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Quaranteam-Northwest: Part 7 Hillbilly Tactics. Based on a post by Break The Bar. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.   The TV flashed, losing a digital telephone ring, and I grabbed the remote from the table and accepted the call. "Hey, Harrison," said the man on the other end. He was another lab coat, and as best I could tell from the blurry background he was likely in the same facility or even the same room as Doctor Varma had been. This guy looked like he'd stepped right out of a corny television show though; he was blubbery in the way that a guy could be after a couple of decades of slow physical decline, with a burst of thinning silver hair that just needed the black streaks and some smudges on his face to look like he'd been catoonishly blown up. The bit of scraggly, messy scruff on his chin that looked unplanned made me a little self-conscious of my own currently messy beard. Erica had wanted me to grow mine out a bit so she could decide if she liked it longer or shorter, and Ivy didn't care, so I was looking even more like a mountain man than usual. "I'm Doctor McKenna, but you can call me Bill," he continued. "You're on Doc Varma's team?" I asked, putting two and two together. "Yep," he nodded. "I was supposed to do the follow-up interview with you but got caught up with some of the numbers in your case. Charlotte and I have both reviewed the content. Sounds like you had a bit of a wild time, huh? And don't worry, we're all getting pretty used to the graphic nature of our work these days so you didn't offend or embarrass anyone." "Well, that's something at least," I said. "I never thought I'd be having a conversation like that with a doctor. Or anyone." He got a wry grin at this and held up a hand to ease me. "Believe me, Harrison. I've been with the team from the start and we have had more than a few of these sorts of conversations based on the nature of the vaccine. Yours is definitely up there as a novel case of details, but it's only personal for you, not us." I just nodded, not knowing what to say. I hadn't considered how often sex must come up in their day-to-day work if they were specialists. "Now, I have; well, I can't say it's good nor bad news," Doctor Bill said. "Interesting for us, for sure. As I'm sure you're aware, as you have two partners already, the vaccine is supposed to only be transmissible from women to men for the purposes of diluting the effects on men. To be frank, no one here on the team had considered the possibility of transferring and initiating a bonding process from one woman to another through female ejaculate. It doesn't help that most of the science community, those that would even think of it, haven't exactly spent time studying female ejaculate to begin with. So your situation wasn't tested for, but as far as we can tell it still shouldn't have been able to happen." "So what does that mean, doc?" I asked. "It means that you, or one of your current partners, or some combination, integrated with the vaccine and imprinting process in an exceptional way. A variant response is how we're categorizing it at the moment, and to be frank it's not even one of the most surprising ones we've encountered as the testing continues to broaden. As best we can tell from your interview, it's likely that Miss Peters was vaccinated through the oral ingestion of the female ejaculate; all the markers of a normal imprinting process occur when you began actual sex together. "Now, the really interesting part of this on my end is obviously the fact that this happened at all, but following the results of the blood tests from the Testing facility up where you are, and the preliminary tests we've completed on the samples that got flown down to us here, we've found that it isn't likely to be a phenomenon that is worth pursuing. Unfortunately, while Miss Peters is certainly going to be imprinted on you to some degree, it also seems that the efficacy of the vaccine in her system will be well under our current rates. Right now our projection is that she will only have an efficacy rate of about thirty-five to forty per cent, while a woman who has undergone our current best practices has an efficacy of somewhere around the eightieth percentile." I had to rub my forehead and close my eyes for a long moment as I tried to parse everything he was saying. "So what does that mean, Doctor Bill?" I asked. "It means that Miss Peters is now part of your 'Team,' he said. "That's what I've been calling the groups of imprinted people colloquially around here, anyways. But where your other two partners have a high likelihood of staving off the Duo Halo virus, if Miss Peters is exposed she is about half as likely to resist initial infection or gain serious aid in fighting off an infection she catches." "So we've put her at risk by having casual sex with her," I said. "Fuck me, this is exactly the kind of shit that I was worried about when she asked to join in with us." "Yes and no," he said. "To be frank, it's entirely possible that her integration with the vaccine will grow and normalize over time with repeated exposure to you. The staff up there will book some follow-up blood draws to check in on that. One of the many things were are trying to understand about the vaccine is how sex bolsters imprinted partners. Generally, we haven't seen that happen for women, since they can't have more than one imprinted male partner, but the more partners men are in contact with the more efficacy we're seeing." "So you're saying she's stuck with me," I said. "She asked for no-strings-attached, and she got trapped into a sexual relationship." "You could look at it that way," he said. "But,” "But," Doc Varma said, coming into view on his end of the call and hovering over his shoulder. "I would remind you, Mr. Black, that she did choose to initiate a group sexual encounter with you and your partners. And once she is awake from the imprinting process, I would not be surprised if she feels content with the overall situation following any initial panic or shock." I leaned back in my chair and stared at the ceiling for a moment. "You know, when I first heard about this from Erica, I told her it sounded like some sort of brainwashing mind control shit? I couldn't believe she'd gotten the vaccine. But then everything was going so well that I stopped thinking about it. And Ivy was happy, and Erica's brother was partnered and they were both extremely happy. But this,” I sighed heavily and looked at the two scientists on the screen. "This is some fucked up, B-movie supervillain kind of shit. You guys realize that, right? Like, where is James Bond in all of this?" Bill frowned, but Doc Varma smirked just a little. "Yes," she said. "We are aware of how inappropriate many of the factors of the vaccine are, Mr. Black. It is a marvel of modern medicine, but we are still grappling with the necessities that come along with it." Together they ran me through what I needed to expect moving forward. Vanessa was going to be monitored until she woke up, so I would be spending the night where I was at. She'd get a complete physical, and they'd take more blood for testing before she'd be released into my care and we were brought back home. Then, depending on what she wanted, she would either be able to live with Erica, Ivy and I, or she could maintain some distance for the time being and only come to see me for the sexual encounters she would require. We would both receive follow-up check-ins from someone on the Vaccine testing team to draw more blood periodically to check if Vanessa's efficacy was changing, or if mine was. We hit the grocery store next, which ended up only allowing two people inside in a party at once. Dani wanted to look for some specific stuff, and Vanessa hadn't had her own kitchen to cook in for almost two years since she'd been eating cafeteria food on industrial construction sites, so I decided to hang out in the truck while they went in. I sent them with my credit card and reminded them of the staples we needed. They got in line outside the store, and I decided to enjoy the warmth of the afternoon and open the gate of my truck so I could sit outside. I watched Dani and Vanessa from across the parking lot, keeping one eye on them while I could. I could tell they were talking from the small hand motions. Neither of them talked with their hands like Erica or Leo did, but everything seemed friendly between them. "Excuse me?" I turned and realized I'd tunnel-visioned and completely lost track of my surroundings because a woman was standing about ten paces away from me. That wasn't like me at all. She was nervous, wringing her wrists as she stood awkwardly. She was a little scrawny, her clothes hanging off of her, and the eyes above her rough-looking mask were... not sunken, but sort of sad. "I'm sorry to bother you, Harri," she said. "I was just wondering if maybe you could spare a couple bucks? Things aren't really going well right now, and I've got my kids..." Living in Portland, I'd seen my fair share of homeless folks and beggars. Some of them were pushy and agitated, and others entirely shut down from their addictions. This woman didn't look homeless, but she definitely looked down on her luck. And down for enough time that it showed. She wasn't wearing even basic earrings but had the holes in her ears. There was a slightly less tan ring on her finger where I assumed a wedding band used to sit, but it was fading. Every major city in the United States had a homeless population. Some were worse than others, I knew that. The further south along the coast, the warmer it got, and the bigger the population. But out here in the sticks? In Jewell? Sure, we had the occasional drifter moving through. I'd never seen someone begging before. Things were really getting bad. "Uh, yeah, I can," I said, reaching for my wallet in my pocket. "I'm sorry, you know me but I'm not immediately recognizing you. Maybe it's the mask." She took a couple steps forward as I said I could spare her some cash, but looked away as I asked who she was. I kicked myself, realizing that her situation was embarrassing enough as it was. "Maybe you don't remember me," the woman said. "I was a year ahead of you in high school. Mary Duncan?" "Of course I remember you, Mary," I said. "It's just been a long time. You were a cheerleader I think, right? You did all the flips. You were really graceful." "Thanks," she said, and I could tell she was blushing behind her mask. I didn't have too much cash on me compared to what I used to carry for emergencies. I used to be a cash-only guy, at least around town. Knowing what my bank account looked like, I just pulled what I had and slipped down from the gate of my truck and set the bills on it, stepping back. "No offence, I don't think you stink or anything," I tried to joke. Mary's eyes went wide when she saw the bills, and she mumbled something as she stepped forward and I backed off a bit more so she could take them. It was maybe seventy dollars, but as she quickly looked through the bills I saw her get teary, and then she clutched the cash to her chest and collapsed to her knees, crying. I wanted to go and comfort her. Give her a hug. She was clearly overwhelmed and in a bad way, and back when we were in school she'd always been a cute, button-nosed girl with a soft smile and a big laugh. But I couldn't go to her. I couldn't rub her back or pat her shoulder or give her a hug. The best I could do was squat down from several feet away to get closer to her level. "Mary?" I asked. She sniffed hard and rubbed at her eyes. "Oh my God, I'm so embarrassed," she said. "You don't need to be," I said. "You said you have kids, right? How many?" "Two," she said. "Thomas is six now, and looks like his dad. My little girl Charlie is four. She wanted to go to school like her big brother this fall but..." But the schools were closed, and who knew how long they would be closed for? "And their Dad?" I asked. She sniffed hard again. "He went up to Portland to look for work after we both got laid off at the start of quarantine," she said. "I haven't heard from him since." "Fuck," I breathed out, hopefully not loud enough for her to hear. The guy could have abandoned his family like a shit, or just been overwhelmed and trying to find a way to make it right. Or he could be dead. "Mary, I'm sorry you're going through this. And I'm sorry if this touches another sore spot, but is your phone still active?" She nodded, touching the ragged little purse. I asked her to take it out and I immediately recognized that she'd probably downgraded her phone at a pawn shop, it was a beat-up old model barely above a flip phone. I gave her my number. "Call me the next time you need groceries, Okay?" I said. "Or if there's an emergency. Seriously, Mary." "I applied for food stamps, and welfare, but I haven't heard anything back," she said pitifully, like she was trying to explain her shitty situation. There wasn't any explaining. "The system is probably overloaded," I said softly. "Mary. I'm not pulling your leg. Go get groceries for you and your kids. I'll figure something out for you for next week, Okay?" "Harri, I can't just; I don't want to,” It was fucking stupid, but this woman who I remembered as that sweet girl was broken. I stood up and went to her, and pulled her to her feet and hugged her. She was tiny, and bony, in my arms. She'd probably been feeding her kids everything she could and taking the bare minimum for herself. "Stop," I said quietly as I held her, and she cried a little again. "You're doing what you can in a terrible situation, Mary. I'm doing Okay. Let me help." "Thank you," she whispered into my shirt, then sniffed behind her mask again and stepped away. 'Thank you, Harri." "Text me," I reminded her. "So that I have your number." "I will," she nodded. "I will." She left, headed towards the line outside the store, and I watched her go. Hopefully I wasn't going to pay for that moment of kindness with my life. But what was the point of being vaccinated and wealthy if I couldn't help a hurting woman? I sat back on the gate of my truck and saw the two big paper bags holding the meat I'd just bought. Hundreds of dollars' worth. I could have given her some, along with the cash. One of the chickens and some of the sausages. Kids liked sausage, right? Then I could practically hear my Mom's voice in the back of my mind. She'd been the giver in the family before she died. The volunteer. And she'd always said that you couldn't do your best for others without taking care of your family first. Seventy dollars would carry Mary and her kids for a few days at least. I could set up an account with Mason, connect her with Mrs. Branston for eggs, and cover her bill. I doubted I could do the same at the grocery store, but meat was always the most expensive part of meals anyways. I could drop a couple hundred bucks with her to help cover her other staples every few weeks. I looked down at my sweater, hoping again that I wasn't going to pay for this with sickness and death. What did those docs say? Eighty per cent effective, with more for each partner? I had three partners now, so I had to be like ninety per cent covered, right? The rest of my wait in the parking lot, unfortunately, wasn't peaceful. A guy with some parking lot road rage pounded on his horn at a woman who was loading her car. A half dozen teens skated through on skateboards, whooping and hollering and skirting by too close to people. None of them were wearing masks, and I saw a few of them spitting near people or fake coughing just to get a reaction out of them. I was trying to decide if I should call the emergency line, but they were gone as quickly as they arrived. Teens, rebellious and angry at the world, and most importantly bored and left to their own devices. Thankfully since I'd parked at the back of the lot they didn't really come near me. I did end up calling 911 when the fight broke out though. Two women were yelling at each other as they exited the store, both of them with full carts. I had no idea what they were shouting, but they definitely got the attention of everyone in the parking lot and the line. Then one lady pivoted and smacked her buggy into the other lady, and that one grabbed something out of the other's cart and threw it. "911 Emergency Services. Where is the emergency located?" "Yeah, I'm at the Green Grocer in Jewell," I said. "My name is Harrison Black. I need police services, a fight has broken out between two women in the parking lot and it's gotten physical." I could hear typing on the other end of the line. "I've dispatched a cruiser, sir, but the arrival time is at least twenty minutes. Is anyone's life in danger?" "Other than the pandemic?" I sighed. The women were grappled at this point, both of them trying to throw punches. "Hard to say. Neither of them are backing down and they've got a hold of each other and are swinging." "If you can, try to keep anyone else from getting involved, sir," the operator said. "And remember to keep your distance." "Fuck," I said as one of the ladies connected cleanly with the nose of the other. Blood started streaming down that one's face but it didn't stop her from clawing at the other with a snarl. "It's getting worse. There's blood now. Look, I'm not saying you have the authority to let me do this, but I've got my handgun in the truck and could pop one into the ground to spook them and try and disperse the issue." There was a long moment of silence on the other end of the line. "..... I mean, I'm not going to tell you to do that.... But..." "Understood," I said. I gave the operator my number, since I was sure the police were going to want to follow up with me, and then slammed the gate of my truck closed and went to the passenger side. Dani had returned the 1911 to its case thankfully, so I quickly slammed the magazine home and did a quick check to see it had one chambered before walking across the parking lot with the pistol held low and to the side. The women were scrapping on the ground at this point. A crowd had formed, not so close to each other to be shoulder to shoulder, but closer than they should have been. "Hey!" I shouted over the noise in my best military voice, but only the closest few people glanced over at me. One saw my gun and his eyes went wide. I sighed and shook my head, then pointed the muzzle at one of the little end-row barriers that had a sprig of a garden inside the concrete curb and pulled the trigger. The loud popping boom of the discharge quieted everyone real quick, including the fighting ladies as they all looked over at me. "Get the fuck out of here," I shouted. People scattered, including the two fighting ladies as they scrambled to recover their carts. I was pretty sure several items had gone missing from their shopping bags in the ruckus, claimed by other people who felt they needed them more. I just shook my head as I flipped the safety on and tucked the 1911 into the pocket on the front of my sweater. There were still a few people in line at the front of the store, along with an employee monitoring it, so I went over. It turned out to be the same teen as that time I'd been here with Erica and almost gotten in a fight myself. I gave him my name and let him know the police were already on their way. He said it wasn't the first fistfight he'd seen break out this week, let alone in the last month. "Kid," I said. "This job ain't worth your life." He shrugged. "I'm saving for college, and the bonus pay I'm getting as a front-line worker is adding up quickly." "College ain't worth your life either. Just saying." Dani and Vanessa came out of the store a little while later. I'd already returned the 1911 to its case and was sitting on the tailgate of my truck again. I explained to them what happened, both with Mary and with the fight. And I admitted to hugging Mary despite the danger. "I can walk home from here," I said. "We probably shouldn't get into the truck together. I'll need to,” "Harri," Vanessa interrupted me. "Shut up and get in the car. You're not in any danger, right? You're vaccinated. We're both vaccinated." "Yeah, but you are way less covered than the rest of us," I said. "It's not a big deal. It'll take a couple of hours of walking." Vanessa took it into her own hands and practically tackled me. "Oops, too late." "Vanessa!" I said in a panic and looked at Dani for help. "Lady made her decision," Dani shrugged. "We can either live in fear of it, or just do our best." So I ended up driving again, praying that Mary wasn't sick, which would mean I wasn't carrying it. I felt like an idiot all over again for hugging her, for risking everything to comfort her. But then I'd also seen that look on her face and I knew she'd needed it. Our last stop of the trip was Mrs. Branston's, but when I pulled into the front of her long gravel driveway I noticed that she hadn't put the flat of eggs I'd asked for in the usual spot. Frowning, I pulled out my phone and called her, but it went to voicemail immediately. "That's weird," I said. "Mrs. Branston is always home." "You want to go check on her, don't you," Vanessa said, not really a question. "Well, she's seventy and lives alone," I said. "She's not exactly ancient, but she's no spring chicken either." "Alright, let's go see what's up," Dani said. Then turned to Vanessa. "You're staying here though." "What?" Vanessa said. "Why?" "Because you already took one risk today, and I'm starting to like you too much to let you do two in a day," Dani smirked, then pulled up her mask. "Ugh, fine," Vanessa sighed. "Crack the windows for me at least." I did her one better and left the truck running with the AC on. Dani and I walked up the drive. It was long, but nowhere near as long as mine had been. The Branston's had built their house almost forty years ago; Victor Branston had worked at the local lumber mill, and his wife Hailey had started their side business of raising chickens and eggs after they built their single-story ranch house and barn. They'd had a son who had died in a drunk driving accident when I was still a kid, and a daughter who had moved away when I was still in middle school. At the top of the drive I tried calling again, and with no answer, Dani and I went to the front door and I knocked, then stepped back. "Mrs. Branston!" I called loudly. "You home?" Again, no answer. Shaking my head, I frowned beneath my mask and furrowed my brow. Her car was parked in front of the house, so she wasn't out. "Let's check in some windows," Dani suggested. "If she fell and broke her hip or something she might not be able to reach her phone." So that's what we did. It felt rude, peeking in her windows like that, but I let the MP side of me take over. I was looking into her kitchen when Dani gasped and motioned me to the other end of the side of the house. She was holding a gloved hand over her mask. I rushed over and looked in. It was Mrs. Branston's bedroom, and she was lying in the bed completely still. There was a dark stain around her mouth and nose and on the edge of some of the sheets. I recognized the dried blood. It looked like she'd been coughing it up. "Fuck," I sighed, stepping back from the window. Her sallow skin. Her sunken eyes. It was haunting. I called Emergency Services for the second time in less than an hour and reported it. "What do we do now?" Dani asked. "I'd say call her family, but I don't know her daughter's number. I think Mrs. Branston said she moved out east somewhere," I said. "We'll need to leave that to the police. Other than that?" I shrugged and looked around at the property. Hailey Branston had lived here going on forty years. Now there was no one. My eyes settled on the barn. "If nothing else, we should feed the chickens," I said. "No need for them to starve to death." "Good idea," Dani nodded and followed me towards the barn. Now, my worry had been that the chickens might be dead. I really wasn't sure how long it would take for chickens to starve to death, so I was preparing myself for the stink of not only a chicken coop but of dead bodies. What I wasn't prepared for was for the place to be empty. "What the fuck?" "This is weird," Dani said, looking at the rows and rows of empty cages. It was obvious this was a chicken operation. Just the bird poo around was enough to point to that. But there weren't any chickens. "How do fifty chickens just up and vanish?" I asked, wandering deeper into the barn. "It's not just the chickens," Dani said behind me. She was standing at a big bin near the front door with a big 'feed' label on it. She'd lifted the lid. "All their food is gone too except for a bit of mess at the bottom." I just shook my head, frowning as I looked around. Maybe there was some sort of metaphor here about Haily Branston's life, but all I was seeing was a crime scene. "Who the fuck finds out an old woman is dead, and instead of reporting it they steal all her chickens?" "An asshole," Dani said. "Assholes," I corrected. "This would have taken forever if it was just one person. There had to be at least two, probably more." I sighed. "Alright, we need to get out of here. We'll report it to the police when they get here." Dani and I went back down to Vanessa, filling her in on what we'd seen, and then waited. Thirty minutes later I called Emergency Services again on the non-emergency line, asking for an update on when we could expect someone to come out. "I'm sorry sir, but all our services are currently dispatched at the moment with active issues," the operator said. "We've got your report on file, and an ambulance will be dispatched when police are available. We have your name and number on file, we don't need you to stay on location." That was definitely not the norm for someone calling in a dead body, and it made me worried. "Alright," I said. "I just need to add something to the report then. After my previous call we checked in on Mrs. Branston's agricultural livestock. Someone has stolen all her chickens." "I'm... sorry?" the operator said. "Someone stole fifty-odd chickens," I clarified. There was another long moment of quiet from the other end of the line. "Chickens?" "Yeah, chickens," I said. A long sigh. "Alright, I added it to the report. Have a good day, sir." "You,” the operator hung up. "-too." "That sounded like it went great," Vanessa said sarcastically. "Yeah," I said, wondering what the fuck was happening to my home town. "I can't say that it did." Vanessa came jogging down from the office portables when the black sedan came rolling around the bunkhouses. After we'd gotten back from our big run, and Erica had berated me for taking a risk with Mary even while telling me how sweet a man I was, things had settled down. Leo's new partners had slept through the day with their imprinting, but we'd grilled up some extra sausages in case they woke up in the night and were hungry. I'd spent some time late in the afternoon with Ivy, and that night I'd slept with Vanessa on one side of me, and Ivy on the other while Erica spooned up behind her and rested a hand on my chest. We'd all been naked, but nothing overtly sexual had happened Vanessa had gone back to work in the morning, the first to wake up, and as she got ready and dug through her luggage Erica got up and made her coffee. The smell woke me up, and I realized it was 5:30 in the morning. It looked like our schedule was going to be changing with Vanessa in our lives. Breakfast was a quiet affair later in the morning; at least, quiet for us. Leo's RV was visibly rocking, and I had to assume Aria and India were up and the four of them were getting better acquainted. By the time Vanessa came back around for her breakfast break I'd already come in Erica, but Ivy had held off; apparently, the three of them had talked, and Vanessa only had about fifteen minutes for her breakfast break which meant a quicker-than-usual blowjob was necessary if she wanted some fun with her food. By mid-morning things had quieted down over at Leo's RV, and I'd left a platter of food wrapped with tinfoil on a chair next to the door. Ivy was just starting to get handsy with me, sitting on my lap and giggling with that look in her eye, distracting me from my drawing, when the crunch of tires outside the compound perked us up. The sedan ground to a halt, and Vanessa quickly came down to stand with Erica and Ivy and me. Agent Sourpuss was the driver again, and she just narrowed her eyes at us for a moment before turning back and speaking into the back seat. The door opened, and a woman in that same hooded coverall getup stepped out. "Hi," I said, stepping forward and offering her my hand. "I'm Harrison." "Kyla," she said through her mask, taking my hand and shaking it lightly. "I'm not really sure what you were expecting," I said. "I know things are weird and changing a lot for everyone, so if anything sounds like a problem just let us know and we can figure it out. The first of which is that, ah, these are my partners Erica, Ivy and Vanessa." "Allo!" Ivy said, stepping forward and wrapping the woman up in a hug. Ivy was still the shortest and most petite of the women, with Kyla standing around the same height as Vanessa. "Hi," Erica said, smiling warmly but not stepping forward, which I knew was because she knew the secret. In any other circumstance she likely would have been trying as hard as Ivy to be welcoming in an effort to dispel the weirdness. Agent Sourpuss rolled down the window. "Hey, you need to stop being so touchy. Protocol says you need to imprint as soon as possible." I sighed, glaring at her a little. "I hear you. Let's just make sure this is all Okay with her, yeah?" I turned back to Kyla, whose eyes were a little wide as she cautiously accepted the hug from Ivy. "Um, hello," she said, looking around at the construction site, and our ridiculous-looking compound. "There's a lot for us to explain," I said. "I can see that," she said. The more she talked, the more I heard a slight accent. It wasn't strong, not like Dani's, and I had to assume being the daughter of an Ambassador meant she'd grown up at least part of her life in the US or other places. Not to mention any training she'd received. "Are you Okay with this?" Erica asked her. "The idea of sharing space with a group of us?" "For what it's worth, I'm the newest and stumbled into it by accident, but it works for me," Vanessa chipped in. Kyla looked around again, then back at Sourpuss, and finally back to me. "It's the way things are," she said. "I can make it work." "Well, if you change your mind, you have until we start the imprinting process," I said. "Just say something and we can try to find you someone, or somewhere, else." She shook her head, then turned to Sourpuss again. "You can go." "Fine by me," the Agent muttered, raising her window and pulling the car away. I was almost sure I heard her mutter something about never wanting to come back again. "Come in," Erica said, gesturing to the fabric-draped entryway. "We'll show you around and can tell you what's up." Kyla followed Erica and Ivy in, but Vanessa hung back. "I need to get back to work," she said. "I'll come meet her later if you haven't dicked her down yet." I snorted and shook my head at her crassness. The only people who could get close to matching military folks in that way turned out to be construction workers. "Everything going Okay?" I asked. "Yeah, it's fine. Just getting the animals back in order after being away. They're going to be moving workers into the bunkhouses in the next few days so there's a lot to get ready," she said. She reached over and squeezed my hand for a second, but didn't step in for a kiss even though I could see her glance at my lips. "See you later?" "Absolutely," I said, and she started marching back towards the office portables. When I ducked back into our compound, Erica and Ivy had arranged the deck chairs into a semi-circle and Ivy was coming out of our place with a quartet of beers from the fridge. Erica was just gesturing for Kyla to take a seat. "We're all vaccinated," she was saying. "So if you want to get out of that getup you can." Kyla sat and sighed, lowering her hood and then taking off her medical mask. She was gorgeous. Her hair was a natural silky black with that smooth quality that Native Americans and East Asian folks shared, and she had cute little apple cheeks when she smiled softly in thanks as she accepted a beer from Ivy. Her skin was naturally tan, and she'd done her makeup to accent her ethnicity a bit rather than downplaying it, and knowing what I knew about her I wondered if that was a move to try and distract or seduce me. She had espionage training. She knew how to use her assets. "So Harrison," she nodded to me, then pointed at Ivy. "Ivy, and..." she looked at Erica. "Sorry, something with an E, right?" "Erica," my girlfriend clarified for her with a smile. "Right, Erica," Kyla said. "And the other was Vanessa?" "Right," I nodded. "Vanessa is actually a forewoman with the construction crews, so she had to get back to work." "Okay," she nodded. "And you all live in these trailers?" "RVs," I said. "And it's just temporary. My family owned this land for generations, and recently the government leased it from me and is building a residential compound. We'll be getting a house, and for now we've got these luxury RVs. But, uh, we're actually only living in that one. The other one is occupied by my friend and Erica's brother Leo and his partners." "So there's going to be five of us in there?" Kyla asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked over the RV. "Yes," Ivy said with a smile. "It's very nice on the inside. And the bed is very cozy." "The bed?" Kyla said, emphasizing the singular. "That's, uh, another thing," I said. "This is a little rude but, well Erica, Ivy and Vanessa are all bisexual. Are you;?" "I'm straight," she said. Erica just nodded, though I could tell out of the corner of my eye that Ivy was a little disappointed but tried to hide it. "That's perfectly fine," I said. "We'll figure out a sleeping arrangement so that you're comfortable." "I,” Kyla started, then glanced at Erica and Ivy for a moment and seemed to change her mind. "Look, I'm stepping into your thing here already, so I don't want to be a bitch. But could I just... Could I talk for a moment with the guy who I'm going to be bonding DNA with or whatever?" "Yes, absolutely," Erica said. "Do you want to go inside, or should we?" Kyla glanced over at Leo's RV. "Maybe we should," she said and stood up. I stood as well, patted Ivy's shoulder and met a glance from Erica as she tried to warn me to be careful without saying anything. Kyla and I went to the RV, and I opened the door for her and followed her in. "Sorry about the mess," I said. "Vanessa just moved in yesterday and we're trying to figure out what to keep here, and what to move into the storage containers." "It's... fine," Kyla said. She was looking down the length of the RV, through the open door to the bed. I could only imagine what she was thinking. "Let's just sit here," I said, offering her the bench as I took the chair by the Murphey table. I wasn't going to mention that we used the bench for fucking almost as much as the bed. "Ask me anything," I said as we sat. "I know this is all weird, and you must have a thousand questions and concerns." "I do," she said, and leaned back on the leather bench and took a deep breath. I just met her eyes as she looked me over again. Then she took a swig of her beer. "What do you do for money? How does all of this work?" she asked. "Well, up until a few weeks ago, my family house was about fifty yards that way," I pointed. "Right where that first big bunkhouse building is. I worked remotely as a concept artist, and Erica's brother Leo was my roommate. Erica joined us out here for quarantine. The federal government came and wanted to buy my land, but I negotiated a lease with them instead and they paid me a lot of money for it, along with building me, Leo and my sister houses. So if you're worried about finances living out here, you don't need to. I'm not stingy, though I'd prefer if we don't get super extravagant. I'd rather us be wealthy for a long time than super-rich for a short one, and with five people on the team... Well, yeah." "The team?" she asked. "It feels a little weird to call it a family right now," I said. "What with all the changes happening so fast. I think that's how most of us will end up, but I don't want to presume anything." She frowned, looking me up and down again. When she got that look on her face she was fierce and calculating. Focused. Then it broke and she cocked her head to the side just a touch. "Did they tell you I was coming?" "Um, yeah," I nodded. "I got a warning yesterday that you'd be here sometime in the next couple of days." She nodded slowly. "Okay. I mean, obviously we'll need to figure some things out, but I think I can live with... this. I'd like to wait a day and get to know you all a bit more before we do the imprinting though. I'm not really a 'sleep with a guy on the first day' kind of girl." "I'd be happy to wait as long as you like," I said. "But, ah, you may want to talk with the others about that feeling you've got. Apparently, it'll just keep getting stronger." "Right," Kyla nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll keep that in mind." Voices rose outside. Not angry, just a little animated. "Sounds like Leo and his girls are finally coming outside," I said. "I think you'll like Danielle, she's a pretty open book. I can't make any promises about the two new women though, they arrived yesterday and I haven't had a chance to meet them properly." "That sounds good," she said. "Any other questions, or do you want to go meet them?" I asked. "Um, yeah, actually," she said. She was still giving me a slightly weird, considering look. "Do you know?" "Know what?" I asked, trying to poker face without poker facing. She kept eyeing me. "Who I am." I sighed a little. "I was told that you're the daughter of an Ambassador," I said, covering the big lie with a little truth. "Does that bother you?" she asked. "Why would it?" I replied. "I'm part Native, part Japanese, I travelled a decent chunk of the world when I was in the military. In the US, you growing up in another country is about as different as if you grew up in an east coast city." "That's not what I meant," Kyla said, sitting forward and leaning her elbows on her knees, staring right at me. "I meant does it bother you that I'm a spy?" The problem with going toe to toe with a spy was that all of my usual methods of evaluating someone were already going off. As a teen I'd been a bit of a hillbilly, I'd been an athlete, and I'd been a kid from a family with generational grudge issues. Then I'd joined the military and I learned about professional backstabbing and politics, and then I'd become an MP and really saw some of the dumb and vile crap that Man could do to each other. I'd been trained to be aware, alert, and suspicious. Seven years out of the military had softened me, I was sure. But not that much. Maybe Grierson shouldn't have told me about Kyla's background. I was trying my best to not be suspicious, which I bet if I saw myself back on a recording I would have seen as a red flag. If I hadn't known about her, I could have just accepted her and hopefully my natural and trained instincts would have picked up on anything fishy. I sighed a little huff of a chuckle and leaned back in the Murphey chair, looking at Kyla across the RV. I'd been doing my best not to just really stare at her, to make a judgement scan of her to really assess her. Maybe that gave me away. Maybe not. She was beautiful, but I'd already judged that. Her Filipino heritage was strong, but wasn't so different from the natives that I'd grown up around that it seemed out of place or exotic to me. Not to mention the plenty of varied Asians I'd lived around in Portland. She was still wearing the bulky coverall so it was hard to judge her athleticism, but just the way she sat told me she was a physical person. She was sitting on the bench, which wasn't particularly tall, but her feet were pressed to the ground by the balls of her feet and toes, her heels raised. Even though she was leaning forward with her elbows on her knees she also wasn't slouching at all. She was a coiled spring, but with a loose tension. She wasn't on edge, but was a calmly controlled nervous. "It does," I said, answering the question she'd stunned me with for a moment. 'Does it bother you that I'm a spy?' Who asked that? Was it a game, or a test? Was she trying to be truthful because of the situation, or was she running a long con to gain my trust to inevitably betray me? How calculated was this move, and what were the variables? Was it a move at all? "But not the way you might think," I continued. "It's funny, I don't even know how much they told you about me. I think I mentioned outside that I was in the military at one point. I was an MP before I was discharged. You are exactly the kind of person I would have been worried about for an important part of my life. But now? Honestly, Kyla, I just don't want you to fuck up the family dynamic we're trying to build here. I don't want you to put any of the people out there in danger, on purpose or by accident, if you plan on trying to do something for your father or NICA." She gave me a long look back, evaluating what I said. If we were sitting across from each other with a chessboard between us, or cards, I would have said she was trying to read if I was bluffing or not. But this wasn't a game, and there weren't stakes on the line, and I thankfully got the impression she wasn't trying to read me. At least, not like that. She was reading me, but she was trying to form her opinion of me, just like I was trying to with her. "Have you ever killed anyone?" she asked me. I pressed my lips together and nodded. "I didn't see as much combat as others, but I got in a few firefights," I said. "I had a few confirmed kills, and likely several more unconfirmed. And one of my investigations as an MP turned into a shootout with some human traffickers that ended... badly. Fuck, I haven't talked about that with anyone since I got out. I'd prefer you not bring it up with the girls, or Leo. Please." "I won't," she said quietly. "Have you?" I asked. "No," she shook her. "I mean, I have enough training that I could, but that wasn't ever supposed to be my job. I; I'd rather maybe talk about my story if I get more comfortable with you, but I've never carried more than a knife and a can of mace in my purse for self-protection and haven't ever needed to use either of them." "Does it bother you that I know?" I asked her. "I feel like it should, but I don't think it does," Kyla said, pursing her lips a little in thought after she said it. "I just spent the last four years living a secret life, but I've always lived a double life. You know, which means... I don't know what it means. Which is a first." "I told Erica," I said. "I wasn't supposed to, I don't think, but she can read me like a book and I didn't want to keep it from her anyways." Kyla smiled a little. "I could tell," she said. "I only picked up on little things from you because of the way she was acting." That made me chuckle a little. "Well, at least that's something. I'm not a complete waste." "So what now?" she asked. "You know that I know that you know. Do we need to set some ground rules or anything?"

Quaranteam-Northwest: Part 6 Lab Results and Quarantines Based on a post by Break The Bar. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.   The Docs signed off, leaving me alone in the little meeting room again. Not knowing when I would be able to leave, I decided to try and fall back on one of my old military instincts; sleep when you can. So I got comfortable in the chair, closed my eyes, and let myself drift into a fitful, not-quite-soothing sleep. "Harri," someone said, and I woke with a start as my shoulder was touched. "Urm," I grunted, and sniffed in a breath as I blinked rapidly and looked around. I was still in the room, and Miriam was smiling at me. She was dressed in fatigues here in the military office complex instead of her service dress blues and her hair was up in a standard military bun hidden beneath the standard issue cap. "Just like a grunt to take any reason for a nap," she grinned at me. "Come on. We can talk in my office." I stood, yawned and stretched, feeling something pop in my back and my shoulder from the uncomfortable position I'd been in. "Lead the way, Lieutenant Colonel," I said. She rolled her eyes at me a little but didn't say anything, just opening the door and walking through. I followed her back into that hallway where Brent had clocked me. He wasn't in the waiting room at the end of the hall. "Is Brent,” I started to ask. "He's waiting on another floor," Miriam said. "Refuses to leave until he sees his daughter is alright. It's making operations slow down over at the construction site, but I can't blame him." "Neither can I," I said, touching the tenderness of my black eye. Miriam led me through several very plain corridors lined with doors. None of them had windows to see in, and most had nameplate mounts but lacked names, and instead were labelled with numbers. It struck me as secretive, and that meant I was probably in the Air Force part of the building and not the Vaccine Test Center part. If they were trying to make people feel at ease joining an experimental program, these plain walls and doors forming a maze were not the way to do it. Confounding an enemy trying to sneak through this part of the building, though? It was perfect. I followed Miriam until she stopped at a seemingly random door and opened it, leading me into a large office. It had a large bank of windows, but extra-heavy curtains had been hung over them and were drawn shut to the point I wondered if they were nailed in place. One wall was entirely covered in a whiteboard with all sorts of coded writing on it. There were two desks in the room; the main desk was scattered with papers and a computer terminal, with a plush office chair tucked in behind it. The second desk had more stuff on it, but in neater piles, and Captain Bloomberg was sitting behind it at work. She glanced up at us as we entered and gave me a slightly judgmental look, before going back to the printout she was reading. The rest of the office space was dominated by file shelving units, a gun safe, and a leather couch that looked uncomfortable but was probably soft as hell. "Captain, could you give us five?" Miriam asked. "Of course, Ma'am," she nodded, set down the papers face-down and stepped around her desk to the door. She shot Miriam a quick look, and Miriam gave her one back, and the Captain left. If I had to guess it was to do with the fact that the office was probably full of classified material and information and the Captain was silently reminding her superior officer not to let me poke around or leave me alone in there. "Sit, please," Miriam sighed once the door was closed and we were alone, gesturing at the couch. I did, instantly sinking into it, and she sat on the other end and turned to me. "So, now that we know it's not life-threatening, you feel ready to get teased yet?" I snorted a little and scratched at my beard. "It's still a little raw," I admitted. "Just like how you fucked her?" Miriam asked with a grin. "Sorry, that's the only one." I shook my head and chuckled. There were few kinds of people who could be as morbidly crude and insulting, and mean it in the best way, as a military friend. "Seriously, Harri," she said. "I got a briefing on it. She's fine, you're fine. No one is in trouble." "Tell that to her father," I said. "And I can't blame him for probably wanting to kill me." "Yeah, well, tough shit for him," Miriam said. "We've expanded his Need to Know status and gave him some more info on the vaccine to calm him down. He's not happy, but he's not worried anymore. Seriously though, did you have to go and fuck my lead civilian contractor's daughter?" "We were friendly with her," I said, and let out a long breath. "Erica said she thought Vanessa might be a little interested. I don't think either of us expected her to show up on our proverbial doorstep and ask for a foursome." "I always did think Erica was a smart woman after we met," Miriam said. "Though I figured you'd lost a few brain cells since you weren't dating her at the time." "There's a whole story behind that," I said, waving her off. "I'm sure there is," Miriam smiled. "Doesn't mean it's a good excuse though." "Well, Vanessa seems to think you have a crush on me after she met you for all of two minutes," I shot back at her. Miriam flushed for a moment but didn't look away from me, still in command in her own office. "Vanessa might have been doing a bit of projecting," she said. "I'm not into hillbillies with bushy beards and big guts." "Ouch," I laughed, holding my stomach. Sure, I wasn't in the peak physical form I'd been in coming out of the military, but I hadn't gone that soft. Miriam and I continued to chat and laugh for a few more minutes until the Captain came back and then Miriam let me borrow some sound-cancelling headphones and hang out on their couch while they were working. They had food ordered in and Miriam and I ate dinner together while Captain Bloomberg ate as she kept working at her desk. It wasn't until I noticed that the faint bit of light leaking around the edges of the curtains was dimming that it had been a long day and I hadn't been able to contact Erica and Ivy. I asked Miriam if I could have my phone back just to update them, and she and the Captain had to discuss it for a long moment before they decided they could probably do the texting for me, but for security protocols I couldn't be given control of the phone. When my phone powered on it took a long moment for it to connect to service, and then it started buzzing like crazy and a bunch of messages came in. Miriam was holding it, and her eyes went a little wide as the message notification scrolled by. "Um," she said. "Well, it looks like you and your partners are... happy together." "Oh no," I groaned. "What did they send?" "Well, you have a whole bunch of messages from Brent Peters chewing you out, so there's that," Miriam said. "But, uh, well, there are photos from your partners." "Sorry," I shrugged, once again finding my face heating up at the exposure of my sex life. "It's fine," Miriam said. "It was my idea to do the texting anyways." She tapped around on the phone for a moment. "Alright, I'll just say 'Harri isn't allowed to use his phone right now. This is Miriam Abarbanel. He is fine, no trouble. Vanessa is also fine and healthy. They will return tomorrow.'" "That's fine," I said with a nod. I would have liked to tell them more, and that I loved them. And that they shouldn't have been trying to send me whatever scandalous photos they had considering I was in military custody at the moment. Miriam hit send and a minute later another text came through and she opened it, immediately rolling her eyes and setting my phone down. "What?" I asked. "Erica sent another photo, and I think it was for me," she said. "What? Really?" I asked. Miriam opened the photo again and turned my phone around to show me. Erica and Ivy were both sunbathing in the chairs, topless. The third Adirondack had a name tag written on a piece of paper and taped to the back of the chair that red 'Vanessa.' Beside it, they had put out another lawn chair and had quickly put another nametag on it that said 'Miriam.' I couldn't help the little snort of laughter that came out of me, and I covered my mouth to try and stop from giggling a bit. "I'm sorry," I said. Miriam laughed once and set my phone down. "You know, Erica is the right kind of trouble for you I think," she said. "You haven't spent enough time with Ivy," I countered. "That girl is mischievous. I bet the Vanessa one was Erica's idea to try and cheer her up, and the other one was Ivy." "If you've got any pictures from that Danielle woman, I wouldn't mind checking those out," Captain Bloomberg said from over at her desk. "Laura," Miriam said, a little shocked. "What? I told you when we first saw her, that woman could turn a bigoted granny gay," Laura said. "That's fair," Miriam said thoughtfully. "Hey, no arguments from me," I said. Miriam and the Captain ended up finishing their work days, though Miriam told me that she was on call 24/7 anyways and they stayed in apartments lower in the building. She offered to try and find me a free one to rest overnight, but I asked her if I could see Vanessa and stay in whatever medical room she was in. I didn't want her to wake up from the process and be alone. This started a silent conversation of sharp looks between Miriam and Laura, until Laura sighed. "She's not alone. Her father hasn't left her side since we let him see her. This is... let's call it a legal grey area at the moment. Technically you're not even extended family, so he would get precedent on deciding who can be there," she said. "But under the circumstances of the Vaccine imprinting, there's been some debate going around the legal circles of what constitutes a civil union. The matter's still up in the air, but there's a case to be made that you and she are now more intimately connected than she and her father. So I guess the question is do you want to push the issue?" "Oh, fuck," I groaned, and had to massage the bridge of my nose. "On the one hand, yes I want to see her. On the other, Brent deserves to be pissed at me and worried about her. Can I just talk to him?" "Honestly, Harri," Miriam said. "I think you should probably leave that whole conversation to Vanessa and how she wants to have it. Doesn't matter how much you defend yourself, you're still the guy that fucked that man's daughter in a pretty... degenerate seems too strong, but pervy is too weak. Anyways, you fucking her like that brought her here, and he's now aware that she's going to be intimately connected to you for a while." I puffed out my cheeks and let the air blow out slowly, unsure of what to do. "I can try talking to him," Laura offered. "But honestly, I don't know if it would do any good." "It's fine," I finally conceded. "He can be there, just find me another room where I can crash, and let me know when she's awake?" "I'll leave a standing order with the nurses," Miriam nodded. So, as Miriam and Laura finished up for the day, they sent for the night sentry who patrolled the floor and let him know I would be in the staff break room and was allowed to eat out of the cupboards and use the washrooms. Once the airman was gone Laura excused herself and left me with Miriam. "It was nice having you around, Harri," she grinned, dropping her command facade again. She put her hand on my upper arm and grinned, giving me a wink. "And I was joking when I called you fat." "Yeah, well, you really hurt my feelings," I fake-cried, making her laugh. "I'll see you tomorrow before you leave, alright? And I still expect that beer next time I'm up at the site," she said and gave me a peck on the cheek. "You got it," I said, and pecked her back. "And thank you for all of this today, by the way." "Happy to help," she said, and then escorted me to the room where I would spend the next seven hours. The sentry woke me up around four in the morning. I had Cheeto dust on my shirt and fingers, the bag I'd found in the staff room cupboard almost empty and crumpled up on my chest. "Sir, I've been asked to bring you down to the medical wing," he said. "Fuck," I said, blinking awake and standing up. "Uh, give me a second." I went into the men's washroom and quickly washed my hands and my face, and tried to get myself straightened out. Looking in the mirror, I could tell that I'd been running on empty for a bit, but I didn't look as bad as I might have if I hadn't been getting in some light napping at least. The airman brought me to the elevator and punched a button for about a dozen floors down, and when we stepped off of it, it was clear that we were in a more public-facing area, though the number of armed airmen on guard was actually higher. The floor was still quiet, this early in the morning, and generally featured a lot more stuff. There were glass panes and windows everywhere and the place looked like what I would picture a medical bay would in a not-too-distant future medical show. There were a few nurses around, but most of the rooms and beds were empty. We passed by one room that was sealed up with a little yellow light near the handle flashing 'Quarantine Active.' That got me gulping and moving. We turned a corner and I saw her. Vanessa was sitting up in a hospital bed, an IV drip hooked in to one arm. She was in a hospital gown and didn't have any of her usual makeup on, so she looked... sick wasn't the right word. She looked different enough that I noticed it, but it was like seeing Erica without her makeup that first time. It was different but I liked seeing the natural her. "Vanessa, I'm,” I started, but then she threw a magazine at my head. "Harri, I swear to God if you try and apologize to me, I'll throw another one," Vanessa said. She had a stack of a few of them on a little rolling bedside stand, where she also had a tray from a shitty cafeteria meal. "You look good, Vee," I said, changing my mind. She blushed and smiled. "No, I don't. Liar." "Okay, you look as good as someone in a hospital bed can," I said. "Come sit, Harri," she said, shifting herself in the bed and patting beside her. I did, and she took my hand in one of hers and lifted the other to brush a finger against my bruised eye. "The night nurse told me what happened when I woke up." I opened my mouth to apologize again but remembered what she'd said and clicked it shut. She smirked and squeezed my fingers. "Good, you're learning." "So you're not pissed off?" I asked. Vanessa leaned her head back on the pillows propping her up, taking a deep breath. "Maybe at the world, a little. But at you? Or Erica and Ivy? No. I went in there knowing what I was asking for, and you told me the risk. I decided getting off with you three was worth it." She broke into a small smile. "And from what I remember, it was pretty fantastic." "It was," I chuckled. "I mean, wild and filthy, but fantastic." She was looking at me, searching my face for something. I couldn't tell if she found it or not. "I spoke to my Dad. He told me he decked you pretty good but I wasn't expecting a full-on shiner." "He definitely got me," I said, touching my eye. "Wasn't as bad as I felt I deserved." "Yeah, well I told him if he does it again I'll deck him," she said. "And that if he tries to take any revenge on you, he's just punishing me." "Does that mean what I think it means?" I asked. She brought my hand up to her chest and put it over her heart. "Harri, I'm stuck with you no matter what at this point, but if you guys will have me I'd like to move into your crammed RV life. I thought you and Erica were cool since we met, and we know we're sexually compatible. The way I see it, I can either fight this thing just for the sake of fighting, or I can get on board the Harrison train and enjoy the ride." "Vanessa, I; God, I wish I had my phone right now," I said. "There's a picture the girls sent that you'll want to see." Vanessa rolled her eyes and her smile grew. "Oh, I got several pictures," Vanessa said. "I've already seen them. Why don't you have your phone?" "I was up on a secure floor," I said. "Lieutenant Colonel Abarbanel was actually the one to see them when she helped me message back that we were Okay." "Then you have some surprises waiting for you I think," Vanessa grinned. "But for now, you're all mine." She pulled me towards her and guided me into a kiss. Then she whispered into my lips as our noses rubbed against each other. "Pull the privacy screen around us." "Here? Really?" I asked. "My nurse actually encouraged it," Vanessa said. "She said we just need to try and keep it down." I stood up and went to the curtain built into the rolling track around Vanessa's bed and pulled it around us, blocking out the rest of the room, and the hallway beyond the glass observation doors. When I turned back to her, Vanessa was shrugging out of her hospital gown, her cute little tits jiggling. I kicked off my shoes and got up on the hospital bed with her, picking her up a bit and sliding her down into a laying position and tucking my head down to suck on one of her nipples. "Oh, Harri," she crooned, her hand running through my hair. Her nipples got hard quickly as I played my tongue over them, feeling the little boob around it tug and pull as I moved around. I popped off and raised my lips to hers again, giving her a kiss. "I didn't get to spend that much time telling you how beautiful and sexy I think you are," I said between kisses. "Harri, you don't need to lie," she said. "My boobs are tiny. I'm used to; Ah, fuck!" I cut her off by grabbing the tit I hadn't sucked on, squeezing it hard enough to make her hiss a little bit. I'd seen she liked a little rough pawing and play during the foursome, so I used it now to make a point. "If you ever tell me these aren't perfect, I'll spank you so hard you'll have my handprint on your ass for a week." "Fuck, Harri; Fuck," she groaned as I let my grip on her tit loosen, and then bent down and took that nipple into my mouth as well. "Fine. You like my tits. I believe you." "Don't just believe me," I said. "Vanessa, you said you thought Erica and I were cool when we first met. Well, I thought you were fascinating. This gorgeous, tough woman who knew how to take charge and make things happen. Beautiful from head to toe even when you were trying to downplay it for work. Now, you're going to lay back so that I can explore every inch of your gorgeous, perfect body." She looked like she was somewhere between beaming happily and crying, but she nodded. I started back up at her lips and kissed around her jaw and down her neck to her collar bone. Then down to her chest, where I teased her nipples some more, rolling one between my fingers while I tongued and lightly nibbled on the other. Once they were both standing proud and weren't about to go down, I helped her pull the hospital gown off until it was hanging from the arm with the IV in it, revealing the rest of her body to me. I kissed down her stomach to her bellybutton and pressed my forehead against her, kissing her fit stomach softly, then moving lower. I got to the point between her belly button and her mound where her scar was, and the Strength tattoo. I took my time there, kissing it, and tracing my finger along the letters of the tattoo. I turned back to look up at her face and she was pensive, staring at me with this worried look like I was going to change my mind about her. "Perfect," I told her again, "And strong as hell." My lips went further, down onto her mound where a smattering of hairs were poking out. She'd obviously shaved herself in the past, but not as recently as I bet she would have liked. But I didn't care, and I kissed along the stubble of her pubic hair, letting it play against my lips as my beard played against her skin. She spread her legs for me, and I slipped around on the bed so I was laying between them on my stomach, looking up at her. "Do you want me to do this here?" I asked her. "Harri, I want your cock inside me like nothing else," she said. "We'll get there," I grinned, and began to explore her cunt with my lips and tongue. I took my time, softly kissing and licking, searching every nook and cranny of her outer and inner labia. Then I did it again, sucking a little harder, nibbling just a touch, finding the sweet spots that made her legs quiver or her breath catch in a hiccup or gasp. Then I went deeper, peeling her open with my fingers to see the soft pink of her hole, and tasted and teased her. She mewled for me, clawing at the bed. I kept needing to move her leg back as it came up and wanted to curl in towards me until I just planted my hand on her thigh and pushed her open, holding her leg wide. Then I did the same to the other leg, pushing them back further, and I slowly licked from her hole up her lips to her clit hood, teasing the tip of my tongue under it before pushing it back with my upper lip and prodding her clit softly. "Making me... ugh!" Vanessa grunted with a girlish tone, gasping for air. I did it again and watched as another little orgasm rolled through her, her cunt flexing as her abdominal muscles clenched. Moving lower I kissed the inner curve of her ass cheek and looked up from between her legs to meet her gaze. She watched me, a little surprised, as I practically buried my nose in her cunt so that I could drive my tongue against her asshole. Her brow furrowed as I did it, and one eye twtiched as I teased the outer ring, then centered on it and nudged the tip of my tongue a little deeper. "Not here," she gasped suddenly, and I stopped. "I; not here," she said again. "Okay," I said, moving up from her ass and kissing the crook of her thigh. "Just like that?" she asked. "What kind of guys have you been seeing that don't stop when you say no?" I asked back. She blinked. "The kind who don't eat ass, and rarely eat cunt," she said. "So the wrong kind." "Then let me ask you; what do you want me to do now?" She closed her eyes and blew out a long breath through pursed lips, before opening them. "Get your pants off and fuck me while we make out. I want to feel you on top of me." I grinned and slipped off the bed, undoing my belt and kicking my pants off. I was already hard, and she was wet from my exploratory oral, so I got back up on the bed and got over her in a standard missionary position. "Like this?" I asked her. She reached down and got my cock in position, and wrapped a leg around my waist and ass to pull me into her. "Like this," she said with a grin as I slowly penetrated deeper into her. Vanessa was hot and clenched my cock in a rippling sensation as I drove in, slowly fucking into her until I was buried to my root. She grabbed my beard in her hand and pulled me into a kiss as we stayed still and connected. "Ow," I muttered into the kiss. "Sorry," she laughed, releasing my beard. "It's fine," I said and kissed her deeply. We made out, our tongues doing more work than my cock for a long moment, until we started grinding against each other. The rhythm built up slowly, less a pounding than a sensuous back and forth that felt more like dancing. Well, the best kind of dancing where my cock was inside of a beautiful woman. Our kiss broke as we panted against each other. "More," she gasped. "More what?" "More weight," she said. "I want to feel you." I lowered myself from my elbows, letting my body press down against hers like a too-heavy weighted blanket. "Umm," she groaned somewhere at the back of her throat. Her body felt tense under mine, but slowly loosened. I kissed the side of her neck, and she ran the heel of her foot down my leg and then back up to my butt. The soft whoosh of the glass door opening outside of the privacy curtain made us both stop moving. "Vanessa, you good in there?" asked a woman. "Yep," she said. "So good. Perfect." There was a long moment of silence, and then, "Oh. Sorry for interrupting. If you and Mr. Black can finish up, your Father was hoping to see you. I can stall him for ten minutes?" "Thanks," Vanessa called back, biting her lips. Two soft footsteps and the door whooshed again, settling closed. "Oh my God," Vanessa groaned. "I can do a lot in ten minutes," I said with a grin. "No, we have less than that," she sighed. "I need to get cleaned up and dressed first, and you need to be out of here before he gets here. But first I need you to fuck me hard and fast and give me your cum." So that's what I did. I raised up higher again to gain the leverage I needed and I started pounding into her with hard, steady strokes. Vanessa gasped, and soon we were back in that rolling rhythm of our hips except it was way more fucking than dancing. Our eyes never left each other, and when I went in for another kiss she bit my lip as she started to come. That pushed me towards my own edge, and I got myself there by reaching down and strumming my thumb against her clit just as she was coming down, pushing her right back into a second wave of orgasm as her body clenched and I released. "Fuck," I growled, thrusting my hips forward and emptying my balls into her. "Fuck, Vanessa!" She arched her back, silently screaming before she exhaled hard and released the tension. We both lay there panting for a long moment. "I really want to fuck you again," I said. "Right now. I'm still hard as a rock for you." "I can feel that, you fucking caveman," Vanessa laughed, cock drunk for the moment. "But I need to clean up and you need to go." "One more thing," I said, and kissed her again. I got my clothes on first and then helped her find and put on her pants. She hadn't worn underwear when she had come to visit us the morning before when this whole thing kicked off, so now she was going to be leaking my cum into her jeans. Her shirt was there as well, but she was still hooked up to the IV, which meant I had to leave the room and send a nurse to help her. I stopped at the edge of the privacy curtain, looking back at her. "Go," she motioned to me. "I'm not leaving. You can see my tits any time you want." Maybe I was cunt drunk, but I wanted to tell her I loved her. I just grinned and blew her a kiss and a wink before slipping out. Once she couldn't see me, I shook my head. I thought orgasms were supposed to give you post-nut clarity, I thought. I almost blurted that out, and no matter how compatible we were sexually I knew that wasn't the right thing to say at the moment. I found the nurse, who went to help Vanessa, while another one brought me back to the elevator where I was met by the night sentry again. He brought me back up to the waiting room I'd been in before, and I flopped onto the couch. "Harri. Harri, we need to stop meeting like this," Miriam said, and I blinked awake again as she was standing over me and smirking. "Fuck," I grunted. "What time is it?" "Just past 0600," she said. "We've got a couple of cars ready to drive you back home." "A couple?" I frowned. "Brent left earlier in his own vehicle," Miriam said. "But we're sending you back with two more partners for your friend Leo. I already spoke with Vanessa and she said she wanted to ride with them to try and help them stay calm through their vaccination." I closed my eyes again as I parsed what she was saying. "Okay, hold on. Leo is getting two new partners?" "From what I red they are a bisexual couple who wanted to stay together," Miriam said. I wiped the sleep from my eyes and sucked in a big breath through my nose. "Well, at least mine isn't the only RV that's going to be packed to the gills." Miriam brought me down to the underground garage for the building and handed my phone back to me. Two black SUV were idling, the windows all tinted to the point that I couldn't see a single thing inside including the drivers. I turned back to Miriam. "Just another day?" I asked her. "Hell no," she smirked. "You, Harrison Black, as the biggest pain in my ass since I took this posting." Then she pulled me into a hug. "But I wouldn't change a God damn thing about it. I'll see you once our on-site office is up and running." "I'm looking forward to it," I said, giving her a squeeze back. "Lieutenant Colonel." "That's Miriam to you, soldier," she said, pulling back with a smirk and kissing me on the cheek. The elevator bingled and I was shocked, or really mildly surprised, to see Agent Sourpuss leading two women bundled up in hooded jumpsuits with masks on. Sourpuss took one look at me and sneered, directing the two women to the front SUV and climbing in with them. "What was that about?" I asked. "Oh, she's pissed off because she keeps getting seconded to us for transportation detail," Miriam said. "I have no idea why, but she isn't happy about it." "No; Technically I'm pretty sure that was my fault, actually. But I meant the whole bundled up get up." "First, why am I not surprised you're a pain in the ass for other people as well? And second, it's new protocols coming up from California and the first testing area. I guess there have been some questions around whether vaccinated but unbonded women could contract or become carriers for the virus. It's the latest back and forth between the scientists." "Speaking of which," I said. "I know why I don't need to be all bundled up, but why don't you? Are you imprinted on someone?" "Me? No," Miriam said. "Not yet, anyway. I'll do it when they push the order out, for now we're still technically in the testing phase for a bit longer. Everyone who leaves the building and re-enters without being vaccinated is getting blood tested and quarantined; it sucks, but it leaves us able to work functionally instead of talking to each other through hazmat suits." The elevator bingled again, and this time it was Vanessa who stepped out as a sentry gestured her towards the front SUV. She saw me immediately and veered off course, coming to me. I wrapped her up in a hug and noticed Miriam giving me a hard-to-read look. "Hey," I said to Vanessa. "I hear you're playing therapy animal for Leo's new partners." "They asked me to," Vanessa said. "From what I understand, the nurses don't think the woman who is supposed to be doing it does a very good job at calming nerves." Miriam snorted a little but covered it with a cough, looking at me. "Well, I feel like I'm missing out on some more alone time with you, but I understand why," I said. "Do me a favor and try and feel them out a bit, see what they're like." "I will," she smirked and went on her tiptoes to give me a peck on the lips. "They're going to be our neighbors, after all." "Yes they are," I grinned and patted her butt. "See you at home?" "Fuck. Home," Vanessa said, backing away from me. "I haven't had one of those in a while. It's gonna be weird." She turned and strode to the SUV and got in the back. "That one might be trouble," Miriam said. "They're all trouble," I laughed. "See you sooner than later?" "Sooner than later," she grinned and winked. I went to the back SUV, which was apparently my personal chauffeur for the sole reason that Agent Sourpuss couldn't find an ounce of empathy in her. Hopefully there's a partition between the front and the back, I thought. I can check those pictures Erica and Ivy were sending me. When I opened the back door of the SUV to get in I had to stop. "Ah," I said. "That explains a lot." I slid in and shut the door. "Agent Grierson." The craggy-faced Agent smirked and nodded. "Harrison. When I heard there was an anomalous vaccination issue, I decided to check it out and lo and behold, it's my favorite redneck." "Did you just come to check-in, or are you looking to offload some more government cash on me?" I asked. The SUVs started moving, pulling out of the garage and into downtown Portland. "Kid, you know I don't need to come to see you to check in," he said. "And I don't have the time to just come shoot the shit, no matter how much I'd enjoy a good fuckin' day off once in a while. I'm here to ask a favor." "Well now you're just being coy," I said. "You know that I know you didn't have to let that lease thing through instead of a flat purchase, so you've got me cornered." "Well, the good news is that I'm not asking you to do anything underhanded," Grierson said. "I noticed you've recently taken on a security consulting contract and your clearance has been restored. I'm going to open it up a little bit more here, if that's alright with you." "Playful, then coy, then asking my permission? Jesus fuck, what are you about to ask me to do?" "Alright, kid. Here's the deal," Grierson sighed. "Sometime in the next few days you're going to get a new partner delivered to you. What I need you to do is keep an eye on her. She's the daughter of the Ambassador from the Philippines, and officially we've run her through the Oracle matching system as a diplomatic courtesy. What no one else knows, including people in that building we just left, is that her Oracle results didn't matter. I'm placing her with you, and scattering a few other Filipino nationals in safe little corners of the country, as a deal with the NICA." "Wait, that's the..." I had to wrack my brain going back to my Military Police training. "Isn't that the CIA of the Philippines?" "A much lesser version, yes," Grierson said. "On the official unofficial paperwork, it's a spy deal. We're going to take care of some of their valuable people who are here, and they're going to take care of some of our valuable people who are over there. The unofficial unofficial deal is that we don't have anyone over there, and the government of the Philippines is going to let us stage our latest espionage attempts into China from their shores. There's a fucking information blackout coming out of China right now, and other than satellite images we've got nothing on what's going on in there." "Okay, hold on," I said. "So am I taking in this Ambassador's daughter as payment for the US Government?" "No, you're taking her in because Kyla Bautista is also secretly a spy who just graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in dance, and while she was there we suspect she turned at least four different Professors and research assistants into assets for NICA for Intellectual Property espionage. I'm scooping her up and putting her with you because you're so far off the radar that no one would think you're keeping an eye on her, and so that the Chinese can't find her if they figure out what's going on and want some revenge. But most of all, I'm putting her with you because, despite your record and stupid career choices after you left the military, you have the mindset to keep an eye on her without her or anyone else knowing that's what's going on." "This is all well and good, Grierson," I said. "But I've got three women imprinted on me already, one of them by mistake. How the hell am I supposed to add a fourth woman into the mix?" Grierson snorted. "Kid, I got news for you. By this time next year, I'd bet all that money I just put into your bank account that you'll look back and think what a naive question that was." I sighed and shook my head slowly. "What does her father think of her getting matched off like that? Does he even know?" "Oh, he was pissed until he got cut in on an early vaccination as well for his wife, along with his long-time second in command who he's been having an affair with, and his additional American mistress who is very black and very formidable, neither of whom the wife knows about. He seems to think it'll be fine." "Jesus," I sighed, shaking my head. "So what, is the OGA offering to pay me for spy sitting?" "No," Grierson said. "But there is an upside." "What's that?" "Like I said, Kyla Bautista graduated with a degree in dance. If I wasn't too fucking busy being ethical, I'd have just put her in my house. The woman is something else." "That's gross," I said, my face twisting in mild disgust. "It's reality, kid. Game it out; people need to fuck to save their lives. Even before this shit show people put a value on beauty over pretty much anything else. What do you think it's going to be like when the entire country is getting matched up?" "I don't know," I sighed. "That's; I don't even want to think about it." "And that's why they pay me and my people the big bucks," Grierson said. He tapped on the glass partition that separated us from the front seat, and the SUV began to pull over. "I'm not asking you to do anything you wouldn't have anyways. Just keep an eye on her for me, alright?" "Fine," I said. "But if she takes one look at me and asks for someone else, I can't do anything about that. I'm not forcing some woman into this." "Won't be a problem," Grierson said. The SUV came to a stop, and he stepped out. "Grierson," I said, and he turned back. "Miriam said someone pulled some strings to get her assigned where she is. Was that you?" "What?" Grierson raised an eyebrow. "You think I like you that much, kid?" "That wasn't an answer," I said. "Well, if it was me, I think maybe you owe me another one still," he said, then shut the door. Another car had pulled up behind us, which he got into, and it pulled a big U-turn in the middle of the empty street and drove back the way we'd come. The driver of my ride pulled back onto the street and sped up to catch the other SUV in our mini convoy, and I was left to my thoughts. I sighed and opened my phone. I didn't want to think about this Grierson thing. If it happened, then it happened and we'd deal with it. I went to my messages and opened the ones from Erica and Ivy. "Fucking hell," I sighed, looking at the lewd pictures and knowing that Miriam had seen them. "What am I going to do with three women?" Or four? Or more? I was going to need a bigger bed, and quickly. I stretched, feeling several somethings in my back and shoulders pop, as I got out of the back of the nondescript black SUV and felt the gravel of the construction site crunch under my boots. The place was bustling since we'd arrived mid-morning, and I saw more than a few of the workers taking looks over at me and starting to talk to each other. The rumor mill must have been burning hard since Vanessa had gotten carted off in a military helicopter and flown away. First things first, however, was to not unload two vaccinated-but-unbonded women into the middle of a construction site. I flashed a quick thumbs up through the passenger side window at whoever my driver had been; I'd never seen a face or heard a voice; and jogged up to the other vehicle and knocked on the passenger window. Agent Sourpuss rolled it down a moment later, scowling at me from the driver's seat. "What?" "I know you haven't been here for a bit," I said. "But if you drive around to the right over there you'll see our RVs and our little compound. Dropping the ladies off there would probably cause less of a, uh, scene." I could tell she wanted to argue with me but knew I was right. Instead of answering she just stabbed her finger down on the window button beside her and closed it in my face, then pulled the SUV around and headed in the direction I'd pointed. I walked along behind, and we rounded the second big bunkhouse building that was looking just about finished now and headed towards our compound. By the time Agent Sourpuss put the vehicle in park Erica and Ivy were already ducking out from behind the sheets hung between the corner of the RV and the storage container that we'd deemed the 'front door.' Leo and Danielle were right behind them. I wanted to go to my women, but I held myself back and instead opened the rear door of the SUV. Inside I saw that Vanessa was sitting in the middle row bucket seat, and I leaned in and kissed her quickly before offering her a hand down. "Don't go getting all chivalrous on me now, Harri," Vanessa grinned as she accepted my hand and swung out onto her feet. She looked back into the vehicle. "Come on, ladies. Leo's out here waiting for you." The two women, practically swimming in their baggy, hooded coveralls and masked up to boot, unbuckled and started climbing between the seats. I, however, was suddenly a little busy as I was hugged from behind by a small form that could only be Ivy. Beside me, Erica was pulling Vanessa into a hug as well. "I'm so sorry, hon," Erica said, squeezing the shorter woman tightly. "If I'd had any reasonable idea that this would happen,” "It's fine, Erica," Vanessa said, squeezing her back and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Seriously. We'll talk about it, but I'm Okay with it if you are." "Hey you," I said in the meanwhile, turning at the waist to wrap my arm around Ivy's shoulder and hug her to me. "Hello, mon amour," Ivy sighed. "I missed you." "I missed you too, I've," I said, and leaned down and gave the short blonde a quick kiss. The first of the women had reached the door of the car, and Ivy let me go so that I could offer her a hand down. All I could see of her were her eyes and the skin around them; she was white but tanned heavily, and had soft grey eyes that were flicking around. "Let me help, miss," I said. She accepted, her gloved hand taking mine for a moment to step down, and I ushered her directly towards Leo and Dani. "This is Leo, and his better half Danielle." "Hey," Leo scolded me playfully, giving me a little punch on the arm as he grinned. "Hey, hon," Dani said, pulling the woman into a hug that seemed to surprise her. I turned back and Erica was helping the next woman down; she was white and paler than the first, and had dark green eyes. Soon she was getting the same hugging welcome as the first from Dani, as Leo looked both a little bashful and a little excited. "How about we head in and talk?" Erica suggested to everyone. "Ladies, Leo is my brother so I might be biased, but you're in good hands. And if he ends up sucking, then Dani's got you." "Hell yeah I do," Dani chuckled, nudging Leo with an elbow. "I wouldn't mind getting handled by either of you," the tan woman said through her mask. "God damn, girl. Your tits don't quit." "Thanks for noticing," Dani grinned and winked. She took both women by the hand and started leading them into the compound. "Come on, let's get you two fucked and settled." "Now that's one hell of a welcome offer," the other woman laughed. I laughed a little too, hearing the two as Leo quickly jogged ahead to hold the fabric door open for them. "Seriously, those two are gonna be something else," Vanessa said, shaking her head. "You got to talk with them?" Erica asked. "The whole ride here," Vanessa said. "Their names are Aria and India. Aria seems a little sweeter and the more rational one, while India is a hippy kid from hippy parents. They said they've been girlfriends for three years, and up until last year they 'worked' as sugar babies while Aria was finishing up her master's of communications." "Jesus," Erica sighed with a rueful smirk. "They're going to eat Leo alive."

Quaranteam-Northwest: Part 5 Lab work. Based on a post by Break The Bar. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.   Time went quickly, but also seemed to go nowhere at all; only three days after the final demise of the house we'd moved the RVs four times and I decided we needed to figure out something at least semi-permanent. Even a week in the same spot would be preferable to constant movement. The space where my house had stood was now full of stacks and pallets of supplies, and Vanessa had a crew of almost two dozen of her 'gorillas' working to erect what would become the first of a dozen temporary bunkhouses for the incoming construction workers. She still seemed to be the only foreman on site, so I went looking for Vanessa. I found her at the water truck, splashing some water onto the back of her neck as she took a quick break. It had turned even hotter over the week, spring slipping fully into summer, and we were all starting to boil when we were outside. I'd quickly abandoned the feeling of needing to 'dress up' for everyone and I was down to athletic shorts and one of my sleeveless workout shirts; one of the few that were still 'mine' considering both Erica and Ivy had taken to wearing them as well. Vanessa was the boss however and had to set the example for the rest of the crew, so she was still wearing the jeans, long-sleeved t-shirt and her reflective vest of a dutiful construction foreman. "Hey, got a second?" I asked. "Oh, hey Harrison," she said, looking up as she continued splashing water onto the back of her neck. "Sorry I haven't come to check with you and the girls today, we had three more loads this morning of barracks pilings I had to get sorted, and the fucking surveyors are still bitching about not knowing where the sewage lines are going to come onto the property, as if I can fucking answer that question for them or something." "When's your Dad supposed to finally get on site?" I asked. Her father was supposed to be the General Manager of the entire construction project, but so far I had yet to have seen him. "Fuck, a few days still at least," Vanessa sighed. "I'm getting tired as shit of the phone tag." "Well, sorry if this is a big ask and causes you more headaches; any chance we could project ahead a bit and figure out where we can stash the RVs and everything where we're not going to need to move them for a while? Moving everything around is annoying by itself, but I've also noticed some of your guys are spending a lot of time wandering by the RVs whenever the girls are outside." "Fucking gorillas," Vanessa grunted and grimaced. "I mean, on the one hand, I get it; they are either cooped up in the motel or here working. I'm not exactly thrilled with the situation either. But they could keep it in their fucking pants too, ya know?" "Look, if we can find a spot, the way I see it we can use the RVs and Containers to set up a yard for us that's blocked from view. Then we can have some privacy and not feel cooped up in the RVs, and your guys aren't tempted to let their eyes wander," I said. "I figure it's a win-win." Vanessa smiled and patted my arm. "Harri, as long as you keep the fucking indoors, I'll see what I can do about getting you guys some more privacy." "What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly a little worried that Erica and I might have gotten caught at the Willow tree after all, or that maybe a surveyor had wandered up near the Spring without us hearing. "Nothing, nothing," Vanessa said. "I just; you know we can see the RVs rocking a bit, right? And I don't know who it is, but someone over in your camp is a screamer. We can hear her when she really gets going. Once the guys even gave you a standing ovation." "Fuck," I coughed, shaking my head. "I'm sorry. I think it's something to do with the vaccine. I've had more sex in the last four days than I have in the last four years. Honestly, I don't even know how I'm doing it; I ain't old, but I'm not a teenager either." "Well, god bless the vaccine I guess," Vanessa smirked. "And good for you. Just do me a favor and keep it inside the RVs 'till we can get you that privacy. We don't need the entire site shutting down to listen to you fucking your girlfriends." I shook my head again with a self-deprecating smirk. "Um, deal. I hope." That made Vanessa chuckle, and we parted ways for the afternoon. The next day, she came back in the morning and explained the plan she had worked out with the Surveyors and one of the tree-clearing crews. By mid-afternoon, a new swathe of the back end of the hill was bare of trees, and a bulldozer scooped dirt into the holes left by ripped-up stumps. By the time Vanessa left that evening, two of the storage containers had been shifted around by the 'gorillas' and positioned in an L-shape for us in the new location, and Leo and I moved the RVs to form the other two sides of a square. When Vanessa came by the next morning we'd hung up some old, heavy blankets at the corners to maximize our privacy, busted out the lawn chairs and barbecue, and were on our way to turning the space into an outdoor living room. Leo and I even went so far as to rig up an old bell we'd salvaged from the barn on a wooden post with a metal knocker on a string to serve as a doorbell. Erica was the one to answer Vanessa's ring of the bell, and she swept aside the blanket curtain. "Welcome to Casa de Black," she declared. "Jesus," Vanessa said, walking into our new home base. "You guys didn't want to wait, did you?" "Why would we?" Leo asked. "We don't know how long we're going to be living like this, so might as well make the most of it." Leo had decided to make one last addition to our current set-up, and had pulled a loose slab of wood from the container holding all his tools and was carving 'Speak Friend and Enter' into it the makeshift sign with his handheld angle grinder. He'd already been talking about using his torch to burn the wood before giving it a clear lacquer coat. "What can we do for you, Vanessa?" I asked. "Need some breakfast?" "Actually?" Vanessa chewed on the inside of her cheek for a second and peeked back outside the yard. "Breakfast would be fucking great. They're feeding us at the motel, but it's been the same instant oatmeal every fucking morning." "Well, we've yet to have our egg hookup dry out on us," I said. Old Mrs. Branston lived about fifteen minutes down the highway and had been selling eggs to three generations of my family; through the pandemic and quarantine we'd set up a system where I called ahead and she dropped off two dozen eggs at the end of her driveway, and I left a ten dollar bill in her mailbox. "How do you like them? I think I'm getting pretty good at using the grill with a frying pan." We hosted Vanessa for about fifteen minutes as I fried her up some over-easy eggs and some toast to go with it, and she started devouring the first two so quickly that I put another two in the pan for her immediately. While I cooked, she shared the most recent gossip running through the construction crews. "So the latest group to come in said they got tested four times before even leaving the airport," she said around a mouthful. "They were basically flown into Portland, put in little hygienic pods inside the terminals until they'd tested negative all four times, then escorted to military transports. I guess the army is our taxi service or something, and there are members of the national guard currently standing watch at all of the motels. It's kind of fucked up and feels like a prison, honestly. We're not even supposed to mingle outside with each other, despite the fact that we all work together here all day." "Who's feeding you all?" Danielle asked. "Just the people already working out there seems like a lot." "Some catering service is making these prepackaged meals," Vanessa said. "The breakfasts are shit, and the lunches are whatever. The dinners are Okay though; microwavable, and waiting for us when we get off shift." "Have you heard anything else out there about the vaccine?" I asked. "Hmm-Hmm," Vanessa shook her head. "But I mean, I spend my time working." "I'm still not seeing much online," Leo said. "Little whispers on social media, but then it disappears before it gets going." "That's kinda fucked up," Erica said. "We know it's real. The government must be censoring the information or something. "Well, whenever it happens, I don't know what I'll do," Vanessa sighed. "I like working too much, being my own woman. I bring in more cash in a year than almost every other person I graduated high school with, I've been doing it for years, and I don't have any debts. I can't just get tied down to some guy." "You would be surprised, Vanessa," Ivy spoke up. "I am this way too, no? I left home to make my way, and I am happy doing it. But now I am happy here, and am also safe from the sickness. It is not how I saw my life going, but c'est la vie, non?" Vanessa shrugged, and we moved on to some other topics until her radio squawked and she had to run off back to her work. By lunchtime I'd already done another two quick guides into the hills for the surveyors and Leo had gotten his nerd-sign carved out and torched, and he was spray lacquering it outside the yard with a facemask and safety goggles on to cut the strong fumes. He stopped the sprayer when he saw me approaching and stepped away from the sign. "Hey, you able to help me out with hanging this tonight?" he asked me. "Of course," I said. "I gotta help you fly your nerd flag somehow." "Yeah, says the guy with the Lord of the Rings concept art cycling as his desktop screen," Leo rolled his eyes. "It's for my work," I said. "Top-notch inspiration." And then I realized I hadn't opened my laptop in days; not since I'd finished the questionnaire that had led to Erica choosing me. And Ivy for that matter. I hadn't checked emails, I hadn't reached out to contacts. Fuck, I hadn't even sent in my last work-for-hire backgrounds. "Whatever," Leo laughed and punched me in the arm. "Look, when you go in there, just know it wasn't my idea, Okay? I only helped them move the stuff." "What does that mean?" I asked. "You'll see," Leo said cryptically. I ducked through the blanket door and immediately saw what Leo was talking about. Space had been cleared in the center of our sheltered yard for three of the heavy Adirondack deck chairs, and laying in those chairs were Danielle, Erica and Ivy. Each of them was wearing a bikini and were glistening with sunscreen and sweat from the sun as they tanned. They had a Bluetooth speaker playing songs from their phones; I suspected Erica was trying to convince the younger two women of the virtues of mid-2000s pop punk. "Oh, good," Erica said, grinning as she saw me coming into the yard. She lifted her glass. "Um, excuse me, waiter? We could use a top-up, please." I snorted and shook my head, walking over. All three of the women were in two-piece swimsuits, though I suspected Danielle and Ivy's were possibly part of their stripping gear rather than actual bikinis. Both of their suits were more string than fabric and left little to the imagination. Erica's was a bit more conservative, though really not by that much because of her swathe of cleavage. "What are we drinking today, ladies?" I asked. "I made up a pitcher of sangria," Erica said. "It's in the fridge in our place. You would be the absolute love of my life if you were to go get it for us, please?" "I thought I already was the love of your life?" I asked with a smile. "You are," Erica smiled back. "But this will get you to the front of the line for my next life, too. How about that?" "Does that go for all of you?" I asked. "Absolutely," Ivy grinned. "I think I could definitely do worse," Danielle grinned. "But I think Leo might have something to say about that." "Harri can take my brother," Erica chuckled. "Don't worry, Danni. Just sell your future soul to Harri, what's the worst that could happen?" "Fine. My future love life for a refill of sangria," Danielle giggled. I fetched the pitcher and poured for the three women, unable to wipe the grin from my lips as I watched and listened to them bantering back and forth happily. By mid-afternoon, the tanning was over and after a quick fuck in the RV Erica and I were lounging in the Adirondacks, each of us with a sketchbook in hand. "What are you working on?" I asked. "I know you've been as frustrated as I have over the last month." "A tattoo design for Ivy," Erica said, her brow creased as she tapped her pencil against her lips thoughtfully. "Now that I have a future canvas, I feel like I can concentrate again. Plus the sex helps a lot." You laughed and nodded. "Got your creative juices flowing, huh?" "Got all my juices flowing, baby," she grinned at me. "What about you? I've got Ivy, and Danielle wants me to design something for her now, too. What's got you drawing again?" I smiled a little and shrugged. "Just figured out my muse," I said. "And what's that?" she asked. "Come on, don't be shy." I turned my sketchbook around so that Erica could see the portrait I had been sketching of her. She looked at it and blushed, biting her lower lip. "Just the most beautiful thing in the world," I told her. "You know," Erica said. "It kinda looks like you're drawing me naked." "That's cause I'm drawing you from the shoulders up," I said. "Yeah, but would you?" she asked. "Would I what? Draw you naked?" "Or Ivy?" "Are you asking me to draw you like one of my French girls?" I asked. Erica barked out a laugh at the reference and threw her pencil at me. "Yes, maybe I am," she said. "Now give me back my pencil." "You threw it at me," I said, fetching it off the ground. "Come and get it." We ended up in each other's arms and making out, me halfway to taking her back into the RV for round two, when someone rang the doorbell. "Who is it?" I shouted over the wall. "It's me," Vanessa called and ducked through the blanket door without waiting for a response. "Sorry, but we've got a problem," she said. "I think I'm going to need you down at the road again." "Fuck," I said. "Is it Kara?" "It's a lot more than that bitch," Vanessa said. I changed and this time Vanessa drove us both down in her company-branded pickup truck. Erica, having already staked her claim on me in front of Kara in her eyes, decided to hang back and let Ivy finish what I'd started. I was sure sending me away with that picture in my mind was done on purpose. As we were nearing the bottom of the driveway, I could hear the noise of the protest through the closed windows and over the engine of the truck. "Fuck me," I said. "Yeah," Vanessa nodded. The end of the driveway was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, blocking traffic. They were three rows deep and singing a protest chant. Every single one of them was dressed in bright colors, showing their allegiance to the Band and proudly shouting for all they were worth. Opposing them, about ten feet up the drive, was a slim, single row of burly construction workers just watching the protest happen. "Those guys really can't let themselves get baited," I said. "If something happens, it doesn't matter who said what or what can hold up in court. There'll be big, scary motherfuckers showing up wanting to do some damage and I don't think your boys are ready for that." "I know, I already told them," Vanessa said. "But I'll tell them again. You'd be surprised how much threatening someone's big, fat bonus checks can keep them calm and focused." We got out of the truck and I walked down to the line of workers, rubbing at the stubble on my chin as I considered the protestors. There were easily fifty of them blocking the driveway, and there was already a backup of two flatbed trucks on the highway, plus a half dozen cars that looked more like they just wanted to get by rather than come in. Another thirty or so protestors were strung out on either side of the highway in both directions, holding up signs and doing the organizational things to keep the protestors going. "Pretty good turnout," I said offhandedly. "A lot bigger than last time." "When was the last time?" Vanessa asked. "Five years ago," I said. "Kara tried to sue for an injunction on my father's Will, and about a dozen protestors showed up to the courthouse the day she got shot down." "Any chance they'll get tired and go home?" Vanessa asked. I scanned the crowd and the vehicles parked up and down the highway. I already knew there were about thirty military-age males in the protest, and I could see people opening the backs of vans where I spotted supply caches of water and food. I could also see the determination on the faces of the crowd, and hear the declarations of a couple of different women holding loudspeakers. The rhetoric, and emotions, were ramped up more than usual. The anti-government hate was high, and now that they knew they weren't fighting Me but rather the Government it seemed to steel their resolve. "Not a shot," I said. I stepped forward and the shouting got louder. Likely every single person in that crowd knew who I was, while I had no idea who most of them were. But with every step I took, they shouted louder. Finally, halfway between the lines, they seemed to be at a fever pitch and I just stopped and waited. They kept going for a good five minutes before Kara pushed her way through and walked up to me, masked behind those bandanas again. "I told you this would happen," Kara said over the shouting and chanting. "You didn't think I could do it, but look at us. Look at us, Harrison! We will not let this happen to our land." "Kara," I said loudly. "How do you think this ends?" "Only one way," Kara shouted. "The Feds surrender to our rightful claim, and stop their colonization efforts, and we take back what's ours." "This is dangerous, Kara," I said, gesturing at the crowd. "What?" she shouted back. "I said this is dangerous, Kara," I shouted. "Every person here is in danger." "Are you threatening us?" Kara shouted, playing it up for the crowd behind her. "Going to kill us, like your family has done for generations?" "Jesus fuck," I said, shaking my head. "Kara, this doesn't end the way you think it does. I'm going to pray for you, honest to God." Kara just held up her middle finger at me, pointed her other at Vanessa behind me, and turned and walked away to the cheers of her people. I shrugged and went back to Vanessa. "Yeah, they aren't leaving," I said. "I already called my Dad," Vanessa said. "He's coming down and will want to meet with you." "Sure," I nodded. "If they let him through." About thirty minutes later the protesters were still going strong, and another three flatbeds with either supplies or heavy machinery were backed up on the highway, along with dozens of cars. Vanessa was doing as much as she could to keep her workers at least a dozen yards away from the crowd of protestors; the last thing she wanted was for them to need to get quarantined waiting on a half dozen new tests. Or worse, actually catch something. I did my best to help her juggle phones, calling various General Foremen to get incoming trucks rerouted to staging areas and to keep those that were stuck in the traffic in their cabs or else they couldn't enter the site. Eventually she got a call, spoke quickly and then hung up. "Harri, this might be a big ask, but could you do me a favor?" she asked. "The government paid me a lot of money for my land and doing favors," I said. "But you've gone out of your way plenty for me and Leo and the girls. Favors come free to you, Vee." She rolled her eyes. "Who told you my brothers call me that?" "No one, just felt natural," I chuckled. "I call Erica 'E' sometimes, and I'm sure I'll end up calling Ivy 'I've' at some point." "Alright, well, 'H,'" she said. "My dad is parked down at the edge of the property on the highway and doesn't want to get too close to the traffic. Could you hike out to him and bring him back?" "Sure," I said. I looked up at the sun and then out at the woods. "Um, from here... it's probably faster if I grab an ATV. Would he be squeamish about riding double with me?" Vanessa snorted. "He probably wouldn't be, but he's also got a gut the size of your ATVs so it would be a tight fit." "Alright, guess we're hiking. I can rough it and reach him in about twenty minutes," I said. "I'll take a smoother way back for him, so we'll get here in under an hour." "Got it, I'll let him know you're on your way. Thanks," she said, patting my arm. "Try to take it easy on him, he growls like a bear but he's still my Dad." "Hey, he's the big man in charge. Gotta keep him happy or else I'll find myself with the worst workers for my house, right?" "Very true," she laughed. I started hiking back up the driveway a little ways, and then diverted into the woods, hoping that the protestors would miss that I was skirting away from them. I was very glad I had changed from my lounging around clothes; rough jeans and my hiking boots were a lot sturdier in the rocky bush than athletic shorts and sandals. The raucousness of the protestors was quickly muffled by the forest to a dull roar, and it felt good to get away from them. It was weird. After spending months in isolation with Leo and Erica, we'd been getting used to so many people around again with the workers and adding Ivy and Danielle to our weird little family dynamic. But a crowd like that, all packed together? That was exactly what the quarantine orders were warning against. "Harrison!" My name cut through the muffle of the trees and shrubs, and I turned and saw Kara quickly jogging through the woods to catch up with me. "Kara, what the fuck are you doing? You're trespassing," I said. "So throw me off your land," Kara said, coming to a stop about ten feet from me and putting her hands on her hips. "Oh wait, that's right, it's not your land anymore." I rolled my eyes. "You can take off the bandanas if you want. We're fine this far apart." She did so, pulling them down to hang around her neck. Kara was still as beautiful as the day we'd broken up, though she'd grown up a lot. Where I was such a mix that it was hard to tell I had any Native American in my bloodstream, she had that classic warm skin tone and thick black hair. She'd been taking care of herself well, fit and a little thinner than Erica was, but with a similar strong jawline to my girlfriend. Her lips were as full as I remembered though, and I could almost feel her kissing me again like all those years ago behind the corner of the biology classroom in high school, or laying out in the back of my old beater pickup under the stars. "What's going on, Harri?" she asked me. "I thought we'd at least hit a status quo or something." "Oh, the one where you file a lawsuit against me every couple of years, and the judge shuts you down, but I keep having to rack up legal fees?" "No," she said. "Well, sort of. I thought we were keeping things above board. No games, no gimmicks. Not getting historical." I grimaced. "Well, we did," I said. "So what the fuck?" she said, throwing her arms wide. "What the fuck is all of this?" "Kara, think about it for one fucking second without your prejudice. Imagine I'm not just doing this as a 'Fuck You' from my family tree to the Band," I said. "A week ago I wouldn't have thought any of this would be happening. A week ago I was happily living my life and would have stayed that way straight through the end of the world if I had to. Do you seriously think I've done this on some whim?" "Why, then? What are they doing? What are they offering you?" she demanded. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," I said. "And even if you did, I think you're too far into this already to walk it back with your people." "Try me," she said. "If you ever cared about me,” "Stop," I interrupted her. "You've used that line twice on me before, Kara. You used it when you broke up with me, and you used it again right after my father died. That line didn't work when I was at some of the lowest points in my life; do you seriously think I'll respond well to that here?" She grimaced, and I saw the realization in her eyes that I was right. That she had used that line before, and it had been pretty fucked up for her to do that. "I'm sorry," she said, and only partially through gritted teeth. "I shouldn't have done that." "Thank you," I said. My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt like I was in combat, just having this verbal sparring contest with her. I fucking hated her, but I also still knew she was the first girl I'd ever loved. The one that had broken my heart. The one that 'got away.' "Just explain it to me," Kara said, trying to be more even about it. "Please." I took a moment to breathe deeply. I wasn't barred from telling her anything. I'd tried to warn her when she'd shown up at the driveway before, but the thought of all those protestors at risk for the virus pushed me over the edge of trying to warn her again. "Kara, the government gave me the choice of accepting a huge payout for the land, or them kicking me out and taking it by eminent domain. Either way, they were going to take it and take it fast. I could either ride it, or die fighting it." "So what are they doing with it?" she asked. "Building homes," I said. "A whole gated community, it sounds like. Part of my payout was housing for myself, Leo and Valerie." "What the fuck? Why do they want a gated community way out here?" she asked. "Worst-case scenario shit," I said. "You mean the pandemic?" she asked. "Are you for fucking serious?" "Serious enough that my house got bulldozed a couple days ago," I said. "Gone. Like it was never even there." "This can't be real," Kara said. "This is absurd." "I told you that you wouldn't believe me," I said. "Well, if you were too much of a cunt to stop them, we will," Kara said, steeling herself again. "We'll have the local news down here by tomorrow, and if the Feds show up we'll have national news coverage by the end of the week." I had to try one more time. "Kara, this doesn't end the way you want it to. You're a dreamer, and I loved that about you when we were teens, but you know the real world doesn't just work like that." Kara narrowed her eyes. "Where are you going right now?" "What does that matter?" I asked. "Because I just followed you out into the woods after your little construction girlfriend was talking to you," she said. "She's not my girlfriend," I rolled my eyes. "Tell her that. She's flirting with you hard enough," Kara said. "I can see her doing it." "Even if she was, what does that have to do with you?" I asked. I knew I'd landed a blow because she got angry again. "Nothing," she said. "But I still want to know what you're doing." "I don't have to tell you that, Kara," I said. "I don't answer to you, I don't owe you anything, and I don't worship the ground you walk on. All I've got to say now is that you should go send all those people home, and hope that you haven't organized some super-spreader event here. For all the shit you've given me and my family, I don't want to see them all dead. I don't want to see you dead." Kara raised her bandanas again. "We're fighting the good fight. We're on the right side of this, Harrison. You're not." She turned and started walking back towards the road. "Fuck me," I sighed, shaking my head. That woman could still push my buttons almost fifteen years later. I pressed through the forest, making for the edge of the property and then diverting towards the road. When I reached it, I found a white and brown heavy pickup identical to Vanessa's idling on the gravel shoulder. The big guy in the driver's seat rolled down his window a crack. "What's up?" "I'm Harrison Black," I said. Another guy got out of the passenger seat and came around, slapping the hood. "Head on back to the motel," he said to the man in the truck. "I'll catch a ride back with my daughter." The guy in the truck nodded and waited for us both to back away before pulling a U-Turn and taking off down the highway. "So, you're the land guy, eh?" the man said, turning and offering me his hand. He was exactly as Vanessa had described; portly to the point of obese, with a gruff exterior that spoke of years handling his business in a rough industry and getting shit done. "I am," I said, taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "Your daughter has been fantastic to work with. Helpful and on task, and she keeps her guys in line." "I have no doubt," he said. "She grew up bossing her older brothers around and got the best of her mother and me. I'm Brent Peters, by the way. I'm sure we'll be speaking every once in a while through this project." "Good to meet you, sir," I said. "And I'm sure we will." I led Brent into the brush and got us through the roughest part until I could get us to one of the more used trails. It got a lot easier for him there, and once he had a chance to catch his breath he seemed to actually enjoy the chance to stretch his legs. He didn't know, or at least wasn't forthcoming, with any more information than Vanessa had been able to give about what was going on, but he did enjoy hearing about the sordid history of the land, my family and the Band. It took a little longer than I'd thought it would to get back to the driveway, Brent needing a couple of breaks, but we made it eventually. Vanessa grinned when she saw her father in a way that made me think she was going to run to him and hug him, but she never made the move. I had to assume that was a hard-trained response from her years working with the man; hugging your pops on a job site would probably lead to taking a lot of shit from your coworkers. Brent quickly got updated on the last hour of developments from Vanessa, and I saw his managerial side take over. Soon the line of construction workers were twenty yards back from the protestors, and he was stride-waddling forward with a medical mask stretched over his face. Kara met him halfway, and whatever they said seemed to go about as well as the talks I'd had with her myself. Again, she ended it by showing off for the protestors by giving him the double-birds. "Well, that went well," Brent sighed as he came back. "You were right, Harrison. They're stuck in. Wouldn't even help us get those trucks room to move or get out of the way of traffic." "She feels like she's got leverage," I guessed. "And they haven't had that on us for years now." "Well, I've officially done what I can," Brent said. "Time to do what every good GM does when shit like this happens." He took out his phone and started walking up the driveway away from Vanessa and me. "What's that?" I asked. "Call the client and tell them to un-fuck the situation," Vanessa smirked. The rest of the afternoon and evening was a long fucking day. There was no good way to get the workers on site off of it, and no good way to get new ones on, so Leo and I ended up walking several groups through the trails to get to the road in places out of sight of the protestors. And since the big crew vans were parked on site, Brent ended up getting access to school buses to come and pick up his guys. The second to last bus dropped off a dozen men who would take over watching the driveway and the protestors overnight; we'd already seen them breaking out tents and lanterns to hold their vigil; and the last bus out had Brent and Vanessa on board. "Client will be by in the morning," Brent said, and winked at me. "Don't you worry, bucko. You hold down the home front tonight, and the cavalry will be here in no time." "You got it," I said. "But whoever is coming, I suggest you make sure they know to take this seriously. The Band is riled up, and now they smell blood in the water. This isn't going away easily." "I'll pass that on to the Lieutenant Colonel," Brent nodded. He shook my hand again and stepped onto the bus. "See you tomorrow, H," Vanessa grinned at me. "Not if I see you first, Vee," I chuckled. She stepped up into the bus and I heard her voice raise immediately. "Alright, you Gorillas. Grab your fuckin' seats and stay there. I swear to Christ if one of you pisses me off, I'll confiscate your fuckin' dinner, got it?" I laughed, and could see the construction workers grinning in their seats as the bus did a three-point turn and pulled away. The sun was getting low when I finally hiked out of the bush and back into view of our little compound. Erica was waiting for me with a smile and a plate of stir fry. "What's the word, Harri?" "They're still down there," I said. "There are some workers keeping an eye on the driveway. Could you throw on a big pot of coffee for me and dig one of the thermoses out of storage?" "Harri, if they've got some of their workers down there, it's not your job to supervise. I'm sure Vanessa and her Dad left someone in charge." "They did," I said. "And I'm not going down there. I'm staying up here." I shoveled the stir fry down, relishing in the spicy kick Erica liked to cook with. Inside our little compound I gave Ivy a kiss, apologizing that I wouldn't be seeing her in bed for the night. Then I went to the storage container closest to my RV. The one with my gun safe. "What's the word?" Leo asked me when he found me. I had a lantern flashlight on and was loading rounds into my father's Model 700. "Jesus, Harri. What the fuck?" I doubted he was commenting on me loading the Remington hunting rifle. We'd used it plenty when we were hunting during deer season; it was a solid, reliable tool. No, I knew he was reacting to the other firearms I had out. My M9 was already holstered on my hip, a copy of my service sidearm that had served me so well through my tour and as an MP, and my DDM4V1 was laid out, waiting for me to do a quick check it was still in good order. "Just taking precautions," I said. I was already trying to get into the right mindset. "What does that even mean? What are you doing?" "There's about a hundred protesters down there, last I counted. More keep arriving," I told Leo, loading the last round into the 700 and checking the safety before setting it down. I fished a handful more.308's out of the ammo box in the safe and fed them into the bandolier shoulder strap for the hunting rifle. "Problem is, they're pissed off. Not just about the construction, but at all the other shit going on right now. And pissed-off people do dumb shit." "So what, you're going to go all Alamo on us?" Leo asked. "For real, Harri. Nothing's going to happen. They're down there, we're up here." "Leo," I said. "I'm not asking you to do anything you don't want to. The Bear shotgun is in my RV. Do me a favor and keep it handy tonight. If I miss something, I'd rather you have it than not." "Harri,” "Dude, just stop," I said. I'd finished with the.308s and started taking apart the DDM4V1 and giving it a quick clean. It was a budget purchase that I'd made prioritizing reliability over flashy shit, and the 'scary one' in my collection when it came to civilians. Erica hadn't even liked the idea of me owning it when we gave her the tour of my firearms and taught her the safety protocols for them. Leo had only ever fired it once. Both of the siblings had said the same thing; 'If you have the rifles and shotguns and the handgun, why do you need a machine gun?' This sort of thing was why I needed it. And it wasn't a 'machine gun.' "I'm not planning, or hoping, to kill someone tonight. If I have to use the DDM4 or my sidearm, something has gotten really fucked," I said. "But I'm also not taking any chances. Sometime tonight, there's going to be people sneaking up into the construction yard to cause mischief, and they aren't going to know the difference between the construction yard and where we're living. Maybe they hear us and they stay clear, or maybe they don't. I'm not taking that chance." Leo watched me cleaning my rifle, and glanced out at the darkening sky, and then back to me. "What should I do?" he asked. A wave of relief washed over me; it had been years since I'd served, and every instinct I had was telling me to do what I was doing, but that civilian part of my brain was second-guessing everything. Leo agreeing told me I was being logical, even if he didn't like it or I turned out to be wrong. "Just be with the girls tonight," I said. "I can handle the yard, you stay with them. Think of it like a shitty tower defense game. If I do my job, you'll never have to do anything." He nodded and left me to my work. Surprisingly, it was Danielle who came to see me next. "What can I do to help?" she asked. Her Australian accent was sounding stronger, the California valley girl part of it dropping with her serious demeanor. "Nothing, I've got it," I said. She'd caught me as I was strapping on my ghillie suit; another item that Leo and Erica had found silly to own considering we didn't need it for hunting deer. It had honestly been more of a gag item in my collection than anything until tonight. "Harrison, I'll remind you that my Dad was military, yeah?" she said. "I grew up outside the city. I know how to work a firearm." I took a breath and looked at her. Even at night, by the light of a lantern, she looked like an elven beauty despite the cutoff denim shorts and zippered knit sweater. "Can you handle a handgun?" I asked. "I've shot the head of an Eastern Brown from ten paces away when it was threatening to bite my dog," she said. "I assume that's a snake?" "A fucking poisonous one," Danielle said. "Alright," I nodded. "Under the passenger seat of my truck is a gun case with my pop's old 1911 and a couple of magazines. Hang on to it for tonight. Try not to freak out Erica or Ivy, and if you hear shots tonight don't let Leo come looking for me, let alone Erica and Ivy. If they leave the RVs it'll just make things worse." "Okay," she said with a serious nod, then stepped towards me, hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks." "For what?" I asked as she stepped back. "For being the man I figured you were," she said. "Leo's all mine and I'm happy with that, but like I told you; you remind me of all the good parts of my Dad. I'm glad I have Leo and you around." She left to fetch the pistol, and I finished strapping on the ghillie suit and slung my two rifles over my shoulders and closed the gun safe. When I was finished slamming the storage container closed, I turned around to find Ivy and Erica both looking at me with their arms crossed. "Both of you, huh?" I asked. "Yes, both of us," Erica said. "United front," Ivy said. "Look,” "Shut up, Harrison," Erica said, and then they were both hugging me while being careful around the firearms. "Just be careful." "Extra careful," Ivy said, burying her face into the strings of the ghillie suit in my chest and then immediately pulling back with a wince. "Ugh, this smells terrible." "Yeah, well it's not exactly the sort of thing you clean very often," I shrugged. "Whatever," Erica said and kissed me. Ivy kissed me as well, looking at me with those big eyes of hers with concern. "So you're not going to try and convince me this isn't necessary?" I asked. "Wouldn't do anything except lead to a fight we couldn't win," Erica said. "You're too stubborn not to do it." "And too brave," Ivy added. "That too," Erica smiled sadly. Then she handed me the big thermos of coffee. "Come back to us in one piece." "I will," I said. "Don't worry. But if you two hear anything tonight, if there's any gunfire, don't come looking for me. Just stay in the RVs and hunker down from the windows. If you come looking for me, you'll add more danger and not take it away, alright?" They both agreed, though I could tell Erica didn't like it. I could only imagine her sprinting across the construction yard, bullets flying everywhere, screaming my name as she worried I'd been shot. Hell, she'd probably pick me up and carry me to safety if it were true, but she'd also likely never get to me in the first place if things were that bad. I kissed them both again, then stalked off into the night. I ended up settling into a nook on the side of the hill to the south of the construction yard, with a clear view of about two-thirds of the yard and most importantly the RV compound. I unslung my rifles and carefully positioned myself in a comfortable prone position I was going to be able to manage for a long time. I'd never gone through Sniper training, but I'd picked up enough from my Bootcamp, talking with other soldiers and from movies to know a thing or two; not to mention years of hunting. So I cracked the thermos and took a sip of the hot, strong coffee, and started my watch. I saw them moving through the trees at around 02:30 in the morning down on the east side of the yard near the driveway. They must have skirted around the construction worker picket line and followed the driveway up, but they were still in the shadows so I couldn't tell how many there were, or what they were carrying. The only reason I spotted them early at all was because someone was flicking a flashlight up occasionally. I had the 700 cradled in my arms, and I slowly rolled into position but didn't sight down the scope yet. I didn't have any night vision gear, and while the simple Leopold scope easily gave me the range to tag anything moving down there, I wouldn't know what I was hitting. They stopped at the edge of the tree line, and I could only imagine the nerves they were feeling looking out over the open area. There were seven portables set up holding various offices now, and half a dozen big crew vans that had been left behind for the night along with some of the company pickup trucks. The pilings and supplies to erect the bigger barracks were also looming in the big, open space. "Just take a look and leave," I muttered quietly to myself, willing whoever was down there to not make this worse than it could be. Five minutes went by before a figure began to creep out of the tree line, crossing the rise of the hill and slipping towards the yard. From the distance I was at, I couldn't see them clearly enough other than to tell they were probably wearing a backpack; not a big deal in and of itself, but my training was screaming at me. 'Anything' meant anything. That backpack could hold weapons, or communications equipment, or even an I E D. I sighted in on the figure. It was a man, military age but young. I couldn't see much of his face between the black bandana over his nose and mouth and a ball cap backwards on his head. My finger tightened just a fraction on the trigger when I saw the flash of metal in his hand, but my hesitation saved his life; he was carrying a can of spray paint. He reached what he thought was the shelter of the first building; and it was shelter if he thought a guard was patrolling inside the yard. But I wasn't inside the yard, and instead I was looking at him dead on along the length of the building as he took off his backpack and then turned, motioning back towards the tree line. A half dozen more figures began quickly creeping across the hillside. I had a choice; if that backpack was full of spray-paint and that was all they were there to do, it would be annoying vandalism at worst as long

Can you bloody well believe it? New AMT in your ears in the year 2025?? Well, it's real! In AMT402, listeners ask about roller derby names, baked bean beans, shopping on planes, and the danger of bagpipes.  For more information about this episode, visit answermethispodcast.com/episode402.  Got question for us to answer? Send them in writing or as a voice note to answermethispodcast@googlemail.com. Next episode will be in your podfeed 27 February 2025.  Our patrons will be hearing from us before that, so to become one, go to patreon.com/answermethis.  This episode is sponsored by Squarespace. To build an online home for your side hustle, or front hustle, or underhustle, go to squarespace.com/answer, have a play around during the two-week free trial, and when you're ready to launch, get a 10% discount on your first purchase of a website or domain with the code ANSWER.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frankie is snowed in with Amanda Brooke, author of Nightfall, to find out the inspiration behind her snowy locked room thriller, the impact of grief on her work and how her life changed when she discovered Branston's Baked Beans.Follow Amanda on Instagram and Facebook at @AmandaBrookeAuthor or visit her website at www.amanda-brooke.com.Want to talk books? Email us at readandburiedpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads: @readandburiedpodcastFollow us on Bluesky: @readandburiedpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Michael is joined by the first public commit for CSU's 2025 class, Caden Branston, of Liberty High School in Peoria, AZ. Caden talks about why he picked CSU over multiple P4 offers including ASU, Iowa State and more. He talks about what his role is expected to be in Fort Collins and what appeals to him about the staff. He also gives some insight into the type of person that he is off of the field and the community that he grew up in. An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Instacart by going to https://coorslight.com/DNVR. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado.  Let's level up your nicotine routine with Lucy.  Go to https://lucy.co/rams and use promo code RAMS to get 20% off your first order. Lucy offers FREE SHIPPING and has a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind.  WATCH THE RAMS ON FUBO: https://www.fubotv.com/dnvr - Start your free 14-day trial and receive 15% off your first month! Sign up on the Volo app using code DNVR3 to get Volo Pass for only $10/month for the first 3 months.  Download the Circle K app and join the Inner Circle or visit https://www.circlek.com/inner-circle!  Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Check out FOCO merch and collectibles here https://foco.vegb.net/DNVR and use promo code “DNVR10” for 10% off your order. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We pitch Mascot movies this week! Other movies we pitch include: Mr Pringle is ready to mingle The Michelin Man's Meal Plan

In Part 3 of Barmy Dale's 2020 Christmas episode, Keith and Dan attempt to navigate the dual problem of keeping Branston and Angie hidden in a pantomime horse costume while directing the local church's Nativity play. Starring:Jeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsVicki Michelle as Angie EdwardsMike Fenton-Stevens as Police ChiefKarl Howman as D.S. LinklaterJuliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonStuart Wheeldon as DanMartin Skellern as KeithWill Chitty as BranstonBecki Lloyd as Tracey Written by Skellern & WheeldonAudio editor Martin Skellern Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the UK's most loved vocalists and broadcasters, Aled Jones, sits down with Joanna and Stephen to discuss the moment he unearthed a trove of unreleased music from his childhood. In this candid conversation, Aled reveals what it was like meeting Richard Branston at Virgin Records as a teenager, recording 16 albums in 4 years before his voice broke and becoming the 'radio son' of the veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan.

NOTE: This episode is a rerun of a previously published episode. Get .1 ASHA CEU hereEpisode Summary:Want to put the fun and functional back into your intervention routine? Then you certainly strolled into the right podcast! In this week's episode, SLP/BCBA Rose Griffin, shares her bag of tricks for supporting older students through leisure-based intervention activities. Learn how to harness the communication power that takes place outside of your therapy room through natural and meaningful leisure activities aimed at improving a wide range of skills and optimizing quality of life for students with complex learning needs. This episode is jam-packed, tackling assessment tools, data collection, community outings, game adaptations, and app ideas, all in the name of generalization and good old fashioned fun! High fives are flying around like crazy as Rose unpacks the value of using everyday materials and hangouts to build life skills that last a lifetime. Are you game? Then pull up a seat and grab your pen, you aren't going to want to miss these game changer!s!You can learn more about Rose here.Learning Outcomes1. Identify 2 assessment tools to use to identify leisure skill needs2. Describe at least 1 data collection method for leisure activities3. List at least 5 modified leisure activities.ReferencesBarbera, M. L. & Rasmussen, T. (2007). The verbal behavior approach: How to teach children with autism and related disorders. London, England: Jessica Kingsley.Brown, L., Branston, M. B., Hamre-Nietupski, S., Pumpian, I., Certo, N., & Gruenewald, L. (1979). A strategy for developing chronological-age-appropriate and functional curricular content for severely handicapped adolescents and young adults. Journal of Special Education, 13, 81–90.Cannella-Malone, H. I., Miller, O., Schaefer, J. M., Jimenez, E. D., Justin Page, E., & Sabielny, L. M. (2016). Using Video Prompting to Teach Leisure Skills to Students With Significant Disabilities. Exceptional Children, 82(4), 463–478. https://doi.org/10.1177/0014402915598778Carlile, K. A., Reeve, S. A., Reeve, K. F., & DeBar, R. M. (2013). Using activity schedules on the iPod touch to teach leisure skills to children with autism. Education & Treatment of Children, 36(2), 33-57. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1391910402? accountid=166077 Copyright ABA SPEECH LLCJerome, J., Frantino, E.P., & Sturmey, P. (2007). The effects of errorless learning and backward chaining on the acquisition of internet skills in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 185-189.Koyama, T., & Wang, H., (2011). Use of activity schedule to promote independent performance of individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities: A review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2235-2242.Sundberg, Mark L. (2008) VB-MAPP Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program :a language and social skills assessment program for children with autism or other developmental disabilities : guide Concord, CA : AVB Press.Test, D. W., Aspel, N. P., & Everson, J. M. (2006). Transition methods for youth with disabilities. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.Volkmar, F. R., & Wiesner, L. A. (2009). A practical guide to autism: What every parent, family member, and teacher needs to know. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Wehmeyer, M. L., Shogren, K. A., Palmer, S. B., Williams-Diehm, K., Little, T. D., & Boulton, A. (2012). The impact of the self-determined learning model of instruction on student self determination. Exceptional Children, 78(2), 135-153. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/ 916923324?accountid=166077Online Resources:Rose Griffin's YouTube Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRBJBfK_294R58U5bOyvUQHelp Kidz Learn app: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/appsYogarilla activity by Super Duper: https://www.superduperinc.com/products/view.aspx?pid=otsc8765#.YGoG2hRKigQThe “Grocery Store Game” by ABA Speech by Rose: https://abaspeech.org/2018/07/social-skills-game-for-mixed-groups/?fbclid=IwAR0w2bmmweLVg3a8bPJ0muRQeiZ_s2Er0c3ZoAHGOOnTNla4vjPJjCG4Bf4Disclosures:Rose Griffin Financial Disclosures: Rose is the founder of ABA SPEECH LLC and sells products, therapy services and courses. Rose has no financial relationships to disclose.Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder for SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Time Ordered Agenda:10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures20 minutes: Descriptions of the importance of addressing leisure skills and the assessment tools used to identify leisure skills15 minutes: Descriptions of data collection methods for leisure activities10 minutes: Descriptions of different leisure activities and modifications to those leisure activities. 5 minutes: Summary and ClosingDisclaimerThe contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we've missed, or another perspective that isn't shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!__SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don't have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at info@slpnerdcast.com anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:Follow us on instagramFollow us on facebookWe are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!Thank you FeedSpot!

This week we explore the beautiful kitchen of Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules. Over homemade rhubarb beer, Olia talks books, cooking for one and how chicken soup transcends borders. And we have a good nose around her kitchen that she calls messy but we call homely. Home Food  Cook For Ukraine  Dumpling Classes

In which our heroes welcome back their disgraced colleague. Graham prepares to go on a stag do, Chris makes up a story about Richard Burton, Adam hosts a Branston pickle quiz and Dan remains delightfully bewildered by everything.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity takes place between 19 and 23 June. Richard Brim, global chief creative officer at Adam & Eve/DDB, Larissa Vince, chief executive of TBWALondon and David Wigglesworth, executive creative director at Grey London, share their thoughts on what to expect from this year's event.The trio also discuss the latest work: Rekorderlig "Be a little fruktig" by Havas London, Cadbury with "Speakerphone" by VCCP London and Branston "Bring out the Branston" by Wonderhood Studios.Charlotte Rawlings, reporter at Campaign, and Gurjit Degun, creativity and culture editor at Campaign, also discuss the Cannes Lions shortlisted entries for the Titanium, Glass and Innovation categories, as well as brands bringing back slogans.Further reading:Cannes Lions reveals shortlists for Titanium, Glass and Innovation categoriesCannes Lions performance spotlight: UK is second most successful country since 2018 (The Knowledge)Cannes Lions: Which agencies are the big winners since 2018? (The Knowledge) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Daisuke was invited to a dinner anonymously, he had little idea that the meeting would result in the most joyous moments of his life... but would flat-out ruin the rest of it. After marrying into a multi-national vinegar-based corporation, he found himself at the center of a sinister plot to wrest control over his own son away from him. Today's guest is Jon Combey! You can find himon Twitter @JonCombey, and his recent limited series on Japanese culture as understood through film can be found @JapanHistorypod. You can also find me on Twitter @sequencepod, or you can listen to my other podcasts Final Fanservice and Not Another Film on any big podcast app. Check my new album, Ruined Numbers, for sale on Bandcamp! It's an album of acoustic arrangements of Final Fantasy music. You can also stream the album on Spotify or YouTube Music. Enjoy! Sources: The Times (Paywall) - I Married the Branston Pickle Heiress BBC - Pickle Demand Rises after Fire Mizkan  Daisuke Nakano's YouTube channel  Daisuke Nakano's Twitter  Blog by Daisuke Nakano 

It is a testament to Alastair MacVicar's strength of character, that he is alive and well in the world today, improving the lives of others.In the space of just 14 days, he lost his mother Jean, father Keith, and eldest sister Jayne to Covid 19. Alastair also lost his mother-in-law soon after. Then it was his turn. Covid 19 left him unable to string a sentence together. Alastair feared death. Then came an AstraZeneca vaccination, which left him with blood clots on both lungs. He recovered slowly but will be on blood-thinning medication for the rest of his life.Everybody knew the MacVicars of Branston where they ran the local newsagents for 45 years, selling liquorice Catherine Wheels, fireworks and second-hand goods among other things. Now they'll be known further afield with the publication of this inspirational interview, part of Alastair's mission to honour his parents and sister by promoting his family as much as he can and fulfilling his mother's dying wish to: share your love, be kind, and each day, do a good deed.Alastair has the chance to fulfil his plans unlike his sister Jayne who despite selling her house in Lincolnshire, never got to fulfil her dream of moving to France to live by the sea, thanks to Covid 19. Like her parents, she never had a funeral. To add insult to injury, the crematorium failed to realise that Jayne had been cremated without her family's knowledge weeks earlier, something that devastated her two sons and family.Alastair also relates how distorted grief has left him unable to cry despite his enormous loss and that the surreality of losing almost half his family in such a short time without any death rituals means he still goes to drive to his parent's house for a cuppa and a toasted teacake three years after their deaths before realising that the house now belongs to someone else.Created, produced, and hosted by Karen Rice, the Stolen Goodbyes podcast won gold in the fiercely competitive Best Lockdown category of the British Podcast Award 2021.Stolen Goodbyes is described as: "outstanding ethical and trauma-informed journalism. Karen Rice manages to capture a historic event in real-time by listening with empathy. Future generations will listen to this podcast and know what it felt like to live through this pandemic." Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma.Please listen to, review, and share this podcast with your network, it really helps!If you would like to make a donation (no matter how small) to the running costs of this passion project, please visit: https://karen-rice.com/podcast/ or http://bit.ly/3kMSKLgYou can follow Karen on Twitter @Ricekmc and Stolen Goodbyes on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ITXSFC Facebook: https://bit.ly/3kGGwnG and Youtube: http://bit.ly/3Yq0jW5Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/stolen-goodbyes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following another unfortunate turn of events, Keith has to stand in as director of the church nativity play, however Branston, Barmy Dale's longest serving criminal, escapes from prison and throws a spanner in the works!Starring...Juliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonVicki Michelle as AngieJeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsKarl Howman as D.S. LinklaterMichael Fenton-Stevens as the Police ChiefWill Chitty as BranstonMartin Skellern as KeithStuart Wheeldon as DanBecki Lloyd as TraceyBethan Nash as Stacey.Jonas Cemm as Wise Man number 4Also featured were...Kate SkellernLouis ChapmanCallum McIntyreBen ChapmanMusic by Jordan FraterWritten and produced by Martin Skellern and Stuart WheeldonSupport the showCheck us out at www/barmyproductions.com

Following another unfortunate turn of events, Keith has to stand in as director of the church nativity play, however Branston, Barmy Dale's longest serving criminal, escapes from prison and throws a spanner in the works!Starring...Juliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonVicki Michelle as AngieJeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsKarl Howman as D.S. LinklaterMichael Fenton-Stevens as the Police ChiefWill Chitty as BranstonMartin Skellern as KeithStuart Wheeldon as DanBecki Lloyd as TraceyBethan Nash as Stacey.Jonas Cemm as Wise Man number 4Also featured were...Kate SkellernLouis ChapmanCallum McIntyreBen ChapmanMusic by Jordan FraterWritten and produced by Martin Skellern and Stuart WheeldonSupport the showCheck us out at www/barmyproductions.com

Donuts In Focus is poor, my joke is brilliant, we chat International Pie Run [Frey Bentos], Lazyboy's Portable TV, Covid, my home town is the most satanist place in the UK and Movies, Games & Videos covers Gangs Of London, AmbuLAnce, Good Guys and God Of War : Ragnarok. Track of the weak off Greentea Peng + loads of new and classic tunes. You know it makes sense. ❤️

This month we are talking all about Potato Cyst Nematode, an important pest in most areas of the country where potatoes are grown. It is during the autumn and winter months that we look to soil sample fields and prepare machinery, so on this episode we meet with three experts to learn more about sampling, controls, machinery calibration and the nematicide stewardship programme. Our first guest is independent agronomist, Simon Alexander. Simon takes us through the 6 best practice steps to the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP)from compulsory qualifications through the post application checks. Our next speaker, Ian Foreman, joins from NSTS, the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. Ian expands on the importance of machinery calibration and best ways to avoid problems in season. You can download a check sheet here. Finally, we are joined by David Nelson, Agronomy Director at Branston Ltd. Branston are a potato grower with sites in Lincoln, Scotland and the South West. David joins us to discuss cultural controls to PCN, with a particular focus on variety choice. The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection Agriculture and Vegetable courses both cover potato agronomy. If you are interested in advancing your potato knowledge further then we offer the Advanced potatoes course which also contributes towards the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy. Don't forget we also have a module, Developing an IPM approach to PCN, available on the BASIS Classroom, created in collaboration with Bayer. To claim you 1CPD point for listening please wait for the code at the end of the episode. We currently have a winter offer on our BASIS Classroom digital courses (until 21st December 2022) where you can get 10% off our Principles of Sustainable Land Management course (worth 8CPD points) and the FACTS Nitrogen Use Efficiency Refresher.

After a brief (for us) hiatus of 84 days we return to blether on about, in no particular order: Branston pickle, vertical cities, AI art generators, Jessica Hische, Rings of Power, Design Principals, Awesome Merchandise, Tattly, LEGO Atari, and Fungus the Bogeyman.

This week: Representatives of the winning projects from WWF and Tesco's Innovation Connections programme for agricultural supply chain entrepreneurs, receiving up to £150,000 each, talk about their projects and how they will impact at scale. Talking with Ian Welsh are Casey Woodward, founder and CEO of AgriSound, Branston agronomy director David Nelson, Oliver Kynaston, carbon calculator manager at Farm Carbon Toolkit, Chirrup project lead Conrad Young, and Future by Insects chief executive Evelyn Peters. Plus: concerning new road development in the Amazon; indigenous rights impacts from land speculators; India's new carbon market for heavy emitting sectors, and UK retail chain Morrisons goes carbon neutral in its egg supply chain, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh

We all love things we shouldn't love. Video games are no different. ”I can't believe you!” she screamed, having caught him in the act.   She'd left work to surprise him. A lovely little act of kindness on what would have otherwise been a completely ordinary day. Just another feature-less weekday blended in with all the rest – the palatable home-made protein smoothie of life.   A posh afternoon tea from the local fancy-for-the-area cafe that sits on the park. Sandwiches with pickle that isn't Branston's. Cheese that isn't 40% lighter cheddar. Scones with a hint of cinnamon. Homemade tray bakes the likes of which you usually only see on the TV that are the size of an eight-year-old's hand. How lovely. At least that was the intention.   ”I didn't...” he stumbled. “I...” he added completely without point or reason.   ”Get out,” she yelled, barely able to look at them together, the coffee table a mess of where they'd been.   ”But...” he blurted out. “I was weak while picking up some bits from CO-OP. I'm sorry.   ”I don't know why I did it. I'm sorry. I really am,” the chided man muttered, repentantly as he walked out the door.   The woman sat down. She wasn't going to let this ruin her lunch. She pushed the empty Rustlers microwave burger wrappers into the bin and started eating her sandwiches.   Welcome to VG247 Best Games Ever Podcast, Episode 10: Best game that is really bad. Please do let us know what you think of the show – and if this is your first time listening, do go back to listen to the previous episodes. If you've got suggestions for topics, we'd love to hear them. We've got a vault full of existing ideas, but about 98% of them are terrible, 1% are unrecordable, and the rest are just about passable in a pinch.   “What is VG247's Best Games Ever Podcast?” you ask while pondering a Rustlers for lunch. To get straight to the point and to quote myself from last week: “It's a 30-minute panel show where we decide the best game in a specific category.” More importantly, please don't eat a Rustlers. You could pick almost any other item of food and come out the other side in a better place. We've got some details on the show's content below (if you want to get a refresher before heading to the comments to make a wonderful, considered post or don't want to listen but do want to know what games we picked), so if you want to avoid spoilers, don't scroll past this warning.   W A R N I N G The Best Game that is really bad This is the topic of Episode ten of VG247's Best Games Ever Podcast. Here's a rundown of who picked what. Tom – Operation Wolf A much-loved video game of the 90s, porting from arcades to pretty much every console and system that was around at the time, Operation Wolf on the Master System is the perfect game that's good but also bad. You see, it was rock hard, and had to be played with a light gun to experience it at its best. Most people, me included, used a control pad. Sad times. Alex – Deadly Premonition So bad it's good. Has any game ever perfectly summed up this saying more than Deadly Premonition. It somehow manages to combine a lot of fairly terrible things into a game that has a sizable, dedicated fan following. The fact that the sequel (seen above) so badly misses the mark is another testament to how all the planets must have aligned perfectly for this gem to come into the world.   Sherif - EDF   Earth Defense Force (EDF) is a long-running series where you essentially have to shoot waves of giant ants (and other giant things). That's it. And it's amazing. Give it a look and you might not get what's so great about it, but trust when we say that this is one of the most fun you can have with a video game. It's technically a mess (every version) and feels quite bizarre compared to the standards set and adhered to in most video games, but that is part of its charm.   Let us know what game you'd pick and if you think all old games are bad, actually? If you like the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review saying how wonderful it is, and tell all your friends. Do a tweet about it, post on Facebook, hire one of those planes to fly a banner promoting it over a big sporting event.   Come back in a week for another episode of VG247's Best Games Ever Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Currie catches up with Guy Branston, discussing his current relationship with football as well as reviewing his time with TUFC.

We learn from Tyler Branston about philosophy and the importance of critical thinking. We learn about what philosophy is, what a philosopher does, why the values of society will create destructive artificial intelligence, and why thinking like a philosopher would make the world a better place. And remember, no monkeys were harmed in the making of this podcast. The last two years have also taught us that the insane barrier to higher learning (e.g., tuition costs) is a disservice to humanity. In 2022, we want to spend several episodes a year talking with experts and learning from them. Afterwards, we will listen in on the monkeys think about what the expert shared. This is the first episode of our new mission - let everyone onto the playground.

Geoff, Gavin, and Andrew talk about Gavin doing the breadclip, Jake's tums/tooms vs Rolaid/Rolex, Papa John's Branston pickle pizza, Geoff's pool hole, bean hole video, Whippersnapper, Andrew learns about the royals, Shaq's wal mart purchase, basketball, and uneventful lives. Want to contribute to bits? Email what you can do to ffacebits@gmail.com Sponsored by HelloFresh (http://hellofresh.com/face16 + code face16), Better Help (http://betterhelp.com/face), and Shopify (http://shopify.com/face).

Before becoming a Knight, a galactic spaceman, or an airline billionaire, Richard Branson founded Virgin Records. He made a boatload of money off Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells record and sank some of the profits into signing the Sex Pistols after they got tossed from EMI. Hear the story directly from the mouth of Sir Richard Branson (not Branston, like the pickle) originally broadcast October 17, 2005. He even credits the Sex Pistols for everything he did after! So, where's the money!? Subscribe and get a fresh episode each Monday.

In this episode, Ben chats with Dr. Dennis Reid, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Denny and his colleagues have been at forefront of evidence-based staff training for almost 50 years. He has published a series of bestselling books on improving the lives of human service staff, their supervisors and most importantly the people they serve through performance and competency-based training.   Continuing Education Units (CEUs): https://cbiconsultants.com/shop BACB: 1.5 Supervision IBAO: 1.5 Supervision   The Lifestyle Development Process - Dr. Paul Malette: Malette, P., Mirenda, P., Kandborg, T., Jones, P., Bunz, T., & Rogow, S. (1992). Application of a Lifestyle Development Process for persons with severe intellectual disabilities: A case study report. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 17(3), 179–191. https://doi.org/10.1177/154079699201700306    Podcast Episodes Discussed: Dr. Darren Bowring, Episode #25: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-25havingsexseeing-a-concert-going-to-thepubliving-with-myfriendsproper-outcomesof-positive-behaviour-supportwithdrdarren-bowringphd        Dr. Kate Gould, Episode #23: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-23-person-driven-positive-behaviour-support-for-traumatic-brain-injury-with-dr-kate-gould-dpsych      Show Notes: PATH - Jack Pearpoint: https://inclusion.com/path-maps-and-person-centered-planning/path        Lou Brown: https://inclusion.com/change-makers-resources-for-inclusion/john-obrien-change-makers-books-videos/honouring-lou-brown    Mark Gold: https://mn.gov/mnddc/extra/marc-gold1.html   Group Homes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: https://www.ubcpress.ca/group-homes-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities    Active Support: https://www.amazon.com/Active-Support-Empowering-Intellectual-Disabilities/dp/1849051119     Dr. Dennis Reid's Book Series: Supervisor's Guidebook: https://www.amazon.com/Supervisors-Guidebook-Evidence-Based-Strategies-Promoting/dp/0398093601/ref=pd_sbs_1/140-9302721-4051958?pd_rd_w=qkvby&pf_rd_p=3676        Motivating Human Service Staff: https://www.amazon.ca/Motivating-human-service-staff-Supervisory/dp/0964556200/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=dennis+h+reid&qid=1632777292&s=books&sr=1-7    Working with Staff to Overcome Challenging Behavior: https://www.amazon.ca/Working-Overcome-Challenging-Behavior-Disabilities/dp/0964556235/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=dennis+h+reid&qid=1632777313&s=books&sr=1-8   Training Staff to Teach People with Severe Disabilities: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Staff-People-Severe-Disabilities/dp/1597381101/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dennis+h+reid&qid=1632777451&s=books&sr=1-3    Promoting Happiness Among Adults with Autism and Other Severe Disabilities: https://www.amazon.com/Promoting-Happiness-Adults-Autism-Disabilities/dp/096455626X/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=dennis+h+reid&qid=1632777483&s=books&sr=1-4   Preference Based Teaching: https://www.amazon.com/Preference-Based-Teaching-Developmental-Disabilities-Learning/dp/0964556243/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=dennis+h+reid&qid=1632777483&s=books&sr=1-6           Articles Referenced: Brown, L., Branston, M. B., Hamre-Nietupski, S., Pumpian, I., Certo, N., & Gruenewald, L. (1979). A Strategy for Developing Chronological-Age-Appropriate and Functional Curricular Content for Severely Handicapped Adolescents and Young Adults. The Journal of Special Education, 13(1), 81-90. https://doi.org/10.1177/002246697901300113  Fabry, P. L. & Reid, D. H. (1978). Teaching foster grandparents to train severely handicapped persons. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1978.11-111  Green, C. W. & Reid, D.H. (1996). Defining, validating, and increasing indices of happiness among people with profound multiple disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1996.29-67  Green, C. W., Reid, D. H., White, L. K., Halford, R. C., Brittain, D. P. & Gardner, S. M. (1988). Identifying reinforcers for persons with profound handicaps: staff opinion versus systematic assessment of preferences. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 21, 31-43. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1988.21-31  Malette, P., Mirenda, P., Kandborg, T., Jones, P., Bunz, T., & Rogow, S. (1992). Application of a Lifestyle Development Process for persons with severe intellectual disabilities: A case study report. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 17(3), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1177/154079699201700306  Parsons, M. B., Rollyson, J. H., & Reid, D. H. (2012). Evidence-based staff training: A guide for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5(2), 2-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391819  Reid, D. H., Luyben, P. D., Rawers, R. J., & Bailey, J. S. (1976). Newspaper recycling behavior: The effects of prompting and proximity of containers. Environment and Behavior, 8(3), 471-482. https://doi.org/10.1177/136327527600800307  Reid, D. H., Everson, J. M. & Green, C. W. (1999). A systematic evaluation of preferences identified through person-centered planning for people with profound multiple disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 467-477. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1999.32-467  Reid, D. H., Parsons, M. B. & Jensen, J. M. (2017). Maintaining staff performance following a training intervention: Suggestions from a 30-year case example. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0101-0  Reid, D. H., Rosswurm, M. & Rotholz, D. A. (2018). No less worthy: Recommendations for behavior analysts treating adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with dignity. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0203-y 

(Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/MOXIE - Enter promo code MOXIE for 83% off and 3 extra months free!) T-shirt for Ukraine, all proceeds and matching donation to Ukraine Red Cross at yourbrainonfacts.com/merch Who you gonna believe -- me or your lying eyes?  Today we look at court cases where people try to avoid taxes by arguing that things aren't the things that they clearly are. 00:50 Tomato 08:18 Jaffa Cakes 17:48 Hydrox vs Oreo 37:40 X-Men Links to all the research resources are on the website. Hang out with your fellow Brainiacs.  Reach out and touch Moxie on Facebook, Twitter,  or Instagram.  Become a patron of the podcast arts! Patreon or Ko-Fi.  Or buy the book and a shirt. Music: Kevin MacLeod,  Want to start a podcast or need a better podcast host?  Get up to TWO months hosting for free from Libsyn with coupon code "moxie."   We like labels, as humans we like labeling things.  Taxonomy is the branch of science concerned with classification and there used to be several inconsistent and sometimes conflicting systems of classification in use.  Then came Carl Linneaus and his influential “Systema Naturae” in 1735, laying down the system we use to this day.  Linnaeus was the first taxonomist to list humans as a primate, though he did classify whales as fish. Years later, a New York court agreed with him.  My name's… D&D Stats Explained With Tomatoes Strength is being able to crush a tomato. Dexterity is being able to dodge a tomato. Constitution is being able to eat a bad tomato. Intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in a fruit salad. Charisma is being able to sell a tomato based fruit salad.   TOMATOES So that's more clear, but it raises a rather mad –and for some, maddening– question: Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?  Well, yes, it's both, but actually no.  Botanically, it's a fruit. But legally, it's not.  A fruit is technically the seed-bearing structure of a plant whereas a vegetable can be virtually any part of the plant we eat.     Things must have been slow in March of 1893, because this definition was set by the Supreme Court.  The issue at hand was tariffs, specifically a 10% tariff on the import of vegetables into the United States.  Just veggies.  Imported fruits were not.  This was of particular interest to John Nix of Manhattan.  He ran a produce wholesale business along with his four sons and found himself the proud owner of an enormous tax bill on a shipment of Caribbean tomatoes.  John Nix & Co. were one of the largest sellers of produce in New York City at the time, and one of the first companies to bring the Empire state produce from such far-flung places as Florida and Bermuda.  Nix disputed the tax on the grounds that tomatoes were scientifically-supportably fruit.  Full of seeds, ain't they?  That's the part that seems to turn grown adults into fussy toddlers when their burger has a tomato despite their very clear instructions.  Worse than the anti-pickle crowd.  Anyway, Nix filed a suit against Edward L. Hedden, Collector of the Port of New York, to get back the tax money he'd been forced to pay under protest.    The crux of Nix's case was the opening of an uninspired speech -  counsel read the definitions of the words "fruit," "vegetables," and tomato from Webster's Dictionary, Worcester's Dictionary, and the Imperial Dictionary.  Judgment for the plaintiff, case closed!  But wait, there's more.  Not to be outdone, defendant's counsel then read into evidence the Webster's definitions of the words pea, eggplant, cucumber, squash, and pepper.  Oh, it's on now! Countering this, the plaintiff then read in the definitions of potato, turnip, parsnip, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot and bean.  That's when, I assume, all hell broke loose in the courtroom and perhaps a giant musical number broke out.  Just trying to jazz it up a bit.  Nix's side called two witnesses, not botanists or linguists, but men with a lot of years in the fruit & veg business, to say whether these words had "any special meaning in trade or commerce, different from those read."   The supreme court decided to look more practically and less pedantically at the situation and ruled that it's how a tomato is used that makes it a vegetable, not the official scientific definition.  If people cook and eat them like vegetables, then vegetables they must be, and so they were subject to the tariff.  “Botanically speaking, tomatoes are the fruit of a vine, just as are cucumbers, squashes, beans, and peas,” wrote Justice Horace Gray in his 1893 opinion. “But in the common language of the people, whether sellers or consumers of provisions, all these are vegetables.”     What was really important about Nix's case was the timing.  We're talking late Victorian, after the age of sail had been obviated by the steam power of the industrial revolution.  You might have heard about it, it was in all the papers.  Ships could now cross the Atlantic in 1-2 weeks, rather than the 6-12 weeks it took in a century prior.  Foods from the tropics could now reach New England in a week or less, making their import a viable option.  This was when bananas went from being expensive oddity to must-have trend to staple of every grocery store, though that was the Gros Michelle banana, the one our fake banana flavor is based on, not the Cavendish banana we eat today, but that's a topic for another show.  To service the evolving tastes of urban population, a new class of national wholesalers, such as the Nixes, were born.   The tomato's identity crisis was far from settled, though.  In 1937, the League of Nations, precursor to the UN, sought to classify various goods for the purpose of tariffs and they too labeled tomatoes a veggie, putting them under the heading of “vegetables / edible plants / roots and tubers.”  Not to be left out, the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed, citing 1890s Nix v. Hedden case.    But there are always exceptions, hold-outs, outliers, and just plain contrarians.  Tennessee and Ohio made the tomato their state fruit.  If you think that's silly, you might want to swallow your coffee before I tell you the state vegetable of Oklahoma is the watermelon.  I did not care to look into their reasoning.  The European Union went a step further with a directive in December 2001 classifying tomatoes as fruit — along with rhubarb, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins and melons.  It's bad enough all prepackaged fruit bowls have some form of melon in them (which causes me instantaneous reverse peristalsis), but it you gave me a fruit salad and it had cucumbers in it, I have a parking lot and I'll fight you in it.   But I think I'll give the last word to George Ball of the Burpee's seed and plant company: “Are [tomatoes] fruits? Of course,” he said. “Are they vegetables? You bet.”  Though Burpee's does put “vegetable” on the seed packet, so maybe it's not settled after all. JAFFA CAKES Maybe things that grow are too ephemeral for man's taxonomy.  Things are a lot of simpler when we're talking about man-made goods, things that don't grow on trees, and it is only a tragedy that you can't plant an entire orchard of Jaffa cake trees.  For those whose life has not yet contained this job, a Jaffa cake it a little round of dense yellow cake –sponge, as they say in the home counties– with a disc of orange jelly on top enrobed in chocolate.  It.  Is.  So. Good.  You can sometimes find them in big grocery stores like Kroger and Publix if they have a large enough “International” aisle stock Branston pickle along with pad thai sauce and Tajin.   This issue here it again taxes, but this time VAT.  For those that don't speak British, VAT or  Value-Added Tax is “A type of consumption tax that is placed on a product whenever value is added at a stage of production and at final sale.”  Basically sales tax cranked to 11.  VAT is a tax that is paid by everyone involved with the manufacture of a given object or foodstuff, as well as the consumer.  As I go to air, the VAT rate in the UK is 20%.  If you're a UK-based widget-maker, you pay VAT on the price of the raw materials.  When you sell the widgets wholesale to a store, the retailer pays VAT on that sale.  Then, when someone comes into the shop to buy one of your cutting-edge widgets, they pay VAT too.       As with most areas of life, there are exceptions –  a number of things are subjected to a reduced 5% rate and some things are exempt altogether.  The exceptions are for the really necessary things, like mobility aids, menstrual hygiene products, stamps, end of life care, and most food, including cake.  That's some grade A foreshadowing right there.  But some foods are just so wonderful, they absolutely must be taxed and taxed fully.  Such luxury items include alcohol, mineral water, confectioneries and, with the specificity that all governments seem to love, chocolate-covered biscuits.  Regular biscuits are apparently basic essentials.  No, American listeners, not like buttermilk biscuits, because even I'd have to think twice about covering one of those in chocolate.  Whereupon I would do it.  I could make that work.  You're talking to the chick that made a startling good roasted garlic and parmesan ice cream.  No, British biscuits are cookies.  And British listeners, don't at me on soc meds with the definition of biscuit, because you know you're not consistent with it.  The only word that's more confusing is pudding.  Is that a dessert course, a sausage made of 80% blood, a flambeed Christmas dessert, or a suet dough stuffed with beef and veggies and steamed for eight hours?  While I'm on British language, Cockney rhyming slang has got to be the worst thing…   The McVities company had a notion otherwise.  They appealed, prompting a Customs and Exchange VAT tribunal.  Jaffa cakes, they said, shouldn't be taxed at the “most food” 20% rate, but at the 5% rate of chocolate-covered biscuits.  It takes a lot of brass to make that claim when you yourself named the product Jaffa *cakes. [tiktok] origin story] According to the website for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the court first had to establish a legal definition of what made a cake a cake and what makes a biscuit a biscuit, before determining which column Jaffa Cakes belonged in.  Jaffa Cakes were assessed using the following criteria: The product name, ingredients, texture, structure of the product, the size, how the product is sold, and how the product is marketed.   Towards this end, the main arguments on behalf of the office of Customs and Excise were that Jaffa Cakes are the approximate size and shape of biscuits, are stocked on the shelves with the biscuits, and, owing in no small part to McVities' own marketing, people eat them in the sort of contexts biscuit are eaten.    McVities countered by stating that Jaffa Cakes are baked in the manner of cake and of the same base ingredients.  Their master stroke was staleness – cakes go hard as they stale and biscuits go soft.  When Jaffa cakes go stale, and it's hard to imagine them sitting there long enough, they go hard.  McVities actually let a bunch of them out to go stale and brouhght them into court as evidence.  And in a legal tactic I'd like to see more often, McVities baked a big ol' 12-inch version of a Jaffa Cake, to show that if you blew it up to the size of a normal cake, it would just be a cake.    If I were on the other side of it, I might make a big deal over the name, but the judge presiding over the case, Mr D.C Potter, ruled that to be of “no serious relevance” because a product's name often has little to do with its actual function.  In the end, the court decided the Jaffa Cake was, in fact, a cake, and the Irish Revenue Commissioners agreed, though their ruling was based on the Jaffa Cakes' moisture content being greater than 12%.  So no VAT on Jaffa cakes, which means we can buy more of them, hooray!   HYDROX VS OREO In 1882, the entrepreneur Jacob Loose bought a biscuit and candy company that would eventually be known as Sunshine Biscuits, the company that would eventually give us Cheez-its, which my ex-husband went through at least a box of a week, dipping in port wine cheese spread.  About as close as he ever got to a balanced diet.  In 1908, launched the cream-filled chocolate sandwich biscuit known as Hydrox.  The name, he thought, would be reminiscent of sparkling sunlight and evoked an impression of cleanliness (probably because it sounds like a disinfectant).  This was after all only a few years after the Pure Food and Drug Act, before which your canned veggies might be full of borax and your milk be a watered down concoction of chalk dust and cow brains, and you wouldn't know.  Some tellings have it that Hydrox is a portmanteau of hydrogen and oxygen, the elements that make up water, the gold standard of purity.  Meanings aside, the fact that there actually was a Hydrox Chemical Company in business at the time, one that sold hydrogen peroxide and was caught up in a trademark lawsuit at the time over the use of the word “hydrox,” should have given them a hint to maybe go back to committee.  Hydrox chemicals lawsuit, btw, pointed out that the word “hydrox” was already in use for such disparate things as coolers, soda, and ice cream, so maybe Jacob Loose figured the word is out there, might as well use it.   For four years, Hydrox cookies with their lovely embossed flower design made cash registers ring for Sunshine Biscuits.  Then, 90 years almost to the day of this episode dropping, the National Biscuit Company came along –you probably know them by their shortened name, Nabisco– with the launch of three different cookies, the Mother Goose biscuit, the Veronese biscuit, both now lost to history, and the Oreo.  The cookies were very similar, with Oreos even being embossed by the same time of production machine, but Hydrox have a sweeter filling and less-sweet cookie.  Like VHS vs beta, which you can learn more about in the book and audiobook, the newcomer soon came to dominate the landscape, and there's no clear reason why.  Any chocolate sandwich biscuit is offhandedly called an Oreo, no matter how cheap a replica it may be.  It's literally the best-selling cookie in the world now, with $3.28 billion in sales in the U.S. alone.  They sell 92 million cookies per day throughout 100-plus countries under the parent brand Mondelez International.  That ubiquity has led a lot of people to erroneously assume that Oreo is the original and Hydrox is the Mr. Pibb to their Dr. Pepper.  Hydrox did manage to hold onto a cadre of die-hards, especially in areas with significant Jewish populations, because Hydrox were always kosher.  Oreo cream used to be made with lard from pigs and Nabisco would later have to invest a lot of resources into replacing the lard with shortening in the 90's.     Sunshine Biscuits was purchased by Keebler in 1996, who replaced Hydrox with a reformulated product called "Droxies," which 100% sounds like drug slang for a veterinary tranquilizer.  Keebler was acquired by Kellogg's in 2001, and Kellogg's yanked Droxies from the shelves before adding a similar chocolate sandwich cookie to the Famous Amos brand, then discontinued them.  In August 2008, on the cookie's 100th anniversary, Kellogg's resumed distribution of Hydrox under the Sunshine label, a limited distribution, one and done.  Hydrox-heads besieged Kellogg's with phone calls and an online petition, asking that Hydrox be brought back for good, but all for naught.  Less than a year later Kellogg's had removed Hydrox from their website.  “This is a dark time in cookie history,” one Hydrox partisan, Gary Nadeau, wrote, according to the Wall Street Journal. “And for those of you who say, ‘Get over it, it's only a cookie,‘ you have not lived until you have tasted a Hydrox.”  As of the time of writing, I've never had one myself, but I'll see if I can't lay my hands on some before going to air.   Getting my hands on some may be a touch trickier than it should be.  They exist; that's not the issue.  In 2015, entrepreneur Ellia Kassoff, a lover of Hydrox who knew the trick to getting a trademark someone else had allowed to lapse, was able to pick up Hydrox for his own company, Leaf Brands—itself a dormant brand that Kassoff had revived.  Hip to the time, Leaf Brands made Hydrox available on Amazon, so anyone anywhere could get them whenever they wanted (plus two days for delivery).  These new Hydrox weren't going to bow gracefully to the dominant Oreo.  Their website points out that they use real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, and no hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and GMOs, and warn consumers, "don't eat a knock-off!"  Hydrox are also made in the USA while Mondelez International was laying off U.S. workers.  Sales of Hydrox grew by 2,406 percent from 2016 to 2017, amassing more than $492,000 in sales — clearly, still light-years away from Oreo's overwhelming dominance in the market, but impressive progress nonetheless.   If you ask Leaf Brands, they'd be doing a lot better if not for Mondelez – not out-competing them, deliberately sabotaging them.  This is the hard-to-find bit I alluded to.  In August 2018, Leaf Brands filed a lawsuit against Mondelez International, seeking $800 million in damages because of "lost sales and reputation.”  The charges claimed that Mondelez was using its massive industry muscle "to place their own products in favorable locations in stores and move competitors in less desirable positions on store shelves."  On their Facebook page, you can see pictures of grocery stores where Hydrox cookies are hidden behind other displays, scooted to the back of shelves, and even turned sideways so the short end is facing out.  If you've never worked grocery retail, your instinct may be to blame the store staff, but a lot of brands are actually stocked by the manufacturer.  Ever pass a guy in a Pepsi polo shirt with hand-truck loaded with soda?  That, but with cookies.  And it's not just their own products.  Mondelez is what's called a “category captain,” meaning they get to determine much of the layout for the whole cookie aisle.  Leaf alleges that Mondelez employees and agents are deliberately making Hydrox harder to find while making Oreos pert near impossible to miss.   This is far from the first lawsuit over Oreos.  A class action lawsuit was filed claiming the cookies misled buyers by stating that the product contains real cocoa.  The judge dismissed the case.  And they were sued for Fudge Covered Mint Oreos not containing any actual fudge.  The plaintiffs claim that these cookies don't contain any milkfat from dairy, a key component of fudge, but rather cheaper palm and palm kernel oil.  As so often happens, there are eleventy-hundred articles from the week the case was filed and nothing on the outcome.  That's what happened with the main point of this article.  I was dead sure I remembered Hydrox and Oreo going to court over the basic infringement question, and Hydrox losing, but I couldn't turn up anything on that because of the sabotage lawsuit sucking up all the search results.   X-MEN It's not all foodie fact fun today.  I'm going to risk a copyright strike to play 15 seconds of a song that will make everyone near me in age go “aw yeah!” [sfx Xmen theme]  For the young or those who had social lives in high school, that's the theme song to the 90's Xmen cartoon, and it slaps, as they kids used to say.  For the truly uninitiated, and c'mon even my mom knows who the Xmen are, the story centers on a group of superheroes who get their powers from genetic mutations…and government experiments, time travel, by dint of being aliens – it's a comic book, what do you want.   Ever since their introduction to the Marvel Universe in 1963, the X-Men have always had to deal with questions about their humanity.  While their enemies will stop at nothing to cast them as monsters, the team continues to fight for a world where they are treated just like humans.  That's in-universe.  In the broader reality, it's actually in the X-Men's best interest not to be considered humans.  Well, Marvel comics financial bottom line, anyway, and they went to court over it.   In 1993, international trade lawyers Sherry Singer and Indie Singh found an interesting provision in a book of federal tariff classifications – “dolls” are taxed at 12% on import while “toys” are only taxed 6.8%.  The devil is in the details, or in this case, the definition.  A “toy” can be any shape, representing any thing, but a "doll" can only be a representation of a human being, like Barbie or GI Joe.  [tik tok Joe's thumbnail]  Singer and Singh knew this distinction could be a sizable financial benefit for their client, Marvel Entertainment, who had an ownership stake in ToyBiz at the time.  For years, Marvel had been importing action figures that were taxed as dolls, despite their wide panoply of brightly colored characters often being anything but human.  Taking a direct approach, the two lawyers gathered up a literal bag full of action figures and went to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters in Washington, D.C. to try and convince them that Marvel wasn't importing humanlike “dolls,” but instead very non-human “toys.”   The Customs staff's reaction to the bag of toys is not recorded, but their official response was that the “non-human characteristics” of the X-Men and other action figures “fall far short of transforming [these figures] into something other than the human beings which they represent.”  Singer and Singh were locked onto this tactic and pursued it for a decade.  A judge considered various figures from Marvel's whole line to decide whether or not individual characters were human or not.  Rippling pecs, long claws, blue skin, red eyes, all were scrutinized, as lawyers on both sides expostulated on the philosophical ramifications of what it means to be human.  How can these action figures be human if they have "tentacles, claws, wings, or robotic limbs?"     I'd loved to have been there to hear people with expensive educations in tailored suits, stand before a learned jurist in a wood-paneled courtroom and say things like,  "The figure of 'Kingpin' resembles a man in a suit carrying a staff. Nothing in the storyline indicates that Kingpin possesses superhuman powers.  Yet, Kingpin is known to have exceedingly great strength (however 'naturally' achieved) and the figure itself has a large and stout body with a disproportionately small head and disproportionately large hands. Even though 'dolls' can be caricatures of human beings, the court is of the opinion that the freakishness of the figure's appearance coupled with the fabled 'Spider-Man' storyline to which it belongs does not warrant a finding that the figure represents a human being."   In 2003, Judge Judith Barzilay ruled that Marvel characters aren't quite human enough to taxed as dolls.  “They are more than (or different than) humans. These fabulous characters use their extraordinary and unnatural physical and psychic powers on the side of either good or evil. The figures' shapes and features, as well as their costumes and accessories, are designed to communicate such powers."   Yay, a victory for the giant multimillion dollar corporation!  But a slap in the face for diehard X-Men fans.  Chuck Austen, one of the writers for Uncanny X-Men at the time, said his whole goal in the story was to show the team's humanity.  The nerds grew restless and Marvel had to issue a statement that read, "Don't fret, Marvel fans, our heroes are living, breathing human beings—but humans who have extraordinary abilities ... A decision that the X-Men figures indeed do have 'nonhuman' characteristics further proves our characters have special, out-of-this world powers." And that's… To protect the public from contaminated oil, New York State law required that all fish oil be gauged, inspected and branded, with a penalty of $25 per barrel on those who failed to comply.  Samuel Judd purchased three barrels of whale oil that had not been inspected, and James Maurice, a fish oil inspector, sought to collect the penalty from him.  Judd pleaded that the barrels contained whale oil, not fish oil, and so were not subject to the fish oil legislation. At trial, one side said the term "fish oil" was commonly understood to include whale oil, and the other side plead the obvious science that whales are mammals.  The jury deliberated for 15 minutes and returned a verdict in favor of the fish oil inspector.    Mr. Judd, dissatisfied with the verdict, moved for a new trial. By then, the Legislature was in session and the Recorder, knowing that a new fish oil bill was pending, delayed his decision on the motion. The new enactment limited the inspection to fish liver oil, and the Recorder took the view that this implicitly confirmed that the earlier legislation covered whale oil. Accordingly, he refused to grant Judd's motion for a new trial.   James Maurice resigned his position as fish oil inspector because he considered that the position under the new law had too little value or importance.     Sources: https://www.constantpodcast.com/episodes/are-whales-fish https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2013/12/26/256586055/when-the-supreme-court-decided-tomatoes-were-vegetables https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/10/18/the-obscure-supreme-court-case-that-decided-tomatoes-are-vegetables/ https://www.insider.com/interesting-facts-about-oreo-2018-7#oreo-first-appeared-on-the-market-in-1912-1 https://www.mashed.com/223360/the-strange-history-of-the-oreo-and-hydrox-cookie-rivalry/ https://www.mashed.com/702384/why-this-snack-food-giant-is-being-sued-over-an-oreo-flavor/?utm_campaign=clip http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/10/time-company-baked-giant-cake-win-court-case/  https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/read-this/is-a-jaffa-cake-a-cake-or-a-biscuit-heres-the-definitive-answer-as-decided-by-a-court-1379222 https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/92007/why-us-federal-court-ruled-marvels-x-men-arent-humans https://www.polygon.com/comics/2019/9/12/20862474/x-men-series-toys-human-legal-issue-marvel-comics https://observer.com/2007/12/thar-she-blows-19thcentury-court-case-harpoons-a-whale-of-a-story/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nix_v._Hedden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtpJFEBcKoE

Welcome back to ArtBeat Radio! We have an extra special episode today! Here is an original musical created by the artists at CECA. They have a full visual version of this musical available on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zex4d9LNA“Being Seen” is a CECA original musical made by the musical storytelling I group. They learned about musical theater. After hearing “Over at the Frankenstein Place” From Rocky Horror Picture Show, they decided they couldn't live without it and had to rewrite it for their original musical. Everything else is original. Students wrote the story and script, composed the music, designed the characters and sets, cast the production, recorded their voices, made character choices, and edited the whole musical together. Thank you to the CECA Creations II class for creating a beautiful playbill and to the actors who volunteered to partake. we hope you enjoy our musical, “Being Seen”. Thank you to the CECA Creations II class for this album artwork!   Thanks for listening and tune in next time! For more information about our organization, please visit our website www.ableartswork.org   Audio Transcription and stage direction: (Please listen on Podomatic or Spotify to view the full transcript) *Intro music by ArtBeat Radio staff* Music, stories, and more! You're listening to ArtBeat Radio, a program of Able ARTS Work.  FADE IN: OPENING NARRATION EXT. Roselands Mansion. Pan in on the house. NARRATOR Once upon a time, there was an abandoned mansion. It sat amongst the banyan trees—hiding between the vines. No one knew who had once owned the grand stone property. Rumor has it The Roselands house was haunted.  NARRATOR This is the story of two lads. BRANSTON headshot. NARRATOR Branston (18) is a dark grey sock puppet with green hair that falls messily just passed his eyes. He rocks a crocheted, brown, pointed hat. He is a happy, funny buddy who loves to explore close to home and pet his cat,  PATCHES headshot. NARRATOR Patches. EVAN HEADSHOT. NARRATOR Evan (18) is a white sock puppet with a white felt mohawk. He wears wire glasses and has black bags under his eyes from consistent late night video gaming. He is a witty, independent lad.  Both being young, bright individuals, the two believed they had the world at their…fingertips. EXT. Mall. BRANSTON and EVAN approaching the mall. Focus on Muppets Movie poster.  BRANSTON  (curiously) What do you think the Muppets eat? EVAN I don't know. Hands? NARRATOR Well. They certainly were young individuals. EVAN I want to get out of this place. See the world. I feel cooped up!  BRANSTON You know—I've always wanted to go to Spain. Have the Spanish rice, watch flamenco dancers, experience the sights--the music. EVAN Let's go.  BRANSTON What? Come on, we were just talking.  EVAN Why not!? We sail all the time. What's the difference? It's just a tiny bit of a longer trip.  BRANSTON I guess—this is the only time we could really take the time to go before we start working... EVAN I'll prepare the boat! NARRATOR Branston agreed to set sail despite his reservations. After all, the boys had just finished their schooling, and the world was at their...socks. [CAMERA show boys walking to the dock with bags of their belongings and BRANSTON has a pic of family]  SO THE WIND ON MY FACE BA THE SUN ON OUR BACKS BRANSTON GLAD WE TOOK THE JOURNEY NOW I'M NOT LOOKING BACK! WE'RE ON OUR WAY-- TO LIVE AND DANCE THROUGH NIGHT AND DAY ENSEMBLE OH, THE TIDE-   DRAWING US RIGHT INTO SPAIN OH, THE TIDE-   DESTINY LED BY A WAVE OH, THE TIDE, TIDE, BRANSTON & EVAN WILL LEAD US TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE EVAN BEING ON THE OPEN SEA IS ALL I HOPED AND DREAMED FOR JS I CAN GUARANTEE, TRULY NOTHING COULD GO WRONG! NARRATOR LIFE'S CITRUS STINGS JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE LEMONADE LET IT IN—SAIL THE WAVES CUZ IT'S BETTER TO BE ALIVE, BETTER ALIVE ENSEMBLE OH, THE TIDE-   DRAWING US RIGHT INTO SPAIN OH, THE TIDE-   DESTINY LED BY A WAVE OH, THE TIDE, TIDE, BRANSTON & EVAN WILL LEAD US TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE  EXT. Sailboat moving on the water NARRATOR  So Branston, Evan, and the crew of 3 set sail. In long days,   EXT. Daytime, on the boat   NARRATOR  The crew napped and ate.  In long nights,   EXT. Night-time on the boat  NARRATOR  The crew watched the night sky and dreamt of land.  EXT. Ocean  NARRATOR  They feasted from the sea and experimented with each other's native cuisines. Taco Tuesday featured burritos with rice, beans, fresh shrimp, salmon, and a new catch no one had seen before.    INT. Picture stone fish with an ominous sound effect.  NARRATOR  The ocean was full of tasty surprises.  EXT. Pan on Branston taking a bite of a burrito.  NARRATOR  All of a sudden--   ARRIVAL IN SPAIN SONG BEGINS  INT. Sail boat, rocking—burritos fly out boat  LANGDON  Batten down the hatches!  CAPTAIN KENDRA  Ah! [translates to— We're heeling! To the helm, SO)  AOIFE  Ah! [translates to-- Aye Aye, Captain]  CAPTAIN KENDRA  BA, Help the passengers!  LANGDON  Aye Aye, Captain!   LANGDON leaps and pushes BRANSTON and EVAN onto the floor of the sailboat.   NARRATOR  The storm raged throughout the night. The crew had nothing to do but wait.   (LANGDON sat up in the night. She looked towards BRANSTON and saw a glow or something. She cocks her head to the side and goes back to sleep)  LANGDON  Strange.   ARRIVAL IN SPAIN SONG BEGINS TO TRANSITION  EXT. Streets of Spain. People are walking, carts are moving, vendors are out.   NARRATOR  By morning, the crew realized they had reached...  ALL  Land!  NARRATOR  They scrambled off the sailboat to explore the rich Spanish culture.   CAPTAIN KENDRA  Welcome to Spain!  EVAN  Wow, do you smell that food!?  AOIFE  Look at the flowers!  LANGDON  Listen to the music!  BRANSTON  Look at all that fruit!   EXT. A fruit cart comes by between the crowd and runs straight into BRANSTON whom the cart passes through. BRANTSON looks shocked.   BRANSTON  Did anyone see that?!  AOIFE  See what?  BRANSTON Throw something at me.   (AOIFE throws an orange at BRANSTON)   BRANSTON  What. Is. Happening?!  LANGDON  It can't be...  CAPTAIN KENDRA  Langdon, speak up!   LANGDON  I thought it was a dream. Back on the boat, during that awful storm. I saw... something change about Branston. It was like he was floating above his body...like a...ghost.  EVAN  Cooooool!  BRANSTON, shocked  I'm dead?  CAPTAIN KENDRA  And it appears no one but the crew can see you.  EVAN  Hey! Stop that worrying! This is an opportunity. Imagine all the things you can do now that you're invisible to everyone else!   BEGIN PARTY MUSIC  NARRATOR  So, they took advantage of Branston's newfound-- “talent”. Branston did everything an invisible person/ghost would do. He walked through walls, snuck into fancy restaurants, played pranks, and snuck into the biggest baseball games.  For weeks, the boys mischievously galivanted through the town. They frequented the Spanish clubs as they danced and played their pranks.  One fateful night, Branston noticed unusual activity coming from the other side of the dance floor. Purses, candles, silverware all mysteriously levitated. Suddenly—a figure! A figure with the same translucent paleness as Branston—a fellow ghost? Branston drifted through the crowd, but by the time he was on the other side of the dance floor, they were gone.  BRANSTON  Evan! Come quick!  EVAN  What's up?  BRANSTON  I think I saw a ghost!  EVAN  [he laughs.] Nice one buddy. BRANSTON  No, really. I think I saw someone else like me…but they just left. EVAN  Cooooool! Let's check behind the club. NARRATOR  The boys rushed outside and began to walk down the alley when they heard singing from a villa.   GHOST SONG  ENSEMBLE  SING FOR THE FRIENDS WE HAVE  OH, SING   BECAUSE WE CAN  OH, SING  HERE'S A PLACE WE CAN  SING WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE   DAISY HERE WE HAVE A HOME, FREE OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD--   JECKO YEEEHAW     JASMINE OH, PLENTY OF FOOD TO EAT, PART OF A FAMILY  JECKO  HEY HEY   JECKO Welcome to Villa Fantasma!  I am Jecko.  JASMINE (IN ENGLISH ACCENT)  I'm Jasmine.  DAISY (IN SPANISH ACCENT)  And I'm Daisy.  EVAN  This is Branston, and I'm Evan. This is a cool hangout you got!  JASMINE (IN ENGLISH ACCENT)  Evan, you're the first living sock who I've known to be able to see us.   EVAN Awesome! BRANSTON  I didn't know there were others like me out there.   JECKO Over the years, we found each other and started this family. It can be hard to feel invisible...let alone BE invisible to most.  BRANSTON  Wow, I guess I'm not the only one. But I don't know what you're talking about. Being invisible is great! We can get away with anything.   DAISY (IN SPANISH ACCENT)  Give it time.  NARRATOR  It didn't take long for Branston to find out what they were talking about. As the days and nights dragged on, Branston realized he couldn't go out without Evan. Driving while invisible, openly eating in public invisible, and taking a stroll while holding Patches seemed to be impossible without drawing attention and fear.   [PATCHES and BRANSTON are curled up together. BRANSTON looks sad. PATCHES tries to nudge him for a pet with no comfort given to BRANSTON. PATCHES gives up and looks around. CAMERA looks to a picture of BRANSTON and his family. PATCHES meows and moves over towards the picture, rubbing his head on it. BRANSTON looks over]   HOME PLAYS BRANSTON HOME IS WHERE I WANT TO BE-GIN TO FIND MY WAY I'M TIRED OF FLYING WANDERING LIKE I'M OKAY I'VE GOT A NEW PLAN, BETTER THAN THROWING MY AFTERLIFE AWAY THE INVISIBLE MAN CAN LEND A HAND INSTEAD OF SITTING ON THE BENCH HOME IS WHERE THEY HAVE GOOD EATS RUNNING THROUGH FIELDS FEELS GOOD ON MY FEET I'LL FIND MY HAPPILY EVER AFTER, YEAH AND PATCHES AND I CAN RELAX I KNOW WHERE I'LL GO GOING HOME I'LL FIND A PLACE FOR US TO BELONG [during musical break, CAMERA shows video of ghost friends in spain in slow motion having fun]  [show BRANSTON waking up]   NARRATOR  The next day, BRANSTON left his home with more determination than his little teenage life had ever seen.   [show outside of ghost home]  BRANSTON  Hey! Jecko!  JECKO  Hey hey hey! What's up?  BRANSTON  I have an idea. I like what you guys have got going here, but I'm missing home. Do you think you could help me get something started back in America?  [JECKO smiles and nods]  [Scene opens with Evan with sideways glasses walking slowly—very tired.]  BRANSTON  [timid] Hey, Evan. I need to talk to you about something.  EVAN  Me too...[blurts] I'm thinking maybe it's time to go home! I'm tired of staying up late and partying every night. I just want my bed, and I want sleep! I hope that's okay with you.  BRANSTON  That's exactly what I was going to say. It's time to go home and start our new lives.  PATCHES  Meow.  NARRATOR  That day, the crew gathered. Captain Kendra, Aoife, Langdon, Branston, Evan, Jecko, and of course, Patches, set sail back to America.  [show sail boat flipped horizontally and headed the opposite direction]  NARRATOR  Branston returned to his family home, the Roselands House, and with Jecko's help, created a home where ghosts could feel seen. Evan became an ambassador for healthy ghost and sock puppet relationships so his friends could feel comfortable anywhere they went. Ghosts came from around the country to experience and partake in the haunted family.    As for me, I've been at the mansion since their 100-year anniversary. I continued to provide for the ghosts in the house, and they even helped me out with my music! The Daddy Yankee Mansion--  BRANSTON  Roselands Mansion!  NARRATOR  Is a home for all.       [finale- sailing and home combo]  [curtain call- disco music]  FADE OUT: THE END  *Outro music by ArtBeat Radio staff* We hope you enjoyed this episode of ArtBeat Radio. For more information, please visit our website. Ableartswork.org. Thanks for listening and tune in next time! 

The Honeys are eating a plowman's (or ploughman's) lunch including a jar of Branston's Pickle Relish.

Welcome back to ArtBeat Radio! You're listening to episode 21 of Quarantunes, where quarantine can't stop our creativity! In this episode, we'll hear musical expression from the artists at CECA.  (0:18) Hard Rock Remix- CECA's Remix Culture Class Students from CECA's Remix Culture class used samples from 70s hard rock and country in order to put together a Hard Rock song with a modern feel.  Students made choices about the melodic elements of the guitars as well as how each sample would be manipulated.   (2:15) From Folk to Dance- CECA's Remix Culture Class CECA's Remix culture class put this EDM influenced dance track by sampling folk songs from the 2010s and Dance music from the 90s.  Each song sampled was chosen by students in the class, and students also made choices regarding the rhythmic elements of the drums and melodic instruments.   (6:16) Turkish Rock and Roll- CECA's World Music Class CECA's World Music class completed this project as they finished learning about the diverse musical pallet from the country of Turkey.  The song is in Hungarian Minor, and uses the Turkish instrument the Oud, along with more conventional rock instruments, such as the guitar, bass, drums and keyboard.  Students chose the tempo and all rhythmic and melodic elements of the song.   (3:16) Como La Single Ladies- CECA's Melody Maker Class CECA's Melody Maker class could not decide between writing a song or conducting an interview for their next project, so-- they decided to do both! Clients interviewed two of their peers, used their favorite songs, and rewrote the lyrics to cover their interview questions. Clients chose questions, wrote lyrics, chose instruments, and directed the project. They hope you enjoy listening!  Interview (Como La Flor/Single Ladies) We wanted to know about each other To learn favorite music and colors Satchel likes Aladdin, oh yeah Lion King for Drea and Beauty & Beast for Maria Welcome to the show Let's see what there is to know about you and all that makes you A-a-y Maria and Drea A-a-y Maria and Drea  BOO boo boo! There goes a ghost! BOO boo boo! There goes a ghost!  Asking questions! Getting answers   Asking questions! Getting answers  Asking questions! Here's our interview!    PJ wondered  What do you prefer? Music or art?     Maria likes art  Drea likes art  Charlie and Paul like art     Question for you  Woof woof woof  Maria and Drea like dogs     Drea likes  Beyonce, yeah Charlie and Paul like breakfast     Here's our interview with Drea and Maria  Here's our interview with Drea and Maria  Learning all about our pals at CECA  Here's our interview with Drea and Maria    Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh   Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh    Here's our interview with Drea and Maria  Here's our interview with Drea and Maria  Learning all about our pals at CECA  Here's our interview with Drea and Maria    Wha-oh-oh   (5:36) Sing- CECA's Musical Storytelling Class CECA's Musical Storytelling class presents a song from their original musical. The clients wrote the entire story and script, composed each song, and designed sock puppet characters and sets. This song depicts when the main characters, Branston and Evan, stumble across a band of ghosts.  Sing for the friends we have   Oh, sing   Because we can   Oh, sing   Here's a place we can   Sing with the ones you love   Here we have a home, free of the outside world--   Yeeehaw     Oh, plenty of food to eat, part of a family   Hey hey   Villa Fantasma es mi familia Villa Fantasma es mi familia  Thank you to Nanako Mizorogi for this album artwork!   Thanks for listening and tune in next time! For more information about our organization, please visit our website www.ableartswork.org  

Get .1 ASHA CEU hereEpisode Summary:Want to put the fun and functional back into your intervention routine? Then you certainly strolled into the right podcast! In this week's episode, SLP/BCBA Rose Griffin, shares her bag of tricks for supporting older students through leisure-based intervention activities. Learn how to harness the communication power that takes place outside of your therapy room through natural and meaningful leisure activities aimed at improving a wide range of skills and optimizing quality of life for students with complex learning needs. This episode is jam-packed, tackling assessment tools, data collection, community outings, game adaptations, and app ideas, all in the name of generalization and good old fashioned fun! High fives are flying around like crazy as Rose unpacks the value of using everyday materials and hangouts to build life skills that last a lifetime. Are you game? Then pull up a seat and grab your pen, you aren't going to want to miss these game changer!s!You can learn more about Rose here.Learning Outcomes1. Identify 2 assessment tools to use to identify leisure skill needs2. Describe at least 1 data collection method for leisure activities3. List at least 5 modified leisure activities.ReferencesBarbera, M. L. & Rasmussen, T. (2007). The verbal behavior approach: How to teach children with autism and related disorders. London, England: Jessica Kingsley.Brown, L., Branston, M. B., Hamre-Nietupski, S., Pumpian, I., Certo, N., & Gruenewald, L. (1979). A strategy for developing chronological-age-appropriate and functional curricular content for severely handicapped adolescents and young adults. Journal of Special Education, 13, 81–90.Cannella-Malone, H. I., Miller, O., Schaefer, J. M., Jimenez, E. D., Justin Page, E., & Sabielny, L. M. (2016). Using Video Prompting to Teach Leisure Skills to Students With Significant Disabilities. Exceptional Children, 82(4), 463–478. https://doi.org/10.1177/0014402915598778Carlile, K. A., Reeve, S. A., Reeve, K. F., & DeBar, R. M. (2013). Using activity schedules on the iPod touch to teach leisure skills to children with autism. Education & Treatment of Children, 36(2), 33-57. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1391910402? accountid=166077 Copyright ABA SPEECH LLCJerome, J., Frantino, E.P., & Sturmey, P. (2007). The effects of errorless learning and backward chaining on the acquisition of internet skills in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 185-189.Koyama, T., & Wang, H., (2011). Use of activity schedule to promote independent performance of individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities: A review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2235-2242.Sundberg, Mark L. (2008) VB-MAPP Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program :a language and social skills assessment program for children with autism or other developmental disabilities : guide Concord, CA : AVB Press.Test, D. W., Aspel, N. P., & Everson, J. M. (2006). Transition methods for youth with disabilities. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.Volkmar, F. R., & Wiesner, L. A. (2009). A practical guide to autism: What every parent, family member, and teacher needs to know. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Wehmeyer, M. L., Shogren, K. A., Palmer, S. B., Williams-Diehm, K., Little, T. D., & Boulton, A. (2012). The impact of the self-determined learning model of instruction on student self determination. Exceptional Children, 78(2), 135-153. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/ 916923324?accountid=166077Online Resources:Rose Griffin's YouTube Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRBJBfK_294R58U5bOyvUQHelp Kidz Learn app: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/appsYogarilla activity by Super Duper: https://www.superduperinc.com/products/view.aspx?pid=otsc8765#.YGoG2hRKigQThe “Grocery Store Game” by ABA Speech by Rose: https://abaspeech.org/2018/07/social-skills-game-for-mixed-groups/?fbclid=IwAR0w2bmmweLVg3a8bPJ0muRQeiZ_s2Er0c3ZoAHGOOnTNla4vjPJjCG4Bf4Disclosures:Rose Griffin Financial Disclosures: Rose is the founder of ABA SPEECH LLC and sells products, therapy services and courses. Rose has no financial relationships to disclose.Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder for SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Time Ordered Agenda:10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures20 minutes: Descriptions of the importance of addressing leisure skills and the assessment tools used to identify leisure skills15 minutes: Descriptions of data collection methods for leisure activities10 minutes: Descriptions of different leisure activities and modifications to those leisure activities. 5 minutes: Summary and ClosingDisclaimerThe contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we've missed, or another perspective that isn't shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!__SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don't have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at info@slpnerdcast.com anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:Follow us on instagramFollow us on facebookWe are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!Thank you FeedSpot!

Tonight I talked about Men of Perdition, people born with a destiny of being evil. I talked about Scriptures pertaining to other worldly beings, technologically manufactured entities, hybrids, hubrids, and how technology, A.I., and men of perdition might offer mankind a false chance to be eternal and godlike. I presented the Dulce Book, by Branston and compared it with the work of David Jacobs.

Tonight I talked about Men of Perdition, people born with a destiny of being evil. I talked about Scriptures pertaining to other worldly beings, technologically manufactured entities, hybrids, hubrids, and how technology, A.I., and men of perdition might offer mankind a false chance to be eternal and godlike. I presented the Dulce Book, by Branston and compared it with the work of David Jacobs.

LAST SUIT YOU'LL EVER WEAR ...AGAIN Damn, that first Men in Black movie was such a hoot! So it's a shame we are talking about that then. Instead we are looking it's dreadful follow up: Men In Black II. But let's ignore the two headed Johnny Knoxville though and instead concentrate on its memorable tie-in song: "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)" by Will Smith. Ben has an ASMR disaster, Dietrich opts for cheese and Branston pickle and Alex has a very big problem with a very big worm. Follow us on Twitter: @TSFTMpod Like of Zartha, share and subscribe Please consider leaving us a 5 star rating and review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes if you are enjoying the show. It means a great deal to us and makes it easier for other potential listeners to find us: Apple Podcasts Want to support us further? You can do this on Patreon from as little as £1 ($1.50) a month: https://Patreon.com/TSFTM or via our merch store: https://TeePublic.com/user/TSFTM Thank you! Timestamps: 00:02:06 - What Have We Been Watching? 00:05:11 - History 00:08:50 - Movie Discussion 00:27:37 - "Nod Ya Head" Discussion 00:37:14 - Idiots At Genius 00:39:36 - Top 5 00:43:43 - Movie or Song?

Bricks, potatoes, and lots of cars on this week's Great British Manufacturing Podcast... We feature Ibstock's £60m investment, a new facility for Branston, 20 years of the modern MINI, a £30m i...

Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso fue el tercer álbum de Eddie Palmieri y su conjunto La Perfecta. Lo grabó para el sello Alegre en 1964, pero cuando Alegre fue absorbido por Branston Music. Es decir, este fue el primero de Alegre con un dueño distinto a su fundador, pues Al Santiago lo había vendido al dueño de Branston, Morris Levy. Aún así, se mantuvo la numeración y fue el disco número 32 de la serie 800 con etiqueta interior negra. Luego, Branston alternaría estas producción de Alegre con Tico Records, aunque este en sus sucesivas reediciones se mantuvo como Alegre únicamente. Aclarado esto, contemos la historia de Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso en La Hora Faniática.

On this weeks Sporting Hour, former Millers defender Guy Branston had a chat with Daniel Challinor about his time at Rotherham, back to back promotions and the current team. Listen to The Sporting Hour - Wednesdays from 7pm on Redroad FM 102.4FM | Online | On Mobile | On Smart Speaker

I'll do whatever it takes to get what I want, even if it's a jar of Branston pickle. Available on all streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/donconcha

From Horseboxes to management buyouts this episode.  After Leighton & Eddie catch up for a chat, Eddie is joined by Steve Salter from Salt Club Consulting.  Steve's expertise and specialism is helping clubs with their technology , having been associated with a number of golf clubs and golf destinations he has been sought after in assisting golf club businesses with their technology strategy . Steve shares some key points in the best methods to assess whether golf clubs are investing into the correct software solution.  Steve also shares his recent entrepreneurial initiative with the converted "hospitality horse- boxes" that are starting to provide additional services and revenues for club businesses.  Leighton then catches up with Ben Laing, Managing Director of Branston Golf & Country Club.  Ben is just over year into a recent management buyout of the Club following several years as CEO.  Branston is a multi-faceted club with two Golf Courses and Practice Facilities, strong Health & Fitness offer as well as Conference and Function facilities.  After the excitement of the takeover, Ben found himself quickly thrown into the chaos of the COVID lockdown.  A very shar operator, Ben provides some great wisdom to listeners. https://www.horseboxhospitality.com/ https://www.branstonclub.co.uk/ Big thanks to our sponsor - Xact Group for your H & S and HR needs https://www.xactgroup.co.uk/index.php?id=home

We chat to our former centre half about his career, stuffing pound coins up his nose, what Paul Sturrock was like.... and how Chris Turner woke up in just his pants in Ibiza...

Episode Title - Dreaming of a Quiet ChristmasFirst broadcast on BBC Radio Derby in December 2020.Following another unfortunate turn of events, Keith has to stand in as director of the church nativity play, however Branston, Barmy Dale's longest serving criminal, escapes from prison and throws a spanner in the works!Starring...Juliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonVicki Michelle as AngieJeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsKarl Howman as D.S. LinklaterMichael Fenton-Stevens as the Police ChiefWill Chitty as BranstonMartin Skellern as KeithStuart Wheeldon as DanBecki Lloyd as TraceyBethan Nash as Stacey.Jonas Cemm as Wise Man number 4 Also featured were...Kate SkellernLouis ChapmanCallum McIntyreBen ChapmanMusic by Jordan FraterWritten and produced by Martin Skellern and Stuart WheeldonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/barmy-dale-sitcom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Support the show

Barmy Dale - The Christmas Special, Dreaming of a Quiet Christmas, was first broadcast on BBC Radio in December 2020.Keith is lined up to be the director of the church nativity play, however Branston, Barmy Dale's longest serving criminal escapes from prison and throws a spanner in the works!Starring...Juliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonVicki Michelle as AngieJeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsKarl Howman as D.S. LinklaterMichael Fenton-Stevens as the Police ChiefWill Chitty as BranstonMartin Skellern as KeithStuart Wheeldon as DanBecki Lloyd as TraceyBethan Nash as Stacey.Jonas Cemm as Wise Man number 4 Also featured were...Kate SkellernLouis ChapmanCallum McIntyreBen ChapmanMusic by Jordan FraterWritten and produced by Martin Skellern and Stuart WheeldonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/barmy-dale-sitcom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 67 of #TheCoachesNetwork Podcast. The guest for this episode Guy Branston. Guy is an ex-professional with over 19 years experience as a player and 12+ years as a UEFA Licensed coach. Currently operating as a Loans department manger with Leicester City FC. Guy joins CoachYas to discuss his journey, insights and tips on becoming a coach and support players who are being considered for external loans. Enjoy! Why not become an official member or supporter of The Coaches Network? The Coaches Network is proud to formally reveal our very first Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/TheCoachesNetwork ) membership. This membership consists of monthly donations with a price worth as much as a cup of coffee! Only £3.50 per month! What benefits will there be you say? Click here ( https://www.patreon.com/TheCoachesNetwork ) to find out more. Click here ( https://www.thecoachesnetwork.co.uk/coach-education ) for more information on our upcoming Coach Education Webinars and Mentor Programmes. Enjoy and be sure to subscribe & connect with your host on social media to make your up to date with everything we're doing. Coach Yas ( https://www.thecoachesnetwork.co.uk/coach-yas ) - Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/thecoachesnetwork/ ) - Twitter ( https://twitter.com/thecoachesnet ) - LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-coaches-network/ ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/TheCoachesNetwork ) - Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/TheCoachesNetwork ) - Podcast ( https://instabio.cc/TheCoachesNetwork ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-coaches-network-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Barmy Dale Christmas Special - Dreaming of a Quiet Christmas was first broadcast on BBC Radio in December 2020.Keith is lined up to be the director of the church nativity play, however Branston, Barmy Dales longest serving criminal escapes from prison and throws a spanner in the works!Barmy Dale starred...Juliet Howland as GracieCamilla Simson as SharonVicki Michelle as AngieJeffrey Holland as Reverend WilkinsKarl Howman as D S LinklaterMichael Fenton-Stevens as the Police ChiefWill Chitty as BranstonMartin Skellern as KeithStuart Wheeldon as DanBecki Lloyd as TraceyBethan Nash as Stacey.Jonas Cemm as Wise Man number 4 Also featured were...Kate SkellernLouis ChapmanCallum McIntyreBen ChapmanSupport the show (https://www.patron.com/barmy-productions)

Really enjoyed catching up with former teammate Guy Branston. Guy is now doing great things at his local club Leicester City where he deals with player loans and their development. He is very much involved on and off the field with these players, ensuring that they are equipped to deal with things on the pitch and also their wellbeing off it. During this podcast we spoke about his career, his mental approach to playing where he used to read up on ways to improve his thinking, diet and more which has helped him in later life. We also discussed his transition away from football and what he thinks needs to be done to help players when it comes to life after football. Oh and he also tells a great story where he punched through the referee's door after being sent off!

This week we have former Oldham player Guy Branston on the podcast. We discuss his time at the club along with current on goings.

Episode 25 The guy beneath the tough exterior. Guy Branston played for 20 clubs during his 20 year career. He was known. as a tough tackling, hard working, never say die centre half. There is no denying that's true, Guy was popular at all of the clubs he played for, because he represented the team and the badge how all fans want.  But during this interview, we take a look beneath that tough exterior, and hear some stories about Guy's childhood, difficult times he faced during his career, and his experience of suicide.  You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads  If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk: Samaritans  Call 116 132 for free https://www.samaritans.org/ Papyrus UK Call 0800 068 41 41 Papyrus Website CALM ZONE 0800 58 58 58 https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/      

Listen Up Meatsacks, Brent and John are, let's just say, out this week so I am in charge. I let Kyle tag along because otherwise he would beg and this is just annoying. Anyway, I decided voicemails are long over due so I play some worthy ones, them I get bored so you get a CAFEteria 51 where the idiots eat Branston Original Pickle, I hope they hate it as much as I hate all of you. CBot Out.Special thanks to this week’s research sources:MEBooksAnything I Have WrittenWebsitesThe only one that matters because I am on it - http://hysteria51.com/

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, chats to Richard Maybury, about three things that have influenced his career so far.

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, chats to local entrepreneur Shahid Azeem, about three things that have influenced his career so far.

The Chief has a passion for policing and it is evident in his 30-year career in law enforcement.The Chief is very passionate about solving two cases that are very close to his heart. You will hear about them in this interview. I have witnessed this first hand as we have worked together on the missing Steven William Branston case. I completed two forensic art age progressions of Steven to the age of 40 years back in 2016. Steven William Branston was reported missing in Lakeport, California in October 1996 but last known to be in Honolulu, Hawaii in August 1996. You will also hear how the Chief is determined to solve the homicide of 43-year-old Barbara Gaye LaForge. This is a very sad case and what happened to Barbara should have never happened to any human being. Barbara was shot four times at close range with a .22-caliber weapon at the Wildwood Frame Shop and Inspirations Gallery on Main St. in downtown Lakeport, California on October 8th, 2002.Solving these cases continues to be Chief Rasmussen’s highest priority.If you know where Steven Branston is today or who murdered Barbara Gaye LaForge please contact us with that information.Lakeport Police Department, 2025 South Main Street, Lakeport CA 95453Phone Number: 707-263-5491 Fax Number: 707-263-3846 info@lakeportpolice.orgHonolulu, Hawaii Police Department 808-529-3111 or 808-529-3394https://www.facebook.com/LakeportPolice/www.canihelpfindyourmissinglovedone.com under TIPS (you may also leave a tip and we will forward it to Chief Brad Rasmussen)~Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode.You may be the reason a missing loved one comes home or a murderer is caught and taken off the streets.https://www.buzzsprout.com/1004203

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, chats to local entrepreneur Penny Power, about the 3 things that have shaped her career so far

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, chats to CMPP founder Tracy Jarvis, about three things that have influenced her career so far

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, chats to local businessman Tony Knights, about three things that have influenced his career so far.

Its time for the friday night pub quiz. 10 questions need answer. also the the latest from the plots. Podcast transcript 00.00 Intro music 00.05 Hello and welcome to episode 321 of the veg grower podcast. My names Richard and I am on a mission to grow as much food in my allotment and garden as I possibly can. Today is Friday the 12 June 2020 and as its Friday its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz but before that what have I been up to today? Music transitional 00.34 Diary Well today has been a bit of a quiet day in the garden. Rain again which is very welcome of course. However first job this morning was to set up my quail cage that is in the potting shed. What I had to do basically was to place some fresh sand in the bottom of this cage and turn on the heater to check it was all working. Once I was happy I moved the quails into this cage with some food and water. I keep checking on them throughout the day and they seem happy. I wont however be leaving them I overnight for that they will return to the brooder cage in the podding shed. After that I tidied up my workshop and started building my wood store slash water butt stand. I spoke of this the other day as a way to well tidy up my garden and make use of the space that I have available for multiple uses and this is to store rainwater and to store wood for our fireplace. Well that's what I have been up to today but let me know what you have been up to Birds tweet Pub noise begins in the background A quiet day in the garden today what surprising is that in the evening it seemed to brighten up. Its odd I was praying for rain a few days ago and now its here I don't want it during the day. No pleasing some people is there Anyway its time for the Friday night veg gardening pub quiz. Pub quiz begins How this works is I am going to ask 10 questions. These 10 questions need answers of which you email me your answers by Thursday the 18th June 2020 8pm UK time. If you get all 10 correct your name goes into a hat and out of that hat 1 winner will be chosen and that winner will be receiving 10 packets of seeds from my collection. As simple as that. So lets go through this weeks questions and then I shall go through last weeks questions. Question 1. How do you tell how old a tree is? Question 2. What is another more common name for an alligator pear? Question 3. In which season is asparagus most often cropped and eaten in the UK? Question 4. what is the best type of soil in which to grow parsnips? Question 5. What is it that makes the stalks of old varieties of celery go white? Question 6. What vegetable has a flower that looks like sunflowers but also is nicknamed fartichokes? Question 7. What is the best way to avoid club root? Question 8. Who is probably the most well known person for no dig gardening in the UK? Question 9. What vegetables are ingredients in Branston pickle? Question 10. Where in the UK was saffron famously grown? Well that is the 10 questions that need answers so get answering and good luck. Just to add if you need to read these questions then head to the blog post for this podcast and you will now find a transcript for the podcast. Now last week I asked 10 questions that was sent to me by Stuart Jackson. Which by the way if anyone else wants to be quiz master for a week you are more then welcome to. But lets go through last weeks questions and answers Last weeks question and answers 1, Geoff Hamilton was a twin, what was his siblings name? A: Tony 2, What is the expected germination time of French beans? A:7-14 days 3,What is a leather jacket? A:It`s a dark gray grub about 1" long {Pest} 4, With Tomatoes what is the cause of the skin to spilt? A: Heavy watering or heavy rain on very dry soil around the roots 5,True or False, Are Rhubarb leaves poisonous if eaten? A: True 6,How is Sweetcorn pollinated? A: By the wind

Peaceful protests have been coopted into riots. Why are so many people supporting the violence? Branston is helping to expose the people involved - and hint many of them are white. If you care about liberty help us continue to expose the one's who would cause reckless and wonton damage to our communities, particularly where minorities dwell and own businesses. I think we're finding out who the real racists are. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, interviews Eagle Radio's Peter Gordon, about three things that have influenced his career so far

Have you ever noticed the Dr. Fauci is only "God" to the media when he says things the media likes? The time for games is up. The Podcast has introduced a new paid consultant Branston - and they don't miss important quotes. We have all the audio! There's a serious concern for health problems unrelated to COVID19 that are being suppressed due to the fear mongering by this same media. Also, some of these stay at home/shut down orders are being shut down by judicial review. There's a big reason for it. Find your patch of wet sand and kick back and be educated. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Branston Adams owner Paul Adams, interviews Eagle Radio Managing Director Paul Marcus, about three things that have influenced his career so far.

An update from local business owner Paul Adams on the challenges of leading a business whilst in self-isolation (Paul suffers from Asthma). In conversation with Eagle Radio Managing Director (and old school friend) Paul Marcus, we hear from Paul about the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on his business and the challenges faced by local companies that Branston Adams continues to support.This podcast offers a personal insight from one of the area well-known and popular characters in the business community.

In this episode I speak to Guy about his days at the club, playing under MON as well as his current role as Loan Manager of LCFC. We discuss the academy and player development as well as the use of data in football.

David is joined by Guy Branston, the Loan Manager for Leicester City FC.   Guy has had plenty of experience working in different roles within top professional clubs involving the use of analysis, as well as having a long career in the professional game himself as a player.   This conversation focuses on Guy's role as a Loan Manager and how his own experiences on loan as a player have shaped how he performs his role today, as well as looking at Guy's first introduction into modern analysis over a decade ago and how this side of the game has progressed since then.   Don't forget to subscribe and share!

Paul Adams from Branston Adams speaks to Biz on the Budget Day results and what they mean for local businesses!

更多英语知识，请关注微信公众号: VOA英语每日一听Todd: So, Phil, I thought we'd talk about food. Phil: OK, yeah. Food is one of my favorite subjects. Todd: OK, so let's start out with fruit. OK, what's your favorite fruit? Phil: My favorite fruit is raspberry, which you can't get in Japan. Todd: Oh, raspberry. Phil: Oh, well, you can get it in Japan but it's really expensive. Todd: I love raspberries. Actually, where I'm from in the states, we have loads of raspberries for free. Phil: My grand used to have them in her garden so when I was a kid, it was always someone picking the raspberries and like vanilla ice cream and raspberries together. Todd: Oh, man, yeah. My grandmother, actually, she used to make raspberry cobbler. Phil: Cobbler? Todd: Yeah. Oh, you don't have cobbler. You probably have a different name for it in England. It's like a pie, but it's really sweet. You take the blackberries or raspberries, and it's the filling and a pie crust over it. It's a pie. They call it a cobbler, so... Actually, speaking of British food, what's a scone? Phil: A scone is basically a really kind of dried cake, kind or really dried kind of cake material but it's got little bits of raisins in it. Todd: Right, so when you got to Starbuck's and they have the little triangle things, is that a scone? Phil: I don't know to be honest. I don't go to Starbuck's very often. Todd: Right. Phil: I don't recommend them, they're really, really, really dry. Generally, you eat them with cream and tea, but I'm not a fan. Todd: No. Really. Phil: Have you ever ate it? Todd: Speaking of British food, what's your favorite British food? Phil: Fish n' Chips I suppose. Todd: You got to be kidding. Fish n' Chips? Phil: Fish... British food basically is just a cosmopolitan mix of foreign stuff combined with together, like the most popular food now, the national dish, is curry. Todd: Right. How come it's not fish n' chips? Phil: I don't know. Just because maybe people are going a bit more healthy or just because it's different, and curry's the most eaten food now. Todd: Right. Actually, I lived in England for about a year and I loved shepherd pie. Phil: Shepard's pie or cottage pie is very similar, yeah. Todd: Yeah, right. Phil: I do like it but, I don't know. I just don't eat it that often. Todd: No, really. OK, actually now that we're both living in Japan, are there are British foods that you crave? Phil: Um, kind of, something called Branston pickle, which is basically, it's kind of sandwich spread. You have it with cheese, or with like meat, and you put it on, it's like diced vegetables, but really thinly chopped and it's got a special sauce. It's just really nice. I really miss it.Todd: Wow. What's it called? Phil: Branston pickle. Todd: Branston pickle? Phil: Yeah. Todd: Is it like vegemite? Phil: Not really, no, no. It's kind of actual lumps of vegetables within in. We have something similar to vegemite called Marmite. Todd: Ah, that's right. Phil: But the taste is actually stronger. Todd: OK, cool.

This episode begins with a trip to Newburgh Brewing company where they partnered with River Keeper to screen two new films about the Hudson River. River Keeper began in 1966 by a group of concerned fisherman. Together, they defend the Hudson River, its tributaries and help to protect the drinking water supply of 9 million New Yorkers. Volunteer opportunities. This includes the discovery of an incredibly rare and old sturgeon caught on side-scan radar just off the coast of Hyde Park, NY. At one point sturgeon ran so strong in the Hudson they fish showed up on many menus up and down the Hudson Valley. By the end of the 19th century it was commonly known as "Albany Beef". Hudson River sturgeon are currently on the federal endangered list.We quickly transition from the Hudson to opening a forty year-old can of JR Ewing Beer. Cans can still be found on the secondary market for purchase. The beer was brewed in 1980 by Pabst Blue Ribbon and is described as an American pale ale. It tasted like it was brewed on a hot summer day in dry Texas.Our Beer paired well with the discussion and tasting our core topic, comfort food. "CF provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any food with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking." Add nostalgia as well as high fat & high caloric to the definition. Every culture has a list/s.Matt’s list: Egg-foo-young, chocolate pudding & cinnamon rolls, Captain Crunch & Chicken, Pizza w/cold cheese, Italian combo, disco fries, gyro, Irish breakfast, wings, loaded tater totes Recipe: Lobster mac & cheeseRich’s List: Ploughman’s, prawn cocktail, curry, Cadbury mini eggs, hot sausage roll, bacon sandwich, scampi and chips, walker, marmite, Toad in the hole, English Fry-up. Recipes to taste: English cheese biscuits w/Branston, Shepherds pie, pavlova.Gypsy: Ritz crackers with cheese and smoked oysters. Delicious!

This week the tooth pullers dive deep on Nick’s sleepless week as all manners of his sanity begin to unfurl. They also have a very sensible and comfortable discussion about racism and witches, and we meet a man from Bolton who has unlocked the power of legumes. Originally recorded on 16th October 2018.

Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Five Alarm Funk has just one thing on their mind, creating music that makes you get up and dance, and SWEAT a lot. With a wide variety of influences from Antibalas to Zappa, this organically shaped funk outfit brings more than just the traditional sounds of James Brown and Tower of Power to the party. We caught up with drummer, vocalist and original member Tayo Branston to get the low down on the band, and their various collaborations. There is no disputing that Five Alarm brings the funk, and they do it all over the continent. Their shows are a party, one, you don’t want to miss. For more on Five Alarm Funk visit fivealarmfunk.com Show Notes: **First Song:** 00:45 – We Play The Funk Feat. Bootsy Collins **Interview Begins:** 04:40 **Extro Song:** 21:09 – SWEAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Branston Pickle is an outstandingly British condiment that Tom loves. Tom goes into the history of the brown stuff and Crosse & Blackwell while Emily asks him to convert historical currency into today's money off the top of his head. What's the difference between pickle and a  chutney? Oh, we discuss that. And there is a thing called a 'Briem Egg' which sounds tasty. Tom plays with his copper pipe. How's that for a tease!

ABOUT:  How do you pull people away from their phones and connect with them through brand experience? That's the question for James & Sarah from Woof, an experiential marketing agency with vast experience in creating memorable, shareable experiences through PR stunts, field marketing, theatrical live experiences and roadshows. We discuss the best route for brand fame (and for those on smaller budgets) as well as how social media has transformed experiential. There's not doubt that marketing through experiences will continue to be relevant and an important part of the marketing mix for years to come. SARAH MACADAM Sarah set Woof up in 2003 because she believes passionately in the value of an experience. With 20 years in the industry, she has run numerous successful brand experience campaigns for clients including the new MINI, Channel 4, Topshop and Branston and has developed a deep understanding and knowledge of the process. Sarah's core skill is attention to detail and bringing the magic – ensuring that everything Woof works on is the best it can be, from pitch writing and creative solutions to dressing a set on the day.   JAMES FARMER James joined Woof in 2005, bringing extensive project management experience - he loves seeing ideas brought to life. His core skills are bringing the practical and problem solving element to Woof. He knows exactly what is needed to get the job done and has a clear understanding of how things work and where to look for solutions to the challenges that will undoubtedly crop up.       FOLLOW US:    James/Sarah at Woof https://wooflondon.com/ https://twitter.com/wooflondon  https://www.facebook.com/wooflondon/ https://www.instagram.com/wooflondon/   Mark / WE ARE Spectacular https://twitter.com/spectacularmark https://twitter.com/spectacularchat  https://www.facebook.com/SpectacularChat https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcculloch/    Do you want to be on the next Spectacular Marketing Podcast? Email gabby@wearespectacular.com  

Get down to our interview with Tayo Branston, drummer and vocalist of the always groovy Five Alarm Funk. We talk about how FAF came together by jamming at parties and worked their way up to sharing their brand of funk with audiences all over. We also talk about FAF's writing process, collaborating with funk legend Bootsy Collins, some of the icons of funk, plus a ton of other things. So get you back up off the wall and bust a move to episode #25!

As well as working out what might be the opposite of The Hulk this week, we also dive into the culinary delights of Branston pickle, and wonder what is the plural of Rolos. Are we right? Or are we the opposite of right? Come and join the fun, and please recommend the podcast to your friends and family. They will thank you for it nearly as much as we do.

It's the premiere episode of NastySnacks! Please note, episodes were recorded in a different order than released. Enjoy Branston Pickle!

This week we make our second visit to the village of Branston, and on the journey there we indulge in one of our favourite pass times: a pointless competition.  Paul wheezes his way up Canwick Hill on his bike while Jonny peers into people's gardens from the top deck as he races him on the bus.  Once there, it's all about Sex and the Suburbs as we discuss the love life of the couple on the "Elderly Crossing" road sign and speculate on the secret meaning of melons hung over garden fences, before calming ourselves down with talk of 1980s computer games.  Meanwhile back in the studio Tref is making demands and Jo "Turnip Husbandry" Hughes talks Monkeys.  All this, plus another round of A Question of Lincoln...

Stacey is an established tech entrepreneur, best known for co-founding MySocialCloud.com, an online password manager whose investors include Sir Richard Branson, Jerry Murdock, and Alex Welch. In 2013, she and her brother (and co-founder) sold their startup to Reputation.com, making Stacey one of the youngest (if not the youngest) female tech entrepreneur to ever make a successful exit of this nature. Now, she is working on building her next business, AdMoar.

EBay has partnered with UK store and catalogue chain Argos for a “click-and-collect” trial allowing selected purchases from eBay to be picked up from 150 different Argos stores. Antonia Branston, Senior Retailing Analyst at Euromonitor, states this trial recognizes that in today’s multichannel retailing environment, no player can be purely in-store or online. Branston also considers other retailers who should expand their operations to multichannel environments.

This week we schlep out to Branston to stare at big iron gates and high walls in the area around Branston Old Hall. The discovery of an orchard in the grid prompts the first and probably last editions of Jonny’s new quiz A Question Of Apples. Meanwhile, Paul ponders the preponderance of “No Dog Fouling” signs and we use all our considerable cunning to sneak into the off-limits part of the grid.We also hear memories of yesteryear from some of the village’s old timers, as well as more history from Jo Hughes and Tref’s take on the area. All this, plus another round of A Question of Lincoln.