Podcasts about Anthrax

After a long week, the fellas are feeling a sort of euphoria, the kind that comes with being utterly exhausted. They also listened to State Of Euphoria, by Anthrax!

Microbial forensics is a science that lets us trace killers and terrorists by the microscopic footprints they leave behind. From the landmark 1994 HIV murder case where viral genetics first convicted a doctor, to the chilling Amerithrax investigation after 9/11. You'll learn how microbes are rewriting crime solving while we explore true cases, cutting-edge research on skin microbiomes and microbial death clocks, and what the future holds when invisible evidence becomes undeniable.   TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: What skin microbiomes reveal about who touched what and when How microbes can be used to map the timeline of a crime scene Intelligence agencies using "microbial geolocation" to trace where you've been How microbial forensics was used to solve a murder and trace the post 9/11 Anthrax murders The future of turning invisible bacterial clues into courtroom evidence Why microbial forensics could reshape how we solve crime—and even prevent terrorism   Leave us a Review: https://www.reversablepod.com/review   Need help with your gut? Visit my website gutsolution.ca to join a program: Get help now   Contact us: reversablepod.com/tips    FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram  Facebook  YouTube        

*The music in this video is copyrighted and all rights reserved to the respective copyright holders* In this wild ride through rock history, Brad Zerbo and Jaytriot crank up the amps for Episode 2 of The Audio Files, blending personal concert memories, iconic live tracks, and a hilarious dive into some of music's worst album covers. Jay shares a possibly Mandela-effected recollection of his first Metallica show, bonfires, mosh pits, and unreleased songs included, while Brad recalls getting stoned on secondhand smoke at a Rolling Stones show where a young Prince was famously booed off stage. The guys spotlight killer tracks from Devo, Aerosmith, ABBA, and Anthrax, explore fan-favorite dedications, and debut their new “wreck-ords” segment with the worst (and weirdest) album covers of all time. Add in some Van Halen to close, and you've got a music nerd's dream lineup. Buckle up, this one's pure rock and roll chaos.

The biggest threat to America today is too often the one we think about the least. Nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare has been around for decades and the effects of an NBC attack on the homeland or American interests abroad is a very real scenario. Retired Lt. Gen Leslie Smith spent a career in the Army as a Chemical Officer. He served as the Chief of the Chemical Branch and Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School. He was the first Chemical officer to serve as the Commanding General of the United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the first Chemical officer to serve as the Army's Inspector General. He is now the Vice President for Leadership and Education at the Association of United States Army.With reports looming about Russian willingness to use NBC weapons in Ukraine, and Iran's constant desire to acquire them and put them into the hands of terrorist proxies, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lt. Gen. Smith to discuss the real threat America faces. We broke down the history of America's Chemical weapons programs, their use in various stages of conflicts, the implementation of international prohibitions, how the US Army prepares for NBC threats, and what we learned about their modern day use through the COVID pandemic. Lt. Gen. Smith also shared insight into the important role the Inspector General plays in maintaining standards and accountability within the Army, as well as the role AUSA is playing in supporting soldiers both active duty and post-service. Watch, listen or read our conversation from the Association of the United States Army HQ and don't miss the rest of our AUSA series.Highlights0:00 Introduction4:00 Importance of chemical warfare7:30 The likelihood of chemical warfare8:22 Anthrax on 9/1111:45 Will anyone use NBC weapons14:07 The lessons of COVID-1916:18 Joining the Army19:55 America's projection of power22:22 The role of the Army Inspector General27:36 Do Army Standards Matter31:11 Have we lost the mission?33:18 Maintaining the Army36:50 The role of AUSA39:26 Daily HabitsQuotes“The Germans used it, and the Americans were not ready to go.”“That's what CBRN stands for: Could Be Right Now.”“At the higher levels, it's all about building coalitions of people.”“We don't know what's next, we just have to be prepared to deal with the situation.”“The leader has to be at the decisive point.” “When you have boots on the ground, it sends a signal.”“ A leader's presence only matters when you are present.”“What leaders do is talk about what needs to happen in organizations.”“We have to make sure that the soldiers trust us, the nation trusts us, Congress trusts us, our leaders trust us and the things that we do.”“Inspector generals are training multiple generations of leaders.”“Every leader is responsible for enforcing the standard.”“Climate beats strategy.”“Everyone is looking for their sense of purpose.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.

Send us a textJamey Jasta Joins the Vulgar Display of Podcast to Talk Milwaukee Metal Fest, Summer Slaughter, and the Future of Metal

Graeme MacQueen - The 2001 Anthrax Deception: The Case for a Domestic ConspiracyAug 8, 2023Ed Oppeman is joined by author, academic and researcher Graeme MacQueen to reflect on the 9/11 and anthrax attacks, why those events still matter today and why there remains such a stigma in many circles when it comes to questioning the official stories of those events.The 2001 anthrax letter attacks in the United States killed five people and wounded dozens. They were widely blamed on extremist Muslims and their backers and used to support the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.They were also used to justify and hasten the passage of the USAPATRIOT Act, which was being presented to Congress just as the firstanthrax victim grew ill.In October 2001, one of the hypotheses that gained ground was that ofthe Double Perpetrator, the claim that al-Qaeda was carrying out the attacks with the support of Iraq. Much evidence was put forth to support this Double Perpetrator hypothesis but independent scientists soon discovered that the anthrax spores came from a domestic lab in the US serving the military and intelligence communities, not from al-Qaeda or Iraq.The FBI then quickly claimed that an individual was responsible for the attacks and began noisily looking for this “lone wolf.” In 2008 the Bureau named Dr. Bruce Ivins of the US Army Medical Institute of Infectious Disease as the “anthrax killer.” Although the FBI remains committed to the Ivins hypothesis, the case has been disintegrating for the last three years. Currently, it is justly held in contempt not merely by scientists who worked with Ivins but by many journalists as well as several US senators .But this raises the question: if Ivins did not commit this crime, who did? This book presents evidence to support the following points:(a) The anthrax attacks were carried out by a group of perpetrators, notby a “lone wolf.” The attacks were, therefore, the result of a conspiracy—by definition a plan by two or more people, made in secret and resultingin an immoral or illegal act.(b) The group that carried out this crime consisted, in whole or in part, ofinsiders deep within the US state apparatus.(c) These insiders were the same people who planned the 9/11 attacks(d) The anthrax attacks were meant to facilitate a seizure of power by theexecutive branch of government through intimidation of Congress andUS civil society. They were also designed to achieve public acquiescenceto and support for the redefinition of US foreign policy, replacing the ColdWar with a new and aggressive global conflict framework, the Global Waron Terror.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Sessão de Cinema Orgulhovidade será nesta quarta-feira no Barbudas Bar. Haverá exibição do filme Divinas Divas às 18h30, com comentário sobre o filme e o projeto, animação da DJ Hanna Harley e show drag com Anthrax.

Sessão de Cinema Orgulhovidade será nesta quarta-feira no Barbudas Bar. Haverá exibição do filme Divinas Divas às 18h30, com comentário sobre o filme e o projeto, animação da DJ Hanna Harley e show drag com Anthrax.

Send us a message! On episode 293, we discuss the somewhat controversial 1987 Anthrax EP, I'm The Man. We give our takes on the EP, the current state of Anthrax, we rank the songs and we just generally have a good old fashioned fan discussion on a band we love! Support the show

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen What does your watch mean to you? For many, a timepiece is much more than a tool—it's a bridge between generations, a celebration of achievement, and a lasting legacy. In this episode of Inspired Money, we go beyond the basics of watch collecting to explore why watches become treasured family heirlooms, how to build collections that stand the test of time, and what every collector (from beginner to seasoned expert) should know in today's evolving market. If you're passionate about craftsmanship, storytelling, or the idea of passing something meaningful onto future generations, this episode is for you. Meet the Expert Panelists Paul Boutros is Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas at Phillips, where he helped build the auction house's powerhouse watch department after joining in 2014. A lifelong watch enthusiast with a background in electrical engineering, he led the record-breaking sale of Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona for $17.8 million, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost experts in vintage timepieces. https://www.phillips.com Stephen Pulvirent is a writer, photographer, and creative director whose career has spanned leading roles at Hodinkee, Bloomberg, and Surface Media. Now based in Los Angeles, he is the founder of Rime & Reason, a creative agency helping global brands tell smarter, culture-driven stories, while also pursuing his passion for fine art photography. Stephen is also the cofounder of The Enthusiasts, a podcast and newsletter about the culture of watch collecting. https://stephenpulvirent.com Tariq Malik is the founder of Momentum, the Middle East's premier destination for vintage and collectible watches located in heart of Dubai's financial district. Driven by his deep passion for rare Day Date models, both as curator and collector he has developed a focused expertise that has made him a leading authority in this field. A lifelong enthusiast who began dealing Swatch watches at 16, Tariq has grown into a respected global voice in the vintage watch community while playing a pivotal role in establishing Dubai as a significant hub for vintage timepieces. https://momentum-dubai.com Dan Spitz is a third-generation Master Watchmaker and former lead guitarist of the award-winning thrash metal band Anthrax. With Swiss and American degrees in watchmaking and micro-mechanical engineering, Dan's illustrious career includes roles as the Head Master Watchmaker of Complications Specialist for Chopard, instructor, and juror for the prestigious GPHG awards. https://danspitz.com https://www.delraybeachwatchmaker.com Key Highlights: 1. Storytelling & Legacy in Watch Collecting Stephen Pulvirent explores why watches are more than just mechanical objects—“it's the stories that watches carry, the stories we tell ourselves about the watches we own and the roles they play in our lives that elevates them beyond ordinary, everyday things and makes them special objects.” Collectors aren't just building assets but capturing lifetimes of meaning that can be passed on for generations. 2. The Restoration Craft: Preserving Memories Dan Spitz demystifies the watchmaker's role in bringing legacy timepieces back to life. He shares moving stories of clients reconnecting emotionally with watches once thought beyond repair: “Some of them cry. You can see they want to reach out and hug me, and that's why I do what I do.” Restoration isn't just about function—it's about reviving memories and enabling the handover of treasures between generations.  3. Authenticity, Transparency, and Investment Smarts Paul Boutros provides insider guidance on buying for love, not just investment. He stresses the importance of authenticity, craftsmanship, and reputation: “Buy the best quality watches at the price level that you can afford… made by great brands who have pushed the state of the art.” Whether for legacy or potential appreciation, collecting watches well is about informed passion, not quick returns.  4. From Teenage Trader to Dubai Authority Tariq Malik recounts how Swatch trading as a teenager evolved into a global vintage watch business. His journey underscores the importance of transparency, relationship-building, and quality when buying or selling a timepiece. “Today it's a lot about the value, but the real richness is in the connection you have with the watch and its story.” Call-to-Action This week, pick one watch—whether you wear it daily or have it tucked away—and write down the story you want it to tell. Is it a symbol of achievement, a family heirloom, or an inspiration for the future? Share that story with someone you care about, or reflect on how your collection can become a living legacy. Find the Inspired Money channel on YouTube or listen to Inspired Money in your favorite podcast player. Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money

Send us a message! This week on The Waffle Zone:1. Queet Twote or Die2. Matt Speaks3. Alice Cooper and Dokken4. Anthrax 5. A Bruce Dickinson Recommendation 6. 667. Come and 7 Go8. Bizzaro Bill Encourages Mattwww.patreon.com/unclestevesironmaidenzone ironmaidenpodcast@gmail.com Support the show

Disciples! Just in time for the end of April are the MARCH top selections from yours truly, with even more bonus tracks than last month! Huzzah! Enjoy!m/ ———————————————————Set One:0:00:00 Welcome! Disciples of the Watch0:00:03 Tess & The Details (USA) Maniac [single][cover]https://tessandthedetails.com/0:03:29 Crosson (Australia) Bound For Glory [single]https://crosson.com.au/0:07:39 Autonym (UK) Surrender Me (Re-Imagined) [single]https://autonym.uk/0:11:14 #40Something (Belgium) … Continue reading (363) IMS March 2025 →

Fairy Forts, Anthrax, Dubai Chocolate bars and Segulls are all intimately connected Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Brian sits down with Chicago radio personality, comedian, and Riot Fest veteran Kevin Kellam! They dive into the history of Riot Fest, speculate wildly about potential 2025 headliners (and some definite long shots), and rank bands based on likelihood and pure hope. Plus, get all the details on Kevin's upcoming comedy special taping in Chicago this August!Topics Discussed:Kevin Kellam's history with Riot Fest and Chicago radio (Q101, etc.)Speculating and ranking potential Riot Fest 2025 bands (Deftones, TBS, Gwar, MCR, System, Jimmy Eat World, Weird Al, and many more!)The rise of full album plays at festivalsDetails on Kevin's comedy special "Kevin and Hell" taping August 9th at Lincoln HallComparing Riot Fest and Lollapalooza bookings and vibesThe impact of radius clauses and other festival conflicts (Louder Than Life, When We Were Young)Dream festival bookings and reunions (Iron Maiden, The Donnas)

Welcome back to The Metal Maniacs Podcast, the loudest podcast in the pit, hosted by your riff-obsessed guides Jay Ingersoll and Modd. For Episode 94, we're throwing ourselves into the hurricane that is thrash metal—a genre born of rebellion, raised on speed, and forged in the fires of punk and NWOBHM.This is not just a list of greatest hits. This is a deep dive, a dissection, and a love letter to one of the most influential and enduring subgenres in all of heavy metal. If you've ever air-guitared to Slayer, circle-pitted to Exodus, or worn out the rewind button on Kill ‘Em All, this one's for you.

Disciples!! The team is back together again, catching up and jammin’ some tunes. Check out ‘Conniption’ and ‘Tria Prima’, then Nate’s got a nifty list to share! m/ ——————————————————-What’s Nate been listening to?——————————————————-Artist: CultureAlbum: Harder Than the RestSong: Iron Sharpening Iron——————————————————- CURRENT EVENTS——————————————————- G1: CARLOS CAVAZO To Join Former RATT Bandmates STEPHEN PEARCY & WARREN DeMARTINI For Upcoming … Continue reading (362) DotW Featuring Music From ‘Conniption’ and ‘Tria Prima’ →

Episode 1: Isolated Incident. Right after 9/11, the FBI scrambles to stop a second-wave attack using a deadly toxin. When a Florida photo editor is poisoned by a rare bacteria, agents uncover a possible al-Qaeda plot to spread anthrax from the air. But are they already too late?Check out Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer everywhere you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deadly bioterror attack shook the U.S. and triggered one of the FBI's most complex investigations. Aftermath takes you inside the high-stakes hunt for the Anthrax killer and the investigative breakthrough that cracked the case.Episode 1: Isolated Incident - Right after 9/11, the FBI scrambles to stop a second-wave attack using a deadly toxin. When a Florida photo editor is poisoned by a rare bacteria, agents uncover a possible al-Qaeda plot to spread anthrax from the air. But are they already too late?From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio and Dig Studios, in collaboration with CBC Podcasts.For more episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer, visit here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deadly bioterror attack shook the U.S. and triggered one of the FBI's most complex investigations. Aftermath takes you inside the high-stakes hunt for the Anthrax killer and the investigative breakthrough that cracked the case.Episode 1: Isolated Incident - Right after 9/11, the FBI scrambles to stop a second-wave attack using a deadly toxin. When a Florida photo editor is poisoned by a rare bacteria, agents uncover a possible al-Qaeda plot to spread anthrax from the air. But are they already too late?From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio and Dig Studios, in collaboration with CBC Podcasts.For more episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer, visit here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A deadly bioterror attack shook the U.S. and triggered one of the FBI's most complex investigations. Aftermath takes you inside the high-stakes hunt for the Anthrax killer and the investigative breakthrough that cracked the case.Episode 1: Isolated Incident - Right after 9/11, the FBI scrambles to stop a second-wave attack using a deadly toxin. When a Florida photo editor is poisoned by a rare bacteria, agents uncover a possible al-Qaeda plot to spread anthrax from the air. But are they already too late?From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio and Dig Studios, in collaboration with CBC Podcasts.For more episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer, visit here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of 9/11, anthrax-laced letters unleashed a new wave of terror across the nation. But who was behind the attacks — and why has America nearly forgotten this story?As government buildings shut down and law enforcement scrambled to track the perpetrator, the FBI launched one of the largest and most complex investigations in its history. Untangling a web of scientific evidence and false leads, the case took unexpected turns with lasting consequences.From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios and CBC, this eight-part series grants unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing how the anthrax attacks reshaped America—and the hidden impact that still lingers today. More episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/GNdeeN

In the wake of 9/11, anthrax-laced letters unleashed a new wave of terror across the nation. But who was behind the attacks — and why has America nearly forgotten this story?As government buildings shut down and law enforcement scrambled to track the perpetrator, the FBI launched one of the largest and most complex investigations in its history. Untangling a web of scientific evidence and false leads, the case took unexpected turns with lasting consequences.From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios and CBC, this eight-part series grants unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing how the anthrax attacks reshaped America—and the hidden impact that still lingers today. More episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/JRKpUZ

US stocks skyrocketed after President Donald Trump made a massive turnaround on tariffs. We have the latest on lawsuits challenging Trump's use of a wartime power for deportation flights. We'll tell you why Trump won't be forced to rehire two officials ... yet. An agreement to form a new government in Germany has been reached after weeks of high-pressure talks. Plus, the threat posing more harm to an endangered species in Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet Captain Content & Kevin in the pit again this week for a tooth-losing, hella good time! We're getting our aggressions out by revisiting the starting point of it all for Kevin. The thrash, crossover, speed metal movement of the 80s spawned his love of all things rock n' punk n' metal. Once again, we will not be covering the Big 4 of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, but if you love them, then you will love this bunch. What is it that we do here at InObscuria? We exhume obscure Rock n' Punk n' Metal in one of 3 categories: the Lost, the Forgotten, or the Should Have Beens. In this episode, we explore all things mosh-worthy! This is real meta,l people. All hail the speed and ferocity of Thrash! Our hope is that we turn you on to something new.Songs this week include:Exodus – “And Then There Were None”from Bonded By Blood(1985)Dead On – “The Widower” from Dead On (1989) Belladonna – “Blunt Man” from Belladonna (1995)Coroner – “Read My Scars” from No More Color (1989)Reverend – “Butcher Of Baghdad” from Play God (1991)Grip Inc. – “Guilty Of Innocence” from Power Of Inner Stregth (1995)Havok – “Fear Campaign” from V (2020)Please subscribe everywhere that you listen to podcasts!Visit us: https://inobscuria.com/https://www.facebook.com/InObscuriahttps://twitter.com/inobscuriahttps://www.instagram.com/inobscuria/Buy cool stuff with our logo on it!: https://www.redbubble.com/people/InObscuria?asc=uIf you'd like to check out Kevin's band THE SWEAR, take a listen on all streaming services or pick up a digital copy of their latest release here: https://theswear.bandcamp.com/If you want to hear Robert and Kevin's band from the late 90s – early 00s BIG JACK PNEUMATIC, check it out here: https://bigjackpnuematic.bandcamp.com/Check out Robert's amazing fire sculptures and metal workings here: http://flamewerx.com/

Disciples! It’s with great pleasure that I present to you the Independent Music Special for February 2025. There’s some great stuff in here, but I think I say that every month because it’s true. Enough dallying – enjoy!m/ Set One:0:00:03 Diamantide (USA) Madness https://www.facebook.com/DiamantideBand0:06:18 Leadfeather (UK) Shoot For The Stars https://www.facebook.com/leadfeatherrocks 0:09:42 HÄ/DA (Finland) Ball Buster … Continue reading (361) February 2025 Independent Music Special →

Can You Segway?Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.So exactly who was going to be sympathetic to their plight, who we cared about?Beyond my fevered dream of making a difference there was a pinch of reality. See, the Cabindans and the people of Zaire were both ethnic Bakongo and the Bakongo of Zaire had also once had their own, independent (until 1914) kingdom which was now part of Angola. The Bakongo were major factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) -(formerly for a short time known as the nation of Zaire, from here on out to be referred to as the DRC and in the running for the most fucked up place on the planet Earth, more on that later)- and Congo (the nation) yet a minority in Angola. Having an independent nation united along ethnic and linguistic lines made sense and could expect support from their confederates across international boundaries.The Liberation Air ForceThe Earth & Sky operated under one constant dilemma ~ when would Temujin make his return? Since they didn't know and it was their job to be prepared for the eventuality if it happened tomorrow, or a century down the line, they 'stockpiled', and 'stockpiled' and 'stockpiled'.That was why they maintained large horse herds and preserved the ancient arts of Asian bowyers, armoring and weapons-craft. That was why they created secret armories, and sulfur and saltpeter sites when musketry and cannons became the new ways of warfare. They secured sources of phosphates and petroleum when they became the new thing, and so on.All of this boiled over to me being shown yet again I worked with clever, creative and under-handed people. The Khanate came up with a plan for a 'Union' Air Force {Union? More on that later} within 24 hours, and it barely touched any of their existing resources. How did they accomplish this miracle? They had stockpiled and maintained earlier generation aircraft because they didn't know when Temujin would make his re-appearance.They'd also trained pilots and ground crews for those aircraft. As you might imagine, those people grew old just as their equipment did. In time, they went into the Earth & Sky's Inactive Reserves ~ the rank & file over the age of 45. You never were 'too old' to serve in some capacity though most combat-support related work ended at 67.When Temujin made his return and the E&S transformed into the Khanate, those people went to work bringing their lovingly cared for, aging equipment up to combat-alert readiness. If the frontline units were decimated, they would have to serve, despite the grim odds of their survival. It was the terrible acceptance the Chinese would simply possess so much more war-making material than they did.Well, the Khanate kicked the PRC's ass in a titanic ass-whooping no one (else) had seen coming, or would soon forget. Factory production and replacement of worn machines was in stride to have the Khanate's Air Force ready for the next round of warfare when the Cease-fire ended and the Reunification War resumed.Always a lower priority, the Khanate military leadership was considering deactivating dozens of these reserve unit when suddenly the (Mongolian) Ikh khaany khairt akh dáé (me) had this hare-brained scheme about helping rebels in Africa, West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea coast/Atlantic Ocean, far, far away, and it couldn't look like the Khanate was directly involved.They barely knew where Angola was. They had to look up Cabinda to figure out precisely where that was. They brought in some of their 'reservist' air staff to this briefing and one of them, a woman (roughly a third of the E&S 'fighting'/non-frontline forces were female), knew what was going on. Why?She had studied the combat records and performance of the types of aircraft she'd have to utilize... back in the 1980's and 90's and Angola had been a war zone rife with Soviet (aka Khanate) material back then. Since she was both on the ball, bright and knew the score, the War Council put her in overall command. She knew what was expected of her and off she went, new staff in hand. She was 64 years old, yet as ready and willing to serve as any 20 year old believer in the Cause.Subtlety, scarcity and audacity were the watchwords of the day. The Khanate couldn't afford any of their front-line aircraft for this 'expedition'. They really couldn't afford any of their second-rate stuff either. Fortunately, they had some updated third-rate war-fighting gear still capable of putting up an impressive show in combat ~ providing they weren't going up against a top tier opponents.For the 'volunteers' of the Union Air Force, this could very likely to be a one-way trip. They all needed crash courses (not a word any air force loves, I know) in Portuguese though hastily provided iPhones with 'apps' to act as translators were deemed to be an adequate stop-gap measure. Besides, they were advised to avoid getting captured at all cost. The E&S couldn't afford the exposure. Given the opportunity ~ this assignment really was going above and beyond ~ not one of these forty-six to sixty-seven year olds backed out.No, they rolled out fifty of their antiquated aircraft, designs dating back to the 1950's through the mid-70's, and prepared them for the over 10,000 km journey to where they were 'needed most'. 118 pilots would go (72 active plus 46 replacements) along with 400 ground crew and an equally aged air defense battalion (so their air bases didn't get blown up). Security would be provided by 'outsiders' ~ allies already on the ground and whatever rebels could be scrounged up. After the initial insertion, the Indian Air Force would fly in supplies at night into the Cabinda City and Soyo Airports.The composition,14 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 jet fighters ~ though she entered service in 1959, these planes' electronics were late 20th century and she was a renowned dogfighter. 12 were the Mig-21-97 modernized variant and the other two were Mig-21 UM two-seater trainer variants which could double as reconnaissance fighters if needed.14 Sukhoi Su-22 jet fighter-bombers ~ the original design, called the Su-17, came out in 1970, the first 12 were variants with the 22M4 upgrade were an early-80's package. The other 2 were Su-22U two-seat trainers which, like their Mig-21 comrades, doubled as reconnaissance fighters. The Su-22M4's would be doing the majority of the ground attack missions for the Cabindans, though they could defend themselves in aerial combat if necessary.6 Sukhoi Su-24M2 supersonic attack aircraft ~ the first model rolled off the production lines in the Soviet Union back in 1974. By far the heaviest planes in the Cabindan Air Force, the Su-24M2's would act as their 'bomber force' as well as anti-ship deterrence.8 Mil Mi-24 VM combat helicopters ~ introduced in 1972 was still a lethal combat machine today. Unlike the NATO helicopter force, the Mi-24's did double duty as both attack helicopter and assault transports at the same time.4 Mil Mi-8 utility helicopters, first produced in 1967. Three would act as troop/cargo transports (Mi-8 TP) while the fourth was configured as a mobile hospital (the MI-17 1VA).4 Antonov An-26 turboprop aircraft, two to be used as tactical transports to bring in supplies by day and two specializing in electronic intelligence aka listening to what the enemy was up to. Though it entered production in 1969, many still remained flying today.2 Antonov An-71M AEW&C twin-jet engine aircraft. These were an old, abandoned Soviet design the Earth & Sky had continued working on primarily because the current (1970's) Russian Airborne Early Warning and Control bird had been both huge and rather ineffective ~ it couldn't easily identify low-flying planes in the ground clutter so it was mainly only good at sea. Since the E&S planned to mostly fight over the land,They kept working on the An-71 which was basically 1977's popular An-72 with some pertinent design modifications (placing the engines below the wings instead of above them as on the -72 being a big one). To solve their radar problem, they stole some from the Swedish tech firm Ericsson, which hadn't been foreseen to be a problem before now.See, the Russians in the post-Soviet era created a decent AEW&C craft the E&S gladly stole and copied the shit out of for their front line units and it was working quite nicely ~ the Beriev A-50, and wow, were the boys in the Kremlin pissed off about that these days. Whoops, or was that woot?Now, the Khanate was shipping two An-71's down to Cabinda and somewhere along the line someone just might get a 'feel' for the style of radar and jamming the Cabindans were using aka the Swedish stuff in those An-71's. The Erieye radar system could pick out individual planes at 280 miles. The over-all system could track 60 targets and plot out 10 intercepts simultaneously. NATO, they were not, but in sub-Saharan Africa, there were none better.Anyway, so why was any of this important?Why the old folks with their ancient machines? As revealed, since the Earth & Sky had no idea when Temüjin would return, they were constantly squirreling away equipment. World War 2 gave them unequaled access to Soviet military technology and training.Afterwards, under Josef Stalin's direction, thousands of Russian and German engineers and scientists were exiled to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan who were then snatched up (reportedly died in the gulags/trying to escape) and the E&S began building mirror factories modeled on the 'then current' Soviet production lines.So, by the early 1950's, the E&S was building, flying and maintaining Soviet-style Antonov, Beriev, Ilyushin, Myasishchev, Mikoyan-Gurevich, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev airplanes. First in small numbers because their pool of pilots and specialists was so small.The E&S remedied this by creating both their own 'private' flight academies and technical schools. They protected their activities with the judicious use of bribes (they were remarkably successful with their economic endeavors on both side of the Iron Curtain) and murders (including the use of the Ghost Tigers).By 1960, the proto-Khanate had an air force. Through the next two decades they refined and altered their doctrine ~ moving away from the Soviet doctrine to a more pure combined-arms approach (the Soviets divided their air power into four separate arms ~ ADD (Long Range Aviation), FA (Front Aviation), MTA (Military Transport Aviation) and the V-PVO (Soviet Air Defenses ~ which controlled air interceptors).).It wasn't until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the various former SSR's that the E&S program really began to hit its stride. Still, while Russia faltered, China's PLAAF (Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force) began to take off. Since the Chinese could produce so much more, the E&S felt it had to keep those older planes and crews up to combat readiness. The younger field crews and pilots flew the newer models as they rolled off the secret production lines.Then the Unification War appeared suddenly, the E&S-turned Khanate Air Force skunked their PLAAF rivals due to two factors, a surprise attack on a strategic level and the fatal poisoning of their pilots and ground crews before they even got into the fight. For those Chinese craft not destroyed on the ground, the effects of Anthrax eroded their fighting edge. Comparable technology gave the Khanate their critical victory and Air Supremacy over the most important battlefields.What did this meant for those out-of-date air crews and pilots who had been training to a razor's edge for a month now? Their assignment had been to face down the Russians if they invaded. They would take their planes up into the fight even though this most likely would mean their deaths, but they had to try.When Operation Fun House put Russia in a position where she wasn't likely to jump on the Khanate, this mission's importance faded. The Russian Air Force was far more stretched than the Khanate's between her agitations in the Baltic and her commitments in the Manchurian, Ukrainian, Chechen and Georgian theaters.With more new planes rolling off the production lines, these reservist units began dropping down the fuel priority list, which meant lowering their flight times thus readiness. Only my hare-brained scheme had short-circuited their timely retirement. Had I realized I was getting people's grandparents killed, I would have probably made the same call anyway. We needed them.The KanateThe Khanate's #1 air superiority dogfighter was the Mig-35F. The #2 was the Mig-29. No one was openly discussing the Khanate's super-stealthy "Su-50", if that was what it was, because its existence 'might' suggest the Khanate also stole technology from the Indian defense industry, along with their laundry list of thefts from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the PRC, Russia and half of NATO.Her top multi-role fighters were the Su-47, Su-35S and Su-30SM. The Su-30 'Flanker-C/MK2/MKI were their 2nd team with plenty of 3rd team Su-27M's still flying combat missions as well.Strike fighters? There weren't enough Su-34's to go around yet, so the Su-25MS remained the Khanate's dedicated Close Air Assault model.Medium transport aircraft? The An-32RE and An-38. They had small, large and gargantuan transports as well.Bombers? The rather ancient jet-powered Tu-160M2's and Tu-22M2's as well as the even older yet still worthwhile turboprops ~ from 1956's ~ the Tu-95M S16.Helicopters? While they still flew updated variants of the Mil Mi-8/17 as military transports, the more optimized Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28 had replaced them in the assault role.Bizarrely, the Khanate had overrun several Chinese production lines of the aircraft frames and components ~ enough to complete fairly modern PLAAF (Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) FC-1 and J-10 (both are small multi-role fighter remarkably similar to the US F-16 with the FC-1 being the more advanced model, using shared Chinese-Pakistani technology and was designed for export,).They did have nearly two dozen to send, but they didn't have the pilots and ground crews trained to work with them, plus the FC-1 cost roughly $32 million which wasn't fundage any legitimate Cabindan rebels could get their hands on, much less $768 million (and that would just be for the planes, not the weeks' worth of fuel, parts and munitions necessary for what was forthcoming).Meanwhile, except for the An-26, which you could get for under $700,000 and the An-71, which were only rendered valuable via 'black market tech', none of the turboprop and jet aircraft the Khanate was sending were what any sane military would normally want. The helicopters were expensive ~ the 'new' models Mi-24's cost $32 million while the Mi-17's set you back $17 million. The one's heading to Cabinda didn't look 'new'.The Opposition:In contrast, the Angolan Air Force appeared far larger and more modern. Appearances can be deceptive, and they were. Sure, the models of Russian and Soviet-made aircraft they had in their inventory had the higher numbers ~ the Su-25, -27 and -30 ~ plus they had Mig-21bis's, Mig-23's and Su-22's, but things like training and up-keep didn't appear to be priorities for the Angolans.When you took into account the rampant corruption infecting all levels of Angolan government, the conscript nature of their military, the weakness of their technical educational system, the complexity of any modern combat aircraft and the reality that poor sods forced into being Air Force ground crewmen hardly made the most inspired technicians, or most diligent care-takers of their 'valuable' stockpiles (which their officers all too often sold on the black market anyway), things didn't just look bleak for the Angolan Air Force, they were a tsunami of cumulative factors heading them for an epic disaster.It wasn't only their enemies who derided their Air Force's lack of readiness. Their allies constantly scolded them about it too. Instead of trying to fix their current inventory, the Angolans kept shopping around for new stuff. Since 'new'-new aircraft was beyond what they wanted to spend (aka put too much of a dent in the money they were siphoning off to their private off-shore accounts), they bought 'used' gear from former Soviet states ~ Belarus, Russia and Ukraine ~ who sold them stuff they had left abandoned in revetments (open to the elements to slowly rot) on the cheap.To add to the insanity, the Angolans failed to keep up their maintenance agreements so their newly fixed high-tech machines often either couldn't fly, or flew without critical systems, like radar, avionics and even radios. Maybe that wasn't for the worst because after spending millions on these occasionally-mobile paperweights, the Angolans bought the least technologically advanced missile, gun and rocket systems they could get to put on these flying misfortunes.On the spread sheets, Angola had 18 Su-30K's, 18 Su-27, 12 Su-25's, 14 Su-22's, 22 Mig-23's, 23 Mig-21bis's and 6 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (a turboprop aircraft tailor-made for counter-insurgency operations), 105 helicopters with some combative ability and 21 planes with some airlift capacity. That equated to 81 either air superiority, or multi-role jet fighters versus the 12 Union Air Force (actually the Bakongo Uni o de Cabinda e Zaire, For as Armadas de Liberta  o, For a Area ~ Liberation Armed Forces, Air Force (BUCZ-FAL-FA) Mig-21-97's.It would seem lopsided except for the thousands of hours of flight experience the 'Unionists' enjoyed over their Angolan rivals. You also needed to take into account the long training and fanatic dedication of their ground crews to their pilots and their craft. Then you needed to take into account every Unionist aircraft, while an older airframe design, had updated (usually to the year 2000) technology lovingly cared for, as if the survival of their People demanded it.A second and even more critical factor was the element of surprise. At least the PRC and the PLAAF had contingencies for attacks from their neighbors in the forefront of their strategic planning. The Angolans? The only country with ANY air force in the vicinity was the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and they had ceased being a threat with the end of Apartheid and the rise of majority Black rule in that country nearly two decades earlier.In the pre-dawn hours of 'Union Independence Day', the FAL-FA was going to smash every Angolan Air base and air defense facility within 375 miles of Cabinda (the city). Every three hours after that, they would be hitting another target within their designated 'Exclusion Zone'. Yes, this 'Exclusion Zone' included a 'tiny' bit of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) territory. The DRC didn't have an air force to challenge them though, so,Inside this 'Exclusion Zone', anything moving by sea, river, road, rail, or air without Unionist governmental approval was subject to attack, which would require neutral parties to acknowledge some semblance of a free and independent B U C Z. Worse for Angola, this 'Zone' included Angola's capital and its largest port, Luanda, plus four more of their ten largest urban centers. This could be an economic, military and humanitarian catastrophe if mishandled.The Angolan Army did not have significant anti-aircraft assets. Why would they? Remember, no one around them had much of an air force to worry about. The FAL-FA in turn could hit military convoys with TV-guided munitions 'beyond line of sight', rendering what they did have useless. It got worse for the Army after dark. The FAL-FA could and would fly at night whereas the average Angolan formation had Zip-Zero-Nadda night fighting capacity.Then geography added its own mountain of woes. As far as Cabinda was concerned, there was no direct land line to their border from Angola. Their coastal road only went as far as the port of Soyo where the Congo River hit the South Atlantic Ocean. Across that massive gap was the DRC where the road was not picked back up. Far up the coast was the DRC town of Muanda (with an airport) and though they did have a road which went north, it did not continue to the Cabindan border.Nope. To get at Cabinda from the south meant a long, torturous travel through northeastern Angola, into the heart of the DRC then entailed hooking west to some point 'close' to the Cabindan frontier before finally hoofing it overland through partially cleared farmland and jungle. Mind you, the DRC didn't have a native air force capable of protecting the Angolans in their territory so,In fact the only 'road' to Cabinda came from the Republic of Congo (Congo) to the north and even that was a twisted route along some really bad, swampy terrain. This had been the pathway of conquest the Angolans took 39 years earlier. The difference being the tiny bands of pro-independence Cabindan guerillas back then couldn't hold a candle to the Amazons fighting to free Cabinda this time around in numbers, zeal, training and up-to-date equipment.Next option ~ to come by sea. They would face a few, stiff problems, such as the FAL-FA having ship-killer missiles, the Angolan Navy not being able to defend them and the Unionists having no compunction to not strike Pointe-Noire in the 'not so neutral' Republic of the Congo if they somehow began unloading Angolan troops. It seemed the Republic of the Congo didn't have much of an Air Force either.Before you think the FAL-FA was biting off more than they could chew, Cabinda, the province, was shaped somewhat like the US State of Delaware, was half the size of Connecticut (Cabinda was 2,810 sq. mi. to Conn.'s 5,543 sq. mi.) and only the western 20% was relatively open countryside where the Angolan Army's only advantage ~ they possessed armed fighting vehicles while the 'Unionists' did not (at this stage of planning) ~ could hopefully come into play.Centered at their capital, Cabinda (City), jets could reach any point along their border within eight minutes. Helicopters could make it in fifteen. To be safe, some of the FAL-FA would base at the town of Belize which was in the northern upcountry and much tougher to get at with the added advantage the Angolans wouldn't be expecting the FAL-FA to be using the abandoned airfield there, at least initially.Where they afraid attacking Angolan troops in the DRC would invite war with the DRC? Sure, but letting the Angolans reach the border unscathed was worse. Besides, the DRC was in such a mess it needed 23,000 UN Peacekeepers within her borders just to keep the country from falling apart. Barring outside, read European, intervention, did "Democratically-elected since 2001" President (for Life) Joseph Kabila want the FAL-FA to start dropping bombs on his capital, Kinshasa, which was well within reach of all their aircraft?Congo (the country), to the north, wasn't being propped up by the UN, or anything else except ill intentions. In reality, it hardly had much of a military at all. Its officer corps was chosen for political reliability, not merit, or capability. Their technology was old Cold War stuff with little effort to update anything and, if you suspected corruption might be a problem across all spectrums of life, you would 'probably' be right about that too.If you suspected the current President had been in charge for a while, you would be correct again (1979-1992 then 2001- and the 'whoops' was when he accidently let his country experiment with democracy which led to two civil wars). If you suspected he was a life-long Communist (along with the Presidents of the DRC and Angola), you'd be right about that as well. Somehow their shared Marxist-Leninist-Communist ideology hadn't quite translated over to alleviating the grinding poverty in any of those countries despite their vast mineral wealth,At this point in the region's history, little Cabinda had everything to gain by striving for independence and the vast majority of 'warriors' who could possibly be sent against her had terribly little to gain fighting and dying trying to stop them from achieving her goal. After all, their lives weren't going to get any better and with the Amazons ability ~ nay willingness ~ to commit battlefield atrocities, those leaders were going to find it hard going to keep sending their men off to die.And then, it got even worse.See, what I had pointed out was there were two oil refineries in Angola, and neither was in Cabinda. Cabinda would need a refinery to start making good on their oil wealth ~ aka economically bribe off the Western economies already shaken over the Khanate's first round of aggressions.But wait! There was an oil refinery just across the Congo River from Cabinda ~ which meant it was attached to mainland Angola. That had to be a passel of impossible news, right?Nope. As I said earlier, it seemed the people of northern Angola were the same racial group as the Cabindans AND majority Catholic while the ruling clique wasn't part of their ethnic confederacy plus the farther south and east into Angola you went, the less Catholic it became.But it got better. This province was historically its own little independent kingdom (called the Kingdom of Kongo) to boot! It had been abolished by Portugal back in 1914.The 'good' news didn't end there. Now, it wasn't as if the leadership of Angola was spreading the wealth around to the People much anyway, but these northerners had been particularly left out of this Marxist version of 'Trickle Down' economics.How bad was this? This northwestern province ~ called Zaire ~ didn't have any railroads, or paved roads, linking it to the rest of the freaking country. The 'coastal road' entered the province, but about a third of the way up ran into this river, which they'd failed to bridge (you had to use a single track bridge farther to the northeast, if you can believe it). It wasn't even a big river. It was still an obstacle though.How did the Angolan government and military planned to get around? Why by air and sea, of course. Well, actually by air. Angola didn't have much of a merchant marine, or Navy, to make sealift a serious consideration. Within hours of the 'Union Declaration of Independence' anything flying anywhere north of the Luanda, the capital of Angola, would essentially be asking to be blown out of the sky.Along the border between Zaire province and the rest of Angola were precisely two chokepoints. By 'chokepoints', I meant places where a squad (10 trained, modernly-equipped troopers) could either see everything for miles & miles over pretty much empty space along a river valley and the only bridge separating Zaire province from the south, or overlook a ravine which the only road had to pass through because of otherwise bad-ass, broken terrain.Two.Zaire Province had roughly the same population as Cabinda ~ 600,000. Unlike Cabinda, which consisted of Cabinda City plus a few tiny towns and rugged jungles, Zaire had two cities ~ Soyo, with her seventy thousand souls plus the refinery at the mouth of the Congo River, and M'banza-Kongo, the historical capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, spiritual center of the Bakongo People (who included the Cabindans) and set up in the highlands strategically very reminiscent of Điện Biàn Phủ.Of Zaire's provincial towns, the only other strategic one was N'Zeto with her crappy Atlantic port facility and 2,230 meter grass airport. The town was the northern terminus of the National Road 100 ~ the Coastal Road. It terminated because of the Mebridege River. There wasn't a bridge at N'Zeto though there was a small one several miles upstream. N'Zeto was also where the road from provinces east of Zaire ended up, so you had to have N'Zeto ~ and that tiny bridge ~ to move troops overland anywhere else in Zaire Province.So you would think it would be easy for the Angolan Army to defend then, except of how the Amazons planned to operate. They would infiltrate the area first then 'rise up in rebellion'. Their problem was the scope of the operation had magnified in risk of exposure, duration and forces necessary for success.The serious issue before Saint Marie and the Host in Africa were the first two. They could actually move Amazons from Brazil and North America to bolster their numbers for the upcoming offensive. Even in the short-short term, equipment wouldn't be a serious problem. What the Amazons dreaded was being left in a protracted slugfest with the Angolan Army which the Condottieri could jump in on. The Amazons exceedingly preferred to strike first then vanish.There was reason to believe a tiny number could have stayed behind in Cabinda to help the locals prepare their military until they could defend themselves. They would need more than a hundred Amazons if Cabinda wanted to incorporate Zaire. The answer was to call back their newfound buddy, the Great Khan. While he didn't have much else he could spare (the Khanate was ramping up for their invasion of the Middle East after all, the Kurds needed the help), he had other allies he could call on.India couldn't help initially since they were supposed to supply the 'Peace-keepers' once a cease-fire had been arranged. That left Temujin with his solid ally, Vietnam, and his far shakier allies, the Republic of China and Japan.First off ~ Japan could not help, which meant they couldn't supply troops who might very well end up dead, or far worse, captured.. What they did have was a surplus of older equipment the ROC troops were familiar with, so while the ROC was gearing up for their own invasion of mainland China in February, they were willing to help the Chinese kill Angolans, off the books, of course.The ROC was sending fifteen hundred troops the Khanate's way to help in this West African adventure with the understanding they'd be coming home by year's end. With Vietnam adding over eight hundred of her own Special Forces, the Amazons had the tiny 'allied' army they could leave shielding Cabinda/Zaire once the first round of blood-letting was over.To be 'fair', the Republic of China and Vietnam asked for 'volunteers'. It wasn't like either country was going to declare war on Angola directly. Nearly a thousand members of Vietnam's elite 126th Regiment of the 5th Brigade (Đặc cáng bộ) took early retirement then misplaced their equipment as they went to update their visas and inoculations before heading out for the DRC (some would be slipping over the DRC/Cabindan border).On Taiwan, it was the men and women of the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade, 871st Special Operations Group and 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion who felt the sudden desire to 'seek enlightenment elsewhere, preferably on another continent'.They too were off to the Democratic Republic of Congo, man that country was a mess and their border security wasn't worth writing home about, that's for damn sure, via multiple Southeast Asian nations. Besides, they were being issued fraudulently visas which showed them to be from the People's Republic of China, not the ROC/Taiwan. If they were captured, they were to pretend to "be working for a Communist Revolution inside Angola and thus to be setting all of Africa on fire!" aka be Mainland Chinese.There, in the DRC, these Chinese stumbled across, some Japanese. These folks hadn't retired. No. They were on an extended assignment for the UN's mission in, the DRC. OH! And look! They'd brought tons of surplus, outdated Japanese Self Defense Forces' equipment with them, and there just so happened to be some Taiwanese who had experience in using such equipment (both used US-style gear).And here was Colonel Yoshihiro Isami of the Chūō Sokuō Shūdan (Japan's Central Readiness Force) wondering why he and his hastily assembled team had just unloaded,18 Fuji/Bell AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopters,6 Kawasaki OH-6D Loach Scout helicopters,12 Fuji-Bell 204-B-2 Hiyodori Utility helicopters,6 Kawasaki/Boeing CH-47JA Chinook Transport helicopters and4 Mitsubishi M U-2L-1 Photo Reconnaissance Aircraft.Yep! 46 more aircraft for the FAL-FA!Oh, and if this wasn't 'bad enough', the Chinese hadn't come alone. They'd brought some old aircraft from their homes to aid in the upcoming struggle. Once more, these things were relics of the Cold War yet both capable fighting machines and, given the sorry state of the opposition, definitely quite deadly. A dozen F-5E Tiger 2000 configured primarily for air superiority plus two RF-5E Tigergazer for reconnaissance, pilots plus ground crews, of course.Thus, on the eve of battle, the FAL-FA had become a true threat. Sure, all of its planes (and half of its pilots) were pretty old, but they were combat-tested and in numbers and experience no other Sub-Saharan African nation could match.The Liberation Ground Forces:But wait, there was still the niggling little problem of what all those fellas were going to fight with once they were on the ground. Assault/Battle rifles, carbines, rifles, pistols, PDW, SMGs as bullets, grenades and RPG's were all terrifyingly easy to obtain. The coast of West Africa was hardly the Port of London as far as customs security went. They were going to need some bigger toys and their host nations were going to need all their native hardware for their upcoming battles at home.And it wasn't like you could advertise for used IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), APCs (armored personnel carriers) and tanks on e-Bay, Amazon.com, or Twitter. If something modern US, or NATO, was captured rolling around the beautiful Angolan countryside, shooting up hostile Angolans, all kinds of head would roll in all kinds of countries, unless the country,A) had an Executive Branch and Judiciary who wouldn't ask (or be answering) too many uncomfortable questions,B) wasn't all that vulnerable to international pressure,C) really needed the money and,D) didn't give a fuck their toys would soon be seen on BBC/CNN/Al Jazeera blowing the ever-living crap out of a ton of Africans aka doing what they were advertised to do and doing it very well in the hands of capable professionals.And politics was kind enough to hand the freedom-loving people of Cabinda & Zaire a winner, and it wasn't even from strangers, or at least people all that strange to their part of the Globe. If you would have no idea who to look for, you wouldn't be alone.That was the magic of the choice. See, the last three decades had seen the entire Globe take a colossal dump on them as a Nation and a People. They were highly unpopular for all sorts of things, such as Crimes Against Humanity and 'no', we were not talking about the Khanate.We would be talking about Република Србија / Republika Srbija aka Serbia aka the former Yugoslavia who had watched all their satellite minions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia) slip away. Despite being reduced to a tiny fraction of their former selves thus fighting two incredibly brutal and bloody World Wars for nothing, Serbia insisted on maintaining a robust armaments industry.Mind you, they didn't make the very best stuff on the planet. That didn't stop them from trying though. Of equal importance was their geographic location and the above mentioned desire for some hard currency without asking too many questions. The geography was simple, you could move even heavy gear unnoticed from central Serbia to the Montenegrin port of Bar by rail and load them up on freighters and off to the Congo you went.The Serbians produced an APC called the BVP M-80A's which weren't blowing anyone's minds away when they started rolling off the production lines back in 1982, plus some over-eager types on the Serbian Army's payroll sweetened the deal by offering 'the rebels' some BVP M-80 KC's and a KB as well.Then they slathered on the sugary-sweet Maple syrup by upgrading a few of the M-80A's to BVP M-98A's. Why would they be so generous? The KC's and KB were the Command & Control variants, so that made sense (C = company & B = battalion commander). The -98A had never been tested in the field before and they were kind of curious how the new turrets (which was the major difference) would behave. 'Our' procurement agents didn't quibble. We needed the gear.Besides, these Slavic entrepreneurs gave them an inside track on some 'disarmed/mothballed' Czech (introduced in 1963) armored mobile ambulances and Polish BWP-1 (first rolled out in 1966) APC's which were either in, or could be quickly configured into, the support variants those ground-fighters would need. The 'disarmed' part was 'fixable', thanks to both the Serbians and Finland. The 'missing' basic weaponry was something the Serbians could replace with virtually identical equipment.It just kept getting better. Unknown to me at the time, the Finnish firm, Patria Hágglunds, had sold twenty-two of their 'most excellent' AMOS turrets ~ they are a twin 120 mm mortar system ~ then the deal fell through. Whoops! Should have guarded that warehouse better. Those bitches were on a cargo plane bound for Albania inside of six hours.The ammunition for them was rather unique. Thankfully, it was uniquely sold by the Swiss, who had no trouble selling it to Serbia, thank you very much! Twenty-two BWP-1's became mobile artillery for the Unionist freedom fighters, though I understood the ship ride with the Serbian and Chinese technicians was loads of fun as they struggled to figured out how to attach those state-of-the-art death-dealing turrets to those ancient contraptions.To compensate, the Serbians added (aka as long as our money was good) two Nora B-52 155 mm 52-calibre mobile artillery pieces and one battery of Orkan CER MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) for long-range artillery, two batteries of their Oganj 2000 ER MRLS for medium range carnage and six batteries of their M-94 MRLS for 'close support' as well. More field-testing new gear for the "freedom fighters" We also managed to 'purchase' ten M-84AS Main Battle tanks plus an M-84A1 armor recovery vehicle. It should have been twelve tanks, but two had 'loading issues'.Not to be deterred, our busy little procurement-beavers discovered four tanks no one was using, in neighboring Croatia. Why wasn't anyone immediately keen on their placement? They were two sets of prototypes, Croatia's improvements on the M-84; the M-95 Degman which was a 'failed redesign' and the M-84D, which was a vast up-grade for the M-84 line which had been sidelined by the 2008 Global economic collapse, after which the project stagnated.It seemed they were all in working order because late one night 'my people' exited a Croatian Army base with them, never to be seen again, until two weeks later when an intrepid news crew caught the distinctive form of the M-95 sending some sweet 125 mm loving the Angolan Army's way. Whoops yet again! At least they hit what they were aiming at and destroyed what they hit, right?By then, millions of other people would be going 'what the fuck?' right along with them as Cabinda's camouflage- and mask-wearing rebel army was laying the smack-down on the Angolans. That was okay; over a million 'free Cabindan Unionists' were in the same boat. Over a thousand Asians with their mostly-female militant translators were right there to prop up their 'Unionist Allies', but then they were the ones with the tanks, armored vehicles, planes and guns, so they were less worried than most.To pilot these tanks, APC, IFV and man this artillery, they had to go back to the Khanate. Sure enough, they had some old tankers used to crewing the T-72 from which the M-84's and -95 Degman were derived. They'd also need drivers for those BVP M-80A's and Polish BWP-1's and OT-64 SKOT's... who were, again, derived from old Soviet tech (just much better). The Serbian artillery was similar enough to Soviet stuff, but with enough new tech to make it 'more fun' for the reservists to 'figure out' how to use.More volunteers for the Liberation Armed Forces! More Apple sales, great apps and voice modulation software so that the vehicle commanders would be heard communicating in Portuguese if someone was eavesdropping. As a final offering the Turkish Navy spontaneously developed some plans to test their long range capabilities by going to, the South Atlantic.On the final leg they would have six frigates and two submarines, enough to give any navy in the region, which wasn't Brazil, something to think about. This was a show of force, not an actual threat though. If anyone called their bluff, the Khanate-Turkish forces would have to pull back. These were not assets my Brother, the Great Khan, could afford to gamble and lose.If someone didn't call that bluff, he was also sending two smaller, older corvettes and three even smaller, but newer, fast attack boats, a "gift" to the Unionists ASAP. The frigates would then race home, they had 'other' issues to deal with while the submarines would hang around for a bit. The naval gift was necessitated by the reality the Unionists would have to press their claim to their off-shore riches and that required a naval force Angola couldn't hope to counter.As things were developing, it was reckoned since a build-up of such momentous land and air power couldn't be disguised, it had to happen in a matter of days ~ four was decided to be the minimum amount of time. More than that and the government of the Democratic Republic might start asking far too many questions our hefty bribes and dubious paperwork couldn't cover. Less than that would leave the task forces launching operations with too little a chance of success.Our biggest advantage was audacity. The buildup would happen 100 km up the Congo River from Soyo, the primary target of the Southern Invasion, in the DRC's second largest port city, Boma. Though across the river was Angolan territory, there was nothing there. The city of roughly 160,000 would provide adequate cover for the initial stage of the invasion.There they grouped their vehicles & Khanate drivers with Amazon and Vietnamese combat teams. The Japanese were doing the same for their 'Chinese' counterparts for their helicopter-borne forces. Getting all their equipment in working order in the short time left was critical as was creating some level of unit dynamic. Things were chaotic. No one was happy. They were all going in anyway.What had gone wrong?While most children her age were texting their schoolmates, or tackling their homework, Aya Ruger ~ the alias of Nasusara Assiyaiá hamai ~ was getting briefings of her global, secret empire worth hundreds of billions and those of her equally nefarious compatriots. She received a very abbreviated version of what the Regents received, delivered by a member of Shawnee Arinniti's staff.When Aya hopped off her chair unexpectedly, everyone tensed. Her bodyguards' hands went to their sidearms and Lorraine (her sister by blood), also in the room on this occasion, stood and prepared to tackle her 'former' sibling to the ground if the situation escalated into an assassination attempt. No such attack was generated, so the security ratcheted down and the attendant returned her focus to her Queen. Aya paced four steps, turned and retraced her way then repeated the action three more times."How many people live in the combined areas?" she asked."The combined areas? Of Cabinda and Zaire?""Yes.""I," the woman referenced her material, "roughly 1.1 million.""What is the yearly value of the offshore oil and natural gas production?""Forty-nine billion, eighty hundred and sixty-seven million by our best estimates at this time,""How many live in Soyo City proper?""Roughly 70,000.""We take Soyo," she spoke in a small yet deliberate voice. "We take and hold Soyo as an independent city-state within the Cabindan-Zaire Union. From the maps it appears Soyo is a series of islands. It has a port and airport. It has an open border to an ocean with weaker neighbors all around.""What of the, Zairians?""Bakongo. As a people they are called the Bakongo," Aya looked up at the briefer. "We relocate those who need to work in Soyo into a new city, built at our expense, beyond the southernmost water barrier. The rest we pay to relocate elsewhere in Zaire, or Cabinda."By the looks of those around her, Aya realized she needed to further explain her decisions."This is more than some concrete home base for our People," she began patiently. "In the same way it gives our enemies a clearly delineated target to attack us, it is a statement to our allies we won't cut and run if things go truly bad.""In the same way it will provide us with diplomatic recognition beyond what tenuous handouts we are getting from Cáel Wakko Ishara's efforts through JIKIT. Also, it is a reminder we are not like the other Secret Societies in one fundamental way, we are not a business concern, or a religion. We are a People and people deserve some sort of homeland. We have gone for so long without.""But Soyo?" the aide protested. "We have no ties to it, and it backs up to, nothing.""Northern Turkey and southern Slovakia mean nothing to us now as well," Aya debated. "No place on Earth is any more precious than another. As for backing up to nothing, no. You are incorrect. It backs into a promise from our allies in the Earth & Sky that if we need support, they know where to park their planes and ships."Aya was surrounded with unhappy, disbelieving looks."The Great Khan is my mamētu meáeda," she reminded them, "and I have every reason to believe he completely grasps the concept's benefits and obligations."The looks confirmed 'but he's a man' to the tiny Queen."Aya, are you sure about this?" Lorraine was the first to break decorum."Absolutely. Do you know what he sent me when he was informed of my, ascension to the Queendom?""No," Lorraine admitted."We must go horse-riding sometime soon, Daughter of Cáel, Queen of the Amazons."More uncertain and unconvinced looks."He didn't congratulate me, or send any gifts. He could have and you would think he would have, but he didn't. He knew the hearts of me & my Atta and we weren't in the celebratory mood. No. The Great Khan sent one sentence which offered solace and quiet, atop a horse on a windswept bit of steppe."Nothing.Sigh. "I know this sounds Cáel-ish," Aya admitted, "but I strongly believe this is what we should do. We are giving the Cabindans and Bakongo in Zaire independence and the promise of a much better life than what they now face. We will be putting thousands of our sisters' lives on the line to accomplish this feat and well over two hundred million dollars.""What about governance of the city ~ Soyo?" the aide forged ahead."Amazon law," Aya didn't hesitate. "We will make allowances for the security forces of visiting dignitaries and specific allied personnel, but otherwise it will be one massive Amazon urban freehold.""I cannot imagine the Golden Mare, or the Regents, will be pleased," the attendant bowed her head."It is a matter of interconnectivity," Aya walked up and touched the woman's cheek with the back of her small hand. "We could liberate then abandon Cabinda with the hope a small band could help them keep their independence. Except we need the refinery at Soyo so the people of Cabinda can truly support that liberty.""So, we must keep Soyo and to keep Soyo, we must keep Zaire province. There is no other lesser border which makes strategic sense ~ a river, highlands, a massive river, an ocean ~ those are sustainable frontiers. You can't simply keep Soyo and not expect the enemy to strike and destroy that refinery, thus we must take Zaire province.""But the Bakongo of Zaire cannot defend themselves and will not be able to do so for at least a year, if not longer. That means we must do so, and for doing so, they will give us Soyo and we will be honest stewards of their oil wealth. We cannot expect any other power to defend this new Union and if we don't have a land stake we will be portrayed as mercenaries and expelled by hostile international forces.""So, for this project to have any chance of success, we must stay, fight and have an acknowledged presence, and if you can think of an alternative, please let me know," she exhaled."What if the Cabindans and Bakongo resist?""It is 'us', or the Angolans and they know how horrible the Angolans can be. Didn't you say the average person their lives on just $2 a day?""Yes.""We can do better than that," Aya insisted."How?" the aide persisted. "I mean, 'how in a way which will be quickly evident and meaningful?'""Oh," Aya's tiny brow furrowed. Her nose twitched as she rummaged through the vast storehouse of her brain."Get me in touch with William A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service. He should be able to help me navigate the pathways toward getting aid and advisors into those two provinces ASAP.""I'll let Katrina know," the attendant made the notation on her pad."No. Contact him directly," Aya intervened. "We established a, rapport when we met. I think he might responded positively to a chance to mentor me in foreign relations.""Really?" Lorraine's brows arched."Yes," Aya chirped."Are you sure, Nasusara?" the attendant stared. She used 'Nasusara' whenever she thought Aya had a 'horrible' idea instead of a merely a 'bad' one."Yes. He owes me. Last time we met I didn't shoot him.""Didn't?" the woman twitched."Yes. I drew down on him with my captured Chinese QSW-06. I didn't want to kill him, but I felt I was about to have to kill Deputy National Security Advisor Blinken and he was the only other person in the room both armed and capable of stopping me.""Why is he still alive?""Cáel Ishara saw through my distraction and then took my gun from me, asked for it actually," she shyly confessed."Would you have shot him?" the aide inquired."What do you think?" Aya smiled.And Then:So, given t

In the wake of 9/11, anthrax-laced letters unleashed a new wave of terror across the nation. But who was behind the attacks — and why has America nearly forgotten this story?As government buildings shut down and law enforcement scrambled to track the perpetrator, the FBI launched one of the largest and most complex investigations in its history. Untangling a web of scientific evidence and false leads, the case took unexpected turns with lasting consequences.From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios and CBC, this eight-part series grants unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing how the anthrax attacks reshaped America—and the hidden impact that still lingers today. More episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/UoHuWX

The last days before the Great Hunt.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“Can the scorpion ever stop being a scorpion? “"Do we get our legally permitted weaponry back?" The bishop still held my hand."Sure. If it makes you feel better.""I would like to meet your people then," he gave my paw one last shake then released me. "Shall we go?""I will have someone take you to your car. I want to briefly meet with the President, of Havenstone, then I'll join you in the garage. We'll drive over to JIKIT and I'll make the introductions. Good enough?""That is acceptable," he nodded."What about you two?" I regarded the nun and the Swiss Super-soldier. The nun remained vigilant, and silent. The Swiss' eyes flickered to his boss before settling back on me."It is what I volunteered for," he stated firmly."Okay. Please never say I didn't give you a chance to take the sane way out. Also, Bishop Nicolö, circumstances have conspired to up my prospective wedding date to January 1st.""That will be more difficult. Why the change?" he remained grim."We are having twins. By March, this will be very visible.""That is, unfortunate," he shook his head."You have no idea," and then a brainstorm. "And I am curious about resurrecting the Order of the Dragon, the Societas Draconistarum." Technically that meant 'Society of the Dragonists' which was more appropriate than the literal Ordo Draconis."Precisely how do you plan to recreate a crusading Christian Order which was the purview of the Hungarian monarchs?" he didn't sound the least skeptical, just curious."I have billions of euros to fund such a thing," I winked. "Of far greater critical importance, I know where I can find the supernatural guidance and spiritual imperative for such an organization.""You are going to produce a dragon?" his eyes grew larger even as he fought down his fear. Good man. He was adaptive. He'd need to be."I never said such a thing. That would make me sound crazy," I smiled broadly. "Besides, when I say 'dragon', you think 'devil' and that's way too pedestrian for where we are going.""I am not a moral relativist.""Neither am I. I'm out to save lives and nurture the drive in the human spirit to reach for freedom, love and liberty. As you might imagine, I'm pretty freaking outnumbered.""I think you are crazy," he re-evaluated things."I just might be. In all honesty, you should back out now. Take your two compadres back to 25 East 39th Street (the Holy See's Permanent Observer Offices to the UN in NYC) and report 'Mission Failure'. You'll most likely live longer," I reasoned."I am not afraid to die," Sister Rafaela Sophia finally voiced an opinion."That's idiotic," I scoffed before the bishop could reprimand her for opening her mouth. "You should be.""My soul is in God's hands," she set her jaw."Does he talk to you?" I countered."His message is clear.""Not what I asked. I asked if he specifically directed you to toss your life fruitlessly away as an object lesson for the reckless, or careless?""This is uncalled for," Nicolö intervened."Nope. I bet you a phone call to my Brother to physically restore your bishopric that there are four people in this room who have murdered in cold blood," I kept eye contact with the nun, "and she's the odd one out. Right Juanita?""Yes, Ishara," Juanita slipped up. Her spycraft, like mine, needed work."You were in the military?" the bishop asked my bodyguard."Was? I am. Right now," she related. "I will be until I die."That earned me looks from the three Catholics."She is loyal," Nicolö nodded slightly toward her, referring to Juanita's declaration."Huh? To me? Nope. She's loyal to my office, which we shan't get into right now. Back to you, Sister Rafaela Sophia. Are you out to be a martyr, or has some saint, or angel, given you a directive the other two seem to be unaware of which causes you to devalue your life?""I am devoted to the One True God, Christ, our Savior," and Juanita snorted, "and the Virgin Mary," the nun stated firmly. "I don't hear voices in my head.""Juanita, that was rude. Apologize to our guest," I kept looking forward."No." Well, fuck you too."Gun," I commanded. I held out my left hand."What? No. I will not give you one of my guns," she resisted."Juanita, give me your primary weapon, or I will ask Pamela to beat you up the moment I depart for the Great Hunt. After yesterday's stunt, you know she will," I threatened. Fair, I was not. She drew a Glock-20 and handed it to me. I went through the routine, dropped the magazine then ejected the round before opening the door.Oh look, there were four SD chicks outside, ready to escort my visitors downstairs. I didn't even need to waste a phone call. It wasn't like the conference room wasn't being monitored."Excuse me," I took a half step out the door then hurled all three items down the hall. Looking back at Juanita. "Go fetch.""Fuck you," she snapped."And insulting her faith was as degrading to both her faith and her as me doing this to you is degrading to you right now," I lectured her. "It is important to her, therefore it is important to me because she is my guest in the same way it is important to me that I let my bodyguard do her job without being a total asshole all the time. Now go get your God-damn weapon," I barked. Off she went. I left the door open."Now Sister Rafaela Sophia, the point of all this is: I don't give a crap if you are willing to die for God. In fact, that makes you less than worthless to me and the team. I want to know if you are willing to put other motherfuckers in the ground so that Bishop Nicolá, or Mathias, might get to keep doing their jobs.""Murder is a sin," she declared."Go home," I sighed while shaking my head."She answers to me, the Church and God, not you, Mr. Nyilas," the bishop stepped forward."Then you can go home too," I shrugged. "I'm not asking for remorseless killers. I'm asking for people willing to kill to get the hard work done and best of all, for people who know the difference.""Everyone on JIKIT is a professional soldier, or killer?" he asked."No, but the ones who aren't don't carry guns and know to get down when things get funky," I bantered."I vouch for her," he insisted. Juanita came running back into the room."Cool beans. I don't know you either.""You apparently know my service history," he volleyed."Yeah. Ten years a foreigner in the service of France, then you went straight into a university which turns out Jesuits," I riposted."What turned your life around?" he evaded. That was okay. I'd gotten what I wanted. I was willing to bet he had read every bit of public information about me and it was rumored the heavy Catholic membership in the FBI had its benefits to the Church as well. Not so much as to give them insight into JIKIT, but,"Someone risked their life for me. It's been pretty much downhill from there," I confessed. It was the truth. After Katrina gave me the life line on Day Two, it had all spiraled to the revelation of my heritage, Dad's death, Summer Camp, the Hamptons, Romania and Aya's kidnapping."A person, a soldier, died saving my life," the bishop empathized. "Her story is similar. She seeks redemption. She is not suicidal. I am staking both our lives on it."Did he mean him and Mathias, or him and me? I wasn't certain. Still, it was good enough for now. I'd gotten a look at their emotional make up, even the relatively quiet Swiss."Very well," I agreed. "I have to go see the President about my new job description. I'll catch up with you at your car." To the SD team leader, "Take them to the garage. I will join the group of you very soon.""Yes Ishara," she nodded. I exited the room, Juanita in tow. Two SD entered. I was gone before the Papal team left. Upstairs we went, with one last chore to discharge. I had to check on Ms. French to be absolutely freaking sure it was Shawnee, because anyone else would spell disaster.{8:30 am, Monday, September 8th. Last day}A Room full of asistants:Well, there it was, the office of the Executive Director to the President, and not 'Executive Assistant', because this was Katrina's final 'fuck you, no, just her final 'fuck you' before the Great Hunt got underway. I shouldn't assume things, dang it!Anyway, according to the gray-haired matron running gatekeeper to the Office of the President, this was where I was supposed to show up. I shot Juanita a worried look. She glanced my way and shrugged, momentarily willing to not give me shit about the past 24 hours because where I was situated would determine how easily she could do her job.In we went. In the suite were three desks, the 'big' desk situated at the far end of the office space and two far more modest ones on either side of the entryway. The room expanded beyond the chokepoint formed by the two closest desks into a cluttered area. The walls were cluttered with inset bookshelves and portraits of women. Facing one another were a loveseat on my left with bookend plush chairs in an 'L' facing and a full sofa on the right. There were end tables at the ends of the sofa and the corners between the loveseat and each chair.As the door opened, I hadn't knock as this was my office, or so it seemed, the occupants, who had all been sitting in quiet conversation in the central section, began reacting. Oh look ~ Constanza! I nearly had a heart attack before I realized there were three other Amazons also in the room. Sadly, none were behind the 'big desk', so I couldn't tell who was in charge. Two of the other three choices weren't too much better. First off,"Ishara," Marilynn Saint John stood to greet me. I'd last seen her when I'd dedicated her grandmother's (Hayden's) spirit to the halls of my ancestors, not hers, after forcing the political crisis leading to Hayden's suicide ~ her taking herself to the cliffs and in doing so, destroying the Amazon Cult of Blood Purity. Marilynne was clearly still bitter with me. Umm, I could still incite passion in women I hadn't slept with, yet, woot?"Cáel," the senior-most and only friendly face in the room spoke next. Thank goodness it was Beyoncé Vincennes, Head of House Hanwasuit and House Ishara ally."Cáel Ishara," the third individual was deferential which I wasn't sure how to take as the last time I'd encountered her, yeah, things hadn't gone well either."Beyoncé," I started off with a smile. From there, I had to figure out, ah, Beyoncé's eyes flickered to Constanza then Sabia. I knew Marilynn, with her young age, had the least seniority, "Constanza, Sabia, Marilynn. How's tricks?"Glum faces by everyone except Beyoncé. I didn't ask about Sabia's particular well-being. It had been months since I'd beaten her into the mats of the Full-blooded gym. She'd attacked Yasmin, the Brazilian Hottie and my Brazilian Jujutsu sparring buddy, and I'd retaliated by ambushed her when she turned her back on us. Besides, she'd been giving me shit before I even could see straight.Constanza was minus her left eye because of her dire insult to me. If she wasn't capable of working, she wouldn't be here. If she appreciated my 'mercy' in sparing her life ~ her insult was worthy of her death ~ Constanza hid it well. I hadn't spared her expecting a change of heart. I hadn't felt words alone warranted anyone's death. I was a big boy and could take a few insults. House Ishara, as represented by me, could care less. These days, my sisters would be less understanding despite them knowing my heart."Constanza Landau of House Jaya and Marilynn Saint John of House Anahit are Assistants to President Shawnee French," Beyoncé eased things along, "so will be working closely with us, at least for the short term. Sabia Noel of House Guabancex, who I now think you know as well, has joined you as the other 'Assistant' to the 'Executive Director to the President', (that would make me an 'adept', but adept at what?), and since two of the three Regents are unfamiliar with the workings of Havenstone proper, Shawnee has asked me to perform in that role."Beyoncé was, or had been, Havenstone HQ's CFO (Chief Financial Officer). From what I was quickly piecing together, she would essentially be making all the day-to-day decisions concerning the running of Havenstone (how the Host made the majority of its money) until the Regents got up to speed.Only Buffy had actual experience with the New York office and, from what she had told me, solely within Executive Services. While ES knew 'who' did what inside Havenstone, they weren't aware precisely how those Amazons got their jobs done. That would have been an impossible task. Katrina could do it, but she knew it was beyond the ability of most of us 'mere mortals'. Since we were currently at war, the Host needed Katrina completely focused on her duties as Chief Spy-mistress, not baby-sitting the adults.Shawnee indeed had much gravitas among the other House Heads. Not only had she risen up to lead a First House, she had performed heroically during the final days of the last Secret War. Afterwards she had moved into the realm of Amazon jurisprudence and mediation. Until yesterday, she had lived in a House Arinniti freehold in Minnesota's Great Lakes region thus her desire for the 'Training Wheels' period.The Regency would not rule through telecommunication (the upper echelons feared being eavesdropped upon beyond the standard Amazon (read: paranoid) levels) and Havenstone: New York was the center best situated for the current war-fighting operations, so here she lived. I was sure a team from Executive Services was buying, outfitting/spy-proofing and fortifying a dwelling suitable for the President of a Fortune 500 company. Hayden's home would remain the domicile of Sydney thus Marilynn.The same rigmarole would be done for Rhada and Buffy (though I imaged Buffy would bitch endlessly). Publically, they were VP's of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they had to present the public trappings of such leaders.Why did the Amazons do this ~ unmask their leadership to public exposure? Legal-simple: they could request and expect all levels of public and private security for their executives who happened to also be important officials of the Host. Certainly not all executives at Havenstone were officeholders, House Heads, or House Apprentices, but the high level of competence which permitted one often led to the other.Beyonce:As an example: Beyoncé wasn't the most 'bad-ass' lethal chick in House Hanwasuit. As she was preparing to be casted, her intelligence, creativity and diligence at her future craft, finances, was noted by the Host and the members of her House. In due time her name was circulated as Apprentice and the elders approved. When her elder cousin, the prior House Head, took herself to the cliffs, Beyoncé assumed the top spot. Beyoncé wasn't even one of that woman's three daughters.Mirroring her advancement in her House was her advancement in Havenstone's Accounting, Acquisitions and Banking Divisions until she was appointed CFO Havenstone HQ ~ the supreme financial authority inside Havenstone, though the individual regional branches had a greater degree of autonomy than you might normally expect from a 21st century conglomerate, or a Bronze Age autocracy.I had to constantly remind myself, despite the near-constant feuding, Amazons exhibited a phenomenally higher level of trust than I'd ever found in any other society I'd ever witnessed, or read about, before. Though technically Beyoncé could have gone to President Hayden to enforce her decisions ~ or now the Regency ~ she was far more diplomatic in her approach in dealing with the other 'continental' CEO's and CFO's.That meant she had to wrangle the aspirations and resources from:North America (including Latin America, the 'Canadian Arctic' and the North Pacific Ocean),South America (includes both the South Atlantic and South Pacific as far as Samoa),Europe (mostly Central Europe these days plus Antarctica, the 'Russian' Arctic and the North Atlantic),Africa (mostly West-central Africa),India (the subcontinent plus the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean) and,Southeast Asia (which includes Australia)All of which suggested Havenstone hadn't redrawn the Amazons' geographic demarcations since the late 19th century. As an example, an East African venture, say in Tanzania, was as likely to be under the purview of Havenstone: India (due to its control over the Indian Ocean) as Havenstone: Africa (which traditionally had no East Coast holdings due to their constant struggles versus the Arabic slave trade).Returning to Beyoncé: initially she had held the proper 'conservative' (aka man-hating) mindset. My behavior during that first Board Meeting began to change her opinion of me and the New Directive. After the Archery Range incident, Beyoncé became a vocal proponent of the New Directive and faced challenges within her ranks. House Heads do not have to accept challenges and Beyoncé didn't, reasoning with her detractors they had no alternatives save the 'Old Ways' which spelled doom for the Amazon Race.Bing-bang-boom ~ I became the Head of a resurrected House Ishara by the Will of the Ancestors and Beyoncé was vindicated. Not necessarily in the New Directive, but in her support of me thus the rebirth of a sister First House. The purge following High Priestess' Hayden's death was her ultimate absolution. The Ancestors and Destiny had spoken and shown Beyoncé had been piloting House Hanwasuit along the proper course all along.Back to my current circumstances:Oh, why was I Assistant to the Executive Director to the President? It gave me direct access to the finances of Havenstone which was a critical leg of the war-fighting stool ~ people, morale, money and equipment. As Chief Diplomat, I helped with all four of those in varying degrees, allied troops, allied victories, allied bank accounts and allied armaments.The Great Khan, my spiritual 'Blood-Brother', was ramping up his logistic support for my Amazons in Africa, Asia and the Americas. We were 'Allies in the Struggle' and he wasn't going to wait for the Condottieri to begin coordinating with the Seven Pillars to declare them to be his enemies. They were already fighting the Amazons and 9 Clans, his allies, so their fates were sealed.In Japan, my Amazons provided small yet highly effective strike groups which the Ninja families furnished all the support services for. Everything from food to bullets to medical attention as needed. Without reservation, we shared their death-grapple with the Seven Pillars.From the dispatches I was getting back from my family members and envoys in Japan, we were making serious diplomatic inroads with the Ninja. Once again, it was the Amazons shocking capacity for violence as well as their fanaticism, professionalism and proficiency which all impressed our hosts and terrified our enemies, and this from people of a philosophical mindset which had them historically battling samurai.The Black Lotus were running around like rhesus monkeys on crack cocaine unleashed in a China Shop and given RPG's. While the Amazons couldn't help them in China, Indochina & Thailand ~ the Khanate could and was. The Amazons were of more help in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Black Lotus and Amazons were going everywhere on the offensive against the Seven Pillars while the normal tight cohesion and iron-clad confidence, traits which made the 7P's so dangerous ~ were shaken by their horrendous losses in the 'Homeland' aka Mainland China.Less we forget, the 'military intelligence' wing of their organization had been decimated by the Khanate's Anthrax attack due to members of the Earth & Sky sacrificing themselves by being injected with the toxin then allowing themselves to be captured, which always ended in torture and death.Furthermore, the People's Republic of China, while having a scary 18% of the population either captured, imprisoned, dead, or displaced due to the Khanate invasion, that had come with the loss of 63% of their landmass (they had lost all of Nei Mongol, Ningxia & Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions, Qinghai and Gansu as well as 90% of Yunnan, 80% of Sichuan and 20% of Shaanxi provinces) to the Khanate and the 'abomination' that was a free Tibet.Then came the Russian 'stab in the back' which entailed the loss of another 10% of their people falling under foreign dominion as well as losing 8% of their most industrialized territory, Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces ~ the Nei Mongol portion of 'Manchuria' was in the Khanate's greedy clutches, from the viewpoint of a Seven P's warrior).Don't get me wrong, they weren't about to throw in the towel. If anything, they were becoming more dedicated to trying harder, digging deep into their knowledge of every atrocity, inhumanity and perversion now deemed necessary to re-chart history back onto its 'correct' path. It was this willingness to act in an even greater sociopathic manner which was being used against them. After all, the 7P's had plenty of proxy allies, who were starting to get really nervous about what their paymasters were now asking them to do,We Amazons were getting some extra special help too. The Booth-gan (Do not call them Thuggee ~ the confederate 9 Clan member based out of India though long since ensconced within various Hindi enclaves across the Globe) had created an all-female group of ultra-fanatical Kali-devotees ~ a gift for the upcoming battle fomented by the Will of the Goddess herself.While Aya was our Queen and the Regency would rule until she wished to assume command of the Amazon People, the nuts-and-bolts of the Host's activities were handled by Saint Marie as Golden Mare (our Minister of War) (technically she held the top spot due to our State of War, though no Golden Mare had ever exercised such authority over a Queen (and she definitely believed Aya was our Queen)), Katrina (as Minister of Intelligence and Security), Beyoncé (as Havenstone (the multinational corporation) ~ our Treasurer/Economic Tsarina) and me (our Foreign Minister).Saint Marie had decided to forgo a public face in order to better facilitate her moving around to various battle fronts and holding clandestine meetings with her junior regional commanders. Her Havenstone corporate title was 'Chief of Security Training and Certification'. As an extra level of deception, the head of Security Services wasn't even a Director-level position, instead being folded into the duties of the Office of the President.To my current circumstances ~ I had been given Constanza's house name which could only mean she wasn't currently assigned to the Security Detail; a fact that couldn't have made her bad attitude any better. Marilynn had completely lost her way as an Amazon when I first met her, burying her pain and confusion in endless partying and intoxicants. I believed only her grandmother's status as High Priestess kept her from the severest of reprimands, or death. I didn't even know what Marilynn's caste was. Sabia,"While I'm sure you are both far more qualified than I, precisely how did you two get these jobs?" I had to ask my two non-coworkers. Constanza glowered. Marilynn flinched."I have an in depth knowledge of Havenstone security procedures and resources," Constanza replied."Shawnee requested me," was Marilynn's comeback. "I also have intimate knowledge of the City of New York and its environs.""Actually, Buffy Ishara recommended you both to Shawnee," Beyoncé corrected their misconceptions. I knew the score. I'd be working intimately with the tight community around the President (Shawnee) and Vice Presidents (Buffy & Rhada). Buffy wanted me to be surrounded by women who hated my guts, so I wouldn't end up boinking them. It rarely worked that way. All too often ladies who hated my still-beating heart ended up punishing me with sex. I wasn't sure why that happened, but it did."Beyoncé, didn't the Chief Diplomat of the Host have her own office? I'm pretty sure Troika had one before her unfortunate collision with Saint Marie," I felt entitled to inquire."Do you feel you've earned that office space?" she riposted."Oh, fuck no!" I waved my hands one over the other to accentuate my denial. "I was just wondering where I could stick Juanita while I'm hanging around, here.""She has the desk right outside the door, Cáel," Beyoncé smiled knowingly. "So there is no way you can sneak past her.""Oh," I grunted. "Buffy again?""No. Pamela Pile put in that particular request.""Oh, Sweet Mother of God, now she is conspiring against me too?""Yes. Some of us realize the greatest hazard to your health is yourself, Ishara," Beyoncé chided me. "We'd like to keep you around, so we listen to those charged with that nigh impossible task.""Is she going to be hanging around the office often?" Constanza asked, either myself, Juanita, or Beyoncé; I wasn't sure. She = Pamela."Please, Constanza," I attempted to intervene, "don't make Pamela kill you. It will upset Mona." Constanza's scowl was accentuated by the eyepatch covering her ruined left socket, the one Pamela had carved out when Constanza had insulted me and House Ishara on our first day of rebirth. I didn't tell Juanita this, because Juanita might just shoot Constanza over the insult before Pamela got a chance to finish the job.The tension was palatable."Mona and I have talked, about Romania, and other things," Constanza grudgingly allowed. It took me a second to realize there was a hidden meaning to what she said. Mona was part of my personal Security Detail bodyguard unit. If she felt Constanza, the woman who had raised her after her birth-mother had died, was a threat to me, she'd feel duty-bound to snuff Constanza first. Amazons were hard-ass bitches alright and I think Mona had made that clear."I hope things can improve between us," I offered to Constanza. "Beyoncé, I just stopped in to say 'hey'. I'm off to JIKIT and I've got three of the Pope's people waiting on me in the garage so,""Vice President Varma requested a moment of your time," Beyoncé smirked. "She is in 2604.""Who?""Vice President Rhada Varma, a moment of your time, alone?" she clarified."Sure thing," I backed out of the office. Once I had some space, I turned to Juanita. "Give me three minutes then bust in and say, I don't know, a tsunami is about to overwhelm the city, or something. Otherwise, I won't get out for at least an hour and I think I've put the Bishop and his people through enough delays as it is.""Are you actually asking me to stop you from having an in-office liaison?" she studied me intently as we walked in the direction of Rhada's office."Yes. It's not likely to happen often, believe me.""Oh, I do, in that you won't ask me to do it often," she grumbled. I'd deal with Juanita's morale problem later. Right now, I had to gird my loins so they wouldn't do anything else with Rhada. I had work to do, damn it!Rhada was sitting at her desk, working on something, stylus raised up so she could chew on the end. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, the type that captured the rear half of the hair in a ponytail while leaving the front and bangs free to flow down. Rhada's blouse was white & billowy and, as I was soon to discover, her pants were ultra-tight and contour hugging."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. "I would like a moment of your time," she relayed what I already knew. She was more than a tad nervous to boot."Vice President Varma," I started off."When in private you may call me Rhada," she interrupted."Rhada, you look more ravishing than ever."That got up her and coming around her desk, which revealed her ultra-tight pants with no sign of her wearing underwear. Yikes! My cock was preparing to do what a cock was meant to do and I just didn't have the time, Really!"Do you have any time?" she let her bosom heave."Not today, ugh," I groaned. See, Rhada took the stylus and dragged it down her chin, throat and in between her bountiful mounds.All of which exposed the top of her black bra."Are you sure, Master?" she enticed me by turning around and then leaning over her desk, point that ass in my direction. My mouth began salivating and my groin ached. I found myself quick-stepping to her and giving those buttocks two firm slaps, one on each cheek."No, damn it, though I'm going to make you pay for this when I get back," I rumbled."Master will make me wait?" she taunted me."That will cost you even more," I growled. "I have business which simply won't wait and here is my captive teasing me with the treasures of her flesh. Bad, war captive," I spanked her yet again, hard. "Bad!" and I spanked her a fourth time. With each beating, Rhada gasped in pain and then exhaled in pleasure."If I've been bad, Master must be extra harsh with me when he returns in triumph from the Great Hunt," she gloated. Rhada had gotten what she wanted, which was another affirmation of my lust for her and our 'game'. I could provide her the release she so desperately craved while allowing her the safety of remaining in the Amazon fold. It was a perfect pairing, for her.I had other problems, such as all the other baby mamas in my life plus the extra-marital affairs I was contemplating. I still took the moments we had to snuggle with Rhada, her grinding that tush into my rod while I held both her arms tightly to her side while raining kisses down onto her neck and head."Sir! A giant tsunami is approaching the city!" Juanita exploded through the door."What?" I coughed. I had a face full of hair."Huh?" Rhada pushed up and away from me. I let her go."Right now," Juanita insisted. She really needed to stop taking me so seriously when I gave her such advice."Really?" from Rhada. She shot me a curious look so I shrugged. What else was I supposed to do with such a flimsy lie forcing our separation? At least I got out of there on time?{9:50 am, Monday, September 8th ~ Last day}(JKIT HQ)"Is this a common occurrence?" Sister Rafaela Sophia whispered to the closest woman, who happened to be Wiesława, the Polish Amazon. Since she hadn't arrived with us from Havenstone, the nun might have assumed she was with the 'Americans', or British."What?" Wiesława responded evenly."Weapons combat, they look real," the nun clarified."They are real. We always practice with real weapons.""Really?""Of course," Wiesława smiled at her. "We believe a few cuts and scrapes now will save lives when the true tests come.""Oh, you are with, Havenstone?" Rafaela clued in."Yes. I am Wiesława of House Živa. I am currently assigned to Unit L, Cáel's unit within JIKIT," she offered her hand to shake. Despite being a full-blooded Amazon from a freehold, her 'human' skills were progressing nicely. The nun shook it."I am Sister Rafaela Sophia of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that is a Roman Catholic Religious Order." Pause. "Do you hate Catholics too?""Yes. We have lived beside your people for many centuries and found your clergy to be much more dangerous than your pagan predecessors. Still, Cáel thinks you can be relied on and he's proven we can trust outsider women, which I was raised to believe was unlikely, and outsider men, which was basically anathema, so I'm willing to set aside my prejudices and judge you as an individual," the Pole imparted."Outsider men?" Rafaela mumbled."Well, yes," Wiesława smirked. "You are a nun, right?""Yes.""So you set aside the World of Men to live mostly among women, right?""Not entirely," the nun chose her words carefully. "We still rely on priests for religious rights and of course obey the life teachings of Christ and follow the leadership of his Holiness, the Pope, a man.""No one is perfect," the Amazon bantered back."Do you know the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ?" Rafaela ventured into dangerous waters."Yes. He was the semi-historical Son of your supposed One True God. We are not monotheists. We are Polytheists. Živa is my House's matron Goddess. It is also the name of the first woman to lead the House, her birth name surrendered to Destiny so all the daughters who came afterwards would be equals.""Oh, is Mr. Nyilas also pagan?" she inquired."I am unsure. From what I have been told, he has commended the spirit of his fallen father to your Jesus in a sacred ceremony then, in the presence of your Trinity and the Goddess Ishara, brought in new members to his House. I suspect he may be both," Wiesława reasoned. "Why don't you ask him?""Because he's fighting for his life?" Rafaela looked my way.See, the entire time their discussion had been going on, I had been sparring in a spare room at JIKIT HQ with Estere Abed, the Hashashin assassin (rather redundant ~ like saying the Sahara Desert). I had two tomahawks while she had a scimitar and curved dagger. While we sparred using the furniture as obstacles, Agent-86 was briefing me on various World events to get my input.Addison Stuart (CIA) and Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke (MI-6) were having a chat with Bishop Nicolé de Santis, verifying for themselves he was worth adding to the team. Juanita was having a similar discussion with Rikki Martin (US State Department) concerning my earlier encounter with the Papal team. Nicolé's buddy, Wachtmeister Mathias Bosshart of the Swiss Guard, was getting acquainted with the other security personnel.In comparison, those two had it easy. Both men were in their elements. Nicolé was a spook who pretended to be a diplomat for the Pope and was well acquainted with terms like 'deniable assets', 'plausible deniability' and your direct superior referring to requests concerning your identity/diplomatic status by saying 'I never heard of him and if I had, I have no idea what he was doing when you caught him doing what I don't know what he was doing', or something like that.Mathias was in the company of military-security specialists, brother professionals who were introducing him to his 'sister' professionals. Our Homeland Security gang were almost entirely former military by now. They got along with our JSOC folks and both had gained a limited acceptance with the Amazon security contingent.They bonded over the fact they were forced to work with really shady characters ~ the 9 Clans menagerie ~ who didn't always appreciate JIKIT operational security. Without going into particulars, the Wachtmeister was given the impression the abnormal was the norm and if you didn't think there was a 'down-side' to being able to carry your personally favorite bang-bang (the SG 552-2P Commando in his case) with some serious attachments (read: grenade launcher) around in downtown Manhattan, you probably didn't belong on this team.Back in the room,"He's not fighting for his life," Estere laughed. "He is fighting for mine.""Right," I responded sarcastically. We went through a flurry of exchanges, ending up with me kicking a chair at her. Estere stepped over it, colliding with me.I blocked her dagger, disarmed her scimitar and,"You are dead," she panted down at me, smiling. I was on my back, her straddling me. She had a belt-knife to my throat. I hadn't see her draw it. The scimitar 'disarm' had been a distraction."Woot!" I exhaled."But you're dead," Sister Rafaela misunderstood my good humor."He survived a minute and thirty-four seconds more today than his previous record," Estere responded. She slithered off of me, doing my arousal no good whatsoever, then offered me a hand up."And that's better?""He's a rank amateur with a few months on the job. I've been training to kill people for nearly two decades," Estere smiled. "Care to have a go?""With him, or you?""Either," Estere offered."I don't have a knife, or any hand weapons," she stated."We'll need to remedy that," Wiesława stated. "You should at least carry a knife.""Really? Why?""It is a nearly universal tool," I verbally stepped up. "Even if you are disarmed, you should be able to find one relatively easily, people are less likely to miss a stolen knife than a purloined gun, and a concealed blade could come in handy.""Do you train in knife-work?" Rafaela eye-balled me."Absolutely. It is part of my culture," I grinned."Okay. Can we spar, hand-to-hand?""Sure," I nodded. I put my tomahawks in their harnesses then put my harnesses aside. Estere gave me a wink before giving us the fighting space."So," Rafaela began to circle, "are you Christian?""By your definition, or mine?""By the definition of the Catholic Church."Oh cool, she went for a Savate stance. This was going to get ugly.My "no," was followed by her kick and my block, lunge and grapple. She wasn't nearly as good as Felix. I had her down and in a choke hold within fifteen seconds.Perhaps she thought I'd take it easy on her. She tapped out. I released her, retreated and flowed back to my boxing stance. It took her a moment to realize this was 'practice', not 'an interview'. She hadn't failed in anyone's eyes. We were both doing this to get better."See, I really, truly believe I have talked to supernatural entities ~ some who are considered divinities," I continued. This time she was more careful, trading jabs and blocks with me. "They don't claim to be the One True God. I believe in such a thing, but I also believe having been given the Message, Humanity has been left to muddle things out for ourselves."Whoops, she popped me one."The Woman-Thing this morning?""Yep," I evaded another flurry. She got cocky and I landed three blows, dropping her to the ground. I didn't help her up. Instead, I withdrew and let her get back up on her own before deciding if she wanted to continue. She did."I believe I've seen dragons and ghosts. I have felt legions of my ancestors give me quiet encouragement when I needed it. I know the dead have been brought back to life," I came at her. This time we both went for body blows, knees, elbows and fists. She was not SD-caliber and she needed to be. I grappled and she was forced to tap out again. After she regained her feet, she held up a hand for a pause."Do you believe any of that?" she addressed Estere."I am an adherent of Ismaili Islam yet nothing Cáel has encountered is contrary to my belief system. The Universe is a complex place and the Divine Light is often seen through a fractured lenses," she counseled the nun."Among the escapees were lawyer Francisco Luemba, Catholic Priest Raul Tati, economist Belchior Lanso Tati and former policeman Benjamin Fuca who are serving jail sentences of between three and six years each for supposed links to the rebel group FLEC (Frente para a Libertaé'o do Enclave de Cabinda), which carried out the attack on the Togolese football team at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, 2010," Agent-86 read off yet another bit of global minutia."We need to get to them," I half turned. Sister Rafaela punched me in the gut and I folded up."Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry.""Okay," I mumbled. I had to keep with the plan. "Those men. We need to contact our Coils people in Kinshasa and the Warden of the Mountain Ways ('she' was the Amazon Host's leader of Africa ~ in the ancient times, the mountain ways had been the routes of southern vulnerability for the Amazon tribe thus the name).""Okay," both Agent-86 and Estere answered."Why?" 86 added."The Coils and the Host have had a serious problem with no nation in Africa giving them even back room recognition so we are going to take over our own country, Cabinda. It's been struggling to be free of Angola since 1975 and, by latest estimates, we've got strike elements of over 2,000 Amazons ready and waiting next door in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.""So you are going to go to war with Angola?" Estere frowned. "Don't we have enough enemies?""Au contraire," I grinned wickedly. "The resistance movement is genuine," I ticked off my points, "they have tons of offshore oil, and after we set off some spectacular explosions in the two main Angolan ports which are just down the coast, we allow global panic to bully the UN into intervening before the Angolan military launch an effective counter-offensive ~ considering the Angolan Armed Forces (I'd been reading up on a ton of CIA & MI-6 briefings) will most likely involve attrition warfare since they can't beat us in a stand-up fight.""They, the Angolans, have no overland access, they are separated by 60 kilometers of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo over some sad ass roads Plus the Congo River itself which is freaking huge by the time it gets that close to the Atlantic, Cabinda rests on the Atlantic Ocean by the way. No bridges. The Angolan Navy is anemic. Let me think."I began pacing."Hmm, they have no paratroopers though they have some Special Forces, we will need to hit as many of them in the barracks as we can. Their last invasion was from the north, overland, from the Republic of the Congo, in 1975, not likely to happen this time, though I may have my 'Brother' weasel up a battalion of Indian paratroopers to act as convincing peacekeepers after the initial take over.""Perhaps we can recruit some Vietnamese. I'm sure they'll love fighting in someone else's jungle for a change. We'll need some of 'our' guys to seize the port of Soyo, it is on the wrong side of the river, but has the major refinery the Cabindans will need. Since the entire surrounding province are the same ethnic make-up as the Cabindans, we'll have to take that too.""Man-o-man, I bet by the time this is over they'll really wish they'd given little Cabinda independence back in 1975. As for their other refinery, it is in their capital, Luanda, a few big explosions there too will get the markets jittery. Check that ~ the complete and utter destruction of their major petroleum facility will create a stampede for Peace," I continued. I walked over as our resident computer intelligence genius worked his magic."Blowing things up, you mean killing people," the nun blanched."Yes. This is what I do," I spared her a sympathetic glance. "I've got a madman roaming around in my head who provides me truly epic military advice which normally, but not always, means blowing shit up and killing folks. Welcome to the team," then as the data appeared, "Holy Shit! Did they build their oil refinery in the midst of their ghetto?" I was staggered. The refinery in Soyo was isolated from the town so it could be easily (and safely) seized. It was the one in Luanda which was the 'Holy Shit' site."It looks that way," Agent-86 agreed nonplussed. "Hmm, yeah, here is the port facility then your neighborhood of shoddily constructed one- and two-story dwellings between the refinery and the inland storage tanks, the perimeter barrier appears to be a chain link fence. I'd hate to be their Chief of Security.""Oh yeah," I choked. Estere slipped around to get a look."Whoops," she snorted."What are these people thinking?" I continued. "The whole shebang is exposed to the northern quarter of the city. The storage tanks have residential dwellings on all four sides with numerous side streets. Two teams with RPGs and four rounds apiece, Holy Crap. Sorry Sister.""But I want to save lives," she sputtered."Limiting the collateral damage could be pretty tough," Estere frowned. She toggled throw a series of maps to multiple pictures."Oh, look (dripping sarcasm); they light up the refinery at night. You can sit off the coast in a speed boat under cover of darkness and attack from there," she noted."Damn. Those are a lot of lights," Agent-86 agreed."24-7 operation," I suspected."We will need some experts," the government agent nodded."Or we are going to kill a fuck-load of innocent people. Not just the workers, but can you imagine a fire spreading to those neighborhoods? Shit," I muttered."You can't seriously be contemplating doing something like this," the nun sputtered. "It is inhumane. Think of the families, the children.""Lady, yes I am. Do you have any idea what the Human Rights record of the Angolan Army in Cabinda is? It is truly horrific and in case you missed it, one of the guys in dire need of rescuing by me, due to him being a huge rebel leader who has managed to escape, is also a Catholic priest. He's going to be part of the new government we are going to install once we kill a few hundred Angolans ~ mostly soldiers (more like well over a thousand).""We are going to kill a few hundred so a few hundred thousand can live free, democratic lives without worrying about the local police and political establishment torturing and murdering them. It is all part of the plan.""I think I need to talk with the Bishop.""Hang on. Let me finish," I forestalled her. "He'll get briefed along with everyone else. After all, it is a majority Roman Catholic country as is Angola, so I'm sure your guy can be of immense help.""The people you are putting at risk don't deserve this," she protested."They never do," I nodded in agreement with her. "It rarely stops terrible crap from happening to them though."I felt sorry for the Sister. She thought the Bishop was going to put a stop to this. Poor girl; he was going to do the exact opposite. See, the two competing forces at play here were a communistic kleptocracy (currently ruling Angola) and Catholic liberation theology united with a Cabindan national identity dating back to 1885. At stake was 900,000 barrels a day of petroleum. That was a bunch of funding for somebody. Last I checked, the state run energy conglomerate had misplaced $32 billion, in just three years.Mind you, the Coils of the Serpent and the Amazon Host didn't want to help the People of Cabinda out of the goodness of their hearts either. They wanted cover for the importation of weapons and other war-fighting material so they could kill the Condottieri in Africa. If the rebel leaders-turned-legitimate government didn't play ball well, the Coils were in the 'assassinating people' business and somewhere along the line the survivors would figure out keeping 'us' happy kept them alive. Problem solved.It was Bishop Nicolé de Santis' job to facilitate that understanding. If certain people with Vatican credentials explained the 'facts of life' to the new regime a lot more lives could be saved, Catholic lives. In turn, he could work to make sure the new group in power wasn't nearly as corrupt as the gang we were tossing out. Better education and quality of life, improved infrastructure & security and a nice shiny cathedral, or two.We, as in JIKIT and our component members, didn't want to rule the country and dominate the people's lives. We needed the ports and the airfields with a blind eye turned to our skullduggery. Sure, there would be future considerations. Amazons and Coil members would be fighting and dying for these people's freedom ~ public recognition definitely not required. No; the Amazons wanted to be left alone in their deep jungle homes which was an isolation they basically already had. This was a future chit which said 'don't come looking'.The Coils? Let's just say in the future Cabinda would have embassies around the globe and if occasionally they wanted someone to slip through under diplomatic cover ~ they were good for it. And if the Cabindans ever needed help in the future they knew they had friends in dark places who were now invested in Cabinda's survival. It was a win-win-win, unless you were an Angolan big-wig, or one of their foot-soldier currently serving in Cabinda. Amazons weren't big on taking prisoners, or even giving the opposition the option of giving up.For me, it wasn't lunch yet and here I was plotting to overthrow yet another government in yet another country ~ though in only two, small provinces this time. Thank the Goddess I had the rest of the week

Anthrax – an example of how the US Government has worked to stop the spread of disease

Though they were one of the first so-called “grunge” bands to sign to a major label, Alice in Chains were something of an outlier in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s Seattle scene. They didn't fall directly into the punk camp, or the hair metal camp, and even the true metalheads thought they weren't hardcore enough. This became painfully evident when the band opened a tour for Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, and were hazed, spat on, and booed. Alice's lead singer, Layne Staley, could take the criticism. He had a prankster's spirit, not to mention a rock ‘n roll attitude that paired well with his killer rock ‘n roll voice. But newfound fame was overwhelming, as was the destructive addiction to heroin Layne developed to deal with it all. Soon Layne Staley found himself lost in a jungle of his own making, not unlike the jungle that he sang so convincingly about in one of Alice in Chains' most endearing songs. This episode was originally published on March 28, 2024. Which Seattle artist or band hits you the hardest? Why? Let Jake know at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: Instagram YouTube X (formerly Twitter)  Facebook Fan Group TikTok To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Brian Fair returns to the podcast. Brian talks about Shadows Fall's first new single in 12 years, the very wet video making process, the status of a new Shadows Fall album, working with MNRK Heavy, the fact that Shads are a thrash metal breeding ground, Anthrax, Hatebreed, his band Hellnight, working with the Heavy Monarch label, love for Killswitch Engage, stage diving, Sonic Temple, American metal festivals, gaining younger fans, and a ton more! Thanks for listening, and please share! #podcast #shadowsfall #allkillernofiller This episode is brought to you by DEB Concerts. Follow DEB on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on upcoming shows including Rocklahoma performances from Dee Snider, Orianthi, Mike Tramp and more! This episode is also brought to you by Sunset Tattoo Tulsa. Sunset Tattoo has over 25 years of experience, and is located at 3146 E. 15th St. in Tulsa, OK. Native owned, and a female tattoo artist in house. The tattoos are "Done Good and Proper" so be sure to like their facebook page for more details. This episode is also brought to you by Rocklahoma Bitches! Rocklahoma Bitches have been supporting Rocklahoma every year since 2011. Cristy and Kendra have become synonymous with the party both in the campgrounds and inside the venue at ROK. They give away (never charge) an abundant amount of their merch, they MC major campground events, bid on charity guitar auctions, and have become a yearly sponsor of the Cancer Sucks benefit concert in Tulsa. Join their FB group and follow the Rockbitch page now! Stream us anytime everywhere podcasts are heard.

Welcome to #2 of our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive Album Spotlight. Last time we focused on Motley Crue's “Theatre of Pain”, an album that epitomized ‘Hair Metal'. This time we're going to the opposite end of the spectrum. NY thrashers Anthrax' second effort “Spreading The Disease” was an important album. Not just for the band, but the Metal underground in general. Along with some of their Big 4 brethren's key... The post Radioactive Metal 825: An Infectious Album appeared first on Shining Wizards Network.

Welcome to #2 of our 40th Anniversary Deep Dive Album Spotlight. Last time we focused on Motley Crue's "Theatre of Pain", an album that epitomized 'Hair Metal'. This time we're going to the opposite end of the spectrum.   NY thrashers Anthrax' second effort "Spreading The Disease" was an important album. Not just for the band, but the Metal underground in general. Along with some of their Big 4 brethren's key releases, the album introduced a more mainstream audience to the  awesomeness that is Thrash Metal. It's also an old fave of ours that still gets turntable time. Was this your fave 'Thrax album?   In our "News, Views and Tunes", we go over the "Metal Massacre..." and "Sisters With Transistor" documentaries. Musically, we crank Sacrifice, C.O.C., Bitch, Living Death, S.S. Decontrol, Lady Beast, 7 Year Bitch, Direct Action, November's Grief and introduce Toronto's Villian in our "Indie Spotlight.   Horns Up!!

Dave Lombardo shares insights into his Cuban roots, diverse influences, and love for metal, highlighting how artists like Kiss and Sting shaped his journey. The conversation also explores The Misfits' influence on metal, Mr. Bungle's musical complexity, and jamming experiences with Metallica. The guys reflect on how musicians stayed creative during the lockdown, leading to collaborative projects like the Ellifson's No Cover album and Lombardo's solo work. It also covers the challenges of touring, Lombardo's work with multiple bands, and how his wife, Paula, inspired him to explore new musical directions, including Venamoris. Additionally, David recalls rejoining Megadeth for the Rust in Peace 20th-anniversary tour. This coincided with the delay of American Carnage due to Tom Araya's surgery, ultimately leading to the legendary Big Four shows with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.Join the Patreon for early access to episodes and Q and A's with the hosts www.patreon.com/tdesFor David Ellefson Stage Played Basses and Merch www.ellefsonemporium.comFollow David on Social Medialinker.ee/davidellefsonFollow Joshua on Social Medialinker.ee/talktoomeypodcast #slayer #metal #megadeth #metallica #mrbungle #phantomas #thrash

Disciples!! Nate and I are back at the helm, and we’ve got not only some sweet music from Iron Wolf and Pressure Points, we’ve got some sweet news and an extra-sweet list to wrap the show with. Enjoy! Setlist:0:00:00 Intro, Disciples of the Catchin’ up0:28:26 Disciples of the New Purchases0:40:35 What’s Nate Been Listening To?0:41:50 … Continue reading (360) DotW featuring Iron Wolf and Pressure Points →

Dangerous Toys: Metal Hall of Fame IntroOn Jan. 22, 2025, Dangerous Toys joined Twisted Sister, Saxon, Triumph, Armored Saint, Judas Priest, Anthrax and many others in the Metal Hall of Fame. Our co-host and Dangerous Toys singer Jason McMaster shares his experience at the ceremony in Anaheim, CA, and is joined by Austin filmmaker Budro Partida whose Pennyrock Productions crew was there to capture footage. From Mark Geary's kitchen to the Metal Hall of Fame. Not bad for a bunch of kids from Texas.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Disciples! Welcome to the first Independent Music Special for 2025! We had some great releases in January, and here are my top 40 (+bonus track!) for your listening pleasure! Enjoy! ——————————————————–Set One:0:00:00 Disciples of the Watch Podcast0:00:03 Derev (Canada) Room 9 [single]https://www.derevmusic.com/ 0:06:11 Jackson Hewitt (UK) Protest Songhttps://www.jacksonhewittband.com/ 0:09:09 Dani Hart (Belgium) No More [ft. Billy Sheehan]https://danihartmusic.com/ 0:12:45 … Continue reading (359) IMS Volume1: January 2025 →

In this episode of Aftershocks TV, Matt and Chris honor the life and legacy of legendary producer Dave Jerden, who recently passed away at the age of 75. Known for his groundbreaking work in rock and metal, Jerden shaped the sound of iconic bands like Jane's Addiction, Alice In Chains, Armored Saint, Anthrax, Biohazard, and more. His influence in the music industry is immeasurable, and his productions continue to inspire generations of musicians. Join Matt and Chris as they reflect on Jerden's impact on the genre and the bands he helped define.#rockmusic #metallegends #davejerden #janesaddiction #aliceinchains #armoredsaint #socialdistortion #biohazard #musicproducer #metalhistory #rockhistory #aftershockstvNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. Nothing is stated as fact. Do your own research to see if their opinions are true or not.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

new Ozzy, Love/Hate, Wildhearts and Crazy Lixx plus Anthrax, Ghost and more! 

It's a special repost of my interview with Frank Bello of Anthrax! Originally posted in November 2021, Frank talks openly about the band, meeting Kiss, his upbringing, and about the tragic loss of his brother. This is one of my favorite episodes! Frank is one of the most genuinely down to earth guests I've had in the podcast! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on the Rock102 app! Bright to you by Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicopee!

It's time for the Comic Talk Headlines with Generally Nerdy! Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show adds more actsMarvel Rivals controversyNew Halo bookDumbledore cast for new MAX seriesClayface hits the Movie and Rumor sections both pretty hardAnd so much more...Plus, don't forget to subscribe for more fresh content.  Music Follow-ups/CorrectionsNeil Gaiman- Newest accusations have drawn now Ex-Wife Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) into the fray. https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/neil-gaiman-wisconsin-rape-suit.pdf Primus- New drummer John Hoffman announced. Just some dude from Shreveport LA… sweetThe Sword- 2 new shows added to their “Return” April 10 in Dallas TX. April 11 in San Antonio TX. New Music/VideoRise Against- Nod https://youtu.be/7WkrZi19q4UNew mix sound for the band. Lyrical'ly seems to meander, and at times it feels like is wanders into territory already covered in “Savior.”Underoath- New album announced. “The Place After This One” due out March 28th through MNRK Heavy.Allegaeon- Driftwood https://youtu.be/SrUZdqy7spAas much as I don't WANT to like these guys, they are just really damn good. This might not be as good as their last single, but still better than a lot of newer bands.ALSO ~ new album, The Ossuary Lens, due out April 4th on Metal Blade. Not a concept album per se, but all about different views on death.Peter Murphy- Swoon Feat Trent Reznor https://youtu.be/ZPOgRAQdbtQGoth royalty being great. Not much more to say.Callous Daoboys- Two-Headed Trout/The Demon of Unreality Limping Like a Dog https://youtu.be/wL5UpOrHTBYThe Daoboys getting a little more theatrical with not just their presentation, but also their writing and arrangements.ALSO~ New record, I Don't Want To See You In Heaven, due out May 19.Tetrarch- Never Again (Parasite) https://youtu.be/yLFNdIRwng4Modern Nu-Metal… still just feels rather middle of the road. Tours/FestivalsAttack Attack!- Roadside Rumble Tour. Support from Convictions, Downswing, and Uncured.Starts May 15 in Greensboro, NC through May 22 in Memphis TN.https://www.bandsintown.com/a/186318 Dropkick Murphys X Bad Religion- Summer of Discontent Tour. The Mainliners opening. Will run from July 22 in Spokane, WA through August 17 in Big Flats NY. Tickets go on sale the 20th 10 a.m. local time at www.dropkickmurphys.com  and www.badreligion.com.Black Sabbath- Ozzy's final live performance. July 5th in Birmingham UK. Metallica, GnR, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, Rival Sons. Plus a slew of vocalists and musicians will be lending their talents to the show as well.Summer of ‘99 & Beyond- Creed and Nickelback to headline. Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19 in East Troy WI. Tickets on sale Feb 21.https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0700624A2E3B4183 Russian Circles X Pelican- Touring together starting March 3 at Delmar in St. Louis, MO and wraps up on March 22 at the Fine Line in Minneapolis, MN.ALSO ~ Pelican are releasing their first album in 6 years. Flickering Resonance, due out May 16.https://www.stubhub.com/russian-circles-tickets/performer/493440 Converge- have announced a handful of tour dates around the festivals they have already been announced on.https://jacobbannon.com/blogs/news/converge-announce-u-s-tour-dates-in-may-2025  Reg ‘ol NewsThe Melvins X Napalm Death- Not only are they touring together come April, but they have just announced a collaboration album titled Savage Imperial Death March, out this Sunday on vinyl. Other media at a later date.https://www.shoxop.com/  SuggestsSpiritbox- No Loss, No Love https://youtu.be/YfKlcLKDkz0?si=q9PUxksVuCsyKLZ8  Gaming/Tech Follow-ups/CorrectionsHelldivers 2 - New update that dropped last week added a new Terminid Strain to tussle with on Fenrir III. “The Predator Hunter is a specialized, evolved strain forged by the Terminids' extended exposure to The Gloom, enhancing their hunting abilities and turning them into even deadlier ambush predators. The Predator Hunter is a specialized, evolved strain forged by the Terminids' extended exposure to The Gloom, enhancing their hunting abilities and turning them into even deadlier ambush predators.”Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves- Adding Chun-Li and Ken later this year.https://youtu.be/h2JEb_ItQYY Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising- Season pass 2 announced.https://youtu.be/kamlq7O3t7Q?si=TuSFpYA12gi-vY9i Fortnite- Next season is called Lawless, and will feature Mortal Kombat characters Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Scorpion will be available for purchase in the store, and Sub-Zero is set to be a standard character in the battle pass. Meaning Sub-Zero will have up to 4 skins. Which has the community speculating as to what those skins will be.https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-sub-zero-scorpion-mortal-kombat-skins/  Reg ‘ol NewsMarvel Rivals- The development team has all been laid off from NetEase Games.https://www.resetera.com/threads/marvel-rivals-director-shares-that-he-and-his-team-were-just-laid-off.1112481/ But that isn't stopping the game from moving forward. Human Torch and Thing gameplay was ALSO just released today. That and a new map will be coming Feb 21. Along with a reworking of how in game currency works. Once you have purchased the seasonal Battle Pass, and then accomplished all the goals, you can then use your Chrono Points for in game gold. The conversion ratio has yet to be revealed.https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-rivals-season-1-part-2-patch-notes-human-torch-thing-characters  SuggestsMarvel Rivals Comic Books/Books Reg ‘ol NewsSpider-Man- Marvel Comics has sparked controversy by teasing the possible resurrection of Gwen Stacy, a character whose death in The Night Gwen Stacy Died (1973) remains one of Spider-Man's most defining moments. A newly released teaser image shows a shadowy figure standing over her grave with the tagline "NOTHING IS SACRED," leading to backlash from fans who argue that bringing her back would cheapen the emotional impact of her original demise. While Marvel has yet to confirm details, they have promised more information in the coming week, leaving readers divided over what this could mean for Spider-Man's story.Donny Cates- The creator of Knull is finally returning to the fray after 3 years of turmoil and trouble.“Just wanted to check in with all of you and let you know that your boy is back on the dance floor,” Cates shared on Instagram. “Expect announcements this summer. And then another one after that. What do you think? Anyone want to guess? If you get it right I'll buy your first issue.”  Well, “finally” might be a bit strong. Hulk as a spaceship was a little out there. But at least he is an original voice.https://comicbook.com/comics/news/donny-cates-comic-book-writer-return/ TMNT X Naruto- The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto" crossover comic series is set to conclude with its fourth issue later this fall. This collaboration between IDW Publishing and Viz Media brings together the Ninja Turtles and Naruto's Team 7 in a shared universe where New York City and the Hidden Leaf Village coexist. The storyline begins with April O'Neil's clandestine meeting with Tsunade, attracting attention from both Naruto's team and the Foot Clan, who believe April possesses valuable information on Baxter Stockman's mutation research. As the series progresses, tensions escalate, leading to an anticipated showdown between Naruto and the Turtles' arch-nemesis, Shredder. Cover artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a preview of the final issue's cover, depicting Naruto launching a Rasengan at Shredder, hinting at the climactic battle to come. Written by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, this fallhttps://comicbook.com/anime/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-naruto-crossover-shredder/ Halo: Empty Throne- 2559. It has been a year since the rogue artificial intelligence Cortana seized control of the Domain, an otherworldly dimension housing a vast information network. With an array of Forerunner weapons at her disposal, Cortana set out to enforce an authoritarian peace on the civilizations of the galaxy. But as the United Nations Space Command flagship Infinity prepares to strike against Cortana at Zeta Halo, another plan has also been set in motion.Out now.https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129  SuggestsInvisible Monstersis a novel by American writer Chuck Palahniuk, published in 1999. It is his third novel to be published, though it was his second written novel (after Insomnia: If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Already). The novel was originally supposed to be Palahniuk's first novel to be published, but it was rejected by the publisher for being too disturbing. After the success of his novel Fight Club, Invisible Monsters was given a second chance, and a revised version of it was published. TV Shows Follow-ups/CorrectionsHalo- dropped by Paramount+ but picked up by Netflix… at least in other markets. Does this mean it's saved? No just means that Paramount is trying to make money on that stinker. March 1 https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/after-being-dropped-the-lesser-received-xbox-game-turned-tv-show-has-been-picked-up-by-netflix-coming-march-1 Harry Potter- John Lithgow cast as New Dumbledore.https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/harry-potter-dumbledore-john-lithgow-tv-show-cast-concern/ Rings of Power- Season 3 confirmed… but why?? TrailersTwisted Metal S02- https://youtu.be/ptLE35Du2Dc?si=olB6RAZa3Ns-0ptJNo exact date beyond “Summer 2025.” Reg ‘ol NewsRobin Hood- MGM+ announced a new 10 episode series for the franchise. With Sean Bean cast already as the Sheriff Of Nottingham, and Jack Patten as Robin Hood. No official release date but it is expected later this year.https://cosmicbook.news/sean-bean-robin-hood-mgm-plus-series DnD- New series headed to Netflix.Titled Forgotten Realmshttps://deadline.com/2025/02/dungeons-dragons-series-the-forgotten-realms-netflix-shawn-levy-1236288182/  SuggestsTwisted Metal S01 - It may not be perfect, but it was fun. Catch up before season 2 hits and things get crazier.Movies Follow-ups/CorrectionsRed Sonja- The Matilda Lutz starring movie is FINALLY set for a release this year. No specific date just yet.https://deadline.com/2025/02/red-sonja-reboot-release-later-this-year-uk-deal-1236292579 Dune 3- Set for principle photography later this year. https://comicbook.com/movies/news/dune-3-filming-start-summer-2025-zendaya-schedule-issues-dune-messiah/  TrailersThe Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie- https://youtu.be/BtHUWHXfDyUnew Looney Tunes that ISN'T Coyote VS ACME… still looks pretty fun. March 14. And apparently the success of this movie is directly connected to the likelihood of Coyote being released. Reg ‘ol NewsMagic: the Gathering- Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment have joined to bring Magic:The Gathering into Live Action. Said to be TV AND Film adaptations in the pipeline. The first project is set to be a movie, but there are series lined up beyond that, assuming everything goes well.Clayface- The movie will follow “a B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay” The synopsis given by THR has been drawing comparisons to The Substance… oh brother.https://view.email.hollywoodreporter.com/?qs=7497a3ea37771efbc71905bcd94459cefaa96f0dd32abb7bb9b912c1ef7003b23f18daee7af93b7341836964f343221fda027da4b45a3eeaac5e3ad5a210edfd7b0e7e94327a8aa5 SuggestsStar Wars: The Ghost's Apprentice- AI Fanmade movie. That isn't all that good, outside of the incredible showcase of where AI is right now.https://youtu.be/KWlxMC0j498  Rumor Mill Confirmations/RefutationsHe-Man- According to leaked set images, the movie WILL be set (at least in part) on Earth. Oh Boy… Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. New RumorsX-Men Casting- Margaret Qualley as RogueHunter Schafer as MystiqueElliot Page in an undisclosed roleSadie Sink as Jean Grey Clayface- Now rumored to be ditching the Monster-esque version that is most popular in the comics. Perhaps implying the Basil Karlo version originally created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane?~ALSO~ Rumors of Kick Ass 2's Jeff Waldow and Speak No Evil's James Watkins both being eyed to direct.Still on track for release Sept 11 of 2026.Henry Cavill- Now he is being rumored for Nova over at Marvel… I really think that with his Warhammer 40k stuff he will be FAR too busy to do anything with Marvel.Robert Pattinson- Marvel now rumored to be possibly casting the Twilight actor for a future project…Dune 4- Garreth Edwards (Rogue One) is rumored to be heading up the short list to direct. SPECULATIONThe MCU is about to get NUTS. With Captain America: Brave new world doing better than anticipated, the hype train is gearing up already. BUT SOON we will be getting recasts.  Hot take – NOT rebooting the MCU for the recasts.You can support this show by visiting our merch store, or by leaving us an Apple Podcasts review.

It's time for the Comic Talk Headlines with Generally Nerdy! Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show adds more actsMarvel Rivals controversyNew Halo bookDumbledore cast for new MAX seriesClayface hits the Movie and Rumor sections both pretty hardAnd so much more...Plus, don't forget to subscribe for more fresh content.  Music Follow-ups/CorrectionsNeil Gaiman- Newest accusations have drawn now Ex-Wife Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls) into the fray. https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/neil-gaiman-wisconsin-rape-suit.pdf Primus- New drummer John Hoffman announced. Just some dude from Shreveport LA… sweetThe Sword- 2 new shows added to their “Return” April 10 in Dallas TX. April 11 in San Antonio TX. New Music/VideoRise Against- Nod https://youtu.be/7WkrZi19q4UNew mix sound for the band. Lyrical'ly seems to meander, and at times it feels like is wanders into territory already covered in “Savior.”Underoath- New album announced. “The Place After This One” due out March 28th through MNRK Heavy.Allegaeon- Driftwood https://youtu.be/SrUZdqy7spAas much as I don't WANT to like these guys, they are just really damn good. This might not be as good as their last single, but still better than a lot of newer bands.ALSO ~ new album, The Ossuary Lens, due out April 4th on Metal Blade. Not a concept album per se, but all about different views on death.Peter Murphy- Swoon Feat Trent Reznor https://youtu.be/ZPOgRAQdbtQGoth royalty being great. Not much more to say.Callous Daoboys- Two-Headed Trout/The Demon of Unreality Limping Like a Dog https://youtu.be/wL5UpOrHTBYThe Daoboys getting a little more theatrical with not just their presentation, but also their writing and arrangements.ALSO~ New record, I Don't Want To See You In Heaven, due out May 19.Tetrarch- Never Again (Parasite) https://youtu.be/yLFNdIRwng4Modern Nu-Metal… still just feels rather middle of the road. Tours/FestivalsAttack Attack!- Roadside Rumble Tour. Support from Convictions, Downswing, and Uncured.Starts May 15 in Greensboro, NC through May 22 in Memphis TN.https://www.bandsintown.com/a/186318 Dropkick Murphys X Bad Religion- Summer of Discontent Tour. The Mainliners opening. Will run from July 22 in Spokane, WA through August 17 in Big Flats NY. Tickets go on sale the 20th 10 a.m. local time at www.dropkickmurphys.com  and www.badreligion.com.Black Sabbath- Ozzy's final live performance. July 5th in Birmingham UK. Metallica, GnR, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, Rival Sons. Plus a slew of vocalists and musicians will be lending their talents to the show as well.Summer of ‘99 & Beyond- Creed and Nickelback to headline. Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19 in East Troy WI. Tickets on sale Feb 21.https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0700624A2E3B4183 Russian Circles X Pelican- Touring together starting March 3 at Delmar in St. Louis, MO and wraps up on March 22 at the Fine Line in Minneapolis, MN.ALSO ~ Pelican are releasing their first album in 6 years. Flickering Resonance, due out May 16.https://www.stubhub.com/russian-circles-tickets/performer/493440 Converge- have announced a handful of tour dates around the festivals they have already been announced on.https://jacobbannon.com/blogs/news/converge-announce-u-s-tour-dates-in-may-2025  Reg ‘ol NewsThe Melvins X Napalm Death- Not only are they touring together come April, but they have just announced a collaboration album titled Savage Imperial Death March, out this Sunday on vinyl. Other media at a later date.https://www.shoxop.com/  SuggestsSpiritbox- No Loss, No Love https://youtu.be/YfKlcLKDkz0?si=q9PUxksVuCsyKLZ8  Gaming/Tech Follow-ups/CorrectionsHelldivers 2 - New update that dropped last week added a new Terminid Strain to tussle with on Fenrir III. “The Predator Hunter is a specialized, evolved strain forged by the Terminids' extended exposure to The Gloom, enhancing their hunting abilities and turning them into even deadlier ambush predators. The Predator Hunter is a specialized, evolved strain forged by the Terminids' extended exposure to The Gloom, enhancing their hunting abilities and turning them into even deadlier ambush predators.”Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves- Adding Chun-Li and Ken later this year.https://youtu.be/h2JEb_ItQYY Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising- Season pass 2 announced.https://youtu.be/kamlq7O3t7Q?si=TuSFpYA12gi-vY9i Fortnite- Next season is called Lawless, and will feature Mortal Kombat characters Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Scorpion will be available for purchase in the store, and Sub-Zero is set to be a standard character in the battle pass. Meaning Sub-Zero will have up to 4 skins. Which has the community speculating as to what those skins will be.https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-sub-zero-scorpion-mortal-kombat-skins/  Reg ‘ol NewsMarvel Rivals- The development team has all been laid off from NetEase Games.https://www.resetera.com/threads/marvel-rivals-director-shares-that-he-and-his-team-were-just-laid-off.1112481/ But that isn't stopping the game from moving forward. Human Torch and Thing gameplay was ALSO just released today. That and a new map will be coming Feb 21. Along with a reworking of how in game currency works. Once you have purchased the seasonal Battle Pass, and then accomplished all the goals, you can then use your Chrono Points for in game gold. The conversion ratio has yet to be revealed.https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-rivals-season-1-part-2-patch-notes-human-torch-thing-characters  SuggestsMarvel Rivals Comic Books/Books Reg ‘ol NewsSpider-Man- Marvel Comics has sparked controversy by teasing the possible resurrection of Gwen Stacy, a character whose death in The Night Gwen Stacy Died (1973) remains one of Spider-Man's most defining moments. A newly released teaser image shows a shadowy figure standing over her grave with the tagline "NOTHING IS SACRED," leading to backlash from fans who argue that bringing her back would cheapen the emotional impact of her original demise. While Marvel has yet to confirm details, they have promised more information in the coming week, leaving readers divided over what this could mean for Spider-Man's story.Donny Cates- The creator of Knull is finally returning to the fray after 3 years of turmoil and trouble.“Just wanted to check in with all of you and let you know that your boy is back on the dance floor,” Cates shared on Instagram. “Expect announcements this summer. And then another one after that. What do you think? Anyone want to guess? If you get it right I'll buy your first issue.”  Well, “finally” might be a bit strong. Hulk as a spaceship was a little out there. But at least he is an original voice.https://comicbook.com/comics/news/donny-cates-comic-book-writer-return/ TMNT X Naruto- The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto" crossover comic series is set to conclude with its fourth issue later this fall. This collaboration between IDW Publishing and Viz Media brings together the Ninja Turtles and Naruto's Team 7 in a shared universe where New York City and the Hidden Leaf Village coexist. The storyline begins with April O'Neil's clandestine meeting with Tsunade, attracting attention from both Naruto's team and the Foot Clan, who believe April possesses valuable information on Baxter Stockman's mutation research. As the series progresses, tensions escalate, leading to an anticipated showdown between Naruto and the Turtles' arch-nemesis, Shredder. Cover artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a preview of the final issue's cover, depicting Naruto launching a Rasengan at Shredder, hinting at the climactic battle to come. Written by Caleb Goellner and illustrated by Hendry Prasetya, this fallhttps://comicbook.com/anime/news/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-naruto-crossover-shredder/ Halo: Empty Throne- 2559. It has been a year since the rogue artificial intelligence Cortana seized control of the Domain, an otherworldly dimension housing a vast information network. With an array of Forerunner weapons at her disposal, Cortana set out to enforce an authoritarian peace on the civilizations of the galaxy. But as the United Nations Space Command flagship Infinity prepares to strike against Cortana at Zeta Halo, another plan has also been set in motion.Out now.https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129  SuggestsInvisible Monstersis a novel by American writer Chuck Palahniuk, published in 1999. It is his third novel to be published, though it was his second written novel (after Insomnia: If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Already). The novel was originally supposed to be Palahniuk's first novel to be published, but it was rejected by the publisher for being too disturbing. After the success of his novel Fight Club, Invisible Monsters was given a second chance, and a revised version of it was published. TV Shows Follow-ups/CorrectionsHalo- dropped by Paramount+ but picked up by Netflix… at least in other markets. Does this mean it's saved? No just means that Paramount is trying to make money on that stinker. March 1 https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/after-being-dropped-the-lesser-received-xbox-game-turned-tv-show-has-been-picked-up-by-netflix-coming-march-1 Harry Potter- John Lithgow cast as New Dumbledore.https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/harry-potter-dumbledore-john-lithgow-tv-show-cast-concern/ Rings of Power- Season 3 confirmed… but why?? TrailersTwisted Metal S02- https://youtu.be/ptLE35Du2Dc?si=olB6RAZa3Ns-0ptJNo exact date beyond “Summer 2025.” Reg ‘ol NewsRobin Hood- MGM+ announced a new 10 episode series for the franchise. With Sean Bean cast already as the Sheriff Of Nottingham, and Jack Patten as Robin Hood. No official release date but it is expected later this year.https://cosmicbook.news/sean-bean-robin-hood-mgm-plus-series DnD- New series headed to Netflix.Titled Forgotten Realmshttps://deadline.com/2025/02/dungeons-dragons-series-the-forgotten-realms-netflix-shawn-levy-1236288182/  SuggestsTwisted Metal S01 - It may not be perfect, but it was fun. Catch up before season 2 hits and things get crazier.Movies Follow-ups/CorrectionsRed Sonja- The Matilda Lutz starring movie is FINALLY set for a release this year. No specific date just yet.https://deadline.com/2025/02/red-sonja-reboot-release-later-this-year-uk-deal-1236292579 Dune 3- Set for principle photography later this year. https://comicbook.com/movies/news/dune-3-filming-start-summer-2025-zendaya-schedule-issues-dune-messiah/  TrailersThe Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie- https://youtu.be/BtHUWHXfDyUnew Looney Tunes that ISN'T Coyote VS ACME… still looks pretty fun. March 14. And apparently the success of this movie is directly connected to the likelihood of Coyote being released. Reg ‘ol NewsMagic: the Gathering- Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment have joined to bring Magic:The Gathering into Live Action. Said to be TV AND Film adaptations in the pipeline. The first project is set to be a movie, but there are series lined up beyond that, assuming everything goes well.Clayface- The movie will follow “a B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay” The synopsis given by THR has been drawing comparisons to The Substance… oh brother.https://view.email.hollywoodreporter.com/?qs=7497a3ea37771efbc71905bcd94459cefaa96f0dd32abb7bb9b912c1ef7003b23f18daee7af93b7341836964f343221fda027da4b45a3eeaac5e3ad5a210edfd7b0e7e94327a8aa5 SuggestsStar Wars: The Ghost's Apprentice- AI Fanmade movie. That isn't all that good, outside of the incredible showcase of where AI is right now.https://youtu.be/KWlxMC0j498  Rumor Mill Confirmations/RefutationsHe-Man- According to leaked set images, the movie WILL be set (at least in part) on Earth. Oh Boy… Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. New RumorsX-Men Casting- Margaret Qualley as RogueHunter Schafer as MystiqueElliot Page in an undisclosed roleSadie Sink as Jean Grey Clayface- Now rumored to be ditching the Monster-esque version that is most popular in the comics. Perhaps implying the Basil Karlo version originally created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane?~ALSO~ Rumors of Kick Ass 2's Jeff Waldow and Speak No Evil's James Watkins both being eyed to direct.Still on track for release Sept 11 of 2026.Henry Cavill- Now he is being rumored for Nova over at Marvel… I really think that with his Warhammer 40k stuff he will be FAR too busy to do anything with Marvel.Robert Pattinson- Marvel now rumored to be possibly casting the Twilight actor for a future project…Dune 4- Garreth Edwards (Rogue One) is rumored to be heading up the short list to direct. SPECULATIONThe MCU is about to get NUTS. With Captain America: Brave new world doing better than anticipated, the hype train is gearing up already. BUT SOON we will be getting recasts.  Hot take – NOT rebooting the MCU for the recasts.You can support this show by visiting our merch store, or by leaving us an Apple Podcasts review.

In the world of lucha libre, a parejas increíbles match is when two rivals team up against another team of rivals in an attempt to put aside their differences for the sake of winning. We often see unusual collaborations in the world of music as well. On this episode, Andrew and returning guest Fred Morlan (The Good, The Bad & The Hungee) play songs that feature artists of different backgrounds, genres, and vibes coming together to make great music. These incredible pairs include The Lonely Island and Michael Bolton, Anthrax and Public Enemy, Tom Jones and The Cardigans, The KLF and Tammy Wynette, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk and Paul Williams, and many more. It doesn't matter if you're a técnico or a rudo, you can still enjoy this fun episode!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @FlagrantStatsListen to Fred's radio show: radiolex.usAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we gather a panel of metal experts to break down 1985—the year before metal's big explosion. Was it a golden age or just a transition? Our hosts Tim and Jason are joined by special guests Paul Lefevre (Bang Your Head Substack) and Tom Beaujour (Nothing But a Good Time, Axe Lords Podcast) to explore the records that still rip, the ones that fizzled, and the underground sounds that changed metal forever.

The original lineup of BlackSabbath -- Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, GeezerButler and Bill Ward -- are reuniting for one moreshow. Back to the Beginning is an all-day festival set for July 5thin the band's hometown of Birmingham, England. The show will also feature asolo set by Ozzy, plus sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Halestorm, Alicein Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Mastodon.https://www.instagram.com/ozzyosbourne/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b5a8fc1c-05cd-4676-87eb-12bf4e3aae61 Infestival news, JackWhite, Noah Kahan, TheLumineers, Phish and Sturgill Simpson arethe headliners at Bourbon & Beyond. https://bourbonandbeyond.com/ Jerry Cantrell has revealed thathe "felt like s***" due to food poisoning during the band's 'MTVUnplugged' concert back in '96. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3XNx8fk_5Q Shaboozey's song, "A Bar Song(Tipsy)", has now spent more weeks at #1 on theBillboard Radio Songs Chart than any other song in HISTORY.https://musicrow.com/2025/02/shaboozey-breaks-record-for-most-weeks-at-no-1-on-radio-songs-chart/  TVHollywood'sbig night at the Oscars is almost here and the first round of star presentershas been announced. https://deadline.com/2025/02/oscar-presenters-2025-list-1236279070/ Gisele Bundchen is a mom again, her first child with herboyfriend, JoaquimValente was born – details on the babyhave been kept private.  https://people.com/gisele-buendchen-welcomes-her-third-baby-her-first-with-boyfriend-joaquim-valente-8769037 Bill Burr called Howie Mandel a "Hollywoodwhore" last week for catching himoff-guard by bringing out his alleged half-brother Billy Corgan during a podcast interview.Well, Howie issued an apology on Tuesday's episode of his podcast.Quote, "Iwant to apologize.  I feel horrible.  I'm sorry Bill, I'm sorryBilly, I only tried to do something good . . . I legitimately thought I wasdoing something nice, I swear to you.  I thought it was funny." https://consequence.net/2025/02/howie-mandel-sorry-bill-burr-billy-corgan/     Ifyou see Whoopi Goldberg in an adfor a weight loss drug, don't believe it.  It's fake. The EGOT winnerrailed against an ad that's circulating on social media with a manipulatedversion of her promoting "bad weight loss drugs"  https://people.com/whoopi-goldberg-warns-fake-ai-ad-weight-loss-mounjaro-8786432  BroadCity's Ilana Glazer is developing a "Sex and the City"-stylecomedy. which they said will focuson the “woman and gay guy friendship.” https://deadline.com/2025/02/ilana-glazer-developing-sex-the-city-style-comedy-1236279592/ MOVING ON INTO MOVIE NEWS: Checkout Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in the firsttrailer for "Jurassic World Rebirth". https://youtu.be/ot0cwH6r0Lg  AND FINALLYShe's on theprowl! This Cuddly Cougar is in her prime and looking for a good time... Getyour paws on her exclusively online in the Bear Cave, our website withhilarious gifts just for adults 18 and up! Links in bio. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFn6yY1hIn7/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MUSIC More drama this weekend for Billy Ray Cyrus, who'snow accused of threatening to take his own son to court. Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria haslaunched a new guitar company called Evil Instruments. Their firstguitar is called The Jackhammer after a line in the band's song  "InKeeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3.”Linkin Park have posted a video of Emily Armstrong layingdown vocals for “Heavy Is the Crown” to promote the new a capella version of FromZero. Dorothy will release her fourth album, The Way,on March 14th. The album contains her three 2024 singles — "Mud,""The Devil I Know" and "I Come Alive" — plus a new singlewith Slash called "Tombstone Town."  Anthrax will finallyrelease their long-awaited studio album sometime this fall.  BassistFrank Bello revealed         TVMiniseries The Fallof Diddy begins airing on ID.Eric Clapton Unplugged ... Over 30 Years Later screens in theaters.MOVING ON INTO MOVIENEWS:Mark Wahlberg'sportrayal of a balding and unhinged pilot was enough to take Flight Risk tothe top of the weekend movie.  Steven Spielberg says he won a "real hard-fought victory"preventing a sequel for ET from happening This could be completeB.S., and it probably is, but "Life & Style" magazineclaims Selena Gomez and Natalie Portman are being... AND FINALLYA new documentary just aired at the Sundance Film Festival called "Pee-Weeas Himself" and it features the final interviews with PaulReubens, who died in 2023.  And now we officially know that Pee-Weewas in fact gay! AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ONCELEBRITIES!Follow us @RizzShow @MoonValjeanHere @KingScottRules @LernVsRadio @IamRafeWilliams – Check out King Scott's Linktr.ee/kingscottrules + band @FreeThe2SG and Check out Moon's bands GREEK FIRE @GreekFire GOLDFINGER @GoldfingerMusic THE TEENAGE DIRTBAGS @TheTeenageDbags and Lern's band @LaneNarrows http://www.1057thepoint.com/Rizz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MUSIC  More drama this weekend for Billy Ray Cyrus, who's now accused of threatening to take his own son to court. Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria has launched a new guitar company called Evil Instruments. Their first guitar is called The Jackhammer after a line in the band's song  "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3.” Linkin Park have posted a video of Emily Armstrong laying down vocals for “Heavy Is the Crown” to promote the new a capella version of From Zero. Dorothy will release her fourth album, The Way, on March 14th. The album contains her three 2024 singles — "Mud," "The Devil I Know" and "I Come Alive" — plus a new single with Slash called "Tombstone Town."   Anthrax will finally release their long-awaited studio album sometime this fall.  Bassist Frank Bello revealed           TV Miniseries The Fall of Diddy begins airing on ID. Eric Clapton Unplugged ... Over 30 Years Later screens in theaters. MOVING ON INTO MOVIE NEWS: Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of a balding and unhinged pilot was enough to take Flight Risk to the top of the weekend movie.   Steven Spielberg says he won a "real hard-fought victory" preventing a sequel for ET from happening   This could be complete B.S., and it probably is, but "Life & Style" magazine claims Selena Gomez and Natalie Portman are being...   AND FINALLY A new documentary just aired at the Sundance Film Festival called "Pee-Wee as Himself" and it features the final interviews with Paul Reubens, who died in 2023.  And now we officially know that Pee-Wee was in fact gay!   AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ON CELEBRITIES! Follow us @RizzShow @MoonValjeanHere @KingScottRules @LernVsRadio @IamRafeWilliams – Check out King Scott's Linktr.ee/kingscottrules + band @FreeThe2SG and Check out Moon's bands GREEK FIRE @GreekFire GOLDFINGER @GoldfingerMusic THE TEENAGE DIRTBAGS @TheTeenageDbags and Lern's band @LaneNarrows http://www.1057thepoint.com/Rizz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices