Old mexico menu livonia

So as you can tell this is about a 7-11 cashier about that I have one short and one long story about him. He is n ASSHOLE and I'm not really the judgy type unless you're disrespectful. But this guy who we will call tony was something else. He worked the Graveyard shift and whenever it got busy he would start talking shit to the customers inside. I.E. " why the fuck are you shopping, this isn't HEB" or "the fuck why don't you assholes go to Valero." (actual quotes). I would tend to let it go because deep down inside I got a little schadenfreude whenever he got this way. but this leads us to story one.
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I'm a driver so one day (I think I was on my break) I swing in and tony was there, and he was in a mood. when I walked in there were 3 females who were clearly from the east side (rough part).
he said "why the fuck are all of you people here?" anyway these 3 ladies took offense and went outside. I went grabbed a topo chico and went to the counter to get my schadenfreude on.
however, that stopped real quickly when a large African American man come in with his buddy right behind him and shouted "YO WHY YOU TALKING SHIT TO ME GIRL THE FUCK?" then he shoves his hand into his pocket, then he and tony started trading insults.
let's just say I have a fair amount of tactical training ranging from military to law enforcement. I kicked into survival mode seeing where this was going. I told the dude behind me to back up to the wall about 7ms away and tell him to stay low. I back up a bit to get some concealment, but I made sure to leave my right side exposed. you see I was carrying my Glock 45 (i can carry one in my state,) and placed my hand on the grip, looking squarely at this pissed-off man. He doesn't acknowledge me and to be frank I am no longer listening and just looking at his hand, and I can clearly tell something was in there. I didn't know what else to say so I just stood there watching. eventually after a bit of arguing his buddy tap him on the shoulder and pointed at me. he looks over. Thankfully, he realized that was a fight he wouldn't win and left. his buddy saying loud enough for me to hear, "Man I told him to leave the gun in the car." at this point I could have shit myself cause I thought I was going to have to shoot someone. so I get back in line and tony is acting like he just won WW2 all by himself. "yeah people who talk shit aren't tough they really are nothing more than a bunch of pussies." All I could think was 'are you serious? you started all that shit' At this point I'm no longer amused by his antics, especially considering I just saved his ass getting swissed cheesed by some gang banger. now, this leads us to our next story.
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So like I said I was done with that douche's behavior. I literally stopped going to that 7-11 cause I knew if he was working the chances of me being in a shoot-out rise dramatically, especially in my state where every tom dick and harry is allowed to carry. but one day I get really sick while I'm working and I need some food and the one shop near me was open at that time of night. I go down there and I am literally praying to god that tony isn't working. Well, I get there and what do you know? It's fucking tony.
so I shuffle in with my facemask on (I got the coof) only to hear tony going hard in the paint. "why are all of you here, it is a Friday go get a fucking life?" and some other shit. it gets to the point where people start walking out, right after they came in. as I was sick and knew I had to get enough stuff to hold me over this go targets me "why are you shopping? this isn't HEB."
that one almost set me off. but it was when an old lady come in and he pipes off again. "GOD WHY DON'T YOU PEOPLE JUST GO TO VALARO"
That was the moment I lost control of my mouth. it doesn't happen often but I will fucking send it. I walk up to the counter and I slam my shit on the counter. "Bro what the fuck is your damn problem, you can't talk to people like that. I hear it EVERY FUCKING time I come in here" I damn near shouted the best I could with my messed up throat but it was enough to get everyone's attention.
but he did something I didn't expect. This sick fuck smiled "GET THE FUCK OUT" he said "this is my favorite part. this is my store I can do what I want"
Now normally since my state is a stand-you-ground state, and I have a chip on my shoulder I usually like playing chicken with bullies. However that it being a stand-your-ground state it is also VERY specific on trespassing but trespassing while armed with firearm charges to a felony and taken very seriously. so playing chicken with this asshole wasn't an option unless I want new wrist accessories courtesy of my local police. so as I walk out I call him a bitch pussy, and question his manhood for shouting at an old lady for no reason. so now I decide to get fucking petty. I'm off for the next 2 weeks anyways, so I need something to do. when I get home I look up how to report him. I had to wait till 8 am to call customer service. now before we get into this, I want to add some things for clarity. early on when I knew tony we were chill. in fact one time he showed me his baton and stun gun he carried. okay back to the story. so I set my alarm for 7:30 in the morning. when I walk up I set my alarm for 8 and go walk the dogs. I walked them pretty close to the 30 min mark. I went to my computer and waited for the last couple of minutes, and confirmed the number I needed to call. after navigating the annoying menu I finally get a human
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7-11 CS: "7-11 customer service how can I help you?"
me: "yes I want to file a report with you about an incident that happened last night. 7-11 CS: "sure tell me what happened sir"
Me: "while to be honest its no just last night but is a pattern of behavior of one of your employees named tony, you see he cusses out the guest all the time he has shown me his stun gun and even clacked it while working, and is just a general un friendly disrespectful person.
7-11CS: " can you give me a couple of examples of things he says?"
ME: "of course" and I proceed to go through a list of shit he said which would frankly just be tiring to write.
after that, I add
ME: "btw if you want video evidence check your cameras"
7-11 CS: "we do not have audio sir"
me: "hear me out you don't need audio, just listen to me and check what I'm saying off of what you see."
711 CS: "I can't look at the video but I can send your comments to the regional manager and he can view the video"
me: "that's fine,
7-11 CS:" okay so what happened?
Me: "at 1030 at night I walked in, and tony was acting like the asshole he always does shouting at everyone. and if you look at the 1030- 1035 time frame you can see multiple people coming in and leaving almost immediately because of his verbal abuse. at around 1035-1040, I slammed my shit on the table flipped out him, and told him off. if you look when I got to slam my shit on the counter I had to walk 15- 20 feet to do that. why would I do that and point at him if he wasn't verbally harassing a customer? why would multiple potential customers leave right after coming in?"
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7-11 CS "o my lord, none of this is acceptable and I will send everything to the regional manager.
I exchange pleasantries and hang up. later I got an email from the regional manager he said sorry and basically that he would be punished and not fired. I was kind of annoyed and when I stated this, he told me he understood, but he swore he would be punished adequately. I wasn't enthused with that until one day by happen chance I picked up a cashier to talk her to 711 a couple of weeks later. I saw where I was dropping her off and I mentioned tony. "yeah that dude is such a dick, and thinks is hot shit." she said
I responded " you know I reported him a little while ago"
"OMG THAT WAS YOU, HELL YES THANK YOU"
she proceed to explain why she was grateful. Apparently tony was the store's resident douche. he act like an asshole to everyone for no reason and he was king shit since he was one of the few cashiers who could work at night by himself. at least until my phone call. Once that came in his regional manager tore him a new asshole. on topics ranging from carrying weapons to work to customer service. He was then moved to the morning shift with the manager where he could be watched at all times and if he fucked up once he was done. this lady I was driving was happy because she wanted the graveyard shift badly and was happy when it opened up.
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apparently after that, he became a lot more humble so I guess the punishment worked, so I'm glad he wasn't fired in retrospect. in fact, I drove him a couple of months after it happened. His entire demeanor changed overall, and he didn't recognize me. what makes it even funnier he gave me a 5-dollar tip. All's well that ends well.

I was writing this story and thinking of turning it into a webtoon. Can you tell me what you think.
My mom finally caved in. “Fine, make sure you’re prepared and take the train to school. Make sure you’re careful and follow all instructions!”
“Don’t worry mom,” I grumbled. “It's not like any of us have superpowers anyway.”
I finished my food, grabbed everything I needed and rushed out the door.
Living here is expensive but it sure is amazing if you can succeed.
Even if the world was almost destroyed 250 years ago we sure were able to come a long way in that time. It was great enough that me and Thomas’ parents would try so hard to be able to live here.
At first glance it was beautiful like a dream. Sector 3 was one of the best Districts except 1 and 2.
It buzzed with life with people on their way to work and wherever they needed to go. Cars hovered over the ground at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.They made a sort of buzzing noise that was music to my ears. The smells of food cooking in fancy restaurants attacked my nostrils hoping to draw my attention and buy their food. Good thing I had a hearty breakfast because I don’t think I could afford any of them right now. Teenagers like me hung out with their hoverboards doing all types of tricks that could easily backfire in a nearby park. They had neon colored hair, mohawks along with other choices in fashion that my school and I just don’t agree with. Other businesses such as hospitals, hair salons, movie theaters also seemed to attract crowds like a magnet. I even passed by the hospital my mom worked at. It was a huge dark skyscraper with a spacious parking lot with its name Healing Haven Hospital in bright colored letters at the top.
Sector 3 was a great place to live if you could afford it. Although If you looked hard enough you noticed the people that failed to make ends meet. In the slums people slept in man made houses of trash and boxes. Others smoked and did drugs which was kind of illegal. Either they weren’t caught or the soldiers didn’t care enough to check. Children wearing dirty rags who were so skinny you could count their ribs rummaged through trash and fought over any spoils. It wasn’t fair that this greedy government would place laws and taxes that would force them to suffer this horrible fate. I need money whether or not it's legal as long as it can keep my family fed and happy.
15 minutes after I left the house I finally reached the train station. I got off my hoverboard and got in line and thankfully it wasn’t that long. When I reached the doors, I almost had a heart attack. Guarding the door where two sentinels armed to the teeth carrying large guns and dressed in their signature white bulletproof armor.
“Pay up please,” the one on the right said as he stretched out his hand. He held a device that would collect the money you need to take to ride the train.
“Okay,” I agreed with a nervous voice.
I took out my own phone and paid. I was able to get a seat on the train I was keeping all to myself with no troubles.
After we started moving I finally was able to let myself relax. I thought I was this close to being arrested before I could do anything illegal today.
Sentinels are usually stationed in places such as banks and homes of important people like governors. But this is the first time I’ve seen them deployed at a train station. I remember when I wanted to be one when I was a kid and go to District 2 to make lots of money but my parents made me give up that dream. District 2 specializes in military and security. That was where soldiers trained and lived. Higher Ups also had access to a luxurious life in a fancy mansion and more money than what they actually needed. This is where the hovercrafts that soared the sky providing surveillance were built and maintained. Where Epizon’s forces that would protect our country from its threats could prepare for any possibility. Prepare for what I always ask. Most of the world has been destroyed. Africa has never shown any hostility to us. No, they’re just here to enforce this tyrannical government and eliminate any that may possess abilities.
I grabbed my headphones from my backpack and played my favorite songs. At least I can enjoy the view.
It was like I was flying as the train soared through the sky on a railway that snaked throughout the city. Never actually touching since the train was connected through powerful electromagnets saving both energy and money. The city looked even more impressive when you had a bird’s eye view.
Couples and families enjoyed picnics on tables at the Liberty State Park. People walked in and out of the Interpretive Center where history from about 300 years was taught. It still had memorials dedicated to remembering events like what happened centuries ago at 9/11. Now there’s a huge memorial dedicated to those who fought to save us from the Enhanced. It's still so hard to believe that people with super powers exist. I’ve learned about them in history class but they seem so unreal. I’ve never seen somebody shoot fire or fly so either the military is really good at their job or this is all made up.
District 3 of the great utopia Epizon. Named after the Greek word for survivor. When the continents Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia were destroyed in World War Three. By the Enhanced who gained powers that almost destroyed the world. Thankfully, the remnants of North America were able to stand up and defeat all the Enhanced people and create the amazing paradise we live in.
It sounds so unreal it has to be propaganda to control the Sectors.
We flew over the Hudson River Walkway. It was my favorite view on the train ride because I loved the way sunlight would reflect off the pristine turquoise waters. It's a shame we don’t really get to swim or fish though. That’s probably for the best.
The rest of the train ride went fast and before I knew it I was at my stop. I grabbed my hoverboard and raced to school because the Victor can’t be late.
While this District has its downsides it could really get a lot worse from here. However, District 1 was the real paradise. It was where the most important people with the most standing lived. The President, his wife, and other high ranking government officials lived there. In enormous mansions separated by acres where all the other people who enforced laws and taxes that made it difficult for my parents to live and provide for us.
But District 3 was the best place where people who are more fortunate like me could live. As long as you were skilled enough and worked hard enough. My mom was a somewhat prominent doctor at one of the biggest hospitals in this District. District 3 specializes in a lot of fields but the one it specializes in is medical science. Medicine, prosthetics, you can get the best of them from here. And my dad was vice president at a company that released some of the best virtual reality games. Entertainment is just as important as health in Epizon. Which meant I sometimes received popular games before everyone else. I remember so many times my parents and I would play together exploring outer space, fighting monsters. My parents are so cool, right?
You’d think that our life would be a little more luxurious and it was. Unfortunately, the selfish government increased taxes and fees from school started to pile up. As the victor in sophomore year I was exempt from those rules as long as I remained Victor. But my parents have yet to completely finish paying all those debts.
It's dangerous to get lost in your thoughts when you’re traveling 3 feet off the ground at 15 miles per hour on a hoverboard because you might end up running into a moving car. Thankfully, I managed to stop just in time.
“So, the Victor almost crashes to a fatal stop. It would be sad, you know. I’d hate for my best friend to die like that.”
I knew that voice.
I turned around and noticed that mischievous grin with sharp teeth I was so familiar with. With his strong red eyes and messy black hair he could’ve been a criminal. Well he technically should be but we’re too smart to get caught.
“Thomas, how’re you?” I asked as I got off my hoverboard.
“Oh, nothing, just waiting for you,” he replied. “I knew you’d show up here to catch the levitrain.”
He gave me a hug and somehow managed to pick me up and spin me around like something a kid would ask their parents to do.
“How’re you doing my best friend? Did you actually get a huge extravagant meal because I just did. My mom just got paid and she didn’t save a single epi.”
“Yeah, I actually did and so I can actually keep my breakfast and not throw up let me down.”
“Sure!”
“How’re you so strong anyway? I know you work out but are you seriously that strong. Don’t tell me you actually have super strength.”
“I hope I don’t. Life sucks as is but it would get even worse if I suddenly awakened superpowers.”
I feel the same. It’s rough but we can make it better.
“Fistbump!”
We always managed to read each other’s minds.
“Are you ready for these physicals?” I asked.
“I’m so sick of those things,” he replied. “Oh, it’s time for us to cross.”
We both got on our hoverboards and raced towards school.
“Don’t worry about it, you're strong and you’re pretty muscular,” I assured him. “But, I hope you’re not strong enough to throw a car or something.”
“Don’t worry about it, I've already tried. Nah, I’m kidding.”
“So, are we doing that job today,” Thomas asked with a mischievous grin.
“You know it,” I said.
CHAPTER 2
Now you have to admit our school was pretty impressive.
First of all, it was gigantic. It sort of resembled a castle but really high tech in blue, red, and white colors. In the middle FutureTech was printed in red and blue and was highlighted in white. The dorms were on the left side. And the rest of the other facilities and equipment was in the other half. This was FutureTech, a place which was probably the best school a student could ask for. Less than 20% of those who apply here make the cut. And the majority of them were rich kids who could afford to pay the tuition. Me and Thomas barely made it and it was really tough. But we both worked hard and eventually I became the Victor. One of the perks of being a Victor that must’ve been in place for people like us was that the Victor could choose anyone who didn’t have as much money as the others to be their second in command. They would be exempt from the tuition and other crazy rules. Did you know you have to pay a security fee after a year?
Crazy.
But those only applied if the other guy had good grades and a clean track record. But only as long as I’m the Victor and if either of us do anything that breaks the rules we’ll both be kicked out. Talk about pressure.
But this was the best place to learn anything really. Law, business, art, engineering and other sciences. And it could all be done here.
The school had defenses in place to protect the lives of students and staff. An electromagnetic barrier surrounded the entire establishment. Stretching out a few acres across outside the building. If you wanted to get in you had to get through the one gate in the front. At the gate there were security cameras, x-rays, and 10 armed Sentinels just for extra security. The security was just as intense inside making it nearly impossible to do anything that violated the rules. They didn’t waste a single epi.
“Man, the security of this place is unnerving as always,” Thomas complained.
“It never fails to show me just how out of place we are.”
“Of course the security is advanced. The children of really important people receive education here. This helps them make sure they aren’t kidnapped. I do agree it's unnerving but at least it’s secure. Besides you and I both deserve to be here”
We walked through the sliding doors and saw just how beautiful the school was inside.
The place was illuminated by golden lights. Robots made clunky noises while drones wizzed over my head. I could barely hear myself think over the voices of other students. Girls argued over petty things like their hairstyles and whose boyfriend was better. While boys competed to see who’s stronger or more handsome. Rainbow colors flashed from the lab to the right. Future doctors practiced their skills on mannequins in the lab at the left.
“Hey, look, it's the Victor!”
Soon, the whole school had their eyes on me.
Girls and boys waved and applauded. Even the ones on the second floor whooped and jumped around. Not everyone felt the same though. Some students snickered and sneered while others glared with hatred and jealousy. Even when you work hard to be at the top not everyone will appreciate it.
“You’re popular,” Thomas remarked.
“Too bad not everyone is a fan. You still got the ladies cheering for you. You think you could give them a good word about me?” Thomas joked.
“You know that’s not how it is. We’re on different levels in society. I lose my title as Victor and I fade into the background.”
“Besides, you're smart and strong. Try hard enough and you could get a girlfriend. Just don’t let anyone catch on to our extracurricular activities.”
“Look at that smug smile on his face,” a voice rang out.
“It must be nice to be the Victor's lap dog. I could use that so explain why it is getting wasted on that idiot.”
“ He thinks he’s so strong and mighty just because of that stupid pin. Wait till I get my hands on it, fool.”
“He should watch out. It’d be unfortunate if an accident were to happen. No one would miss some commoners who couldn’t support themselves without that Victor title.”
“Who is that?” Thomas demanded.
“If I find out who they are they won’t have to worry about creating any accident.”
“Chill out Thomas. None of them have the guts or smarts to try anything. Besides, together there’s nothing they can do to either of us.”
“You’re right. We have brains and muscles,” he said as he flexed his arms.
I don’t blame some of them though. Kids who weren’t super wealthy but still made it could use the privileges I got from this title. There were also the selfish rich kids who had more money than they really needed. But I couldn't bear to see someone work hard to achieve something they couldn’t. It makes me so sick sometimes. Our parents do our best just to put a roof over our heads and pay taxes. But I became Victor and that’s a problem. I apologize but I’m not giving it up anytime soon.
“ So what’s first on Victor's schedule?”
“First, we have History class. Then, I have to give a report on quantum physics. Then we have lunch right before the physicals.”
“Well, while you’re doing your fancy report on quantum psychics I’m doing one on the state of this Sector. There’s so many children and families without homes. If I simply beg them nothing will happen. I’ll convince them why they should lend money and support to those who really deserve it. They can train adults to help reinforce the Walls. Add them to the military. Children can also be useful for things. Think about all the new medications they could try by using sick children. They could also put extremely smart children to work in engineering. Even the government can’t ignore the potential of children if given the right environment.”
Good old Thomas is always thinking of ways to help those in need. He takes every advantage and tool he can if it means he can improve the lives of his mother’s and others. More reason for me to fight to stay the Victor.
“Thomas, I have a question.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“Let’s say if you can do what you plan. What if some of those who you’re helping have powers?”
Thomas' face darkened as he stopped his stride.
I hate to do this to him but what if some of those he’s trying to help are Enhanced. People who have done nothing wrong superpowers or not don’t deserve to be hurt out of fear and hatred. Especially if it was because my best friend was only trying to genuinely help.
“I’m not sure. I can already imagine what the government would do if they got their hands on Enhanced people. But if I can only help people with no powers who actually need it. Am I wrong to try even if it could hurt others?”
Thomas’ statement really made me think. The government will hunt those with powers without question. But if he can help the others is that really so wrong? If only we could get the power and authority to change Epizon for the better. A place where rich or poor, normal or superpowered don’t matter. The only thing that you’ll be judged on is your character.
But I guess we’ve got to help our families and graduate first.
“Let’s go Thomas. We can both think about that later. But first let’s catch an elevator to the third floor and learn more history. YAY!!”
“Ok! I’ll race you!”
In 5 minutes we made it to History class before we could’ve been marked late. Seriously, why does Mr. Rodrigo’s class has to be all the way at the end of the hallway.
We took our seats in the front with Thomas right behind me and got ready.
Mr. Rodrigo was an intimidating man. He was 6ft 6 inches tall. He had an even more muscular body than Thomas and his platinum blonde hair was as tidy as always. But the most frightening part was his silver right arm prosthetic which I swore could punch through steel. No student turned in work late in this class. We had a Veteran soldier, not some pushover.
“Today, in class we’ll be discussing World War Three and what led to it 250 years ago!” Mr Rodrigo announced.
The projector in front turned on into an educational video to teach us about the history of Epizon.
This is how the story went. Over 250 years the Earth was a beautiful place. All the major continents and countries were still thriving and Epizon was known as North America. It was a place where all races were equal. And people could enjoy nature and the same standards of living. No one went hungry and people could afford anything they could ever want. Yeah right.
However, this peace and prosperity was interrupted when the Chosen rebelled. When the greatest scientists of North America were able to give selected people superpowers to make sure peace could continue to prosper. However, the Chosen got drunk on their new powers. They betrayed our country and killed those who gave them their powers to make sure no one could fight against them. After taking full control of our country they waged war on the rest of the world, Starting World War Three. However, other major world powers also developed their own Chosen. In the next 10 years Asia, South America, Europe, and Australia were completely destroyed.
However, our country’s usurpers had almost destroyed themselves in the war. While they grew complacent with their powers we built up our resources in secret. When they attempted to heal their wounds we launched a counter strike against them. Using whatever tactics it took from air strikes, snipings, and more. A major part was thanks to a specially created poison that could weaken those with powers and even kill them. We finally won over them and took our country back. To celebrate we named our country Epizon and split it into 20 Sectors. The most crucial people in the war effort against the former Chosen were elected to be governors, secretaries with the President on top. With their descendants guiding Epizon to greatness and equality centuries later.
What a load of bull.
This country isn’t fair or equal at all! My parents struggle just to pay stupid bills! I go on these stupid jobs just to make sure me and my best friend's family don’t have to sleep on the streets. The horrible fate of those who couldn’t make it haunts me everytime I go around the city. One doesn’t even have a fair chance of becoming a politician if they aren't related to one.
I got so mad I snapped my pen in half. A waste of a perfectly good pen.
“Mark, are you good?” Thomas whispered.
“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry just lost my temper-”
A metal fist slammed into my table.
“Mr. Mark, is there a reason why you and your friend are interrupting class. Do you perhaps feel that as the Victor you have nothing to learn from this topic.”
The rest of the class snickered and snorted.
“Actually no Thomas and I were comparing the earliest of Epizon to now to highlight just how much our country has grown. I apologize if we interrupted your class.”
“Oh really. Well since you already know this class backwards and forwards you can teach the class. In fact, you can educate them on the Bloody River Incident. Consider this a test. And I do hope you know your facts. After all, I was the only survivor of that horrible massacre ”
The Bloody River Incident was a catastrophe where 1,000 died. I only learned about it last year because whenever the aftermath turned on the news my parents removed it.
“I’d love to educate our class on Epizon’s history, Mr. Rodrigo.”
Three years ago the Sentinels launched an attack on a refugee camp of Enhanced in Sector 4. Unfortunately, the battalion of 1,000 Sentinels was all wiped out. It got its title for the color the Hudson River turned when the blood of fallen soldiers mixed in. The security for schools, banks, and other “important” places increased. Of course they never bothered with things like public transportation until recently.
“Anytime this year,” Mr. Rodrigo complained.
Why did I have to get a pop quiz today?
Chapter 3
“Finally, we get to go to lunch,” Thomas cheered.
“Did you bring anything today?”
“I was super lucky today. My mom made this huge spread so I’ve got some leftover pancakes, bacon and some eggs. What about you?”
“Oh nothing so special. My mom was still at work so I gathered up some things and made lasagna.”
“Your mom’s super awesome lasagna,” I wondered.
“I’ll share some with you if you share with me,” he said.
Thanks to the insulated lunch box Thomas’ food was still warm. The aroma of all the wonderful spices gave me delight.
“Sure. One of the special privileges I get to enjoy is your mom’s lasagna. After all the school lunch is too expensive and while it may be high class food. It still pales in comparison to homemade food made with love.”
“Isn’t that right? So Mark, what do you want to do once you graduate? We can’t be criminals forever.”
“I was thinking about starting a company using our inventions. I’ve been talking to my dad about it and if I can remain the Victor until I graduate. It will be a great sales pitch especially if we can improve our projects. Even Epizon can’t deny geniuses who can make their country even greater.”
“You’re right. How did your Dad like our skeleton key?”
“He wasn’t fond of it at all. He said he didn’t want us to use our intellect to make weapons. Instead, we should work with my mom to find ways we can help people. For example, my mom’s a neurosurgeon. Sentinels who’ve suffered grievous injuries in training exercises will be looking for someone who can really fix them. Paralysis, loss of motor control, even the prosthetics they use sometimes malfunction.”
I took out my laptop and typed a few buttons. In three minutes I pulled a sort of research paper I made in my spare time.
“I’ve heard that some nervous systems are unable to handle the stress of handling new prostheses. And the more prosthesis they implant the more the increase in side effects. Some soldiers sign up for weaponized implants to improve their combat powers. I heard they can even copy some powers like pyrokinesis or super strength.”
“That’s crazy. Anyways I’m hungry. Let's discuss this after lunch.”
We’ll need all the energy we can get.
We split the food both ways and chowed down.
Thomas took out a mini speaker and started playing rock music. Before we knew it we started using the forks and spoons we had as music instruments. We tapped and beat to the music. But we calmed down a little when we received glares. We can’t be looking foolish.
The cafeteria was big enough to carry two hovercrafts. It had gold chandeliers and pristine white walls. Tables ranging for 1, for 2, and 4 were scattered out. Robots taking orders, collecting checks, and bringing food raced around on high tech wheels. The air was packed with aromas from dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in Epizon. However, what I despised the most wasn’t the high cost of food that made me avoid relying on school lunch. But the snot nosed rich kids who went out of their way to bring their own fancy dresses and suits just for the cafeteria. I mean are you serious? And the school allowed them to do it as long as it was just for lunch. I pitied the other kids who stood out because they weren’t in the position to waste the few good clothes they had. I certainly could agree with that. These kids would dance, sing loud and do whatever else that was annoying.
On our table just for two that was far away from the majority we ate our lunch in peace.
“Your mom’s lasagna is just as good as it’s always been Thomas. I could never quite recreate it even when you gave me the recipe.”
“Of course you couldn’t. It’s a secret skill that can only be learned by my bloodline.”
HAAH! HAAH!! HAAH!!!
Would it be too much to ask if we could just laugh like this forever.
“I see you’re enjoying yourself Victor.”
Someone just had to ruin the fun.
I heard the tip tapping of shoes from right behind me. One girl, two boys.
“I hate this guy. Why’d he even come to this school? He should have just been homeschooled in his nice mansion in Sector 1.”
“Come on, commoner. You should be grateful to be blessed for me to come to you. Your lap dog should feel grateful too.”
“This guy,” Thomas growled.
He grabbed a chair and sat right in the middle of us. His lackeys stayed right behind him.
The aggressor was the son of the President, the most powerful man in Epizon. He was tall for 15 6ft 3 inches. His white skin had no freckle, zit, or pimple in sight. His red eyes went well with the red highlights in his hair. Usually dying your hair isn’t allowed but when you’re the President’s son you get to break a few rules.
His two lackeys are Merle, daughter of Sector 4’s Governor, and Sector 3’s Secretary Charles.
“Jason. It’s time for us to eat lunch. What would you like to order?” Merle asked.
“Knowing Jason he’s going to order whatever’s the most expensive thing on the menu,” Charles answered.
“That’s right I Jason Powers sit at the top of Epizon. I come from a line of great people like secretaries, governors, generals, and revolutionary scientists. Someone of my standing deserves nothing less than the best.”
“Very well, I shall place your order now.”
Jason pointed at me.
“But what are you eating Victor? What’s on your plate? Pancakes,eggs,lasagna. I won’t allow someone as esteemed as the Victor to eat from such a shabby diet. At this school you’re one of the only people at this school at my level. Maybe I should order the second most expensive thing on this menu.”
“Ok!”
“What-” both Thomas and him exclaimed.
“If possible, can I take it to go?”
Look I’m not passing up free high class food even if I don’t like the guy that’s offering.
“Guess I’ll order it then. I’ll take something to get Waiter-bot!”
In response a nearby Waiter-bot rushed over.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Thomas whispered.
“Look, I'm not turning down free food. Maybe I’ll give it to my parents.”
“And what about your third string?”, he addressed Thomas.
Thomas jumped out of his seat and looked like he was about to start a fight. Thankfully, his smart to know that’s a bad idea.
“Considering you’re the lowest person here. Should I buy you the fifth most expensive dish? Or did that restaurant your mom owns mean you don’t need it. It used to be so high-class you know but ever since Father placed those taxes you haven’t been doing so well. You’re still successful, sure but your mom must be struggling to run it.”
Thomas was about to raise his fist but I quickly smacked it down.
“He’ll take it and thanks for your kind consideration.”
“If you need anything, here's my card. I may take pity on you.”
In 20 minutes the Waiterbots brought our food after Jason and his lackeys left.
We had Massaman curry, wagyu beef, Japanese sushi and other delicacies.
“WHY! Why would you accept that he’s mocking us!”
“But he’s giving us free food Thomas,” I leaned in to whisper.
“We literally do all these illegal side jobs that could get us and our families in danger if we’re found out. So we can provide for them. You think I’m passing up free food.”
Thomas' expression finally relaxed.
“You’re right it’s like you said free food is free food.”
The loudspeakers in the cafeteria shouted out loud:
“Will the Victor please come down to the basement prepared for the assessment.”
Voices from the crowd erupted.
“So, the Victor is going first?”
“I’m glad it’s not me.”
“What if he has powers? What if the Sentinels can’t bring him down?” We can’t leave until the assessments are over.”
“I hope he doesn’t come back. Then, I can be the Victor.”
“You think it’s going to be you. It’s going to be me.”
Why did it have to be me first? I wish these kids would shut up, they're making it worse.
“What are these brats talking about? Half of these brats couldn’t hope to be as good as you or me for that matter so they shouldn’t get their hopes up. The only thing stopping Jason from being Victor is you so there’s that.”
Thomas is always there to cheer me up.
“Well, I’ll put this food in our lockers so we can eat them after school. That’s if I actually see you again.”
“Yeah, yeah I hope you can’t shoot fire or fly too because then I’d be in trouble.”
“HAAH!! HAAH!! HAAH!!”
“Don’t do your best Mark, I'll see you later.”
After changing into my gym clothes I was escorted by 4 sentinels to the basement. It was only accessible by a special elevator built for that purpose alone. After what was probably 4 whole minutes with people who were ready to fill me up with lead. We finally arrived at the basement.
The Basement was where the annual assessment to discover if a student possessed super powers.
You see Enhanced have this sort of bioelectric aura that they emit that couldn’t be recognized using the human senses. They can only only be recognized using incredibly advanced technology. if an Enhanced got enough experience with their abilities, they could hide their bioelectric aura from machines too. However, this aura is linked to their powers and are stronger when they are used or the individual is under extreme stress. So the government came up with an idea.
To set up a school system where students can be monitored and powered people can be identified. With Sentinels there to take them down. And that is why every kid in Epizon has to go to some kind of school or get an annual check up. It’s so they can kill powered people when they’re young.
Could this society be more wrong? It saddens me to know that it could.
We finally stopped and the doors opened wide open.
“Keep walking?” the Sentinel to my right demanded.
Guess it’s time to get this over with.
We arrived at the Vault. It looked just like some high tech bank but instead of keeping people out. It was made to make sure they couldn’t escape. With automatic machine guns on the walls, Sentinels, and 12 foot thick walls of high grade steel it wasn’t going to be easy to escape. And in the case of an incident the elevator upstairs would be locked. Leaving you trapped under bedrock unless you could teleport or had some other useful power for that situation.
One Sentinel walked over to the Vault's white doors and demanded entry.
“Open, Sentinel 1706!”
With a click and clank the doors started to open slowly.
It finally sank in just how nervous I was. I was just as nervous as last year. I’ve seen kids that took the physicals never returning. As if they never even existed. My heart started to race and I could feel the sweat crawling down my face.
Please don’t tell me I’m an Enhanced person. I don’t need superpowers. I just need to graduate and start an awesome company. Hanging out with Thomas and helping our families. That's all I want to do! I just want to be normal like everyone else.
“Relax, you’re hyperventilating. You’re the Victor , you should be calm and composed. I mean don’t give us a reason to suspect you before the assessment even starts.”
Crap, I let them see me weak.
“Of course not, I'm just planning this out that’s all.”
However, my focus was ruined by ominous threats.
“Let’s kill those kids.”
“They’ll all pay for what they’ve done.”
“The sins of the parents shall be held accountable by their children.”
“Let the Revolution begin!”
Hey, what are those voices? They just started flooding in my head.
I looked around but I couldn’t find any culprits. I’m sure none of those voices belonged to a Sentinel. No Sentinel would dare to harm a student here without approval. So where was that coming from?
“Hey, who was that? Are you playing some kind of game?” I asked.
“What are you talking about, kid. Don’t try anything, follow the rules, and you’ll be fine.”
“BUT!!”
The final part of the Vaults wall barely opened before I heard a deafening boom.
The ground started shaking and the ceiling began to collapse.
“Did something happen upstairs,” a Sentinel asked.
“What the hell is going on?”
My question was answered by a ginormous explosion.
​
Would it be a good idea to start the webtoon with how the world was destroyed. Like it's normal and boom everything's destroyed. Continents have fallen, North America was a wasteland, and 250 years ago Mark and his friend are on the run from gangsters on their way to school.

Hi everyone.
My mom just picked up a pitbull mix from the street. He is severely emaciated, has ticks, large tumor between his legs and is dehydrated.
He is staying at the vet until Monday as he is getting IV liquids and medicine.
The dog is 2 years old and the vet told her no one is going to want it because it's a pit.
Does anyone know of any rescues that she can contact in the states? I feel like this dog deserves a great life and that might not be an option for him in Mexico.
Thank you

What happened to metro, kingdom, etc? The main menu on shows old school. Where in the hell is squads?

Best Dinners by far were STACK(Mirage) and Vic and Anthoneys-these places have their food together. Worst by far was the $89 NY Strip at Binions Steakhouse(The Horseshoe-Old Ballys), the Steak was so salty it was nearly inedible and the only Baked Potato they offered was one with all the fixings-I ordered just the potato and it too was so salty almost inedible and seemed to be an "old" potato. Also no bread service here-at a Steak place? Also never order the "salads"_ at the Water Grill(Caesars)-we had 2 of the 4 on their Lunch Menu and the things come out all chopped up like a coleslaw and coated with whatever they thought was a dressing-all mushy-it almost made me throwup-can't believe I paid $30 for it-should have requested an "I ain't paying for whatever you call THAT".

When I went to play one day i ran into an issue where it would load the first second of the disc and then I would lose signal on my tv. The console runs fine through the menu when the disc isnt in the console, so i assumed I had to fix the laser. When i tried cleaning the old one, i didnt have any luck, so I bought a replacement and swapped them. Now with the new laser its doing the same thing. The disc is spinning fine inside the console, so im not sure whats wrong. Any advice?

yá át tééh!
I'd like to go a little bit into my childhood today, and ⚠️trigger warning ⚠️ the things I talk about are traumatic and hard to read. My writing is all over the place so, yeah deal with it. I'm also in the process of figuring out my own childhood and I'm remembering as I go. You're welcome to share your stories as well if you can relate. My goal is to help others know they're not alone. I'm tired of being ashamed of this, and I just want to talk about what happened to me. Plain and simple.
For most of my childhood I grew up on the Navajo Nation reservation located in New Mexico. The Navajo Nation, also known as Navajoland, is a Native American reservation in the United States. It falls on northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. I'm a half Navajo women, my mom's full Navajo and my father is African American and Mexican. I seen my family struggle with alcohol mainly. My whole family now that I think about it has had a problem with alcohol. My mom's dad, died from freezing to death because he passed out before he could make a fire. My grandma has been drinking since she was a child but, I believe when she was around the age of 70 she quit. I had only seen my grandma drunk once and she fractured her hand. My mom drank since she was a preteen and has been sober now for 12 years. My dad was in and out of my life. He was secenteced 7 years in prison so I never got the chance to bond with my father since it happened when I was a little girl. Maybe 4 years old? I have two older sisters and no brothers. We moved around alot from my grandma's, to my aunt's then sometimes off the reservation but we always went back. We never had a stable home life. We were poor also so alot of times it was rough going without. I grew up feeling afraid, I was afraid of what was going to happen next. I was anxious because I had no control of my life and the choices of my mother and family. Anxious about the anger that just lived in everybody and I'f it was going to be taken out on me. Seeing my mother drunk beyond help and then having to deal with her wrath. Or worse, she would leave. We'd be left with my grandma or alone for a few days or weeks.( Never left alone for weeks though) I couldn't focus in school because I was always worried about my mom. I would be 5,8,10 years old. Just wondering if my mom is drunk, sober, is she angry? Are we moving again? Will mom be home? Is grandma mad that we're still there? Why is everyone so mean to me? Just these anxious thoughts I've always had since I can remember. Now I'm an 27 year old woman and I still feel like that scared child. That's just a really basic summary of my childhood. But it is basically just alcohol, fear and family problems. Living on the rez makes you feel so isolated and it's terrifying. You think sometimes you're never getting out. Might as well just start drinking too.

A nice little surprise for you all on a day of less pleasant surprises!
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Daniel sat on his bed as he looked at the neural patch Hannah’rah had given him earlier, wondering if she had used hers yet. He shrugged, stuck the patch to the nape of his neck, and laid down in his bed, staring at the underside of the bunk above him as an overlay appeared in his eyes. He waited a moment until he saw two completely sets of images in his eyes, at which point he then closed them. There was a slight moment of disorientation as he continued to see the new world despite his eyes being closed, and then his brain corrected things based on his former experience, and it no longer felt strange. As he began to move his hands around, he began to feel the slightly strange feeling as the signals were intercepted to prevent his limbs from actually moving while his eyes were closed, and he then took a moment to look at his avatar.
His real body had been recreated with high accuracy, including most of the exterior details of his prosthetic arm. He began to think about the time it must have taken for her to recreate this, and he began to wonder if the reason for her fatigue in the morning wasn’t solely because of her snoring roommate.
He began to look around, taking in the recreation of a small village in the Western part of Angland, filled by Elves. The forest surrounded it, but there were small breaks for the roads and rivers. He’d only been here a couple of times, but-
“Boo!”
Daniel turned around to see Hannah’rah smiling at him, standing in a traditional loose fitting long Elven dress. She had her fiery hair let down, and it and her dress blew in the faint breeze that he could feel simulated on his skin. For a moment, he felt like they were back in Angland, walking through the forest and petting herds of deer while watching Dragons soar above them.
“Have I ever told you that I love you?” he asked, bringing her in for a hug.
“24 times now,” she smiled as she gestured for him to walk. “Anything you want to discuss, or should I start?”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you miss being home?”
“Which home? England, or Angland?”
“Angland.”
“... Yeah, I do. There’s just something about that place that draws me in.”
“Do you want to go back?”
“I mean, kinda, but that’s just homesickness really. I of course want to go back eventually, but we’ve just managed to start seeing the rest of what’s around us. Do you?”
“... I would have liked to do a bit more before we left,” Hannah’rah admitted, sitting down on the edge of a bridge that overlooked a stream.
“Hmm, woulda liked more free time with you in public and whatnot, rather than just as your travelling partner,” he told her, sitting next to her.
“Yeah, but my Dad-”
“Please, let’s not get worked up over him now.”
“Right, sorry. It’s just that It’s going to be difficult to be together….”
“Please don’t ask that question again. Not now.”
“Sorry…. With any luck, he will come to his senses and see things the same way my Mum does, but I’m not holding out on hope right now.”
“'Ain't a lot we can do from here.”
“No, I suppose not,” she sighed.
“As always, I’m here for you.”
“I know, it was just difficult during basic. We couldn't really see each other and talk it through, and now I just feel like I need to dump it all somewhere now that I can.”
“You can if you want to.”
“I don’t. You don’t deserve to be hit with my family issues, and I’m just going to get worked up over my Dad. I brought you here to talk, and here I am dumping my problems on you.”
“It’s fi-”
“It’s not fine,” she cut him off. “Ugh, I wanted to have a moment, and I’m just going to ruin it at this rate.”
.-.-.
"Lieutenant Commander, your request has been completed," Affinity's voice came from outside the simulation.
"Perfect, thank you," Daniel replied, opening his eyes for a moment so his real mouth worked, before closing them again.
.-.-.
"Don't worry about the moment. We sparred earlier to relieve some stress, but we got cut short, so why don't we try something else?" he suggested, opening a menu with his hand and adjusting the settings. "Naval Marine 2150?"
"Won't be the same without everyone else…."
"I know," he smiled, joining a voice chat.
"Wait, what!? Hannah'rah? Daniel? You're online!?" a voice came out of nowhere.
"Hey, Xailin. Hey, everyone. We ain't exactly got a tonne of time, nor can we really do this again later, nor should we be doing this now to be honest, but we've got a Comms Gate to Earth, so we can play tonight!"
"Sweet! We can break our losing streak! Come on in!" Xailin told them, sending them an invite a moment later to join the group of their old university friends.
"But, how did you get that approved?" Hannah'rah asked Daniel, muting them for a moment.
"Affinity worked her magic. The comms gate was just sitting there on the station, active and underutilised, so I managed to push a request through for therapy."
"Therapy?"
"What? Wiping the enemy team is therapeutic, isn't it?" he asked, getting to his feet and offering her his hand. “Level 5 and above VIs have a therapist mode, and they can pull a few strings if they conclude it’s necessary.”
“There’s the Techboy I know,” she smiled as she accepted his hand, unmuting them and hitting join.
-----------------------------
Daniel dove for cover as his shield hit zero, managing to get behind a pillar before he took another hit from the pulse repeater the drone nearby was unloading on him. He plucked a magnetic grenade from his belt, armed it, and blindly tossed it roughly where the shots were coming from. He heated an explosion, followed by a second one when the drone impacted the ground. He then looked out of cover, confirming the drone's destruction, and then checked to see how the golden Dragon was getting on with the tank, realising that the torn up turret was already halfway down the street, and Xailin was just tearing it into chunks to, which quickly become cover destroying projectiles.
He looked up to see the enemy team's silver Dragon diving down on him, only for a missile to silently launch from the building Hannah'rah had gone into moments before. The missile impacted the enemy Dragon, and they were taken out of the fight, their body despawning before it hit the ground. Daniel used the momentary distraction to break from cover and cross the street, making it almost all the way before a machine gun lit him up, cracking his barely restored shield and bouncing a couple of rounds off of his armour before he reached his next piece of cover. There was a loud crack as Mark’rah took out the machine gunner with his 50mm rifle, and Daniel managed to push his momentary clearing to dive into the target building.
As he began to run up the stairs, he managed to make out a frantic scrabbling as his target prepared to run, which only confirmed which floor his target was on. He stopped and turned, facing directly towards the source of the noise, and began to charge, relying on his power armour to demolish the walls as he ran. He heard someone let out a small scream as he reached his destination, and brought his armoured fist down on his target, crushing the skull of the Dwarf and quickly forcing their body to despawn. He then quickly dropped down on one knee and picked up their uplink, inserting a datajack into the port. A few moments later, the holo display returned ‘Access Granted’, and he linked the enemy’s drones to his link, assuming full control over them. Most of the enemy team began to fall back and destroy their drones once they realised what had happened, knocking out around a quarter, but it wasn’t enough, and Daniel managed to wipe out almost all of the enemy team in seconds.
Daniel heard a noise nearby, and he quickly readied his SMG, only to see another power armour user running towards him through the hole he made. He raised his weapon and dumped the mag into them, breaking their shield but not penetrating their armour. He dropped his weapon and readied a grenade, but he was knocked to the ground before he could make use of it. The two of them began to roll around, fighting to lock the other down, but he was dismayed to find that his opponent was using premium power armour, and was therefore stronger and harder to shake off.
Cursing the poor game design, he decided to take the easy victory for his team, and primed one of the grenades still in his pouch. His opponent realised what was happening, and quickly pinned his arms down, allowing Daniel to headbutt him instead, but there was little effect on either of them. He then wove a leg between the enemies, and managed to make their footing slip when he straightened it. Pushing his advantage, he rolled them over and managed to get one hand free. He finished arming his last grenade, but his opponent managed to knock it from his hand before it went off.
Out of ideas, Daniel prepared to break away and head for a window where a drone could help, but before he could, an armoured fist slipped down past his head, and the tip of the large spike fixed to the attached arm touched the helmet of his opponent, causing it to deploy a sharp metal spear that pierced clean through their armour and skull. He looked up at the owner to see Hannah’rah, happy, but also slightly displeased.
“Yeah, I should have called for help,” he told her, knowing exactly what was coming.
“Knowing and doing are two different things. You do that on the job, and you won’t be able to know that you should have afterwards.”
“Thanks for the assist, though.”“You’re welcome, just please don’t try that grenade stunt IRL,” she pleaded.
“Don’t worry, I’m not planning on it,” he assured her as she helped him to his feet.
“Well, that’s the game,” she told him, looking at the victory screen in front of her.
“Back to the lobby we go,” he replied.
The area around them quickly faded and brought them into an armoury with Xailin and Mark’rah, and the avatars of Casillia, Kilakthen, Stalika, and Ttragtum respawned.
“That was amazing!” Kilakthen exclaimed. “Hannah’rah, that Dragon kill! And Daniel, actually holding out against that BS OP power armour! How did you manage that?”
“The skill supplement system doesn’t have shit on real experience. It’s not flexible enough to deal with someone fighting competently without the system. Throw an atypical move at them, and it doesn’t know what to do,” Daniel explained.
“And since when was the Silent Striker so effective, Hannah’rah?”
“When I was trained to actually use it, or the real weapon it’s based on anyway,” she replied.
“I suppose you’ve both had your hands on the real stuff, haven’t you? You both know how to use everything effectively,” Xailin commented.
“Not so much me. I mean, I’ve had CQC training, but not heavy weapons,” Daniel replied, bringing in Hannah’rah for a hug. “My little arm breaker here on the other hand….”
“Arm breaker?” Casillia asked. “Hannah’rah, did you break his arm while sparring or something?”
“Not his, and I didn’t break any arms, just dislocated the shoulders of a few people who really didn't know when to stop,” she told her.
“Hannah’rah…” Casillia trailed off.
“What? Don’t tell me there’s never been a situation when you just want to punch an asshole in the face to make them go away.”
“Well, of course, but-”
“Well, I was ordered to fight them, so I did, and they didn’t tap out in time,” Hannah’rah shrugged.
“Anyway,” Xailin began, shaking his head. “Are you both up for another round?”
“Love to, but it’s getting late, and we’ve both got a busy day tomorrow,” Daniel apologised. “This will probably be the last time we see each other for a fair while.”
“How long?” Xailin asked.
“Sorry, we can’t disclose details of our mission,” Hannah’rah apologised.
“Ah, damn. Well, bring us all something cool back from another planet, would ya?”
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What? I already posted one extra episode.
You weren’t really expecting two, were you? You’ll get it tomorrow, as per the normal schedule.

First, despite the date, I promise this is not an April Fools joke. I have been hunting for a specific Panasonic CRT from my childhood, which has specific nostalgic value for me. Long story short, this set had serious issues with the picture when I had it as a kid, and fixing it to the best of my ability became somewhat of a pet project for me when I was about 6 years old. I remember reading the manual for it over and over just for fun, dreaming of being able to set the picture settings to something resembling what it originally looked like out of the box. Needless to say, I had no real success with fixing it (it was pretty badly damaged, I'm not sure how this happened), but it was more about the journey than the destination for me.
Unfortunately, this particular set apparently broke for good around the time I was 19 - the plastic started falling apart, and my parents threw it out. At the time I had no attachment to it anymore - I guess I had buried the nostalgia since I had gotten super into LCDs and HD stuff by then - so I didn't really care that it was gone. But now that I'm back into CRTs, I genuinely miss this old set, and finding one of the same model has become a holy grail for me.
Thankfully, I remember the manual fairly well, and by looking at Panasonic manuals online, I believe the set I had was the CT-20620T (manual here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/507228/Panasonic-Ct20620t.html#product-CT20620T). It seems to be part of a small, little known collection of sets sold in the 90s, of which there seem to be only 3 (the CT-205115, the CT-20620T, and I think one other that isn't identified by model on this site - there may be more, but I haven't looked through every manual here obviously). This collection can be identified by the distinct remote shape as well as the layout of the on screen menu, which is different from the Panasonic models that most people are familiar with.
I have made an imgur album (https://imgur.io/a/bSdTYYi) pointing out the distinctive features of the set I had that I recognize in the manual for the CT-20620T. I am not 100% certain that there isn't some other model I haven't found that's closer to what I remember, but this is by far the closest I've found, and it fits my memories enough that I'd jump at the chance to buy it. Something I forgot to point out in the album is that I don't necessarily remember the remote having VCR buttons on it - but I also don't remember it not having VCR buttons, as I never paid that much attention to the remote. Another thing worth mentioning is that the front of this model looks identical to that of the CT-20G11U (which you can see in this ebay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/225424856409) - the difference is in the menu layout, as well as not having the audio out sockets in the back for external speakers.
I am looking for any assistance I can get in tracking down this model, as this is of great personal significance to me and seems to be somewhat rare. If anyone thinks they have it and can send pictures proving it's the one I'm looking for, I am willing to drive and pay cash for it (I'm in the southeast PA area, but I'm willing to do a bit of a road trip since this is so important to me). If I absolutely cannot find the one I'm looking for, after exhausting all my options, I may be willing to settle with one that's as similar as I can find. But if at all possible, I'd like to find the exact one - which, as of now, I strongly believe to be the CT-20620T. If anyone has any information you think may be helpful, please do not hesitate to post it here.
Thank you.

Update 4.1.19 is now live on Steam, Paradoxplaza and ModDB
-- Update 4.1.19 --

Major Features

• Added several major graphical and user interface improvements. We look forward to your feedback!
• Added trees in New Victoria and Port Maw to let two mortal enemies finally scrap it out (highly requested)
• Another round of minor tech and system balance changes mostly focused on targeted adjustments. The full details can be found here: https://pastebin.com/GLGnsf5m

Added

• Added additional scavenging results for a new timed national spirit and new tech bonuses, as well as replacing some existing broad tech bonuses with two more specific bonus options
• Added additional crossings and ports in some southeastern Texas provinces
• Added a new unique leader trait and advisor role to Cho Bang for Lone Star and Provisional Republic of Texas
• Added leader trait Stout Defender to Cho Bang at gamestart
• Added Basic Ballistic Weaponry and 5% Stability to Lone Star at gamestart
• Added a new idea to one of Lanius’s first events which is removed after the first five New Mexico wars
• Added the first tier of Enforcer tech to Lanius at gamestart
• Added Basic Ballistic Weaponry, Bike tech, Logistics tech, 10% Stability and 5% War Support to Santa Anna at gamestart
• Added 10% Stability and 5% War Support to Rio Grande at gamestart in exchange for the Rio in Flames focus now granting -5% Stability instead of +5% Stability
• Added 15% War Support to Tlaloc at gamestart
• Added 5% War Support to Navarro Territories at gamestart
• Added Support Equipment and CnC Scrapbots to Arroyo at gamestart
• Added 200 additional manpower to Navarro Territories at gamestart
• Added the first tech from Asymmetric Warfare to Painted Rock at gamestart

Changed

• Changed Default Stability and War Support modifiers to now be oriented around 50% correctly, meaning debuffs start below 50% and buffs start above 50%
• Changed the modifiers for low or high Stability and War Support to accommodate the above
• Changed the max World Tension War Support impact from 20% to 15%
• Changed tension generation from state annexation and war goal generation to be lower
• Changed Consumer Goods reductions from generic Subject/Master decisions to instead provide flat amounts of caps
• Changed the Followers of the Apocalypse to grant 5% less Monthly Population now that their old decisions are restored
• Changed the modifiers of some design companies for balance
• Changed the values of economic law node income modifiers somewhat
• Changed the node caps income multiplier from node value to be reduced by roughly 17%
• Changed many miscellaneous starting spirits for nations to be weaker or slightly adjusted
• Changed starting leader traits for Santa Anna, Ouroboros and Big Grass to be slightly stronger
• Changed some focuses, modifiers or events for Alamo Chapter to be slightly weaker or altered
• Changed the EPA focus from Allgood’s first branch to grant a stronger overall effect
• Changed some focuses in the NCR’s Mojave and Vote of No Confidence branches to be adjusted for balance
• Changed the effect values and focus lengths for some NCR focuses in the first Allgood and Kimball branches
• Changed some NCR focuses for Hayes to take different times with a net focus time reduction
• Changed some NCR focuses for Hayes to be slightly stronger or adjusted in their effects
• Changed the Hayes focus requiring an ally with Sophisticated Air to also accept owning the land of the Shi as a condition
• Changed Lanius’s early conquest focuses to now require small amounts of command power to take
• Changed many early Lanius focuses to be slightly stronger or altered
• Changed some advisor traits for Lanius to be slightly stronger
• Changed the requirements for the Towards Dog City focus bypassing to be more specific to slightly reduce the frequency of locking oneself out of focuses due to the automatic bypass
• Changed some focuses and modifiers for TAA to be slightly weaker or altered
• Changed the TAA’s starting additional stockpile to be slightly smaller
• Changed starting resources for some Alamo, Ironmongers and The Persuant states to be marginally lower
• Changed one of the two starting modifiers for The Persuant to grant slightly more speed in exchange for a percentual entrenchment penalty
• Changed the Economic Knowhow character trait to be stronger
• Changed many focuses in Lone Star to have improved balance or effect changes for quality of life
• Changed many focuses for Lone Star and Hand Warband to be shorter and adjusted some Hand Warband focus effects to compensate
• Changed the starting production lines for Lone Star to be expanded
• Changed some Lone Star states to start with more building slots
• Changed the Field Medic generic advisor trait to be stronger
• Changed the New Reno Christopher Wright advisor trait, the Macarthur Markham advisor trait and the Vault Nation Vault Defender advisor trait to be marginally weaker
• Changed the Ranger unit leader trait to grant smaller Spec Ops bonuses
• Changed the Texas Economic Union bonuses to also benefit building slots
• Changed the Legion Office of Slavery business to cost 150 instead of 100 political power
• Changed the starting modifiers of Cypher Warband and the First Peoples nations to be stronger
• Changed some modifiers as well as the robot focuses for Ouroboros to be stronger
• Changed some Montana Chapter focuses in the top left branch and leader specific branches to be slightly weaker or stronger
• Changed the Supply Consumption reductions from Roach King’s modifiers to be greater
• Changed some focuses and modifiers for Rio Grande’s Guerra Path to be slightly stronger
• Changed some focuses in the shared Lynette/Maier Vault City branch to have altered, stronger effects including better buffs or incentives for Enforcers
• Changed the Vault City lynette focus unlocking implants to also grant 3 25% research bonuses for the technology
• Changed some specific country Justify Wargoal Time reductions to be smaller
• Changed two focuses in the central branch and several focuses in the rightmost branch for Hangdogs to be adjusted for balance, mostly including buffs
• Changed WARDEN’s capstones to grant slight additional effects
• Changed an option in one of Santa Anna’s starting events to be marginally stronger
• Changed Santa Anna’s unit terrain bonuses to also benefit defense somewhat
• Changed the starting units for Desert Rangers to have marginally less experience
• Changed the starting templates for Navarro Territories to be larger

Fixed

• Fixed the Texan Economic Union accidentally starting with +2% to political power instead of -2%
• Fixed two MacArthur advisors mistakenly costing 10 instead of 100
• Fixed Desert Rangers starting with more Support Equipment than intended due to a coding error
• Fixed the Vault-Tec medical training advisor role penalizing monthly population rather than improving it
• Fixed the starting Four Fathers national spirit accidentally increasing stability instead of decreasing it
• Fixed some missing or erroneously assigned technology categories

Well I have been enjoying my 2008 Imac desktop all week playing some of my favorite games, Warthunder, Mortal online 2, BF5... Today i wake on saturday to literally blank screens on every title, every publisher. I can command+G and see the Geforce side menu, it just seems to be completely blank.
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Is there anything i can actually do? I had this issue with specifically origin games but eventually finally, it showed the origin log in and proper Geforce mosaic background... How can this service be this old and this horrible... I even pay for this thing now and i used to be in the open beta years ago!!
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I have tested my wifi speed online, all good, tested network on geforce app, measured 40 latency.. using wireless because i dont want to move my desk near that side of the apartment.

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Synopsis:
Juliette Contzen is a lazy, good-for-nothing princess. Overshadowed by her siblings, she's left with little to do but nap, read … and occasionally cut the falling raindrops with her sword. Spotted one day by an astonished adventurer, he insists on grading Juliette's swordsmanship, then promptly has a mental breakdown at the result.
Soon after, Juliette is given the news that her kingdom is on the brink of bankruptcy. At threat of being married off, the lazy princess vows to do whatever it takes to maintain her current lifestyle, and taking matters into her own hands, escapes in the middle of the night in order to restore her kingdom's finances.
Tags: Comedy, Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Copious Ohohohohos.
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Chapter 23: Valuing Crowns
Cedric Halls lay with his head in his hands, clearly desperate to block out the words he didn't wish were said.
Unfortunately for the guildmaster of Rolstein's louts … adventurers … no, louts, I'd already delivered everything I had to say. And I made sure I'd been heard. Feigning ignorance was a skill many possessed. This man, who practically had tears rolling down his face, was not one of them.
We were inside the common room of the Adventurer's Guild. It consisted of a reception desk, two bars and enough tables to seat as many adventurers as required to rouse the dawn.
Tonight, it was empty. And the only new patrons were not here to drink.
We were here to deliver news of Rolstein's resident alchemist. And also judge the disgustingness of the floorboards. My boots stuck to the ground as I walked. It was vile. And if I knew how to cast [Infernal Tornado], I would use it in the sad knowledge that it wouldn't be enough to scrub off the decades of accumulated ale that had gone unwashed on the floor.
Seated across from us at a dingy table was a man in the prime of his life. As a branch guildmaster of one of the continent's oldest institutions, it was a position which afforded him a modicum of respect from deadbeats, layabouts and sponges up and down the kingdom.
However, the nature of the spotted lilac poncho he sported, in combination with the tears which puffed up his eyes and shrunk his extra twirly moustache, made him by far the most suspicious looking individual I'd encountered today. Had he stumbled onto the scene while Marina Lainsfont was in the midst of throwing fireballs at me, I would not hesitate to turn my full attention on this fashion anarchist instead.
“Marina … I've known her since she was this high,” said the guildmaster, not actually demonstrating what height that was, but instead backhanding his own eyes to wipe away the tears. “She was always special … but to think that she'd betray us … betray Rolstein like this. It's almost unthinkable ...”
“Oh? Almost unthinkable. But not outright unthinkable. There have been incidents, I take it?”
The guildmaster sadly shook his head. I took that to mean a nod instead.
“She used to reside here, back when her mother was still with us. Those days were fine. She was just like any normal girl. But after the tragedy happened, I'd hear the strangest stories about her. The … magic she could do, even without training. Things that could concern any adult. And Thomas was no different. He took a stern view. Sterner than most.”
“What did she do?”
“The same things that any budding young mage did. Set things on fire. Except unlike other budding young mages, she never bothered putting them out again. It always concerned me how little empathy she showed. But after she left and came back, I thought that the matter was settled. Marina had taken up training as an alchemist, and seemed to have abandoned advancing her magic.”
The guildmaster took out a flask from his side, fiddled with the cap, then returned it without taking a gulp. It seemed he wished to experience the full misery of today's news without softening it.
The smallest reprimand for his failure to identify the source of the Withering.
“A polite young woman. That's how she was to me now. To everyone. She'd fallen out with her father, but that was not my business to pry in. As guildmaster and a citizen of this town, I was happy to have her services. It's clear that her abilities were beyond what this town could pay her. Yet I assumed it to be a charity born of nostalgia. Of fondness. I had little idea that it was the opposite. That she'd instead wish to bring harm to this town is … deeply regrettable.”
I shook my head.
To claim that this woman only sought to bring ruin to one insignificant farming town was a downgrade of her crimes. Of all her acts of high treason, successfully defacing the front of my attire with dust and debris was her most heinous.
It'd taken me entire seconds to dust it all off. As a princess, I had highborn dignitaries waiting months for a moment of my busy time. Those seconds would need to be reimbursed.
“Rolstein is not alone in its grief. I trust you understand the steps that must now be taken to avert further hardship to the lowlands?”
The guildmaster slowly nodded. The weight of his relationship with both the culprit and the region hung heavy over his shoulders.
“I do. Although I must confess now that apprehending Marina is the easier of the tasks ahead of me. Informing Thomas … now that is a task greater than facing down any monster. Did you glean any reasoning from her for her actions?”
“I did not. She opted to deliver a hopelessly uninspired monologue instead. It was eye rolling. She did not even attempt to impassion it with more than a few seconds of maniacal laughter. No, she escaped when her spell was foiled by my clever machinations.”
Beside me, Coppelia nodded with excessive exuberance.
Naturally, as my future handmaiden, she understood that I had planned for the presence of a giant deposit of arcana crystals just beneath the feet of our would-be destroyer, and that our survival was the result of immaculate brinkmanship honed through years of statecraft.
I absolutely did not ride my luck.
“Indeed … Rolstein, no, the kingdom owes you a great debt for the brilliance you've shown. To think that you could identify and expose the source of the Withering the moment you arrived in this town, when those of us who have lived here with the culprit beneath our very noses were so blind to her ruse. It is an unforgivable mistake on our part.”
“A mistake, but not one made of incompetence, but loyalty. To believe in the goodness of those you have shared a table with is not a crime. It's the cog that drives the econo—I mean, the people to greater heights. To doubt your neighbours is to doubt us all. Do not allow this betrayal to spur you to distrust and apprehension.”
I stood up, leaving the guildmaster to his open mouth and the flask he clearly wished to indulge in. Coppelia joined me, but not before glancing at the kegs piled up behind the nearest bar.
I had to pause at that. Did clockwork dolls consume alcohol? Or any liquid, for that matter? Where would it … go?
“Wait.”
The guildmaster stood up also.
He dented his brows, then slung his fist into his chest.
I could only recoil slightly in alarm. Was this some sign of farewell appropriate for commoners? I could hear the thunk as his fist slammed against his chest! Was inflicting pain upon oneself a common gesture among the peasantry?
“I must apologise. Earlier, I had not shown the respect the both of you deserved. Allow me to officially thank you for your services to Rolstein.”
My, so that's what it was!
An apology.
And yet I saw no prostrating on the ground. Given the state of the floorboards, I would be inclined to forgive anyone who threw themselves on it.
Still, I suppose his inconsolable grief at missing the culprit hiding under his tenure gave partial room to forgive the slight. And he was a commoner. A poorly dressed commoner in a spotted lilac poncho. His life must already be of supreme hardship.
“The apology is not needed, guildmaster. Should you endeavour to hold Marina Lainsfont to account, then that is all the redress I require.”
The man nodded, his hand slowly falling from his chest.
“Juliette … and Coppelia. For all your efforts, I do not know who the both of you are. You are not adventurers. Nor are you associated with the local nobility.”
And how glad that I wasn't. One was a group of paid hooligans. And the other were adventurers.
“I am a proud citizen of this kingdom,” I said. “And this is my future handmaid. You need not know anything else, other than the fact we are performing our just duties to crown and country.”
Coppelia raised her hand.
“Actually, I'm an assistant librarian. And I'm not a citizen of this kingdom. Seriously, this is important. I'm not paying taxes. I mean, I don't anyway. But I'm definitely not paying any here. I've seen where your money goes. Really, the amount of portraits of your king—”
“R-Regardless, our goals are noble and pure! Something foul creeps across this fair land. And we shall see it sent back over sea and mountain.”
The guildmaster looked between myself and Coppelia. He took in the girl beside me, hesitated slightly, then turned to me with a look of utmost seriousness.
“I see the desire for righteousness burns in your eyes. Do you intend to take that flame wherever you go?”
“Why, naturally, I do.”
I smiled confidently. The guildmaster relaxed.
“Excellent! Then I take it you also have the funds, provisions and transportation necessary to see out your quest?”
I looked up in thought.
How many crowns did I have again? It was whatever amount I'd scooped up from behind the barkeeper's counter. What provisions would that buy? I had only the cost of my books for reference. And transportation ...
Ah!
“I have a horse. His name is Apple.”
“The draft horse belonging to Thomas?”
“It was destined for Marina Lainsfont. Given recent events, I'm requisitioning him for my use. Speaking of which, I believe he's still stabled outside the store. I'll need to fetch him quite soon ...”
“Wait!”
The guildmaster called out to me once again as I turned to leave.
Really! Now this was becoming aggravating. Apple was likely extremely puzzled at the lack of anyone to tell him where to walk, trot or stand still. And he had the last apple in the saddlebags. If I didn't stamp my authority, he might claim it for himself.
“Those with a noble purpose, seeking to right the wrongs of this land, have ever gravitated towards a single trade,” said the guildmaster, holding himself suddenly higher. “As the Old Companions of past years once did, these courageous men and women gather together not beneath a banner, but the chorus of song and kinship. I would offer the both of you a commission, and to induct you into the ranks of the Adventurer's Guild—”
“No.”
“Assistant librarian. Taken.”
The guildmaster blinked, his rightmost ear turned slightly towards us, as if in more disbelief than of anything else he'd heard today.
“R-Really? No? Are you, uh, certain? We ask of you nothing but your name and your vow to serve the people. If I must say so, to join the guild is a coveted dream of many. There is usually an arduous application process, letters of commendation, trials of valour, weapon skill examinations ...”
For the first time in my life, I was rendered speechless.
Not because I didn't know what to say. But because there were too many competing words wishing to fight for a place to summarily reject this man's offer.
I could scarcely believe it. He was asking me—a princess of the kingdom—if I wished to abandon my urgent commitments to righting the kingdom to … whatever adventurers did when they weren't brawling in bars or breaking and entering into private property.
I had a list longer than my breakfast menu on how many issues I had to solve. I had revolution to the north, war to the east, pirates to the west and criminal syndicates, monsters, common brigands, holes in the ground, snowfall in our forests and now an escaped naked pyromaniac somewhere in between.
Suffice to say, I had no time to beat up fruit slimes for entertainment.
“I … I see … a shame,” said the guildmaster, shoulders slumped. “Indeed, it is this rejection of the old path that makes you all the more suitable. But I suppose that not all seek a guild ranking for their endeavours. In fact, I'd wager that most only seek the crowns. But if neither fame nor fortune appeals to you, then the guild has little else we can offer.”
Goodness, at last, this man had the right of it!
I already had both fame and fortune. What need had I for more? Indeed, were I not masterfully incognito, none would mistake me as some … what did that woman dare accuse me of being? Some bored nobleman's daughter? Ugh. The indignity of it.
Whatever! The fact is that I was already incredibly famous and wealthy. That this man would seek to offer me more of what I had in abundance was laughable.
“Allow me to see you to the door. Will you be staying the night in Rolstein, before travelling to your next port of call?”
I didn't move from my spot.
“Ohhohoho! W-Well, of course! Circumstances, however, have made the logistics of securing accommodation challenging. Do you have a … recommendation? Perhaps a well ventilated establishment which does not boast a bar as its main point of draw?”
The man thumbed his extra twirly moustache.
“A tall order, I'm afraid. Rolstein only has two inns I would truly call reputable. Between them, I recommend the Black Fowl. It's more expensive, but the baron himself stays there when he visits.”
Already, I felt the cold fingers of apprehension pinching the back of my neck.
The Black Fowl. What a terribly … inn like name.
“I see ...” I mentally counted the amount of coins I'd borrowed from the barkeeper. “I have 6 silver crowns, 37 copper crowns, and one crown which may either be gold or copper depending on how the light shines on it. How many days of provisions and nights in an … inn will that provide me?”
He paused and thought about it.
“At the Black Fowl? It's 5 silver crowns a night. You're short 3 copper crowns for two nights, but the proprietor can be haggled down with a smile.”
“I see. One night's stay. And provisions?”
“A fine meal of bread, cheese and salted beef.”
“… And how many days is that?”
“A third of a day. It's one meal.”
“Okay.” I pursed my lips. “What if the one ambiguous crown is a gold crown?”
“It's almost assuredly a copper crown.”
“You haven't seen it yet.”
“It's a copper crown, ma'am.”
I stared at him.
These prices … I did not understand them!
My books cost 250 gold crowns! Each! That felt … reasonable? Maybe? It was … well, it was difficult to tell! Naturally, the production of books was a highly skilled affair, so it made reasonable sense that the cost would reflect that ...
Yet even so!
To think that A Court Lady's Indiscretion, Vol. III had cost me the equivalent of … 500 days in an inn?!
Wasn't that discrepancy too much … ?
Had I … Had I perhaps paid above the accepted market rate … ?
“Uh … are you well? You appear a little shaken. Do you, um, perhaps not have the funds on hand to see through your entire quest?”
… And now a commoner was looking at me with concern!
A commoner!
No, no, no, no. This was … This was no issue whatsoever! I had little funds and nothing in the way of an income stream, yes, which was a problem if I wished to pay for anything—
Fortunately, I had no such wish! I could simply execute a royal requisition order! Ohhohohoho!
But … wait, wasn't I incognito?
Why, the optics of merely strolling in and demanding everything without payment was terrible! I'd look like some common robber, as opposed to royalty! There was a huge difference there!
Did … Did that mean I had to … to …
Work?
To … earn income?
Like a commoner? Or nobility? Or anyone not me?
“Um … are you okay? You … You look very pale? Do you perhaps need to lie down? Something to drink, perhaps? It's … It's clearly been a very tiring day for you. My apologies, I should have taken that into consideration. Please, if you'll wait a moment, I'll just get you something to—”
I sat back down at the table, my body shaking with trepidation.
No! This was not time to falter! I am Juliette Contzen, Third Princess to the Kingdom of Tirea! No matter what challenges I must … I must be hold my head high and face it with the poise of a knight in a tournament!
“For … For my lifestyle needs, I'm willing to suffer any disgrace ...”
“... Huh?”
“T-That's right! No matter how humiliating! No matter how demeaning! No matter how close to the ground I crawl! I … I will do whatever it takes to see this kingdom flourish!”
“That's ... uh, that's highly noble of you. And I promise, if I can do anything in my power to assist, I shall. Rolstein owes you that much.”
Seeing the guildmaster unsure of whether to stay or call for a flagon of water, I swallowed a deep breath.
“What … what income … can an adventurer … expect … ?”
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