Whilst Talia continues to fight Ubu, she orders me to focus on shutting down the tower. Part of me fundamentally disagrees with her. Everything Bruce taught me in the first year focused on the importance of team work and how no matter what, we never abandon an ally. Almost four years on though, I can’t help but wonder how heavily that was caused by Jason’s loss. It had been well over a year after he’d lost Jason at the time and it would be another year before he’d finally open up about what really happened to Jason.

 

But now I can see where Bruce was coming from. After both Steph and I were attacked at the fairground, it feels wrong to leave Talia on her own to face Ubu. Especially with how little I know about his own skills with a blade. However, if what Bruce says about her is true, and she’s the one who trained him, then I’m worrying over nothing.

 

I really hope that’s the case.

 

Red Robin: Red Bird to bunker.

 

Alfred: Bunker here. Go ahead Red Bird.

 

Red Robin: How are we looking Al?

 

Alfred: I’m not sure yet. You’re the first team to report in.

 

Red Robin: Nothing from Bruce?

 

Alfred: Not since he found his father’s body.

 

Red Robin: Wait, what? There was a body at his tower too?

 

Alfred: Yes, its dental records match those belonging to Thomas Wayne. Lucius has told me that Master Grayson and Miss Gordon came across Mrs Wayne’s body at the Eastern tower. Did you identify who the body that you encounter belonged to?

 

Red Robin: We didn’t stop to confirm it, but Talia identified our body as that of Bruce’s uncle.

 

Alfred: First his parents, now his uncle.

 

Red Robin: Have you heard from the Outlaws about their body?

 

Alfred: We’ve not heard anything from them so far. I suspect they must have faced substantial resistance almost immediately to have not reported a body to us. Or perhaps maybe there isn’t one to report.

 

Red Robin: There’ll be one, Al. You don’t do something like that without covering your bases. They’ll have wanted Bruce to see them so they’ll have planted one at each tower to make sure that he does.

 

Alfred: I fear so.

 

Red Robin: How did he react to it?

 

Alfred: Not well. He cut off comms once he realised it was actually Thomas’ body. I fear the worst.

 

Red Robin: He’ll be alright, Alfred. He always is.

 

Alfred: But at what cost? You know how he protective he is of his parent’s memory, Master Timothy. I dread to think what having their peace disturbed will do to him.

 

Red Robin: He’ll do what’s right.

 

Alfred: I hope so.

 

The concern in Alfred’s voice is difficult to ignore. Clearly Bruce reacted worse than I thought he would upon learning who the bodies belong to. Please Bruce, don’t do anything stupid, for Alfred’s sake if not your own. In order to distract himself from those thoughts prying at the back of his head, Alfred tries to move the conversation along.

 

Alfred: Have you and Miss Al-Ghul secured the tower?

 

Red Robin: Not exactly. Talia had us split up. I’m on my way to try and shut down the tower, she’s dealing with one of the guards.

 

Alfred: I’ll transfer the tower schematics to your HUD now.

 

Red Robin: Thanks, Al………………………Do you know this person Talia’s fighting?

 

Alfred: Do they have a name?

 

Red Robin: Ubu.

 

Alfred: I’ll see if the Batcomputer has anything on anyone with that name and get back to you. The tower schematics should be with you now.

 

I activate the Batcomputer connection built into my mask and it begins downloading the tower schematics. Much to my surprise, the dispersal system controls are only two floors above. Not what you’d expect from a tower that’s at least 15 floors tall.

 

Red Robin: Al, are you sure these schematics are good? They say the controls are only two floors above me.

 

Alfred: You’re having the same problem that both Lucius and I did. A lack of logic behind the building of these towers

 

Red Robin: Are we sure Joker didn’t build these towers?

 

Alfred: Whilst it does sound like something he would do, thankfully he did not.

 

Red Robin: Alright Al, I’m making my way to the tower controls now. I’ll contact you if I need anything.

 

Alfred: Very good Master Timothy. Keep safe.

 

It takes little more than two minutes for me to locate the control room and much to my surprise it’s not booby trapped. With the way Bruce and Talia talk about the League, I’m rather surprised they have something waiting for me. That confusion quickly fades away as I realize why there was no trap set up to protect the room.

 

Damn it.

 

They’ve damaged the controls. Looks like the schematics Alfred gave me for the mechanism are worthless. How am I supposed to shut the dispersal system off now? Unless……I don’t need to shut the tower down? What if I just render what it’s pumping out into Gotham harmless?

 

Red Robin: Red Bird to bunker.

 

Alfred: Bunker here, go ahead Red Bird.

 

Red Robin: Alfred I’ve got a problem. The controls for my tower have been sabotaged and I’m not sure if they’re salvageable.

 

Alfred: This day just keeps getting better and better.

 

Red Robin: I’m looking at the system now. From what I can make out it looks like it’ll take some time to rewire the controls so they’re useable again, but the dispersal chamber appears accessible.

 

Alfred: I’ll patch you through to Lucius.

 

Red Robin: Thanks, Al.

 

Hopefully, Lucius has managed to reverse engineer the neutralising agent for this toxin. Otherwise I’m going to be stuck at rewiring this terminal for a good 15 minutes at least, and that’s time I can’t afford to waste especially with Talia fighting that Ubu guy alone.

 

Lucius: Good evening Mr. Drake.

 

Red Robin: Lucius.

 

Lucius: I hear the League of Assassins have decided to play dirty and vandalised your tower’s controls.

 

Red Robin: From what I can make out, the controls could be made to work again with enough rewiring but that will take time.

 

Lucius: A commodity that’s in short supply currently.

 

Red Robin: When isn’t it?

 

Lucius: Waiting for Luke to finish his driving exam comes to mind. So, what do you propose we do about shutting the tower down?

 

Red Robin: From what I can see, the actual dispersal chamber seems accessible. I’m wondering how far are you from synthesizing a neutralising agent for this gas?

 

Lucius: Though I can’t be 100% certain, I think I’ve cracked it. But I don’t have enough available right now to neutralise much gas at all. However, I think I have a solution.

 

Red Robin: Which is?

 

Lucius: I’m deploying the Batwing to your position now. Standby.

 

Red Robin: Lucius……Bruce told you about how you shouldn’t keep us in the dark when you have a new idea…..

 

Lucius: Don’t worry Mr. Drake. My idea will prevent the tower from dispersing anymore of that toxin into Gotham whilst I wait for the rest of the antidote to finish.

 

Red Robin: You’re not planning on blowing up the tower are you?

 

Lucius: ……

 

Red Robin: ………..Lucius?

 

Lucius: Not all of it.

 

Well that’s terrifying. I really don’t think I want to know just what he has cooked up in that crazy head of his. Hopefully Talia is having better luck with Ubu than I am with these controls.

The male pro-Trumper (in red. pf course) takes questions. It was interesting that he held up his cellphone as if it were a powerful juju against the crowd. Maybe he was live-streaming to wherever it is that fascists live-stream.

New front lip (I just need to a get a black version of that middle part), canards, bonnet vents, sunroof and a roof spoiler. As you can see, I'm also making the entire headlight lens yellow instead of just the low beam housing (need to get some more trans. yellow to finish it off).

 

All captured in terrible fuzzy quality with my point-and-shoot. Oh boy does this camera seem terrible after using a DSLR for the last ~year

٩(×̯×)۶

 

Not to fear; in a fortnight's time I'm going to take some not shit proper photos of this. With a much better backdrop!

You could easily take 500 photos walking round this lake. and amazing place any time of the year.

Here I am, trying to get some sleep, but the snoring and grunting of all these other elves makes it impossible to get any shut-eye. Even Bentley can’t seem to get any rest. I occasionally hear a giggle or two from a couple elves who continue to keep us all awake. I hope something is done in the morning. Gmbl.

I have a load of many, many more edits to make from my two eDDie treks but I want to edit and post more of my Switzerland Trail trek during this autumn's aspen color.

 

I snapped more shots after rounding the curve above Lefthand Canyon but all these curves are above the highway. I captured this shot across another gully beyond the spot where I left off last year where the view opened again after my recent posts. The grade across the gully shown, is on the way to Brainerd's Curve and road down to Brainerd's Mill on LeftHand Road to Ward. This is a colorful spot along the continuing Switzerland Trail narrow gauge railroad grade. Along the grade here, the grade scenery is typical until the view opens up to views beyond.

 

It's easy to see how much rock was pushed aside from the grade where I am standing at the bottom of the scene. At least the rock shores up the old grade turned back country road. The rock looks like that shown in my recent (four back) Rock ledge shot. Boy, this 1/20/th of a second exposure should be far shakier.

 

I have to learn to heavily study Weather Underground for current and upcoming weather conditions later in the day. I looked out the window and I saw a possibility of clearing to mixed clouds and blue. The fact is there are a few days open for shooting the best color up here and the Zinky-Dink crowd are promoting dig-and-burn to mix up the atmosphere. In any case, this is my shot. I made another foray up LeftHand Road a day or two later for more color. Unedited shots sit in another work directory.

 

This autumn snap along the Switzerland Trail to Ward, shows the railroad grade ahead. I trekked above Gold Hill, Colorado and veered along the railroad grade cut with aspirations of reaching the mountain-bound mining camp of Ward as its first true mountain mining town. This day started as a foray into the hills to search for aspen cloaked in showy fall coats. I thought Google maps showed more aspen on this side of the ridge. The color was generally at peak on that day but it may not look like it while along this old grade turned rough road. This is the narrow gauge railroad grade on the northern, Ward branch, west and north from Gold Hill Station atop the ridge. Sunset, Colorado was at the bottom of the ridge in the canyon left of me and was the division point on the Denver, Boulder & Western RR. You'll need your rock tires on if you plan on driving this track; it's been better and mostly smooth as a railroad. Well except when the snow avalanche slid the entire train down the mountainside above here. I chose the reliability of walking; I wanted a quiet stroll. It must have been a highly sought trip when the viewpoint would have been 10 feet higher while in a rocking passenger car. The original grading on the railroad named The Greeley, Salt Lake and Pacific RR around the 1885 date made it west to Sunset. The Pacific was impossible. After reorganization, it was routed northwest to Ward and southwest to Eldora, Colorado from the Sunset division point. In the distance, the grade ducks to eventually swing left around the wooded hill.

  

Continuing the white theme..

Gorge Wildlife Park, Cudlee Creek, South Australia.

Gouache sketch

Continuing with 100 things that make me happy. I love watching Tom' concentration when he's building his Warhammer models. He can sit there for ages building a whole set. It's a great way to sit and spend time and talk away from X-Boxes and tablets etc and nothing say's good wholesome fun than building a set of vicious alien space pirates armed to the teeth with various weapons designed to massacre anything that crosses their paths :)

Continuing my tour of the lovely village of Smarden in Kent, England, this is another example of a half timbered cottage. Taken back in the spring, when the wisteria was just coming out.

Experimenting with a project I started in school. More to come.

At his home, Pastor Calvin continues pulling the Isaiah 9 Christmas prophecy into context.

 

Pastor Calvin: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." We have seen that our Lord, Christ Jesus, is the Wonderful Counselor, that He will perfectly guide us. We have seen that He is God of very God, come to save us in His love. Now, know that He is The Prince of Peace.

 

The world cannot give you peace. The world and the things of the world are passing away. God has engineered us to desire peace because He is the source of all peace.

 

Our Lord says in John 14, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

 

May we all come to know Him by turning away from our sin, our lives, and turning to Him in absolute trust that He will save us and change us. In coming to know Him, we will come to know His peace. Merry Christmas, friends.

 

All: Merry Christmas!!

I came home today to find a body floating face down in the pond. I thought it was long gone, but after a while it twitched and tried to lift it's wings, but the surface tension was too much. Although it was looking a bit ragged, I thought there was no need for it to continue struggling, so lifted it out with a careful finger.

 

It also provided plenty of opportunity to check out my new wide angle lens and it's close-up capabilities. I was pleased to discover I was able to add a short extension tube without the focus point disappearing inside the lens. I haven't rigged up a suitable diffuser/bracket as yet so these are all natural light shots.

 

I'm not sure if it will survive the night, but left it sitting and drying it's wings out. Hopefully it will be able to get one last flight in...

 

See below for more images. That last shot was taken with an old 135mm FD prime that cost me £13 :)

   

This came out ok! #FranklinParkZoo

Continuing the matryoshka series: www.flickr.com/photos/valerian1985/albums/72157667218595390

Acolyte

 

The Prologue:

Julie had come alone. Having missed her ride with a friend to deal with some pressing servant related issues, she had taken her father’s roadster out and had driven the curving, often bumpy road into the city by herself. Parking it, she had made her way to where the festivities were already in full swing.

She now stood at upstairs entrance, allowing herself a minute to unwind from her driving to breathlessly take it all in. As she stood to one side, allowing the swarming mass of guests to pass uninhibited by her as they headed downstairs to the party chambers below, her eyes grew wide with the splendor below.

Julie still possessed some of the awkwardness of youth, and it showed by the way she carried herself. From her constantly gawking eyes, to her nervously moving hands, down to the high heels on her feet that occasionally still tripped her up as she walked. But despite all that, she still managed to present a total picture of elegance and grace, the result of years of etiquette being forced down her pretty throat.

Now, anyone down below who happened looked up at the entrance, would have given Julie a second look, and they did.

With that second look the following would have been taken in; long brown hair hung down in silken masses past her shoulders. The hair framed an oval face, with large, innocently wide, eyes, heavy with the mascara that always gave her face a perpetually surprised look. Resplendent in a long soft gown that seemed to pour down forever over her quite perky youthful figure, a purple satin sheet of flowing liquid, broken only by the black bolero jacket with its shimmering ornament. The hem of her gown almost covered the pointed toes of her coal black high heeled shoes.

A diamond necklace blazed in rippling fire hung from Julie’s throat, its brilliance matched by the long diamond earrings that peeked in and out as they swayed vibrantly, like a twin beacons. A sparkling diamond brooch with swinging sapphire’s that matched the colour of Julies eyes , had been placed high on one side of her black satin bolero styled jacket. She wore no gloves, and her bare fingers were home to a rather lively assortment of gem encrusted rings.

Soon two ladies also broke away from the crowd and joined Julie in her observation, as they commented to one another about the scene below. They then asking Julie if she agreed, as if the strangers and she were old acquaintances, Julie gave them both the once over as she reluctantly agreed with them.

Both Ladies were red heads, although the younger one, with pretty hazel eyes, was more of a ginger ( like Julies maid), Julie finished giving both a swift appraisal before turning her attention back to the crowd, looking for an opening to make her escape. The ginger, a young miss stunning in a gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, apologized for the intrusion, then let out a small squeal, commenting on how adorable Julie’s jacket was, as she lifted it up, of Jules of Paris( Pariee is how she pronounced it), and your gown, it’s of the house of Yevonne, is it not, the young lady asked? No Julie said, starting to shake her head, which made her earrings sparkle even more erratically, as the other lady continued admiring Julie’s satin jacket, momentarily covering the bright brooch from view. At the same time the other lady, a bit older ,becomingly clad in a fine gown of red wine colured Taffeta, placed a hand on Julies other shoulder, asking the now disconcerted girl if she knew how late the orchestra was playing, Julie continued shaking her head, as she looked into the older lady’s deep green eyes, mesmerized as they just oozed kindness , No, sorry ma’am she answered obediently . The younger one finished her admiration of Julie’s s attire by patted Julie’s shoulder, well nice meeting you, and with a cheerful tootles, both women left, melting ahead into the crowd.

Julie watched them for a few seconds as the pair swished downstairs, straightening her jacket as she did. Suddenly all thoughts of the two ladies were pulled from her mind as she realized something was amiss. It took her but a second to realize the brooch her maid had pinned onto her jacket was now absent. Bother she said under her breath as she looked around her on the empty floor, it must have fallen off in the roadster! Under her breath she chastised both the roadster, and the road, remembering the way the vehicle had lurched to and fro on the bumpy roadway in her haste to reach the city. She must have words with that maid of hers for not fastening it properly, that brooch was simply too valuable for her to be so careless... Julie then puts the brooch out of her mind; she decides she will have the maid search the roadster for it in the morning.

And she makes her way out into the stream of guests and begins her descent, carefully as her high heeled feet negotiate the stairs…..

***

The Tale

Dazzling!

This was the word that best described the vision enclosed within the massive chamber that evening. Filled wall to wall with a seemingly endless swarm of guests, presenting an endless sea of colourfully be gowned, be gloved, and bejeweled ladies, escorted by a small army of tuxedoed and top hatted male chaperones. The crème del a crème of the huge cities finest citizens were there, displaying a good portion of what their all the hard cold pounds and guineas could buy.

The guests had entered via a large double stair case that led down into the sub street level chamber. On the east end was a mammoth stage, which stood about 4 feet above the dance floor, easily holding the 30 piece orchestra with room to spare. The music that was played was as diverse as the guests in attendance, appealing to every age group present.

Couples and singles milled about talking merrily, just a low murmur heard just below the music. A jazz number was being played and a number of the “young bright ones” were on the floor dancing earnestly with various random moves.

A stream of fresh guests had entered, making their way downstairs, gaining the attention of a few of those already in attendance. Jewels sparkled radiantly as many a satin gloved hand was raised in greeting, many a female head was turned to point out someone they could spread gossip about, and in the process exposing a multitude of jeweles in various sparkling colours.

One of those newcomers, a raven haired, black eyed woman with a dark features, possessing an almost feline like beauty, came onto the upstairs landing. She was probably aged in her mid-twenties, surprisingly alone and unescorted. She was waved to by no one, pointed out to by many. Looking around she suddenly spied something down below that made her smile, a wide Cheshire cat like grin that quickly spread across her wickedly pretty face. She scurried down the stairs, pushing, not gently, a young miss in in a purple satin gown and black jacket, who had been moving slowly ahead of her, wobbling in her high heels, the poor girl fell against the wall, clutching it for support with well ringed fingers.

The raven haired beauty parted several more pairs of guests as she made her way down, moving too slow for her, without a word of apology. At the middle landing, she shoved her way past a pair of ladies, moving slowly as they regarded the pretty scene being played out below in the well lite chamber. One was red head wearing a tailored wine coloured taffeta gown that made a swishing noise as the lady passed, and her companion, about the same age as the intruder, (a kid sister, or cousin of taffeta gown?) was dressed in gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, her long hair done up in a high bun, held by dangling rows of rhinestone ropes. She looked at the lady who was unexpectedly cutting between them, but said nothing; as the lady paid neither one no never mind. The raven haired lady continues down, and still never uttering a word or wearing even the slightest look of apology, trips up yet another lady, clad in a long pure white satin gown, with emerald bracelets dangling from her white gloved wrists, who actually had started to fall, and would have if the pair of red headed ladies in wine and emerald gowns had not caught and steadied her, and in the process an emerald bracelet is lost to sight.

The raven haired, dark beauty finally landed onto the chamber floor and began snaking through the crowd, licking her vibrant red lips as her eyes darted about searching for any distractions to avoid keeping her from her selected designation, (and prey)! Her long thin figure was sleekly covered by a lengthy body-hugging black satin sheath, her heavy mascara, and long flowing hair matching the dress. She wore opera length satin gloves, red as her lips. Her jewels were all white diamonds, earrings, necklaces bracelets, and a large brooch hanging from the low cut of her gowns neckline. She wore a number of fancy rings, one of which was a large diamond cocktail ring on her left hand, while her right, gripping a red satin clutch purse, was home to 3 smaller versions of the same ring. She slowed down suddenly, and opening the purse pulled out a long telescoping holder, and opening a gold (14k) case extracted a long white cigarette and inserted it.

She than bee lined and circled around, flanking a young miss wearing(limply) a long pretty satin dress of pink coral, white pearls hanging expensively down from her ears and neckline. She wore white wrist length satin gloves, with a diamond merrily glittering from a long slender finger on her left hand. She was talking to a rather handsome youth her own age, dapper in his tails and top hat, a precision trimmed Saxon style beard, and a face with solid Welsh features, and hazel coloured twinkling eyes. A long gold chain and fob held a solid gold engraved pocket watch to his chest (all 14 k) and he wore a ruby pin in his black ascot.

As she stole behind the back of the poor princess in coral, she gave her a venomous gaze, which quickly changed as she touched the young man on the shoulder, as he turned to her, the raven haired beauty, whose name was Lilith, eyes were now brimming with contrived admiration.

Hello darlings Lilith said, in a syrupy low voice, addressing them both, although she did not even glance at the girl. Both hoarsely said hello back, and the boy took the offered hand and kissed it, her large ring shinning, blindingly in his eyes. Would you be a dear then? She asked, waving the cigarette holder in front of his face. He obligingly lit it, and she let out a puff of smoke, aimed directly in the girls face, who started coughing Lilith smirked, panting her on the back, sorry dearie, mind if I borrow him for a bit, and she led the young gentleman away, before the pretty girl in coral and pearls could regain whatever composure she had left. Charles! Be a dear and buy me a drink please Lilith asked him, and he (with proper breeding of the titled) led her off without question, abandoning the young miss who watched them trot off with tears brimming in her blue eyes.

 

The drinks came, and Lilith sat her cigarette holder down next to them, dance with me Charles, and she took his arm and led him off to the dance floor, just as his fiancé in the coral gown and borrowed pearls had managed to catch up.

 

Charles held Lilith in his arms, as one might hold a cold blooded serpent. She moved close, appropriately hissing in his ear. Why are you wasting time with that silly Ginny creature, don’t you know her parents are about to lose all their money, and that Ginny’s only interest was in his title, and his parents fortune, silly bean. Charles looked warily at Lilith, than over at the forlorn Ginny, just standing there. He genuinely liked , maybe even loved, Ginny, even had given her a friendship ring, signifying his desire to become closer , But there were the rumors of her father being swindled of his fortune, and if his parents ever found out!. He looked back into his dance partners beady black eyes, they held a seductive fire which played immensely to his vanity. She was smiling winningly at him, she had made her selection, and although it would never show in her eyes, in the back of her devious mind, she was starting to think how the letter would go that his parents would anonymously be soon receiving concerning Ginny, the little pipsqueak, Lilith called her silently in her mind.

***

Meanwhile the pair of red haired ladies who had had the cheekiness to stop on the middle landing of the grand staircase, impeding Lilith’s progress, were now walking the perimeter of the mammoth chamber, meandering, taking in all of the sparkling and shininess of the surroundings, their eyes missing very little as they talked. The young, ginger haired one, pretty in her gown of deep green brocaded satin with silken emerald frills, seemed a little peeved about something, and her companion noticed that her grey eyes had turned a certain shade of green, always a sign of something amiss. She stopped her and asked her to please spill it out.

Oooh how I despise that witch, a seething Lydia said to her companion in the wine coloured taffeta gown, spitting out each word like a hissing cat, even Lydia’s back was arched a little like a feline. Her friend, whose longish flaming red hair was lying over her left shoulder, hanging down in a picturesque manner over her full bosom, was surprised at Lydia’s reaction. Who dear? Asked her friend, Angie. The lady in white satin Angie asked? No, spit out the usually collected Lydia, not her, she was really fuming. Angie continued, I was going to say, if it was, than taking her emerald bracelet should have been revenge enough, Angie stated, then continued. So just who are we talking about Lydia?

 

That one!, Lydia snarled, nodding her head, the witch in black who rushed through us on the stairs and went that way! Angie stopped, looking off in the direction Lydia had nodded. Oh her, she said, the one in black satin. Lydia just glared, and Angie knew she had gotten it right. She asked Lydia, does this witch have a name? Lilith! Lydia spat it out like a swear word, followed by a gushing tirade. She is a backstabbing creature who can charm any man into submission while making a girl cringe and wince with the merest of glances. She is a gold digger extraordinaire with two ex-grooms who couldn’t see her for her true colours until they had been gutted by her gilded claws!!

Really exclaimed Angie, her green eyes becoming brighter! Two of them? Yes, Lydia went on, both wealthy, both became available when their parents received anonymous poison letters about their then betrothed.

I’d give anything to knock her down a few pegs, Lydia continued through clenched teeth.

Angie mulled it over; realizing anything more she said would just add fuel to Lydia’s fire. She decided to let her simmer down on her own, and then perhaps they could get on to their business. She suggested a drink, and they moved off, passing a forlorn young lady in a limp coral coloured gown, wearing a nice display of pearls, who seemed to be staring off in the distance at something with tear filled eyes.

Skirting the dance floor, they soon attained the lounge and settled in……..

 

***************************************************

It had now been four years since Angie had taken the charmingly talented young Lydia under her wing.

She had encouraged her blossoming skills, abilities that Lydia herself had self-taught by playing games with her siblings, until she encountered a professional she could learn from. That professional had been Angie. Lydia now possessed the little dog eared ancient pamphlet that had been the secret to Angie’s success as a light fingered lady pickpocket, focusing mainly on the fine jewels worn out and about by rich girls and women in society.

 

(Please visit our albums section and peruse the various Angie Albums for more background stories on Angie and her “light fingers” the Eds.)

 

It had cost Angie a necklace to acquire the pamphlet, and it had been worth it. It had cost the younger, ginger haired Lydia her brooch and ring for a chance to do the same. Lydia caught on quickly, mastering certain moves in half the time it had taken Angie, and for which Angie gave her high praise.

 

But sadly it was now less frequently that they worked as a team, each after a time branching off on their own paths.

 

Lydia was a different creature than Angie in the respect that coming from a wealthy family she was supported, even though most of the family lands, money and titles would go to the heir, Lydia’s twin brother. For her lifting items from her wealthy friends and relations had started out as an edgy game. Now it had evolved into a challenging pastime, a trophy hunt of sorts where she collected jewels like her father collected animal relics. Some of her lesser trophies were passed onto Angie, who had the connections to dispose of them, turning them into ready pound notes.

 

Whereas Angie had been born to impoverished English parents who had immigrated to Canada. They made her, their only child, an orphan at age 6 upon their untimely deaths in an epidemic. At the crowded orphanage the nuns taught her a little about manners, how to act properly for a lady, and the rest she had learned on her own, what she needed to say to please them and avoid the “floggings” that they administered to those who refused to “fit” in. She fled the orphanage when she was 14 and forged her own, often lonely path in the years that followed. For her lifting a ladies valuables was a means of lively hood as much as it brought her thrills. And she had accomplished it all without Lydia’s advantages, which had been a pair of a willing accomplices, AKA a sister and brother, to practice on!

 

But the pair remained in constant touch and it had been at Lydia’s beckoning that Angie had met her in London a few days prior. From London they had travelled by rail to attend this once a year function, and to attend the various balls and other affairs that were the natural outgrowths of the Gala.

 

It had been an eventful journey, the train ride had proven to be even more profitable than usual for the two light fingered ladies.

 

Lydia had written Angie a letter (to Angie’s solicitor who she saw at least one a month) telling her about the upcoming gala, and how would she would like Angie to join her in for the hunt. Their plans were to attend the gala and its outgrowths, then spend a few months of the upcoming party season continuing Lydia’s education. They had met at the London station, and after checking their bags found themselves with a little time to kill before boarding. Now outside the station there was a sprawling green where several vendors had set up their wares, a haven for those possess a light fingered touch. The two ladies meandered, catching up on what had been happening in their lives since they last time they had been together.

 

Now as they walked the green, they also kept their eyes open, and it was the second time they had passed a group of small benches, across a path from where an organ grinder was performing with a pet monkey, which they stopped, giving some serious attention to something they had both glanced at the first time in passing.

 

There was a trio of young ladies by one of the benches. Later they learned the trio were three sisters awaiting for the arrival of their parents and older brother. All three wore eye catching outfits, the younger 2 siblings in silk dresses of canary yellow and butterscotch, the elder sister was in a long flowing black skirt with a glistening silver coloured ruffled satin blouse. The jewels the three were innocently wearing in public were also worth a second look. The youngest (12) wore a pretty selection of silver, the middle (14) wore gleaming pearls, their older sister and chaperone (19) was wearing gold bracelets, a fine collection of rings and (probably unwisely) an expensive sapphire brooch at her throat.

 

Now the first time they had passed the oldest was seated at a bench reading a magazine, while her siblings played on the lawn. They had stopped to watch the sisters, under the pretense of watching the crowd around the organ grinder and his monkey. They watched both groups with some interest, but were distracted when Lydia pointed out a pickpocket working the crowd across the way. Angie spotted him immediately, he was chatting to a pair of ladies wearing fashionable day gowns of shiny damask. It looked to be a wealthy mother and her younger sister. As the grey top hated gentleman thief engaged the mother in conversation, he was reaching around and gingerly lifting the silver watch of the younger sister, her attention being paid out to her two young nephews. They watched until he had pocketed the watch, his skill level about average for the type, before Lydia and Angie headed off for the far side of the green.

 

The second time around they saw that the oldest had fallen asleep, sitting on the bench and the younger two were sitting on the grass, watching the monkey from across the way. The grey top hated man who had relieved the lady of her watch, was now lurking on the scene, eyeing the two sisters sitting on the grass, their dresses splayed out, making the small glistening pools that had probably been what first caught his attention, before noticing their jewels, which were ripe for the picking now that their chaperone eyes were closed.

 

Lydia and Angie, without a word between them, moved in for the kill. Lydia went straight to the younger sisters, while Angie made a wide circle, cutting in front of the top hatted gentleman, who nodded to the pretty, clever faced, red head. Angie than seated herself on the far end of the bench, primarily to keep the grey top hated man and any other opportunist who may also have designs on the sound asleep older sister’s jewelry, at bay.

 

Lydia meanwhile had come up behind the younger pair of sisters, laying a hand on the older ones shoulder as she chirped a happy hello to them. Asking them if they would give some coins to the monkey for her, they got up and allowed Lydia to lead them across the path.

 

The girls called to the little monkey and handed him their coins, while they all laughed at the tricks he performed for them. The younger one was looking up at Lydia who handed her another coin; she scrunched down, and gave it to him, as they waited for him to perform again. Lydia placed her hand on thy older sister’s silken covered shoulder, than her fingers quickly slid up to the necklace of pearl, and with two fingers, flicked open the hook and eye clasp, and pulled away the pearls in one motion. She then moved back, leaving the younger siblings to play with the monkey and melted back into the crowd,

 

Watching all this, Angie made a noise after Lydia had vanished from sight, waking the sleeping lass, who immediately looked around for her wayward sisters. Spying the pretty red head sitting at the end of the bench, she smiled (girls always felt more at ease around other women), Angie smiled back, and looked towards the monkey, and the sister also looks, and spies her siblings. She calls out to them, and as they come back Angie sees with satisfaction that Lydia had been busy. The sister also notices something amiss; the middle one is missing her pearls.

 

They begin to look, with the concerned red head kindly offering her” a hand” in their search. After a fruitless 15 minutes spent searching through the crowd of huddled people watching the organ grinder and his monkey, the nice red headed lady gave her apologies’, saying she must leave to make her train. The pretty lady takes her leave, holding the girls hand as she earnestly expresses her hopes that the pearls are found. She holds out her arms, and is given a hug for helping by the grateful older sister. Angie places a hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes, as her other hand reaches up and unhooks the sapphire brooch from the sisters satin blouse, palming it effortlessly.

 

As Angie disappears in the crowd the search goes on in earnest, It is not much after the red headed lady had swished her way through her crowd towards the train, that the older sister discovers she is wearing on less ring! As she in bewilderment places a hand to her silk covered chest, her fingers feel nothing, and start to feel around fruitlessly for her brooch, her sapphire brooch, its gone, not even so much as a tear on her satin blouse where it had been pinned by her maid that morning. The older sister feels a hand placed on her shoulder, she looks up into the smiling eyes of a dapper gentleman in a grey top hat, I something wrong my dear? He asks her, showing genuine concern in his smiling eyes.

 

As the gentleman in the grey top hat was giving his upmost attention to the young lady Angie had been “helping”, Angie entered the train, and walking to the end of the last passenger car, settled into the seat next to Lydia.

Lydia Turned towards Angie, and speaking in French, Commented:

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise !

Dear, Angie said in an almost motherly tone of voice, I really wish you would not go about quoting that Arsène Lupin wretch, as a pickpocket the man is a butcher.

Angelica, Lydia teasingly chided, you say that about all men with light fingers, like our gray hatted friend back there.

Honey, Angie smiled, most men like that are serpents, and Lupin is still a butcher.

Lydia watched Angie settle back in her seat with a secret smile. She did not know too much about Angie’s past, but there was something there about Monsieur Lupin, (whose exploits had been made into print, tickling her young girls fancy, as she poured over them), that seemed to get at Angie’s goat. A lot about Angie’s past life was a secret to Lydia, but she knew well enough when to let sleeping dogs lie..

Lydia than settled in as the train lurched forward, taking them safely away from the London park, along with the sister’s “trinkets “the pair had obtained.

 

A little later, it became Lydia’s turn to show her mettle.

 

An hour after leaving London Station, the train stopped at a fashionable suburb. Lydia watched with half opened eyes, the disembarking passengers, and the new arrivals now walking to and fro along the wooden platform. Suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she made a small noise. Angie looked up from her book with interest, immediately spotting it too.

 

A young couple was walking past their window. He was wearing a 3 piece suit, walking stick, a silver timepiece, and a small brown derby. It was his wife, though, upon which the ladies interest lay. She was sporting a slinking satin frock, pretty in itself as it lay along her voluptuous figure, but it was her necklace that stole the show, and as she walked it was noticed by more than a few of the people she passed. It was a buoyantly bright gold drop necklace that encircled her neck, with a large stone ruby in the center of the drop that lay along her bare throat. The necklace really vexed Lydia’s interest and she watched it, and the lady who wore it for as long as she could before finally losing sight and settling back in the seat with a long sigh.

 

Only a few short minutes later she her heart leapt in her throat. The couple had entered their car, probably heading for one of the private cars at the end of the train she reasoned, as her eyes took in every detail. But no, the couple stopped at the empty seat just before the one Angie and Fiona occupied.

 

Now Lydia and Angie had the end seats in the car, their back was to the cars wall, and directly across from them was a small storage room, , so the seating across the aisle started up about three rows, which meant that basically no one could see them unless they were walking past. Lydia continues to watch with interest as the couple settled in, the wife taking the window seat, in front of Lydia a. Angie just kept her nose buried in the book she was holding; this was all Lydia’s show. Lydia watched the lady as she sat back, her and her necklace reflected in the windows, The ladies shoulders were just above the seat, and after she had settled in, she made a show of doing up her long hair in a bun, giving Lydia ample time to study the valuable necklaces gold box clasp, and plan her way to it.

 

After listening to the few sharp words the lady gave her husband, Lydia decides this elegantly coiffured lady was somewhat a prima donna. Her husband tries to place his arm around her, but is chased off. They both finally fall off to sleep, and as the twilight outside takes over, Lydia sees her chance and seizes it. Lydia reaches over, and after licking her fingers, plays with the man’s ears. He groggily wakens, still aroused now that he thinks his wife is also now amorous, he reaches over and pets her affectionately. She wakens, angry and pushes the husband away. But Lydia is prepared, as the wife leans towards her husband, and away from the window, Lydia’s fingers have already flicked open the box clasp and whisked of the gold necklace from the opposite direction, towards the window, where she catches its reflection as slips over the back of the ladies seat and curls up in Lydia’s open palm.

 

Lydia and Angie now had private, “front” row seats for when the wife’s loss was discovered. It was always a performance that Angie never tired of watching when she could chance it. And Lydia? Sticking around and watching her victim’s reaction at being pickpocketed was one of the reasons she started lifting jewelry in the first place. Neither of them was disappointed on this occasion.

 

Now wide awake, the wife settled back down to read her book, playing with a strand of her hair that had fallen while she was chastising her husband. As she did her fingers brushed her neck, she stopped reading, and carefully felt around her throat, before letting out a yelp that woke her husband, and several of the other passengers ahead of her. She cried out (in a heavy Italian accent) my jewels, La mia collana , è svanito, it is gone? In panic she rose and started to look around, her hand to her throat, giving everyone watching a nice display of her pretty figure in its shiny dress and of her remaining jewelry. Angie, Lydia, a Stewart and the couple two seats ahead got up and helped in the fruitless search. Her necklace had somehow mysteriously vanished.

After things finally settled down Angie and Lydia made friends with the husband, but his wife remained angry and distant….

The rest of the trip had been uneventful, mainly because Angie and Lydia had had their fill of their appealingly pretty little games for the time being.

*******************************************************************

Angie suddenly perked up, letting go of her thoughts. She looked over at Lydia who was nursing her drink, her eyes looking a little less peeved. Did you see her, she asked? Who? Answered Lydia, Lilith? No answered Angie patiently. Not the Girl in the coral gown and pretty pearls, that one looked miserable enough without our help, stated Lydia? No, not her, but Angie reflected, Her pearls were nice, I almost suggested a go at them, but glad we didn’t, your right she did seem sad enough as it is. No, I mean that one over there, and she threw her eyes over to the entrance of the lounge.

Oh, Lydia exclaimed, I see what you mean. In the corner just outside the enclosed lounge area stood a lady in teal velvet, carrying a purse, her silver satin gloved wrist and fingers, home to a rather nice set of blazing emeralds and diamonds, matching those around her throat and hanging from her ears. Lydia looked over the situation.

 

The new mark wearing the teal velvet, was idling looking around, obviously trying to spot someone. Lydia looked at Angie, her Hazel eyes turning green with anticipation. Who gets her, she asked sweetly. Angie nodded,( wanting something to take Lydia mind off …..) she is all yours princess ( a nickname that Angie sometimes used on Lydia, and about the only person in the world Lydia could tolerate calling her that).

And watch her movements, added Angie in an instructing tone, See how she jumps up to peer over the crowd? Try and use it to your advantage. Lydia smiled and watched, licking her lips in anticipation.

 

Now Lydia’s forte was lifting necklaces, so that whenever it was Angie’s turn to be the spotter, she would always be on the lookout for Ladies wearing necklaces that would be within easy reach of Lydia’s talented fingers. Likewise Lydia, when spotting for Angie, kept an eye out for brooches. So, when Angie told Lydia the mark was hers, it was her emerald necklace that received close study first.

 

Lydia waited until the lady had her back to them, and she rose and carefully threaded herself through the maze of tables to the entrance of the lounge, her gown rustling against any object it touched. She came up on the lady in teal. Violet she cried out, as she raised one arm, wrapping around it around the girl’s back, while the other gripped the girl’s arm as Lydia drew the lady up against her figure in an embrace..

 

The girl tried to turn, squirming in Lydia s clasp, and as she did so, Lydia’s hand had already snaked up to the studied necklaces clasp, popping it open. I’m not Vio…. the startled girl tried to say, but as she turned around, Lydia exclaimed, you’re not Violet, oh I ‘m so sorry she said, asking for forgiveness sweetly,( undoing the clasp of the necklace and lifting up one end) I thought you were my cousin violet, Lydia apologized profusely, while her one hand squeezed the girls arm, finger bails digging in, as the other one holding the end of the necklace on her shoulder, moved down behind teal velvets back, slipping away the fiery necklace with it.. As Lydia balled up the necklace in her hand, she begged her leave, expressing regrets that she did not have time to chat with her new friend, have to find where Violet wandered off to she explained, squeezing the girl’s arm.

 

The mark was only too glad to accept the pretty stranger’s apology at not being able to stay and chat. The lady watched Lydia swish off into the swarming crowds. Her eyes slightly puzzled, before she remembered that she was also looking for someone, and went off, soon forgetting the entire incident ( and later, when the loss of her necklace was discovered, her brief encounter with Violet’s confused cousin was not even thought of)!

 

As Lydia sauntered off she stowed away the emerald necklace, and then meandered about the chamber, taking her turn to spot fresh victims, whose jewels were doomed to disappear under Angie’s talented fingers.

 

Meanwhile across the Ballroom another scene was being played out…..

********

Lilith was now holding court at the edge of the dance floor; her second straight dance had ended with the young gentleman she was leading to believe fascinated her. She was busy continuing chatting him up, expressing her utter delight at the wonderful dancer he was, when Ginny timidly approached. She drew near her erstwhile boyfriend, asking him for their dance, as she desperately tried to keep her lips from trembling. Lilith’s eyes lit up in false apology (Ginny could see that all too well), darling! Lilith exclaimed, could I borrow your young man for a bit more, he promised me a drink. She placed her arm around him, isn’t that right darling? The overly polite boy, choked up a bit, unsure of what to do, his breeding not letting him wanting to hurt either Ginny, or Lilith, despite what his true desires actually were, and that was to be alone with Ginny! Although the seeds of doubt that had been planted in his mind by Lilith were beginning to take root and he was starting to have worries about what if future with Ginny would become an actuality.

 

Ginny, Charles started, faltered, than tried again, Ginny, the band is going to play The Charleston, you know how you like to dance to it, why don’t you go and I’ll catch up with you soon, promise. Yes darling, Lilith chirped maternally at poor Ginny, It will be just a quick one darling, and taking Charles by the arm, led him off, leaving Ginny standing there, wilting away as the Lilith’s words and actions burned through to her very soul. The music stared, and she reluctantly, if not a little obediently, did as Charles wished. Three dances later, he still had not shown up as promised, and Ginny danced on, a burning hole opening ever wider in her heart.

**********

Meanwhile, as poor Ginny started dancing to her second of three solo dances, we visit another end of the chamber, where Lydia is found talking merrily with three girls around her own age that she had collected around her. She had lured them into her web by engaging the considerable charm, elegance and sophistication that had been bred into her by her parents pretty much since birth.

 

Three pretty maids all in a row, overloaded with a multitude of dripping jewels, and Lydia was waiting for Angie to make an appearance and lighten their load! A blond haired lady in shiny red satin, a brown haired maiden in bright blue, and a tow headed damsel in silky gold. As Lydia was chatting up the three girls, her eyes, discreetly and unobtrusively, take an account of their jewels, their placement and their value.

 

Amongst the jewels the lady in red is wearing the most valuable is a necklace of small diamonds and a ring around her right hand’s pinky that is a large diamond cluster that shimmers spectacularly as she plays with a locket of her lion’s mane like blond hair.

 

The pretty maiden in blue was displaying a nice collection of gold jewelry, braided chains with small flecks of silver woven in. But above her left breast, was her only jeweled piece, pinned with a simple c-clasp, a gold brooch with a center stone of blue topaz surrounded by dazzling ½ caret diamonds.

 

Then there was the damsel in the pretty gold coloured gown, woven of some type of exotic, overly expensive, material that just shimmered in the massive chandelier’s light. She was also wearing opera length gold satin gloves, from which were dangling a pair impressive jeweled bracelets, their stones a multitude of rainbow coloured gems. She also wore a long pair of dangling diamond earrings, held loosely by rather ancient hinge clasps. Although her many other jeweled pieces were pretty valuable, these two twin sets were by far the most valuable pieces that anyone in the group was wearing.

 

Lydia feasted on the show her three marks jewels were displaying as she won them all over, soon bringing them into fits of giggling and laughter as they started to talk about the things most groups of women by themselves talk about, men! Out of the corner of her eye Lydia spied Angie coming up and around to see what’s up. She circled past each of the girls, slowly, nonchalantly, attracting no notice from the others in Lydia’s little group.

 

As Angie passed behind the blond in red satin, Lydia adjusted one of her rings, like it was bothering her, the motion caught Angie’s eye. Then Angie passed behind the gold gowned miss, and her eyes darted to Lydia, who lifted up her hair, exposing her ears, than absentmindedly started playing with a bracelet. Then Angie went behind the little blue gowned miss, and saw Lydia suppressing a cough, patting her chest to stifle it, her fingers splayed just above her left breast. Nodding, as much to herself as Lydia, Angie melted back into the crowd, and made a wide circle before approaching Lydia’s side.

 

Angie touched Lydia on her shoulder and she swirled, delighted that her “new friend” had shown up. (for whatever the reason, it always makes the mark(s) more comfortable when a pair of newcomers are related or are friends, Gaston Monescu, page 15 paragraph 2), Lydia excitedly introduced Angie to her three new chums, explaining to them how Angie and her had met on the train and had bonded, and how nice Angie was, and how very interesting a life she had led, along with other bits of flummery.

 

Angie’s first formal introduction was to red satin, Jessica. Whom Angie took by the hand, then reached around and hugged her, receiving a warm embrace in return. After the embrace, Angie clasped Jessica’s right hand in both of hers, praising Jessica on her pretty gown. As Jessica looked down, lifting a portion of the gown’s skirt with her left hand to show it off better, all eyes looked down. As everyone’s attention was diverted for that fraction of a second, Angie released Jessica’s right hand, slipping off from Jessica’s satin clad pinky, the large diamond clustered ring. Angie discreetly passed off the ring to Lydia, who was standing close to one side.

 

Then Lydia introduced Angie to the elegantly gold gowned young lady, Abby. Angie raised one arm, wrapping it around Abby’s back, while the other gripped her wrist, flicking open the jeweled bracelet‘s safety chain, as she drew the gold gown wearing Abbey up against her figure. The girl tried to turn, squirming in Angie’s embraces. Angie’s hand patted the girl on the back as the girl halfheartedly did the same, feeling Angie’s face bury itself in her shoulder. Effectively blocking from view the hand the held her wrist, which was picking open the bracelets clasp. Angie pulled away, looking the young miss in the eyes, everyone else eyes were also on Angie, which is what she was aiming for. And as she told the sweet young thing that it was her pleasure, she patted the ladies wrist, squeezing open the bracelet, slipping it off and into the slightly open purse at her side. As she does, her other hand goes up to the lady in gold’s dangling earring,( all eyes follow this movement) admiring the earring openly, taking its clasp into consideration for possibly an attempt later if they meet somewhere outside after hours. One never knows.

 

The last one to be introduced was the pretty Miss wearing the blue gown, Meria. Lydia, laughingly teasing her about being last, led her by the elbow and pulled the Meria towards Angie, and while she was turning, Angie took a small step forward and made sure her left side would bump against her. As Angie drew her in for an embrace, her right hand right hand was on the brooch while Angie’s left was grasping Meria’s left shoulder. Performing a move so familiar and well-practiced it was almost second nature, her middle finger pushed the c clasp out of its hook releasing the brooch into Angie’s palm. Pulling her hand down, she deposited the brooch into her purse, as she enveloped the girl in a hug. Then she stepped back, and began chatting with all three, soon winning them over like Lydia had done, keeping them distracted from themselves and their missing fine trinkets. Angie told them a quick, funny story about a man she had met on the train recently, which soon had them all giggling.

 

Angie took her leave after about 5 minutes, making an excuse that she needed to freshen up, she again took each ladies hand in goodbye, including Lydia’s, whom Angie slipped off a ring from her finger, so if things got sticky, she would be one of the victims also.

 

Lydia stayed behind to keep the three darling ladies occupied. She noticed one by one the missing jewels of each girl. The three shimmering silken lambs had been most professionally sheared, the most expensive of their jewels disappearing in such a manner that requires a ladies touch, no mere male, not even the talented Arsène Lupin, could have done better in the same scenario. As she looked them over, Lydia mused that with the mass quantities of jewelry each of the three were wearing, it would be some time before any of them realized some were missing.

 

********

 

Meanwhile across the ballroom, as Angie had been introduced to her last of the three ladies and their jewels that Lydia had lined up; another scene had started being played out…..

 

Lilith had just finished her second drink with Charles, while the third song of a five song set had just started, fast and one meant for singles (favored mainly by the ladies, one of who was the wretched Ginny). Lilith looked at Charles, and suggested he should join the gentlemen up in the smoke room (she had seen him watching them mass exodus of gentlemen heading that way when the current set of songs had started). Charles hesitated, I should really see about Ginny, he cautiously stated, not sure of Lilith’s reaction. Lilith smiled, licking her re lips, don’t you worry yourself over the poor dear, I will go and keep her company until you return, she promised happily.

 

Defeated, Charles wearily accepts her suggestion, and Lilith watches him depart, then smugly looks in the direction of the dance floor, and exultantly plucking the fag from the gold holder, squashes it down quite hard in an ash container. She snaps closed the telescoping holder, and with a positively wicked grin, leaves her seat with a pounce and heads onto the dance floor, her hips swinging her black satin gown with a fluid motion, not unlike like a black cat making a move against a frightened mouse, or perhaps a snake slithering towards its victim.

 

It is a known fact that in the wild herding animals will avoid any member who is ill or dying. This may explain that, with Ginny’s 3rd dance of the 5 song set, she was still alone. It was like her wretchedness was felt by others and so kept their distance, leaving poor Ginny alone in her own empty circle, dancing at a far end of the chamber. This is also why she was not hard to spot by one who was now specifically seeking her out.

 

Ginny jumped as a hand grasped, not softly, her shoulder, and a voice said her name, with an evil hiss into her ear…

 

Ginny turned to face Lilith, whose look of utter hatred made that she gave the poor girl, made Ginny cringe as she backed away, dancing was now the last thing on the poor girls mind.

 

Darling, Lilith said spitting out the word as she looked around to make sure no one else was listening in, I have some very bad news….

 

Lilith launched into a tirade filled litany of reasons of why “Her” dear Charles would simply never be able to have anything more to do with her. Starting with her jewelry( really dear, you had to borrow them?) jumping to her moneyless parents( penniless in-laws, really darling it just isn’t done ), her now lowered position in society, (not to worry though , after she(Lilith) and Charles were marred she would find Ginny a maids position somewhere). And finally, that Charles was leaving because he was angry with the jealous way the sniveling Ginny had been acting.

 

With each sentence that was thrown in poor Ginny’s face she stepped back, the hateful words (some of which she knew had truth in them) slicing like a knife into the already tormented girls soul.

 

Finally she could take it no longer, and openly weeping she turned and tried to flee, looking fruitlessly around for Charles, but Lilith was quick, and grasped the poor girl before she could make good her escape..

 

Oh, you poor darling, I haven’t hurt your feelings have I spat Lilith in mocking tones, her , and she drew Ginny to her in a tight embrace, feeling the girl squirming in her arms, much like a mouse would squirm under a cat’s clawed paw, or perhaps wrapped in a serpents coils( both scenarios fit Lilith). Lilith finally released the poor thing, who fled recklessly away.

 

Lilith stayed and watched Ginny bolt, an indulgent smile creeping upon her face. She started to move in rhythm with the music, extremely pleased with herself, her sleek, slinky black gown and gloves flowing down along her devastatingly pretty figure making her appear like some slithering serpent rising up from the bowels of some glittering hell….

It was no more than 2 minutes later that a hand was placed from behind on Lilith’s shoulder.

********

As Charles headed off to relish his cigar, and Lilith headed off to relish tormenting Ginny; Lydia was continuing to entertain the three young ladies, while biding her time until the next conquest of the evening.

 

Suddenly Angie appeared from the crowd, again behind the three unsuspecting girls still under Lydia’s spell. Angie gave her a subtle signal, indicating that she has spotted fresh prey in dire need of being shed of her jewels, and needed Lydia’s help with the shearing. Lydia encourages the three ladies to meet her a little later, she sees a gentlemen (winking) whom she had promised a dance. They let their friend go, thinking she should wait for a slow dance, the music being played now was no way to dance close and personal, but they unknowingly were quite wrong.

 

After leaving the 3 young ladies, Lydia soon reached Angie’s side by the edge of the dance floor. Angie turned and nodded her head indicated one side of the floor, is that Lilith? She asked Lydia’s eyes followed Angie’s nod, soon eyeing the solitary lady in black standing at one end talking with the girl in coral and pearls.

  

Yes it is she answered, why? Attend, said Angie, and Lydia listened as Angie laid out her plans before her, as Lydia watched her witch, and the diamonds she wore that flickered around her black encased figure like so many evil tongued serpents. Suddenly she saw the girl in coral whose pearls the ladies had admired earlier, suddenly turn and flee, crying. Still up to your dirty tricks, are you Lilith!, Lydia thought spitefully.

Ready, the pair of scheming red heads than made their move.

*********

Lilith turned to see whose hand it was, half expecting to see Ginny, she checked herself quite nicely when turning, when she saw Lydia’s beaming face.

The two ladies dance in step for a few seconds, than Lilith gushes, why Lydia dearest, I hadn’t noticed you were here. Perfectly lovely darling, then Lilith added, but who brought you this evening? She asked, appearing very casual.

 

Lydia stayed silent on the subject; she wouldn’t give Lilith the satisfaction of knowing that she had not found anyone since Lilith had stolen Lord St. Claire, her longtime Beau, from under her nose.

 

Instead, Lydia praised Lilith, her lovely figure and gown, false praise, and Lilith knew it. They both continue dancing, almost sparing like a pair of fencers, with sharp eyes, and tongues rather the swords.

 

***********

Having been pre-warned by Lydia that the situation would become volatile very fast, Angie had come up behind Lilith very quickly, and started to dance behind her, coming ever closer, unnoticed by Lilith whose guard was totally centered on Lydia.

 

Angie saw her chance and tripped on Lilith’s Gown, sending her into Lydia’s waiting arms. Angie’s hands at the same moment had flew up to clasp of Lilith’s diamond necklace, unsnapping it, and sending the necklace falling into Lydia’s hands as she pushed away Lilith, who was in the process of turning and rounding on the person who dared ruin her expensive gown. As she spat at Angie, reprimanding her for her careless ness, Lydia moved in between, flicking the clasp of Lilith’s diamond broach in the process. Pushing the pair apart, Lydia apologies, as her right hand neatly slipped of the opened broach from Lilith’s satin gown, saying it was her fault for dancing so close to Lilith that she had backed poor Lilith into the lady.

Lydia took Angie’s hand, apologizing, slipping her the necklace and broach into Angie’s half open purse in the process. And with that, Angie turned and went on her way, never looking back, Hearing Lilith saying something to Lydia about the clumsy bitch, as she left.

 

************

 

Later that evening found Angie walking through the lounge of an upscale hotel, having joined in with the spillover from the fancy dress ball that had gathered there. She had stashed in her hotel room the shimmering collection of purloined jewels that Lydia and her had lifted while attending the Ball proper.

For the past half an hour she had been having an enjoyable conversation with the sparkling (both in personality, and attire) tow headed lady in silky gold that Lydia had introduced her to at the ball, and who still had not noticed she was shorn of a one of her bracelets from her gloved wrist,. Angie had come across the damsel sitting alone by the bar, her friend (The pretty maiden in blue who had been displaying the nice collection of gold jewelry- less one brooch) had left her to party on with a male friend of hers.

Angie had just left the pretty ladies side, also leaving her without the bother of placing her earrings and one of her twin bracelet in the hotel safe that evening. She as of yet failed noticed that now her dangling diamond earrings that had been loosely held by their ancient old fashioned clasps, had gone the same route as her Bracelet. Angie had slipped off the earrings while giving her a generous hug of greeting after watching and waiting for her to be alone.

 

*******************************

 

Lighting a cigarette Angie left through the lobby and headed into a late night pub. As she nursed her first scotch, neat over ice, a familiar figure approached and slid onto the empty stool next to her. Thought I’d find you here, chirped a much happier Lydia. Just wanted to pop to give you an update, She waited and made small talk until after the bartender had taken and served her drink (a whiskey Soda) then began to fill in Angie.

So what was her reaction when you pointed out her jewels were missing, Angie asked Lydia with great expectations of what had happened? Well when I pointed them out, instead of thinking you (Angie) had been the culprit, Lilith assumed they had been taken by” Ginny” (the sad one wearing the coral gown and pearls) when Lilith had been hugging her. That little toad, Lilith had spat out to Lydia, and turned to hunt Ginny down.

Poor dear, said Angie, felling a small pang of sorrow for the little Ginny creature. No, answered Lydia, not really, and she continued…

Lydia had followed, realizing that Lilith was out of control, worried that someone innocent may be hurt.

And she was correct, because Lilith approached Ginny and lit into her something fearsome.

Lilith literally grabbed Ginny and started shaking her, demanding that she give them back. The girl was petrified, and Lilith started calling her some pretty nasty names.

A crowd started gathering.

Then all of a sudden this bloke wearing a gold pocket watch, cuts through the crowd and rescues the poor girl from Lilith’s clutches. Like a white knight Angie commented. Well he was in black tails, and boy was he angry with Lilith, he held the girl in coral tight as he looked at Lilith lividly, his face the reddest I have ever seen on an angry young man.

Lilith finally, collected herself, and I saw all fire drain from her face, and she turned around and stormed out of the chamber. I don’ know, nor care what became of her, stated Lydia.

 

Feel better now, princess? Angie asked Lydia.

 

Lydia smiled perking up, actually for the small bit of solace it may have been worth, it had made her feel better now that she had thought about it.

 

She smiled at Angie, producing a necklace of pearls, it seemed easier to do when she was so happy, Lydia confessed. So you do feel better Princess, Angie stated happily.

 

Lydia smiled, and the pair finished their drinks in thoughtful silence.

 

Lydia was the first to leave, smiling she bade Angie a good night, and began walking away.

Lydia had only gone a few feet, when she turned, and looked at Angie who had been watching her.

Lydia, a sly smile brightening her face and eyes, happily quoted “Assistez à un oeil de demoiselles dans vos s , chatouiller les dames de fantaisie avec une main”

Angie finished Lupin’s quote quote with a faraway look in her eyes

“tout en soulevant ses bijoux avec l'autre”

Till the morrow, Princess, Angie said in parting.

Till Tomorrow answers Lydia, turning with a skip, her gown flowing out behind her as she, now in very good humor, leaves into the smoke swirled darkness of the city to walk the few blocks to her hotel.

*****

The Epilogue:

Late afternoon of the next day, after attending an early afternoon Garden Soiree, Lydia and Angie are strolling through a park, both still dressed in their party dresses, both still wearing their fancy day jewels, (worn so they would fit in with the well to do female attendees), and both with secret pockets holding jewels lifted from some of said female attendees.

Lydia looks back at Angie, Lifting that silver dragon brooch with the ruby eyes and diamond scales was a nice move on your part Angie, she praises.

It was a lot easier with your help Lydia, Angie responded.

Lydia turned her head back onto the path, her pony tail whipping around, the pearls she had woven into it shining a bright white.

Angie said to Lydia’s back, that girl in the crème satin dress, you know I was going to go for her gold braided necklace, then you came out of nowhere and beat me to it.

Lydia just smiled satisfied to herself, I know she responded,, I wanted it to be my coup, she did not turn back to look at Angie’s reaction., but continued.. you laid down the gauntlet ,(or in this case satin glove) Angie when, as you commented on how pretty the necklace looked as it slithered along the front of her crème satin dress, you said it would take extremely deft fingers to slip it off her throat. Although I though her sisters pearls were a better score.

Angie, still walking behind her now had a secret smile on her face, and her eyes had glazed over as if her mind was drifting a million miles away from that quite park in the English countryside where the pair were now walking.

The two pretty red heads continue to walk on a bit, both in the silence of their thoughts.

Angie, Lydia asks, plopping down on a bench.

Yes dear, Angie says, her train of thought broken.

Lydia pulled out a long her gold braided necklace and was admiring it. The lady in the Crème satin dress who wore this lovely thing,; her sister, the one wearing the emerald silk gown and the pearls I fancied, you said she reminded you of a story you promised would tell me sometime? Could you tell me it now?

Angie smiled, Princess, you certainly are an inquisitive one! Let me think a minute…

Angie settled down next to her, and after mulling it over a bit, finally began…

It was during my first time in Monte Carlo, I had left the states soon after I had scored a major haul, and decided to ply my trade in new waters. It was during the fall of…

Lydia interjected, It was because of your haul at that politicians daughter’s wedding, (see album Angie being receptive)

Yes princess, that and a few other functions helped fund that trip. Angie confirmed, then went on…

I had met this pretty young like in an emerald silk gown, positively dripping in gold jewellery with rubies and emeralds…

Lydia cut in again, please start at the beginning; we have the rest of the day all to ourselves.

Angie smile, very well, I will start at the beginning: …….

 

( We will post in the album’ Angie “holidays” in Monte Carlo’ the rest of the tale stated in the epilogue. Once the story we recently unearthed in previously unknown chronicles of Angie’s life have been modified …The eds)

  

The lifting away a young lady’s jewelry is as a feather taken

La levée de suite les bijoux d'une jeune femme est comme une plume prise

 

Editor’s Notes:

Our Thanks to Mr. J. Gardner for pointing out the existence of Mr. Monescu’s 1826 guide

If you enjoyed our little story, please like and leave a comment.

And if you wish, describe what intrigued you the most about it…

Thank You

 

And last, but not least,

Kudos to the Light Fingered Lady who planted the seed of the flower that became Lydia

 

Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

DISCLAIMER

All rights and copyrights observed by Chatwick University, Its contributors, associates and Agents

 

The purpose of these chronological photos and accompanying stories, articles is to educate, teach, instruct, and generally increase the awareness level of the general public as to the nature and intent of the underlying criminal elements that have historically plagued humankind.

 

No Part of this can reprinted, duplicated, or copied be without the express written permission and approval of Chatwick University.

 

These photos and stories are works of fiction. Any resemblance to people, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

As with any work of fiction or fantasy the purpose is for entertainment and/or educational purposes only, and should never be attempted in real life.

We accept no responsibility for any events occurring outside this website.

 

And the show continues...

 

ZZZRRRRRAAAPP!!!

 

audience gasps

 

Guts Man: You walked right into our trap, Mega Man!!

 

Mega Man: Really? Or did you fall right into mine?! Blast em Ice Man!

 

Ice Man: Let's cool you down Guts Man!

 

Proto Man: Watch out!!

 

Rush: Grrrr!! Rrf! Arf!

 

ZZZRRRRRMMM!!!

 

applause and cheers

 

Continuing with posting photos from my archives. Not sure when I will get out for a drive, given that our winter weather continues. November 23 2024: lots of snow and it looked like almost 10-12 inches of snow on top of my back fence. Can't complain, though, as mild, fall weather lasted well into November, which was wonderful. So thankful that I managed to get out for groceries a few days ago, so now I can hibernate for a little while.

 

Yesterday, 28 November 2024, I got up early, thinking of driving south to the Saskatoon Farm. However, change of plans, as our weather yesterday morning was -17°C (feels like -23°C), with freezing fog. More freezing fog today (29 November 2024), too. Another good day to stay home! Next week is forecast to be 'warmer'.

 

I will be adding the description that I wrote under a different, previously posted image taken on the same day.

 

"This photo was taken on 8 September 2015. In the morning, I joined a group of friends for a three-hour stroll at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. 38 bird species were seen, though I didn't manage to see any of the tiny, fast-moving Warblers. It was good to see 28 Wood Ducks, but they were far, far away, in an area that is still closed due to devastating flood damage. The Sanctuary had been closed for about two years for this reason and only very recently re-opened just a part of the area.

 

The Calgary Zoo is very close to the Sanctuary, so after our morning walk, I decided to call in at the Zoo. I hadn't been for about a year and I really missed going there. Of course, many of the garden flowers were past their prime, but I did find a few that were fit to photograph. I love photographing the Water Lilies. They always seem to glow, as if they had a light inside.

 

I knew I wouldn't be able to walk far, having already been walking all morning, but I really wanted to get to the ENMAX Conservatory to see what was going on. I had been longing all summer to see the tropical butterflies and plants. The butterfly season is coming to an end for these tropical beauties, but there were still plenty of them to be seen. Also, this month, the parking lot that I use will close for the winter and I don't like the drive back home from the north parking area, using Deerfoot Trail, so tend not to go to the Zoo all winter.

 

There was so much activity going on at the Zoo two days ago. People everywhere, carrying large animals wrapped in white, protective coverings, preparing for the upcoming ILLUMINASIA, Lantern & Garden Festival. Each animal is an individual lantern and there are so many of them. I noticed that several of the real animals in their enclosures were watching all the unaccustomed activity, which made me smile.

 

A good day, despite the overcast sky, and plenty of photo opportunities. Recently, I have been finding far fewer things to photograph, with fall on its way, so a day like this was more than welcome."

Beaver Sports (Yorkshire) Ltd’s former British Railways The English Electric Company Limited Type 5 Co-Co class 55 ‘Deltic’ class diesel-electric locomotive number 55022 ROYAL SCOTS GREY of Haymarket Traction Maintenance Depot with West Coast Railway Company Limited traction inspector Albert Seymour in charge approaches Castleton East Junction signal box on the Down Goods Loop running the additional 10:05 Heaton Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Heywood Ground Frame light engine (0Z55). Tuesday 16th September 2008

 

Note, 55022 was built by The English Electric Company Limited (works number 2905) at The Vulcan Foundry Limited Locomotive Works (works number D557) at Newton-le-Willows in 1960 for British Railways as number D9000 although it was originally planned to be numbered D1000 and then later D1500. It was named ROYAL SCOTS GREY at Edinburgh Waverley railway station on 18th June 1962 and was renumbered 55022 in week ending 10th April 1974. It was withdrawn from York Traction Maintenance Depot on 2nd January 1982 and moved to Doncaster works on 5th January 1982 for storage. It was acquired for preservation by the Deltic 9000 Fund on 7th September 1983 with ownership passing to the Deltic 9000 Locomotives Limited in 1996. 55022 was acquired for continued preservation by Beaver Sports (Yorkshire) Ltd in July 2004 after Deltic 9000 Locomotives Limited’s demise and was allocated the TOPS number 89500

 

Ref no Olympus E500 - P9169029

Lots of rapidly-changing fog this morning on Mt. Seymour. This gnarly fella caught my eye in-between fog banks.

Continuing my experiments with the funky 3/1 sloped crease patterns. I really like how this one turned out, it even has a belly and is quite efficient.

 

Designed by: Shuki Kato

Folded from: one 30 cm sheet of kami

Size: 9 cm tall

Camera：Nikon D300

Lens：Carl Zeiss Planar T* ZF 50mm

The Hotel Breakwater South Beach is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Miami’s Art Deco Historic District, celebrated for its symmetrical design and iconic neon-lit vertical signage.

 

Design: The hotel was designed in 1936 (some records cite construction completion in 1939) by Yugoslavian architect Anton Skislewicz.

 

Style: It is a prime example of Streamline Moderne, a late Art Deco style characterized by clean lines, aerodynamic curves, and archetypal symmetry.

 

Signature Features: The building features a prominent central tower with an electric-blue sign that serves as a beacon on Ocean Drive. It originally included etched plate glass windows depicting tropical Florida scenes like flamingos and palm trees.

 

Post-War Boom: After serving as a training ground for military personnel during World War II, the hotel became a central part of the bustling Ocean Drive tourist scene in the mid-1940s.

 

Iconic Photoshoot: In the early 1980s, the rooftop terrace hosted Bruce Weber’s famous Calvin Klein Underwear photoshoot, an event credited with helping bring international attention back to the then-fading Art Deco District.

 

Historic Designation: In 1979, the hotel became part of the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the Miami Beach Architectural District.

 

Renovation: After falling into disrepair, the property was extensively renovated in 2011 by the Nakash family (founders of Jordache Jeans). The restoration combined the original Breakwater building with its neighbor, the Edison, into a 99-room boutique hotel.

 

Recent Developments: As of January 2026, the hotel continues to operate as a central feature of South Beach, though it recently faced financial shifts, including reports of a loan default in late 2025.

 

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:

apps.miamidadepa.gov/PropertySearch/#/?address=940%20ocea...

mdpl.org/building/breakwater-hotel/

www.google.com/search?q=history+of+the+breakwater+south+b...

www.google.com/search?q=how+many+floors+does+the+breakwat...

 

© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.

  

…with a California Poppy

A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended, but chose not to. That author is you and the sentence is your life.

 

I've been following the semi colon project since it started when I was 15, and I have been obsessed with drawing semi colons on my wrists since. I knew then that I wanted to get a tattoo, so the message of the project would be with me permanently. On Friday, I made it official and got a semi colon tattoo.

Do me a favor and search the hashtag #projectsemicolon on facebook, instagram, or twitter to find out more of what this is all about.

The short set still continues to see use on Wherry line services from Norwich despite the return of long term absentee 153 314 from Wolverton Works. I was at Crown Point depot for a media event this morning and took this before wending my way home on a miserable day weatherwise. This coincided with the only spot of vague brightness I saw all day - it was almost in sun!

Continuing a series of experimental photos with a Kodak No. 2A Brownie (circa 1915).The Brownie does not have labeled settings, so instead I will list it as stops and their modern day equivalent. If you are lost, I suggest starting with the first photo in the corresponding album.

 

I took a quick trip to Cincinnati, and thought it would be rather fun if I showed some love to my Brownie. It's shocking how clear the images are, especially since the Brownie is far more restrictive in terms of aperture and focus.

 

This was a shot in the dark, no pun intended. The Brownie focuses at around 8 feet, so I thought my buddy was within range, and he wasn't. That said, the shutter and the aperture were at their lowest, and somehow it was just enough to produce this shot.

 

Shutter: 50

Focus: NA

Aperture: Stop 1 (f11)

Ilford 124

Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala

Daniel, a friend.

The continuing story : www.flickr.com/photos/9619972@N08/albums/72157690509548925

 

continued :)

2016, The House Oversite Committee chairman believed the environment in Yosemite," is indeed toxic, hostile, repressive and harassing".

 

9-17-2018, here we are and the environment has gotten worse:

 

Seriously, we have adults in their 20s-60s, waiting around for their chance to harass someone. My neighbors will wait for me to come home, leave my room, use the laundry and kitchen; just to get in my face and crowd. It blows my mind to watch adults caring out these skits; acting like children. It doesn’t matter if it’s in my building, at work or helping a guest; these employees will harass, interrupt, over talk and do anything to harass their target. Last week alone I was belittled while trying to help a guest (by a coworker), had the same coworker cut between guest and I; as I was helping them, I had smokers waiting for me when I got home (didn’t live or work here, but smoking in the walkway to my building), neighbors stomping pass my room every day and night, and as I write this (same people day after day), neighbors coughing loudly as they walk pass my door (this may seem petty, but this is done day after day, year after year, by the same people). I’ve had doors flung open into my face, managers blocking in walkways and doorways. I could go on and on.

These unethical and many times illegal actions also have an impact on our guest and the preservation of this beautiful park. Yosemite’s Superintendents Office is fully aware of this! This has been going on for far longer than 2 years and it blows my mind that it still continues.

 

Yosemite’s current Superintendent is: Michael T Reynolds

 

What is happening in Yosemite is WRONG!

 

• The truth about Yosemite: www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Yosemite-Chief-Retiring-Ami...

 

I'm trying to make this a better place. What are my neighbors and coworkers doing?

 

Thank you for visiting my photostream

 

I'm continuing with my ongoing theme of "self-reflection".

 

continuing the search of the archives for the ones that got away - a visitor stumbles upon bedlam sunday in bath

So in the continuing (mis)adventures of me and my cameras, my pinhole, apparently thinking there was little left to live for, threw himself headfirst out of the car the other day, spraying wooden pieces of himself across the sidewalk in the northwest. I immediately rushed him into emergency procedures at Blue Moon and following a thorough but nerve-wracking surgery involving wood glue and electrical tape, the pinhole lived again. To celebrate him and I (and Mark Talley aka Silton) took a trip out to the Gorge and Wahkeena Falls, all on a very wet and rainy Sunday. In other words, perfect Oregon weather for pinhole photography. This is one of the results. Perhaps it was his brush with death, perhaps it was the magic of the day. Most likely a combination of both, but this roll produced quite a few exciting images, of which this is one.

 

Taken with my Zero Image 6x9, which is looking more and more weathered and scarred with every passing day. I daresay he is more handsome than the day he came out of the box. ;-) Shot on Kodak 400UC color film. Exposed for about 60 seconds.

Assassin's Creed: The Movie: The Game: The Porn Parody: The Ride: The Virtual Reality Experience: The Novelization: The Comic Book: The Sequel: The Series: The Return of Jafar: Electric Boogaloo: Rebooted: The Trilogy: The Saga Continues: Reloaded: Dawn of the Planet of the Assassins: The Spin Off: The Slash Fanfiction: The Sonic Fanfiction: The 50th Anniversary Rerelease: IN 3D and 4D: Remastered: The Complete Collection: The Box Set: The Remake: The George Lucas Special Edition: The Direct Continuation that will be directed by JJ Abrams: The George Miller Remake: Starring Danny Devito as Ron Jeremy: Age of Michael Bolton: Direct-to-DVD: The Musical: Ezio Meets The Globetrotters: The Epic 4-part Crossover Event: Saves Christmas: Uncut: Your Mom Edition: Unrated: You Didn't See That Cumming Edition: XXX VII PART I, International Trailer #3: Dawn Of Justice

Photo captured via Minolta Maxxum AF Zoom 70-210mm F/4 "Beer Can" Lens. Selkirk Mountains Range. Granitic Selkirk Mountains section within the Northern Rockies Region. Inland Northwest. Pend Oreille County, Washington. Early October 2021.

 

Exposure Time: 1/400 sec. * ISO Speed: ISO-320 * Aperture: F/5.6 * Bracketing: None * Color Temperature: 4900 K * Plug-In: Creamy Moody Bright - Lou & Marks * Elevation: 2,031 feet above sea-level

2021 Tesla Model 3

 

4021, Farrington Street.

Replacing a house from the 1950s.

Garden Village, Burnaby, British Columbia

Continuing on with this Creation adventure album ...

Continuing my love of Ektar film......

Camera: Sony DSC-P150

Exposure: 0.4 sec (2/5)

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 7.9 mm

ISO Speed: 100

Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV

Flash: Flash did not fire

 

manifestation pour la libération de l'Algérie.

NS 69V dials in the time for the Radio Switch at Catawba so he can be lined onto the mainline and continue West towards Asheville. Fresh ballast is also noticeable on the main.