Well, the news has been of such dismal character lately that stupid old JASON FUCKING WATER FALL has had his head stuck down a hidey-hole, for the disinclination to bother talking about it. America still needs to burn to the ground, etc.
US Supreme Court issues far-reaching attack on the right to strike
If they think this is going to keep us from striking, it won’t.
Then, let’s see how well shit runs when workers’ wages are getting garnished to support rich fuckfaces’ vacations. We will absolutely torpedo a company.
Biden’s debt deal: a bipartisan blueprint for debt and austerity
You know, lately I’ve been reading The Framers’ Coup by Michael J. Klarman. It explains how the Constitution, a “replacement” for the Articles of Confederation which were insufficiently friendly to capitalist interests, was forced down the throats of an unwilling republic by celebrity generals for the purpose of establishing police power to service the national debt, that same debt being held by the same people who wrote the Constitution.
It throws a stark light on how all talk about the national debt is utter Allegory of the Cave bullshit.
Fuck the national debt, fuck Nazi Trump, fuck Nazi DeSantis, fuck Nazi Biden, and fuck Nazi Sanders.
Where is the leftist who will fight the strike-breaking?
That’s who I’ll vote for. Nobody else.

Today's games repulse me with their copycat, timid and shallow character. Though it seems like there is a variety of concepts flashing around, in practice games revolve around the same half-dozen tropes. Their hallmark sign is that it is nothing that is not seen on TV. If the game's idea is not a reflection of the modern world from someone who, by all appearances, has never read a real book or has experience to share, then it's Pirates in Some Carribean, or the Victorian Age When Jack the Ripper Roamed in a Black Cab, or the Middle Ages with Standard Treachery, or Abstract Space Exploration. I was sick and tired of this a few years ago, now I have all but given up on this art form. Even when the concept is interesting, it is rarely taken far or with force. Neutered developers are afraid to give offense and as a result make bland, short-breathing stuff, but I think the sharp edges are never there to begin with anymore. I don't know anybody who sets out to defy the world, stand apart from its simulations and blandishments and spit a good gob in its ugly square face.
I have never had an opportunity to make a game of my own (it takes a team besides everything else), but I have made mods for a very old RPG for years - new mechanics, plots, magic, quests, effects, scripts, writing and so on. I have more or less put that old engine on its head, though I know hardly anyone will ever find out about my efforts. This is to say that I am not a pure theorist. Some time in the winter, bored and exasperated, I decided to do a quick marathon of game ideas - for RPG, quests, simulations, something in-between - and see how many I can whip out on the run. I would like something from here picked up by a company, but I am not advertising. I realize that is probably not something that might happen. It was a good exercise for me, however. Here are the results for all to see. I did ten first, then three more occurred to me.
1 ) Circa Caotica
You play the role of Jabsh, a clown of a traveling circus, who suddenly discovers that he is no orphan but the son (Raka, daughter for female players) of the director, Maestro Leotardi. Minutes later after making the sobbing confession the boss is swallowed by the Crocodile Man in a suspicious accident. You have to own up to the unexpected legacy and step into the tight and tall boots of the director. Your responsibility is to keep the circus going by fine-tuning and inventing acts based on ideas solicited over regular all-troupe brainstorming sessions despite little starting respect from the others, who have decided to unionize as well (the mentalist takes notes). You must keep drawing in crowds to avert the bankruptcy, earn respect and manipulation points and find the truth behind Leotardi's death and the disappearance of the Big Green cashbox with everyone's last year salary and the medallion that supposedly bears the face of your mother the same evening. All the while you still have to perform in regular clown acts with your partner. You can play as a red clown or a white clown, and the other type will be your foil.
2) Nachtwaffe
"Ah, count. Decided to join me for a walk?" Vampires steal planes from the Nazi airforce to zoom through the dark skies over the Balkans and turn humans to make more of their own. You start out as a single nosferatu, converted from an arrogant German, and must find and raid small airports and landing strips across the forests and mountains of Roumania, impersonate a living officer to get supplies and fuel, avoid communist guerillas, find and build places to hide during the day and choose which humans to turn to expand your force. Naturally, it is all quite a dead end, as the war is bound to finish sooner or later, which radio broadcasts confirm, and what then will happen to the vampiric empire? But this is something that the gameplay begins to convey to the player gradually. Hopefully the fate of someone who has no future but still does his all will touch some dormant strings in players' hearts.
3) Yuck!
The sleepy Tibetan village of Dongtso is unaware of what lurks in the bushes and the mountains: you, the desperately lonely yak-man. Born with a big head and two horns, you have only one connection to civilization: the gold ring in your nose. Squinting cross-eyed, you can just make out some kind of symbols on it, and a banner over the village shrine features ones like them. This must be the key. You have to lurk about the supersititious hamlet, helping the folk at night and out of sight with small chores and evesdropping on their reactions and conversations until you can pick up a few words, including, at some point, "Hello." Since this is a game about Tibet and shaping up something rebellious, let the tongue be one of Tibet's many and accompanied by Tibetan script. You can train to pronounce the words when you dare show yourself to children, old people and widows, to improve from mooing to legible speech, but until then you have to dodge men's hunting parties and survive. With enough good deeds and a few friends, you might win the folk's confidence and stand before the village council so that someone might teach you to read. The quest becomes complicated, however, by the appearance of the army of People's Republic of China that establishes a base in the village in its push to subdue Tibet. The year is 1952. One of the newcomers is a local - a renegade llama who, the villagers say, has been on many supernatural journeys in the mountains, even to Shangri-La, but is now wearing the uniform of Tibet's conquerors. The writing on the ring, deciphered, identifies him as your father. What will happen next?
4) Footlocker
This is a soccer-themed RPG, but you view the sport from the point of view of a bookie besieged on all sides by mafia. To pay back his debt he resolves on a colossal set-up: first get control of an underdog team, then bring them at least to the regional semi-finals and, with the bets in their favor, make them lose in a big way. The thugs are ready to provide cash handouts, leg-breaking, knuckle sandwiches, addictive opioids and more to get the right people on the team and stubborn elements out, but at the cost of increased control and cut of the profits. You must balance their appetities with placating sports authorities, the press, sponsors and police. In the final match a dilemma presents itself: go through with the plan and ruin the team or defy the gangsters and take your chances on the right side of the tracks?
5) And See It Again For the First Time
Starting out from your homeland on three caravels, you unfurl the sails and set out to circumnavigate the world. The globe is randomly generated every time and rolls away at the horizon, with the map, continents and straits unknown beforehand, in the manner of River Raid. Your characters are the three ships and their crews, condition and supplies are their stats. Dropping anchor at strange shores and dealing with natives will be necessary but dangerous as they fight with each other, shuffle and migrate like microbes. Loss of crew can't be repaired. At least one of the ships must find the passages and make it to the fabulous Gate of Makhamedi, enter it from the far side and begin the journey home.
6) The Person and the Essence
In the beginning chapter you play Sauqin, second-in-command to general Varziranga, head of the army of the Arcolan Empire sent to quash the rebellion of Panlaa, who has tried to bring his province to secede. The imperial army has crushed Panlaa'a troops a fortnight ago and has got him shut in the Ravine of the Gold Specks. Complete victory is near, but the commander has been acting strangely since the battle. On this decisive night his behavior spins out of control just as Panlaa makes a sudden sally from his trap, causing great confusion. As his lieutenant, it falls to you to maintain order in dealing with the various officers as well as the clerics of the One, who insist that Panlaa, a lapsed pagan, be given to them for execution once he is captured. The ending of the chapter will determine whether Panlaa ends in the emperor's prison in the capital, Hotharsoom, alive or dead at the clerics' hands, whether Varziranga will be simply demoted or disgraced.
Chapter two will take place in the capital city. You will have been promoted to a top military command for your performance, only to become embroiled in an intrigue involving the emperor's controlling mother, a consequential schism in the church of the One over whether the head of state is eternally the same person reincarnated or a series of persons, demagogues in the public and lurking pagans with unclear motives. Other chapters will follow, and the endings will determine who sits on the throne and who stands behind it, whether state policy is in principle subject to revision and criticism or not and whether the pagan faiths are crushed without mercy or adopted into the church of the One. The material here is Byzantium, Egypt with the notion of the pharaoh as incarnate Horus and the empires of southeast Asia. Some early Christian heresies also deserve to be revivified.
7) Of Rats and Men
You are a rat trapped in the gears of the Trumpet of Doom, the hugest, heaviest and most advanced steam ship ever to paddle the Grumuous Sea. This basin is famously salty enough to let even an iron float for a time, which, the public money finally gathered, made it the perfect road to carry the 25-inch-gunned ("24 + 1 for Paterland!") Trumpet to the shores of Festaly and at last give those Festalians what for! The citizenry is cheering with patriotic joy, the brass bands are blowing. The ship rats are less happy, especially you, who were captain Reissenpouf's pet before you managed to scramble through a porthole and below the desk as he was buttering a toast. You are nearly panicky with fright. Unlike the locals there, you have spent time locked with the diagrams in the captain's safe and know that the battleship is very weakly armored below the waterline. Someone must have made a good bit of business during the construction selling the metal. When the Trumpet comes up against the Festalians with their triton suicides or their rumored counterpart ship, the Rough Musician, not even the Grumuous Sea will keep it from ending up as a gigantic, barnacled wreck on the ocean floor.
To avoid this fate you only have so much time to organize the other rats for systematic sabotage. The game's world is the enormous ship below and above the deck. The humans of the crew are, of course, adamant in their resolve to get themselves killed, so they will repair the servos, the cables turning the massive gears, the ball bearings, the hydraulics and the rest almost as quickly as those are destroyed. This effort will be headed by the near-transparent, monochrome spindle of a man, Admiral Hel, the leader of the expedition, always of his private high deck, sipping his black milk and staring through his spectacles ahead to where TOD's fate awaits it. If all of you ratfolk together gnaw through and spoil enough of the ship's devices, however, the captain might just have the authority to radio Kaiser Walzer of the decision to turn back... though you personally may also have to sneak back into his cabin to sit on his pillow and intone suggestions as he sleeps. The fact that you are an albino rat and at first come across as a crazy visionary doesn't help, and neither does being a female rat and having to give birth to a litter every so often. The current mate can be deputied on tasks while lactating. Other ships may sometimes be encountered in the sea, with different results, and you may improve your reputation in the murine community by predicting these encounters, if you check the looking glass often enough. The length of the game, and hence the difficulty, depends on the distance to Festalian waters - from two weeks' journey to three months.
8) Cosmic Choir
You play as one of the planets of the solar system. The other actors and your partners are the thieving and scurrilous Mercury, the lusty and sly Venus, the militant braggart Mars and so on. And you are the meh-in-the-middle Earth, and in this group of strong personalities stand out with your unique ability of Rational Decision (it would be nice to get Woody Allen for the voice acting, were he younger). Other planets have other powers, and all of them certain characteristics and appetites (for tasty meteorites, for more intimate or more standoffish orbits and so on). The plot revolves around the announcement of the Sun that it has had enough of burning hydrogen and wants to retire, going immediately into the red giant phase, which would, of course, burn up all of the inner planets and kick the outer planets way out. For this the star has recruited a planet-sized asteroid, large enough to pull most of the star fuel away so that the moribund transformation may be set in motion. The euthanatic dark planet is whirring ever closer. Before it gets on a near enough orbit to disrupt the Sun the other planets must find out what caused this sudden depression and persuade their ruler and source of life otherwise. (The answer is that the Sun has always dreamt of going nova but lacks substance.) Playing as the only inhabited planet, you must also keep the life forms on you alive through all of the maneuvering. If you can get Mars to cooperate, however, you may shorten the distance enough for humanity and some of the ecosystems to make the leap and found Musk City there, and then you won't have to care about your surface anymore.
9) Paris, 1245 A.D.
A meticulously researched simulation of the criminal underworld of medieval Paris and the worlds that abutted on it: those of the church, guilds, city watch, the university, lepers, the court and so on. No shortcuts and simplifications for babies who can't tell a Benedictine from a Cistercian. A dynamically filled encyclopedia may be included, though, and remain permanently unlocked for later replays. The main character is a vagrant and a thief. This may be a persistent sandbox, possibly a multiplayer RPG, or it may have a plot, but strictly within historical realities.
10) The Last Supper
You play the role of Jesus, son of God, in the company of the twelve disciples. The game should probably be in first person. (The Sermon of the Mount and such may be shown in cutscenes, or they may be challenges in quiz form.) The time period is your wanderings in Judea after the baptism and until the last night before the arrest. The background is the Judaic society at the time and its Roman controllers, somewhat historically accurate. This is a detective story, a wholldoit where you need to figure out who is best suited to betray you in due time so that you may prep him for the job and finally give him the impetus to "do it quicker" at the Last Supper. For Christ certainly needed someone to betray him. It's not always Judas: the identity of the potential traitor, along with his motives, will vary randomly between playthroughs. Incidents and encounters along the road, both recorded in the Bible and invented, will liven up the experience and better inform you about the personalities of the disciples, building on but going beyond what is known (Peter with his short temper, the lofty John an so on).
11) Cuadrophobia
Ships and the sea again. This time you are a typical sailor with an atypically strong survival instinct on one of the vessels in a colossal game of Battleship between Our Guy and the Other Player. Accordingly, there are two grids firing at each other: your side's and the enemy's, though you only get to travel across your own. The ship you begin on is chosen at random: it may be anything in size from a single-squarer to a five-squarer. Smaller ships are less likely to be hit, of course, but when a ship is finished, it sinks, and you with it. The purpose of the game is to survive until Our Guy's victory, which programmatically is likely but not guaranteed and happens about 70% of the time. To do this you must desert on a regular basis, setting out in a dinghy to a ship more favored in the current situation. However, the dinghy only travels three squares per turn, and you can only spend two turns in the open sea before dying. You also need time on board ships to access their radio broadcasts, which, besides playing some inspirational propaganda, update the picture of the grid as the battle rages. Without it you are limited to paddling to vessels that you can directly see. The role-playing element comes from dealing with ship commanders, who all take their duties and titles - captain of Cruiser! captain of Battleship! - very seriously, from picking up supplies in floating debris and from acquiring special abilities that let you, for example, paddle an extra square farther. Is war evil? Is it to be hated, or is our side to be cheered on? After all, if Our Guy loses, this will all have been in vain.
12) Standardom
In this game of life, dedicated to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), you must pass through all of the Gates of Conformity to win your ultimate prize - death from old age, as opposed to suicide. The option to kill yourself is always available in the menu. Being the hero and chickenshit that you are, though, you are determined to submit to every humiliation just so you can press forward. The world of the game is a vertical platform that moves with you along the Y axis, which represents time from some random year forwards: you may begin at 100 B.C., 1824 A.D., 12749 j-Spec and so on. It is really all the same where on the timeline you are dropped off. As with other platformers, once the screen has moved, there is no going back. You can walk freely to the left and right, however, pick up bonuses, disarm threats and converse with characters. Going up, every so often the screen is intersected by a wall with a gate in it. Your character's silhouette must either match the cut of the gate or be smaller to pass through. You start out small as a baby, a little circle, but very soon handicaps such as Discovery of Talent, Unusual Upbringing, Independent Spirit or Love of Sex will begin to rush at you to complicate your silhouette with Г, & and other such protrusions. You will also grow in size until your late 20s. Luckily, opportunities will also present themselves to prune some of this exotica: Family, Steady Job, Political Engagement, Puppy, Human Interest and other bonuses can be found or obtained from conversations to simplify your puzzle to a manageable cut until such time as the years pile on and the worst is behind you. You will become smaller and smaller and able to rush through the checkpoints one after the other to the finish line.
13) Six Handshakes to Liberty
The country is suffering under a cruel dictatorship. Ar-Parason, the president-for-life, has wrung the last of resources from the nation and has now thrown it into a disastrous war. In his palace he is surrounded by guards armed to the teeth and without a shred of conscience to shoot the bastard. What can you, a humble microbiologist living in the suburbs, do about this? Nothing, it seems, until you discover a strain of bacteria that is absolutely deadly within weeks and immune to all known antibiotics except one, still not fully developed. The microbe is passed along by touch. Alas, you discover it when you become infected with it. You still have the resources to finish the research on the antibiotic and save yourself, but now you realize that you possess the perfect secret weapon to rid the country of the tyrant. Although you can't get so close to Ar-Parason in person, someone must enjoy that intimacy...
Every day you do your research at the computer, look through the press, then put on gloves and go out in search of people in contact with other people who will, you hope, ultimately carry the strain to its target. You have to follow news to figure out whose hands to shake and who to sleep with - secretaries, daughters of generals, corrupt officials - and many times the scheme will fall short of success. The chain of handshakes will terminate early somewhere, and these intermediaries will just die. But all those sacrifices are worth it, aren't they? You keep several intrigues going at once, determined to see one of them to the end. Meanwhile an epidemic is beginning in the country, Ar-Parason is starting to take precautions, and your own remaining time that could be spent on finishing the antibiotic is also running short. What is more important: life, revenge, justice, survival, honor? Your actions will be your decisions.

PLEASE TAG ANY PLOT SPOILERS FOR INDY 5!!!
Thank you to hectorlizard for creating the header for these posts.
Start your own discussion about story, casting, or any other aspects of these upcoming/rumored Star Wars projects:

• Ahsoka — Skeleton Crew — The Bad Batch S3 — The Acolyte — Andor S2 — Tales of the Jedi S2
• Obaid-Chinoy movie — James Mangold movie — Dave Filoni movie
• Star Wars: Hunters — Untitled Star Wars FPS — Ubisoft Open World — KOTOR Remake — Star Wars: Eclipse — Untitled Amy Hennig project
• High Republic Phase II (350 years before The Phantom Menace): Path of Deceit — High Republic (2022) — Convergence — Quest for the Hidden City — The Blade — High Republic Adventures (2022) — The Nameless Terror — The Battle of Jedha — Cataclysm — Quest for Planet X — Path of Vengeance
• Upcoming post-Phase I High Republic YA short story collection
• High Republic Phase III (1 year after Phase I) — The Eye of Darkness — Escape from Valo — Defy the Storm — High Republic (2023) — High Republic Adventures (2023) — Temptation of the Force —Beware the Nameless — Tears of the Nameless — Into the Light — A Valiant Vow — Trials of the Jedi
• Upcoming Inquisitorius novel Rise of the Red Blade
• Upcoming YA Solo tie-in Crimson Climb
• Upcoming short story collection ROTJ FACPOV

Status Uncertain

• Lando — Rangers of the New Republic — A Droid Story — Rogue Squadron — Ghost Track 17 — Taika Waititi Movie — Shawn Levy Movie

Or answer any of these discussion prompts, or come up with your own:
What character or group of characters would you like to see further explored in a show, book, or comic?
What stories are you hoping to see in THR Phase III?
Thoughts about what could happen in theoretical S2s of Kenobi, Boba Fett, or Ahsoka?
Ideas about show schedules for this year and next year?
Your thoughts about the three movie announcements? Where do you want them to take Rey’s journey in the next film?
Your reaction and speculation based on the recent official and leaked trailers for Ahsoka, Acolyte, Andor, Bad Batch, and Visions?
Your overall thoughts on Celebration? Are you excited for Tokyo 2025?
Setting Jedi Survivor aside for now, what other stories would you like to see in the future of Star Wars gaming?
The promo for *Ahsoka* has begun! What do you think will be the official release date? What are you hoping to see in the show?
What do you want to see in the rumored Visions S3?
LFL DISCUSSION
Your thoughts on the recent news about Willow? What do you think Disney’s game plan will be going forward with streaming?
Feel free to discuss the critical reaction to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but please tag any leaked plot spoilers.
What IP would you like see added to LFL’s portfolio? Any book adaptation you think would be up their alley etc?

Hey all, this is Part 3 of my Mid-Season Prospect Rankings. Part 1 is here.. Part 2 is here.
All stats are as of June 2 unless noted otherwise. Sidenote, it's weird that even stats from the past few days are changing my internal rankings, for instance Grant Anderson excelling again is really forcing my hand to squeeze him in the 50, Cam Cauley is just heating up offensively this week, forcing Top 30 consideration, and Larson Kindreich is continuing to struggle, all while still in Hickory about to turn 25 (not a good combo). Might have to a quick reordering when I'm done here.
Rankings 25-11

• 25 – Dane Acker (prev. 23) - Dane was the third piece from Oakland in the Andrus/Khris Davis trade (which also netted future All-Star catcher Jonah Heim). Acker pitched great for two starts in Down East in 2021 before immediately going down for Tommy John. He came back last year just for innings. He just rejoined Hickory a few weeks ago (coincidentally at the same time Rocker went down for his Tommy John) and has posted a 3.60 ERA in two starts, 7 Ks, 3 walks, 4 hits in 5 innings. I wouldn’t see a huge increase in his innings this year, but staying healthy in either Hickory or Frisco is really gonna be the key to him staying in the Top 30.
  
• 24 – Antonie Kelly (prev. 24) - Kelly was the main piece from last year’s Matt Bush trade. After struggling a bit starting in Frisco (and subsequently left off the 40-man even though he was Rule 5 eligible), he has converted to a reliever this year and improved. 26 Ks in 19 innings and a 2.84 ERA. Like most of our relievers, walks are the biggest issue (16 in 19 innings so far). He’s got a pretty good sweeper that compliments an average fastball for a reliever. That needs to be his bread and butter if he ever makes it to the majors. Seems like a candidate for the pen in 2024.
  
• 23 - Jonathan Ornelas (prev. 22) - Ornelas was a 3rd rounder for 2018. He’s always had a good feel of defense, being able to play multiple infield positions well. The question has always been offense. While he was decent in Frisco last year, Ornelas has not put up numbers in Round Rock, with a .678 OPS currently, although he’s getting on base mainly from his 14.9% walk rate. A guy who has a good read of the strike zone but doesn’t hit it hard, but also plays adequate defense can fit pretty well as a utility bench player. Since Johnny’s already on the 40-man, expect him to be the frontrunner for that spot next year unless he’s traded.
  
• 22 – Emiliano Teodo (prev. 20) - Teodo had one of the better years last year in Down East (115 Ks in 84.1 innings), and earned a spot in Hickory’s rotation, then immediately got hurt and was shelved up until two weeks ago. So far this year he’s been piggybacking with Acker, but as the two build back up to starter’s pitch counts they’ll be throwing on separate days. Teodo has a good fastball but (like most pitches) has command issues, and probably profiles as a reliever once he gets to the upper minors. Teodo was signed in 2019 for only $10,000 in the international FA class that once touted professional car driver and domestic abuser Bayron Lora.
  
• 21 – Gleider Figuereo (prev. 18) - Figuerero was part of the 2021 international FA class, and turns 19 at the end of the month. He’s already logged 180 plate appearances in Down East. That’s pretty good. Albeit, he currently has a .625 OPS, a 12.3% walk rate and 30.5% strikeout rate. I won’t knock him too hard since the entire team can’t hit and he’s still 18 for a few more weeks. The third baseman will need to hit to stay in this part of the list, but he’s got so much time to improve.
  
• 20 – Cole Winn (prev. 11) - This one hurt to put this low. Last year in one of his first starts in Round Rock, Winn took a liner off his leg and exited the game. He hasn’t been the same pitcher since, but at some point, you have to stop blaming the leg. Putting aside his ERA, Winn’s other numbers are terrible: 2.24 WHIP, 8.3 BB/9, 11.8 H/9, 8 homers in 38 innings this year. He’s got a decent strikeout rate, but that’s it. His last “good start” was April 23. Since being drafted in the first round in 2018, Winn has always had a command flag, but has still lived up to the hype. But if a prospect excels at all levels except AAA, not sure how much of it is on org development, and how much is on the player. It’s just sad, and very possible he may never make the majors. Send him to complex league or make him a reliever now, I don't even know if that will help or nor. He could fall out of the Top 30 by my next update, and he might even fall off the list by next year.
  
• 19 – Josh Stephan (prev. 32) - Well I’d rather talk about a fast riser instead of a fast faller. Stephan comes in with the largest jump in my rankings from previous. The undrafted FA (from 2020) had a decent 2022 logging 103.1 innings between Down East and Hickory. This year he’s made 8 “starts” (1 was bulk work), 41.1 innings and a 2.18 ERA, 43 Ks to 8 walks, and only 4 homers given up. His fastball is about average, but has a good slider with vertical movement. His grasp on command keeps Stephan’s floor pretty high. With a logjam forming in Down East, someone’s gonna need to move up to Hickory, and subsequently someone needs to go to Frisco. Stephan’s only 21 but he’s done so well this year, I think he can be challenged in Frisco at this point.
  
• 18 – Zak Kent (prev. 19) - a softer-tossing righty drafted in the 9th round of 2019, Kent’s been my pet prospect ever since his breakout in 2021. Last year logged 109.2 innings between Frisco and Round Rock to a tune of 110 strikeouts and combined 3.94 ERA (although he finished in Round Rock with a 1.67 ERA). He’s made one start this year so far but got hurt, letting Cody Bradford pass him on the spot start depth chart. Kent has a plus slider and cutter, and passable changeup and fastball, so a little tweaking here and there and he can be a pretty decent back end guy for a rotation. Since he’s already on the 40-man, he’d be a good candidate for the 2024 squad in either a rotation spot or relief role.
  
• 17 – Marc Church (prev. 21) - Church is the highest ranked reliever on my list. The 18th rounder from 2019 just arrived in Round Rock after posting 31 strikeouts in 18 innings in Frisco this year. Round Rock has come as a difficult challenge to the guy (4 earned runs in 3 appearances, although he has stuck out 9). He needs a bit of more seasoning but has great upside as a backend guy in the pen. I wouldn’t really expect him to fill that until next year, though.
  
• 16 – Maximo Acosta (prev. 26) - basically the only guy hitting well in Hickory this year (other than the two guys who just got moved up), Acosta is finally starting to hit his stride after missing a year in 2020 (for reasons), then injury in 2021. A .777 OPS is built mainly on good contact, but not necessarily power. He’s also a decent baserunner, having swiped 56 bags over the last two years. The top player other than Lora signed in the international FA class in 2019, Acosta is an intriguing infield prospect playing second fiddle to Acuna in terms of being blocked by position (who in turn is also blocked by Seager). Bulking up on power (which is usually the last thing to come for some hitters) will help his case for being a desired prospect. Until then, he’s likely a trade candidate for lower-value relief pitching.
  
• 15 – Cody Bradford (prev. 25) - Cody’s rise here is mainly based on his time killing it in Round Rock so far this year. A 0.99 ERA in 45.1 innings with only 3 homers and 14 walks given up is really good. With Kent hurt and Winn floundering, it’s no wonder the 6th rounder from 2019 was chosen to pitch two spot starts for the Rangers. Predictably the soft-tossing lefty was battered by really good major league teams that hit lefties well. His second start definitely showed improvement over the first, but he still has a ways to go before I’m comfortable with him in a major league rotation. Either way, another extended stint the major league rotation will graduate him off this list. So pre-emptive congrats to Cody, I guess.
  
• 14 – Mitch Bratt (prev. 15) - The pride and joy of Canada’s WBC team, Bratt was asked to face the best American major league hitters on a grand stage at age 19. It went as bad as you could imagine.. Nevertheless, Bratt bounced back to Hickory and has looked good so far. 33.1 innings, 39 Ks, 7 walks, 4 homers, 2.97 ERA. Very solid work. The 5th rounder from 2021 is one of the youngest players in High A right now, and with his average stuff, but impeccable command, his floor will keep him in conversation for a future mid to back end rotation piece for a while.
  
• 13 – Yeison Morrobel (prev. 17) - The top guy of the 2021 international FA has taken stateside ball pretty decently. His great defense in all positions in the outfield, good feel of the strike zone and sudden baserunning skill is fueling his 15.3% walk rate, 12 steals and .382 OBP. The power is absent though, with 2 extra base hits and .036 ISO very much deflating his OPS down to .682. But it's been an .813 OPS since May 1, so whatever. Morrobel is 19, I’m not concerned about it yet.
  
• 12 – Anthony Gutierrez (prev. 14) - the top guy of the 2022 international FA class has struggled offensively (.602 OPS, 4 extra BH, 6.7% walk rate) like most of his companions in Down East. Since Gutierrez is the youngest out of all of them (he will be 18 until late fall), it’s not as much of a concern. Scouting has Gutierrez ranked this high, with some calling him four-tool and with the highest ceiling of the group of international FA guys in Down East. I assume power or contact might be his missing tool, which at a certain point will become the most important.
  
• 11 – Thomas Saggese (prev. 13) - Saggese has always had solid numbers, but seemed to be undervalued when talking about our Frisco prospects. Scouting has all of his tool grades maxed out at 50, an average player, but I feel like he’s outperformed those. Drafted in the 5th round of 2020, Saggese has fared very well at every level. This year he’s talleyed a .791 OPS, and since the first of May he’s been at a .883 OPS. And last night he hit a game-tying grand slam for Frisco, so that's pretty cool. He’s split time between second and third but can’t play either really well. He reminds me a bit of Foscue, although I think Saggese can play them passably. Nevertheless I could see him as a second piece in a potential deadline deal. Or I could see him as an underrated corner guy.
  

That’s it for Part 3! I’ll get Part 4 complete tomorrow, where you’ll see a lot of the familiar prospects. Thanks for reading!

Afghanistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is saddened by the train collision in eastern Odisha State of the Republic of India that has left hundreds dead and injured. MoFA sympathizes with the bereaved families of the victims and the injured.

Australia

We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in India's eastern Odisha state.
Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them.

Bhutan

Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing.

Canada

The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.

China

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent separate messages of condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a deadly train derailment and collision accident in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.

Tibet / Dalai Lama

I very much appreciate that the state government and other agencies, including those of the Central government, are doing their utmost to provide medical treatment and support to the injured and other people affected by this tragic accident.

European Commission

Terrible news from India.
I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Odisha train accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
The people of India are in our thoughts in this time of sorrow.

France

My deepest condolences to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of lndia after the tragic train accident in Odisha. France stands in solidarity with you. My thoughts are with the families of the victims

Italy

Min. @Antonio_Tajani 🗣 The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued.

Japan

I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured: Message of condolences from Japanese PM Fumio Kishida to PM Narendra Modi

Maldives

Deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, #India, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured.
@DrSJaishankar

Nepal

I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief.

Pakistan

Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.

Russia

Russia'n President Vladimir #Putin sent his condolences to @rashtrapatibhvn & @PMOIndia @narendramodi over the deadly train collision in the Indian state of Odisha.

Sri Lanka

Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief @DrSJaishankar @IndiainSL

Taiwan

The thoughts and prayers of the government & people of Taiwan go out to those affected by the tragic train collisions in Odisha. We grieve with India at this time of loss & sadness.

Ukraine

On behalf of myself and the people of Ukraine, I express my deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and all relatives and friends of those killed in the train accident in the state of Odisha. We share the pain of your loss. We wish a speedy recovery for all those injured.

UNGA

I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India. @narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @IndiaUNNewYork

United Kingdom

Tragic news of the train crash in India.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
My thoughts are with the survivors and emergency services

Vatican

"Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty, (Pope Francis) sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss," senior Vatican cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a telegram published by the Holy See.
"His Holiness likewise offers prayers for the many injured and for the efforts of the emergency service personnel," said the telegram, which was addressed to the apostolic nuncio in India, Leopoldo Girelli.

5 years had past since the formation of the New Republic and the SkywalkeKenobi Academy, a new Squadron had been formed with the veteran General Hera Syndulla leading the very vessel they had become a part of. This group was known as the New Republic Rangers. This force had composed of ground troops, pilots, and others with exceptional skills. Leading this group in Syndylla's absence were Carson Teva, and Cara Dune. Hera trusted this team not only because of their reputations, but also due to her personal accounts of their advisor, Zeb Orrelios.
When the Jedi had arrived, the new Republic soldiers stood at attention in respect for the Grandmaster who saved the galaxy from the Imperial regime. Luke reunited with his old friend Wedge Antilles, X2 reunited with Grey Squadron and his wife Shara, Ezra reunited with Zeb and met the new team as well as Hera, who embraced him along with the still-so-devious astromech droid Chopper. The 3 Ghost crew members almost teared up when they found out Ezra and Sabine married.
Hera: [Through tears of joy] Ezra, Sabine, I'm... I'm... so proud of you both. I had a feeling this would happen.
Zeb: I'm proud of you too, kid. You two have grown up so much. Bet you didn't miss this bucket of bolts.
Chopper gave his version of a nudge to the Lasat and the old friends and Bridger couple said their goodbyes as they moved to their military posts.
Back at the Temple, Rex and Ahsoka had been teaching their son, Anakin Tano many aspects of their expertise, but this particular lesson was from his father who had realized that his age caught up with him.
Rex: Son, Your mother and I served with your namesake for years, and You have been made aware of my aging. This won't happen to you, but I have things I wish to leave behind. The shrine has been entrusted to Luke's apprentice, but my armor, when you get old enough, as well as my blasters will be yours. Add my helmet to the shrine, give it to Grey. Learn the ways of the Force, like your mother, and her master before you. My mission is over. Continue with yours, and protect all that you love.
With those words, the mother and son embraced in grief. With a heavy heart, Anakin tried to bring himself to give his father's helmet to the Grandmaster's padawan.
Grey: Hello, little guy. What's your name?
Anakin: My name is Anakin Tano. My father told me to give you this.
X2 had then realized who his father and mother were. He then took the helmet and remembered what to do with it. He then asked the child if he wanted to accompany him.
Grey: Do you want to see what your father had referred to?
Anakin: Sure. What is it he wanted to put his helmet for?
Grey: Your father told you of the adventures he had with your mother?
Anakin: Yes.
Grey: After the Clone Wars ended, Your father started collecting helmets of fallen brothers, essentially your millions of uncles, who he was close with. He wanted his helmet on this shrine so he could continue being with them, in spirit.
Anakin: So my father has now joined my uncles in the Force?
Grey: Yes. Like your mother and many Jedi like her believe. When we see the shrine, you can ask anyone who knew your uncles about them, any time you like.
Anakin: Thank you. For everything.
Back at the Temple, Cal Kestis had been teaching the younglings Luke's 3 forms of combat. Form 8 included the use of a primary lightsaber and shoto secondary as needed much like Niman. Luke had been training in this style after making his red shoto from Ahsoka. Form 9 included the use of saber staves, crossguard sabers, and heavy strikes. Ben Solo had been training in this form as his base for when he would create a suitable saber in the future. Form 10 included using the lightsaber as a offensive shield in tandem with a blaster. Kata Akuna, Jacen Syndulla, and Ezra Bridger were the beat students with this form, since Kata saw her father use this form, and Ezra's first blade merged the two types of weapons. As the younglings and older students continued practicing, Kestis had begun having a vision.
Figure: Your family is unprotected. Only your hatred can keep them safe. The Dark Side that you have tasted before has been your savior time and time again. There is much to learn. All you need to do is embrace it! Remember those you've lost, your masters, your best friend, the Jedi Order. Give yourself to it!!
As Cal jolted out of the vision, Merrin came rushing over to comfort the Jedi Battlemaster.
When Luke and the other Jedi returned, he began to organize a meeting of the most powerful and wisest Jedi. Ahsoka, Starkiller, Luke, Cal, and Quinlan Vos had met in a round holotable that was reminiscent of the rebel base. X2, Merrin, and Jacen Syndulla kept watch over the rest of the youngling's training.
Luke: Thank you all for attending this inaugural meeting of the Jedi Council.
Quinlan: I never sat on the council of old before, feels a little weird sitting on one now.
Ahsoka: This is a first for me as well. I remember my master and Master Kenobi being on the council, but I never got the chance.
Luke: We are the wisest that remain of the Jedi, hence why I had chosen you all to serve on the council. Those from the order of old for advisory roles, some who are powerful in many aspects, and those who are willing to provide insight to how the Jedi can be reformed?
Cal: Reformed how exactly?
Luke: Master Kestis, what was the rule on attachment in the order of old?
Cal: That it was forbidden. When I was on Jeddha, I realized that I couldn't let it hold me back. I allowed myself to love unconditionally and now I have not only the child I adopted, but my own with my wife.
Ahsoka: I also had a husband after the battle of Endor, my son and I recently lost him to his accelerated aging.
Quinlan: You had a kid with a clone?
Ahsoka: Remember Captain Rex?
Quinlan: Skywalker's clone leader? Yes. Oh, oh, ooooohhhh.
Starkiller: I also married a pilot. She has been by my side, and we have two children.
Cal: How many of us are there supposed to be, if you don't mind me asking?
Luke: We would start with 6.
Starkiller: There's 5 of us here.
Luke: I understand. We were hoping to put allowing Ezra Bridger to the council.
Ahsoka: I believe that he would make an excellent addition to the council. He has a great tie to our Mandalorian Allies, being married to one.
Starkiller: His combat prowess has not changed since he was lost for years.
Quinlan: Alright. We survived the Empire due to our bending of the rules of the old Jedi Code. This can be more my speed.
Luke: Let's bring the decision to a vote. Those in favor of appointing Ezra Bridger to this council?
Ahsoka: Aye.
Starkiller: Aye.
Luke: Aye. Opposed?
Cal: Nay.
Quinlan: Nay.
Luke: Very well. Majority has decided to welcome Ezra Bridger to the council. Motion passed.
Quinlan: Alright. Guess we can throw away the old code.
Luke: All part of reformation, Master Vos.
Cal: I understand that my family and I have been away from the galaxy for quite some time. We can learn from him as well he learns from us.
Luke: Excellent, everyone. Council adjourned.
As Ezra arrived to the council chambers in his beskar armor, he had seen 3 familiar faces which only comforted him slightly.
Ezra: Council, you have requested my presence here.
Luke: Yes, Bridger. You know Ahsoka Tano, Galen Marek, but allow me to introduce Master Quinlan Vos, and Battlemaster Cal Kestis.
Ezra: A pleasure to meet you both.
Quinlan: Likewise.
Ahsoka: You have been brought before us due to your wisdom and ties to Mandalore, as well as your ability to maintain your dedication to the light.
Starkiller: Your confidence under pressure is commendable and your composure is inspiring for the other students.
Ezra: I understand.
Luke: We invite you to join this council and we grant you the rank of Master.
Ezra was shocked to hear this news from Luke, especially when he knew he had yet to train someone to use the Force.
Ezra: Thank you for this invitation, but I have yet to be a teacher.
Ahsoka: Kanan taught you really well. You have a great ability to bond with others.
Ezra: I see. I accept the seat on the Jedi Council.
As Ezra took his seat, the remaining Jedi had begun thinking of who to train out of the students they have.
Luke: Out of our oldest students here, it seems that even though most of them are our own children, they may need to learn to have different teachers other than parents.
Cal: What about allowing attachment in the Order?
Luke: Attachment can be good, if the attachments are healthy. Some separation can be good for some of the students.
Quinlan: Like how the Jedi of old used to do?
Luke: No, Master Vos. Most of the attachments already formed have been between some Jedi and their children.
Ahsoka: We can discuss this in another meeting.
Starkiller: She's right. Let's move on.
Luke: Thank you, Master Marek. Since I already have a padawan, we have 5 students that need a teacher.
Cal: 4. Kata Akuna is well trained enough by my wife in basic combat tactics, but since her father was a Jedi, I feel it's my duty to train her in the Force and lightsaber techniques. We have been Way from the galaxy for quite some time, and I don't want to overwhelm her with so much at once.
Luke: I see. We can remove her from the list. First, we must discuss who is to train Satine Kenobi Kryze.
Ezra: I will train her.
Luke: What case do you make for the daughter of my Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Ezra: She is also the daughter of Bo-Katan Kryze, leader of Mandalore. With my ties to Mandalore and wisdom previously mentioned by Master Tano, she can learn to marry the ways of the Jedi and the ways of Mandalore in a healthy and coherent way.
Luke: Master Tano, any opposing statements?
Ahsoka: No, Grandmaster. Ezra's connections to Mandalore run deeper than mine.
Luke: It's settled then. Satine Kryze will be trained by Master Ezra Bridger. Next, we have Jacen Syndulla-Dume.
Ahsoka: I will train him.
Luke: What case do you make for young Syndulla-Dume?
Ahsoka: He is the grandson of a famous freedom fighter named Cham Syndulla. Like his grandfather and mother before him, he will be one of the greatest heroes in the galaxy.
Luke: Any opposing statements?
The room had looked around for any opposition to the scenario at hand, with nothing but silence.
Luke: Very well. Master Ahsoka Tano will take Jacen Syndulla-Dume as her apprentice. Master Marek, Master Vos, would you like to teach a student?
Quinlan: I've had enough adventure for a lifetime. I'll keep the records and preserve what Jocasta Nu had attempted to maintain. She had sent many pieces of information through The Path, hopefully most of it was preserved.
Cal: I actually have some left from a holdout on Jeddha that Vader burnt to the ground a few years back.
Starkiller: I believe that in order for me to be a teacher, my personal demons must be conquered first.
Luke: We respect your decision.
As the council adjourned on Yavin 4, another Force-sensitive being has been imprisoned by a group of pirates on Nevarro. As he used his cradle pod to hide from the danger, he had heard blaster fire in the distance. A bounty hunter clad in Mandalorian style armor, by the name of Din Djarin, and a long forgotten IG assassin droid, IG-11, had eliminated the pirates guarding their bounty. The droid had orders to execute the child, but the Mandalorian had orders to bring it to a client who would pay rather handsomely for the job. After the droid fell to a blaster shot to the chest, The beskar clad hunter brought the pod to the Empire. When the hunter got there, he was paid in beskar stamped with the Imperial seal. When the hunter took his payment, he began to feel a weight slowly growing heavier on his shoulders.
After the mandalorian got paid in beskar, he returned to the undercity lair of the Armourer to Forge the pieces he needed.
Armourer: How much do you have for me?
Djarin: How much will this do?
Armorer: Whatever work you found paid you handsomely. I'll send for you when it is ready.
Djarin: Thank you.
Armourer: This is the way.
Djarin: This is the way.
As the two separated, Djarin had collected his single shot disintegrator rifle and IB-94 pistol and began to plan on rescuing the child. When he got a message from his contractor, it was to meet him at the cantina, but he made another stop to the Armourer to inspect his new armor. When he arrived there was a new complete set of armor from the shoulders down.
Armourer: You have brought a great amount to work with. What do you plan to do?
Djarin: Correct a mistake. One that if left as is, will besmirch my honor.
Armourer: This is The Way.
Djarin: This is The Way.
When Djarin arrived at the cantina, the room began to quiet down in astonishment and intimidation. The baskar clad hunter then met with the contractor, Greef Karga. To discuss the job that had gone down.
Greef: Wow, Mando. I take it the client paid you well. All that armor definitely doesn't come cheap.
Djarin: The payout was a handsome one, but I've made a mistake, one I must correct before my honor is worthless.
Greef: Why? Who was your client?
Djarin: The beskar that the client paid me with had Imperial symbols on it.
Greef: Isn't the Empire gone? What would they need- We shouldn't even ask those questions, cause that's not our job.
Djarin: I'm getting him back. This is The Way.
Karga thought that Djarin had gone crazy taking on the Empire. He then kept his head down and put away the bounty puck, saving it for another hunter who wasn't as susceptible to any hokey religions and ancient weapons, as a smuggler turned Alliance hero once said, but only susceptible to credits.
In the New Republic, Generals Solo and Syndulla had sat down discussing some military tactics for defending the new territories and liberating others, and even giving her a piece of information that he could no longer bear his portion of.
Hera: I heard that you joined us moments before Yavin and rescued the Princess of Alderaan. Your kid is studying alongside mine at Skywalker's temple.
Han: Yeah. As much as I tried with her, eventually I succeeded, little did I know that the family drama would be mine to carry along with the Skywalker twins.
Hera: The princess isn't a Skywalker.
Han: She is. Luke is her brother. I'm the only one besides Chewie, Ahsoka, and those ghosts he sometimes talks to.
Hera: Her position in the senate will be up for grabs if that information gets out.
Han: Then you will keep that secret just as I have, that Chewie and Ahsoka have, before she loses potential power in the Senate. Anyways, have we found any more Imperials?
As the conversation continued, Sabine had begun talking to Zeb about joining the team of New Republic Rangers.
Sabine: Hey, Zeb! You got an extra spot on the team?
Zeb: Sabine! Glad to see ya. Well, it ain't me you gotta talk to Marshal Dune over there. From the looks of it, we're fixing to load up. Talk to her when we get back. I'll put in a good word for ya.
Sabine: Thanks Zeb! Tell her I'm great with explosives!
She told the Lasat the last part as the ships roared to life and then as the Lasat gave her a thumbs up, a quick goodbye before they left for the mission.
On the ship, Colonel Kallus had begun talking with Hera about the plan involving the Rangers encountering an Imperial presence on Kashyyyk.
Kallus: General. What are these reports of a couple Jedi joining our group to our mission?
Hera: Since the Jedi have agreed to serve the New Republic on occasional missions, they can decide to help us or not. 2 of them have decided to help us.
Kallus: Can they be trusted? Last time the Jedi helped the Republic of old, they were massacred by the clones who were the first troops of the Empire.
Hera: I have complete faith in these Jedi. My son is one of them. Has your trip to reinvigorate the Lasat population been for naught?
Kallus: No, General. I am just airing on the side of caution. While continuing to do so, I request that I join the ground assault so I can see for myself that these Jedi can be trusted and serve as servants of the Galaxy, not just us.
Hera: Granted, Colonel. These Jedi know the planet a d will be your best bet in navigating the environment and the wookiees.
Kallus: What makes them such experts?
Hera: They were born on the planet.
As Kallus continued to don his armor, blaster, and join Dune and her forces, he began imagining two wookiee jedi, something he thought was both absurd and frightening. When he got to the hangar bay, he was met by half of his expectations.
Kallus: You two must be the Jedi accompanying us I heard so much about.
Starkiller: We are, Colonel. I am Master Marek, and this is Jedi Knight Gungi.
Gungi roared a greeting to the Former Imperial agent turned Rebel Colonel.
Kallus: You two were born on Kashyyyk?
Starkiller: Yes. Gungi you expected since he was a youngling during the Clone Wars, but my parents hid on the world and had me, until they were killed by Vader. Vader took me as his own, trained me to be his weapon, and when the Rebel Alliance was formed, they used my family crest.
Kallus was shocked to hear this information and immediately cast whatever doubt he had aside and introduced the Jedi to the rest of the team of Rangers.
In orbit above Kashyyyk, Lord Cain had been discussing a battle plan with Thrawn, hoping to keep the wookiees in chains for his cloning experiments.
Thrawn: My Emperor, We have detected a rebel fleet that has just exited hyperspace. I suggest that we send the Imperial Army troopers, with the stormtroopers in reserve.
Cain: We have enough power with the garrisons of stormtroopers coming in to relieve the last one. The army troopers are ineffective with maintaining their loyalty to the Empire.
Thrawn: With all due respect, my lord, The wookiees would believe that they would be calmer if they see human faces help them, or they would see any human face as an enemy and attack any other humans on sight.
Cain: So that's your play? Excellent idea. Send the Army troops to maintain the security of the labs and have the stormtroopers guard everywhere else.
Thrawn: At once, my lord.
Cain: My apprentice, once all the necessary vessels are left to join the battle, you must board another destroyer, so the New Republic dogs think they destroyed a command vessel. If Skywalker is not with them, You will engage the less powerful if there are more. If Maul's forces arrive, deal with the silver skinned slimo.
Lumiya: Yes, my master.
Back on Dathomir, Maul and his apprentice have been meditating on Sith teachings until Maul sensed something stirring within his apprentice.
Maul: You have slowed down your rate of study. What is troubling you?
Relicta: It's that Jedi. The one who looked like the one we killed when he tried to hunt us. When I fought him on Mandalore, he said that he and the one we fought were clones of him.
Maul: Since the one you executed wielded red blades, and the one you've encountered on Mandalore had blue blades, what he has told you is true. Vader and my late former master killed him above Naboo, when their first superweapon was under construction.
Relicta: He still has to die. I will not gain certain closure for as long as he lives.
Maul: Then the decision to hunt him down will be solely placed in your hands. Take a ship and find him, if you must. We have an army to maintain and no assured method of recruitment.
Relicta: Yes, Master.
After meditating on her decision to find Starkiller, she finally made the choice and began planning on turning many Imperial troops into her own.
As the Rangers touched down along with the Rogue Shadow, they were greeted by the hiding wookiee chieftain flanked by 3 of his guards. As Gungi communicated with them about the situation, Marek translated for the group.
In the labs, the Imperial army troopers had been watching the wookiees get poked and prodded when a couple had seen a robed figure just vanish. As the soldiers pursued the figure, Relicta knew her plan was working, she was going to lure each soldier away from their posts to defect to her side. As every Army soldier continued to maintain their post, they knew their loyalties were no longer with the Empire.
Back on Nevarro, Djarin had returned to the client with intent to kill. When the 4 stormtroopers guarding him raised their blasters, he drew his pistol and aimed his free arm at another.
Stormtrooper: There's 4 of us. No way you walk put of here alive.
Djarin: I like those odds.
As the client was frozen in fear, he saw 2 blasts bounce off the armor as the hunter fired his pistol into one trooper, and the whistle rockets from his gauntlet fired in multiple directions killing the rest, sending the client running until Djarin fired a shot into the back of his head.
As the child cooed after opening the pram canopy, the beskar clad warrior tried to assure the infant that they were safe.
Djarin: Don't worry. I'll bring you back to your kind. You can trust me.
When the beskar clad warrior returned to his ship, he made sure that the pram was protected and prepared for more Imperial Forces.
As the Rangers, Kallus, Starkiller, and Gungi arrived at the Imperial base, the former ISB Agent saw a long highway leading up to the labs, much like the Imperial checkpoint on Lothal.
In the labs, Relicta finished her work moving the army troopers to position themselves ready to attack the stormtroopers. As she evacuated the labs, she contacted her master and began hunting the Jedi that were going to rescue the wookiees.
Relicta: Master, I have increased our odds against the Empire and I'm about to destroy the Jedi.
Maul: Excellent. Happy Hunting. When you destroy the Jedi, meet me on Oba Diah. We have an old alliance to rekindle.
As the female Zabrak ordered the Imperial army troops to fight against the stormtroopers, the New Republic squad and wookiee liberators joined in the battle and fought both sides. Kallus had ordered the troops and the chieftain to surround the lab entrance while the Jedi attempted to hunt whoever made the confusing move of turning the army against the stormtroopers.
Kallus: Where are you going, Marek?
Starkiller: Gungi and I are hunting whoever forced these army troops against the stormtroopers. Call Juno if you need any air support.
Kallus: Thank you, Master Jedi! Rogue Shadow, this is Colonel Kallus, we need you to lead an airstrike against any Imperial support that my come to reinforce the labs!
Juno: On my way, Colonel! I'll evacuate the prisoners if I have no other orders.
Kallus: Duly noted, Captain!
As Gungi and Starkiller found a cloaked figure, Gungi leapt in for a strike, but as the figure teleported away, Gungi was severely wounded with a stab to his ribcage, incapacitating the wookiee.
Relicta: I know who you are, Jedi. You don't fool me for a second.
Starkiller: A clone of the one you seek, yes.
Relicta: No! You are the one who took my masters away from me!!
Starkiller: You claimed to have fought and killed me, until you saw me on Mandalore.
Relicta: You will still die for Felucia!!
Starkiller then remembered what Kota told him about his vision of this woman was. As he steeled himself for a fight against the girl that his progenitor go and activated his two sapphire blades.
Gungi was crawling away to heal his wounds and as he saw the other Jedi Master fight with such raw potential compared to the Lady of the Sith. As Relicta threw her sabers after cloaking, Starkiller then balled himself up for a lightning infused Force repulse. As the energy blasted out of the Clone, Relicta had felt her robes be singed while she was thrown back against a tree. Starkiller then saw the figure disappear again and activated his unleashed state, sending Force lightning to his sabers. As Maris attempted to block each strike that looked like a blurr to anyone unable to touch the Force, but as Maris's arms continued to be singed, her defenses fell and Starkiller delivered a saber slam infused with Force lightning, further crimping her silver skin.
As Relicta used the last of her anger, what brushed it away was the last words that she may have heard from the Jedi.
Starkiller: You should've listened to me on Felucia years ago, Maris.
Relicta: That name is dead!
Starkiller: Your misery will end, Brood.
Relicta: I have a son! You can't make him an orphan!
Starkiller realized that since she was a mother, he had to reassure her that he won't come for her family.
Starkiller: I know what it is like to care for others like a family. They will be spared if they mean that much to you.
As Starkiller stepped closer to the fear-stricken zabrak, Relicta realized that she would join her former masters soon. Starkiller spun his right blade and stabbed her heart with a reverse grip, and stabbed her trachea with the left blade. The Marek clone then tended to Gungi and made their way back to the victorious alliance.
Aboard the Razor Crest, Djarin had begun searching for answers as to where the child he had in his care belonged. When he landed on Tatooine, he landed in a city where another job was about to take place that required multiple members. One member was a former Imperial Marksman by the name of Migs Mayfeld, and the others were a rather legendary pair; one was a Gand bounty hunter with a very keen talent for psychometry named Zuckuss, and a protocol droid like partner in crime by the designation 4-LOM.
Their job entailed taking some highly classified Imperial information that was about to be declassified aboard a star destroyer above Kuat. The veteran pair were very eager to get the job done efficiently and quickly. The other two, who had less experience were very dubious about what the intel was and who should possess it.
Mayfeld: So, Mando. You ever met those two?
Djarin: No. I haven't heard if them.
Mayfeld: My former CO told me that they wre tasked by Darth Vader to find a Corellian Freighter containing rebel officers and leadership. I never liked bounty hunters, but it's better than The Empire I can say that much.
Djarin: What do you plan to do once we get the information?
Mayfeld: From what I understood from those two, they're the kind to kill any partners to grow their share. How about we turn the tables on them, you and me? Huh?
Djarin: If those two are as legendary and skilled as you say they are, killing them would serve a tactical advantage and a good monetary step up in this line of work.
Mayfeld: Good. Thanks. We'll be rich and famous, well, infamous, for taking down those two.
When Mayfeld entered an Imperial encryption that checked out the crew entered the decommissioned destroyer and extracted the information needed from two different sections of computers. 4-LOM and Zuckuss had one half of the intel and Djarin held onto the other. As their clocks ran down, Mayfeld saw information about Operation Cinder and found that his CO was a field officer in the near destruction of his post on Burnin Konn.
As the bounty hunter crew split into two pairs and eventually spread themselves out, they were on the hunt to eliminate those they believed to be loose ends. Throughout the vacant destroyer, Djarin had used his cycler rifle to move from cover to cover as he searched for the droid. Mayfeld drew his DT-12 pistols and SE-14r pistol on the hunt for the gas breathing insectoid hunter.
Aboard the Razor Crest, The child had grown worried that he was left on his own, but remembered everything he had experienced during the purge almost 30 years ago.
As Zuckuss had turned a corner near the reactor room, Mayfeld had found the perfect shot with his trio of pistols, but a slip of one of his legs let out a screech causing Mayfeld to fire on the hunter, landing 3 precise shots to his right eye, heart, and his left thigh. A stray blast from Zuckuss's blaster left a hile through the rafters of the room as Mayfeld let himself fall to the walkways and make his way to take Zuckuss's information.
As 4-LOM continued to hunt one of the lesser hunters, he slowly began turning his head to see Beskar through a corner slot before seeing the cycler round fire through the corners of the halls, missing the droid's head, causing the droid to slowly approach approach him, blasting with the DLT-19 he had stolen from an Imperial outpost on Mimban.
Djarin knew that he had time to load another shot, and as he flanked the slow moving droid, he snuck around behind him and used another cycler round to the back of the hunter's head. As the brain-like head flew off the body, the protocol droid body collapsed forward, and Djarin switched to his pistol as he thought he had to fight his way back to his ship. When he saw his ship in the hangar, he tried contacting Mayfeld about his location.
Djarin: Mayfeld? Where are you?
Mayfeld: I'm not going with you. I'm taking a TIE to the rendezvous point. Meet me back at Mos Pelgo so we can get our credits.
Djarin: Fine. I'll meet you there.
As the two landed in different ports on Tatooine, they returned to their contractor, Ranzar Malk, they were each paid 32,570 credits, due to 4-LOM and Zuckuss perishing on the job.
When the Mandalorian and Former Imperial parted ways, Djarin had continued his quest to find the child's kind.
On Dathomir, Maul had recently learned that his apprentice perished on Kashyyyk, but her passing had a massive effect on his ability to maintain his own Sith Triumvirate. He had recently taken another apprentice in case Relicta decided that the way of the Sith was no longer important to her.
Maul: As you can feel, my new apprentice, Lady Relicta has been destroyed by the Jedi. Even though both of us had agreed to train you, it seems that you will learn the traditional ways of the Sith. This begins another chapter, Lady... Talon.
Talon: Yes, my master. We will conquer our enemies and usurp galactic power on a massive scale.
End of Part 13

NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) will shut 21 branches of First Republic Bank by the end of the year as it integrates the failed lender into its operations, a JPMorgan spokesperson said on Thursday./n https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-jpmorgan-close-21-first-133159881.html

Table of Contents

1. Russo-China rejects Biden
2. ZNPP as potential Chernobyl
3. Biden's Ukraine is desperate enough for scorched-earth tactics
   1. Battle of the Bulge at Bakhmut
   2. Fresh meat
   3. Teixeira leaks
   4. BRICS vs NATO
4. ZNPP's weak point is diesel fuel
5. Ukrainian saboteurs caught by ZNPP
6. BB / Red Skull / Inb4source / Q
   1. BB sent Q
   2. BB warns Zaporizhia is pivotal
   3. RS gives ZNPP sabotage warning
   4. Ukraine HVT: Nuclear tit for tat
   5. Inb4source / Red Skull 4chan posting history

Note: links redacted. See bottom for link to original.

Summary

Ukraine has allegedly sabotaged Zaporizhia to melt down like Chernobyl, to stop the Russian invasion and justify NATO peacekeepers.
Here's Biden's plan to avoid another Kabul:

• NATO operators sabotaged the ZNPP backup diesel generator fuel storage, causing it to leak.
• NATO is targeting diesel fuel shipments. See captured Ukro saboteurs with NLAWs.
• When diesel reaches zero, Ukros will shell the lone power line, breaking it for the 8th time.
• Up to 6x Chernobyl meltdown ensues. Territory Russia captured is ruined.
• NATO establishes "no-fly zone" and sends "peacekeepers".

Russo-China rejects Biden

"Don’t underestimate Joe’s ability to fuck things up." – Barack Obama
Clearly we underestimated him. Americans can hardly believe that Biden blew up Nord Stream 2, essentially attacking our colony "ally" Germany. Perhaps they're still reeling from Kabul falling faster than Hanoi.
Normally Russia endeavors to cooperate with the sitting US president. However, Russian state media has begun airing the Hunter Biden laptop images, of Hunter engaged in drugs and pedophilia with preteen girls. This is retaliation for Biden crossing Russia's red line by repeatedly trying to sabotage Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). That's why Russia is willing to assist in the impeachment of a sitting US president, which is obviously an extreme step to take between two countries with enough nukes to blot out the Sun.
Rumor has it that China has also turned on Biden, which would make sense: China's economic backing allows Russia to survive US sanctions. China wants Taiwan, and Russia wants East Ukraine. They would be stupid not to cooperate.

• SHOWTIME FORMOSA; SMART MONEY IS SELLING TAIWAN EDITION pol BB May 17
• China Calls Biden a Fake President and Lloyd Austin a Fake Defense Secretary Michael Baxter May 30
• China declines US request for a meeting between defense chiefs Reuters May 30
• Xi Jinping tells China’s national security chiefs to prepare for ‘worst case’ scenarios CNN June 1

ZNPP as potential Chernobyl

A Redditor explains:

Kawaii-Gopnik Russia really needs that powerplant without any leak, to provide industry of surrounding regions with energy, but very few people understand contexts of the current situation: Soviets built complicated and very well ballanced energy system, including not only NPP, but also cascade of hydro power plants. Donetsk, Dnepr, Zaporozhe and Kharkov regions are just one big power hungry plant. NPP itself is reliant on hydropower and quality of water in Dnepr river. In case of really bad "accident" Russia will forget about development of the newly accuired regions, lack of energy produced by NPP is significant, nearly 30-40%. Accident will affect south of Ukraine with russian majority. It will also be also disaster for ecology of the WHOLE Black Sea. Rose of winds will spread nuclear dust to the West - Poland, Romania, Czechia and further. Nuclear zone will stop russian army from further territorial expansion. This will be border formed by Dnepr and nuclear zones.

The basic facts are documented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Even while shut down, ZNPP needs external power grid or diesel to prevent its reactors from overheating.
Russia controls ZNPP. A nuclear "accident" would give NATO pretext to intervene, so Ukraine keeps trying to cause one.
How bad is this? Well, Chernobyl is in Ukraine. That was a 1k MW reactor. ZNPP has six. It is the 9th largest NPP in the world.
Hopefully the containment response would be much better than Chernobyl's, but that's hardly something to count on during WW3. Russia's nuclear doctrine includes pre-emptive strikes; who knows what they'd do. The USSR nearly launched twice during the Cold War.
Imagine if China assisted Texas in seceding from the USA to rejoin Mexico, and then caused a reactor meltdown at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant when the USA retook it. A lot of Southerners would want to lob a few nukes back at China. They might demand it.
It is foolish to assume WW3 will not happen because it hasn't happened yet. One should look instead at the historical record of continual warfare, and the difficulties in preventing WW3 so far:

• List of nuclear close calls Wikipedia
• WW3: Historical close calls Wikipedia

Thus one cannot rule out a radiation release 6x as bad as Chernobyl. Not that Ukraine needs anything so dramatic. It merely seeks a pretext to justify direct NATO intervention to "protect" ZNPP. A small leak will suffice.
Even if there is a major radiation leak, it will occur in Russian-annexed separatist territory, and help Ukraine defend her new border. Scorched earth is a valid tactic, whether the fire is conventional or nuclear. Ukraine survived Chernobyl and knows it can survive ZNPP too.

Biden's Ukraine is desperate enough for scorched-earth tactics

Battle of the Bulge at Bakhmut

"We have been working on the counter-offensive with Ukraine for 4-5 months." – Victoria Nuland
Why is Ukraine so desperate?
Ukraine depends on NATO aid to fight Russia. NATO aid depends on Democrat willingness. Democrat willingness depends on US public support. Therefore the illusion must be maintained to the American public that Ukraine is winning. For this reason, Ukraine has committed its reserves to a costly failed counter-offensive. Bakhmut fell regardless.
James A. Donald summarizes the strategic picture:

So, bright new plan. "The Greatest Ukrainian Offensive". The Ukraine would build up a big reserve of fresh troops, then suddenly hurl large chunks of them at particular points on the front. They would, the Americans planned, cut through a point in the front lines, penetrate to Russian rear areas, wreak havoc on those areas, and force Russian troops in danger of being encircled to hastily retreat from territory that had been slowly gained at enormous cost in grinding attritive warfare. I do not know how big the Ukrainian strategic reserve was, but if it was two hundred fifty thousand, they have now committed most of them to grinding attritive warfare, and cupboard is looking as bare of men as it is of artillery and rockets.

The USA expected to break Russia economically; China's economic support prevented that. Despite PMC Wagner's heartfelt complaints, Russia is unlikely to run out of convicts anytime soon. Russia is rotating divisions through Ukraine, seasoning reservists for a looming WW3. Russia's historical appetite for losses is much higher than its current losses. This is essentially a civil war, and the Russia bear considers being carved up an existential threat. By underestimating Russia's resolve, NATO is repeating the error of Napoleon and Hitler.
Despite having plenty of weapons, Ukraine's military manpower is exhausted and demoralized. Raw conscripts are thrown at the front lines with minimal training. Medvedev predicts that the Ukraine will cease to exist; half its people have already fled.

Anonymous Sat 27 May 2023 04:59:49 No.428438077 Report 428437208 Yeah, the killing has been excessive since they pretty much destroyed 95% of Azov fags and assorted true believers in the first 200k dead, now they overshot it by 100%. About 12% of the non-Russian speaking population's prime military aged men in Ukraine are dead or crippled. 12-20% of the same demographic has fled the country. It's over, desu. They are seeing much more of the polish and romanian mercs now, since they literally lack the manpower.

Western mass media wrongly assumes that Russia is losing because it does not take the entirety of Ukraine in a blitz, as the USA did to Iraq. However, Russia does not want West Ukraine; the people there do not like Russians. Russia has captured the territory it wants, and is now using the rest of Ukraine as a kettle or cauldron, in which to conveniently destroy whatever NATO wishes to send. This is a good way for Russia to gradually learn how to fight NATO armies in a low-risk environment.
The Spartans had a rule never to war too often against the same enemy, lest they train up a nemesis. It was foolish of NATO to believe that Russia had forgotten the lessons of attrition warfare that it learned so recently in Afghanistan.

Nehming Names 9h Russia's prudent caution in directly engaging the West is bringing dividends in perhaps unexpected ways. Russia is gaining strategic knowledge of the actual capabilities and weaknesses of our weapon systems and military tactics, with our supply of munitions draining to militarily unsustainable levels, as it engages allied forces in Ukraine. Russia is aware of the continuing progress of the Great Awakening in the West, that is, the knowledge that Western governments, military, and institutions are run by an elite hostile to their heritage populations, and therefore expects to see declining support of Western governments by their citizens. Russia can also see the precipitous decrease in every societal metric in the West: social cohesiveness, general morality, public health, financial stability, military readiness, etc.With these three degradative processes in play, the most strategic thing Russia and China can do is to bide their time, as time itself will act to sap the strength of the West to militarily engage their foes.

Fresh meat

Russian conquest of Kiev would air Biden's dirty laundry to the world, from Burisma kickbacks to pedophilic field trips and worse. This would result in US "regime change". A distant Chernobyl is a small price to pay, for top Democrats to avoid the hangman's noose.
Poland is itching to invade. Victoria Nuland is scheduling NATO air exercises. USAF propaganda asserts that Russia's air force is a joke. The question is, do Americans still believe Biden's false prophets of victory?
If not, they just need a little "encouragement": 9/11, Gulf of Tonkin, Pearl Harbor, Lusitania, Remember the Maine… Keep those rural Whites busy lest they make trouble at home!
Most Americans cannot find Ukraine on a map. (To be fair, it hasn't been on the map very long.) However, the architects of Biden's Ukraine policy, such as Victoria Nuland, Jake Sullivan, Antony Blinken and George Soros, tend to have grandparents of Eastern European origin. I am sure for them it feels important. There's no place like home.
A Redditor explains:

tinglevibestoo I listened to a former CIA agent talk about Ukraine the other day. He said that Ukraine is running out of time. It's not that they don't have the weapons. We've sent them a ton of weapons. It's that they don't have enough troops and they're running low on troops. That's how Russia will win. Ukraine can't sustain the manpower. It totally makes sense to use a nuclear false flag as a reason to bring in the extra manpower. Everyone would deem it justified too because it's a threat to the neighboring nations and it'd be an environmental (climate change) catastrophe.

Teixeira leaks

Some will bring up the US intelligence leaks by Jack Teixeira to support the idea that Russia rather than Ukraine is desperate. Unlike Snowden, Teixeiera was obviously a major security risk for patriotically-motivated leaking, with numerous red flags in his previous and ongoing behavior. Therefore Teixeira was probably a deliberate leak by US intelligence, using a patsy to generate the initial leak and then add whatever extra info they wanted released in the resulting confusion.

• Jack Teixeira Wikipedia
• Discord member details how documents leaked from closed chat group Washington Post

Teixeira's leaks served several purposes for the Biden administration:

• Allowed the mainstream media to walk back their false forecasts of Ukrainian victory.
• Provided a right-wing scapegoat for Ukraine's defeat.
• Justified increased social media monitoring and censorship.

Most importantly, it mitigated the potential political fallout from another catastrophe like Kabul, should Kiev fall.
The 4chan leaker BB/Inb4source asserts Teixeira was a patsy.

BRICS vs NATO

The foundation of the US empire is the petrodollar, which allows the USA to tax the world via digital debt seignorage. This is why the creation of BRICS as an independent financial and trading system rendered war between NATO and BRICS inevitable, as Kim Dotcom predicted. The US republic is a thalassocratic empire as arrogant as democratic Athens, and it is addicted to financial plunder. The Empire cannot afford to lose the USD's reserve currency status.
Reserve currencies and empires both have lifespans, and the USA has reached the end of both. It is at the stage where hubristic foreign misadventures prove fatal, and Ukraine and Taiwan will prove too much for the American eagle to handle. This is no longer WW2; the USA cannot win a two-front war against BRICS.

• Gold Reserve Fiat Currencies Monetary Gold
• World Reserve Currencies last on average 100 years. The US dollar has been the reserve currency for 76 years. Satoshi Chris

That is why Biden's NATO is desperate; the Empire is unravelling as the European Union and other allies such as Turkey and India lose their faith in NATO.
The fact that none of this is common knowledge speaks volumes about who controls public schools and owns mass media corporations.

ZNPP's weak point is diesel fuel

The situation at ZNPP is tenuous and grim, workers report:
Europe’s largest nuclear power station is on the frontline of the Ukraine war. SkyNews Twitter
The fact that the backup diesel reactors have not been maintained is particularly concerning, considering they have already been used 7 times.
UN nuclear chief raises alarm over Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia plant Al Jazeera
Ukraine keeps trying to force a crisis at ZNPP to justify NATO intervention. In other words, Ukraine keeps shelling ZNPP to cut the one power line that still connects it to the grid.

Atlas

This is extremely dangerous, external power is required for reliable cooling of the reactors and pools containing spent nuclear waste. Western media spent months last year pretending Kiev wasn’t shelling ZNPP.
Notice that the Russian side keeps ZNPP connected to the power grid, while the Ukrainian side pretends it cannot until the Russian invasion ends:

• Update 153 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine 2023 April 13
• Update 159 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine 2023 May 22
• Russian nuclear terrorism in action: ZNPP switches to emergency generators for the 7th time Ukrainian World Congress
• Kiev blocked all IAEA’s initiatives on ZNPP security — Russian Foreign Ministry
• Grossi says Zaporizhzhia principles 'step in right direction' IAEA

As you can see, Ukraine is not interested in being reasonable. Russia is happy to leave the NPP free of heavy military equipment, but Ukraine demands the removal of all troops and landmines from ZNPP as well. That would leave the plant undefended, which is obviously unacceptable.
(This is how perverse incentives work. A little ally with nothing to lose can start a world war. It's almost like dividing the world into two hostile nuclear alliances is a bad idea.)
When ZNPP loses external power, huge diesel generators automatically switch on to keep the reactors cool. How much diesel does this consume? Truckloads per day:

Anonymous Sat 27 May 2023 05:18:50 No.428439721 Report Quoted By: >>428463646 428436425 Still easy to transport diesel enough to keep them going In what? If NATO ops and Mercs are sabotaging trucks coming in, what do you think they are gonna carry diesel in to the plant? Is Russia gonna pack in rotopack Jerry cans on their back. Fill a truck up with 5 gallon cans and hope they make it past the snipers and sabotage? Do you have any clue how much fuel those big generators suck down in a day? Those generators to run the plants during shut down or failures are huge 500kw or bigger they are the size of whole 18 wheeler trailers. Those things will drink 50 gallons an hour. You gonna haul in 2.5 gallon rotopacks one at a time to keep it going?

Nuclear power plants have tough shielding. Allegedly the diesel generators are hidden underground. However, the diesel fuel supply is still vulnerable.
Normally the diesel generators have enough fuel for 10 days. However, ZNPP's diesel stockpile recently dipped to 4 days, according to 4chan leaker Inb4source.

Ukrainian saboteurs caught by ZNPP

On May 27, Ukraine accused Russian of planning to cause a leak at ZNPP:

OSINTdefender The Main Directorate of Intelligence for Ukraine has announced that the Russian Military is preparing for Large-Scale Provocation in the coming hours at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Southern Ukraine that will reportedly Simulate an “Accident” at the Plant causing the Emergency Leak of Radioactive Substances which will be Blamed on Ukrainian Forces.

Then Russia announced it had caught saboteurs (presumably Ukrainian) in ZNPP's city:

Saboteurs who were preparing terrorist attacks on the NPP were detained in Energodar. They had with them maps and schematics of the nuclear power plant with marks for strikes that could lead to a nuclear catastrophe. The suspects are involved in collecting and transmitting information about the facilities of the Zaporozhye NPP on the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities. To communicate with the curators, they used foreign satellite systems, as well as foreign weapons for strikes and equipment for conducting reconnaissance and sabotage activities.

• Translated source message is from Telegram group Slavyangrad Chat.
• Original source message is in Russian from Telegram group WarDonbass, sent May 28 at 23:12.

Enerhodar is the city that contains the ZNPP: See Enerhodar Wikipedia
Some object that the footage is "staged". Of course it is staged. The primary consumer of the helmet-cam footage is Russian military intelligence. The evidence shot was staged for their benefit. The short edited video that was released to the public has distorted voices, and avoids showing any faces. Thus even if the footage is authentic, it is still "staged".
The ZNPP maps displayed in the video don't appear to match the announcement text. The maps could simply show where diesel fuel trucks need to go. Russia does not wish to advertise the specific nature of ZNPP's vulnerability.
The saboteurs appear to be 3-man team, equipped with 3 rifles and 3 NLAW missile launchers.
The saboteurs had 5 frag grenades. Normally soldiers carry 2 or 3 grenades, but heavy weapons soldiers don't have to. The three smooth grenades are RGD-5s, a cheap outdated Russian model. The Russian troops removed the fuses from the grenades on the evidence table to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Some object that Ukrainian saboteurs wouldn't be so careless as to have printouts of the reactor map. However, the saboteurs' presence in Enerhodar already makes their target obvious. Presumably multiple teams were sent to intercept Russian diesel shipments.
The Enerhodar saboteurs would've been notified when satellites spotted their target. Until then, they should hide in the safehouse behind blackout curtains to avoid detection. The fact that these saboteurs were caught napping suggests a degree of incompetence, compared to other teams who presumably either avoided detection or fought back. One can assume that Ukrainian specops have suffered extreme casualties.

BB / Red Skull / Inb4source / Q

BB sent Q

Qanon has lost a tremendous amount of popularity, as patriots grew disillusioned with the slow pace of the promised Great Awakening. They did not understand that Q is subordinate to a higher power with an agenda that does not necessarily include their survival.
Q aimed to help Trump save the USA. Q was sent by "Burning Bush", whose agenda is judging humanity, on the eve of WW3 and runaway de-terraforming. BB's personas started posting to 4chan's pol by 2016, whereas Q started in October 2017. (4chan is like the wild west of the Web: The world's spooks congregate there to exchange intelligence.)
BB goes by several nicknames; he began posting anonymously as "Inb4source" in 2016. A recent message implies the USA/Israel is Babylon the Great, and God (meaning him) has returned to judge her:

The world has turned it's back on *od now *od Is turning His back on the world. He Who Lets has been REMOVED. THE ANGEL OF DEATH HAS COME THE HARVEST OF THE TARES HAS BEGUN. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (Earthquake Lights) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (nothing ever happens) Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, inb4source

BB claims responsibility for the historical pendulum swinging rightward, via figures such as Elon Musk. His method of influence is the butterfly effect.
"Burning Bush" claims to be God. One can think of him as the God of the Old Testament, or as a pagan god like Zeus, or as merely a transcendent extraterrestrial. However, he also claims to inhabit a human-looking body, lives on a ranch in the USA, has children, caught COVID19, etc.
Whatever one's theology, the relevant portion of BB's message is that the USA did not sufficiently embrace the opportunity offered by Q. Anyone who has read the Old Testament knows what happens next: Ignore the prophet, reap the consequences. Thus Q's slogan "Nothing Can Stop What Is Coming" should be understood in the Biblical sense, like Noah's flood: The Ark is optional.
(As far as I know, Q is still posting to Truth Social. I don't follow that site.)
Paul Furber is the chief priest of BB. Before that, he was a major early proponent of Q. See Furber's book for many verifiable examples of fulfilled predictions and proven scoops.
BB normally identifies himself by the unique image hash of his burning bush picture. (Nobody can generate that hash unless they possess the original image.) However, BB also posts as an anon users nickname "Red Skull", for his signature images of red skulls. As Red Skull, BB avoids the extravagant Biblical claims of BB, but the style and modus operandi and interests are obviously the same – as are his implied godlike powers.
I recommend focusing on facts and trying to prevent nuclear WW3, rather than getting hung up on theology. BB is not asking anyone to worship him or sacrifice chickens. He does prescribe prayer and a life of action governed by virtue.
I certainly do not recommend taking everything anonymous spooks say at face value. If you are, like most people, unable to think in shades of gray between binary true and false, this essay is above your reading level.

BB warns Zaporizhia is pivotal

BB has repeatedly warned that keeping Zaporizhia intact is critical to the survival of NATO citizenry:

the Ukrainians attacking the Nuclear Power station in the hands of the Russians spewing radiation over enough territory that the Russians will turn Kiev into a furnace.

– BB 2022-9-24
Find other warnings by searching for keyword "nuclear".
Those who find it difficult to believe that nuclear weapons would be used in WW3 as in WW2 should note that COVID19 is already a bioweapon WMD deployed for WW3.

RS gives ZNPP sabotage warning

On the morning of May 27, BB's persona Red Skull leaked that NATO specops had sabotaged external power to ZNPP.
His scenario is plausible and severe enough to warrant investigation.
Here are relevant posts, datestamped 2023 May 27 0300-0500:

it's a little less than ten days… Until Nato SpecOps melt down the Uke Nuke plant and blames it on you.

He continues:

Nato SpecOps have sabotaged power to the nuke plant. As of this posting, 6 days of diesel fuel remain to provide power to pumps to cool the plant and spent fuel pool. Diesel shipments are being targeted and terminated.

He adds:

So now I need to tell you Russia intends a pre emptive strike if nuclear capable F16's are delivered.

On the evening of May 27, Red Skull updated:

Doesn't look good at Nuke Plant. Russia has 4 days to get more fuel to the generators. They are working on clearing a flight path. Ukraine will try to stop them on orders of U.S. Uniparty.

Sounds like a severe leak, to lose 2 days of fuel in under 24 hours.

Ukraine HVT: Nuclear tit for tat

On 28 May Red Skull asserted that:

• Ukraine just did an underground nuclear bomb test in a borehole, to contain the radiation.
• Russia may retaliate with a pre-emptive strike at any time, against 1-2 high-value targets.
• West Ukraine may be reduced to the stone-age.

Red Skull approved of this anon's summary:

Nuclear warheads that USA/UK sent. Specifically for the purpose of being exploded in Ukraine. The false flags will never stop until all out WW3 is declared, or until you root out the pedophile demon cult that is running the show and sending you monkeys to war. War for really no good reason at this point. The cities are destroyed, just withdraw. Ukraine is a kettle right now, a kill box. Do you understand what that means? And it was created on purpose.

On May 30, Putin announced that Russia had destroyed the Ukrainian military intelligence headquarters. Photos confirm the damage.

• Putin confirms strike on Ukrainian military intelligence HQ RT
• Putin Strikes Back - Destroys GUR Bunker? Simplicius

Intelligence chief Kyrylo Oleksiyovych Budanov may have died in the strike.

Inb4source / Red Skull 4chan posting history

Inb4source has posted on 4chan since 2016, but he doesn't always use an image hash identifier, making it impossible to verify the identity of all of his early posts. As his popularity grew, others began adopting his catchphrase ">inb4source".
18016 posts on pol contain ">inb4source".
The first page of results suggests Inb4source is a pro-Trump military intelligence officer. He began posting in Aug 2016, before Trump's inauguration.
Another early Inb4source catchphrase is "I AM The Source." This has a double meaning, both theological and journalistic.
The catchphrase doesn't appear in every Inb4source post. Searching for it yields 437 results, too many of which are irrelevant results.
Searching for both phrases together yields 50 results that look to be mostly legitimate. One could then search for additional posts by each unique ID from a session.
Searching for image hashes is a reliable method of ID verification, assuming no one else has the image. I know of two such images that Inb4source/BB uses: both are red skulls, giving him the nickname RS.

• 325 results
• 314 results

RS just announced that his devices (phone, computers) have been compromised, casting doubt on the legitimacy of future RS posts. This may be a response to my publication of his warnings regarding Zaporizhia onto Reddit and Gab; the timing is suspicious. I first mentioned Inb4source on Reddit 7 days ago, and Red Skull on Gab yesterday (as of morning June 3). I do not know of any other analysts writing about him or connecting him to his BB persona.
When evaluating his warnings and predictions, remember that publishing info about ongoing events can affect the outcome, and is often intended to do so. Unlike the concept of Biblical prophecy, the future is mostly probabilistic. However, he is certainly good at scooping the news.
Someone else can do an in-depth Q-proof style analysis of his accuracy; my focus here is Zaporizhia.
Read original with links here.

Date: 06/02/2023
Reading time: 3 minutes, 739 words

Armenian Defense Minister, US Under Secretary discuss issues related to the Armenian- Azerbaijain border

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan had a telephone conversation with Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. A number of issues related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and regional security were discussed.

Armenpress, Armenian Defense Minister discusses regional security issues with US Under Secretary of Defense

Artsakh President discusses military-political developments with lawmakers

President Arayik Harutyunyan met with members of the National Assembly today. He presented the latest military-political developments around Artsakh, touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiation process.

ArmRadio

Armenian Prime Minister to attend Erdogan inauguration

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will attend Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inauguration to his third term in Ankara. He accepted the offer to participate in the inauguration and will travel to Ankara on June 3.

Armenpress, Armenian PM to visit Turkey for Erdogan’s inauguration

Russia ‘takes note’ of Armenia’s position regarding Ukraine conflict, says Kremlin

Moscow is taking into consideration Armenia’s stance regarding the Ukraine conflict but continues to develop its allied relations with Armenia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said. In an interview with CNN Prima News, PM Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia is not Russia's ally in the Ukrainian conflict.

Armenpress, Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan deputy prime ministerial working group meeting underway in Moscow, Trilateral Armenian Russian-Azerbaijani group holding a meeting in Moscow

Prime Minister’s Office temporarily moved to Presidential Residence due to renovation

Nikol Pashinyan will temporarily work from the Presidential Residence at 26 Baghramyan Street in Yerevan. Government House 1 at Republic Square is under renovation. The Prime Minister's Office did not provide other details.

Armenpress

Government policy leads to fewer no-bid contract cases in procurement, says finance minister

Cases of sole-source contracts dropped as a result of the Pashinyan administration’s policies, finance minister says. Vahe Hovhannisyan: “We see stronger supervision for internal procedures” volume of competitive bidding contracts in 2022 stood at 49,1%.

Armenpress

Armenian PM congratulates Italian counterpart on national day, notes growing volumes of trade and investments

Nikol Pashinyan congratulates Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Italian national day. Armenia is determined to bring the economic relations with Italy to the level of political dialogue. Bilateral trade and volumes of Italian investments in Armenia are growing every year.

Armenpress

Pashinyan rules out “unsolvable” road issues related to enclaves

There’s no enclave that could create an unsolvable road problem for Armenia, PM Nikol Pashinyan has said. “On the political level, we proceed with the presumption that Kyarki was there,” he said.

Armenpress

European leaders call for release of all prisoners of war, Élysée Palace says after Armenian-Azerbaijani talks in Chisinau

EU-mediated talks between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders took place in Chisinau on June 1. Leaders called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to respect all their commitments. French President Emmanuel Macron particularly insisted on the importance of not indulging in any hostile rhetoric.

ArmRadio

Azerbaijan accuses France’s Macron of “distorting the position of the parties”

Azerbaijan press secretary accuses French President Emmanuel Macron of distorting the positions of the parties. French leaders called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to respect all their commitments, in particular that of releasing war detainees as soon as possible. The Elysee Palace said after the meeting that European leaders had called on the two countries to respect their commitments.

ArmRadio

The launch Armenia’s first satellite bolstered interest in space research

Ambassador Armen Papikyan spoke at the 66thSession of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Amb. Ne noted that the first National Space Strategy, which is envisaged to be adopted by the end of this year, will define the strategic direction of future efforts.

ArmRadio

Team Telecom Armenia is undertaking its initial public offering (IPO)

“Telecom Armenia" OJSC has issued and is allocating stocks through a public offering. The company plans to allocate 40 million stocks with a total volume of 8 billion 240 million drams. The offering will be carried out from 7 June to 31 October of this year inclusively.

Armenpress

Ground broken for new checkpoint on Armenia-Iran border

Ground for the new facility was broken today in a ceremony attended by representatives of international structures and other state bodies. The reconstruction and modernization of the Meghri border crossing point is being carried out with credit and grant funds provided by the EU and the EBRD.

ArmRadio

Donations to Armenia:
Himnadram
Armenian Wounded Heroes
ArmeniaFund
If you'd like to support me: Patreon

Today, I received some surprising news that by the end of this month I will be let go from my current position. I work for a contractor company, and the feedback provided by the client was that they are cutting off personnel, without providing any specific feedback. The timing of this announcement feels particularly strange, as I recently had a meeting with HR where I mentioned that contractors from a different company, working with the same client, are making triple the amount that we, the contractors from my current company, are making.
The main reason this situation feels strange to me is that I've seen people being let go from this project before, and the client never gave any notice. So, why are they giving me a month's notice? I don't know. One part of me entertains conspiracies, while the other part thinks it could be because I've been working on this project for over two years and the client wanted to handle the situation more decently (I know, right?).
I'm reaching out to all of you for some guidance on what to do next. I'm contemplating whether I should go the extra mile in the hopes that the client notices my efforts and has a change of mind, or if I should focus on myself, spend time practicing LeetCode and actively applying for jobs.
Additionally, could you recommend any reliable platforms or websites where I can find remote positions? I live in the Dominican Republic and I'm specifically interested in remote job opportunities. Here's my CV
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DmLx1JN3iyMLRedJd5knDI6v3yMGtodZx73jPpRL2ZA/edit?usp=drive_link
I'm open to any advice, personal anecdotes, and suggestions you may have to improve my CV. Thanks in advance.

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 14%. (I'm a bot)

A march in support of Bulgaria's future as a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union and NATO took place in central Sofia on Friday evening.
The march started from the President's Administration building, proceeded to National Assembly Square and blocked traffic at the Eagles Bridge.
They carried Bulgarian, EU and Ukrainian flags and displayed placards reading "Radev, feel free to fade in the East", "Radev - national traitor", and "79 years are enough".
The chants and placards were against Russia's influence in Bulgaria and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, whom politicians and observers describe as a conduit for such influence.
In front of the protesters, Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria MP Yavor Bozhankov said that Bulgaria should remain a member state of the EU and NATO. This is the second protest against President Radev within a week.
On May 30, several thousand opponents to Radev's allegedly pro-Russia stance gathered in front of the President's Administration building in central Sofia.

Summary Source FAQ Feedback Top keywords: Radev^#1 President^#2 Bulgaria^#3 protest^#4 member^#5
Post found in /worldnews.
NOTICE: This thread is for discussing the submission topic. Please do not discuss the concept of the autotldr bot here.

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 78%. (I'm a bot)

Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are reportedly forming a joint naval force, as the Qatari news website Al-Jadid reported on June 2.
Positive relations have been maintained with both the Islamic Republic and the United Arab Emirates by the Sultanate of Oman, which is a member of the GCC along with Saudi Arabia.
According to the website of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 31, UAE withdrew from the United States-led Joint Maritime Forces operating in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
It further states that UAE withdrew its participation in the Joint Maritime Forces two months ago due to ongoing assessments of the efficiency of security cooperation with all its partners.
To ensure the safety of shipping and to fight piracy in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, the Joint Maritime Forces are comprised of 34 different states in addition to the United States Fifth Fleet.
The GCC countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The timeline for the creation of a joint fleet and a unified naval command has not yet been determined, but member states of the GCC are already holding meetings to discuss technical matters, according to Majid Abdel-Aziz al-Turki, who served at the time as an advisor to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs and Diplomacy.

Summary Source FAQ Feedback Top keywords: State^#1 United^#2 GCC^#3 Arabia^#4 Saudi^#5
Post found in /worldnews.
NOTICE: This thread is for discussing the submission topic. Please do not discuss the concept of the autotldr bot here.

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 78%. (I'm a bot)

Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are reportedly forming a joint naval force, as the Qatari news website Al-Jadid reported on June 2.
Positive relations have been maintained with both the Islamic Republic and the United Arab Emirates by the Sultanate of Oman, which is a member of the GCC along with Saudi Arabia.
According to the website of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 31, UAE withdrew from the United States-led Joint Maritime Forces operating in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
It further states that UAE withdrew its participation in the Joint Maritime Forces two months ago due to ongoing assessments of the efficiency of security cooperation with all its partners.
To ensure the safety of shipping and to fight piracy in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, the Joint Maritime Forces are comprised of 34 different states in addition to the United States Fifth Fleet.
The GCC countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The timeline for the creation of a joint fleet and a unified naval command has not yet been determined, but member states of the GCC are already holding meetings to discuss technical matters, according to Majid Abdel-Aziz al-Turki, who served at the time as an advisor to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs and Diplomacy.

Summary Source FAQ Feedback Top keywords: State^#1 United^#2 GCC^#3 Arabia^#4 Saudi^#5
Post found in /worldnews.
NOTICE: This thread is for discussing the submission topic. Please do not discuss the concept of the autotldr bot here.

The European League of Football

Founded in 2020, the European League of Football (ELF) is a professionalized American Football league that kicked off in June 2021. Unlike the former NFL Europe the league focuses on local talents. The league does not consist of clubs, as is common in Europe, but of franchises similar to the NFL.
After the first strong season with eight teams in two Conferences, another even stronger season followed with 12 teams in three Conferences. The upcoming season will start tomorrow on June 3rd 2023 with 17 teams from nine countries.

The Franchises

The third season will have 17 teams from nine countries divided into three Conferences.
https://preview.redd.it/lyy7v8o6gn3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=181992c1514dfe2e16429a9e2ba712853f816b16
Western Conference:

• Cologne Centurions [Germany]
• Frankfurt Galaxy [Germany, Champion 2021]
• Hamburg Sea Devils [Germany]
• Paris Musketeers [France]
• Rhein Fire [Germany]

Central Conference:

• Barcelona Dragons [Spain]
• Helvetic Guards [Switzerland]
• Milano Seamen [Italy]
• Munich Ravens [Germany]
• Stuttgart Surge [Germany]
• Raiders Tirol [Austria]

Eastern Conference:

• Berlin Thunder [Germany]
• Fehérvár Enthroners [Hungary]
• Leipzig Kings [Germany]
• Prague Lions [Czech Republic]
• Vienna Vikings [Austria, Champion 2022]
• Wrocław Panthers [Poland]

Notable facts about the franchises:

• Former NFL Coach Jim Tomsula is the current Head Coach for Rhein Fire.
• A US group of investors led by former NFL Player Malcolm Smith acquired 60% of the Barcelona Dragons franchise.
• NFL Hall of Fame OT Joe Thomas is part of the Munich Ravens.
• Due to financial struggles the Istanbul Rams who participated in 2022 will not take part in the 2023 season - that why we have an odd number of franchises this year.

​
Thanks to a cooperation with the NFL the ELF is allowed to use the names of old NFL Europe teams. The NFL has no shares or other financial interests in the ELF, they don't own a franchise or something like that. This prevents a situation where the NFL suddenly pulls out and the whole league collapses.
In the next few years the ELF wants to have 24 franchises from more than 10 European countries. The league already announced a new franchise for the 2024 season located in Madrid, Spain.

The games & rules

Every team will play 12 games in a span of 14 weeks with six teams moving on to the playoffs where the champion will be decided in the championship game. The championship game will take place in Duisburg, home of Rhein Fire and the 31.500 seat stadium is expected to be sold out.
In order to promote and support the local players every franchise can only sign 4 US-Players and only 2 of them can be on the field at the same time. There is also a salary cap in order to keep the competitive balance.
The games will be played with NFL Rules with a few exceptions. The league uses the college overtime rule and the XFL Kickoff Rule.
You can find out more about the rules [here].

European League of Football Subreddit: elf

We are a steadily growing community about everything ELF related. We have a good relationship to players, to the league and are a key community when it comes to the ELF.
Throughout the season we will provide Gamethreads as you know them from NFL and similar sport subreddits. We also have User Flairs for each team so you can show everyone who you are rooting for. There will also be AMAs every now and then.
Tomorrow we will have our very first Gamethreads of the season. The first thread will go online at 4PM CEST(GMT+2).
I hope we can welcome some of you over at elf and talk about American Football in Europe.

Where can you watch the ELF?

With the ELF Gamepass you can watch every game of the ELF from all around the world. The league has a cooperation with Endeavor Streaming, who also provide the Gamepass for the NFL, WWE & UFC.
Games will also be broadcast on free TV in some countries.

Region	Broadcaster
International	ELF Gamepass
Austria	ProSieben Maxx / Pro7, ran.de, More Than Sports TV
Germany	ProSieben Maxx / Pro7, ran.de, More Than Sports TV
Switzerland	ProSieben Maxx / Pro7, ran.de, More Than Sports TV
Czech Republic & Slovakia	O2 TV Sport
Hungary	Arena4+/Net4+
China	iQIYI Sports
Poland	Polsat Sport, Polsat Sport News
Spain	Esport3 (not live)

If you want to learn more check out our subreddit and make sure to take a look at the schedule on the league's website: [Schedule]