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TD's Collected Shorts.

Started by InsaneTD, March 02, 2014, 12:48:38 PM

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InsaneTD

Brothers in Arms.

Joe swore as the rest of the squad ducked deeper into cover. An Athargon tank had them pinned. The small gun embedded in the hull was drawing power straight from the vehicles power plant, giving it a rate of fire that put even the CWIS Systems on the human's space vessels to shame. Plus it gave the rounds a lot of extra penetration power. The front of the building they were hiding in was being turned into gravel under the barrage.

Joe was about to call over his radio for assistance when he heard, "Tango down, who needs help?"
Joe laughed, "That you Callihan? I could use an assist, got a Sparky Whisper pinning my squad. We're on the east side of the city, grid 19. You close?"
"It's me Joe and Roger that location. BIS has us two blocks from you. Keep him distracted?"
"He's turning the building we're in, into rubble, he's plenty distracted. Get that rumbler you call a tank over here."
Joe turned to his squad, "Got a Praetorian coming in to deal with the Sparky out front, these guys will probably level this city block. We're going out the back as soon as he gets here."

They didn't have to wait very long before they heard the distinctive hiss-boom of a large calibre laser firing. The Athargon tank rocked but all the dust in the air took the sting out of it. The Athargon tank still took damage, the treads screaming as it was suddenly in motion. It smashed through glass of the building behind it. Joe took the tinkling sound if the falling glass as the signal to move. "Go! Everyone out the back, now!"
Callihan's voice broke through the radio, "Joe, you owe me a beer for this."
"Callihan, you kill that bastard and I'll buy your crew the first round."
"Done and done Joe. And you know I'll col..." The radio cutting out worried Joe till he heard another hiss-boom and the roar of the big Praetorian's engine.

The squad regrouped a block away before Joe spoke again, "right, let's go find Landes."

InsaneTD

First Time

"This recruits, is a Praetorian." Bart Callihan couldn't help it, his eyes bugged and his jaw dropped. His heart skipped a beat as he watched the Praetorians roll onto the parade grounds. The angular lines, the long barrel of the main gun. The roar of an even dozen of the machines. The colour of the big tanks was hard to describe. Later in life when people pushed for an answer, Callihan would always describe it as being like oil floating on water, but deeper. It was a special paint that was supposed to help reflect, refract, and generally spread out the energy of a laser, without actually being a reflective surface. Callihan realised his instructor was still talking and started listening again, "... The armour is a honeycombed, multilayered, titanium ceramic alloy. All the power comes from the onboard generator. Secondary armaments consist of a pair of laser carbines, also powered from the on board generator. Top speed on road is around hundred kilometers an hour. None of you will be driving one this fast today." Bart had been working hard since getting assigned here after basic. He still wished his best friend has chosen to be a Rumbler like him, but Joe had chosen to join the infantry and hoped to be chosen for special ops.

"Right, when I call your name, you will proceed to the tank on the left and follow the instructions of the tank commander." Bart waited patiently for his name to be called, he'd spent the last two months training in the simulators and learning everything he could about these tanks. Today was the first time they'd even seen one and now he was about to drive one. His name was called and he dutifully moved towards the fifth tank. Callihan was glad that whoever had designed the SIM had decided the only way to get in and out was the same as for the real thing. He was able climb in and quickly set about adjusting the seat, harness and controls for himself.

He had been waiting just a minute before the order came over the radio and he was started the Praetorian's engine. Three thousand horsepower of motor roared to life before settling into a growl as it idled over. It was at that point he realised the SIM wasn't as accurate as he had thought, it definitely didn't translate the feel of one of these tanks. It felt alive and he began to understand some of the things his instructors had said about these tanks. He just hoped this one was a friendly sort.

The tanks began rolling from the parade grounds out onto the training course. To Bart, the tank felt eager to move, to respond to his commands through the controls. He couldn't help smiling as he turned the big tank and slowed to a stop. Each tank was being sent out onto a twenty kilometer obstacle course designed to test how well the recruits had learnt in the Sims. Twenty-five minutes later, the instructor messaged him over the intercom, "Your up Callihan, let's see what you can make this tank do."

Bart gentle pushed the tank forward, the start of the course was a steep angle decline that disappeared under the nose of the Praetorian. That was followed by a water crossing but it quickly disappeared into the forest surrounding the base and that was all Bart could see right now. The tank tipped over and Bart opened the motor up, letting it accelerate down the hill and through the ford. He knew these tanks could almost swim but he was still surprised as the water came up to the turret ring. He was glad he'd double checked his hatch was secured.

The course took an hour to complete and more then a couple had failed to, getting the tank stuck or taking it off the course. Then there was the trap that caught Bart off guard. A couple places had been turned into minefields and was to make sure the prospective Rumblers would continue checking their BIS screens during the test. The mines were small radio transmitters that caused the tank to shutdown and Callihan had sworn when he felt the Praetorian die, only to then notice the screen flashing, "You're dead!" in big red letters. "Sorry Callihan, looks like you just found a minefield. I'll reset the system and you can get us out of here."

InsaneTD

Conspiracy Theory.

"People call me crazy. Tell me I'm wrong. But I'm not crazy, just know the truth. See, there are these creatures. Spiders actually. Don't know where they came from or why they act the way they do. All I know, is they use us."

"They use us?"

"Yep. There's one on you right now. On me too. That itching on the back of your head, that's one. Lump on the back of your neck is how you know you've been bitten."

"Why can't I see them?"

"It's their poison or venom or whatever it is. It hides them from our eyes somehow. Back of your head is getting really itchy isn't it."

"Why do they do this, bite us, hide from us."

"I dunno. "

"Surely they have reason."

"They surely do. I don't know. How would I know!"

"Ok, I believe you. How did you see them?"

"I've never fully seen one. They are always just outside view. Corner of the eye stuff. I've met people though, people who have seen them. Couple were even scientists. They told me a scan of the brain stem showed evidence of the bite."

"What kind of evidence?"

"They said that there was some kind of build up. They used a heap of technical, medical type jargon. Others have seen them. Been told certain drugs block the effect. Marijuana is one"

"Marijuana?"

"Yeah."

"How?"

"How should I know! I'm just a bloody truck driver!"

***

Behind a one way mirror.

***

"It's getting harder to cover up after these people."

"I know."

"More are showing up."

"I know."

"Where is the immunity coming from?"

"It's not an immunity."

"Then how do you explain this?"

"None can see the Attalory."

"Not yet anyway."

"Think that bit about marijuana is legit?"

"Don't know enough to say for sure."

"The Queen will need to know."

"I know."

***

Back inside the room.

***

"This gentleman will take you to a place you can rest."

"That itch annoying you?"

InsaneTD

#33
*Edited version.*

Landing Party.

The six vessels started skimming the atmosphere, the trials of fire merging into one long fireball. Hathor Class Escort Carriers. Each ship named after a different God of the sky or air. They were designed for one purpose, to fly to another planet and then enter the atmosphere. Each vessel was a giant wing, purely designed to generate lift in an atmosphere. They would circumnavigate the planet twice before flying low enough and slow enough to fulfil their primary mission, launching the dozen Harpy Fighters each carried. Then the massive engines would be spun up to full power and they would climb back out of the atmosphere.

They were surrounded by two flights of Garuda bombers and eight of largest human craft actually capable of landing on and then taking off from a planet, The Pegasus Dropships. The mission was to create a beachhead at the main spaceport so more units could be ferried down to the planet. That would then be the launching off point for the war to take the planet back.

The Gods of Flight were flying in a massive V formation. Now they were far enough apart they could use the drag and turbulence each created to help slow the whole. Soon though, they would move closer, both for mutual protection and to use each other's slipstreams. Once they did that, they would launch the payload of Harpy Fighters. The fighters were held in launch cradles on the flight deck that would be deployed, at the end of a mission, they could be retrieved the same way. Dangerous and tricky manoeuvre that it was.

At still well over sixty thousand feet above the ground, each vessel deployed it's flight deck. They were currently doing just under Mach one and still slowing but they could now safely launch the fighters. The wind blowing over the hulls of the great ships buffeted the fighters as they were held in their launch cradles. The engines on the fighters already running and to go to full power. At just under Fifty thousand feet and ten kilometres from the target, they released their payload of Harpies. The fighters dropping from underneath the massive Gods. Multiple booms sounded around the Gods as each Harpy fired their engines and raced towards the target. Each God was also armed and started firing on targets on the ground. The lasers stabbing at the ground as they passed.

Mission accomplished for now, the Gods powered their mighty engines up and started climbing again. They were completely armed but the slower they went and the longer in atmosphere, the more risk they were at. The design allowed for a landing, but no-one wanted to try it since they weren't sure how to get them off they planet again, each vessel having been built in the zero gravity shipyards orbiting Jupiter.




Didn't change as much as I expected too but so much happier about this story. Also, thank you Ravager Zero for chatting with me about it this afternoon.

InsaneTD

Basic.

Joe and Bart chatted ideally while they waited for their instructor to arrive. The squad they were assigned to were all sitting in the same row, surrounded by two other squads. "Attention!" Everyone jumped to their feet as the sergeant entered the room followed by two corporals. "At ease people." The sergeant waited a moment for everyone to get settled before continuing, "Today I'll be teaching you the care and use of the standard battlefield armour." One of the corporals lifted the item in question up so everyone could see one.

"As each of you should know, this armour consists of four layers. The first is a layer of Kevlar, threaded through with Biosilk and coated in rubber. The second, is a layer of liquid quartz. This is sandwiched between the first layer of Kevlar, and a second layer. The last layer is the same stuff our armoured fighting vehicles are made of, titanium ceramic alloy. This layer is very thin and won't stop a bullet, shrapnel, or even a knife. That's what the Kevlar is for. What it will do is help disperse the energy of a laser hit. Though it does that poorly if I'm honest. Which is why next week, we'll be teaching you how not to get hit. But I digress."

The two corporals had been handing out the basic vest as the sergeant had been talking. "Now the first thing most people notice, is the weight. This is not, a light vest, and the full armour is worse. The second thing most people notice, is the plugs. This armour can and does help power a couple pieces of kit. The first is your radio. The second is your PAD. The eggheads tell me this works because as you move, the liquid quartz layer is compressed. This won't recharge anything that's flat, but I can assure you, it does extend the operational time of both the PAD and radio."

Joe carefully opened the vest and ran his hand over the material. It was soft but he could tell it was tough. The armour itself was covered in cotton, weaved with more of the Biosilk. He lifted the whole vest up a little and was surprised at just how heavy it was. Still, had to be better then being shot or stabbed. He tuned back into the sergeant, "I'm told this armour is idiot proof, but as I always say, you make something idiot proof, and they then design a better idiot. I expect one of you will somehow damage this armour beyond repair. They tested this stuff be running it over with a Praetorian, so that's quite the challenge." Joe smirked as he noticed Bart perk up at the mention of the famous battle tank.

"Speaking of heavy armour, I know some of you are destined to drive those Rumblers, good help us, so you possibly think you don't need to know this. Well it just so happens, that even vehicle crews are expected to wear this armour. So you will learn it." Bart's shocked look told Joe that his best friend hadn't known that. He smirked again as he listened to the sergeant recount how an earlier version of this armour had saved his life and then how a cadet had survived a live fire exercise because of this very mark of armour. The front of the vest had several Velcro patches and several clips for various pouches and equipment. The sides had adjustable straps and it looked like a Velcro patch with metal weaved through it.

"Any questions?" The sergeant asked. Joe raised his hand.
"Yes recruit."
"Sergeant, what's this patch on the side of the vest? It looks like Velcro with metal woven into it."
"Sharp eyes. That's exactly what it is. That's were the legs section of the armour connects so that the power generated by the liquid quartz can be transferred. You'll also notice a similar patch on both shoulders. That's were the arm armour connects for the same thing. While the vest does produce power, most is produced by the legs and arms of the armour system during marching."

The smile on the sergeant's face told Joe and everyone else what was coming, "Speaking of marching. Once we have gotten you whelps fitted in your complete armour system, we'll be doing just that. Now on your feet so we can go get the rest of your armour." Both Bart and Joe groaned as they got to their feet and follow the rest of the recruits outside.

InsaneTD

Alpha Strike.

Captain Talon Draid sat in his chair on the CIC of The Oceanus. The Titan Class Carrier was orbiting the world below. It was the flag ship of a modest fleet, six destroyers, two cruisers and a dozen pickets. It was really just acting as space traffic control for the system until the first orbital was finished. Then it would be returning to Sol, though it would be leaving the picket ships behind. While armed, the picket ships mostly did search and rescue, inspections and occasionally, giving the odd asteroid a shove if it threatened something important.

Talon was watching the colonies first orbital being build on his monitor. Several tugs were shifting the next module into place. This module contained the secondary life support systems. The next module to be installed was already floating five kilometers up spin and contained all the traffic control equipment. Oceanus and her fleet had entered the system six months ago and relieved the Eos and her fleet, which had arrived with the second wave of colonists.

"Computer reports FTL window opening. Six degrees leading, nineteen degrees above plane, six AU out." Draid looked up at the main screen as it focused on the section of space. They wouldn't be able to see what came through until one of the Oceanus' telescopes was aimed there. "Any ships expected?"
"No sir. Getting a message from picket two-three-six. Ships of unknown design." The comms officer paused for a heart beat, "Picket two-three-six is reporting that it's under attack."

An explosion appeared on the view screen just as it blurred. When it refocused, what was left of the picket ship was being brushed aside by a much larger vessel. It was roughly the same size as the Oceanus. "Alert all ships, colony under attack, pickets to regroup at L5 and hold position. Destroyers are to regroup on us, cruisers are to flank from spinward."
"Sent sir."
"Ready all batteries, alert the fighter squadrons and put us between the planet and the moon. Red alert."

Klaxons started blaring as the ship rocked. A second lot of alarms started screaming as air pressure started being lost through the holes in the hull. "Are the missiles armed?" Talon yelled over the alarms.
"Yes sir."
"Fire all of them and signal the fleet to return to earth and then get us the hell out of here."
"Yes sir!"

Flares erupted along the hull of the carrier as it fired it's missiles. It's thrusters burst into life and the ship groaned under the strain. The missiles streaked away from the Titan Class vessel. The motors burning for fifteen seconds before shutting down. Both to save fuel and so they couldn't be tracked by their flares. They'd fire again when they'd closed with their target.

"Alert the colony they are on their own and under attack. We'll bring the cavalry as soon as we can."

InsaneTD

The Legion Assault.

The Legionary was leading two others up the mountain, scouting the way for a group of much heavier Praetorian MBTs. All three vehicles were effortlessly climbing the steep slope thanks to their powerful motors. Right now, they were barely moving faster then walking speed but on road, they were the fastest land vehicle in the human defence force's motorpool. Most of the human colonists thought these mountains were absolutely gorgeous. Many had spent time climbing, biking and camping in these mountains. The trees grew incredibly tall and thick. More like pillars holding the sky aloft then trees. The tips were capped in snow all year round, but the three Legionaries weren't climbing the slopes to take in the views or the recreation opportunities. They were trying to find an alien landing site.

The crew of all three vehicles knew the human fleet had already left and the unknown enemy fleet had landed in these mountains, just not exactly where. The ground based radar at the spaceport had several massive blind spots caused by the mountains. The three trucks pulled a hundred meters short of a ridge leading into the next valley. Two soldiers got out of the less vehicle and raced up the slope. The dived to the ground and belly crawled the last five meters.

The ground between the two soldiers exploded outwards, showering the vehicles in mud and rock as the bodies were thrown like rag dolls. Several soldiers ran to check on their comrades. A second explosion and shower of grit and dirt caused them to grab the wounded and head for the vehicles. The vehicles lurched into motion and swung around to head back down the slope.

They'd gotten halfway down when they first saw what was attacking them. A pair of large tracked vehicles launched themselves over the ridge. Both landed heavily and skidded before straightening back up. The turrets both tracked onto a Legionary and fired. Tree trunks blew apart and leaf litter was picked up in the passing of the hypersonic rounds. One of the Legionaries was picked up and thrown down the slope, deeper into the valley. The vehicle was already crumpled when it smashed into the ground and then into a tree. The left most Legionary was pulled sideways by the passing of the round, it was lucky to have been swinging round a massive tree.

While the two big tanks chasing them wouldn't normally be able to keep up with the light armoured vehicles, the trees and rocks of the valley kept them from using their speed to get away from the unknown tanks. The tanks on the other hand were forcing their way down the valley through the trees. While the guns on the tanks didn't make a noise when fired, the rounds more then made up for it, igniting the air and a massive whip crack like noise. The two Legionaries were lucky to be missed again. The troopers in both vehicles were trying to line up a clear shot with the anti-tank missiles carried. A crew member on the trailing vehicle saw and chance and took it, firing the missile. The enemy tank saw the same chance and fired as well. The missile hit the tank squarely, causing it to slide to a halt. The Legionary was launched with the impact of the round. It bounced several times before hitting the last human truck, causing it to lose control. It smashed into a huge boulder. The last tank fired on the wreck. The wreck was smashed against the boulder again and the bolder reduced to dust and rubble.

InsaneTD

Maiden Voyage.

Robert Harriman stood in front of the deep dock's window. In twenty-four hours, the atmosphere would be evacuated from around the hull of the ship contained within for the last time. He'd take possession of the vessel and sail her towards earth as part of her shakedown cruise and trials. She was the first of a new line of cruisers. The name of both the vessel and the class shone brightly on the hull, brilliantly contrast against the inky blackness of the hull. Enterprize. While officially part of the navy, it was foremost a scout ship, enough endurance to spend decades in deep space, though expected to tour for no more then six months. Heavily armed and lightly crewed for her size.

Captain Harriman turned his head as the door to the observation lounge opened. The vessels designer, John Pyke, drifted up next to him, the entire facility under zero gravity, which was only turned on for events, like the laying down of a new hull or the launch of a ship like tomorrow. John lightly stopped himself next to the window, "Fine vessel isn't she?"
"Indeed, though I'm wondering which tradition she'll follow." Robert replied.
"Tradition?"
"There have been dozens of vessels named enterprise. The spelling used here is the same as a colony ship used to settle Melbourne, Australia. Fitting considering this ships role. But there have been slave ships, frigates, cruisers, ships of the line, freighters, exploration vessels and even aircraft carriers. The first spacecraft named Enterprise was the American space shuttle. The second was a civilian tourist craft."
"You've done your homework on the name."
"I'll be captaining a vessel with a pedigree mister Pyke, it's only fitting I know what that pedigree is."

***

The christening went to plan and according schedule, the speeches made and then the various officials went back to work. Several would be hitching a lift on the Enterprize back to earth, where it would dock with the Central American spacelift orbital anchor. There, it would take on it's full crew and supplies before heading to the edges of the system.

Captain Harriman sat in his chair as the tugs pulled the vessel out of the deep dock, the process would take over an hour before the engines could be started. The vessels backup reactors would provide enough power for the Enterprize to move to the safe standoff distance for the main reactors power up, but that would be the crews job for tomorrow.

***

The Enterprize was connected with the tug that had followed it out from the dry dock facility, the umbilical connecting them would provide the power needed for the main reactor firing on the Enterprize. After losing two orbitals to mistakes firing up the reactors, it was made protocol not to fire the main reactors near anything. "Tug Nineteen reports ready for boost."
"Begin reactor start up."
"Yes sir. Beginning main reactor start up."

***

"Contact, we are docked with Aztec Anchor."
"Good work everyone" Robert then activated the ship wide PA, "We have docked with Aztec Anchor, all passengers will be free to transfer to Aztec in thirty minutes, all crew, secure the ship."

***
Six months later.
***

"Contact, we are docked at Aztec Anchor."
"Excellent work." Captain Harriman activated the ship wide, "We have docked with Aztec. I know some of you are looking forward to some shore leave so I'll keep this short. You have all done an excellent job on this cruise. We all have two weeks of shore leave and then we'll be leaving on our first tour. Secure the ship and let's get back to our families."

InsaneTD

The Citadel.

The hissing permeated the air, audible, even over the sound of boots slamming the earth and the rattle of the armour. The air, thick with the smell of boiling water, burning oil, the sweat of man and beast, was filled with steam and dust in the morning light. The fog in the river valley below them was just beginning to burn off in the light. Smoke rose from several outlying farms and the great citadel. The citadel straddled the river as it fed into the sea. Pennants flew in the air over the marching army, gold over blue. A large flag gentle flapped was it was raised over the keep, a stylised wolf in a beige background, trimmed in silver.

Sun straight up saw the marching army approached by two runners from the city. One hung back while the first raised a sign of peace. She closed to a hundred yards a signalled for the army to halt. The commander of the army ignored her while a squad of archers stepped off the road. They drew and released in one smooth movement. The arrows sailed over the road and fell to ground where the runner waited. The runner and her mount dropped to the road, the second runner turned and fled back to the citadel.

***

The army had besieged the citadel, yet the people of the citadel did not care. The marching army had come from a land bound nation, they had no sea going vessels and could not block the harbour. Several messengers had been send from the citadel to the besiegers, none had been received. The disruption to the trade through the citadel meant the siege could not be allowed. If they would not talk, they would be destroyed. No army had ever besieged the citadel before, and none would be allowed to for long. The besiegers were about to be surprised.

The four vessels steamed out of the harbour and split into two pairs. The water churned about their hulls as the traveled to each side of the citadel. The army didn't realise the danger the vessels presented, even as they steamed towards the shore. The first sign of the danger was a massive quadruple booming noise. The guns turreted on the fore deck of the vessels spewing smoke and fire. They were answered moments later by the guns mounted on the wall. Two dozen great guns fired out at the besieging army.

The great vessels of steel ran straight for the beach, powered through the water by great tracks, they climbed up onto the sand. Great plumes of smoke and steam poured from stacks sticking up through the superstructure. The guns firing again. The camp was a flurry of activity as men gathered their arms. The archers were the first ready. They drew and loosed, the arrows sailing high into the air and glancing harmlessly off the great metaled behemoths.

Some of the foot soldiers had grabbed their grapples and lines and threw them, the hooks catching on the top rail of the vessels. They began swarming up the sides and over the rails. The great ships ground to a halt, hatches in the sides of the hull falling open and soldiers disgorging from within.

The knights of the besieging army met the soldiers of the citadel. The steam engines on their backs wheezed and hissed, the pistons attached to the arms and legs of the great armour allowing them great strength. The rattle and clamour of blades meeting shield, blade and armour. The roar of men and the smell of blood, oil and steam filled the air. The great guns on the wall kept up a steady beat as a backdrop to the sounds of battle. No sooner had the last man stepped off the ramp and the great hatches began to close. Sealed again, the ships lurched back into motion. The tracks screaming in protest.

***

The day had been won and the iron hulled ships slipped back into the water. They were too large to fit through the city gates and could only return to the berths by sea. The leader of the besiegers was marched into the city. He'd be allowed to live, traveling back to his home nation as a prisoner at the head of the citadel's army. Watching as each city was taken.

Narric

I'm gonna have to take time to read these. I feel bad I've not said anything or seemingly read them...

InsaneTD

TD is tired, TD wants to sleep, TD is being driven insane by mind wanting to do some world building. Not a story but info on the Praetorian main battle tank as used by human forces. I actually had more but lost it due to idiocy on my part, so this is most of the current info.

Praetorians are the same general size as an Abrams M1 though due to armour and weapons, ends up being much lighter. It's also not quiet as tall and has a much sleeker, more steam lined shape.

Due to power and efficiency requirements, Praetorians run two highly advanced turbines, and have very large fuel reserves. Several intakes feed air to the turbines with the exhaust being a specially designed vent in the lower section of the rear armour. It's designed to spread the heat as much as possible and allow lots of air to move without generating much pressure.

Everything on the tank is tested before being installed and anything that doesn't meet strict requirements is inspected and tested to find out why. In the case of things performing better then expected, to find out how and to see if that information can be used to better the component. If worse, to find out why not and how to prevent it happening again. This means every vehicle is so alike, the only way to tell some of them apart is by serial and vehicle numbers.

The paint is designed to reflect, retract and absorb radiation and other em energy sources that hit it. It's specially produced Crystal that is kept in a liquid medium. The entire hull of the tank is dipped into the liquid and a current is passed through it, bonding the paint to the armour in a similar way to electroplating. This, combined with the hull material, helps to spread the heat and energy from a laser. The paint is normally described as looking like ink or oil on water, as well as seeming blacker then black.

The hull itself is a titanium ceramic alloy, which like the tank and it's paint, is all made in zero gravity. The armour is layered with micro honeycomb like compartments designed to help prevent spalding inside the crew compartment, and help distribute and heat build up from repeated laser hits. The material itself is proof against all small arms, as well as larger cannons, though it still uses similar design principles as the Abrams M1 to try and deflect rounds, rather then stop them.



Hopefully, now I can sleep. Night all.