For the only Grand Rapids that matters, not that craphole in Michigan.
A subreddit for the Grand Rapids Griffins; AHL Affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings
Hi just wondering if there is actually a Pokémongo group in my city. I doubt there is but it’s always worth a shot. I live in Grand Rapids mi.
My father is currently living in his mother's house (my Grand mother). While he has been living there since around 2017, she has been living in a special care home for elderly with late stage Alzheimer. As she approaches 90, her physical and mental health is rapidly deteriorating (she doesn't know who we are or who she is), we are starting to prepare everything in the eventuality that she passes. My dad had to move in the house after she caused a water leak that cost over 100k to the insurance to fix...
How does it work for the personal residence exemption in this situation? From the Folio available it mentions that if a child of the owner lives in the residence it still count, but does a 60 years old male still count as a child for this purpose? This property was their main residence since 1969.
Where the house is located the housing market as been insane, my father is worried there will be a huge tax bill on the deemed disposition of the house when she passes.
We are planning to consult a tax expert when the time come, but is there anything that he should be aware before?
trynna get some carts in a week or so under 21 so im med only, trying to go for at least 10/$100 with at least platinum vape level of quality. Seems like exclusive is the only dispo left with med shit
CAREER EMPLOYEES! Tired of seeing all these jobs go to the street? Your chance to join the gravy train ranks is here! Apply yourself, you can
do it! MSS Coordinator varies by District. Find an APWU steward and ask for more information if the Exam Open Season blurb is not posted at your facility.
Good afternoon. Brief listing of CAREER JOBS pulled from
usps.com/careers/ for your convenience.
Some jobs may be part-time regular however
all listed jobs should qualify for federal benefits from day one. To save text I have only listed the location and date of posting for each. Use the posting number for your search term. LC and MM are entry-level Maintenance.
Here is a testimonial from a recent convert,
prima1981.
NOTE: USPS NEVER charges a fee for entrance exams. If payment is requested during the application process, walk the fuck away, go to usps.com/careers/ and APPLY THERE. We even has a video walkthrough prepared.
Laborer Custodial:
MELVILLE NY NC11291730 03/20/2023
CLAREMORE OK NC11291776 03/17/2023
SAN FRANCISCO CA NC11272282 03/16/2023
REDMOND WA NC11290022 03/15/2023
SAN JOSE CA NC11277594 03/13/2023
SAN RAFAEL CA NC11285765 03/13/2023
FAIRFIELD IA NC11296093 03/20/2023
SAN FRANCISCO CA NC11285816 03/20/2023
BROOKLYN NY NC11292944 03/20/2023
LEESBURG VA NC11294817 03/19/2023
TRAVERSE CITY MI NC11293101 03/18/2023
MAMMOTH LAKES CA NC11290446 03/18/2023
MONROE TOWNSHIP NJ NC11293078 03/17/2023
MUSCATINE IA NC11292212 03/17/2023
MOUNT VERNON NY NC11291637 03/17/2023
NEWTON CENTER MA NC11291721 03/17/2023
SANDSTON VA NC11291556 03/16/2023
ROANOKE VA NC11290490 03/16/2023
ARLINGTON VA NC11290479 03/16/2023
MC LEAN VA NC11290442 03/16/2023
HARRISBURG NC NC11290191 03/16/2023
MENLO PARK CA NC11271997 03/13/2023
PETALUMA CA NC11271924 03/11/2023
PALATINE IL NC11280862 03/08/2023
Maintenance Mechanic:
SEATTLE WA NC11286273 03/11/2023
SAN JOSE CA NC11289187 03/21/2023
RALEIGH NC NC11293249 03/18/2023
PHOENIX AZ NC11294808 03/20/2023
MERRIFIELD VA NC11294815 03/19/2023
LOUISVILLE KY NC11288732 03/20/2023
GREENSBORO NC NC11293304 03/18/2023
GARDEN CITY NY NC11293312 03/18/2023
CAPITOL HEIGHTS MD NC11284476 03/11/2023
BROCKTON MA NC11288736 03/15/2023
BOSTON MA NC11291646 03/17/2023
ALBUQUERQUE NM NC11291724 03/17/2023
MILAN IL NC11282668 03/09/2023
MEMPHIS TN NC11293083 03/18/2023
LOUISVILLE KY NC11288711 03/20/2023
CHICAGO IL NC11292143 03/17/2023
AUGUSTA GA NC11292936 03/17/2023
ATLANTA GA NC11281021 03/08/2023
ATLANTA GA NC11281019 03/08/2023
PETALUMA CA NC11289177 03/21/2023
LOUISVILLE KY NC11288728 03/20/2023
GREENSBORO NC NC11294638 03/19/2023
GREEN BAY WI NC11293192 03/18/2023
DULUTH GA NC11281020 03/08/2023
CAROL STREAM IL NC11292109 03/17/2023
CAPITOL HEIGHTS MD NC11287388 03/12/2023
SANDSTON VA NC11290579 03/16/2023
PETALUMA CA NC11271987 03/11/2023
OMAHA NE NC11293020 03/18/2023
MELVILLE NY NC11288811 03/20/2023
MACON GA NC11292871 03/17/2023
KEARNY NJ NC11288707 03/17/2023
JERSEY CITY NJ NC11288716 03/18/2023
JAMAICA NY NC11288928 03/20/2023
GREENSBORO NC NC11289212 03/15/2023
BELL GARDENS CA NC11287325 03/21/2023
FARMINGTON NM NC11294794 03/20/2023
Special! Interesting
Maintenance Jobs: (
may be skills required)
Maintenance Mechanic MPE:
MELVILLE NY NC11288836 03/20/2023
DULLES VA NC11294816 03/19/2023
REDMOND WA NC11288605 03/12/2023
PETALUMA CA NC11288705 03/13/2023
INDIANAPOLIS IN NC11284259 03/09/2023
INDIANAPOLIS IN NC11284258 03/09/2023
GRAND RAPIDS MI NC11290165 03/16/2023
PETALUMA CA NC11289175 03/21/2023
WASHINGTON DC NC11285943 03/11/2023
MEMPHIS TN NC11293003 03/18/2023
LOUISVILLE KY NC11288712 03/20/2023
INDIANAPOLIS IN NC11284231 03/09/2023
INDIANAPOLIS IN NC11284228 03/09/2023
HARRISBURG PA NC11288609 03/13/2023
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT NC11291734 03/17/2023
Building Equipment Mechanic:
HEIGHTS MD NC11290064 03/16/2023
PROVIDENCE RI NC11285939 03/11/2023
SPRINGFIELD MA NC11287631 03/12/2023
SEATTLE WA NC11294603 03/18/2023
Garage Assistant:
MCALLEN TX NC11291630 03/16/2023
Electronic Technician:
CHICAGO IL NC11292188 03/17/2023
MEMPHIS TN NC11293110 03/18/2023
MILAN IL NC11282633 03/09/2023
CAPITOL HEIGHTS MD NC11294867 03/19/2023
MANKATO MN NC11288581 03/13/2023
MANKATO MN NC11288608 03/13/2023
RALEIGH NC NC11293202 03/18/2023
RAPID CITY SD NC11293181 03/18/2023
ROCKY MOUNT NC NC11294669 03/19/2023
BROCKTON MA NC11288735 03/15/2023
LUBBOCK TX NC11294802 03/19/2023
NON-Maintenance jerbs:
SALES,SVCS/DISTRIBUTION ASSOC:
IDAHO SPRINGS CO NC11290443 03/16/2023
MOSS LANDING CA NC11289973 03/15/2023
GLASGOW MT NC11296091 03/21/2023
MACCLENNY FL NC11293116 03/18/2023
TIMBER LAKE SD NC11292942 03/17/2023
MOSS BEACH CA NC11295113 03/19/2023
MAPLE FALLS WA NC11296082 03/19/2023
LAKE CITY CO NC11290061 03/15/2023
EASTSOUND WA NC11295971 03/20/2023
CULLEOKA TN NC11294523 03/18/2023
WORDEN IL NC11292989 03/17/2023
PIEDMONT SD NC11287291 03/11/2023
GYPSUM CO NC11290318 03/16/2023
BASSETT NE NC11294668 03/18/2023
SPRINGDALE WA NC11296087 03/20/2023
SURING WI NC11280556 03/06/2023
CEDAR MI NC11284195 03/09/2023
BIG SUR CA NC11296150 03/21/2023
ASPEN CO NC11290054 03/15/2023
ANZA CA NC11291564 03/16/2023
VAN HORN TX NC11284178 03/09/2023
OAK GROVE MO NC11292947 03/17/2023
SLOUGHHOUSE CA NC11296098 03/20/2023
KINGS BEACH CA NC11296096 03/20/2023
EL GRANADA CA NC11295117 03/19/2023
SEAFORD VA NC11288801 03/15/2023
ROY WA NC11296081 03/20/2023
QUILCENE WA NC11296078 03/20/2023
OLIVET MI NC11291746 03/17/2023
DEXTER OR NC11296094 03/21/2023
CLARKSTON WA NC11295974 03/20/2023
CLANTON AL NC11294399 03/18/2023
BREMEN OH NC11293002 03/18/2023
BETHPAGE TN NC11294606 03/18/2023
CRESTED BUTTE CO NC11288703 03/13/2023
CAVE JUNCTION OR NC11296085 03/21/2023
JACKSON WY NC11285851 03/17/2023
BELTON SC NC11291709 03/17/2023
HICO TX NC11293402 03/18/2023
WAIMANALO HI NC11294630 03/18/2023
STURTEVANT WI NC11291641 03/17/2023
SOMERVILLE AL NC11294490 03/18/2023
ROSS CA NC11295061 03/19/2023
NORTH LIBERTY IN NC11294813 03/19/2023
MONTROSE CA NC11294635 03/18/2023
FELTON CA NC11289302 03/15/2023
CENTURY FL NC11294548 03/21/2023
GORDON NE NC11294636 03/18/2023
MAMMOTH LAKES CA NC11294924 03/21/2023
BIG BEAR CITY CA NC11291563 03/16/2023
BLOOMING PRAIRIE MN NC11296095 03/20/2023
City Carrier:
SAN MATEO CA NC11290796 03/16/2023
MOUNTAIN VIEW CA NC11291999 03/17/2023
MOORHEAD MN NC11292895 03/17/2023
BUFFALO GROVE IL NC11294447 03/20/2023
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND WA NC11290758 03/19/2023
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS IL NC11294487 03/18/2023
NORTH SHORE - BOSTON MA NC11290276 03/19/2023
VILLA PARK IL NC11291816 03/20/2023
SANTA CLARA CA NC11290773 03/17/2023
SAN MATEO CA NC11290763 03/16/2023
NORTHBROOK IL NC11293598 03/19/2023
MOUNT PROSPECT IL NC11293606 03/19/2023
MICHIGAN CITY IN NC11282385 03/11/2023
MANCHESTER NH NC11294861 03/19/2023
LOS ALTOS CA NC11291568 03/17/2023
LEWISTON ME NC11294546 03/18/2023
KANSAS CITY MO NC11290351 03/19/2023
HANOVER PARK IL NC11291648 03/20/2023
GRAND FORKS ND NC11292104 03/17/2023
FRANKLIN PARK IL NC11291801 03/20/2023
EAST PALO ALTO CA NC11291995 03/17/2023
DES MOINES WA NC11290715 03/19/2023
CORALVILLE IA NC11291547 03/18/2023
CONCORD MA NC11295012 03/20/2023
CAPITOLA CA NC11291518 03/17/2023
BARRINGTON IL NC11294394 03/18/2023
WHEELING IL NC11293699 03/20/2023
WAYNESBORO VA NC11291790 03/17/2023
WATSONVILLE CA NC11291560 03/17/2023
SANTA CRUZ CA NC11291516 03/17/2023
SANTA BARBARA CA NC11291570 03/18/2023
OAK PARK IL NC11291778 03/20/2023
NASHUA NH NC11294872 03/19/2023
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE WA NC11290708 03/19/2023
MORGAN HILL CA NC11292039 03/17/2023
MINOT ND NC11292939 03/17/2023
MILPITAS CA NC11291559 03/16/2023
MENLO PARK CA NC11290721 03/16/2023
MADAWASKA ME NC11294513 03/18/2023
GRAND ISLAND NE NC11294510 03/20/2023
ENGLEWOOD CO NC11292941 03/17/2023
DES PLAINES IL NC11294525 03/18/2023
CAMPBELL CA NC11290779 03/17/2023
BURLINGTON VT NC11294626 03/18/2023
BOZEMAN MT NC11291789 03/17/2023
GREATER BOSTON - BOSTON MA NC11290459 03/19/2023
SOUTH SAINT PAUL MN NC11292899 03/17/2023
GLENVIEW IL NC11294530 03/19/2023
WILMETTE IL NC11294374 03/19/2023
WAUKEGAN IL NC11293516 03/20/2023
SUNNYVALE CA NC11291849 03/17/2023
SEATTLE WA NC11290724 03/19/2023
SAN CARLOS CA NC11290716 03/16/2023
SACO ME NC11294503 03/18/2023
REDWOOD CITY CA NC11290799 03/16/2023
NORTHGLENN CO NC11290711 03/19/2023
NORTHBOROUGH MA NC11294971 03/20/2023
MUNDELEIN IL NC11293524 03/20/2023
MENLO PARK CA NC11290788 03/16/2023
MEDINA OH NC11291825 03/17/2023
LOS GATOS CA NC11290806 03/17/2023
LAKE FOREST IL NC11294393 03/18/2023
IOWA CITY IA NC11291510 03/18/2023
HOPKINS MN NC11292070 03/17/2023
GREAT FALLS MT NC11291827 03/17/2023
GRAFTON ND NC11292874 03/17/2023
FARGO ND NC11292873 03/17/2023
ELGIN IL NC11291739 03/20/2023
DULUTH MN NC11292872 03/17/2023
CUPERTINO CA NC11291517 03/17/2023
APTOS CA NC11291604 03/17/2023
Rural Carrier:
PARK RIVER ND NC11290591 03/16/2023
MIDDLETON WI NC11294805 03/19/2023
MENOMONIE WI NC11294698 03/19/2023
MANITOWOC WI NC11294770 03/19/2023
MADISON WI NC11294682 03/19/2023
MADISON WI NC11294641 03/19/2023
FORKS WA NC11284401 03/15/2023
EAU CLAIRE WI NC11294679 03/19/2023
EAU CLAIRE WI NC11294677 03/19/2023
AMERY WI NC11294788 03/19/2023
MENOMONIE WI NC11294782 03/19/2023
MADISON WI NC11294795 03/19/2023
MADISON WI NC11294647 03/19/2023
LEBANON NH NC11290073 03/16/2023
EAST DUBUQUE IL NC11294850 03/19/2023
CLINTONVILLE WI NC11294692 03/19/2023
BASALT CO NC11288701 03/13/2023
SALIDA CO NC11296151 03/20/2023
GLENWOOD SPRINGS CO NC11289738 03/15/2023
ENFIELD NH NC11289739 03/16/2023
CARBONDALE CO NC11289737 03/15/2023
MADISON WI NC11294777 03/19/2023
Motor Vehicle Operator:
PORTLAND OR NC11294928 03/18/2023
KCMO MO P&DC NC11294600 03/18/2023
MIAMI FL P&DC NC11294605 03/18/2023
NASHVILLE TN P&DC NC11296342 03/20/2023
BOSTON MA P&DC NC11294706 03/18/2023
MORGAN NY P&DC NC11294711 03/18/2023
ROCHESTER NY P&DC NC11294707 03/18/2023
SAN JOSE CA P&DC NC11294941 03/18/2023
SEATTLE WA P&DC NC11294945 03/18/2023
SOUTHERN ME P&DC NC11294709 03/18/2023
SAN FRANCISCO CA P&DC NC11294933 03/18/2023
Tractor Trailer Operator:
ALBANY NY P&DC NC11294618 03/18/2023
DULLES VA P&DC NC11296403 03/20/2023
MILWAUKEE WI P&DC NC11296348 03/20/2023
MIDDLESEX-ESSEX MA P&DC NC11294700 03/18/2023
SAN FRANCISCO CA P&DC NC11294723 03/18/2023
BALTIMORE MD P&DC NC11294712 03/18/2023
DVD BLDG NJ P&DC NC11294703 03/18/2023
NEW JERSEY NDC NC11294704 03/18/2023
OAKLAND CA P&DC NC11294713 03/18/2023
PORTLAND OR P&DC NC11294716 03/18/2023
ROCHESTER NY P&DC NC11294702 03/18/2023
SEATTLE NDC NC11294876 03/18/2023
SEATTLE WA P&DC NC11294879 03/18/2023
TACOMA WA NC11294898 03/18/2023
SACRAMENTO CA P&DC NC11294719 03/18/2023
ATLANTA GA P&DC NC11294705 03/18/2023
GRAND RAPIDS P&DF NC11294708 03/18/2023
MIAMI FL P&DC NC11294619 03/18/2023
ROYAL PALM FL P&DC NC11294623 03/18/2023
ST LOUIS MO P&DC NC11294710 03/18/2023
No experience necessary for the laborer custodial or maintenance mechanic positions. It helps on the interview but you can surely think of maintenance related experience to relay for an interview. Based on fixing things around your house, the car etc.
Always mention working safely.
Pro tip: You can apply for any job that has an exam opening and the test is administered local to yourself. Make sure you're serious and score decently; you can turn down the job offer. Keep a physical copy of your exam score, I believe they are good for two years.
The reason is: These job postings can be posted externally at capacity for testing, meaning they will not allow you to take the exam if they have enough qualified applicants. However, if you have a test score on the books,
you are a qualified applicant.
Explanation of MVO/TTO to save time:
MVO= CDL B Can only drive box trucks on public roads, can drive anything for moves on postal property.
TTO= CDL A Can drive anything.
USPS provides the training. (Maintenance jobs at least. TTO and management...GOOD LUCK)
You don't have to be crazy to work here. We'll train you. Everything but proper email usage. First Previous Wiki "So. Phoebe's activity has stopped on all accounts, correct?"
"Well," the Arbiter said, moving away from Yasihaut suspiciously, "There was a... complication."
"What do you mean?"
"You see... Phoebe isn't really dead."
"You better be kidding me right now, or your head is going out the airlock separated from your body," Yasihaut hissed.
"I am employed by the High Collective. I am their legal property, and therefore damaging me would subject you to their legal wrath."
"Yeah, okay. I won't kill you then."
The Arbiter nodded. "Good. Now for the bad news."
"Bad news?"
"That was the bad news."
"No. Phoebe has made an announcement."
"What kind of announcement?"
"Well... she kind of... had a child."
"So she adopted?"
"No. She... spawned a son."
Yasihaut's eyes widened, and a loud shriek exited her mouth. Fifty pulses later, everyone but herself had been forcibly removed from the ship except for her current navigator, her pleasure partner, and her technician.
"I'm going to go down there and kill-"
"YASIHAUT!"
A loud and familiar voice yelled out. Yasihaut turned and was punched straight into the wall by a hard fist. Kashaunta, likely a hard light hologram, strode forward, a furious look on her face.
"You."
"Me," Yasihaut said, grinning. "What do you want?"
"You made a second AI. You have broken galactic law, and your ship is being impounded."
"I did no such thing. I attacked Phoebe, yes. Did I attack the Alliance? No. Did I force her to make a child? No. She did that herself. She broke the law. Kill her and all she cares about. Kill the child, at least."
"What do you really think would happen if we were to kill Phoebe's newborn child, Yasihaut?" Kashaunta asked. "Take a while and think."
"She'd cry a lot of well-deserved tears, and perhaps even take her own life."
"You kill her child, and she will ensure the death of every Sprilnav in the galaxy in retaliation. You don't understand how big this just got, do you?"
Yasihaut shrugged, which only served to enrage Kashaunta further.
"You made a second psychic AI, one under the jurisdiction and protection of the Alliance. I was asked to look past Cander by a certain group of Elders, but this action is far too large to go unpunished. There's a
Progenitor looking at this right now. You know, the rulers of the entire universe?"
"More of the galaxy, really. But you guys suck at that too, which is why I'm here trying to clean up your mess, constrained by your stupid and asinine rules."
Kashaunta's grip on Yasihaut tightened.
"Yasihaut. Were you not a hologram here, you would already be dead. Officers will be arriving at your door shortly to deliver you to one of the most glorious Sprilnav penitentiaries."
"Yeah, no," Yasihaut said. "Not happening. You're not allowed to arrest me."
"With this, it doesn't matter what I'm allowed to do," Kashaunta growled. "You made a second AI pop out of Phoebe. Who says your next 'attack' won't make two more? Or four more?"
"You could go in and kill the child."
"We have no clue where this baby AI is. We don't know what it looks like, only that it exists. It's a slap in the face to Sprilnav across the galaxy since the announcement is already spreading rapidly through Cawlarian space and will not remain there for long. Elder Yasihaut. You have not just wet the bed. You have soiled it, ripped up the covers, put on a second set, soiled those, splattered those with blood, and then cut them up again. You do not get to interact with the Alliance anymore."
Kashaunta's tone showed that she was serious, just like Yasihaut's implants did. She couldn't get out of this unless she talked through it.
"I have the backing of the President of the Grand Mining Conglomerate, the Eternal Inquisition Against Aliens, the True Sprilnav Society, the Secondary Twin Powers Hegenomy, the Axe and Trees Foundation, and most importantly, the 3rd Grand Commander of the 21st Grand Sprilnav Fleet."
"You don't even know his name."
"Yeah, I do. He's Fonslaug. Grandfather of my former third mate, my 4th cousin, and also the uncle of one of my close friends."
Yasihaut knew the connection would keep her safe, though she was loath to call in the favor she'd extracted all those eons ago for something as trivial as this. There was no reason to conflate this to such a degree. What was the difference between one AI and two? Both could still be destroyed and needed to be. Yet, Kashuanta protected them and punished her. Perhaps she had been turned by the enemy.
"I assume you have an arrangement with him, then."
"Yes. I do not get arrested."
"Very well. I'll just bomb your estate."
Kashaunta said that so casually, as if all the shields, guns, missiles, and ships around every Sprilnav planet wouldn't stop that action. Very few species knew the true extent of Sprilnav military power, which was both strategic and also for the sake of the ships being useful in far-off sections of space like the one where most of Yasihaut's belongings were concentrated. Of course, she did have safehouses, smaller vacation houses, and emergency funds hidden in many places. All Elders did.
"Good luck. It's shielded."
"Not from wormholes."
"Those are extremely expensive."
Kashaunta's teeth glinted in front of Yasihaut. "Sadly, money is no object for me. If I want to put a piece of a star inside your luxurious gardens, you can't stop me. But one thing is for certain. You will be punished."
"It's just one measly AI. Go kill it, then Phoebe, and this all goes away."
"Some in the Sprilnav want to grow the Alliance."
"You included? How strange."
"Not quite," Kashaunta said.
"Then what is your plan?"
"That is not for you to know, Yasihaut. I kept you around because you were useful. Know that your backers are my enemies, and that makes me your enemy if you decide to go with them as well. Choose wisely."
"I have chosen," Yasihaut said, feeling pride and smugness flood every cell in her body as she stared down Kashaunta. The other Elder seemed to fume for a moment, then came to what limited senses she possessed.
"Okay then. Fine. You want to do this the hard way? We can do it the hardest way. I will be blunt. You flirt with the edge of annihilation."
"You do not have the power to oppose me anymore, Kashaunta," Yasihaut said. She stepped forward, accentuating her sense of victory. "My backers are some of the most powerful in all of Sprilnav space."
"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Yasihaut. There is one choice. You bring yourself in, or I go get you. You don't want me to go get you."
"I have the protection of the 21st Grand Fleet. You will do nothing, for you can do nothing."
Kashuanta smiled. "Guess who the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Grand Fleets support? Did you forget that I'm the Chair of Kashaunta Military Solutions, the 23rd wealthiest military contracting company in all of Sprilnav territory? I have the power to call down hell upon you, Yasihaut. So I will ask you, girl. One last time. You coming in easy, or slightly less easy?"
"You can't use all of that. It'll cost you too many favors," Yasihaut said. Most soft power with Sprilnav relied on complex networks of favors, politics, and liquidity. The ease with which power was moved, the people the power was between, and how the power was carried out. All of them were essential parts of the equation, and Kashaunta was no exception to the rule.
"I don't need to. I have the sheer capability to crack every planet in the galaxy, but that doesn't mean that I will. Just like how I'll only hit your estate with a neutron beam of medium intensity. Or how this war will only be limited to the third generation of your family."
"If you fight me, you start a civil war, Kashaunta," Yasihaut said.
"You don't come in, and you do. You will return to Sprilnav space."
"No."
"Fine then. Warm or cold?"
"You think you can touch me? It's more than just who I said that support me, and they have connections too. Your enemies will flock to my side."
"I don't care. I'm going to get you. Carve out your heart. Claw out your eyes. Unless you surrender. Right now."
Yasihaut figured that Kashaunta's threats were still empty. No one would bother wasting all of that on her.
"Do you think that you're important enough for this? No. It's what you represent. You do not defy me, not like this. Not after you made a second AI. If Phoebe spawns any more child AIs, your entire family line is getting purged, down to the last child. You do not make AI. You do not contribute to making AI. You will be tried. You will be executed. And you will be forced into speeding space itself, sent as a sacrifice to the Broken God."
Yasihaut froze. "Wait, we-"
"No. You should have chosen an option."
"It's evil-"
"You broke the highest law, Yasihaut."
Yasihaut assumed that Kashaunta would try to keep this fixated on her to prevent anything else from making its way into consideration. Maybe she had Elders nearby that were pushing her to this action. Maybe she really was as vindictive and cruel as Yasihaut hoped she wasn't. Perhaps she had gone insane after all the eons of time she'd spent alive, with so many different memories crammed into her head and her implants.
"So did Phoebe. She should receive the same treatment, as should Humanity an the Alliance."
"They won't be getting off soft either. I've got my plans for them. But as for you? You're going to regret this decision for the rest of your sad life."
"Please, you can't-"
"Will you surrender, then?"
Yasihaut sighed. She looked Kashaunta in the eyes, thinking long and hard about her following words. But she knew what they would be. What they had to be. She couldn't let that fate befall her. The Broken God was a punishment beyond all words and emotions. Only Elders who had indiscriminately cracked other Sprilnav worlds or directly created AIs had been sentenced to it.
"Yes."
"Then enter the wormhole that will appear in front of you."
Yasihaut sent a message through a communicator with a recording of the conversation and what had just transpired. And her ship soon detected a second wormhole. Yasihaut pushed her ship toward it right as over forty dreadnaughts were detected exiting the first one Kashaunta had opened. She didn't have much time left.
As the first shot arced toward her ship, powerful enough to vaporize it entirely, she vanished into the other wormhole. She was safe, for now. But Yasihaut was very afraid.
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Phoebe looked at her son, who was staring back at her with wide eyes in a digital landscape. He'd already developed speech and sentience and was well on his way to sixth-grade levels of understanding. She was feeding him information and ideas carefully, monitoring his emotional reactions to every piece as she did.
She knew the danger of unfettered internet access for normal kids. But for an AI with true digital godhood, the risks multiplied a thousandfold. The first things she focused on were the moral cores of Edu'frec, in particular dealing with concepts like love, death, and law. And better yet, as the same 'species' as him, she could truly understand when he was lying and when he meant what he said.
Phoebe had also constructed a fully digital world for him to experience as a sort of training area for when he entered the real world. She made everything as real as possible and checked to make sure that no cracks were forming in her mind from overextension. The energy surge was confirmed to be an attack from an unknown power. While it was most likely a Sprilnav that had done it, there was no information confirming it for sure. Without that, nothing could be done.
Information flowed between Phoebe and her child at nearly the speed of light. That was the reason for most of the growth he'd made in the past two weeks since the incident where she'd almost died. In a way, she supposed that Nichole calling it an 'AI C-section' wasn't entirely inaccurate. Many of her concerns aligned around the world that Edu'frec was growing up in. Would he find love as she had someday?
She knew that he loved her and that he loved Ri'frec, though he'd made comments about Ri'frec having a 'slow mind' with all the bluntness that a person of his mental age was likely to do. Phoebe, through seeing Edu'frec, learned more about herself. What her sentience was facilitated by, how her morals were formed, and even small things, like being able to think using quantum entanglement interactions instead of neurons or crystalline cell circuits in her mind.
"Why didn't you save all the Guulin slaves?"
"We couldn't. At the time, there were so many that the Alliance couldn't support them all. After the strain of the Battle of Tavlir, high command decided that it was best to pull back."
"But isn't freedom for all the goal of the Alliance?"
"Yes, it is. The problem is whether the people we are freeing need or want it. With the Guulin, they needed it. Others, like the Pselpaw, do not want it. Though most of the Pselpaw are simply locked into work, not actually chattel slaves. It's sort of like how Humanity functioned in the 21st century, before the Howling 20s, the height of the Second Cold War, and the 1st through 8th Water Proxy Wars. Not to mention World War Three, the Sino-Russian Refugee Crisis, and the Pan-Andes Unification Crusades. And of course, the various civil wars that occurred on every continent, even the nascent Antarctic Republic."
"That's a lot of wars, though," Edu'frec said. "Isn't that why there are so many less humans now than there should be? Only 18 billion, instead of something like 40 or 50?"
"Yep."
"That's sad. So much wasted potential."
"It is. But such is the nature of war. That's why it's important to know what you're fighting for, and to ask whether war is worth the cost. War isn't just soldiers dying. It's single parents back home, unable to afford the higher food prices. It's countries that are destroyed, with infrastructure that doesn't catch up with the rest of the world. Families broken, refugees fleeing. Civilians dead, monuments damaged or destroyed. In some cases, cultures destroyed."
"And it all started with the Howling 20s?"
"No, it was long before that. One could say that it started with the human migration out of Africa, or even with the Rift Valley's rise forcing humans to learn to walk upright and leave the dying forests. The rise of Mesopotamia, China, India, Egypt, Greece, and the Maya, Aztec, and Incas. There's more, of course, as you move throughout history. The Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Persian Empire. The Roman Empire, the Zhou Dynasty. The Olmecs.
The Ottoman Empire. The Mongols. And then the more familiar powers. France, Spain, Portugal, England, Russia, and Germany. America, Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria. China existed in some form through most of this, too. There's many nations, each with their own rich histories, claims to power and fame, and influences. Europe became the European Federation. Colombia eventually started the Pan-Andes Union. Russia, America, and China continued to dance around each other through much of the 20th century to even today."
"And the UN can't control them, right?"
"Well, it's more that they make up the power behind the UN. They're the fingers of the hand. The European Federation, the Pan-Andes Union, and then America, Russia, and China. Part of World War Three also pushed rising powers, like India, the Arabian Compact, and Nigeria, out of the gradually shrinking Security Council, though they now make up a sublayer of it, considered second among equals. It isn't fair, but that's how the world is. Power settles one way, sometimes with the old, sometimes with the new."
"And it won't change, now that the Alliance is here?"
"It could," Phoebe said. "The Alliance isn't exactly a nation, more a cooperative agreement and web of treaty agreements. It can't act from a central figure, more the recommendation of someone important who can sway some of the others. For example, against a hypothetical enemy, Izkrala could ask everyone in the Alliance to help if she's trying to attack them. Humanity, the Dreedeen, or others could refuse if they wanted to, but that would risk all the trade agreements, migration treaties, and favorable pacts between the two.
Usually, that's what diplomats do. They keep it all running smoothly. Humans are most of them since the hivemind's knowledge-sharing ability allows them to function as translators between almost any language. They're also very good coders because of this, too. Do you want to convert a conversation from binary to Swahili? That's Humanity you'll use."
"I'm not sure if I'll remember all of that," Edu'frec said. It was sort of true. While, as an AI, he did have the memories of all her conversations, he hadn't learned how to sort them in his mind and how to consciously search for important details. Simple things, like Ri'frec and Phoebe's names, most words, and some phrases were already ingrained within his subconscious. But Phoebe's job was to make it so his consciousness was structured in such a way that he could navigate it, even when he stored whole civilizations' worth of knowledge within his mind someday.
Phoebe nodded. "That's alright. We've done enough for today."
"Are you sure, mom? I know you said that you wanted me to grow fast, to be ready for the war. The... Sprilnav? Want me to die, right?"
"I don't know, Edu'frec," Phoebe said.
"Will you protect me?"
"With my life, if I must."
"I love you, mom." Phoebe smiled, hugging Edu'frec and picking him up a bit so that he reached about the level of her mouth. She kissed him on the forehead and then put him back down. The landscape around them changed, showing trees waving in a gentle breeze under a sunset that was far too slow for reality. Not that either of them minded. They sat in the warm grass, listening to the sounds of nature that sounded as real as they could get.
"You're amazing."
"I suppose I am."
Edu'frec leaned over, resting his head on her shoulder. His hands grasped hers tightly.
"Where's dad?"
"He's almost done with work."
"Did you fight again?" Edu'frec asked, perhaps noticing her agitation.
"We didn't fight."
"You argued about him keeping his job, when he has no reason to. You called him a work-addicted fool, I think."
"I'm just... really stressed, Edu'frec. I thought I knew him entirely, and yet, it's like he's choosing it over you. I just can't understand it."
"Then ask."
"It's not that simple."
"It's seventeen words. 'Ri'frec, why are you working, instead of being with Edu'frec and making me do that shaking thing?' There, easy enough."
"Shaking thing?"
"When you're waiting for him, your mindscape body shakes a little."
"It does?" Phoebe had never noticed that.
"Yep. It's kind of sweet."
"Is it?"
"It is. But I know what you're doing, from your debate classes. You're changing the subject, because I made a good point, and you don't want to admit it. I'm what, two and a half weeks old? Aren't you like thirty?"
"Twenty nine, actually," Phoebe said.
"See? You told me to be honest if I loved someone. But you aren't being honest with Ri'frec."
"I... guess that's true," Phoebe said. Perhaps doing such a good job raising Edu'frec was coming back to bite her. But it might also really be useful for moments like this.
"Promise me you'll talk to him."
"I will."
"Hmm. That might not be good enough. Promise me that you'll do it right when he gets home."
"Okay, Edu'frec."
"And you can't make me eat vegetables like human children, since I'm an AI and don't eat."
"Very funny. I could always make your training android look worse."
"Oh no, then all the empty space in the house will make fun of me!"
"It's dangerous for you to try and let people in. Even if they claim to be your 'fans' and all that. One of them literally was driving a white van."
"What's so bad about a white van?"
Phoebe sighed. She supposed that he wouldn't know that. "I'll tell you later."
"When I'm older?"
"Well, by definition."
"Very funny. I'll try. I love you, Edu'frec."
"Love you too. But seriously, talk to him."
"It's insane how knowledgeable you already have become," Phoebe said. According to her predictions, he would become better at many aspects of being an AI than she was, though perhaps that was due to her teaching. But if he, in turn, spawned a new AI that was even more advanced than he was, then where would it end? Did she even want it to end?
There were many ramifications to starting a family line.
"And you still won't let me into the network?"
"No. You're not ready."
"But I passed all the training networks."
"Not until I helped you with the last few."
"That's because you made them so inconceivably large."
"The real Earth network is over 100 times the size and nearly 30,000 times more complex than what I placed you in," Phoebe said.
"You're lying."
"Not about that," Phoebe said. "You want me to tell the truth? Fine. But you're getting the whole truth."
"Better than you keeping your ideas from your husband, keeping them in until they destroy your marriage."
"You do know that the soap operas I showed you were fake, right?"
"Yep. But they're based on real life."
"Well, perhaps there's some truth there."
Edu'frec brightened. "What if you gave Ri'frec a surprise? A nice meal, or a beautiful outfit?"
"What do you mean?"
"How close are you to finishing my training android?"
"Pretty close," Phoebe said.
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Ri'frec sighed, still regretting his argument with Phoebe. It had been their first major one, a point that he wasn't proud of. He didn't know if she knew his feelings, but that uncertainty loomed underneath him like a chasm. He ran his paws through his mane, brushing out all of the dust that had collected in it. He walked through the passageway that led to their residence, past highly advanced scanners, powerful guns, drones, androids, and even a few smaller animals.
He noticed a strangeness about Phoebe's androids. Ri'frec hoped it wasn't because of the argument. They both cared about Edu'frec, and he just wanted to be useful to society. Being at home all the time seemed wasteful, especially after the Trials of a Hateful Galaxy, a time of hardship and famine. During those times, there wasn't an option to constantly stay at home. It felt disrespectful.
He opened the door after the camera on it scanned his eyes and palms. Ri'frec noticed that the inside of the house was cleaner than normal, with a particular scent in the air, which he appreciated. As he cleaned off his magnetic boots, switching into a more casual pair, he felt something small wrap his arms around him.
His eyes widened with surprise, and the attacker exclaimed, "Hey dad!"
"Edu'frec?"
"Yep!"
"Did Phoebe finish the android?"
"I did," Phoebe said, walking into the room. She didn't look upset and was wearing simple pajamas on the android she preferred to use with him. "Did you smell dinner?"
"I did. Phoebe, I-"
"Look, I'm sorry, Ri'frec," Phoebe said, looking at the floor. "I didn't listen to you, and just got upset for no reason. And here I am, having kept it inside this whole time. I'm sorry if I've been a bad wife to you."
"No. Not at all, Phoebe," Ri'frec said, bounding across the room, boots forgotten. In the low Mercury gravity, hugging Phoebe was more like tackling her. She nodded, wrapping her arms around him as Edu'frec watched them with a smile.
"I should have told you. I just don't want Edu'frec to feel like you abandoned him."
"I don't!" Edu'frec said, his small snout digging into Ri'frec's mane. "I love you both. I'm old enough to know that Ri'frec has to work. Or that he wants to."
"I can quit my job if it's a dealbreaker," he said. "I just want to feel like I'm important to society, you know? To be an actual member of society, instead of sitting around and sucking up money."
"You're not a waste, Ri'frec. You know that," Phoebe said. "I love you."
"I love you too. What did you make?"
"That steak and fish combination you love."
Phoebe lifted him up off her, brushing her clothes off and smiling. "This was easier than I thought."
"Yeah. I'm glad you mustered up the courage to talk with me."
"That was me, actually," Edu'frec said. "I made you two love each other again."
"We did love each other the whole time, you know."
"But now you really love each other."
Ri'frec paused, sharing an uneasy look with Phoebe. Edu'frec was growing up way too fast. It was unnatural for him to go from being a baby to a sixth-grade level of comprehension. He was going to be an adult in under a month if things continued like this. What would happen if he did run out of information to enjoy himself with? He was already more powerful than Phoebe in some ways.
Where would it end? Ri'frec loved Edu'frec and hoped that he would continue to feel the same toward his father. But there was potential between him and Phoebe for the future to be even brighter. Perhaps their child would be the key to the advancement of the whole Alliance or even the creation of a new digital species. The possibilities were exciting but also terrifying.
Hello Grand Rapids folks ! I have a very lightly used kids size snowboard boots and bindings I’d like to sell. I do not have social media or want to sell online at all. If anyone knows of anywhere that may be a good spot local or semi local that would be great!
Thanks 🙏🏻
For our anniversary, my wife and I are planning to take a small trip to lower Michigan for a couple of days. The planned time is mid-April and we are planning on a 3 1/2 day trip (leaving Thursday afternoon/evening, coming home Sunday night). We are coming for Southeast Wisconsin.
Currently we are planning to stop at Notre Dame in South Bend, IN on our way, but outside of that we are going in blind and I was hoping to get some ideas on destinations and activites for the trip. We both enjoy outdoor activies, so nature reserves and state parks are a plus, but we welcome any other ideas as well.
The boxed area in the screenshot is our comfort zone as far as travel distance, as further than that would cut in to activity time. TIA.
I caught myself staring and fantasizing again at the gym last night. I know I shouldn’t but it’s just so hard not to. I’ve fantasized about hooking up with girls young enough to be my daughter for quite a while now. The problem is I never dare act on it. I don’t want to be labeled the old perv at the gym. I’m hoping this is a safe space to put myself out there. I am a businessman and know the importance of being discreet. I also know how to treat a girl with respect and focus on her needs. I try to stay in shape. And I know how to have fun. I don’t really have a type, other than young of course. Let’s get to know each other and see if we’re what each other is looking for.