It all started with Ahmet Benici. The World's lead scientist published his findings that the laws that govern our world would change so drastically human life would not be possible. It was his findings that urged the U.S government to begin a secret project, Project New World. The purpose of this project was to save humanity from its impending doom. So I invite you visitor, whoever you are it doesn't really matter. Come, sit down at your keyboard and tell me, what role are you going to play in this story?
Setting
There are many rumors and stories to be told about the city of Chase. Stories and tales rise from the mysterious forest that borders its northern side. There's big talk of some government project happening on the other side, but no one can know for sure. The small town has a rather sparse population of 20,000 people and is kept isolated from its neighboring town by Wyers lake.
In terms of time, this site will follow real time to accommodate for the short life expectancies of compound patients. The current month is December, the year 2062.
Note: Please note this site is rated PG-13.
Disclaimer: All pictures and images on this site belong to their rightful owners. We do not and will not claim to own them. However the site plot and idea belongs to Time Lapse, please do not steal!
Perhaps there was still some hope for the patient yet. Ahmet wasn't so optimistic as to think he would make a great GenXa, but at least he seemed almost...compliant? The man would not venture with risk taking any more than he already had in the future. Explaining what the machines were and what they did wasn't going to cause the whole operation to blow up in their face, but overtime, telling the kid too much information would. But who was supposed to guess their grand scheme? Saving humanity? If the boy was even aware any humanity existed outside the compound he'd probably think Dr.Benici was trying to wipe out humanity. But he didn't really care to point out he and his team were the 'good guys'. The rest of the patients here were the victims of his 'good works'.
As tests were complete without a hitch - the man would have lost his cool if one of expensive machines was broken - Dr.Benici strode over to the vivarium. Another scientist lingered at the operating panel watching for the signal to begin. They would start up where they'd left off, the third experiment. The patient truly was pitiful in his eyes, and Benici reflected for just a moment how humiliating and terrified, violated and angry it must feel. "And now, we will starve you of oxygen," the man murmured more to himself as the thick glass would likely mute his voice. It wouldn't just be the oxygen levels that changed though, the man began rattling off several percentages of chemicals most students wouldn't recognize because they were the ones at the bottom of the periodic table that most teachers said, 'don't worry about those, they're not important'. Well, they'd see just how important they were now.
Yeah he wasn't feeling too great, but he did discover things were overall easier now that he wasn't fighting it so much. Did that mean he was going to be obedient from now on? Hardly. But it was nice knowledge he might take advantage of in the future, should he be desperate enough. After all, it wasn't really saving him from much, other than the guards being rough and the white coats being far more cruel. Still wasn't great, but it gave him a chance.
Unfortunately he wouldn't be getting much information once inside, the glass making it nearly impossible to hear anything outside. Were they loud enough, he could make out their voices, but couldn't recognize any words. He was on his own from that point and as soon as the lights were on, he was left blinded again, relying on his other senses.
The machinery overhead came to life and Feral could really do nothing but wait. At first he didn't notice any changes but eventually he started feeling strangely out of breath. It wasn't comfortable by any means, but he was managing to adjust, slowly but surely. He got incredibly quiet though, not wanting to waste his breath should things get worse.
Silence at last. Although, perhaps in this case, silence wasn't what Dr.Benici wanted. He didn't expect the Patient to be jumping off the walls - no that would probably mean something was making him high - but was a little bit of enthusiasm too much to ask? The man wandered over to the control panel to adjust a few minor controls. A few chemicals here a little less oxygen there, not a big deal, at least not for Ahmet Benici who didn't have to deal with it, 'yet' he reminded himself. One day they would all suffer whatever the universe threw at them and it wouldn't just be the patients anymore.
There was a zoo just outside the city and Dr.Benici had been there a few times. The animals the zoo sported were far more interesting than the boring house pets in the Compound's menagerie. The man had always been slightly fascinated by the gorillas and their glass enclosures. There was always a large sign that said 'do not touch' taped to the glass walls. Dr.Benici had witnessed on one occasion some oaf who'd gone tapping on the glass anyway. It was less than seconds before he'd enraged the gorilla into pounding on the glass and baring sharp fangs in a bellow. It had been fascinating and so amusing the scientist had watched for several long minutes as the zoo staff tried to calm the animal down. But at least it was lively, the man though strolling over to Feral's enclosure.
Seeking perhaps to antagonize the patient, the man began rapping sharply against the glass with his pencil. He'd start up and then stop, hoping for the boy to prove he could thrive in the environment or whether or not the chemicals and lack of proper oxygen would subdue him forever.
The changes were so small and so gradual that Feral seemed to be having enough time to adjust, his lungs working to process this change of oxygen. Of course with the extra dose of chemicals, the beast was able to smell the other change in the air, but once again didn't seem to be affected by it, at least not in any way that it caused him damage. Okay... Not so bad. Not good, but not bad either. He preferred this to the treatments he endured a couple of days ago. Then again, coupled with the fact he had so much blood drawn during it, he was bound to have a bad time that day anyway.
But Feral was starting to get a sneaking suspicion the head white coat was back to his expected douchebag behavior. How so? Well, the fact he was taping against the glass for starters. Of all the sounds, of course the tapping would go through, seemingly echoed in the tank. It didn't take long for him to grow annoyed, stalking his way towards the glass the old man was tapping with a nasty snarl on his face and a constant growl, though he wasn't even sure he'd hear. Then again, he wasn't really thinking that much about it, far too annoyed to think logically.
He'd stop but then go again and at that point, Feral was convinced he was doing it just to fuck with him. His appreciation towards the gesture was shown as he smashed both fists into the tank, actually causing some damage to the reinforced glass, though fortunately not enough that it had broken through. "Shut the fuck up!" he practically roared, flashing off those fangs of his. Awfully familiar, wasn't it?
[ O.C.C: And that makes Ahmet the stupid oaf :nod: ]
Ahmet watched with cold eyes as the patient grew annoyed with his tapping. He couldn't hear the boy snarl, but it was evident by the expression on his face he most definitely was or had been anyway. But did this stop Dr.Benici from tapping on the glass? Oh no, it only encouraged him. As Feral stormed towards him, a light smirk tugged persistently upon his cold features until he smiled coldly.
"Show me some anger," he whispered to himself, moments before his request was given an appropriate response. The scientist took a step back, observing a spiderweb of cracks that leaped to life. Of course, that was only one surface of the vivarium and the boy would have shredded his hands by the time he had broken through enough to shatter the whole thing...hopefully.
The beast's roar was simply met with a cold stare. Dr.Benici knew those words. It wasn't hard to decipher. "I wasn't saying anything," the man replied flatly. Turning his back on Feral, he shuffled back to the control panel his air of arrogance seemed to have increased. "Run the tests," he motioned for the vivarium to be stabilized and then shut down and his team of selected guards and scientists to walk Feral through the process of scans and what not a second time.
Was the fucker smirking?! Well, the scientist wanted anger and he certainly got what he asked for, Feral having quite the short fuse. He was just fortunate there was some thick glass that'd keep him from actually lunging at him, though if he had persisted it might have happened, Feral fully prepared to break down the tank, no matter the circumstances. It wasn't as if the boy hadn't injured himself before when he was in one of his moods.
At the very least, his actions caused the man to stop, though the beast was still glaring daggers into him as he turned his back and went to play with the panel again. Though Feral knew better, he'd like to think it was fear that lead him to back off. But of course, as the man had mentioned before, he didn't really have much power here. He could at least pretend, certainly not one to so easily submit.
His fists remained tightened even as he pulled back from the glass, watching, waiting, though that angry expression never quite left, nor did that wild look in his eyes. But it didn't take long after that for the machinery to start again and Feral was somewhat relieved to be getting out of the tank, but also not too keen on playing 'nice' anymore with these clowns, especially after that stunt. Safe to say, Benici's tapping had put him in a foul mood. But it didn't really matter as, on cue, guards were approaching the vivarium, prepared to fetch him so they could run more test. Noting his anger, they were not going to mess around this time and expect him to be as docile as he was before.
He definitely tried to fight back, but the overwhelming numbers had subdued him quick enough and Feral was once again muzzled, bound to prevent him from doing the same damage he'd done to the tank to anyone else. His focus was mostly on Ahmet, however, the boy glaring as they passed by him. "Piece of shit." he spat, just to get a rough shove to keep him moving forward towards the same equipment he was introduced to not long ago. Safe to say he was less curious this time around and the scientists were a little worried he might damage their machines. Of course they weren't about to criticize Dr. Benici for his choice, even if they wished he hadn't provoked him. Sure, it delivered better results, but it also made him more dangerous to work with. That and he didn't have to be hands on with him either, but of course they wouldn't dare say that out loud.
He struggled this time, being difficult for the sake of being difficult, it seemed, and the scans took a bit longer than they had before. By the time they'd finished the last scan, everyone seemed quite exasperated and Feral almost appeared proud of himself. He tried the docile route, know he was just going to be an asshole. Two could play at that game, after all, and Ahmet had started this childish war that Feral was committed to.
Well, Feral could be a little shit then. Dr.Benici only watched his staff struggle with the boy, making no motions to lend a hand. It wasn't his problem, but it would be if the boy broke something, and it would only make these tests drag on. His discontent flared but was expressed only in the thoughtful nibble of his bottom lip. Perhaps the patient felt he was gaining the upper hand in some way, and the boy's snappy comment earned him a smile from Ahmet Benici.
The expression was so foreign to the man's face it was creepy, perhaps even sinister. It was by no means a kind smile. It couldn't possibly mean anything good not for Feral and maybe not even for the faculty either. Ahmet was not a smiley person and he turned back towards the panel to adjust a few things instead of enlighten anyone one his latest...pleasure?
They would be skipping a few operations it seemed to move along to an experiment he was simply dying to try. It wasn't a particularly cruel experiment, well, no more than anything he'd subjected the boy to. But it would determine his usefulness in pursuing this patient's usefulness. If the boy couldn't thrive in this environment then no one could and for now he would be a lost cause. Benici had been avoiding it in hopes that in the few days since they'd been testing him in the tank, the boy would begin to adapt more quickly. Well, there was no time for playing around now. Either he was helpful or he wasn't. And if he wasn't, they'd find something else.
He'd noticed the smile, for sure, and he might have paused for a second had the guards not been rushing him, forcing him forward so they could get this over with. It was quite the eerie expression, even for Feral, but even then he still wouldn't submit. If this guy wanted to prove he was the more dominant of the two, the obvious solution would be to handle Feral himself. Of course not many people wanted to contend against the beast one on one, and certainly not without some aid to make their odds more favorable. No, he'd continue thinking he was the top dog and doubted anyone could take that from him, not even the creepy Doctor with his weird expressions.
As soon as he was finished he was pushed towards the tank again. A couple of guards managed to receive some injuries, none too serious thanks to his restrictions, but they'd certainly be hurting in the morning (and one in particular may give up hope on children). Thankfully before he could cause anymore trouble, he was returned back to the safety of the vivarium where he surely wouldn't be able to escape, right? Well.. ignoring those cracks in the glass anyway. Hopefully the boy wound injure himself before he could get that far. Then again, they may get blamed for that if Benici really wanted to find reason to.
Feral didn't back away to the back, still right up against the closed doors where they left him, glaring at all the white coats and guards with a predatory look in his eyes. It even caused some of the more timid men and women to avert their gaze if they happened to meet those wild green eyes of his. It caused the boy to actually smirk, a rather unsettling expression with those teeth of his. But perhaps he wouldn't be so cocky in the next couple of seconds once the experiment commenced.
Eventually the machinery would start again and he'd lift his gaze for a second or so before looking back down to the crowd watching him curiously, white coats taking notes while guards almost seemed eager he'd fail, just so he could get well-deserved punishment for his behavior. Once the air began to change, it was only a few moments before Feral actually reacted, it wiping the smirk off his face. What was this?
Not good, whatever it was, the boy frowning, his body tensing, legs shaking. It was like he was being drained and Feral could already feel himself slipping, knowing where he was headed should this continue. Not good at all. For a second, Feral actually looked like he might collapse and actually stumbled a bit. Catching himself, pressing his hands against the glass again to steady himself, Feral took a deep breath, releasing it in a growl. No... No he wouldn't let it happen. He was far too determined to fall now, not when he was practically gloating seconds ago. Somehow, Feral managed to find his second wind and smirked again, though his eyes lacked it's usual liveliness. Seconds later, Feral struck at the glass again, actually causing more damage than before. His fists bled though Feral looked prepared to strike again. Another hit or two and these idiots wouldn't be able to rely on the glass anymore. Somehow Feral had seemed to slip into his primal rage, instinct having taken over just when he thought his life was in danger. If something didn't happen soon, their lives might be.
[OOC: Super Saiyan! lmao Shock collar might come in handy now]
[O.O.C: Patience young padawan All good things to those who wait lol.]
It was unfortunate the other faculty were with victims of the patient's wrath while Ahmet Benici, the instigator only watched with cold eyes. How could it not always be like this? In some ways, he was only the brains of the operation, they were all his minions. Their intellectual opinions rarely counted, they were just here to prove his theories and do the work he told them to do. Why would he care if one or two of them were injured if not for the fact he'd be short one worker?
The man only watched the struggle the animalistic patient made, rolling his eyes. Goodness, gracious, and to think he day had started out nice. Tapping on the glass had really done a number on the kid and it was both amusing and frustrating. But Dr.Benici didn't relent in his project, waiting patiently for the boy to be returned to the vivarium.
Any of the scientist's hopes for the patient plummeted as he watched the boy grow feeble in the tank. So he couldn't survive then. This was all a lost cause, a waste of time. His expression grew cold as steel, eyes dark black pits as they glared in the boy's direction, willing him to obey, to prove his usefulness.
Ahmet had just begun to turn away when he caught sight of the boy's little smirk. He whirled around in time to catch the boy striking the glass. The cracks shot across the surface and in time, Ahmet's vision of the boy grew hazy. Was the boy breaking through the tank? Sure he'd cracked the first layer of glass before, but that he had the strength to break it completely?
Ahmet looked like a man entranced by a decent film and when one of the guards attempted to speak they were quickly 'shh'ed. The patient was proving strength in a condition no human should be able to survive in. Whether it was due to his determination or he really was adapting, Dr.Benici could not be sure. The scientist's smirk almost dared the boy to hit the glass again, almost dared him to shatter the only wall between them. Unless the patient was going to rip off his shock collar too, Dr.Benici wasn't too worried. Several scientists and guards scrambled to get gas masks and radiation suits as chemicals began to seep through the glass.
Feral was lost to his anger by then, nothing more than an animal mentally to put it simply. It was fight or flight mode and since he was unable to escape, of course the only solution lied in attacking the tank that imprisoned him, then perhaps follow up with the various people outside the tank, looking both shocked and afraid. All but one, of course, someone that even in his rage, Feral could recognize. He seemed to be enjoying this. But rather than try to rebel, he'd unwittingly give the man what he wanted.
The first strike had cut up his fists, a sharp pain that might have deterred any normal person. Instead, it just fueled his rage and no sooner after the first strike did he pound his fists into the wall again, the pain actually becoming numbed rather quickly thanks to the rise in adrenaline, so he smashed into it again and again. The glass was strong, no doubt about it, and it was perhaps that reason alone that gave everyone enough time to prepare for the chemical outbreak, as Feral actually managed to break through, chest heaving with heavy breaths as he was given a chance of fresh air. That, however, didn't really distract him for long, those merciless eyes scanning the room, daring anyone get close. No one was in a hurry to approach, which was fine as Feral had no problem stalking his way forward, assessing the crowd and finding the weakest prey of the bunch, or simply the most unfortunate that was in his reach.
With no sign of stopping, the guards finally decided to step up and take over, subdue him before he could cause any more harm. He didn't appear to be too intimidated by them though. In fact, he almost seemed to be looking through them. One brave, or rather foolish soul decided to step up and be the hero, wielding a baton. Unfortunately when he made the move to hit him, Feral caught before it could make contact, pulling the man towards him with it. Once close enough, he grabbed onto the man with a steel grip before effortlessly tossing him aside, slamming right into nearby equipment. Surprisingly, it appeared he wasn't interested in the small fry. No, he had his eyes on a bigger prize. Looked like he was still holding a grudge about that tapping the glass thing. And he was every bit of prepared to take care of anyone else who stood in his way as he continued to press forward.
Remarkable, the patient was absolutely remarkable. As the boy smashed through the vivarium, Ahmet's eyes shone with something akin to admiration. Was it perhaps relief? He could finally submit a good report? The Compound would be safe for another few months? Needless to say, the boy wouldn't be too pleased to hear this. Heck, he was probably too enraged to think about any such thing.
Smashing through the vivarium glass didn't leave the boy weak and the scientist was amazed to see he didn't react to the sudden change in atmosphere as he left the tank behind. Both environments were completely different. It was like sitting in the hot tub for a few minutes and then jumping into an ice bath. But the patient didn't even falter as he began to wreck the unfortunate faculty before him.
Though he couldn't smell the harsh chemicals seeping into the air, Ahmet could feel his chest growing tight as he inhaled semi-toxic fumes. Sirens and alarms went off within seconds a massive metal door slammed into place at the examination room entrance, barred by yet another door. Due to the chemical breach, the whole compound was falling into lockdown mode. All doorways and entrances were sealed, no doubt patients would be carefully guarded. But there was a particular horror amongst Benici's subordinates who seemed to have realized they were trapped in here...with Feral.
Watching the patient flip out was encouraging and all, but when one of his colleagues thrust a gas mask in his face, he reluctantly slipped it on. The fresh air was like magic though he could still feel the stinging in his chest. Through the bug eyes of the mask, Ahmet watched Feral, motioning for someone to hand him the shock collar button because heaven forbid anyone ruin his good results.
Unfortunately, he had no intentions of playing with the boy and he held his thumb down on the button without mercy. Would he be nice this time? Perhaps not. Fry the kid's brain cells? Well, let's try to avoid that. After all, the patient had just proved himself to be a valuable test subject. As fate would have it, there was no way they were going to get the rest of the tests done, so if he succumbed to unconsciousness now, Dr.Benici could tolerate it.
With the doors locked, he watched many of the white coats scatter, trying to put some distance between them and the raging beast. For a moment, all the movement actually caught his attention, causing Feral to pause as he scanned the fleeing crowd. He'd get to them eventually, if he was still in the mood, though despite his feral mind, he still had some form of intelligence. The desire to kill, and one target specifically managed to stand out against all else. So he managed to snap out of it quick enough, unfortunately quick enough that the guard who'd been trying to take advantage would have his face mask grabbed, roughly ripped off his face and leaving him to fend for himself in the environment he'd been subjected to. Not as fun breathing it as it was watching someone else, huh?
He had his eyes on him, literally in fact. And seeing an all too familiar device passed into his hands, Feral would rush forward, determined to get to him before it was too late. Unfortunately, he would be only a couple of feet away when the collar activated, effectively causing him to stop in his tracks as it practically paralyzed him. He'd grit his teeth as he was forced down onto all fours, but even then didn't appear to be down all the way as he struggled to keep moving forward, still having some strength left at his disposal. Sadly, the longer the shock set in, the more tense his body became until he couldn't even move an inch. Fortunately, some of the guards had finally recovered by then and jumped in to subdue him.
Minutes later and Feral was bound again, adrenaline dying down and exhaustion filling it's place. Even then, the guards kept him down, not wanting to risk a thing as they practically piled on top of him. Somehow he still managed to hang on, though only barely, the only evidence of his remaining consciousness being the rumbling growls as his face was firmly pressed to the ground.
As Dr.Benici watched Feral rush towards him his eyes narrowed. Was he afraid? Well, it certainly gave him a thrill, but his status was only affirmed as the electric collar felled the mighty beast. Like a dog trained not to bark, perhaps the patient would get there eventually. Though as he mused, Benici didn't think operant conditioning would work on the boy. He watched the patient struggle towards him and for a moment, he thought he might even make it. The condescending 'well done' was already on the edge of his tongue when he fell still.
"It's too bad really," Ahmet murmured, voice distorted by the mask he wore. "You were so close." Could anyone have been more of a condescending ass? Maybe the devil, but it seemed Dr.Benici wasn't rattled by the boy's aggressive behavior. He deactivated the shock collar when the guards stepped in. After all, second-hand shock was worse, and he couldn't lose all of his faculty, now could he?
The man strode dangerously close to Feral, going as far as lacing his fingers in the boy's hair, forcing his gaze to meet his own. It smoldered with a cold indifference. "Maybe next time?" The whimsical smirk was lost behind the mask as Dr.Benici continued. "Actually, there won't be a nex time," He concluded. "You need me more than you know. Without me," he leaned close, lifting the mask to whisper in the boy's ear, "your life is forfeit."
Swiftly pulling away, the man strode off to the vivarium, reversing its system to suck all the chemicals away. Of course, it wouldn't do a perfect job, but it would make the clean up a lot easier. "Have him strapped down to a table. Sedate him if necessary," he spoke without turning his back. "Have someone tend to his injuries and then leave him be. And if he is harmed unnecessarily," Ahmet shot the guards a withering and disgusted look. "Do not hesitate to think I won't unleash on you whatever it is you've done to him tenfold. The boy is...important." The last word was once more distorted as he turned away, muttering something to himself as his fingers danced nimbly across the control panel.
It's bad enough being shocked to his knees, it's even worse when you are mocked for it. He wanted nothing more than to lunge up and rip the man's throat out right then and there, but his body refused to move, like it wasn't his to control. And that just made him hate this even more. He didn't have much of a chance anyway, as once a good chunk of guards had arrived, they all were pinning down practically every inch of him to insure he wouldn't move, giving Beninci the chance to approach without concern.
He felt the man touch his hair, Feral's growls growing louder in warning, though it was likely ignored, the man not seeming to be afraid. It confused him, honestly, just as much as it infuriated him. And as Ahmet leaned in and whispered into his ear, it became all the more obvious just how much he didn't want to hear his shit, struggling enough to shake the guards a bit, but not enough to escape unfortunately. He only continued to snarl, still lost into that feral state and apparently not capable of using that smart mouth of his at the moment. Not that it'd matter. The only thing that would make him satisfied at this point was to see that fear in this bastards eyes before he ended him.
Once he was finished taunting him, Feral faintly made out the orders issued. They weren't done here. Of course they weren't done here. And he'd effectively burned out a huge chunk of his energy with that little stunt, so his chances of fighting his way out of here were diminished again. Did that mean he wouldn't try? Of course not! So when the guards tried to lift him up to do as they were told, Feral would obviously struggle a bit. Fortunately he was not as strong as he had been moments ago, so while it certainly took effort, they weren't being swatted away like flies anymore. Ah, how they wanted to punish him. Perhaps if they beat him hard enough, sedation wouldn't be necessary. Of course, they had no doubts Dr. Benici would hold up to his threats, so they of course resorted to the more difficult means of getting him to the table.
He managed to knock things over on the way there, knocking trays over and sending empty vials and tools crashing to the floor, scattered beneath their feet. But despite his efforts he was slammed onto the table, the guards struggling to get him strapped down while one of the white coats had arrived, brave enough to try and sedate him. Somehow they'd steadied him long enough for the shot to be administered and eventually, he finally passed out, leaving the room almost eerily calm now.
Once he was safely strapped down, completely knocked out, one of the scientists had worked on treating his injuries, removing shards of the vivarium from his hands. Not as indestructible as they might have originally thought, evidently. But was that a good thing? Apparently the beast was what Benici was looking for. He could have picked a more obedient patient though, couldn't he?
Couldn't everyone just shut up? Were their eyes broken? Could they not see that despite all the conflict, Ahmet was trying to work. The man was scowling now. The sound of breaking glass and the destruction of the lively patient was interrupting his racing thoughts. They'd made a break through and now he had lapsed into his thoughtful, pensive stage. He finally had the pipes of the vivarium working to filter the air and much larger ventilation system came to life only a few minutes after he'd finished.
They would have to go through thorough cleansing before they would be allowed out of containment, the patient especially would have to wait a few days before coming in contact with anyone else. Just because he could survive the harsh chemicals didn't mean the others could.
His deadpanned expression hadn't changed a bit, but Ahmet was overjoyed. However the aggressive way he began snapping orders, ordering his colleagues to clean up while others tended to the wounded, one might never know how truly happy he was. In his opinion, joy was not meant to be shared. When other people couldn't conceal their own giddiness, it annoyed him to no end.
But when the room was somewhat respectable and they had yet to wait for the lock-down to be end, Ahmet offered his staff a quiet, "Good work today everyone." In his decades of working at the compound, he'd never spoken those words, and he wasn't about to repeat them for those who gaped as if they hadn't heard him the first time.
Like a housepet waiting for a trip outside, Ahmet lingered by the metal doors as he waited for his own freedom. He had things to do, papers and research to pour over. When this was all said and done, the brat would be in recovery, this place would no longer be a mess, and everyone would be happy! Well, everyone except maybe those who'd been injured or traumatized. But hey, no pain no gain right?
All good things to those who wait lol.]
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