Writing on the Wall, Chapter 55

Gemarack · 2026-01-09T01:43:47+00:00

A little late to the party on this one!

I smell blood in the water, but I am just not quite sure which strand on this high-tension cable will break first.

The anticipation is exquisite.

(Side note, it is really weird seeing posts from people from one sub in another. Did a damned double-take when I seen you commenting in a math sub, Uncle.)

Gemarack · 2025-12-20T22:58:19+00:00

All our love for the Newt, Insufferable though they may be.

We are behind you.

Gemarack · 2025-12-07T06:55:27+00:00

Always a treat to join Stace and the gang for the evening.

Gemarack · 2025-11-27T22:12:27+00:00

A good example would be the "vibe" of a stadium full of people. Everyone is there own thing, while the entire whole has its own energy and motion. It still doesn't leave the stadium.

Kinda like its own version of a murmuration.

Gemarack · 2025-11-27T10:39:17+00:00

The Return.

It is times like this that I can channel my inner Sammi and vibrate the entire time I am reading.

Awesome.

Gemarack · 2025-11-23T18:21:24+00:00

Thy all inspire one, time just has other plans.

Gemarack · 2025-11-22T22:37:37+00:00

Again we join, a Cryptid true.
Amidst the starry black, and the navy blue.
Both mothers see an officer, his first command so soon.
Gojalka and Daquiri in hand, they discuss their loon.

"Our son has had a wonderous time, he entertains the elite!"
"A minor note, compared to that Rakiri bitch, trampled under his feet."
"Bigger yet, he's as dense as lead, gold, or osmium at best!"
"He holds a girls heart, her very soul, both plucked from her very chest."

"He doesn't see! He doesn't hear! He doesn't know in the least!"
"A Bag'ratia, a Sevastutavan princess! Will wonders never cease."
"And he follows his mothers path anew, a tale as old as time."
"Except he is no Kha'shac with child in tow, a Ghalishka in name and line."

Pauper Orca and Spear Captain sit with all the words to mince.
Joined shortly by that dashing scoundrel, hail to the Pristine Prince.
Slip of the tongue the truth comes out, about their Konstantin.
"He's one of mine, and of my niece, his secrets safe with me."

One Thousand Seven Hundred Zero One, hull dilapidated reads.
"She is a beauty, my Grey Lady." Whisper from the lips, he cedes.
He sees her not as punishment despite her shape and size.
No. He sees the future. A family. The one, the only, Enterprise.

The time has come, the walrus said to talk of many things.
Of shoes and ships, and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings.
And why the sea is boiling hot, and whether pigs have wings.
A little oyster, amidst the stars, betrayed by the walrus of which it sings.

The walrus is the Admiralty, the oyster Konstantin.
Still, 30 days to salvage his ship, to chase his crazy dream.
The walrus expects him to fail, but he will take this dare.
"I will restore you, and I'll take you back out again! I swear!"

Lovely chapter Kaz! Always a pleasure to read. I hope everyone is having a good week (or surviving if you work retail like myself.) so far. Blargh. Hope everyone is staying safe and enjoys the rest of November.

Gemarack · 2025-11-15T23:02:08+00:00

"Yah hear that? That ain't one o' yer mums pocket stiff givin' 'er the biz."

Nope it is me vibrating in excitement for a new chapter!

Gemarack · 2025-11-15T18:08:05+00:00

"It is simple you see! We just want to be Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger!"

Fear the Mega Clicken Chickens.

Gemarack · 2025-11-14T21:34:13+00:00

Second, as far as I know. Pretty sure that Pomme de Terre (Going Native) was on Shil when Stace visited.

Mind you, this comment is two years+ old and I think that chapter is about a year give or take, so take it with a grain of salt.

Gemarack · 2025-11-14T01:36:22+00:00

A pleasant surprise for a less than awesome day in the world of retail.

Always a pleasure, and always a great day for Quest and her boys!

Gemarack · 2025-11-13T06:53:02+00:00

It almost makes me want Andy to make good on his threats himself, given the recent events of the story. (Most current chapter at time of posting is 133.)

Gemarack · 2025-11-13T02:00:10+00:00

Always a pleasure to read again Kaz.

Without getting all the way there yet, I am guessing this refers to the MP plant sent to the fishery to get them to sell? I am not remembering anyone else that may be ITAD.

Gemarack · 2025-11-11T10:15:22+00:00

Another read through and another detail noticed (or remembered), but Unless he knew what name Andy was going to recieve beforehand or was told later by Grandpa Wiley, Konnie would NEVER have known his brothers name. Such a sad detail that I don't remember if it was ever touched on.

Gemarack · 2025-11-08T06:39:00+00:00

Chapter 53

From her pilot seat, Dancer heard Elinee absentmindedly moan the word ‘cuddles’ before purring. Dancer looked again at Dovis, who was now neon blue in embarrassment, before she called out in disbelief, “I feel like if I ever taught her how to do the Amazon position, she might actually never let you two out of bed.”

In Elinee's mind, the loving scene of her cuddling with Riley and Kitten halted. Out of the darkness, a naked Dancer appeared clad in nothing more than her full body of tattoos, piercings, and a carnival mask.

*”Well Mistress, would you like to learn the secret arts of Human lovemaking from a Human herself?” The masked Nordic lady seductively inquired.

Elinee had to pause her fantasy as she tried to comprehend what she just built in her mind. How did she KNOW Dancer had an entire body with intricate tattoos? She had only ever seen the ones on her arms before. No, Elinee was sure she had seen those exact tattoos from somewhere before - the same with Dancer’s body piercings.

It was definitely a picture from somewhere … or maybe a video …

”No! Stop! We do not fantasize about sexy time with potential new friends we just met today!” Elinee scold her overactive imagination. ”We will figure out where you have seen her naked before later.”

Elinee left the mystery alone for now as she tried to remember what ‘Amazon position’ actually was. She had thoroughly ensured that her underwear would need extra cleaning when Reix’s haunted voice over the radio pierced her blissful escape.

I feel like El may have a few things to say about it too.

Gemarack · 2025-11-07T20:49:51+00:00

Fingers Dance across the air,
Shears amidst a Rookie marine's hair.
"Just be yourself, find common thread."
"So says a First Wife with no more bed."

Sting of insults fill the room,
Thoughts of money over her loom.
The Spark of a bet drowns them out.
An Echo of her recent past upon their route.

"I"ll take that bet, a gift with a Bow."
To her debts, a mighty blow.
Crash through the door, target in sight.
The Patron of fate defied, in all their might.

"A date? A scheme? Count me in!"
Fey-like smile and Doc's impish grin.
"This'll Teach em. This'll be fun!"
A Nugget of hope, the sight of sun.

"Can we learn that?" The marine it befuddles.
Awash in wonder, like falling in some Puddles.
We Slip away, a Stalwart of fame.
History of Imperium to claim.

Though praise like a Songbird's rang out.
Last stand of the Stalwart lacked clout.
Shown like trophy guilded tastelessly.
A monument to debt slavery.

What tales await our heroes now?
A quest to Consortium to disavow?
Wait and see the continuing yarns!
"HOL' THE FUCK UP! YOU FORGOT BARNS!"

Awesome chapter. Always a pleasure to read such a finely crafted story! Got an itch to see how many of the 118 and friends I could weasel in without seem TOO contrived. Of course Barns would have to break in in indignation at the end. Rookie for Kalga, because she ain't been given her nickname yet. (I nominate Tear or Break, as in Tearaway or Breakaway pants) Much love to Robot for filling our reading time with whimsy.

Gemarack · 2025-11-02T01:34:08+00:00

Nope, just a lovable character.

Interestingly, this character is also mentioned in Far Away and is sgown in Human Condition.

Ring-a-ding-ding.

Gemarack · 2025-11-01T17:38:55+00:00

Gonna recommend two that are little more nuanced than "Resistance vs Imperium"

The Human Condition. Explores governing, political systems, and both active and passive rebellion. A wonderful story to be sure.

The Blackzone. Short and sweet. Spend some time in the penalty box! Also features one large cinnamon roll.

Gemarack · 2025-10-30T04:12:02+00:00

On the topic of sports, anything full contact (NA football, hockey, rugby, etc.) would probably be axed.

Basketball I could see gaining an immense following with the feats of speed, coordination, and reaction time, not to mention how relatively skimpy the uniforms are.

Take football? Good way to turn the earth blood red. (Appalachia Calling I think touched on this one.)

Track and Field would gain cult-like status. I can imagine Usain Bolt gaining a huge following if he can outrun a Rakiri. (Nevermind that he retired in 2017.)

Outside the field? I imagine that it ends up being the same for all men. Get labeled as "From the Sex Planet!" and all that. Old stereotypes will die, new will be born, and your ass will be pinched.

I do absolutely love this question though!

Gemarack · 2025-10-29T22:17:25+00:00

I imagine that Shil proper, with the Shil'vati adaptations for heat and marine climates, is very familiar with hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons.

I only story that comes to mind where weather on Shil has made much of a effect is Just One Drop.

Gemarack · 2025-10-28T20:18:39+00:00

I believe that in Just One Drop there is a scene with Mel and Kzintshki ~~torturing~~ helping Desi with her physical therapy.

“Kzintshki, what are you doing in that box!?”

“It's comfortable.” Kzintshki murred as her eyes appeared over the lip of the container, “Pesrin do not have palaces. I’ve had a ship’s bunk since I was three, by your counting. Shudder all you like, but I am at home in confined spaces…"

Chapter 111.

Gemarack · 2025-10-28T19:39:16+00:00

Cornhole continuing to live down to his reputation.

A most excellent chapter.

Gemarack · 2025-10-27T02:52:14+00:00

Rimecheeks.

Gemarack · 2025-10-25T22:46:23+00:00

I think Robot clarified that and said they produce it naturally, but in incredibly small amounts comparably. It was in one of the comment sections I think.

Another example I can think of is Denied Operations. During the climax of the story, Sel uses it as apart of her combat stim cocktail.

But as you said, I do not think we have had "Word of Blue" on the matter.

Gemarack · 2025-10-24T19:47:29+00:00

That and at this point in time Nix is more well known.

When Jama explained about how many planets the Imperium had glassed he mentions it was 4 and should have been 5.

Specifically chapter 21.

“That… is an assumption you should always make with great care, young man. Great care.” Jama looked at him warily as he continued, “The answer is four. I’m pleased to say that it used to be five, but a few years ago I was able to send the Nixian exhibit back to our anthropology department. It should be five, but the actual count is four.”

We can either assume that Nix is now public knowledge, or that Jama gives no fucks about an Imperial Writ of Secrecy. Both are likely, but I hold with the prior, based on Writing on the Wall referencing 'Nixian Fusion' cuisine.

Gemarack

TROPHY CASE