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A place for transgender and genderqueer people in the UK.
So, the fall out from the recent event in Edmonton, where a public school teacher was on audio chastising her students of Islamic faith, who themselves skipped the schools pride event. I DO NOT want to talk about this event specifically. What happened raises, the question: what kind of country do we want to live in? Yes, we live this question out time to time through our system of governance. But have we ever come together as a nation of multiple peoples, and ask ourselves this question specifically? Because you know what? I am tired of the bickering. I am tired of the all out emotional war we wage on eachother every freaking day! I am tired of EVEONE'S hate. Mine! Yours! Thiers! Thems over theres'! Enough. My white flag has risen. I bloody surrender, because I have had enough! So I make this plea. WHAT DO WE BLOODY WANT?
What I want:
The past?
We are going to have to let it go. At some point...we have all felt it's unintended consequences... those hurt the most...I am not saying let it go at the drop of a hat...I know it takes time... but if you want to be free.... like I mean free...learn to let it go. Learn from it. Even keep as a precious jewel, yet a jewel you are willing to loose...can that be done?
Diversity...
Oooo this is a hard one for everyone because we all want to be special...but the fact of the matter is you aren't special! Our differences don't make one more than other. You might be different, as we all are, from individuals to groups... but not one of us is "specially" different. Therefore all must be treated equally. That must be the case. We HAVE to move past these trivialities folks. For the sake of ALL, we have to get over them.
Oneness
Don't you see it sleeping beauty? Don't you see it yet? It took me a while to fully register at this concious level what oneness means... but we in the west, especially the white west, have lost this connection to everything and all things. We were taught that A) everything is separate and totally fundamentally distinct from everything else. B) Unity only comes through AFTER death. Therefore why should I see my given domion over the land as nothing other than divine! Wake Up! That's not how it literally is. We weren't placed in the garden folks, for its the garden that we are the fruit! Cmon! You are one with IT and IT is literally you. Everything is you! So!!!!
This is a really long way of saying we have to live sustainably with our environment because? That's right Lucy, the environment IS us! Duhhhhhh. We forgot that folks. The indigenous people knew! Yeah, they weren't perfect either, ok I get it, but don't tell me that thier environmental infractions were any where near as bad a our modern one.
But you know what I want? What I really really want is? Genuine people who are willing to be my neighbour. I don't care what race you are, but I am interested in your story, if you'll share it with me. I'll share you mine anytime. I don't care what your cultural background is...but I am interested in your cultural experience, if you let me share my cultural experience as well. I don't care about your religion...I don't have one. But I am interested in the ❤️ that beats in your chest, and I am more than willing to share my ❤️, my space, with you, if you will open your space with me...
.. here's the thing, if we want all of this, it's going to take respect, love and responsibility for all of it, or non of this is going to matter anymore. It's a two way street, whether you are a new Comer to Canada or you're born here. If you are not willing to allow others to express themselves as thier own humanity then no, I don't think you need to be here. This is not a place for you. These lands are open lands in that they accept all, and they love all. If you want to be left alone, that's fine! No problem there at all. But if that is your preference, don't raise your voice or your fists against those of us that want to build community.
Oh, last thing. I want to see a Canadian Head of State. It will still be a ceremonial position. However, that title should not be in the symbol of the Crown. The Parliament, can keep all that British stuff, titles etc... its fine. It's a tip of the hat to the past that created the political entity known as Canada. But the title of Chief should be enstated over the Governor's General title. I don't know if that might help with T&R but yes, we absolutely need to acknowledge OUR indigenous past. I say OUR not that I can claim any ancestryto other than the fact that this land is all our land. When is it going to be OUR land?
West Ham United Joint-Chair David Sullivan said: “I could not be more proud of this magnificent football club. Proud of how far we have come over the last decade. Proud of the manager, the backroom team, and all the staff, who have done a fantastic job. And proud of all the players, from our amazing home-grown talent, to our brilliant international stars, who have given us a night and a triumph that will live forever.
“But most of all, I want to pay tribute to the Hammers fans, the Claret & Blue Army, who have once again shown they are the best in the world. They have been incredible this season. Packing out the London Stadium match after match, creating an atmosphere home and away that is second to none, and showing teams all over Europe how massive this Club is.
“When we moved to the new ground, we dreamed of moments like this. Our task now is to build on this triumph, and the double-winning feats of our Under-18 Academy team, ensuring that every time our men and women start a new season in West Ham United colours, they are competing for more success.
“But for now, it is time to celebrate. It will be fantastic to see Hammers fans from across London fill the streets to welcome our heroes back from Prague, and all our supporters over land and sea join the party on our Club channels. This trophy belongs to you, and it will be fantastic to all share in the moment.
“Sadly of course, there is one man who will not be there, someone who did so much to help deliver this success to our Club, and – in all the joy and excitement of the victory – the one thing I missed was being able to turn to him, see his smile, and shake his hand. But I know how proud he would have been too. This is for you, DG – our dreams beginning to come true.”
So I live on the north side of a big town some people would call it the country but I’m literally a 5min drive into town. We have spectrum service in our area it’s weird how the west side has service but our 2 streets on the east side don’t. Only service provider we have is pinnacle and $100 for 100mbps is kind of obnoxious.
I’ve made a post in our community page and every single person on our road and the road across from us would love to make the transition. The service is 1.1miles from me but 0.8miles from our road. It would be roughly 40-50houses that would want to swap over.
Do I need to get a physical paper document with names and addresses or how do I go about showing spectrum we want them out there or is more of a they don’t really care unless it’s a massive neighborhood?
I do 65 mph in the left lane on I84 heading west, 40 down eagle road either direction, and 30 down state street so nobody gets caught speeding. People often thank me by flashing their light bars or honking their horns. What acts of kindness do you do for strangers in the treasure valley?
This is a throwaway.
I'm Jordanian and for my entire life I've been uncomfortable with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as I lived near the border of the west bank, I've never been to Israel not Palestinian territory yet many Palestinians live in Jordan and for a very long time I used to be very extreme about my beliefs of the conflict, I remember when I was convinced that the only way peace could exist is if the entire Israeli population is deported to Europe and if they refuse then genocide, this was justified by the idea that this is "arabian homeland" and jews where "rich men from europe" supported by this "west".
Slowly, as I began to mature and slowly move away from islam I also began to forget about the conflict as it didn't really concern me but then in the past few years with the recent uptick in violence I went back to it, note that now I began supporting a 2 state solution rather than the 1 state solution I had loved so much previously, I've begun getting more unconformable with the conflict, nearly everyone I talked to suggested how the only way peace can be established is to completely destroy all jews in their mind this was reasonable, I still think that Israel has committed war crimes but now it's beginning to appear that this conflict is now being ingrained in the new generation, millions of young people are now starting to believe that genocide was justified to the other side. I never really was able to get a different perspective on things as I never talked to a jewish person before, but after I started using the internet I managed to connect with other people and collect more opinions and perspectives, some of these people were more moderate and suggested a 2 state solution but the majority of them utterly hated the other side, slowly my uncomfortable feeling grew as I watched mass violence on TV from both sides, deportation, torture, beatings, and death. an unending cycle of revenge where the hatred has reached the point of not even contemplating murdering people from the other side but automatically doing it instinctively like an animal, my family members have casually celebrated murders of Israeli civilians and on TV I've seen Israelis chanting "death to arabs", I've seen parades in the streets of irbid and amman of Palestinians burning an Israeli flag made from a towel. And I have met Israelis online who have also been turned into animals that seek only destruction of the other side.
Both sides, turned into wild bloodthirsty animals who want murder and are constantly militarizing themselves.
I was confused, I don't know if all of them are like this? Because I've rarely seen anything moderate from either side, is this because I'm looking at the wrong places or is there just really no peaceful resolution to all this?
I need you to know that I don't have a clue about what's going on, is there an end coming? Will there be any peace or will "peace" be established when one side eventually massacre the other or when both sides destroy themselves?
I don't know if the governments of these countries are at fault or if it's something else, and at this point I don't care who's land this is, I don't care whose grandfather was maybe living on this land 500 years ago, I just want peace because this land is so beautiful without the chaos.
So what's your opinion? Is there an end coming? Will the "new generation" come and finally instate a fair and bloodless peace like a happy ending in a fairytale or will the young continue slaughtering each other to make this war continue on indefinitely?
Sorry for the rant and bad english, I just wanted to vent it all out.
Chapter LXXXVII
Somewhere, West Virginia, USA.
"Well, there goes the neighborhood." Agent Smith stated as him, Agent Doe, and everyone else in town, watched the migration of people stream into the small town as the sun hit the horizon.
They looked like a bunch of extras to Lord of the Rings. People with pointed ears and flowing robes. People short and stout and with thick beards with bands of gold and silver woven into them. Shorter people that spoke in high-pitched nasally voices and large glasses. There were even people dressed in what looked like giant turtle suits.
Of course that's what the townsfolk would think. To the two Agents it was a very real possibility that these people came from another world like the lizard people, greenskins, and the halflings.
"So much for my report being up-to-date." Agent Smith sighed as he went inside and burned the report he had spent so much time typing out. As he cleaned up the ashes the hotel phone rang.
Johnathan looked between the phone and Agent Smith with a look of curiosity as the Agent seemed greatly hesitant to answer. Agent Smith looked at Johnathan as the phone continued to ring. He walked over and disconnected the line to the phone and it went silent. For a second.
"Damn." Smith cursed as the disconnected phone rang once more despite there being no connection.
He picked up the phone and placed it to his ear. He bit back another curse as the voice of the Director came through.
"Agent Smith."
"Director."
"How is the investigation coming along?" She asked.
"Well, until about a few minutes ago it was going pretty smoothly and quietly."
"Oh? And what, pray tell, changed?"
"I'd tell you but if you're calling then that means you already know."
"Of course I already know. I'm just disappointed it came from our sources in the State Government and not my two field agents."
"What is the State going to do?"
"They're going to send the 111th Engineer Brigade, and the 77th Brigade Troop Command."
"All of them?!"
"What did you expect? The population of some small town in the middle of nowhere just became the largest in the State in a single day. They're even sending the 35th."
Smith tapped his foot in thought.
"Can we stop them? Or at the very least make it so they don't send damn near the entire National Guard of West Virginia?"
"No can do Agent. Even if we had caught this before the Governor's office did, we still would've sent troops in. This became top priority the second a large number of people came over."
"Well what about leaks? We can't keep the lid on this with so many showing up."
"We'll be sending our own task force. Officially they are there as "Federal Oversight". In actuality they are there to aid you in your investigation as well as limit leaks from the National Guard."
"So there isn't anything we can do to stop them from showing up en masse?"
"Unfortunately no. Aerial recon is being deployed to "substantiate" the claim. But seventy-thousand people showing up out of nowhere isn't something to take lightly. When they see that there are indeed an entire city's worth of people, then they will send the rest. But that will be a few days, a week at most. Once they verify, they'll be getting crash courses in crisis response and begin mobilization."
"What about the rest of the Federal Government?"
"As far as the State is aware WE are the Federal response. And we are going to keep it that way."
Smith didn't like this, not one bit. It was hard enough doing their job quietly in even a small town like this. Now they had to worry about not only a population the size of medieval Venice, but now the National Guard.
"What if we-"
"No, Agent Smith."
"We could do it you know?"
"Not in the time we have nor the volume. You should know that disappearing an entire town is hard enough, doing it to a city's worth of people is harder to not only pull off but harder to sell to the public."
Smith huffed in frustration.
"So what's the new mission?"
"The same as it was before. Only this time, you'll be getting a team to back you up. Set up and monitor everything that happens. Keep the NG from getting too close to the less explainable creatures and people. ESPECIALLY keep them away from Entity APL-1."
"You mean-"
"I will not use that ludicrous name! It is a dangerous entity! Not a pet!"
Smith chuckled a bit.
"Since we're talking, would you like my report up till today?"
The Director sighed.
"Very well. Only because this is a secure way of communicating."
So Smith gave the Director his report. Jeb and the kobolds. Morty and the greenskins. The halflings. All of it. There was a pause as the Director processed the information. No doubt already sending various people about to adjust to the new information.
"Is that all you have to report Agent Smith?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Good, continue as planned until our team arrives then procced from there."
"Yes Ma'am."
"And don't call me Ma'am. Makes me sound old."
"You are old."
Smith heard the Director guffaw.
"And you aren't?! Quit being insubordinate and get back to work Agent Smith."
"Yes Ma-"
CLICK
"Rude old bitty." Smith quipped playfully as he set the dead phone back on its base.
Johnathan just stared at Smith.
"How-"
"Trade secret Agent Doe. You'll find out when you're older. In the mean time. Its business as usual until reinforcements arrive. So go pull up a chair and observe." Smith stated as he dragged one of the worn hotel chairs out and sat on it while he watched the sheer number of people walking about along the main street of the town.
-----
Time must be different here than back home, because that was NOT "20 minutes", thought the Duchess as she entered the town the deputy had pointed out to her. She and her people were drained. Mentally, physically, and emotionally.
This worlds sun was past its peak when they came to this world. Now it was just nearing the horizon to the west as they reached the town. The chill air didn't help, especially the turtle people from the isles. The moderately sized enclave that live- HAD lived in Daele grumbled and groaned the whole walk. Both the temperature difference and the long journey didn't agree with them.
Everyone had dressed for a spring that, just a few hours ago, they were sure they weren't going to see. Now it felt like they had missed it entirely! But the sight was still something to behold.
Sure it wasn't a grand city like Daele... was. But it was still shelter, and it was still a wonder to see. Buildings made of faded red brick or what looked like solid stone and glass. A road made from a faded black stone. Lights that didn't look like they needed fire. Not to mention the multitude of metal carriages about! She couldn't see any horses in sight and she wondered how they were pulled.
A sentiment shared by many, but especially of Dylan. He was looking around the new town with wide eyes. Scribbling on his notepad furiously as his eyes darted back and forth over everything new they saw. He wasn't the only one shocked and awed. Though some looked less than impressed by the simple, even rough, conditions of the town.
They weren't sure where to go, but seeing a slightly taller white colored building decided to head there. Perhaps that was where they could inquire with whoever the ruler was, the Duchess thought.
As they neared City Hall, the Duchess glanced about and observed the people of the town. Everyone she saw was human, many were old and tired looking. But even the younger people she saw had a tired and worn look on their face. These looks barely changed as they watched and stared at the migration.
There were no offers of support or aid from the townsfolk. Judging from the condition of the town, they probably didn't have much for themselves let alone her people, she thought sadly. Her honor guard stayed close to her as they made their way through the street.
As she reached the steps of City Hall a commotion was heard and a portly man, a gangly nervous looking man, and several other, equally rounded, men shuffled out and greeted her. Or what might pass for a greeting around here.
"Who are you and what is going on here?!"
The nervous looking man stuttered a response.
"T-t-t-the Sh-sh-sheriff l-l-l-l-"
"Cease your infernal stuttering Greg and get to the point!" The Mayor snapped.
"The point is Gerald is that these people arrived looking for shelter." The Sheriff stated as he climbed the stairs, his two deputies flanking him.
The Mayor cast a suspicious eye on the sea of people that filled out one of the few roads Somewhere had. They were starting to coalesce around City Hall as they tried to get close enough to hear what was happening. Though many were still amassed at the edge of town where the town ended and the landscape changed to that of fields and hills.
"Oh are they now? Pray tell how we are supposed to shelter them Sheriff? How are we supposed to feed them? Hmm? Did you think of that before inviting these people to our town?"
"You're right Mayor. Our town is under enough stress without adding more people we can't take care of." The Sheriff answered plainly.
"There we have it! You all will just have to-"
"That's why I called the Governor and he's sending the National Guard to aid both the town and these poor people."
"YOU WHAT!?" The Mayor rounded on the Sheriff so fast his jowls still shook from the motion.
The Sheriff stepped up to the Mayor.
"We needed help before these people showed up. Now we DESPERATLY need help!"
"So you call the Governor!?! Are you mad!?"
"No! I care about this town and I'm not going to see it die because you're too scared of the past!"
"There's a damn good reason we are and you know it!" The Mayor hissed.
As the Mayor and the Sheriff bickered, the Duchess, flanked by two of the Delta Guard, walked up the steps and bowed to the two men. The heavily armed and armored men made the councilmen and deputies nervous, causing the latter to put their hands on their holsters.
"I am sorry if our presence puts too much strain on your town. If need be we will leave at first light."
"Good! You can-"
"STAY! We are good and honest folk and we won't turn away those in need!"
"If it helps alleviate your burden. We do have some wealth that we still retain. We can donate some as thanks for your hospitality."
The Mayor, and councilmen, perked up at that.
"Wealth you say?"
The Duchess touched a hand to a ornate necklace she had. Silver and aquamarine. She unclasped it and held it out.
"I could not ask my people to do what I would not. So accept this as my thanks."
The Mayor's eyes went wide and he licked his lips as he reached a fat hand out to snatch up the exquisite jewelry. But he was stopped by the Sheriff who stood between the necklace and his meaty hands. The Delta Guard tensed at the movement put did no more once it was apparent it wasn't a threatening motion.
"That isn't necessary. If you wish to show thanks then please. Enjoy what the town has to offer. Food, a few hotels and apartments you and yours can stay in and any other services and amenities you find. Please. If you wish to offer thanks, then offer it to the people of the town itself."
The Duchess smiled and withdrew the necklace before bowing.
"Thank you for your hospitality. Me and my people will do our utmost to repay it and do our best to be civil guests in your town!"
"Of course! If need be there are other places that might be able to shelter your people. We have some space at the station. The railyard probably wouldn't say no to housing some of your people. As I said, we have room and board in several parts of town that wouldn't say no to any new business!"
The Sheriff and the Mayor bickered quietly while the Duchess turned to address her people.
"Good people of Daele! We have come far from our home by the sea and have faced many hardships in these past weeks! But now the people here have been generous enough to offer us shelter! Offer us Sanctuary! They only ask that we reward that kindness at the many shops and vendors around the town! So go and find a place to rest and fill your bellies and get warm!"
With that, the great flood of people murmured curiously and excitedly as they formed various groups and began to explore the town as the message was carried through the mass of bodies. As the Duchess watched, many group heads came to her.
The scions of the dwarven banking clans and the remnants of the nobility, elvish and human, walked up to join her. As did the heads of the various merchant houses, smithy and artisan guilds. Even Alban pulled Dylan away from running off to fulfill his duty as the leader, and half, of the Artificers Guild. The Great Sage of the tortle enclave grunted as she walked over with the rest of the leaders before sitting down on the cool grass nearby with a relieved sigh.
"What're we ta do now yer Ladyship?" One of the dwarves asked as he ran a bejeweled hand over his golden beard that was woven with emerald imbedded silver bands.
"We do as I stated. We find places to rest and recover from our journey. Tomorrow we will meet again with the leaders of the town and work out the rest."
One of the elves sniffed his hawkish nose as he gazed at the town.
"Are we really to stay in such a place so...
pedestrian?"
"We aren't really in a position to argue my Lord. If it is not to your liking then you are free to keep walking in hopes of finding someplace more suited to your tastes."
The elf sniffed indignantly but remained where he was. One of the merchants spoke next.
"What should we do then? We have no place to work our trades."
The other merchants and various guild leaders nodded in affirmation.
"For tonight, just find food and shelter. I'm sure that these people will have need of, and greatly appreciate, your work. As I have stated already. Food and shelter first. Everything else will be settled tomorrow."
The leaders all grumbled and murmured but did little else as they split off to find their own places of rest. The Great Sage groaning and grumbling as she forced herself to stand and return to her people. Though the dwarves and Dylan walked over to the Sheriff and Mayor.
"Excuse me lad? What were tha' 'bout a
railyard?"
The Sheriff broke the mutual glaring between him and the Mayor and turned to the stout man.
"The railyard. Its on the north of town. Follow the main road here and take a left at the library. Can't miss it."
"Well thank ye lad. But uhm? What is a
railyard?"
"Well, its a place where trains are stored and maintained, its also where freight from our town is, or
was, shipped out of and to the rest of the country."
The dwarves hummed in understanding.
"One last question lad. What is a train?"
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