College essay idea
How To Write An Essay With An Awful Topic
Monday, August 24, 2020
Gmmm Free Essays
Case 1. Southwestern college Southwestern college (SWU), an enormous state school in Stephenville, Texas, 30 miles southwest of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, selects near 20,000 understudies. In a run of the mill town-outfit relationship, the school is a prevailing power in the little city, with a bigger number of understudies during fall and spring than lasting occupants. We will compose a custom paper test on Gmmm or on the other hand any comparative point just for you Request Now A long-term football powerhouse, SWU is an individual from the Big Eleven meeting and is typically in the best 20 in school football rankings. To support its odds of coming to the subtle and since a long time ago wanted number-one positioning, in 2003, SWU employed the unbelievable Bo Pitterno as its lead trainer. One of Pitternoââ¬â¢s requests on joining SWU had been another arena. With participation expanding, SWU overseers started to confront the issue head-on. Following a half year of study, much political arm wrestling, and some genuine money related examination, Dr. Joel Wisner, leader of Southwestern University, had arrived at a choice to extend the limit at its nearby arena. Including a great many seats, including many extravagance skyboxes, would not please everybody. The compelling Pitterno had contended the requirement for a top notch arena, one with worked in quarters spaces for his players and palatial office fitting for the mentor of a future NCAA champion group. Yet, the choice was made, and everybody, including the mentor, would figure out how to live with it. The activity presently was to get development moving following the 2009 season finished. This would permit precisely 270 days until the 2010 season opening game. The temporary worker, Hill Construction, marked his agreement. Sway Hill took a gander at the assignments his specialists had plot and looked at President Wisner without flinching. I ensure the group will have the option to take the field on time next year,â⬠he said with a feeling of certainty. ââ¬Å"I sure expectation so,â⬠answered Wisner. ââ¬Å"The contract punishment of $10,000 every day for running late is nothing contrasted with what Coach Pitterno will do to you if our initial game with Penn State is defer red or dropped. â⬠Hill, perspiring somewhat, didn't have to react. In foot-ball-insane Texas, Hill Construction would be mud if the 270-days target was missed. Back in his office, Hill again looked into the information and noticed that idealistic time evaluations can be utilized as crash times. He at that point assembled his foremen. ââ¬Å"Folks, if weââ¬â¢re not 75% sure weââ¬â¢ll finish this arena in under 270 days, I need this venture slammed! Give me the cost figures for a deadline of 250 days-additionally for 240 days. I need to be early, not simply on schedule. 1. Build up a system drawing for Hill Construction and decide the basic way. To what extent is the venture expected to take? 2. What is the likelihood of completing in 270 days? 3. On the off chance that it is important to collide with 250 or 240 days, how might Hill do as such, and at what costs? As noted for the situation, accept that idealistic time appraisals can be utilized as crash times. aa Step by step instructions to refer to Gmmm, Essay models
Saturday, August 22, 2020
The Knowledge Management Challenge Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
The Knowledge Management Challenge - Assignment Example These three kinds of information are what structure the scholarly capital that is required by PolySpec as it advances. (1) Internal procedure information identified with PolySpec work forms This incorporates the prized formulas of the organization, for example, licenses and specialized papers, the creation of the items particularly the proportion of mixes, acquisitions, and their upper hands, outlines and equations. This is notwithstanding the interior activities and interchanges of the organization that isn't available to the open, for example, secret discussions and archives. For instance, Buddy holds four licenses, has distributed a few specialized papers and he has hands-on the board style (Fielder, et al n.d, P.2). PolySpec has made a few acquisitions including Selby Battersby, Thiokol Formulated Products, and Flowcrete Plc (UK) with every merger getting new upper hand and items (Fielder, et al n.d, P.2). ... (2) External procedure information identified with customer undertakings and activities This incorporates the information on up and coming debates in regards to clientsââ¬â¢ nature of workmanship, specialized help to temporary workers, cases of mislabeled items, and item disappointments identified with work conditions. For instance, PolySpec specialized work force give the greater part of the specialized help through casual ways, for example, phone discussions (Fielder, et al n.d, P.1). Additionally, the accompanying prosecutions are because of item or undertaking disappointment related with PolySpec and its subcontractors: Instafreeze, Inc. versus Environchem Technology and PolySpec Corp; W.J. Undertakings, Inc. versus PolySpec Corp; Ladell Alexander, et al versus American Cyanamid, et al; and B-Z-B, Inc, versus Slip Free Systems, Inc, and PolySpec, L.P. (Defender, et al n.d, P.7). The outside information process has a place with the information securing phase of the information the board procedure. (3) Product information This incorporates the information on organization item classifications, items proficient sentiments, item inventories, item marks and item information accessible on the organization site.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
How to Cope When Your Spouse Is Gay
How to Cope When Your Spouse Is Gay Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems Print How to Cope When Your Spouse Is Gay By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20 years. Shes the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. Learn about our editorial policy Sheri Stritof Updated on November 18, 2019 GlobalStock/Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse Youve had your suspicions. Maybe your normal sexual appetite is considered by your mate to be excessive, or your spouse doesnt want to have anything to do with you sexually and acts repulsed by sexual activity. Maybe your partner becomes more and more secretive and moody and you notice him or her looking at people of the same sex in a different way. Then you discover the truth: your spouse or partner is gay or bisexual. As your world turns upside down, and as your partner comes out, you find yourself reeling. You feel alone, isolated and ashamed. Statistics Concerning Mixed Orientation Couples Mixed orientation couples are those in which one member in a relationship is either gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. According to one study, there are up to 2 million mixed-orientation couples.?? When the gay, lesbian, or bisexual partner comes out, a third of the couples break up immediately; another third stay together for one to two years and then split; the remaining third try to make their marriages work. Of these, half split up, while the other half stay together for three or more years.?? Key Issues Facing a Straight Spouse Theres no question that learning your partner is gay or bisexual can be traumatic for the straight person in the relationship. Among the things you may be feeling are: Sexual rejectionDamaged sexual self-esteemWondering things like what did I do to cause this? or am I not masculine/feminine enough?Low self-image and a high level of self-doubtConcern about the children. How will they handle the news? How will it influence them to have a gay parent?Feeling like your beliefs have been shattered after living a lieConfusion about the relationship or marriage and whether it is worth savingFear of having your family torn apartHurt over being violated and lied toRage, bitterness, fear, shock, despair, devastation, repulsion, hurt and angerAnxiety about whether your partner or spouse has been unfaithfulShame, secrecy, and a fear of lack of acceptanceFear of having been exposed to or having contracted sexually transmitted diseases including HIV Things to Do and Not to Do Do Decide what you both can and cannot live with. Accept that it takes two to make a marriage. Get checked immediately for sexually transmitted diseases, whether or not your partner admits to any sexual infidelity. Take care of yourself as you go through the grieving process. Your relationship has changed. Try to accept this reality and move forward. Be careful how you tell your children. You may need professional guidance to deal with this. Its important for them to feel loved and secure and to know theyre not to blame for the situation. Don't Isolate yourself. Seek out a support group or professional help. Assume your marriage is over. Some straight/gay marriages are happy unions. However, studies show that out of 15 percent of couples who try to make it work, only about 7 percent make it over the long term. Blame yourself for turning your partner gay. No one can turn someone else gay. Let the years of deception and the sense of betrayal take away from the good times and the positive memories. A Word From Verywell Although the trauma of being a straight spouse or partner can be overwhelming, it is important to realize that the situation you find yourself in is not your fault. The first year will probably be the toughest as you sort out complicated feelings and decide how to move forward. These decisions may mean the end of your marriage. Some couples stay married and some dont. Moving on and letting go will take time and a willingness to forgive.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
The Problem Of Rapid Population Growth - 1605 Words
It took the beginning of time until 1804 to reach a world population of one billion people. Population statistics show that there were 1.6 billion people in 1900 and this figure reached 6 billion before the end of the 20th century. Over the past several decades, the world s population has been growing exponentially. According to the population statistics, this figure is going to ascend to more than 9 billion people by the end of 2050. Recent studies shows that the growth rate of population has somewhat steadied from the prior projections due to various things such as increased education, along with higher death rates due to the spread of numerous diseases. Despite these recent projections, the overall trend of rapid population growth remains, creating numerous challenges for engineers. The main concern for engineers is that this rapid increase in population, along with fast paced industrial growth, places a tremendous strain on land, energy, and water resources that are essential for human survival. These challenges for engineers will required them to use their talents in effort to improve these situations. One of the biggest concerns for engineers with the growing population is the tremendous strain on land. In many areas of the world, the land suited for food production is dwindling. This creates a major problem since there will be a high demand of food production with the growing population. Suitable land and mass food production are both necessary for human survival.Show MoreRelatedRapid Population Growth as a Problem of Humanresources Utilization in Nigeria2752 Words à |à 12 PagesRAPID POPULATION GROWTH IS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS OF HUMAN RESOURCE UTILIZATION IN NIGERIA. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THIS PROBLEM? A MANPOWER ECONOMICS ASSIGNMENT Akinrodoye Adunola INTRODUCTION Population can be defined as the number of people living in any defined area at any given time. Hence the population of Nigeria consists of all the people who live in the country at any given time (Dictionary of Economics, 1998; Ojo, 1997). Population however cannot be treated inRead MoreWe Must Stop The Global System Essay1034 Words à |à 5 Pagesthe universe. It is the only planet in our galaxy that supports life. Unfortunately, our planet is suffering due to population and resource availability. If these problems are not recognized, and the appropriate actions are not taken to slow down or put an end to them, then the consequences could be overwhelming. The global system will need to adjust to this massive population growth. Over the past few decades, the world has seen major advancements in health and largely as a result, people are generallyRead MoreEssay The Implications of Rapid Urbanization1685 Words à |à 7 PagesUrbanization is the process of human migration from rural areas to towns and cities, thus rapid urbanization means that the rate at which the migration from rural to urban takes place is hurried that a country has no time to plan for their existence at the cities. The situation differs from country to country as the number of cities and rural areas in the countries are different. Another possible reason for the difference is the development nature of the countries; some countries are developed, othersRead MoreOverpopulation Is A Catastrophe?841 Words à |à 4 Pagesconverted to overpopulation. Currently, the global population is 7 billion, and the increase rate is 1.3% annually that means by the end of the twenty-first century the population will reach twelve billion (Keenan, 2013). Therefore, there is a huge debate going on right now regarding overpopulation. For some people, explosion in population has no detrimental impacts in the future, and it will be bearable. In contrast, others believe rapid growing population can cause disaster; this concept is the mostRead MoreNegative Effect of Overpopulation.1365 Words à |à 6 PagesTHE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF POPULATION GROWTH Some observers attribute nearly all of the world s maladies to excessive population growth. They claim that rapid population growth has at least three adverse effects on human well-being. First, it increases poverty--the number of people that are impoverished, the proportion of the community that is impoverished, and the severity of the impoverishment. Second, it increases environmental degradation--the misuse of natural resources--with adverse consequencesRead MoreUrban Population And Urban Development Essay1587 Words à |à 7 Pagesthe last two centuries, particularly in the last decades, mankind has witnessed drastic population changes from rural to urban areas (Rui, 2013). This movement of people into major towns and cities of the world has been observed worldwide but at different extent. However, rapid urban growth/sprawl also causes problems. The increasing population observed is inevitable; therefore the solution to urban problems depends essentially on effective planning, in frastructural management and development. AccordingRead MoreEssay on Poverty and Income Inequality in China1348 Words à |à 6 PagesAnother Inquiry on the Economic Welfare and Poverty in China The trade-off between economic growth and redistribution has become one of the major notes concerning the emerging economies of post-Cold War world. Adding to this struggle the urge to integrate into the international system while keeping the balances right at home has been another macro-level concern. In conjunction such liabilities not only necessitates the examination of fiscal and structural reforms but also the international trendsRead MoreThe Effects Of Water Coverage On Urban Areas Of Developing Countries1746 Words à |à 7 PagesAreas Access to improved water in urban areas of developing countries is worrying since it has steadily declined over time (Kayaga et al, 2007). So far, investment in the urban water supply does not reflect a formula that matches the rapid urban population growth. Most water supply infrastructure is aging. For instance in Nairobi, many of the capitalââ¬â¢s water pipes were laid down before independence in 1963 and are now worn out, hence leading to a loss of about 50% of water (Moraa, 2012). As suchRead MoreThe Development Of The World Population1528 Words à |à 7 Pagesthe development of the world population directly depends on the mode of social production, especially the level of development of productive forces. In the history, mankind got the tremendous progress in productivity often with the population rapid develop. In the primitive society, the primitive society s population birth rate and the mortality rate all maintained at about 50% because of the objective law and the soci al production mode. The number of the population maintain in a state of high birthRead MoreEffects Of Urbanization On Food Supply And Human Security885 Words à |à 4 Pagesregard to the effects and disadvantages of urbanization. This book focuses attention on the socio-economic and environmental effects of rapid urbanization and population growth in the developing countries with particular reference to Africa. This source is useful as the author analyzes the magnitude and causes of urbanization and considers the impact of rapid urbanization on climate change, phenomena whose spiral effect extends to the future impact of global warming, health, food security and environmental
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Is The Most Moral System Of Political Organization
In this paper, I will be making the case that a specific form of Anarchism is the most moral system of political organization. Specifically, I will be arguing for a subset of the Anarchist philosophy called ââ¬Å"Anarcho-Capitalismâ⬠. But I will address left-wing socialist Anarchism. I will start with some definitions and then move into the more nuanced aspects of my arguments. In this paper, I intend to first address the moral issues of ââ¬Å"statistâ⬠political systems and then move onto those of the leftist Anarchists. I will then summarize Murray Rothbardââ¬â¢s case for Anarcho-Capitalism. For this paper, I will not be discussing the issues of any economic problems created by the existence of a State or leftist policies, but they most certainly doâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦So what is wrong with having a State? In short, it simply does not adhere to the same ethical standards to which we expect the general public to behave. Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr., chairman a nd CEO of the Mises Institute, wrote in his article ââ¬Å"Why I am an Anarcho-Capitalistâ⬠, ââ¬Å"The state encourages the public to believe there are two sets of moral rules: one set that we learn as children, involving the abstention from violence and theft, and another set that applies only to government, which alone may aggress against peaceful individuals in all kinds of ways.â⬠And this is the crux of any and all States, whether they be more capitalist than Hong Kong or more socialist than North Korea. They all infringe on the freedom of otherwise peaceful people. In fact, it is impossible for a State not to be a burden on society and make its constituents worse off. Think for moment of a king. In any decision he makes, whether it be to install a new bathtub in the castle or to institute a new public works program, he will be forcing his will upon the citizens of his domain. And imagine a man, who opposes the kingââ¬â¢s command. What will happen to him? First, he will be sternly commanded to obey the authority of the king. But if he refuses to comply, he will be imprisoned or otherwise subject to punishment. And if the man continues to refuse to cooperate with the kingââ¬â¢s orders, despite ever increasing punishments, eventually the king will have no choiceShow MoreRelatedThe Goals Of An Introductory Course Within Any Subject Field1398 Words à |à 6 Pagesprinciples in an overarching understanding of the field. The principles are as follows: the differentiation of the public and private sector, the political nature of public administr ation, the intergovernmental environment of public administration, the variation in organizing within public organizations, and the role of ethics within public organizations. What follows is a brief elucidation of these concepts and their utility to frontline administrators. To begin, one must understand that the publicRead MoreLeadership Style Based On Rewards And Punishments For Work1569 Words à |à 7 Pages Transformational leaders are emerging as organizations are consistently looking to improve, become larger, or increase interaction with their stakeholders or core audience. Organizations are asking leaders, now more than ever, to inspire creativity, evoke ownership, and engage followers to succeed within the confines of the organizational goals and mission. Transactional leadership still has a place in an organizationââ¬â¢s leadership development; there is still a need for a leadership style based onRead MoreAnalysis Of Washington s Farewell Address1656 Words à |à 7 Pagesfall of 1796, has long been esteemed as one of the most crucial documents for the original establishment of American policy in many areas. From setting a precedent for American neutrality during international wars to promoting the stewardship of public credit, Washingtonâ â¬â¢s address has had a great influence on the paths that America has taken over past centuries and the decisions that its leaders have made throughout history. This is largely because most parts of Washingtonââ¬â¢s advice have been heeded toRead MoreInternational Relations And Applying From An Anarchic International System943 Words à |à 4 Pagesstates in an anarchic international system. Realists view states as dominant actors. These states are insecure, selfish, unitary, and rational in the sense that they make decisions in an organized manner that will produce the greatest utility. The states are always looking out for their own national interests and are naturally antagonistic against other states. Because realists are only concerned with the survival of the state in an anarchic international system, the most important goal of the state isRead MoreEthics And Moral Philosophies Of Organizations783 Words à |à 4 PagesEthics and Moral Philosophies The majority of organizations have an obligation to build and operate their business with strong moral principles. Leaders should have the confidence and be comfortable with their decision to move their organization in a particular direction. Whether your company is taking a new direction or not, one of the many moral philosophies to apply is that of privacy. To be accountable by rules and concepts that prevent others access to employee actions and communicationRead More Business Ethics Essay1522 Words à |à 7 Pagesultimate value and the standards by which human actions can be judged right or wrong (ââ¬Å"ethics,â⬠Collegiate). Ethics is not primarily concerned with the description of moral systems in societies. That task, which remains on the level of description, is one for anthropology or sociology. In contrast, ethics deals with the justification of moral principles. A Brief History of the Study of Ethics Ethics has been studied since ancient times. In the oldest of the Indian writings, ethics is an integral aspectRead MoreAre There Any Natural Rights?1143 Words à |à 5 PagesPatrick Hart in the text ââ¬Å"Are there Any Natural Rights?â⬠argues, that if there are any moral rights, then there exists at least one natural right, the equal right of all men being free. This right is not created or conferred by menââ¬â¢s voluntary action; other moral rights are. ââ¬Å"No man has an absolute or unconditional right to do or not do any particular thing or to be treated in any particular way, coercion or restraint of any action may be justified in special conditions consistently with the generalRead MoreThe Celestial Empire Of China And The Tributary System Essay891 Words à |à 4 Pages Zewei explain The Confucian world perspective in China depended on the idea of the Celestial Empire of China and epitomized in the Tributary System. The Chinese perspective couldn t fit into the equivalent universal relationship affirmed among European nations. In the mid-nineteenth century, particularly after the Opium Wars, worldwide law set out on an enraged impact with Chinese customary Confucianism. Debilitated by powers of Western powers, the Qing government had no real option except to comeRead MoreBook Review of Sandal1245 Words à |à 5 PagesIn Justice: Whats the Right Thing to Do? (2009), Michael J. Sandal argues that politics and society require a common moral purpose beyond the assertion of natural rights like life liberty and property or the utilitarian calculus of increasing pleasure and minimizing pain for the greatest number of people. He would move beyond both John Locke and Jeremy Bentham in asserting that a just society cant be achieved simply by maximizing utili ty or by securing freedom of choice (Sandal 261). JusticeRead MoreThe Theory Of Moral Sentiments By Adam Smith1184 Words à |à 5 Pages In 1740 ~ 1746, went to University of Oxford to study, although not got a good education, but read a lot of books.After 1750, in the University of Glasgow as a professor of logic and moral philosophy, but also in charge of school administration, until 1764 to leave.In 1759, the publication of the theory of moral sentiments, obtain high academic evaluation.In 1768, began writing the study on the nature and causes of the wealth of nations, referred to as the wealth of nations . Smith in heaven
Succubus Heat CHAPTER 17 Free Essays
The sweet scent of a white chocolate mocha woke me from a heavy sleep the following morning. For a few moments, as I stirred to consciousness, it was like waking up any other day. Then, as I opened my eyes and shifted position, my bodyââ¬â¢s nerves came to life, reminding me what had happened yesterday. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Heat CHAPTER 17 or any similar topic only for you Order Now It wasnââ¬â¢t the horrible torturous pain Iââ¬â¢d experienced before, but I had enough aches and soreness to dissuade me from too much movement. Still, I managed to more or less sit up when Dante entered my bedroom. He held the mocha in one hand and what looked like a bakery bag tucked under his arm. In the other hand, he carried an enormous vase of blue and white hydrangeas, interspersed with orchids. I never would have pictured those particular flowers going together, but the arrangement worked. ââ¬Å"Did you rob a florist?â⬠I asked. Dante gave me a withering look as he handed me the mocha. ââ¬Å"Why are you assuming the worst again?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because orchids arenââ¬â¢t cheap,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"They were out of crab grass, so I had to settle.â⬠He gently placed the vase on my dresser and then freed the bakery bag. ââ¬Å"And I beat up some kids for these.â⬠After a long, delicious sip, I set the mocha on my bedside table and took the bag from him. Inside were chocolate croissants-my favorite kind of breakfast pastry. ââ¬Å"All this because I got beat up?â⬠I asked. He sat on the side of the bed. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m worried about you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I should get in fights with demons more often,â⬠I teased, my last few words getting muffled as I bit into a croissant. Tiny flakes and crumbs fell onto my sheets, but I didnââ¬â¢t care. ââ¬Å"Not funny, succubus,â⬠he said. And to my surprise, I could see that he meant it. None of his usual sardonic humor showed on his face. There was no bitter twist to his lips. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s never happening again. And Iââ¬â¢m going to make sure you get better, immortal healing or not.â⬠ââ¬Å"Never took you for a nursemaid.â⬠ââ¬Å"Be quiet,â⬠he snapped. ââ¬Å"And keep eating. Your body needs calories to heal.â⬠Happy to oblige, I started to take another bite and then froze. ââ¬Å"Do you think I might start putting on weight?â⬠Calories were nothing Iââ¬â¢d ever had to count before. Iââ¬â¢d feared neither weight gain nor health effects from the things I ate. ââ¬Å"I think thatââ¬â¢s the least of your worries.â⬠I supposed he was right. I kept eating-but with a little less enthusiasm. He still looked so serious and worried that I couldnââ¬â¢t shake my warm and fuzzy feelings. ââ¬Å"Thank you for all of this. Itââ¬â¢s really great.â⬠He smiled at me, and his gray eyes were lovely in the morning light. ââ¬Å"Not many people in this world I feel deserve my help. Youââ¬â¢re in an exclusive club.â⬠I started to make a comment about how the rest of the club members must be imaginary, but there had already been too much snark this morning. Nanetteââ¬â¢s attack had seriously shaken Dante up. ââ¬Å"Thank you,â⬠I said again. A thought struck me. ââ¬Å"I might have some other way for you to help. Will you grab my purse?â⬠He retrieved it from the living room and handed it over. Reaching inside, I was relieved to see the photo that Iââ¬â¢d swiped from Mary was still there. I studied it for a moment, willing the medallion to yield some sort of revelation. All I saw was a translucent brown disc and runes or symbols that could easily be mistaken for a childââ¬â¢s scribbles. With a sigh, I handed it to him. ââ¬Å"Does this mean anything to you?â⬠His brows knit thoughtfully as he looked it over. ââ¬Å"No. Should it?â⬠ââ¬Å"I think it might be part of Jeromeââ¬â¢s summoning. Remember when I asked you about an artist who carved quartz? This is what I turned up. Supposedly, the stone and marks are clues, but I donââ¬â¢t know what they are. I guess thatââ¬â¢s where I need people like you or Erik.â⬠He gazed at the picture for several more moments, and to my surprise, I saw anger building in his features. Abruptly, he stood up and tossed the picture on the floor. ââ¬Å"Son of a bitch,â⬠he growled. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s the matter?â⬠I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"This,â⬠he said, gesturing at me and the fallen picture. ââ¬Å"This is the matter. What good am I, succubus? Iââ¬â¢m ten times more powerful than those people I sent you to go see. Aside from Lancaster, thereââ¬â¢s probably no one else in this fucking town who knows as much about the arcane as I do. And what good is it?â⬠He paced around my room and ran his hand angrily through his hair. ââ¬Å"Nothing. Thatââ¬â¢s what itââ¬â¢s good for. I canââ¬â¢t seem to help you. I canââ¬â¢t do a goddamned thing. I couldnââ¬â¢t save you from that demoness. And I donââ¬â¢t know anything about this medallion thing.â⬠I was stunned by his reaction. ââ¬Å"Hey, whoa. Itââ¬â¢s okay. Sit down. Donââ¬â¢t beat yourself up.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not okay.â⬠He came to a halt. ââ¬Å"I feelâ⬠¦powerless.â⬠For someone whoââ¬â¢d spent his life doing horrible things in the quest for power, I could recognize what a hard admission that was. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not obligated to do anything here,â⬠I said gently. ââ¬Å"You help me more than you realize. But this isnââ¬â¢t your fight. This isnââ¬â¢t your responsibility.â⬠â⬠Youââ¬â¢re my responsibility,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"If I canââ¬â¢t look out for you, then why do you need me?â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not with you for what you can do for me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah? Youââ¬â¢re with me for my winning personality?â⬠The truth was, I still wasnââ¬â¢t sure at times why I was with him. I couldnââ¬â¢t help but recall his comments about me keeping him as a bed warmer, but true or not, now wasnââ¬â¢t the time to bring that up. Plus, heââ¬â¢d been sweet lately-something Iââ¬â¢d never expected when Iââ¬â¢d turned to him in my post-Seth rage. ââ¬Å"Dante, Iââ¬â¢m serious. Donââ¬â¢t worry about any of this. Iââ¬â¢ll take care of it and talk to my friends.â⬠I saw from the look on his face that that wasnââ¬â¢t quite what heââ¬â¢d wanted to hear. Knowing I had other people to go to seemed to make him feel more inadequate. ââ¬Å"You shouldnââ¬â¢t be involved in this at all,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"What, in finding Jerome? Of course I have to be.â⬠ââ¬Å"There are others, people who are more powerful. I donââ¬â¢t want you getting hurt again! Why canââ¬â¢t you just lie low and keep yourself safe?â⬠he demanded. ââ¬Å"Because itââ¬â¢s not what I do! And no one else is going to do it anyway. Theyââ¬â¢re just letting this go. Letting Jerome go.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why donââ¬â¢t you let it go?â⬠he asked. ââ¬Å"Would it be so bad to work under another demon? Youââ¬â¢ve worked for others.â⬠I turned and gazed out the window. The sky was blue, but something told me it was cold out. It was a quirk of Seattle weather. We often had warmer temperatures when it was cloudy out, colder ones when it was sunny. Dragging my eyes back to Dante, I said, ââ¬Å"Yeah, I have. But this is different. This isnââ¬â¢t right-it shouldnââ¬â¢t have happened. I have to find Jerome.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes. You do. Itââ¬â¢s written all over you. Why do you have to make everything so difficult and create these problems?â⬠ââ¬Å"If youââ¬â¢re unhappy, no oneââ¬â¢s making you stick around,â⬠I said quietly. ââ¬Å"Of course Iââ¬â¢m sticking around. And if thereââ¬â¢s nothing to be done for your impulsivity, I might as well help.â⬠He snatched up the photo and glared at it. ââ¬Å"Let me take this and ask some questions. I might not know what it is-yet-but there are resources I can tap.â⬠There was a hard set to his face. He was a man with a mission, which I preferred to him being down on himself or ranting at me. I was about to send him off with my blessings, but something held me back. I couldnââ¬â¢t let the picture go. ââ¬Å"I want to keep the photo,â⬠I told him. He stared. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t think Iââ¬â¢ll bring it back?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, Iââ¬â¢m not worried about that. But I did a lot to get it, and besides, I want to show it to some people too. Weââ¬â¢ll make a copy of it. You can take that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah? You got a copy machine in the bathroom?â⬠ââ¬Å"Canââ¬â¢t you just draw it or something?â⬠ââ¬Å"Succubus.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I donââ¬â¢t know! But if you want to do sleuthing, youââ¬â¢re going to have to find a workaround. Until I feel like traipsing around the city with you, I want the picture to stay with me.â⬠He glowered, looking very much like his usual bitter self. Finally, realizing I wasnââ¬â¢t going to yield, he did a hasty trace of the medallion onto another sheet of paper. He added a few notes off to the side and did his best approximation of the symbols. He seemed miserable the entire time. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s fine,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re going now?â⬠ââ¬Å"If you think youââ¬â¢ll be okay.â⬠I assured him I would be. My phone was nearby, and I had a feeling if he stayed, heââ¬â¢d just grow more and more upset about how heââ¬â¢d let me down and about how I was putting myself at risk for reasons he didnââ¬â¢t understand. At least this gave him a feeling of purpose. I promised to call if something happened and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally left. I stayed in bed for a while after that, consuming my calorie-laden breakfast and thinking about his extreme reaction. I hoped heââ¬â¢d find something out for me, and in the meantime, I needed to do some investigating of my own. First things first, though. I needed to shower. It turned out to be harder than I expected-but not impossible. I just had to move slowly when I walked to the bathroom, careful not to get too ambitious. Hughââ¬â¢s bandages still covered my back, and it took a fair bit of dexterity to remove them. They were soaked with blood, but underneath, the cuts showed signs of Meiââ¬â¢s healing. They were still there, still uncomfortable, but had all scabbed over and were much smaller. I kept the water lukewarm as I showered and was careful when I toweled off to not break any of the scabs open. By the time I was sitting on my couch in the living room, I felt like Iââ¬â¢d run a marathon. Iââ¬â¢d never wanted shape-shifting so badly in my life. I wore loose clothes-drawstring pants and a T-shirt without a bra-but it had taken some effort to put them on. My hair Iââ¬â¢d given up on completely, figuring combing it out would have to do. I didnââ¬â¢t have the patience to dry it and didnââ¬â¢t want to think about the frizziness I was inviting. Aubrey joined me on the couch as I rested from my morning labors and flipped through the channels. After cycling through twice, I gave up and left the TV on some sort of nature show about Siberian tigers. Aubrey watched it with wide eyes, but I wasnââ¬â¢t interested. ââ¬Å"This is your equivalent of reality television,â⬠I observed. ââ¬Å"The talk shows donââ¬â¢t come on until later,â⬠a voice suddenly said. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s when things get good.â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"Carter. What a pleasant surprise.â⬠The angel strolled into my line of sight and sat down on the armchair opposite me. Aubrey immediately left me and hopped onto his lap. ââ¬Å"Traitor,â⬠I said. He grinned and scratched her head. ââ¬Å"Word on the street is that you had a bad day yesterday.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve had worse,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Marginally. You should have seen me before Mei healed me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Bah, demons canââ¬â¢t heal. Not really. They lose the finesse it takes when they cross over.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hey, Iââ¬â¢ll take what help I can get.â⬠I brightened. ââ¬Å"And speaking of help, I think Iââ¬â¢ve got a picture of the seal-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"No.â⬠ââ¬Å"No what?â⬠ââ¬Å"I know what youââ¬â¢re going to ask, and the answer is no.â⬠ââ¬Å"You have no idea what Iââ¬â¢m going to ask!â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re going to ask me to help identify the seal so you can figure out where Jerome is.â⬠I stayed silent. Damn. He rolled his eyes. ââ¬Å"And the answer is no.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you could make this so much easier,â⬠I argued. ââ¬Å"Danteââ¬â¢s out trying to figure out what the seal means. You could tell me right now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Georgina, I told you before. I canââ¬â¢t interfere.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then why are you here?â⬠ââ¬Å"To see how youââ¬â¢re feeling. Believe me, I wish I could interfere. Iââ¬â¢d do a better healing job than Mei.â⬠I fell silent, mind spinning. ââ¬Å"Were you here yesterday?â⬠ââ¬Å"Doing what?â⬠ââ¬Å"Look, I wonââ¬â¢t consider it interfering, but just tell me if it was you.â⬠Carter didnââ¬â¢t look confused very often. If anything, he was usually the one messing with other peopleââ¬â¢s minds. I think under normal circumstances, when the immortal state of affairs in Seattle wasnââ¬â¢t in limbo, he would have faked it and hidden his confusion. Now, he just shook his head in exasperation. ââ¬Å"What are you talking about?â⬠ââ¬Å"Someone was here after Nanette beat me up. A guy. He put me to bed and called Hugh.â⬠ââ¬Å"It wasnââ¬â¢t me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Technically, it wouldnââ¬â¢t even be interfering.â⬠ââ¬Å"Georgina,â⬠he said sternly. ââ¬Å"Listen. It wasnââ¬â¢t me.â⬠I held his gaze and shivered at the intensity in his eyes. His were gray, but whereas Danteââ¬â¢s were like leaden clouds on a winter day, Carterââ¬â¢s were like gleaming silver. ââ¬Å"It wasnââ¬â¢t you,â⬠I said at last. Heââ¬â¢d answered directly, with none of the half-truths and subterfuge angels normally employed. Heââ¬â¢d answered directly, and angels couldnââ¬â¢t lie. ââ¬Å"I suppose you didnââ¬â¢t blow up the stove either?â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠ââ¬Å"Who did, then? You said in Vancouver youââ¬â¢d try to protect me. I figured this was you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s possible the stove blew up because of a gas leak.â⬠ââ¬Å"Maybe,â⬠I grumbled. He smiled, instantly transforming him to the mocking angel I usually knew. ââ¬Å"Believe me, Daughter of Lilith, I wish I could take credit for these things. And if it comes down to it, and I have the means and ability, I will try to protect you. For now, Iââ¬â¢ve still got to stay out of this.â⬠ââ¬Å"House calls aside.â⬠ââ¬Å"Just a visit between friends.â⬠He winked and stood up. ââ¬Å"I really do wish I could help more, but youââ¬â¢re going to have to find another way. Be careful, whatever you end up doing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not warning me away from all this?â⬠He arched an eyebrow. ââ¬Å"Should I be?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I mused. ââ¬Å"But everyone else is. They say itââ¬â¢s dangerous.â⬠ââ¬Å"It is dangerous. But these are dangerous times, and honestly? Youââ¬â¢re the only one that I think has the means or desire to get us out of this mess. Good luck, Georgina. And donââ¬â¢t leave the house without checking your hair.â⬠He vanished. ââ¬Å"Fucking angels.â⬠I realized then that I was starving for real food, not sugar-filled sweets. My kitchen was sparse as usual, so I decided to risk the world and go pick up something. I was tired and certainly incapable of running a marathon, but Meiââ¬â¢s healing really had gone a long way. I could manage the one block walk to a nearby take-out Chinese restaurant. I placed the order, and by the time I was out of my robe and out the door, the food was ready. I stopped at a convenience store as well to pick up some pop, and the whole endeavor only ended up taking about thirty minutes. From the look on Aubreyââ¬â¢s face, you would have thought Iââ¬â¢d been gone a whole day, but then, she just wanted my orange chicken. I changed back to my robe and relaxed with the food, pondering how to spend my day. As Iââ¬â¢d told Dante, I didnââ¬â¢t want to go traipsing about town, but I wanted some leads on the medallion. Erik was probably my best bet at this point, and I hoped heââ¬â¢d be able to ID my symbols from phone descriptions. Before I could do that, I heard a knock at my door. I expected it to be Hugh making a house call, but to my astonishment, it was Seth. ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠I said, stepping aside so that he could come in. ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠he returned. I stuffed my hands into the ratty robeââ¬â¢s pockets, wishing I hadnââ¬â¢t been so hasty to change back to casual mode. My hair was undoubtedly a lost cause, so there was no point stressing over that. ââ¬Å"Howââ¬â¢s it going?â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay.â⬠He met my eyes frankly, something he hadnââ¬â¢t done in a while. It sent a tingle down my back. ââ¬Å"I was just nearby and wanted toâ⬠¦well, that isâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He sighed. ââ¬Å"I just wanted to apologize for what happened yesterdayâ⬠¦.â⬠Yesterday. The kiss. Something that only a demon attack could have dwarfed. I shook my head, trying not to recall how Iââ¬â¢d felt that kiss all the way to my toes. ââ¬Å"You have nothing to apologize for. I thinkâ⬠¦I think I was as much to blame. Besides, it was nothing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Nothing?â⬠he asked, looking both surprised and hurt. ââ¬Å"I mean, not nothing ,â⬠I amended hastily. ââ¬Å"But we were both kind of worked up, and things got crazy, and well, like I saidâ⬠¦nothing to apologize for.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okayâ⬠¦Iââ¬â¢m glad youââ¬â¢re not upset. I donââ¬â¢t want there to be anythingâ⬠¦well, anything bad between us.â⬠I thought about all the fights and arguments. ââ¬Å"Well, Iââ¬â¢m not sure weââ¬â¢ve reached that state. I mean, come on, do you think things will ever be normal and friendly between us?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠he said bluntly. ââ¬Å"No matter what has or hasnââ¬â¢t happened romantically, I still feel likeâ⬠¦like thereââ¬â¢s something between usâ⬠¦like, a connection, I mean. I feel like weââ¬â¢re always destined to be important in each otherââ¬â¢s lives.â⬠You are my life , I thought and promptly looked away, as though he might have heard me. ââ¬Å"Do you regret it?â⬠I asked before I realized I had. ââ¬Å"Regret?â⬠ââ¬Å"Ending things.â⬠I looked back at him, fearing his answer, no matter what it was. ââ¬Å"I regretâ⬠¦well, I donââ¬â¢t regret saving you from future hurt. I do regret the hurt Iââ¬â¢ve caused youâ⬠¦if Iââ¬â¢d known youââ¬â¢d react and spiral the way you haveâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t take that into consideration,â⬠I said hastily. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s not your fault.â⬠I was surprised to be saying that, but it was true. My bad behavior these last months had been my doing. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t help it. Iââ¬â¢ll always worry about you. Like I said, I feel like no matter what, weââ¬â¢re always going to be connectedâ⬠¦like thereââ¬â¢s something bigger than us at work. As it isâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"What?â⬠ââ¬Å"Never mind.â⬠I stepped forward, never taking my eyes off him. ââ¬Å"Tell me.â⬠ââ¬Å"As it isâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He shrugged. ââ¬Å"Life is easier not dating you. But sometimesâ⬠¦it feels incomplete. Like thereââ¬â¢s a piece of me missing.â⬠ââ¬Å"And thatââ¬â¢s easier?â⬠ââ¬Å"Think of it as winning the lottery and having people waiting on all your needs, but itââ¬â¢s at the cost of, I donââ¬â¢t know, getting your leg amputated.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wow. You should be a writer with that imagery.â⬠He smiled. ââ¬Å"Yeah, yeah. But you know what I mean.â⬠Except, I was missing a part of my life and things were harder, not easier. ââ¬Å"You at least have Maddie.â⬠ââ¬Å"You have Dante.â⬠ââ¬Å"Danteââ¬â¢s not Maddie, believe me.â⬠ââ¬Å"Fair enough. Sheââ¬â¢s greatâ⬠¦I care about herâ⬠¦love herâ⬠¦I donââ¬â¢t know. Itââ¬â¢s all just different.â⬠Silence fell, but it was comfortable. ââ¬Å"Good lord. I canââ¬â¢t believe weââ¬â¢re discussing this rationally.â⬠ââ¬Å"See? Not so hard to be friends.â⬠I had my doubts about that. ââ¬Å"I guess.â⬠ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t worry. Weââ¬â¢ll keep trying. Before long, weââ¬â¢ll be on a bowling league or something.â⬠He spoke his words lightly, but there was a catch that belied the truth of his words. Being friends wasnââ¬â¢t easy for Seth either. He still cared about me and was suffering just as much as me with this separation. Seeing that made something in me soften. ââ¬Å"Hey, itââ¬â¢s okay. Weââ¬â¢ll make this work.â⬠I reached out to hug him, and he automatically returned it. I felt warm and safe and right in his embrace-until he casually squeezed my back. I cried out, jerking away at the pain that shot through me. We sprang apart, and he looked at me in alarm. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s wrong? Are you okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢sâ⬠¦complicated.â⬠My standard answer to uncomfortable questions. ââ¬Å"Georgina!â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s nothing. Donââ¬â¢t worry about it.â⬠He strode toward me, reached a hand out, then pulled back. Intensity filled his face. ââ¬Å"Are you hurt?â⬠I tried to keep out of his reach. ââ¬Å"Look, I got in a fight last night, and Iââ¬â¢m sporting some, uh, residual effects. Itââ¬â¢s mostly gone, though, so thereââ¬â¢s nothing to worry about.â⬠ââ¬Å"You? Got in a fight? With who?â⬠ââ¬Å"Whom. And it was with Nanette. I told you, itââ¬â¢s nothing.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whoââ¬â¢s Nanette?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢sâ⬠¦a demon.â⬠He gave me a level look. ââ¬Å"A demon. A full-fledged demon.â⬠ââ¬Å"Something like that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Let me see your back.â⬠ââ¬Å"Seth-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Georgina! Let me see your back.â⬠There was anger in his words, not at me, but at the thought of someone hurting me. It reminded me a little of Danteââ¬â¢s reaction, except that Dante always had a bit of anger in him. It was normal. To see it woken up in Sethâ⬠¦to see him so passionate and fierceâ⬠¦ Slowly, slowly, I turned around and undid the front of my robe, letting it slip halfway down my back. I heard Seth gasp at what he saw, and then a few moments later, he stepped forward and pushed my hair off my back so that he could get a better view. I shivered when his fingers touched my skin. ââ¬Å"Georginaâ⬠¦this is horribleâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"It was worse before.â⬠I spoke flippantly, hoping to deflect his worry and realizing Iââ¬â¢d only increased it now. ââ¬Å"Worse?â⬠I tugged the robe up and turned back around. ââ¬Å"Mei healed it. Iââ¬â¢m fine.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, it seems that way.â⬠ââ¬Å"Look, itââ¬â¢s nothing you have to worry about.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not worry about?â⬠His eyes were filled with incredulity. ââ¬Å"Even when youââ¬â¢reâ⬠¦normalâ⬠¦a demon could still kill you, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah.â⬠Seth put his hand to his forehead and sighed. ââ¬Å"This is what itââ¬â¢s like, isnââ¬â¢t it?â⬠ââ¬Å"What?â⬠ââ¬Å"What you went through with me. Living with the fear that I could die. Having it tear you apart.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t answer right away. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t have to worry about me. Thisââ¬â¢ll work out.â⬠ââ¬Å"Did thisâ⬠¦did Nanette do this because of your investigating?â⬠I nodded, then crooked him a wry smile. ââ¬Å"Still like how brave I am?â⬠He stepped closer to me and looked me up and down in a way that was so serious, my smile faded. ââ¬Å"Even after this, you arenââ¬â¢t going to stop, are you? Youââ¬â¢re going to keep pushing to find Jerome?â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want me to stop?â⬠This was almost like my earlier conversation with Dante, when heââ¬â¢d made it clear he thought I was a fool for continuing with my quest. Sethââ¬â¢s answer was a long time in coming. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t want you to get hurt. But I understand you, and I know why you have to do thisâ⬠¦and itââ¬â¢s still part of that strange, brave nature of yours thatââ¬â¢s soâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He didnââ¬â¢t finish, but I saw the anguish in his eyes, the worry and heartache over something happening to me. It was mingled with something else, though. Pride. Affection. I put my arms around him again, wanting to comfort him now. ââ¬Å"Hey, hey. Itââ¬â¢s going to be okay. Iââ¬â¢ll be okay.â⬠His hands rested on my hips, careful of my back, but honestly, I barely noticed. My attention was on his lips, pressed against my cheek. ââ¬Å"Georgina, Georgina,â⬠he breathed against my skin. ââ¬Å"You areâ⬠¦incredible.â⬠And like in the car, I donââ¬â¢t know who exactly was to blame, but our lips met and were kissing again. Unlike before, we didnââ¬â¢t break apart out of shock. We kept kissing. And kissing. His lips were intoxicating and felt like theyââ¬â¢d been designed especially for mine. Our bodies pressed against one another, though his embrace was still gentle. As the kiss continued, that same sensation came back to me: this was purely a kiss. Just an expression of love between two people with no dire side effects, no soul stealing. The longer it went on, the more amazed I was. By now, as a succubus, I would have begun to taste his energy and feel his thoughts. But not now. I was alone in my own head, savoring his body and not his soul. We pulled back slightly, and he moved his hands up to the side of my face, smoothing my hair away and touching my cheek. ââ¬Å"Georgina. You areâ⬠¦beautiful.â⬠We kissed again, and it was so sweet, so pure, that it didnââ¬â¢t seem possible. I hadnââ¬â¢t had a physical experience that could really be called sweet or pure sinceâ⬠¦well, since my mortal days. But this was. And by pure, I didnââ¬â¢t mean non-sexualâ⬠¦because my body was definitely awake and yearning for his. But, it was pure in the sense that there were no ulterior machinations here, just our feelings. My love for him was the turn-on, and as his hands ran down my arms and back to my hips, it was the knowledge that it was Seth that made it all so powerful. His hands carefully moved down to the robeââ¬â¢s tie and undid the knot. He broke the kiss and studied my face as he hesitantly, almost reverently, slipped the robe off me. It hit the floor, and I stepped away from it. Seth moved with me, running his fingers along my arms, leaning down to kiss my neck. I tilted my head back as my own hands began pushing up his T-shirt. When I had it half-way, he paused to push it up the rest of the way. Then his hands were on my waist once more, sliding down and feeling the curve of my hips. I had on plain cotton panties-sexily cut, at least-and his fingertips traced the edges down along my thighs, every touch soft yet quivering with pent-up energy. I donââ¬â¢t think I was being quite as gentle. I was hungry to touch him, eager as I ran my hands along his chest and the lean muscles of his stomach. I wanted to kiss it and taste it and lose myself in all things Seth. I began backing up toward my bedroom, and he followed, turning hesitant once we reached the bed and I started to sit. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢tâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ he began. ââ¬Å"I can lie down,â⬠I said, doing exactly that. ââ¬Å"I just canââ¬â¢t slam my back down or anything.â⬠After watching me for a moment, making sure I spoke the truth, Seth took off his jeans and lay down next to me. I rolled slightly to my side, pressing back to him. We resumed kissing, doing no more than that, just letting our nearly bare bodies wrap around each other. Having all this skin touching between us was heady. Never, never had I imagined it could really happen. Our hands explored each other, feeling every line and curve weââ¬â¢d always been denied. Every gesture between us was exquisite. Every caress was a prayer. We regarded each otherââ¬â¢s bodies with wonder and joy. When my hands slipped to the edges of his boxers, I found his own fingers were tugging at my panties. We hardly needed any communication, and once completely naked, I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him toward me and seeking the completion with him Iââ¬â¢d so long dreamed of. To my surprise, he pulled from my arms and scooted down the bed. ââ¬Å"What are you doing?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"This,â⬠he said. He smoothly pushed my legs apart, and I felt him shower my inner thighs with light, delicate kisses. Up and up his warm mouth moved until he made contact with my clit. I gasped softly at the fire that coursed through me from that light flick of the tongue. It was so lightâ⬠¦yet so powerful. Iââ¬â¢d been so intoxicated with the simple fact that we could touch that I hadnââ¬â¢t been consciously aware of just how aroused I had grown. I ached and was wet and nearly melted at his touch. He lifted his mouth up slightly. ââ¬Å"Do you know how long Iââ¬â¢ve dreamed about this? To be able to touch you? To taste you?â⬠I had little chance to ponder his rhetorical question because his lips returned to me, sucking and licking, somehow infinitely gentle and blazingly hot at the same time. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the pleasure of it, of Seth bringing me closer and closer to orgasm. As my muscles tightened and my cries grew more frequent, he intensified his movements, his tongue dancing and teasing harder and more rapidly. I wanted to hold off, to prolong this as I did his books, but I couldnââ¬â¢t help it. My climax hit me hard and fast, and I moaned long and low as I came. All the while, Seth kept his mouth down there, refusing to let up as my body arched and trembled from the sparks of ecstasy that flowed through me. When my body finally quieted, he lifted himself up again and returned to my side, showering my chest with more of those tiny kisses. I brought my face to his, trading in the little kisses for one big one. His mouth tasted like me, and I opened my lips farther and farther as our tongues stroked each other. I might have come already, but I still burned between my legs and still needed him. I pressed myself against him, wrapping my legs around him so that there was almost no space between our hips. ââ¬Å"Georginaâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ he said warningly. It was another sign of how well we knew each other that I realized he wasnââ¬â¢t worried about asking permission about what came next. He was worried about my back again. So, shifting over, I rolled him to his back and straddled him, looking down at him with a small smile. He gave me an answering one, amused by my ready solution. As we held gazes, I was again overwhelmed with the emotion of the experience, of how indescribable it was to finally touch someone I loved. I had been terrified at the thought of dying, but I realized then that I was only afraid of dying uselessly. For Seth, to save him, I would have gladly laid down my life. He was right. We were connected in something bigger than both of us. Empowered by that realization, I lowered my hips, joining us at last. I felt him enter me, felt him fill me up. We both paused then, neither breathing or moving, half-expecting something to happen or end this. Nothing did, and after that, I didnââ¬â¢t hesitate any further. I slowly moved my hips up and down, savoring the feel of him in me and underneath me as he glided in and out. My hands were on his chest and his were on my hips. Our eyes were on each other, never wavering, never breaking contact. How to describe sex with Seth? Itââ¬â¢s difficult. It was unlike anything Iââ¬â¢d had in my existence as a succubus. Somewhere, in the back of my head, it resonated with memories of my marriage, when my husband and I had still been happy. Every other instance after that had been lackingâ⬠¦until now. Each movement and touch with Seth was a dream, a wonder. The intensity of our lovemaking steadily increased. My need for him grew stronger and stronger, and I rode him with a ferocity that was still tender and full of the love that burned between us. I loved the feel of him, loved how I could thrust him into me, hard and deep. And yetâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not enough,â⬠I murmured. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re still not close enough.â⬠It might have been a foolish sentiment, considering we were as physically close as two people could be. But Seth understood. ââ¬Å"I know,â⬠he gasped. ââ¬Å"I know. Weââ¬â¢ll never be close enough.â⬠Joy lit his face then, and when he came, his body arched up toward mine. I leaned down and increased my rhythm and hardness, wanting so badly to be even closer and have as much of him in me as I could. His mouth parted in a soft moan that mirrored my earlier one, and when he started to instinctively close his eyes, he quickly opened them again to stay locked with my gaze. There was no looking away between us, no avoiding what we felt. As I stared into his eyes and felt his bodyââ¬â¢s trembling fade, energy seemed to crackle between our souls in a way that had nothing to do with succubus soul-stealing. Carefully, I eased myself off him and lay down on my side again, draping my body over his. I was drowning in feeling and emotion. ââ¬Å"Georgina,â⬠he murmured, pulling me closer. ââ¬Å"You are the world.â⬠Iââ¬â¢d heard that somewhere before, but I was too overwhelmed to parse it much. I was too lost in Seth. Instead, what I said was unoriginal but absolutely true: ââ¬Å"I love you.â⬠How to cite Succubus Heat CHAPTER 17, Essay examples
Sunday, April 26, 2020
The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico Essay Example
The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico Essay Research Paper The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals A mile below one of Mexicos most important lead and silver mines, and a few miles above the earths magma lies a magnificent Geological Wonder. It Is Known As ââ¬Å"The Cave Of Crystals. It contains the largest gypsum crystals known in the world to date. The cave was discovered in 2000 by two brothers drilling 1000 feet below the ground while working for Penoles mining company (Garcia-Ruiz et al. ). Man and mining have had a negative impact on the crystals, and should be held accountable for the future fate of this geological wonder. We must prevent its destruction, and benefit from the knowledge that science can gain studding this unique treasure. Cave mineralogy is a fairly new field of study that will continue to grow and earn a prestigious place in the larger scientific community. This find is the most important geological discovery made in our lifetime. This phenomenon merits a description. Growing up from the floor, the enormous crystals mirror columns of light, perfectly transparent and luminous. Among the giants is a prismatic shaped crystal measuring 11 m long. Many perfectly formed shards up to a meter in size sparkle and shimmer across the ceiling and walls. It is a magical place, described as a surreal fantasy world (London, 25). [pic] In Northern Mexico, about 100km, southeast of the city Chihuahua lies the Naica Mine. It has been operated by the Penoles mining company since 1952. They are the largest producers of lead and silver in Mexico, along with the production of zinc. The opening to the mine is on the North side of the Sierra de Naica, which according to scientific data lies above three known faults, the Gibraltar, Naica and the Montana. We will write a custom essay sample on The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer These faults still control the rise of thermal fluids. Hydrothermal circulation is responsible for the location of mineral deposits. Many years ago, tectonic stressors created cavities inside the aquifer; one of these caves today is called ââ¬Å"The cave of crystals. â⬠It is famous for the gypsum giants (Forti, 135). This discovery holds many secrets that will be exposed by science. The geological process that dictated the unique environment from which these giants materialized consisted of the natural pairing of two diverse fluids filling into the cave. One being from the deep, (phreatic), and the other from the shallow or (epi-phreatic) and vadose levels. These hydrothermal fluids, which are directly connected to the origin of the caves and mines, have been functioning as they are today for over twenty five million years. Over time, with these two chemicals overlapping and mixing with one another, we end up with an overabundance, referred to as ââ¬Å"super-saturationâ⬠(Fricker, Garofalo, and Gunther, 620) This formed the perfect nursery required to develop these gorgeous gargantuans. A 2011 Journal printed a paper entitled ââ¬Å"Role of Fluid Inclusion Analysis in Understanding Giagintic Selenite Crystal Growth in a Deep Karst Cave. ââ¬Å"The paper offered a recent study of fluid inclusion has shown that the crystals were formed within a small margin of temperature. The solubility of gypsum and anhydrite are the same at just under 54à °C. These crystals grow at low supersaturation and from low salinity solutions. The analysis data shows that dissolution of anhydrite formed during hydrothermal mineralization produces a growth solution consistent with that of oxygen and sulfur isotopic compositions of gypsum crystals. This study puts forth that the huge crystals were created by a self-feeding system, fueled by a solution-mediated anhydrite-gypsum phase transition (Garcia-Ruiz, 327-330). Man and mining have had a negative impact on these wondrous crystals. Based on the current research and data available concerning the growth of crystals, the oldest Naica mine crystals date back about 400,000 years. This date is not exact. Scientists measure present day rate of growth to determine the precise age of a crystal. Unfortunately, these caves were dewatered by the mining industry in 1985. This lowering of the water table stopped the accretion process. The supersaturated water that fed the crystals was no longer available (Badino et al. 124). Man has put an end to this amazing geological environment that has existed for somewhere around four hundred thousand years. According to the International Journal of Speleology, the temperature inside the cave has drastically decreased. The main part of the mine has been connected to the cave and this creates air circulation. The cave temp drops 0. 6 degrees C. per year. The dew point was met in 2005 and a condensation process started. ââ¬Å"At this location the giant gypsum crystals started to rapidly dissolve and new mineral phases began to precipitateâ⬠(Badino, 126). Once again, we have evidence of damage being done by mankind. The International Journal of Speleology states that upon analysis secondary minerals that appeared after the dewatering of the crystals the evolution of new speleothems seems to be due to the fluids contained in the crystals themselves. The Journal states: ââ¬Å"Thus, for the first time, the fundamental role played by evaporationcondensation processes have been applied not only to the shape of speleothems, but also to the control of their mineral compositionâ⬠(Badino et al. 125). There is much to be learned by the scientific community by studying this unique environment. Members of the Suttle Laboratory of Marine Virology and Microbiology were permitted in December, 2009, to take water samples from several different locations inside the mine. The temperatures inside the cave reach as high as 40 C and a relative humidity between 90 and 100%. As a result chemo autotrophic microbes, at present, ( because of their isolation) and their viruses may be related to those which dwelled on our earth at a much earlier time, or even possibly on other planets. It is hypothesized they exist and thrive in this ecosystem. The researchers from the team explained that ââ¬Å"by working with these samples. We hope to gain insight into what types of microbial assemblages inhabit this very unique environmentâ⬠(Suttle). In 1997 The National Speleological Society published a book titled ââ¬Å"Cave Minerals of the World. The demands made by the Nomenclatures and Classification Commission on New Minerals and by the International Mineralogical Association were met. In 2011 and up-to-date list added 319 cave minerals. Mineralogy has achieved a rapid growth over the last 10 years. This is mostly due to progress in analytical facilities and new technology. The study of speleothems can teach us about quaternary climate change, and show us the difference between many speleogenetic routes and passages. Minerals can also lead us to understand and re-create landscape evolution. New minerals hold valuable information for the fields of the Earth sciences, and many other disciplines of study. They will answer many questions in the future (ONAC et al. ). According to the University of South Florida, Department of Geology, and other experts in the field ââ¬Å"The result of cave mineral studies, when integrating stable isotope analysis with other microanalytical techniques, can be reassembled to test and improve conceptual ideas in mineral precipitation and to quantify geochemical processes associated with itâ⬠(ONAC et al. 4). Important discoveries have been made at the mines in Naica. Here are a few examples: Sulfates- Alpersite and Antlerite- Naica mine, Mexico. Cave at 150m. Silicates- Hectorite- ââ¬Å"Cueva de las Espadas, Naica, Mexico. â⬠Grientite- ââ¬Å"Cueva de los Velas, Naica, Mexicoâ⬠(ONAC et al. 34-36). There is no reason to assume that the most recent discovery, the ââ¬Å"Cave of Crystalsâ⬠has nothing to offer. This magnif icent find holds the interest of geologists, microbiologists, Earth scientists and many other allied professionals. They should be permitted, no, encouraged, to learn all they can before the cave returns back to its underwater existence, and is lost to us forever. The traditional study of minerals did not include much direct interest in the cave environment. Cave mineralogy is a field relatively new to science. This inattention stemmed from the fact that 90% of minerals found in caves are composed of aragonite and calcite (Bogdan and Forti, 80). Cave minerals known as speleothems are secondary deposits. Many of them have little or nothing to do with the actual cave itself. They were carried or transported as the existing cave was being filled or by corrosion after-the-fact. (Bogdan and Forti,79-80). Entering the 19th century, less than 10 scientific papers were published, detailing around 10 minerals, only including four different caves. Progress was made. By the 20th century 50 cave minerals were known and 250 papers have been published. The 60s brought with them 700 scientific papers on the subject, and some 80 described cave minerals. The third millennium brought about nearly 5000 papers published about 300 cave minerals and their environments were detailed. Today we average 2 to 3 new mineral each year (Bogdan and Forti, 81). Many of these minerals are new to science. Their surprise wealth is the result of separate forces working together. Percolating water causes the leaching of sediment and rocks before entering the cave. (Leaching releases solid-state radionuclides or contaminants into the liquid state. ) Another factor is high hydrogen sulfide solutions or hydrothermal liquid interplay with the cave sediments and the base rock. The same chemical compounds can form totally different product specimens. In other words completely different results can form from the same exact chemical compounds. The type of reaction that is undergone is the determining factor of the formation that is left behind (Bogdan and Forti,80). A variety of reactions take place in the cave environment. The key factors are: pH, Eh, changes in humidity and temperature, the chemistry of the solution and the presence or lack thereof microorganisms. Some common cave reaction types are: segregation and sublimation- processes result in phase transition. The key mechanism is temperature. Geochemical processes: oxidation/reduction, hydration/dehydration and double replacement these key mechanisms seem to be the concentration of acids (Bogdan and Forti,82). The cave of crystals should be left unharmed and be studied by the scientific community. It holds many answers that will benefit us in many ways. It should then be returned to the state in which we found it. This unique treasure and its knowledge are worth more to mankind than the ore produced by the mine. For the time being the caves should be open for geologists to study while there is a chance, as there is much to be learned. Works Cited Badino, Giovanni, et al. ââ¬Å"the present day genesis and evolution of cave minerals inside the Ojo de la Reina Cave, Mexico. â⬠international Journal of Speleology 40. 03926672 (2011): 125-131. Google Scholar. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. . Bogdan, Onac P, and Paolo Forti. ââ¬Å"Minerogenetic mechanisms occurring in the cave environment. â⬠International Journal of Speleology 40. 2 (2011): 79-98. PDF file. Forti, Paolo. Genissis and Evoloution of the Caves in the Naica Mine (Chihuahua, Mexico). â⬠Zeitschrift Fur Geomorphologie 54 Suool . 2. 0115 (2010): 135. Google Scholar. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. Fricker, Mattias B, Paolo S Garofalo, and Detlef Gunther. ââ¬Å"Role of Fluid Inclusion Analysis in Understanding Giagintic Selenite Crystal Growth in a Deep Karst Cave (Naica, Mexico). â⬠Highlights of Analytical Chemistry in Switzerland 65, No 7/? 8 (2011): 620. google Scholar. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. . Garcia-Ruiz, Juan Manuel, et al. ââ¬Å"Formationof Natural Gypsum Megacrystals in Naica, Mexico. Geology 35 no4: 327-330. Google Scholar. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. London, David. Figure 8. 14 Dec. 2002. New ââ¬Å"Cave of Crystalsâ⬠at Naica, Chihua, Mexico. N. p. , n. d. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. -. ââ¬Å"] New ââ¬Å"Cave of the Crystalsâ⬠at Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico. â⬠Earth Scientist Magazine (2003): 24 27. google scholar. Web. 28 Oct. 2011. . ONAC, Bogdan P, et al. ââ¬Å"State of the art and challenges in cave minerals studies. â⬠Studia UBB Geologia 56. 1: 33-42. PDF file. Suttle, Curtis A. ââ¬Å"Naica. â⬠Suttle Laboratory. University of British Columbia, 27 Nov. 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. .
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