordan HicksL3:29	Andre PallanteL3:19	Génesis CabreraL3:31, Drew VerHagenL3:1, Chris StrattonL3:13	Steven MatzL3:23
TBR	MIN	Zach Eflin	Jason AdamL3:26, Colin PocheL3:41, Kevin KellyL3:4, Jalen BeeksL3:37			Robert StephensonL3:30, Jake DiekmanL3:8, Shawn ArmstrongL3:27	Calvin FaucherL3:34
TEX	STL	Dane Dunning*	Will SmithL3:19	Grant AndersonL3:17	Brock BurkeL3:19	José LeclercL3:35, Josh SborzL3:21, Cole RagansL3:14, John KingL3:37	Spencer Howard
TOR	HOU	Kevin Gausman	Jordan RomanoL3:6	Erik SwansonL3:24	Nate PearsonL3:31	Tim MayzaL3:27, Trevor RichardsL3:41, Adam CimberL3:33, Yimi GarcíaL3:16, Anthony BassL3:28	Jay JacksonL3:39
WSN	ARI	Jake Irvin	Kyle Finnegan, Hunter Harvey		Carl Edwards Jr.	Andrés MachadoL3:36, Mason ThompsonL3:26, Chad KuhlL3:24, Erasmo RamírezL3:18	Thaddeus WardL3:26

TRANSACTIONS

Date	Team	Player	Category	Description
6/5	TEX	Spencer Howard	INJURIES	Activated from 60-Day IL

I’m planning on purchasing a Herman Miller Eames Lounge chair in the near future and am confused about what color and types of leather are available. I searched and couldn’t find answers to my questions, but apologies in advance if that’s incorrect.
(1) I think the Edelman All Grain is my top pick, but the HM website doesn’t let you pair it with oiled shells. Is that combination not possible for some reason?
(2) The site only shows three color variations for the Edelman All Grain leather, but I’ve seen people here mention that they ordered chairs with leather from the “Dream Cow” or “Royal Hide” Edelman lines. Are all those available too? And how would I go about ordering one of those colors? I plan to go through an authorized dealer if possible, if that changes anything.
Thank you!

To be transparent with you, I do not subscribe to any particular belief system. Like most of us here, I am engaged in an honest quest for truth and I am always prepared to admit I am wrong if the evidence demands it. I believe that a truth is to be found among all religions, and that the truth can indeed be found. When envisioning the structure of global authority, I like to picture it as a web of control, but the pyramid of power concept works just as well. So who is the spider at the centre of this web and what are their plans?
The outer rings of the web, as we all know, are things like educational institutions, the media, governmental departments etc. Move in to the centre a touch and we hit large corporations and their lobbyists. Move further into the web and we encounter think tanks and supranational organisations like the IMF, the Trilateral Commission, the Club of Rome (all roads lead there), the Bilderberg Group etc. Secret societies also, such as the Rosicrucians and Freemasons. Then we move in more and we find bloodlines such as the House of Rothschild, the Rockefellers etc. This is usually where things reach a dead end. However, few people realise that families such as the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, Duponts etc. are greatly overshadowed by far more ancient and prestigious bloodlines.
Move another ring into the centre of the web and we see the papal bloodlines. The black nobility. The Venetian cult that Kubrick warned us about in Eyes Wide Shut. Of course, the Rothschilds are of the same blood, but their branch is comparatively low level within the mafia-like structure. It's one big family with no mudbloods or muggles allowed. And I mean that quite literally, in the magical sense. Wherever there is trouble, they are there: Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre, Canaan, Kazharia, you name it. As for the spider in the middle, the closest you'll get are royal houses like Aldobrandini, Colonna, Orsini, Hanover, Guelph, Farnese etc. These are the families who control the Holy See which controls the Vatican. These are the families behind every pope, cardinal, and monarch of the past 2,000 years. The Orsini family alone claim 5 popes and 34 cardinals. And that rebel Martin Luther? He was shielded by the House of Wettin. Just another gang still going strong. For those interested in more, the Almanach de Gotha is the go-to source for the historical lineage of the dynasties that control this world.
In short, the monarchies of old are still in power and the Roman Empire is alive and well. But why do they rule over us? Pay close attention and you will see that the Colonna coat of arms is an Ionic pillar. This is the central pillar of Freemasonry, the synthesis of the masculine/solar Doric pillar and the feminine/lunar Corinthian pillar. It is the pillar of Wisdom. This is a key clue as to why royalty are the true rulers. It is crucial to understand that the royal households who rule over us believe they have a divine right to rule based on their blood. They are Anunnaki/fallen angel/watcheDagon/Oannes offspring. Anunnaki literally means 'princely offspring'. Our rulers descend from the ancient priest class who came from the stars and endowed Pre-Adamic man with Wisdom, Prudence, Foresight, and Reason. One only needs to watch 2001: A Space Oddyssey to see how this played out.
'Let these be guidestones to an age of Reason' - Georgia Guidestones
'Wisdom and Knowledge shall be the stability of thy times' - Rockefeller Centre Main Entrance
'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law' - Alester Crowley
The term 'sapiens', as in modern day homo sapiens, means 'wise'. The deities from which our royal rulers descend were the fish men of Mesopotamia who emerged from the spiritual waters above and taught the secrets of the heavens. See the Book of Enoch for more. They are the Kings of old, the men of renown, who ruled before the flood. They remade man in their own image, after their own likeness, and some proceeded to live among us. The spirit of the nephilim still wanders the earth to this day, in the form of royalty and priesthood. That's why the Pope wears the Dagan fish hat. It is why we call them 'elites'. The prefix 'el' means Holy, hence the etymology of the angELs: MichaEL, UriEL, GabriEL, RaphaEL, AzazEL etc. There is a war between them, of course. Between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness as they are described in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
So far I have identified who I believe rules the world and why they claim a divine right to rule. But what are their plans and how can we see them in action today? It is prophecised that the End of the Age/The New Atlantis (see Eschatology) will occur when the Davidic line is finally re-established in Jerusalem, where Solomon was anointed by Zadok. So it is written in the ancient Zadokite Fragments. This is why the Israeli flag has the so-called Star of David on it. This is why the Rothschild family are named after the Red Shield of David. It is why Zadok the Priest by Handel rang out when the King was anointed a month ago with a sacred oil consecrated by Rabbis in Jerusalem. With this understanding, scenes like this make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end:
https://youtu.be/Taf2haEMsSQ
All this was preceded by the Archbishop of Canterbury (the city where I go to work, just a few miles from my home) celebrating the coming establishment of a 'Royal priesthood and a holy nation'. Holding his sceptre, Charles III literally became the next incarnation of the Davidic line. In the words of the Biblical Jacob himself: 'The Sceptre shall never depart from Judah until the Messiah comes'. They continue to await their Messiah. Why else do you suppose every Pope and President dons the skullcap and visits the Western Wall at the foot of Mount Zion? And let me be clear: anti-Zionism is NOT anti-Semitism. The world's first Zionest Conference was changed from Munich to Basel due to fhe sheer number of anti-Zionist Jewish protestors. They wanted no part in it. In the 1930s the Nazis tried desperately to solve the Jewish question (fulfill prophecy). They signed the Havaara Agreement with the Zionists allowing safe passage for Jews to Palestine. I did a three year history degree with a particular focus on Nazi Germany and had never heard of it before diving down the rabbit hole. The problem for the Zionists was that most German Jews were deeply embedded within German society and they didn't want to move to a dust bowl called Palestine. By 1948, after much maneuvering, the Zionist dream came true. It is no irony that Holocaust literally means 'burnt offering'. This was the Final Solution to the Jewish Question. The Jewish journalist Barry Chamish is excellent for truth on how the Jews are pawns in the hands of the Zionists. He paid the ultimate price for that.
Throughout his coronation, Charles sat upon the Stone of Destiny, the Rock of Ages, symbolising the stone that was given by 'God' to Jacob and was prophecised to be handed around among his kingly descendants. The Stone upon which Jacob had his dream and from which he hew a pillar on the very same spot upon which Solomon built his temple. Only to see his temple destroyed on the 9th day of the 11th month. The Second Temple was also destroyed on the 9th day of the 11th month. Known as Tisha Bav, the 9th day of the 11th month has always been a day of mourning in the Jewish calendar. After September 11th, they hew a pillar in the place of the twin towers. Part of the memorial was constructed by the Rock of Ages granite company. Truly, it is mind blowing. And the symbolism was written throughout the entire coronation ritual. But who will be installed as monarch in Jerusalem as Plato's Philosopher King, and when? I don't know. I have a feeling, though, that it will be timed in accordance with the positioning of the great universal sky clock, based as it is around the 'chief watcher of the heavens' in Plutarch's words, the Star of the Magi, Sirius (see my post '10 Crazy Facts About the God Star Sirius' for more).
Despite their notoriety, the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, and other more recent families are minions in comparison to other bloodlines. Although, the Rothschilds did marry into the Aldobrandini bloodline through Olimpia Aldobrandini and David Rothschild. You could of course take it a step further to the centre of the web, but then you're dealing with the archontic forces I have mentioned - not all of them negative - that exist in other realms and express themselves through the stars and planets. Towering over all of creation, the Demiurge, the grand architect of this maya, or illusion, in which we dream. The god who seeks to impose his sense of order upon primordial chaos. Always manipulating, never creating. Finally, we arrive at the apex of the pyramid; the father, the monad, the eternally tranquil one from which the antagonistic two came into being.

Part 1: https://www.reddit.com/nosleep/comments/13u9t3m/my_father_always_kept_the_shed_locked_today_i/ Part 2: https://www.reddit.com/nosleep/comments/13vycj7/my_father_always_kept_the_shed_locked_today_i/
The Undergraves were as close to literal Hell as I could imagine. In fact, we only survived because of a twist of fate and a sad, lonely mutant.
There were creatures everywhere, and most of them were horrible things to behold. More of the strange pig-men with long knives had come out of the surrounding rooms. They always had human bodies hung up and butchered, drying meat stretched out on hooks all around the room. Hell, if Gil and I had no problem with cannibalism, we could eat for years in this place.
I had shot at least a dozen of the pig-men, trying to conserve my ammo by using only a single headshot where possible, and Gil had decapitated probably a dozen more. Some of them we just ran away from, especially if there were large groups. But it felt like we were going further into the fire rather than escaping from it.
There were windows now, endless windows along the sides of the rooms, and they showed a world in flames. I saw people with missing limbs huddled around barrel fires in bombed-out cities, husks of tanks scattered across the street and bodies hanging from the lampposts. I began to see where the meat to feed all these creatures was coming from. Gil and I found a room with a pyramid of clothes, shoes and glasses that stretched to the top of the room.
“Brother,” Gil said, “this place makes me sick.” I sighed, sitting down on a pile of clothes and opening some beef jerky and a candy bar. I checked my ammo supplies, and realized I was down to my last magazine.
“I can’t wait to get out of this fucking place,” I said. “The smell of so many dead bodies must have seeped into my clothes by now.” Then I heard a soft rustling from behind me. I turned my body, pulling up the gun and pointing it. A strange man stood there with his hands up.
He reminded me of pictures I had seen of the Elephantman. Tumors and scarred, rounded growths stuck out all over his head. His forehead sloped radically to the left, and one of his eyes was slanted, the folds of skin around it hanging loosely above and beneath it. He had on an old military uniform, one I assumed he scrounged from some dead body. My finger tightened on the trigger for a moment, then I relaxed. He had no visible weapons.
“Please…” he said. “Can I get a chocolate bar?” I laughed, breaking the tension and handing him an Eisenheart. It was, apparently, a brand he knew and loved, for he ripped it open and ate it, smiling and bowing. I gave him a soda too. His face brightened like a child’s. “Thank you, thank you! Nice men, very nice.”
“What’s your name, friend?” Gil said slowly, still holding his bowie knife tightly. I still had my finger on the trigger as well, but I had a feeling we wouldn’t need weapons for this guy.
“Frankie,” he said. His smile was so wide now that it showed all three of his remaining teeth. “I’m a friend?”
“Sure,” I said. “Why not? Frankie, my name is Luke, and this is Gil. We’re good guys. We’re… not from here. In fact, we are trying to get out. Do you know how to get out of here?” Frankie paused for a long moment, as if that many sentences at once had overloaded his brain’s processing power. His face took on a slack, vacant look. Then he brightened and nodded.
“You can go to Rusty Township right out there,” he said excitedly, pointing out the window to where a woman’s body was being picked apart by angry, squawking birds. I shook my head, smiling.
“While that seems like a real nice place,” I said, “I’m actually looking for another where. We came down here on the circular stone stairs. Some… uh, real nice people told us that those stairs could be found over here in the Undergraves, if you follow that strange hallway covered in muscle and skin straight.” Those “real nice people” had also been cheering and clapping as they shoved one another in an iron maiden and let the blood soak into the floors, I remembered. Frankie laughed, a genuine, happy sound that felt strange in this place.
“No, friend,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye, “if you go straight into the Undergraves, you come to the Pit of the Skull. There’s thousands of angry demons in there. They’d eat you.” He continued laughing. “I think your other friends played a joke on you.” I swore, my face darkening. Gil looked like he was about to be sick.
“Never trust a woman with scurvy blossoms on her face,” Gil muttered. “I should have known.”
“So we would have died if we followed their directions?” I asked. Frankie nodded. I wanted to go back to where I had seen them and use the last of my magazine on those sick weirdos, but I tried to focus on my breathing and calm down.
“Jesus man, it’s a good thing we found you,” Gil said, reaching into his pocket with his unmutilated hand. “You want another chocolate bar?”
***
From what we learned from Frankie, who tended to stare off into space and drift off topic but seemed otherwise all there, the people who sacrificed each other to the iron maiden or, as they called it, the steel mistress, were all refugees from Rusty Township. They were also apparently cannibal cult members. Once they had drained the blood from whoever picked the burnt match or played Tic Tac Toe the worst or whatever other insane way they chose, they would throw the mutilated body into the opening of the Undergraves. The demons would come out after the drums and drag the body away to eat it. And the cult members also tended to send wayward travelers, like ourselves, down into the Undergraves to get killed and eaten by demons. Apparently they thought these precautions kept them safe from the majority of the horrors of the Undergraves, and hell, they had survived this long, so maybe they were right.
The urge to go back and murder the whole lot of them came strongly to me. I could see Gil felt the same way. But getting home was far more important.
Frankie had lived here for years, foraging from the occasional vending machines and stealing supplies from the cult members and demons. I assumed this means he ate human meat for a lot of his calories, but I wasn’t going to point it out. It just didn’t seem polite at this point. He seemed like a hard guy to upset though. After all the things he had seen, it was hard to imagine him turning out otherwise.
But it also meant he knew the halls and intersections like the back of his hand. When I explained to him the staircase we had come through, his eyes lit up.
“I know it,” he said, “but it is nowhere near the Undergraves. It changes, but it is always found at either the beginning of the Endless Hall…”
“That’s where we came in, I think,” Gil said. “It seemed endless enough.”
“Or it hides between the meeting place of Veriden and Rusty Township.”
“So we were right next to it?” I asked angrily. Now I really wanted to kill those lunatic cult members. Frankie nodded, drawing back slightly, his eyes widening at my anger.
“Well, let’s go,” Gil said, looking more tired than I had ever seen him, holding the bloody, bandaged remains of his hand against his chest and wincing. “I’m tired as hell, but I’d like to get out of here before those nutjobs find us and throw us in an iron maiden, or maybe some pig monster slices me up and makes jerky from my muscles.” Frankie shook his head violently.
“No, no, no,” Frankie said, “if you go back the way you came, you will die. The drums stopped.”
“What are the drums?” I asked. He shrugged.
“They come from the ceilings and walls,” he said, describing a small, black box that sounded like a speaker. “Maybe they were originally set up before the collapse of Rusty Township. I know not, friend.”
“I don’t give a flying fuck about the drums,” Gil said. “What happens if we just walk back the way we came?”
“The cleaner comes after the drums,” Frankie said in a whisper. “The cleaner is mean. He is a tall, metal man, as tall as the ceilings, and he is strong. I’ve seen him snap the pig-men in half.”
“So is there another way around the main hall?” I asked. Frankie took a long moment to think, then he nodded.
“It’s dangerous too,” he said. “The tunnel underneath leads back, but it has strange things.” This was all he would say about it.
“OK, Frankie, lead the way,” Gil said, throwing the deformed man a bag of beef jerky and a soda. We were getting very low on food and drinks by this point, but as I saw it, it wouldn’t matter. Either we would get out, and we would have plenty of food and drinks back home, or we wouldn’t, and we wouldn’t need food and drinks if that was the case. An old riddle popped into my head as I considered this. What is greater than God, worse than the devil, the dead eat it always, but if the living eat it, then they die? Nothing.
Frankie got up quickly, eating the entire bag of beef jerky in a single swallow, which I didn’t even know was possible until I saw him do it. His cheeks were stuffed like a chipmunk, and he chewed slowly and thoughtfully with his few remaining teeth, savoring the taste of the meat.
Then he went back behind a pile of clothes, felt around on the floor, and with a cry of triumph, pulled out a weapon. It was just a baseball bat with rusty, bent nails sticking out of it like the broken quills of a porcupine, but it was better than nothing.
“Let’s go, friends,” Frankie said. “I would do anything to help my new friends. You should go home, where you belong. We all need a home…” He trailed off sadly. I looked around at where he lived, and my heart broke for him.
He stuck his huge head out the door, looking up and down the main hallway of the Undergraves. Slick, muscular growths covered the walls, the ceiling and the floor. The red stuff seemed to contract and expand, as if it were undergoing peristalsis.
With a look back, he nodded and went forward. We followed along, placing all of our trust in this strange being who called us his friends.
***
The hatchway to the tunnel was in an auxiliary room a few hundred feet down the hall. I walked in front next to Frankie, seeing as I had a gun and needed to be able to shoot in an instant without worrying about them being in my way. The hatchway was rusted and ancient-looking. It had a wheel that had to be turned to open it, and it took the strength of all three of us to get it moving. It squealed loudly, flakes of rust splintering off it. I cursed under my breath, hoping that it wouldn’t draw attention. As soon as it was open, we went down the ladder, one by one, underneath the main hall.
The tunnel was cramped and dark. Red emergency lights placed every hundred feet or so gave us some illumination, but not much. Everything had a bloody glow to it. And there were auxiliary shafts running off the main one, some with no lights at all. But in the darkness, I could have sworn I saw movement, as if a slightly less black silhouette were moving towards us through the darkness.
We got through as fast as we could. Another ladder led up, and we took it. But that strange sensation of being followed by dark shapes hadn’t left me.
The ladder opened into a room I didn’t recognize at first. The hatchway panel opened up into a place filled with detritus, broken furniture and mold spread out all over the floor. But when we got into the main hallway, I felt like cheering. Further down, I saw the sign for the intersection of Rusty Township and Veriden. And crossing in front of it, I saw the cult members who had tried to give us directions to the ninth circle of Hell, or whatever that place truly was.
“Stop right fucking there!” I screamed, raising the gun. The dark-haired woman with the scurvy blossoms on her face jumped so high, I thought she might fall over. The other cult members turned and looked at me, surprised and afraid. “Didn’t expect to see me again, did you? Thought I would get killed by demons and maybe you could take my body and eat it? Or just give it as a sacrifice to those abominations?”
“Sir, I am sorry,” the woman said, “but we must get out of here. The machine…”
“Stay right there, or I will blow your goddamn head off,” I said, walking forwards quickly and shoving the gun in her face. “Your brains will be dripping off the wall. You’re not going anywhere.”
And then I heard it. A mechanical whine started down the hallway, coming closer.
“The cleaner,” Frankie whispered in a tone that reminded me of the scared voice of a child. “Oh God, the cleaner…”
I kept the gun raised, but prodded the woman forwards towards the intersection of the three hallways, looking down towards the Rusty Township side, where the noises were coming from. What I saw sent my heart racing.
It was a robot, at least ten feet tall. Its silvery skin shone in the flickering fluorescent lights. It had two eyes that shone white LED light, a slit of a mouth, and long arms and legs that looked like they had been made of steel beams.
“Freeze,” it said in an emotionless voice. “Please show identification.” The cult members screamed and started to scatter like cockroaches. The robot instantly responded upon seeing them move, taking one of its long arms and running forward, whipping it across the hall in a blur. I heard bones crack and saw bodies break as they were pushed into the walls and, in one case, out of the window. I heard shrieking for a few seconds as the hapless man fell to his death.
“You’ve killed us all,” the dark-haired woman told me accusingly. She tried to run away from me as I backpedaled away from the insane robot, but it grabbed her, twisting off her neck with a loud crack. Blood poured out of her head as the robot threw it across the ground, rolling it like a bowling ball.
“You are in violation of executive order number 82,” the robot said. “Show identification, or lethal force will be used.” It was running at me now, and I saw it approaching as if in slow motion. I knew I was dead.
And then Frankie came running out, swinging his baseball bat as hard as he could into the robot’s back. The nails stuck into the metal. I saw his large muscles bulging as he tried to pull it out. But before he could, the robot turned and hit him with a balled-up metal hand. Frankie’s skull collapsed inwards as he fell, crumpling into a heap in the corner.
“No!” I screamed, running forwards. I looked at the bright eyes of the robot, and suddenly, an idea came to me. It was the only one I had.
I started emptying the magazine into the robot’s face, and within seconds, its white eyes had burst. My ears were ringing from so many gunshots in such a small space. Sparks and wires shot out, and the robot began to wail. The smell of gunpowder and burning metal filled the area.
“Visual centers offline,” it said, “visual centers offline. This is a catastrophic error. Contact Victoriat Arms Corporation and report the location and type of this error. A large reward is offered. Please call 1-600-333…” I stopped listening. The robot had begun to move randomly, swinging its arms and legs in wide circles as its alarm blared. I saw it crush a few more cult members to death. It smashed into the walls, breaking the sheetrock and leaving huge dents and holes everywhere.
I ran over to Frankie. He was still alive, though he was fading rapidly. His eyes were shutting.
“Did I help my friends?” he said slowly, sadly. I nodded, a single tear falling from my eye.
“You saved us,” I said. “I’m so sorry…” He nodded, then closed his eyes and let out a long breath.
“The stairs… are down the Veriden hall. Before the train to Naraka,” he said. “Go home, friend. Go home.” Blood pooled around his broken head as his lips began to turn blue and his breath stopped.
Gil pulled me up, whispering in my ear.
“I think we’re being followed,” he said. “We need to go now.” And so we did. We began running down the hallway. I looked back, seeing the bodies of the dead cult members and the kamikaze writhings of the robot as he smashed into random rooms and went further down the hallway towards Rusty Township.
But there was something there, something dark and humanoid. I squinted, but it faded into the shadows.
“There!” Gil yelled, pointing to a door I recognized. It was a chipped blue door with a daisy painted on the front. My euphoria and elation was so high at seeing it that I grabbed Gil and hugged him.
“Frankie did it,” I said. “He got us here…” And then we heard the shriek from behind us. I turned to look, but it was all dark shadows now behind us. The flickering lights had died.
We flung open the door, running through it. It opened on the same circular stone steps that we had used to get down here. They were still slick, still endless, and still had no railing, but my adrenaline was so high that I just started sprinting. My fear of heights had nothing on my fears of what was down here with us.
But whatever it was following us, it was getting closer. I could hear it gaining, hear it shrieking. I checked my gun as I ran, and was not surprised to see I had no ammo left. All we had was that damned bowie knife.
I was exhausted, but we kept running, on the verge of passing out. Eventually the temperature started to go up, and the air felt less oppressive and thick. I could see the entrance to the shed a few more revolutions up around the circular stones. Using the last of our energy, we sprinted to the end of the stairs.
We ran out into the shed, clearing the last of the slick, stone steps. The door was locked, just like when we left it. There seemed to be new gouges in the plate metal shielding the interior of the shed, deep claw marks and lines running every which way, but especially over the shielding for the door. Gil fumbled in his pockets for the key.
“Hurry up,” I said through gritted teeth. “It’s coming.”
“I can’t…” Gil said, reaching into every pocket. He kept coming up empty-handed. He had lost the key, and now we were going to die. I slammed a new magazine into the pistol, ready to fight to the death.
Then he reached into the little pocket built into the main pocket of his right front jeans, and I heard a tiny jingle. He brought up the leather strap with the shed key on it. With shaking hands, he shoved it in the lock and began turning.
I heard deep thudding footsteps only feet behind us now, and a demonic voice began to shriek. My ears rang in a high-pitched squealing, but I kept my hand on the now useless gun, looking back and forth from the door to the last step. Just as Gil pushed open the door, I saw it.
It had empty, black sockets where its eyes should have been. Its skin looked like the tight, desiccated skin of a mummy, and it seemed to tremble and writhe as its body moved. Its mouth opened nearly to the center of its chest, just a huge, black void that sent out deafening screams constantly, seemingly without needing to breathe.
We slammed the door shut. I put all my body weight against it as Gil put the key into the lock and began to turn. There was a tremendous shaking as the abomination slammed into the door, and then Gil clicked the lock into place and pulled the key out. I slid to the floor, my heart beating so fast that I couldn’t feel the individual beats anymore.
After resting a while, we went back into the house. Gil flipped on the TV, where we saw “Breaking News” flashing across the screen on our local channel.
“The death of an entire family in Lancester County today continues to remain unsolved. Authorities state the neighbor found the bodies of Larry Matheson, age 46, his wife Linda Matheson, age 41, and their children, Jonathan Matheson, age 11, Jordan Matheson, age 7, and Abigail Matheson, age 3. Authorities state that the amount of violence at the scene was ‘unbelievable’, and that the victims were physically mutilated both before and after death.
“In addition, authorities told our reporters that the heads of the children were removed, and that they still found no sign of them. Police believe the killer or killers likely took the heads with them.
“Anyone with any leads is asked to call…” I shut off the TV. Gil looked up at me. The shrieking in the shed started up again, and I heard scratching and clawing coming from behind the house.
“Something got out,” I said. “Something got out of the shed.”

"It hit me from out of the blue. Breaking me out of the spell I was in, Making all of my wishes come true" -Joey Scarbury, Believe It Or Not, 1981

"Police!!!" Anastasia chimed. "I love this song...every li'l thing...she does is tragic...hanging my umbrella...But its always you that ends up getting..."
"That isn't the words." Cynthia glared.
"At least I'm not a prude." Anastasia shoved her friend playfully.
The two girls had walked into Belly's Arcade of the Lloyd Center Mall. They had escaped the thundering cloudburst outside as the storm predicted on the radio finally hit Portland with nearly two inches of rain on the way. The downpour could be heard above the sounds of games like Defender, Tempest and Galaga.
"Let's play Mizz Packa Mon." Anastasia deepened her voice and made a beeline for her favorite game. She had an entire roll of quarters burning a hole in her pocket. Cynthia just came to watch. Her five dollars was spent earlier when the two girls had gone to see Clash of the Titans. They stopped at the machine named Ms. Pac-Man and Anastasia got right into it, lining up some quarters atop it. "I can't believe nobody was in line for our girl."
"There is Raymond." Cynthia was looking around for the older boy. He was playing something else instead. His high-score on Ms. Pac-Man, of 633,580, was unbeatable and he had lost interest, apparently.
"Just because he goes to Lincoln, doesn't make him smart. This is the best game ever and it will always be the best game ever. In fact, he is very stupid." Anastasia said as she played the game. "He should ask me out, but he is too stupid."
To this last comment, both girls giggled.
Cynthia soon quoted: "He's equipped with the right brains and education, but wholly out of the habit of using them."
"Clark Ashton Smith?" Anastasia guessed which one of Cynthia's Poe's quotes that one was.
"Lovecraft." Cynthia said dreamily.
"Yeah right." Anastasia rolled her eyes and lost a life. "Raymond." she said with the same dreamy tone-of-voice and pointed at the teenager behind them with her thumb.
"What?" Cynthia asked defensively.
"I heard from my dad that all your favorite authors were creepy in real-life." Anastasia teased.
"No he wasn't." Cynthia got more defensive. She decided to leave Anastasia standing there and go talk to Raymond; because her friend had upset her with that comment.
She went over to the older boy and watched him playing the new game. It was called Polybius. Cynthia recognized this as Greek for something, but wasn't sure what it meant.
"It is booked." Raymond noticed her standing there. "Go play Ms. Pac-Man. Its all yours."
Cynthia stood there, transfixed by the flashing graphics. It was like no other game she had ever seen before. Polybius was a puzzle-shooter with intense graphics and detailed animation and had beautiful theme-music and smooth game play.
Polybius was like a window to another world; where blocks were hit with a beam controlled by the player and moved or destroyed at will. Some fell slow while others fell fast, trying to assemble something that looked like a boat. But Raymond had done it and another level began. This time a castle was shown and then it flew apart into the different blocks and he began controlling the beam to assemble that object next. Some blocks didn't fit and he could blow them up. If he made a mistake the block would reappear and fall faster. Some of the unfit blocks gave out power ups or extra lives as a reward. The beam could split, with the power-ups, or become a net or move quicker across the screen. The music was surreal and ethereal and the graphics made it look intense and mature. She couldn't look away.
"What is this game?" Cynthia asked, mesmerized.
"Polybius." Raymond said simply. His usual superlicious tone was gone. He sounded charmed and attentive. Like he was saying "Jesus saves and all is forgiven."
"Its so gnarly." Cynthia agreed, echoing the reverence in her own voice.
"It is gnarly, isn't it?" Raymond was losing on level three of the game but suddenly a knight appeared on the bottom of the screen, like a cartoon character, and blocked a number of the fast falling blocks with his shield before saluting the player with his sword. Then the apparition was gone.
"Did you see that?" Raymond was amazed. "I got that power up earlier but I couldn't use it until I got here. I had to hit a block with the same edges, the rounded edges. Look, there is another one."
"For the next level?" Cynthia grasped the mechanic quickly.
"Yes but I haven't gotten that far. In level two it is a fisherman with a net for the rounded block from level one. Gnarly, huh?"
"So." Cynthia nodded, wide-eyed.
Raymond lost his last life and the screen went back to the title screen after showing his new high-score. It was just a list of numbers, anonymous.
"No initials input?" Cynthia frowned.
"That's the only part that's bogus. The rest of the game rules." Raymond looked at her. He was done playing and offered her his spot. Some other boys made disapproving grunts and comments. They were waiting nearby to play Polybius next after Raymond.
Raymond ceremoniously put in two quarters off of the machine where he had left them and then stepped aside for her.
"Ladies first." Cynthia was grinning as she began to play Polybius at the head of the line. She only got to the beginning of the second level on her first attempt before she too had failed to assemble the boat, as that level came to be called. She had made the word 'Polybius' of the first level but the boat level was much more difficult. In fact, on that first day, only Raymond beat the boat level and only he and Cynthia even knew that level three was a castle, as nobody else had seen his eventual defeat.
Raymond pulled his hood on and left Belly's at a quarter past five. He walked all the way home thinking about the gnarly new game Polybius. At home his step father slurred some pedantic platitudes about homework that sounded like he was congratulating his step son for failing at life, while he himself was drunk on the couch. Raymond's mother was in the kitchen making some meatloaf for dinner.
Raymond went to his room where posters of Kool & The Gang were across from REO Speedwagon. Raymond liked all of it, loved life, in general. The girls weren't his thing. He stared at guys, always wondering if there was actually something wrong with that. He had plenty of girlfriends, all the girls liked him, but he just didn't feel it for them. He kicked off his shoes and wondered if he would ever be some kind of hero. He felt like he would, someday be alright. Just not today. He put on his headphones and listened to his favorite: Ray Parker Jr.
He wished Ray was his dad instead of Mel. He hated Mel almost as much as Mel hated Raymond. Sleep overtook him and he missed the call for dinner. His dreams were of the blocks, forming into something strange. It was a field, a plane, a world and it was full of light and the important sounding and mystical game music. Cynthia and her friend Anastasia were lost and he was trying to guide them out like in a Pac-Man maze of some kind. But fell through the tiled floor and vanished into the darkness. He awoke with a strange feeling, like those kids were in some kind of trouble. He looked at the clock: three AM. He couldn't sleep, insomnia had him tossing and turning, the awful feeling gnawing at him.
The next day was Saturday and the world was soaked from the thunderstorm the day before. He trudged out in the mud puddles and arrived at Belly's as they opened. He went in and stared at Polybius. Then he put in a couple quarters and started playing.
On level four there was a pyramid and a winged snake helped him from the block he had unlocked it from in the castle. Level five was a tree but he got no help and level six was a bridge, London bridge maybe. He had played for an hour to get this far and some onlookers watched in silence as he got to level seven with just two quarters. It was a staircase and he got help from Cinderella. She carried blocks back up the steps, her animation the best sofar of the animated characters. Then she lost her glass slipper and vanished.
Abba was playing The Winner Takes It All and he finally lost before beating level seven. The contrast between the arcade's music and the game's music was an odd blend but the game was louder, standing in front of it. Each level had its own theme music and each was more haunting and beautiful than the last.
He only had two quarters and had played like his life depended on it. His high score of seventy thousand was twice what he had gotten the previous day and nobody else even compared. No initials on any of the scores, but everyone who was anybody at Belly's knew whose score was at the top.
He turned up his collar as a quiet applause went up as he left to go do something else with the rest of his day. He saw the girls walking by and they were alright, none of the horror he had felt.
Raymond got a Big Mac and a Coke and was eating on the outdoor pavilion after wiping up the seat with some napkins, still wet from the shower. He heard an ambulance siren and watched as Belly's had a visit. Concerned, he went over an discovered that it was one of the girls: Anastasia, she had some kind of seizure while playing Polybius. Raymond felt sick. He saw her friend Cynthia standing there crying.
"You okay?" he asked her while Kenny Rogers sang I Don't Need You like nothing had happened.
"No, she fell over and she was shaking and stiff. Is she going to live? They took her to the hospital." Cynthia was trembling with fear.
"It could be epilepsy." Raymond sounded smart all-of-sudden. He tried to hug her but she frowned and stepped back.
Not knowing why, Cynthia punched his shoulder and ran away crying.
Raymond went into Belly's and looked at the game. Everyone had gone. Polybius stood there asking for another player. Under the title it read: Sinneslöschen and he wondered what this was.
He went to look it up in the phone book but found nothing there. All weekend he felt troubled by what had happened to Anastasia. Then the phone rang and his mom picked it up.
"Raymond it's for you." she said: "it's a girl." she mouthed.
"Hello." Raymond took the phone, stretching the curly cord around the corner out of the kitchen. Mel was asleep on the couch while the Bulldogs played against the Volunteers on the television.
"Its Cynthia. I am sorry I hit you. Anastasia just called me from her hospital room, she will be fine." Cynthia apologized. "My mom said you can come over for dinner if you want to. We are having spaghetti."
"I will come over." Raymond promised, forgetting to confirm where she lived; he was only mostly sure she lived in the blue house on the corner. He had already hung up as Mel stirred and looked at him.
"Gonna go fag it up?" Mel asked.
"I am gonna go have dinner at Cynthia's. Her mom is making spaghetti" Raymond defended himself and left his parents. It was dark out already when he got there. He had recalled correctly where she lived and the whole family was there to greet him.
He ate dinner with her and her folks and their dog before he managed to say goodnight. Her dad liked him even though he was too old for Cynthia. He had whispered to his wife that Raymond was a good kid.
He walked home and on the way he was startled by a vision of the winged snake from Polybius. It crawled out at him and spit a fireball like in the game.
Very frightened he ran the rest of the way home and when he got inside he ran up to his room. His heart was racing in terror at what he had seen.
On Monday he had The Alan Parsons Project's Prime Time stuck in his head. He had that song on his mind all week. Raymond often associated his experiences with different music that he liked. He avoided Belly's but strange rumors and activities kept contrasting his absence.
Other players got to level seven and beyond. He had asked his friends Joel and Cassie, who were both there when it happened, what level Dwayne Rodriguez was on when he had hit the floor. Level eight was a tree while nine was a flying saucer. Then Dwayne had simply stopped playing and walked around the arcade humming the theme from level seven. Each level had a different soundtrack, all of them very haunting and beautiful melodies that sounded like a great legend was underway. Sweet and insistent the music alone had a strange effect on the player. The images of animated characters helping the player from previous levels efforts and the rest of the gameplay made the whole experience almost like being in another world entirely.
Dwayne was dazed and walked around just humming Cinderella's theme before he fainted and fell to the floor. Joel had taken over the game but had quickly lost. A player needed to try harder with each level and it was hard to jump into a hot game without warming up. Polybius took the player on a journey into an intense and pleasurable place, like a ballroom of wondrous harmonies.
"But you got to level ten first, Dwayne had almost beat level nine." Cassie nudged her boyfriend.
"I don't remember. It all happened so fast. I just remember Dwayne and the saucer level and the tree level."
"Level five was the tree level." Raymond interjected, recalling this detail.
"That is right, after the staircase it was a volcano. A dinosaur waved its tiny little arms and then chomped the bad bricks for you." Cassie recalled.
"Was anyone else there, like Cynthia or Anastasia?" Raymond sounded concerned. He'd had more dreams of them falling like the bricks while in a weird arcade landscape from Polybius.
"I really don't remember much." Joel apologized, holding his head.
"They weren't there." Cassie confirmed.
The next day Raymond went back to Belly's with some quarters. He knew what he had to do.
He saw Dwayne sitting on a bench watching the arcade and he walked over to him before he went in.
"You okay? I heard you got really far and then had a problem."
"I don't remember anything from that day." Dwayne sounded worried. "It is all just a blank. People told me what happened but it is all...its all gone up here." he pointed to his head.
"I am gonna beat it. Somebody has got to beat that game." Raymond looked up from where he had his hand on Dwayne's shoulder.
He went into Belly's where Mark and Sean where shoving each other and about to come to blows. They were fighting over who's turn it was to play Polybius and the crowd was urging them to fight or not fight. There was confusion.
Then a kid named Eglantine with her pigtails pointed and shouted:
"Look, Raymond, everybody!"
He walked through the parting crowd as Styx's Too Much Time On My Hands started playing. He walked between the two boys who were glad they were done fighting over who was next to play. He got to the machine and started it up with his quarters. The crowd was watching as Raymond started to play Polybius.
It felt like the game had waited for him. Its music drowned out the music playing in the arcade and it felt like something very epic and important was happening.
"Raymond, be careful!" it was Anastasia.
"You got this, man!" Joel encouraged him.
Level by level he played. The first level he spelled out 'Polybius' and then on level two he built the boat. Brick by brick he put together the castle and the pyramid and then on the tree level he got help from a druid nobody had ever seen before. He threw lightning bolts that flashed across the screen and in one instant all the fast-falling blocks slowed and the bad blocks exploded, many of them with extra lives and other goodies. The crowd cheered.
The bridge level had a Queen's Guard show up and stare at all the blocks, slowing them. He winked and shot just one block with an extra life. Cinderella helped on the staircase of level seven and then level eight started, the volcano. Here Raymond lost a couple lives but he got past it. The flying saucer was next and he beat it as well, although it was a hard level and he got no help from any aliens showing up. Everyone had guessed an alien would be the character helper on level nine but hardly anyone had gotten this far and nobody had seen it.
Then level ten started and it was a meditating elephant headed statue of a god of some kind. The helper was a multi-armed monkey with a crown, that caught blocks and hurled them three-dimensionally, as though towards the player, where they detonated in flashes of light and gave up all sorts of new power-ups.
When the sunken ship level started, Raymond had so many power-ups still going that he breezed through it and didn't get the next helper. He might have needed it because level twelve was the moon and it kept changing phases making it very challenging as the puzzle on the screen changed as he assembled it. He lost all but one of his remaining lives.
Then another level began and to everyone watching it seemed to be the last. It was a ruined skyscraper with fiery skies behind it. An angel arrived to help and deflected enough blocks to save the day. Raymond seemed to have beaten the game. It started again at the first level of Polybius but no blocks fell. Instead the game prompted for his name and the blocks he could use the beam on had letters for him to assemble his name with.
Raymond entered his name, all seven letters and not just his initials, but his whole first name. Then the screen went black. He turned around with sweat beaded across his forehead and he looked pale.
Everyone was staring at him in awe as he staggered out the door and outside where it was growing dark. He kept walking and disappeared down the street, heading home presumably.
He was in class the next morning when he was next seen again, but he stared absently out the window. He felt weird, knowing he had beaten Polybius and that it was still sitting there at Belly's with its screen all dark. Nothing the owner could do would turn it back on. It was dead, the game was dead. He'd won, but he couldn't remember it.
Except in his dreams and even in his daydreams. It was there all around him as he sat there. All the world was Polybius and nothing else mattered. Everyone was in awe of him at first, but began to leave him alone as he became withdrawn and unresponsive.
Time marched by and he somehow kept up with school but felt nothing, noticed nothing. Only Polybius was with him as he sat alone.
Senior year was when Anastasia became a freshman at Lincoln and was seen with him everywhere he went. She spoke for him and told people he was just feeling quiet, that was all.
One day he felt somewhat lucid and noticed she was sitting there on the bench with him outside of Belly's Arcade.
"Is it still in there?" he asked his constant companion.
"They came and took it away, these guys in black suits and sunglasses." she informed him of the fate of Polybius.
"You've gotten older." he noted Anastasia there.
"So have you, your hair turned gray." she said matter-of-factly.
"What are we doing here?" he asked slowly.
"We walk here every day and sit here. I sit with you and make sure you are alright." she told him carefully.
"Why?" he wondered.
Anastasia hadn't heard this many words from him all year since she started high school and her eyes watered with tears of relief and she said:
"To thank you. Everyone else leaves you alone here, but I remember falling, and you caught me. So...so thank you..."

Not sure if anyone will care about this at all, but I wanted to briefly revisit and think about all the books I've read in the first half of this year, and just thought I'd make a post with a rating and a sentence about each. If anyone is interested in them or wants more details feel free to ask. I'd love to have a discussion with some people about any they've read. I don't have many people to talk to about most of them.
The Power of the Dog & The Cartel (Don Winslow, Books 1 & 2 of The Cartel Trilogy) - 8/10 & 7.5/10 - gripping, violent, epic storytelling similar to Narcos on Netflix. Engaging storyline and memorable characters, except...
The Border (Don Winslow, Cartel #3) - 4/10 - The only DNF on this list and one of the few DNF's of my life. Just terrible. Shocking drop in quality.
A Town Like Alice (Nevil Shute) 10/10 - Instantly one of my favorite books ever. Shute has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
All You Need Is Kill (Hiroshi Sakurazaka) 6/10 - Mostly grabbed this bc I love the title and liked the Tom Cruise movie. Quick read, action heavy, I found it less engaging than the movie, to be frank. Didn't really like the main character.
Homegoing (Yaa Gyasi) - 8/10 - Very powerful, generational storytelling. Has really stuck with me. Has a really unique structure, that works both for and against it at times. Really memorable book.
The Fall of the House of Usher (Poe) - 4/10 - Short story, wanted to try a "classic." Didn't get it. Basically put me to sleep.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous (Ocean Vuong) - 7.5/10 - Unique little memoir from a wonderful poet. I liked it, but it's also a bit too heavy on the poetry for me. It's very beautiful, but also becomes a bit exhausting. I'm more of a plot guy so all the flowery passages were challenging at times.
Small Things Like These (Claire Keegan) - 9/10 - Powerful, moving novella about a day in the life of a simple, introspective man and how he comes to confront the local Parrish. At 100ish pages it certainly doesn't overstay its welcome, and there's just something very calming and reflective about her writing.
10 Minutes & 38 Seconds in This Strange World (Elif Shafak) - 7/10 - Lovely story about the enduring power of friendship and found family, even in the worst circumstances. Maybe not as impactful or memorable as I'd hoped, but it's a good story with a good message.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt) - 6/10 - Read this for a book club at a new job. Not my cup of tea, but not terrible or anything. Very pedestrian writing and relies on some INSANE contrivances, but has that sort of popular quality where you can easily picture the movie they'll make. It's easy and fine.
Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe) 8/10 - A pillar of African literature, I thought I should give it a try. Great story about family and community and the ebbs and flows of society/progress. Ultimately quite depressing, but powerful.
The Day of the Jackal (Frederick Forsyth) - 8/10 - Old school spy/action triller. Wanted to read something smart and exciting and was not disappointed. Great story with tight plotting, memorable characters, and a strong ending. Would make a great 8 episode period miniseries if done faithfully.
The Song of Achilles (Madeline Miller) - 8.5/10 - Seems slightly divisive on this sub, but I really enjoyed this. I love Miller's writing and the way she blends the real and the mythic. Thought this was a beautiful retelling of a classic tale.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Taylor Jenkins Reid) - 7.5/10 - Another book where it's obvious why it's so popular, but much better than Remarkably Bright Creatures. By the end I had grown to care about Evelyn and appreciated the book. Not sure if I will read more Reid, but I'm open to it.
The Hellbound Heart (Clive Barker) 7/10 - Have always been intrigued by the Hellraiser lore, so thought I'd read it. Very short, fun read. Pretty fucked up. Not what I expected, honestly, but a lot of twisted fun.
The Overstory (Richard Powers) 6.5/10 - Pretty letdown by this one, honestly. Kept feeling like it was building to something epic, a la The Stand, but it just never happened. The structure made no sense to me, and the characters were frustrating. Way too long and overwrought to justify itself, imo. Had to use a dictionary for about 800 different ways to say "green" or "foliage." Felt pretentious.
On The Beach (Nevil Shute) - 10/10 - Another banger from Shute. This has one of the most depressing, memorable premises for a book. Don't really want to spoil anything, but it's very opposite to the feeling of A Town Like Alice, but no less effective. I love this guys simple, workmanlike writing. Such memorable characters.
Maus: A Survivors Tale (Art Spiegelman) 9/10 - Only graphic novel I've fit in this year. Powerful stuff. As humerous as it is gut wrenching at times. Gives a powerful first-hand perspective on surviving the extermination camps of WW2. Fuck right-wing nutjobs who want to ban this from schools. Sickening.
The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) 9.5/10 - The longest and oldest book I've read, and an absolute banger. If you've only seen the movie...you don't know the story. I read the full unabridged version, which was excellent, but I wouldn't fault anyone for reading an abridged version. It's very flowery and sometimes repetitive. But there's a reason it's still popular nearly 300 years later. Wait. Hope.
No Longer Human (Osamu Dazai) - 7.5/10 - Shockingly depressing memoir, or pseudo-memoir (?). Foundational Japanese literature. Just a brutal story of a man who feels disconnected from humanity. It's worth the short read if you're into existential depression.
If We Were Villains (M.L. Rio) 5.5/10 - I enjoyed the setting and characters, but ultimately a big miss for me storytelling-wise. Fairly bland writing. Didn't add up in any satisfying way. Main character is a moron. I figured out the "mystery" pretty much immediately and was extremely disappointed to find out I was right. Bleh.
Trust (Hernan Diaz) 7.5/10 - I enjoyed this Pullitzer winner more than Overstory, but it still leaves me a bit cold. I think maybe Pullitzers focus on structure and language more than I prefer. More of a puzzlebox than a real novel. Four "books" couched inside the book, and you can draw your own conclusions. It's a great idea and has stuck with me, but it also kept me feeling very distanced and stuck in my own head.
The Breaking Wave (Nevil Shute) 9.5/10 - WW2 story set in Australia about a wounded vet returning home and unraveling a big of a domestic mystery. More excellent writing and memorable characters from Shute. Absolutely heartbreaking story about the long-term effects of war. Heartbreaking. This guy gets it.
Circe (Madeline Miller) 8/10 - Another cool take on Greek myth from Miller. I enjoyed it a lot, but probably slightly less than Achilles. Hoping she releases another book soon.
This Place of Wonder (Barbara O'Neil) 6.5/10 - Decent, sort of middle-of-the-road book. Focuses on four women dealing with the fallout of the most important man in their life (father, ex-husband, lover), and the circumstances of his sudden death. It's good enough, one of those very "California" feeling stories. Not a huge fan of her writing, but the story was good enough.

Miller Huggins was hired as the Yankee manager in 1918, replacing "Wild Bill" Donovan, who was liked by both fans and players, but the team had finished 6th (out of 8) and ownership wanted to make a change.
Huggins had been the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals but was not re-signed after the 1917 season when they were bought by a new owner. A.L. President Ban Johnson told Yankee co-owners Jacob Ruppert and Til Huston they should hire Huggins, but neither man was interested: Huston wanted to hire Wilbert Robinson, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers and his long-time drinking buddy. Ruppert didn't like Huggins because he wore a wool cap and smoked a pipe, which he considered too bougie. But he didn't want to hire Robinson either, knowing Huston would essentially be running the team through him. So he waited until Huston was in Europe, then hired Huggins! The decision soured their relationship and Huston often criticized Huggins in the press, blaming him for losses, bad trades, and so on.
Two years later, the Yankees acquired Babe Ruth and he didn't like Huggins either. He had no respect for the diminutive, college-educated Huggins.
In 1974, long-time Yankee public relations man Marty Appel interviewed the 83-year-old Roger Peckinpaugh to get his memories about the Yankees. Peckinpaugh had been the team captain from 1914 to 1921. "Peck" told this story about the Babe and Huggins after a road trip in 1920:

"Once we were leaving Boston after a tough loss, and Babe was drunk, and he said he was gonna throw Huggins off the train! He was heading for his drawing room. On the way he stopped in the men’s room and punched this huge mirror. It fell into a million pieces. Me and Ernie Shore and Truck Hannah pulled him down to the ground and sat on him until he passed out. Truck — a big guy — puts him over his shoulder and moves him to the next car."

Knowing Huggins was a divisive issue between Ruppert and Huston -- and that he was the best player in baseball -- Ruth knew he could berate, ignore, and threaten Huggins with no real consequences. But in 1922, the relationship between Huston and Ruppert had gotten so bad that Huston sold his half of the team. A year later, with Huggins as manager, the Yankees finally won the World Series, finally earning some respect from his manager and the rest of the players, but not Ruth.
In 1925, Ruth missed the beginning of the season due to what was either a belly ache or a venereal disease depending on who you believe, and the Yankees were terrible, finishing 7th out of 8 teams. Ruth tried to start a rumor that Huggins was going to be fired and Ruppert quashed it, saying Huggins would be the manager "for as long as he cares to be." Finally feeling he had the support of ownership behind him, and with the team having a bad year anyway, Huggins fined Ruth and suspended him. Ruth went to Ruppert and demanded that Huggins be fired. Ruppert backed his manager, telling Ruth he wouldn't play baseball again until Huggins said so.
Ruth apologized to Huggins and he ended the suspension after a week. He never challenged Huggins's authority again.
At the end of the 1929 season, Huggins developed a high fever and went to the hospital. He died five days later of an infection.
A heartbroken Babe Ruth said:

“There isn’t anyone who ever knew Miller Huggins who won’t miss him. I’ve seen some smart baseball men, but he was the king of them all. The record of the Yanks shows his baseball greatness; the thousands who have known him will testify to his greatness as a man. His loss to the Yankees and to baseball generally is irreparable.”

I'm about to start a reread of Empress by Karen Miller. I haven't read it since just after Highschool in 2010. As I am slowly rereading a lot of the books I loved back then I been discovering all the great subs here on Reddit for all my favorite authors from highschool. So I was trying to find a sub for her books. I couldn't find any but figured that you fine folks may know where I should be looking. Thanks.

1. Long and Irregular Hours: Public accounting firms often experience periods of high workload, such as tax season or financial reporting deadlines. During these times, long working hours are common, and employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, and even holidays to meet client deadlines. The extended hours and irregular schedule can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance and may impact personal commitments and relationships.
   
2. Work-Life Balance Challenges: Due to the demanding nature of public accounting, achieving a satisfactory work-life balance can be challenging. The long hours and high workload can limit the time available for personal activities, hobbies, and family or social engagements. It may require careful time management and prioritization to find a balance between work and personal life.
   
3. Pressure and Stress: Public accounting can be a high-pressure profession. Meeting client expectations, managing tight deadlines, and handling multiple engagements simultaneously can create stressful situations. The pressure to deliver high-quality work within strict timeframes can lead to increased stress levels and burnout if not managed effectively. Stress management techniques and self-care practices become crucial for maintaining well-being in this demanding field.
   
4. Travel Requirements: Depending on your role and client assignments, travel can be a significant aspect of working in public accounting. Some engagements may require you to travel to client sites, sometimes for extended periods. Frequent travel can disrupt personal routines, add physical and mental strain, and limit time spent with family and friends. It's important to consider your preferences and ability to adapt to frequent travel if it's a common requirement in your chosen area of public accounting.
   
5. Seasonal Workload: Public accounting experiences cyclical periods of high workload. Tax season and financial reporting periods, for example, often demand intense focus and dedication from professionals. These periods can be mentally and physically exhausting, as they involve working long hours, managing multiple clients, and meeting tight deadlines. Being prepared for the intense nature of these seasons and developing strategies to manage stress can be essential for success in public accounting.
   
6. Limited Control over Assignments: In public accounting, you may not always have control over the specific engagements or clients you work with. Assignments are typically determined by the firm's needs and client demands. This lack of control over assignments can sometimes result in working on projects or with clients that may not align with your interests or career goals.
   
7. High Turnover and Competition: Public accounting firms are known for their competitive environments, and the turnover rate can be relatively high. The demanding nature of the work, long hours, and high-pressure situations can contribute to employee burnout and attrition. This constant turnover can create a sense of instability and require additional effort to build and maintain effective teams.
   
8. Limited Work Variety: While public accounting exposes you to different clients and industries, the work itself can be focused on specific areas such as auditing, tax, or advisory. This specialization can limit the breadth of your work experience, especially if you have a desire to explore other areas of finance or business.
   
9. Emphasis on Billable Hours: Public accounting firms typically track billable hours as a key performance metric. This emphasis on billable hours can create pressure to consistently meet or exceed billing targets, which may prioritize quantity over quality. It can also result in a focus on chargeable work rather than professional development or other non-billable activities.
   
10. Hierarchical Structure: Public accounting firms often have hierarchical structures, with multiple layers of management and a pyramid-like career progression path. Advancement within the firm may require meeting specific criteria and competing with colleagues for limited promotion opportunities. This hierarchical structure can sometimes limit autonomy and decision-making authority in certain roles.
    

Please use this thread to discuss anything related to today's game. You may post anything as long as it falls within stated posting guidelines. You may also post gifs and memes, as long as it is related to the game. Please keep the discussion civil.
Discord: Seattle Sports

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
SEA	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	3	8	0	6
TEX	2	0	5	0	0	5	0	0		12	15	0	8

Box Score

TEX		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Semien	4	1	1	0	1	0	.303
SS	Seager	3	3	2	2	1	0	.349
SS	Smith, J	1	0	0	0	0	0	.217
1B	Lowe, N	4	2	1	0	1	2	.280
RF	García, Ad	5	1	2	1	0	1	.260
3B	Jung	4	2	3	1	1	1	.294
C	Heim	4	1	2	5	0	0	.293
C	León	1	0	0	0	0	0	.135
DH	Garver	5	1	2	1	0	2	.310
LF	Grossman	5	0	1	2	0	2	.239
CF	Jankowski	3	1	1	0	1	0	.301

TEX	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Eovaldi	6.0	1	0	0	0	7	87-56	2.24
Hernández, J	0.2	3	3	3	1	2	26-18	6.65
Burke	1.1	2	0	0	0	2	19-15	2.96
King	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	7-5	6.75

SEA		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
LF	Kelenic	4	0	0	0	0	3	.270
CF	Rodríguez, Ju	4	0	0	0	0	1	.242
1B	France, T	4	1	2	0	0	2	.269
C	Raleigh	4	0	0	0	0	1	.226
3B	Suárez, E	4	1	1	1	0	1	.211
RF	Hernández, T	3	1	2	0	1	1	.241
DH	Ford, M	3	0	0	0	0	1	.167
PH	Haggerty	1	0	1	0	0	0	.190
SS	Caballero	3	0	1	1	0	0	.250
2B	Wong, Ko	4	0	1	1	0	1	.159

SEA	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Miller, B	2.1	8	7	7	2	2	61-38	4.46
Speier	1.1	1	0	0	0	1	17-12	2.53
Brash	1.1	0	0	0	0	2	19-15	4.24
Gott	1.0	4	5	5	1	1	27-17	3.38
Festa	1.0	0	0	0	2	1	24-14	6.75
Topa	1.0	2	0	0	0	1	22-16	3.18

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
B1	Jonah Heim singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jarred Kelenic. Marcus Semien scores. Corey Seager scores. Josh Jung to 2nd.	2-0
B3	Corey Seager homers (6) on a fly ball to center field.	3-0
B3	Adolis Garcia doubles (10) on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Nathaniel Lowe scores.	4-0
B3	Mitch Garver doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Adolis Garcia scores. Josh Jung to 3rd.	5-0
B3	Robbie Grossman doubles (7) on a fly ball to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Josh Jung scores. Mitch Garver scores.	7-0
B6	Corey Seager doubles (11) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Teoscar Hernandez. Travis Jankowski scores.	8-0
B6	Josh Jung singles on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Corey Seager scores. Nathaniel Lowe to 2nd.	9-0
B6	Jonah Heim homers (7) on a line drive to right field. Nathaniel Lowe scores. Josh Jung scores.	12-0
T7	Eugenio Suarez doubles (7) on a line drive to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Ty France scores.	12-1
T7	Jose Caballero singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Eugenio Suarez scores. Teoscar Hernandez to 2nd.	12-2
T7	Kolten Wong singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Teoscar Hernandez scores. Jose Caballero to 2nd.	12-3

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Texas, June 4 vs Mariners	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Seattle, June 4 vs Rangers	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Texas, June 4 vs Mariners	0:11	Video
Breaking down Bryce Miller's pitches	0:08	Video
The distance behind Corey Seager's home run	0:14	Video
Corey Seager's home run through bat tracking data	0:09	Video
Jonah Heim: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:15	Video
Jonah Heim's home run through bat tracking data	0:09	Video
Breaking down Nathan Eovaldi's pitches	0:08	Video
Nathan Eovaldi's outing against the Mariners	0:23	Video
Jonah Heim rips a two-out two-run single in the 1st	0:22	Video
Teoscar Hernández rips a triple to center field	0:21	Video
Corey Seager drills a long home run to deep center	0:24	Video
Adolis García doubles to center, scoring Lowe	0:24	Video
Mitch Garver sends an RBI double into the gap	0:20	Video
Robbie Grossman smacks a two-run double off the wall	0:26	Video
Bryce Miller strikes out two in his start vs. Rangers	0:19	Video
Travis Jankowski makes a leaping catch at the wall	0:25	Video
The Rangers score five runs in the bottom of the 3rd	1:28	Video
Corey Seager lines an RBI double down the line	0:23	Video
Josh Jung lines a run-scoring single to center	0:14	Video
Jonah Heim crushes a three-run HR off the foul pole	0:28	Video
Jose Caballero's RBI single	0:20	Video
Eugenio Suárez rips an RBI double	0:23	Video
Kolten Wong's RBI single	0:20	Video
Eovaldi strikes out seven across six one-hit innings	0:46	Video
The Rangers add to their lead scoring 5 in the 6th	1:02	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Eovaldi (8-2, 2.24 ERA)	Miller, B (3-3, 4.46 ERA)

Attendance	Weather	Wind
	74°F, Roof Closed	0 mph, None

HP	1B	2B	3B
Andy Fletcher	Erich Bacchus	Laz Diaz	Mike Estabrook

Game ended at 2:30 PM.

Mariners (29-29) @ Rangers (37-20)

First Pitch: 1:35 PM at Globe Life Field

Team	Starter	TV	Radio
Mariners	Bryce Miller (3-2, 3.00 ERA)	RSNW	KIRO
Rangers	Nathan Eovaldi (7-2, 2.42 ERA)	BSSW	105.3, KFLC (ES)

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Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
SEA	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	3	8	0	6
TEX	2	0	5	0	0	5	0	0		12	15	0	8

Box Score

TEX		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Semien	4	1	1	0	1	0	.303
SS	Seager	3	3	2	2	1	0	.349
SS	Smith, J	1	0	0	0	0	0	.217
1B	Lowe, N	4	2	1	0	1	2	.280
RF	García, Ad	5	1	2	1	0	1	.260
3B	Jung	4	2	3	1	1	1	.294
C	Heim	4	1	2	5	0	0	.293
C	León	1	0	0	0	0	0	.135
DH	Garver	5	1	2	1	0	2	.310
LF	Grossman	5	0	1	2	0	2	.239
CF	Jankowski	3	1	1	0	1	0	.301

TEX	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Eovaldi	6.0	1	0	0	0	7	87-56	2.24
Hernández, J	0.2	3	3	3	1	2	26-18	6.65
Burke	1.1	2	0	0	0	2	19-15	2.96
King	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	7-5	6.75

SEA		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
LF	Kelenic	4	0	0	0	0	3	.270
CF	Rodríguez, Ju	4	0	0	0	0	1	.242
1B	France, T	4	1	2	0	0	2	.269
C	Raleigh	4	0	0	0	0	1	.226
3B	Suárez, E	4	1	1	1	0	1	.211
RF	Hernández, T	3	1	2	0	1	1	.241
DH	Ford, M	3	0	0	0	0	1	.167
PH	Haggerty	1	0	1	0	0	0	.190
SS	Caballero	3	0	1	1	0	0	.250
2B	Wong, Ko	4	0	1	1	0	1	.159

SEA	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Miller, B	2.1	8	7	7	2	2	61-38	4.46
Speier	1.1	1	0	0	0	1	17-12	2.53
Brash	1.1	0	0	0	0	2	19-15	4.24
Gott	1.0	4	5	5	1	1	27-17	3.38
Festa	1.0	0	0	0	2	1	24-14	6.75
Topa	1.0	2	0	0	0	1	22-16	3.18

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
B1	Jonah Heim singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jarred Kelenic. Marcus Semien scores. Corey Seager scores. Josh Jung to 2nd.	2-0
B3	Corey Seager homers (6) on a fly ball to center field.	3-0
B3	Adolis Garcia doubles (10) on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Nathaniel Lowe scores.	4-0
B3	Mitch Garver doubles (1) on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Adolis Garcia scores. Josh Jung to 3rd.	5-0
B3	Robbie Grossman doubles (7) on a fly ball to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Josh Jung scores. Mitch Garver scores.	7-0
B6	Corey Seager doubles (11) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Teoscar Hernandez. Travis Jankowski scores.	8-0
B6	Josh Jung singles on a line drive to center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Corey Seager scores. Nathaniel Lowe to 2nd.	9-0
B6	Jonah Heim homers (7) on a line drive to right field. Nathaniel Lowe scores. Josh Jung scores.	12-0
T7	Eugenio Suarez doubles (7) on a line drive to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Ty France scores.	12-1
T7	Jose Caballero singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Eugenio Suarez scores. Teoscar Hernandez to 2nd.	12-2
T7	Kolten Wong singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robbie Grossman. Teoscar Hernandez scores. Jose Caballero to 2nd.	12-3

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for Texas, June 4 vs Mariners	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Seattle, June 4 vs Rangers	0:07	Video
Fielding alignment for Texas, June 4 vs Mariners	0:11	Video
Breaking down Bryce Miller's pitches	0:08	Video
The distance behind Corey Seager's home run	0:14	Video
Corey Seager's home run through bat tracking data	0:09	Video
Jonah Heim: Home Run Statcast Analysis	0:15	Video
Jonah Heim's home run through bat tracking data	0:09	Video
Breaking down Nathan Eovaldi's pitches	0:08	Video
Nathan Eovaldi's outing against the Mariners	0:23	Video
Jonah Heim rips a two-out two-run single in the 1st	0:22	Video
Teoscar Hernández rips a triple to center field	0:21	Video
Corey Seager drills a long home run to deep center	0:24	Video
Adolis García doubles to center, scoring Lowe	0:24	Video
Mitch Garver sends an RBI double into the gap	0:20	Video
Robbie Grossman smacks a two-run double off the wall	0:26	Video
Bryce Miller strikes out two in his start vs. Rangers	0:19	Video
Travis Jankowski makes a leaping catch at the wall	0:25	Video
The Rangers score five runs in the bottom of the 3rd	1:28	Video
Corey Seager lines an RBI double down the line	0:23	Video
Josh Jung lines a run-scoring single to center	0:14	Video
Jonah Heim crushes a three-run HR off the foul pole	0:28	Video
Jose Caballero's RBI single	0:20	Video
Eugenio Suárez rips an RBI double	0:23	Video
Kolten Wong's RBI single	0:20	Video
Eovaldi strikes out seven across six one-hit innings	0:46	Video
The Rangers add to their lead scoring 5 in the 6th	1:02	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save

Game ended at 4:30 PM.
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Dipcon at Dixiecon results from last weekend:
Dipcon - Diplomacy Tournament

1. Mikalis Kamaritis 392
   
2. Doc Binder 372
   
3. Steve Cooley 368
   
4. Doug Moore 356
   
5. Peter Yeargin 356
   
6. David Miller 352
   
7. Andrew Goff 344
   

8 Tanya Gill 340

1. Jason O'Donnell 336
   
2. Johnny Gillam 332
   
3. Brian Lee 320
   
4. Zachary Moore 320
   
5. Jason Bennett 316
   
6. Adam Silverman 300
   
7. David Maletsky 288
   
8. Emmett Wainwright 288
   
9. Alex Maslow 220
   
10. Jaromir Sulja 220
    
11. Ben Durfee 216
    
12. Chris Barfield 202
    
13. Karthik Konath 202
    
14. Mark Franceschini 193
    
15. Ben Kellman 192
    
16. Jonathan Strange 190
    
17. Todd Craig 188
    
18. Andrew Zick 176
    
19. Brian Ecton 172
    
20. David Harshbarger 169
    
21. Hal Schild 162
    
22. John Darges 158
    
23. Jack Craig 156
    
24. Tim Richardson 154
    
25. Ian Rudnick 152
    
26. Cameron Higbe 151
    
27. Ryan Rutledge 147
    
28. Hudson Defoe 136
    
29. Luke Cronin 130
    
30. Ed Turnage 89
    
31. Jason Mastbaum 82
    
32. Jeff Pierce 82
    
33. Claude Worrell 44
    
34. Emily Turnage 43
    
35. Nick Koehler 43
    
36. Chris Kremer 32
    
37. Steven Hogue 30
    
38. Nicholas Spencer 24
    
39. Brad Blitstein 14
    
40. Tarzan 10
    
41. Mitch McConeghey 0
    

IN Rick Desper (only one round)
IN Keith Worstell (only one round)
IN Andy Bartalone (only one round)
Diplomacy Team Tournament

1. Doc Doc Goose (Gill, Binder, Goff)
   
2. Three Stooges (Konath, Z.Moore, Gillam)
   
3. Team Shylock (Miller, Maletsky, Blitstein)
   

Iron Man Tournament (nonDip gaming)

1. Kevin Brown
   
2. Bruce Duewer
   
3. Eric Erikson
   
4. Adam Sigal
   
5. Dan Mathias
   

Best Countries
A Steve Cooley
E Mikalis Kamaritis
F Doug Moore
G Steve Cooley
I Peter Yeargin
R Karthik Konath
T Doc Binder
I Got Hammered - Steve Hogue
Golden Blade - Johnny Gillam
The Brick - Hudson Defoe
Players Choice - Emily Turnage

"show that the human form of the FOXP2 gene increases synaptic plasticity and dendrite connectivity in the basal ganglia. These results partly explain the enhanced capability of cortico-basal ganglia circuits in the human brain that regulate critical aspects of language, cognition, and motor control." Foxp2 Language Evolution
Cell FOXP2gene -(https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)31081-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982216310818%3Fshowall%3Dtrue)
Enk(Ea)i- twin Serpent , the creator of mankind was the Genius-Scientist who tries twice to create a civilized man, until Ninmah tells him that they must add their likeness. Thus creating the perfect Man. It is when he put speech in their mouths that Enlil is enraged claiming they make too much noise,as you'll see this was the 1st cataclysm.Enki is the protector and teacher of mankind. He is essentially a god of civilization, and it was natural that he was also looked upon as the creator of man, and of the world in general. Enki Teachings
SacredTexts After his involvement with the original genetic experiment, his compassion for the plight of the Homo sapien (Man the Wise) his role shifted from genetic engineer to that of a freedom fighter. Because of the Romans(Enlils offspring) ancient text were edited, altered ,the Garden of Eden describes Enki & Ninti creating humanity at Ea’s headquarters. The House of the God of Water,Wisdom, fertility, known as the Great Serpent, the Garden was his 'den'. Naturally, humanity Would be born in Ea-Den. You will see from the text cited here, that it was Enki who created & then immediately fell in love with his creation. He earned & embraced the nickname of "Trickster', because being the wisest he tricked the other "Authorities"(Elohim- or Council of Rulers) for humanity’s sake.
"The bodies of Adam and Eve were overlaid with a horny skin that was as bright as daylight, like a luminescent garment".
In Ancient India this is also the description given of the Serpent people, benefactors & genetic engineers of humanity. (Bioluminescent i.e. they spontaneously emit light due to a chemical reaction in their body. This would explain the so-called “jewels of the Naga” that illuminates the netherworld. Bioluminescence is found in many deep sea fishes and other marine organisms like jellyfish, algae, bacteria etc., who emit light from their bodies that make the seas glow and glitter. This occurs due to the presence of a light-emitting molecule called luciferin, which produces light when it reacts with oxygen. Many organisms also produce the catalyst luciferase,
In both Sumer & the Jewish text we see the key role of the woman, who did nothing wrong, quite the contrary it is she who breathes the soul or psyche into man. Bit Shimti - "House where the wind of life is breathed in" - Ninmah is the proud mother the "essence" of the blood of a young Anunnaki male was mixed with the egg of a female hominid. The fertilized egg was then inserted into the womb of a female Anunnaki. When, after a tense waiting period, a "Model Man" was born, Ninmah held the newborn baby up and shouted: "I have created! My hands have made it!"[
Enki boasted, “A Civilized man I have brought forth. A new kind of Earthling from my seed has been created, in my image and after my likeness. From seed they from food will grow, from ewes sheep they will shepherd. For Gods, and offspring henceforth shall be satiated.“
In Genesis, it is understood that the Serpent speaks,and was of equal footing wth "God". We saw in the Nag Hammadi, and other ancient texts from around the world. He was also most notable, because he stood on 2 feet like man, and was even taller. The Sumerian term Annun-Aki meant 'tall ones', the height of the Serpent was equal to that of a camel. Chap 3 of Genesis the argument is given that man can't be one of US. He must not be allowed to eat from the tree & live forever". Even here you see they're brothers.
"Enki, the Lord of abundance, of trustworthy commands, The Lord of wisdom, who understands the land, The leader of the gods, Endowed with wisdom, the Lord of Eridu"...
It has always been Enli, the archons who aim to "destroy mankind in his psychological function". Later, it's Enlil who tries to force the other Authorities to keep the secret from mankind.
"Come, all of us, and take an oath regarding the killing Flood!" But as all the others took the oath, Enki resisted firmly. "I refuse. Why will you bind me with an oath?" he asked, "Am I to raise my hand against my own humans?" Meanwhile, our father Enki understands the importance of love and kindness to the raising of consciousness, he acts with kindness in defending humanity and dealing with all the life on the planet.
Ninmah The Ninhursag , an mother of humanity is shown with humanity at her breast.The priesthood of Sumer & Egypt were Dolichocephalic, like mother. the Serpent Cults today still maintains the pure bloodlines that were mandated after the deluge.)
She was the goddess of the stony, rocky ground, the hursag. The H symbol, i described at all the sacred "navel' sites, especially Göbekli Tepe, Puma Punku, has the same meaning. The serpent always represents spiritual wisdom, life and healing. The first symbols of serpents were attributed to Enki or NU.DIM.MUD (Nudimmud), "He Who Fashions Thing and then Ninhursag.("Whose House Is Water") . Nag hammadi-Origin of our World
The text describes Ninti 'let fall a droplet of light, it flowed onto the water, and immediately a human being appeared, being androgynous. That droplet she molded first as a female body. Afterwards, using the body she molded it in the likeness of the mother, which had appeared. This was Eve of Life namely, the female instructor of life. Her offspring is the creature that is lord. Afterwards, the authorities called it "Beast", so that it might lead astray their modelled creatures. (The interpretation of "the beast" is "the instructor". For it was found to be the wisest of all beings.)"
"Then each of them cast his sperm into the midst of the navel of the earth fashioned man with his body resembling their body.His modelling took place by parts, one at a time. And their leader fashioned the brain and the nervous system. Afterwards, he appeared as prior to him. He became a soul-endowed man"
"when the Authorities (Yahweh) had saw Adam/Eve transgressed their rule it came upon them an earthquake and a great threat, to see the result of the help that was give. Their eyes were blinded by him so they were not able to do anything to him. They merely cursed him, since they were powerless. And everything that they created they cursed. There is no blessing from them. Good cannot come from evil."
"Since that day the authorities knew that truly there was something stronger than they. They would not have known except that their commandment was broken. They brought a great envy into the world only because of the immortal human."
Enki possessed the secret of me, 'culture, civilization', which is the genius of progress in knowledge to lead humanity. He invented civilization for the people and assigned to each his destiny. He created order in the cosmos. He filled the rivers with fish. He invented the plough and the yoke so that farmers could till the earth with oxen. In the most recent thread you see each ruler from Egypt to Pharoah carries the plough, the Serpent Priest would assist the Pharoah who was in charge of a successful harvest. "Master Servant " was the Pharoah
"Enki made the grain grow. He is the father of all plants.” Of course he wanted his children to eat from the Tree of knowledge, With the Tree of Knowledge humans had the chance to figure out everything on their own in time, to be as equal or better than him, as any parent wants for there child. . Had they eaten only from the Tree of Life, they would live but not have been more the wiser.
Why should acquiring knowledge be a sin?" (the original sin) and comparing it to modern day observations ought to wake you up to the fact that you live within societal system that was engineered by the members of "God" to empower themselves while keeping those who live within it ignorant
The sacred waters of knowledge had a double meaning, it represents both the creationof the human body(mostly water) & it is talking about the water carried by the Sages in places like La Mana, Ecuador. This water has amazing healing properties, it is apart of ritual today in the Llanganates for visiting initiates. Indigenous elders working with the scientific community have had fascinating results. Electrum Water Hiv nanoparticles Silver "he interaction of nanoparticles with biomolecules and microorganisms is an expanding field of research. Wis. In this work, we demonstrate that silver nanoparticles undergo a size-dependent interaction with HIV-1, with nanoparticles exclusively in the range of 1-10nm attached to the virus"
The Dogon call our Master Teachers, The Monitors, Nummo also meanw 'to make one drink'(water of wisdom). The Hebrews termed these Watchers as nun resh’ayin, meaning “those who watch.” In the Greek this is translated as gigantes or giants, a race that even the 907 B.C. writer Hesiod featured as being monstrous (due to their serpentine aspect no doubt). Now we can understand the role of the giants 2 seen across the world of ancient script in respect to the presence of the Watchers.
The Apkallu, these priest of Enki i wrote about in the last thread, the genetic, archaeologicalevidence has shown R1b-V88 & R1b-M269 were associated with agriculture, cattle domestication, metal working, language, geopolymer construction, everywhere a Pyramid or Navel was Built the Mende/Yoruba & the Austro-Melanesian Pacific Islander Ghost Hominids dna dna is found. The Aunu/Anu people migrated across the globe. Göbekli Tepe The human ummânū is attested in the Uruk List of Kings and Sages, while other references to bird-apkallū are legion
The purādu-fish apkallū is principally attested in Berossus.These seven were each advisers for seven different kings and therefore result in two different lists, one of kings and one of apkallu. Neither the sages nor the kings in these lists were genealogically related however. Apkallu and human beings were presumably capable of conjugal relationships since after the flood, the myth states that four apkallu appeared. These were part human and part Apkallu, and included Nungalpirriggaldim, Pirriggalnungal, Pirriggalabsu, and Lu-nana who were only two-thirds ApkalluKundalini is the spiritual energy or life force present in every human being, located at the base of the spine.
They were believed to have apotropaic qualities, guarding the home from evil.Sages FigurinesThe three types of apkallū are portrayed, with the human ummânū at far left, the Nisroc bird-apkallū type in the middle, and the antediluvian purādu-fish type at far right.3 Apkallu
Remember that it was the woman who was Pharoah, her consort became king. Egypt, like most of the most sophisticated ancient civilizations were ruled by women. Ninhursags the Goddess of the stony, rocky ground that masons use to spiritually ascend higher, the H at Göbekli Tepe & Puma Punku represents mother. 'As above(ninmah), So below(Enki)'. The underworld was never a negative place before the Romans. The Pyramid, the Great house was the Woman's house. Sumerian text speak of the foundation being the stone & the water just as the Pyramid text of Saqqara. The Sumerian E.KUR - "House Which is Like a Mountain." Pyramid was put under the patronage of Ninharsag.in hymns shes recognized as mistress of the "House With a Pointed Peak" - a pyramid. CoffinText 313:Horus says "I created my Eye in flame, I made my Eye a living serpent". Remember, the serpent he saw was bipedal, always. As Robert Monroe reported in the Gateway Experiments.
"House bright and dark of Heaven and Earth, for the great ships put together; E.KUR, House of the Gods with pointed peak; For Heaven-to-Earth it is greatly equipped. House whose interior glows with a reddish Light of Heaven, a beam of energy of creation which reaches far and wide; Its awesomeness touches the flesh. Awesome ziggurat, lofty mountain of mountains - Thy creation is great and lofty, men cannot understand it"
'House of Equipment, lofty house of Eternity: Its foundation are stones [which reach] the water; Its great circumference is set in the clay. House whose parts are skilfully woven together; House, the rightness of whose howling The Great-Ones-Who-See-and-Orbit brings down the rest . . . Mountain by which Utu ascends. [House] whose deep insides men cannot penetrate . . . Anu has magnified it.
In the Testament of Amram 2 men who resembling Living Serpents were seen fighting over him in his dream-vision. Even in ancient Text later we see "battles of the Gods', but in the very beginning We see the genius, Enki described as a kind, amicable child ONLY gets aggressive when his brother comes to harm his creation. Most importantly, Enlil & his realized he was powerless when Humanity had Enki by their side. So, his campaign was to disconnect us from that knowledge starting with the Bible & the Inquisition, they killed,raped, burned all of the knowledge that had allowed mankind to thrive.. then stashes the rest away, keeping it from the people. Dagon Catholicism
-In Egypt Ptah as Ea/Enki (Sumer he's also a cthonic diety "The Artful Creator") and Ra as his Firstborn son.
After Anu, Enlil, Enki and Ninmah had fashioned the black-headed people, Vegetation that is fruitful they multiplied in the land... In the Edin they placed them..
The descendants of Ham ("He Who is Hot" and also "The Dark-Hued One").... correspond to the African nation-lands of Nubia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Lybia as the core nations of African resettlement, again beginning with the topographically higher areas..They were the Dogon, Hopis ancestors.. The ancient Chinese or Bak tribesmen which dominate China today called the Elamites KASHTI. Moreover, in the Bible the Book of Jeremiah (xlxx,35), we read "bow of Elam". It is interesting to note that both Khaltam-ti and Kashti as the name for Elam, agrees with Ta-Seti, the ancient name for Nubia located in the Meroitic Sudan. Sumerians Had Dolichocephalic skulls Genetic Evidence for convergent evolution SE AsianElamites-Mandig](http://olmec98.net/ElamPersians.png) Semitic speakers of Akkad and the non-Semitic speakers of Sumer were both sag-gig-ga or "blackheads".Elamite language, is closely related to the African languages including Egyptian and the Dravidian languages of India. Alchemy as Taught by Children of Enki
Antediluvian Kings of Sumer were known as Kings of Kush".the major Kushite tribe in Central Asia was called Kushana. The Kushan of China were styled Ta Yueh-ti or "the Great Lunar Race". Along the Salt Swamp, there was a state called Ku-Shih of Tibet. The city of K-san, was situated in the direction of Kushan, which was located in the Western part of the Gansu Province of China.
Here we find the divine decrees presented by Enki to Inanna are those referring to lordship, godship, the exalted and enduring crown, the throne of kingship, the exalted scepter, the exalted shrine, shepherdship, kingship, the numerous priestly offices, truth, descent into the nether world and ascent from it, the music From the tree in the Mesopotamian depiction hang two pieces of fruit. To the right of the tree is the half-moon symbol of Ea; to the left is the planet symbol of Anu.
Lastly the pineal gland(pine cone). In India it is a stick of bamboo with seven knots… which represents the spinal column with its seven centers or chakras… It also indicated the spinal cord…while the serpents were symbolical of the two channels called in Eastern terminology Ida and Pinagala; and the fire enclosed within it was the serpent-fire which in Sanskrit is called kundalini." Even the natural behaviors of the pine cone have an esoteric meaning:
"as it ripens, the pine cone slowly opens to release its mature seeds."
This process is symbolic of the expansion of consciousness that accompanies the opening of the pineal gland and the awakening of the Third Eye. The metaphor is a valuable and stimulating mental lesson of an esoteric phenomenon that cannot otherwise be seen or explained since it occurs inside the brain..
The One sure way, and what's been happening wthin the last century especially is to keep knowledge away from the human race. If we as a collective are so ingrained in our beliefs, how can we ever be open to new ideas pertaining to the nature of reality?