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Becoming an attorney is my dream and I’m trying to figure out the best route to get there. I’m currently a high school student While I am a good student, I’m middle class and want to try and avoid crippling debt. However, I’d like to go to a more competitive law school for networking opportunities. Can I still get into competitive law programs despite attending my state schools like UW Madison or U-Minnesota for undergrad??
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!

I joined the USR when it was in its infancy, in the year 2020. This was during the Golden Age of the USR and Almendria, I guess a bit out of peer pressure and a bit out of the desire to be special and part of "something" I decided to stick with it. For a while it was good I was special and I was treated well and nothing was wrong, to be honest, my life was far easier. I always had friends, people feared and respected me who I knew IRL, I had the best substances money could buy, plenty of hot girls, basically anything anyone a teenager in high school could ask for. Kazzi was the first person from the Almendrian government which I met, followed by McKeen and Tizian. Something you need to understand is that Kazzi has always been with Almendria the same goes for McKeen, every time either of them have every "betrayed" Tizian, it has all been a plan. Its all a psyop. Tizian, Kazzi, and McKeen all know one another IRL also - the whole "McKeen lives in RhOdE IsLaNd" is all a lie all three of them are in Argentina. I don't have much time as I'm writing this and still need to pack my things, my parents have given me an hour to pack my things and leave their house - I'm in Argentina also so there is a high likelihood I'll end up like everyone else who has gone against Almendria, so heres my final fuck you to Tizian - a full exposure into Almendria.
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Questions and Answers:
Here are my questions and answers about Almendria...AKA the USR.
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Who are Tizian, McKeen, and Kazzi:
None of these are their real names, they'd be too foolish to use their real names. "Terry McKeen III" is a real person who lives in Rhode Island, this has been confirmed its just that his identity has been stolen. This creates a rather airtight straw man for the identity of "McKeen". Tizian and Kazzi are most certainly aliases created. They are some of the most evil people on this planet and are more evil than any politician you see on TV without any doubt in my mind.
How did I join the USR?
I joined in the USR during a massive mass-recruiting "mass drive" program which was launched by their government. They gave me various monetary rewards in exchange for me staying, and threatened all sorts of punishment if I was disloyal. One notable example was when I had a crush on this one girl who was the Captain of my High Schools Cheer Team and they manipulated her (without my knowledge) into having Oral with me and when I discussed leaving the USR threatened to have her block me and "expose me" to our whole school. Some other things they gave me was a free PC which otherwise would've costed me $2,500 - this fucking thing was choke full of Malware for the record and it was even used to gain access to my WiFi and spy on my parents.
What is the USR, really?
Nothing which it claims to be. It's not a Micronation, its a Secret Society. The name "Almendria" has been seen on records dating back to the 1900's. Now, is the same Almendria which we deal with today the same one from the 1900's? I doubt it, but it is the same group of people running it. Not the people from that time of course, but their successors successors successors successors successor. The name "Tizian" also goes back to the 1900's, this leads me to believe that Tizian is a name passed on from leader to leader of the USR. The aims of the group are to serve the interests of the Leadership, nothing more nothing less.
Why have Tizian and Kazzi "betrayed" Tizian before?
Thats how the USR works, its a King of the Hill on a Mountain of Mud situation. If the pinnacle looks weak than the others will make a move to take his or her place, thats how most criminal syndicates work except for ones with religious commandments which is where McKeenism and Socialism come into place within the USR. The pinnacle of the USR always claims to be hundreds, if not thousands of years old, and know the truth about humanity, the world, etc. - but this is laughable. The oldest and furthest dating back the current iteration of the USAlmendria is a decade or two old at most, it likely was formed in 2016.
What is the "Shadow Gov't"?
Who here as heard of the illuminati or New World Order? Well it is essentially that but for Almendria. I don't know who the people in charge of the USAlmendria truly are but I highly doubt it is McKeen, Tizian, Kazzi, etc. Thats the thing when it comes to opposition movements within the USR. They talk about being "Anti-McKeen", "Anti-Almendrian", etc. but they are not the real enemy the real enemy are the people who are the puppet masters behind the puppets. McKeen is young money and so is Tizian, although they may have some **VERY LITTLE** power, McKeen is almost certainly the most powerful of the two. He's smarter.
What did you do for the SG?
I would essentially work as a recruiter and would find new ""slaves"" to work for the USR, this was done by giving teenagers (boys specifically) shoes, designer clothes, status, women, electronics, etc.
How much influence does the USR have?
It's safe for me to say that this subreddit has at least half of its moderation staff infiltrated. Almost every Micronation and major online community has been infiltrated either fully or somewhat. Fontasia was a shill created, the same goes for Faltree. The MA, LIN, GUM, etc. are all the same. Their all controlled by one group - the USR's SG and their in chagr eof
LAST NOTE - I NEED TO LEAVE NOW AND AM BEING KICKED OUT - FUCK YOU TZIAN, FUCK YOU MCKEEN FUCK YOU ALL AN FUCK THE SHILLS """FIGHTING""" AGINST U ALL TO THE REAL PEOPLE AGAINST THE USR AND ALM NEVER FUCKING STOP FIGHTING DO NOT LET THE SUFFERING OF ANYONE BE IN VEIN OR FORGOTTEN

*** sorry, I had to repost this because it was in the wrong category and had misspelled a few words. I’m new here.
I am a convert to the church, but never really gained a “testimony “. My husband grew up in the church. The only reason I go to church is because my daughter would also stay home, if I don’t go (and my husband is blaming me, because of my “influence”). I haven’t accepted any callings or speaking assignments for the last few years. Our ward changed boundaries and I’m expecting to be asked to meet with the bishop for a calling anytime now. What would be the best way to refuse a calling. I’m planning to tell him that the only reason I come to church is for my husband and daughter. My husband is a devout member and would do anything for the church. We have a good marriage and I hope he won’t go crazy on me once I decide to stop going to church. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

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AITA not going to my uncle's wedding and going fishing instead?
Backstory, I 30 female got married 6 years ago then 24 to my high-school sweetheart M29 then 23. I invited my whole family. My uncle and his two kids were among the invited. HIS DAUGHTER then 16 was one of my bridesmaids. On the day of my wedding 6 years ago, he dropped my cousin off to the church with us girls to get ready at 8am. For pictures at noon and the wedding at 230.
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My uncle handed me a coffee, my favorite, and told me that he would not be back in time for pictures or the wedding or reception. Because he was going fishing and taking my almost 16-year-old male cousin with him. So he can breathe in the breathalyzer when he's too drunk to start the car. That was 6 years ago. Mind you, even the uncle I hated and didn't want to be there managed to shower, get dressed nice, go 3 days without using drugs to be sober and not smell of meth, and managed to post bail a week before my wedding to be there. But one of my 2 favorite uncles wasn't coming to go fishing. 😕
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A few months back, I received an RSVP to my uncle's wedding. He's marrying a friend of my mom's. Glad he's happy. Haven't talked to him in 6 years since he didn't come to the wedding. Well, I mailed back the RSVP with "GOING FISHING" on the will not be attending line. (I hate fishing. But I'll at least kayak most of the time)
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My uncle and his soon-to-be bride contacted my parents. To try to talk me into changing my mind. And to attend. I told him we haven't talked in 6 years. That I would be fishing. And that if he wanted me there maybe he should have thought about my wedding 6 years ago. His answer was he brought me coffee and mt 16-year-old cousin who was a bridesmaid.
So I sent him the reservation that I will be kayaking and fishing during his wedding. Aita

🎺 Hark! 🎺 Your Latter-day Saint newsletter has arrived with a heavenly selection of fresh content! 😇 Gather your angelic team and embark with us on a joyful journey through inspiring stories, divine discussions, and miraculous memes. Pro tip: Don't forget to bring your brass trumpet and revelation glasses! 😉 Ready, set, blast off into another exciting edition! 🚀
Dan Peterson shares his experience of exploring the Lake District in England, and how the natural beauty there can remind us of our pre-mortal existence. read more here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reports that Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Uruguay President Luis Lacalle Pou in Montevideo, Uruguay. Read more here.
Kurt Manwaring analyzes the forensic evidence of the controversial Smith-Larsen daguerreotype photograph and argues that it could potentially be Joseph Smith. Read more here.
Becky Douglas shares a personal experience of showing gratitude through service to those in need, and explores other ways to express thanks beyond just saying it. read more here.
BYU Religious Education introduces Episode 81 of the Y Religion podcast, featuring Professor Matthew Grey discussing the history of Christian worship spaces and how they connect to Church buildings today. Listen to the podcast here.
The Saints Unscripted team interview LDS Scholar Brian Hales to address claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy, providing historical evidence and addressing specific claims made against Joseph Smith's polygamy. Watch the video here.
Lavender shares her story about her husband leaving the church, which led to communication and validation of doubts, and how COVID changed her perspective on rituals in her home for her family, where every member feels valued regardless of gender or belief. Read more here.
The followHIM podcast discusses the difference between having a testimony and being converted, emphasizing the importance of not just believing in the gospel, but also putting it into action through faithful obedience. Listen to the podcast here.
Diana Webb writes about the events that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane in "Come, Follow Me for Sunday School: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18 “Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt”" for Meridian Magazine, discussing how it was a pivotal moment in not only the Savior's life but in all of humanity's.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has dedicated a new, advanced Global Distribution Services Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bishop Gérald Caussé was responsible for conducting the dedication on June 8, 2023. Read more here.
Julie Coulter Bellon, a published author, recommends two books for a perfect lazy afternoon reading: "Along a Breton Shore" by Arlem Hawks, a French Revolution epic tale of self-discovery and survival with credible relationship growth, and "How to Kiss Your Enemy" by Jenny Proctor, a contemporary romantic comedy about two chefs whose rivalry ignites passion beneath.
The Unshaken Youtube channel teaches a verse-by-verse Come Follow Me study of Luke 22 and John 18 in part 2, focusing on betrayal, Lion & Lamb, the severed ear, accepting His fate, judging Judas, the field of blood, Caiaphas' palace, bitter tears, judging Peter, and more. Watch the video here.
In her One Minute Scripture Study podcast, Cali Black shares her favorite scripture study tip and applies it to John 14:26, inviting listeners to really dive into the words of scripture. She also provides resources for further study, including a daily devotional book, a simplified New Testament outline, and her own scripture study guide. Read more here.
Larry Richman invites readers to participate in the "Rescuing Our Roots" project by BillionGraves, which aims to break the Guinness World Record for the most headstone photos uploaded in 24 hours on June 25th. Interested participants can learn more and join the project at BillionGraves.com/Rescue. read more here.
Richard Ostler shares the story of Cole Conner, a young man who left and returned to the LDS Church due to his same-sex attraction, being bullied, and feeling anger towards the Church. After exploring life outside the Church, Cole found sustained joy and peace by returning to the gospel, acknowledging his spiritual identity is straight, and hoping for a future to marry a woman and have a family. His story highlights the gospel principles that can help us all find hope, peace, and love from our Heavenly Parents and Savior. Listen to the full podcast episode on Soundcloud.
Skyler Sorensen writes in Meridian Magazine about the Church's message to support LGBT+ Saints, but to avoid the radicalism of the pride movement and instead focus on a path that leads to the peace of the gospel. This message includes engaging with LGBT+ people without condoning their behaviors, and supporting them while remaining obedient to the teachings of the gospel.  read more here.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a letter from the First Presidency emphasizing the importance of political participation and voting, while also reaffirming the Church's political neutrality. The letter urges members to carefully study candidates and vote for those demonstrating integrity and service, rather than simply voting based on tradition or party affiliation. Read more here.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with Uruguay President Luis Lacalle Pou on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the President’s residence in Montevideo, where they discussed the empowering of families and individuals for the growth of Uruguay. Elder Soares visited as part of his weeklong visit to South America, which also includes visits to Chile and Argentina. The Uruguayan leader is familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ, having attended a religious liberty symposium at Brigham Young University in 2019 and having had his father (former Uruguay President Luis Alberto Lacalle) speak with Latter-day Saint youth in Montevideo in 1992. To read more about this visit, visit the Church Newsroom.
Stephen Carter, a renowned Mormon author and cultural commentator, was recently presented with the Smith-Pettit Foundation Award for Outstanding Contribution to Mormon Letters during the 2023 Association for Mormon Letters Virtual Conference on April 29th. Read more here.
Newell D. Wright discusses the important role the Holy Ghost plays in the Book of Moroni and how it transforms human beings into redeemed members of God's kingdom. Three phrases highlighting the Holy Ghost's connection to charity are analyzed. Read more here.
Kyler Rasmussen shares a summary of the article "The Holy Ghost in the Book of Moroni: Possessed of Charity" by Newell D. Wright and Val Larsen in Volume 57 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, discussing the role of the Holy Ghost in the book of Moroni. Read more here.
The FAIR staff provides faithful resources for studying John 14-17 in Come, Follow Me for week 24 of 2023. Read more here.
Pam Peebles discusses how LDS Chaplains administered to servicemembers during wars in a post on the Third Hour blog, and shares a link to a video episode of Saints Unscripted on this topic. read more here.
Robert L. Millet discusses ways to promote fidelity to God, a quality that is becoming rarer in society today, in honor of Fidelity Month. Read more here.

Hello all!
I apologize if this has been asked before, but I scrolled through the subreddit a bit and didn’t see it so here goes!!
I was raised non-Catholic—I attended Southern Baptist and Pentecostal churches as a child. I was recently hired to teach at a private Catholic school. The school is well aware that I am non-Catholic and they have no problem with this.
Part of my requirements as a teacher is to attend mass, both as part of my regular training and with my students. I am perfectly fine with this and am, in fact, excited, as the one mass I attended in the past was quite calming and peaceful. It was a long time ago, however, and I simply do not remember everything about it.
My only question is regarding holy communion. In the church I was raised in, communion was passed out to everybody in their pews and was fairly straightforward. I know that communion is technically a closed practice, and I have no interest in receiving holy communion as part of a Catholic mass.
I just would like to know what I should do during communion. Should I remain seated? Is it better to kneel? Would it be better to sit in the back, so as to not attract attention to myself? Google says something about lining up and crossing my arms across my chest, but this may be a little out of my comfort zone for the first mass (until I am more adapted to the school, that is.)
I have mass first thing my first day of work, and I don’t want to look silly or disrespectful in any way.
Can anyone provide insight? Thank you in advance, and I apologize if any portion of my question was worded incorrectly.

Hello everybody, hope you're all doing well.
Today I finished Persona 3 for the first time. Not in celebration of Reloaded being 'announced' (or, rather, leaked on Instagram); it's entirely coincidental. In fact I crossed the 100 hour threshold when I first was notified of the trailer's leakage on Twitter. (Learning that the game I just poured 115 hours into is soon going to be (presumably) obsolete is certainly a feeling!)
As Persona 3 is therefore pretty fresh in my mind, and I have no nostalgia or years-long cemented ideas about what makes it work or what doesn't, and as I also have absolutely firm idea about the content in P3P or P3:FES (I have only played the basic vanilla version, although know some vague stuff about content in FES and Portable), I figured I might have an interesting perspective on the whole Reloaded business that your average Persona 3 fan might not have (given I have only just become one as of... today). I'm sure I'm not alone, but I imagine there aren't too many people out there who played & finished Persona 3 for the first time this month.
​
Please understand this is only my personal opinion and I am only intending to present this as my personal opinion. If you have disagreements, or want to share your own opinions, then I fully invite you to do so!
​

• Tartarus needs a rework. I imagine this is something everybody agrees on. The Metaverse from Persona 5 feels largely like a better Tartarus to me, so I have faith that if they touch up Tartarus to make it better they can do it, but to be honest I'm still not entirely fond of the Metaverse in Persona 5 either. It worked well as a complement to the Palaces but if Persona 5 were just the Metaverse it would attract a lot more criticism I'm sure. Frankly the very concept of 'grind through ~210 randomly generated floors that are more or less monotonous corridors full of repeating enemies with nothing interesting to do' seems fundamentally flawed, so I don't really have a suggestion on how to fix it, which is a shame. All I know is Tartarus is a problem that hopefully the game designers will address. I have multiple friends who I would not recommend Persona 3 to simply because I know they'd abhor Tartarus, and I can't pretend I enjoyed every single floor (especially when grinding it for hours only to get Hama'd and lose all progress and do it again).
• Please give more to do in the evenings. From my understanding both P3P and P3FES improved on this, by adding an arcade or moving the Devil Arcana social link to the evening etc, but in the vanilla game the lack of activities to do in the evening is fairly dire. As a new player who went in blind, it took me a while to fully accept that there was literally nothing let for me to do in the timeslot with months of game left. From then on it always felt like I was 'wasting' time. I'm sure there are all sorts of things they can think of to fill the time slot in though.
• Making romance social links optional would be nice. It's not exactly going to change the whole game, but I'd appreciate platonic options with the girls as opposed to being forced into a romantic option. Of course, this would have gameplay ramifications - in Persona 3, social links can reverse, and my understanding is that going out with a girl past ~rank 5 while also going out with another girl past ~rank 5 will negatively impact that social link and make it reverse, so the fact all female social links are romantic in nature does actually have an effect on gameplay. To that I'd suggest that a platonic option would not cause jealousy in other girls like a romantic route does, and that way it gives more agency to the player as they can effectively choose a 'difficulty' option as it were, but if they kept the jealousy mechanic in I don't think it'd be too weird.
• More Social Links with SEES would be great. Again, to my understanding Persona 3 Portable lets you play as a female main character, and in doing so allows you to substitute several social links with other options, so you can have a Junpei social link and an Akihiko social link and so on, while depriving you of the male MC alternatives. This was a pretty good solution, allowing social links with them while maintaining the balance of the arcana, but personally, coming from vanilla Persona 3, I don't like the idea of splitting the social link options up like that. I think a major strength of Persona 3 is the cast of SEES and their dynamic, and I'd love to spend time with Akihiko or Junpei without being railroaded from other options. How they'd accomodate for this I'm not sure - I'd suggest inventing new arcana but that would have so many ramifications for the game it's not even funny - but either way, if there's truly no female MC option like in Portable, I'd still really want a way to social link Akihiko or Junpei as Makoto somehow. By that same token, I would like an Aegis social link (which I believe FES and Portable both have), and I'd also like a Ken Social Link (which I believe neither have) and a Koromaru Social Link (which might seem absurd but, to that I say, very well.)
• Allow the option to manually control party members. Like in Persona 4 and Persona 5, I'd like you to be able to manually control your party members and choose their exact moves. This would be a major convenience for so many reasons and would have saved me from dying so many times. (Seriously, I set you on Healing/Support because I want healing, Yukari, please stop casting Wind Break Yukari, I need Diarahan.) That said, I do feel like the inability to manually control your party members is kind of part of the identity of Persona 3, and is a small part of what sets it apart from the later modernsonas. You might disagree and call me silly for latching onto archaic mechanics, but I don't see why more options is a bad thing. It would be nice if, when starting a new save, you were presented the option for manually taking over party members or leaving it to the AI like in the original game. I doubt many people would actually choose the older style if given the option, but I'd like it.
• Optionally remove reversing Social Links. Social Link reversals make a lot of sense, and I really like the idea of reversing or even breaking Social Links, and kind of wish the later installments followed suit now that I've seen them. With that said, the fact they can choose to no longer like you because you spent ~50 days not talking to them seems a little fast - Fuuka never ended up forgiving me in my playthrough. I'm worried that Reloaded might try to modernise the game to modern sensibilities and choose to axe social link reversals altogether, to align it more with the later installments - to that I say, please just make it an option instead of removing it for everyone.
• Animations need to be (optionally) faster. My plathrough of vanilla Persona 3, according to the game, was 115 hours. This does not count the amount of times I died, lost all my progress, and had to try again. Out of those many hours, I wonder just how many was waiting for a battle animation to play out, or an all out attack finish, etc. Don't get me wrong, it was very stylish for 2006, and I'm sure Reloaded will make it all the more stylish - but an option to make them go by faster would be great. Faster battles would be way more engaging in my opinion, but it would be stupid to say they need to be faster mandatorily or something.
• More streamlined user interface. To read the notes from Tartarus, you need to navigate to the main menu, then System, and then Dictionary. I know we're outright told this, but it's still a little cumbersome. If I go to the Velvet Room and figure out I want to dismiss a Persona, I need to leave the Velvet Room, open the main menu, dismiss a persona, then return to the Velvet Room. There are face buttons not used when hovering over a Persona in the Velvet Room - why not let me dismiss them from there? The Battle UI was fine enough, and though I lament the loss of the gun cylinder style as apparent in the trailer, I broadly welcome the fact everything seems to be dedicated to buttons now, which will hopefully drastically speed up the pace of the game.
• Maybe different voice recordings? I imagine this one's going to be exceptionally controversial, so I'm sorry if this upsets anyone. Please understand I do not mean disrespect to any of these professionals or their work, and do in fact respect it greatly. With that said, some of the performances (not to name names) felt distinctly off and underwhelming. I feel it would be a sore misopportunity to reuse the same voice lines. I wouldn't mind a change in cast, but perhaps the problem was not the actors/actress' abilities but lack of direction (as often accompanies JRPG dubs). If that is the case, maybe better direction/experience would be enough to improve it, I don't know. I'm extraordinarily ignorant on the goings on of Persona 3, so maybe the voice talent already changed for subsequent games. Whatever the case, I'd like them to be rerecorded please.
• Accessible fast travel would be a blessing. The map might not be large by a long shot (although a bigger map with more to do would be excellent!) but that doesn't change the fact that going from school to Naganaki Shrine back to school is a bit of a commute. It only takes one or two minutes, but given it's something I found myself doing every single day before doing Social Links, that time added up a great deal. (It didn't help that I only discovered the guy in class that gives you a map when you talk to him very late in the game). Letting you simply press a button or two and teleport anywhere at your leisure would really help things. By that same token, choosing which side of Iwatodai Station to teleport to would be nice - not a gamechanger by any means, but it's small quality of life touches that really make a remake feel that much nicer.
• Let us hang out with SEES more! As said above, I think one of the great strengths of Persona 3 is the cast of characters and the group dynamic. With that said, it felt like whenever I entered the Dorm, there was nothing to do... because there was nothing to do. I could talk to everyone, but they only had 2 or 3 lines that would only change every week or so. I would not mind losing out on some evenings for more scripted events where we hang out, or let us waste our time playing games or going out. Maybe I can invite people to Chagall Café with me, or have somebody accompany me Karaoking, etc. I haven't got around to playing Persona 5: Royal yet, but knowing the stuff they added for activities with the Phantom Thieves has made me very interested in repurchasing the game just for that, and the same goes with SEES - letting the group dynamic really feel like a group would be super great. I want more mandatory events where we talk, more dialogue, and optional ways to spend time in the evenings with everyone too. Spoilers ahead! Also, it would help flesh out Shinjiro. Spending more time with him through group dynamics would make his fate more emotional in my opinion - although, having even stronger bonds with everyone, the same goes for the ending as a whole.
• Please remove the second cycle limit for a certain event. Spoilers ahead! In Persona 3, on the 'second cycle' (essentially New Game+), you can fight Elizabeth, the Velvet Room attendant, as the ultimate battle at the top floor of Monad. As someone who ended up grinding my entire party to Level 99 in anticipation of the final boss, and found myself underwhelmed by a lack of challenge (which I suppose I should have seen coming!), I really would have liked being able to face this optional boss in my original playthrough instead of being railroaded into what basically amounted to a whole other playthrough (albeit likely much more brief). This is just a nitpick, I know... still, Monad felt very strange to me, given it existed yet seemed much tougher than anything in the story, and with the only reward from getting to the top of it being something entirely superfluous by the time you get there (1 million yen is a lot of money, but you already have millions when you're at that point, and have no need for more.) In retrospect it feels entirely purposeless without Elizabeth being there, yet in the original playthrough, she is not.
• Please give better skill inheritance with manual skill selection. Once again, to my understanding, I believe Persona 3 FES might have improved on this. Whatever the case, building Personas with good skills is really hard to do in vanilla Persona 3 without spending ages going back and forth from the fusion menu to inspecting the result and seeing if the game has rolled the dice to allow you to get what you want. Seriously, getting a Succubus with Mabufudyne for an Elizabeth quest took maybe 30 minutes of pressing circle and x over and over again until the result finally popped up. (Although, if I'm honest, at that point a rhythm had developed and I backed out of the Succubus with Mabufudyne... we've all done it.) Given we have a sort of pseudo-agency in selecting skills by retrying over and over again in the first place, genuinely what is the point in not giving us full agency? Of course I'm not saying we should be able to choose any skills from the personas to be fused; it still needs to meet the rules of skill inheritance, but giving us more control and selecting a specific skill or two to inherit rather than leaving it to chance would really make for a more convenient time. I firmly believe the only thing that not giving us manual choice does is waste our time.
• More frequent save options. Losing progress sucks in any game. It's true that being able to save every 5 seconds kind of erodes the feeling of difficulty in a game as it artificially reduces the punishment of failure, but Tartarus is structured such that, if you are particularly grindy or unlucky, you could go an entire hour or more between save points (or, so it feels, anyway.) Dying at that point is no fun at all, and in a game where instant death is a real possibility from Hama and Mudo skills, and when there are some enemy compositions that have both Hama and Mudo while you are unlikely to have a Persona that is able to nullify both at once at that stage... the two do not mix terrifically well. (This mixes even worse with the fact your fellow party members are uncontrollable, but it seems from the little footage shown they are manually controllable in Reloaded.) Giving more save options in Tartarus would be great. Perhaps they could make it so you can save every few floors, or they add a new 'save room' as a randomly generated structure to each floor in Tartarus that you need to find, or at least some other way to make saving a bit more frequent. Additionally, the way Persona 3's elevators back to Floor 1 could do with a quality of life improvement too - when you reach a Guardian Floor, you can teleport back to 1F and everybody restores full HP and SP, and then you can go to the clock to save and then return to the elevator back to the Guardian floor. My question is: what does this journey actually add? It takes a lot of extra time to go to a screen, wait for a new environment to load, then move, then save, then return and repeat the loading again. Why not just let people save and restore full HP and SP on these floors automatically instead of demanding a journey down for that? Additionally, to my knowledge, you can only save outside of Tartarus by going to the Dorm, which means, if you're at school, you need to first finish your afternoon time slot somehow to save. This isn't the end of the world, but being able to simply manually save at any time while outside of Tartarus just feels sensible to me. It's not exactly like going to that contract to save is particularly immersively diegetic, is it, so why restrict saving to just there?
• Maybe context-sensitive pleas for Tartarus? I'm not sure how to easily word this gripe. Essentially, pretty much every week, especially before a Full Moon, the SEES members will ask you to go to Tartarus. They'll often say they want to get stronger, or they're scared the next enemy will be too tough, and stuff like that. I'd like it if these messages only occurred if the game recognises that you are too weak/roughly strong enough to beat that respective boss, and have not fully explored Tartarus as far as you can so far, and I'd like it if they gave a more affirmative 'we're strong enough' line if you're firmly overlevelled for the next encounter and have fully explored Tartarus to the best of your ability. I found myself being way too strong for each encounter because I was always overprepared, and this was in part because I wanted to desperately avoid the soft-locking issue I could anticipate in a time-based game like this, but also because I felt constantly pressured by the NPCs in the game to get stronger even when it was unnecessary. You might consider this a very small nitpick, and you'd be right! But it would alleviate a certain level of anxiety from certain types of cautious gamers like myself, and would make spending your time doing social links or who knows what else more enjoyable. I grinded for a good hour or two before every full moon, and, frankly, with how easy all those encounters are, I think they were all total wastes of time. If the dialogue in the game reflected that we were firmly strong enough, maybe I wouldn't have done that. Hell, Akihiko and Yukari were asking to get even stronger when they were already Level 99 towards the end of the game.
• A way to skip Shuffle Time? Maybe there already is a way to skip Shuffle Time that I never found out about, in which case I will feel very silly. However, Shuffle Time is often times a waste of time - maybe none of the options are anything you want, or at least nothing worth it - given (to my knowledge) it's guaranteed to happen after every All Out Attack and every time you finish the final blow, it's bound to occur a lot, and a fair deal of the time I felt that Shuffle Time was something I'd actually prefer to avoid rather than take part of. If you could just press square or start or whatever to skip it, that'd be great. (I'm aware you can just skip the shuffling animation itself, but I mean a way to skip the mechanic altogether. Maybe even an option to opt-out of Shuffle Times even happening.) And if it turns out that was always an option and I'm just stupid, then a more clear indication that that's an option would likewise be appreciated.
• Simply additional content. More locations, more shops, more events, more dialogue, more days, more weapons... I don't really mind. It's a good game, but having just played Persona 3, my first thought after the game ended was 'I wish I bought Persona 3 FES instead, because I want to do more.' The base game, I believe, doesn't have social link epilogues, which FES does, so I feel like even there I haven't had the full experience. Now of course, if it had The Answer and other FES-exclusive content, that would be wonderful, but assuming it doesn't - I'd still super appreciate more new content just generally. I wouldn't even mind if they padded out the length of the game by a whole other month just to let some more scripted events or dialogue or social links happen. Sure, making the game end on a different month would be changing the story a little... but from where I am, being a newbie to the game who just finished it today, I don't think I'd mind that if it let me enjoy and experience the world and characters some more. I'd see it as an enhancement, and whatever happens - the originals will always be there, and no changes or additions will take away the marvellous impact and legacy that Persona 3 had, has, and always will continue to have regardless of what Reload does or does not do.

Well, that's just about everything I think I'd want from Reloaded. I really hope it's a lot of fun. Having just played Persona 3 myself, I doubt I'll get it any time soon personally unless it has The Answer or a really large amount of exclusive content... but honestly, even on the day of playing the original, I'm genuinely kind of interested in it already.
What do you think? What do you want to see out of Reloaded? Do you think anything I suggested would be bad for the game or is just nitpicky? Do you agree with everything on the list and have additional ideas? Do you just want to share your own thoughts? Thanks for reading and have a great day everyone.
(P.S., if you're wondering what my impressions of Persona 3 are now that I've completed it for the first time, I liked it.)

Hi Everyone 😊 I was going to wait to make a post closer to the peak of the application season but I've been seeing people post about starting their applications so I figured now was as good a time as any.
Some house keeping things first because I know it does provide a lot of context in posts like this. My stats were 3.95 OMSAS GPA, 517 MCAT (129/128/130/130) and 4Q Casper. I have a research based MSc, 2 first author publications, a few conference presentations and some awards. I also worked as a research assistant at the time of my application. IP in Ontario and a black applicant.
I was accepted at UofT, Mac, Queens, uCalgary, uAlberta and UBC. Waitlisted at uOttawa. I did not apply to any other school in Canada. Didn't apply to Western because by the time the deadline came around, I really did not have it in me to write 8 essays so I figured I would risk it as save myself the money.
For all schools except Queens, I applied under the black student stream. A note about the black stream because I know it sometimes gets a lot of hate and some students are weary of applying. If you are black and feel like you connect with that part of yourself, please use this stream! I can only speak for myself but I know there have been times where I was underestimated or judged because I was black. Applying through this stream ATTEMPTS to level the playing field by making sure your application is judged by people who look like you. Most other non-minority applicants already have a panel that looks like them so why shouldn't you? Up until 2018, Queens even still had a policy on the books, enforced or not, that stated they did not accept black students to medical school so just know that institutionalized racism is alive and well so don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in solutions. Applying through this stream is even more work because you need to write an extra essay so don't feel shame in using this program.
Also, please know that you are not defined by being accepted or not. I know it probably sounds pretentious coming from someone who got in but I found myself through the application cycle really being affected by potentially not becoming a doctor. As someone of faith, I truly believe everything happens for a reason so I decided to put in the best application I could and let the chips fall where they may. If I did not get in, I was going to become a genetic counsellor and really start living the rest of my life instead of waiting for med school to upend my life. You are more than any application and a rejection does not make you any less worthy.
Okay back to the guide. Note: These are not my actual entries just to avoid any plagiarism. Every example I give is just an example. Also, I had 2 of my friends read every single thing I submitted, twice, to make sure what made sense to me when I wrote it also made sense to them. To avoid burnout, I would suggest reusing as many entries as you can. For UBC, Calgary and Alberta, I copied and pasted and then just cut to the character limit so that I was not re-inventing the wheel.
I figured the best way to make this post was to go school by school because my application to each school was slightly different.

1. UBC since it was the first one I submitted: I believe my AGPA was 92.67 and I applied at the regular deadline. For the research and publications, I added literally everything. Journal articles, poster presentations, my thesis (MSc and 4th year). For activities, I leaned into the non-traditional ones (e.g I showed leadership by being an older sibling) and really focused on quantitive measures of success (e.g how much money I raised or how many people I trained) then ended with how the activity improved me. eg "I collaborated with 10 MSc students to organize the 2015 career day. We had weekly meetings to discuss planning and delegate activities. I learned to combine different viewpoints to achieve a common goal." Please have fun with the diversity of experiences section. I literally talked about teaching myself how to use a research program and learning to dance. I also left the high performance section blank. If you have something to add there, great! If not, it does not make or break your application. For UBC, I really think they value realness so be yourself because that is literally the best you can do.
2. uCalgary was next: GPA was 4.0 because a grade from my MSc could replace my lowest grade from undergrad. This school was a little tricker because there is just one section where you can add top 10 activities. I just selected the top 10 things I had a lot of hours for and was passionate about and added them here. This included research projects/publications where I focused on how I overcame struggles with my project, my first research experience etc. My descriptions were similar to what I wrote for my UBC entries but in the experience impact, I really dug deep and spoke about how I struggled in each role and how I leveraged the people around me to fix problems. I also took the time to talk about why I involved myself in the activity in the first place. So my love for teaching led me to tutor.
3. Alberta: GPA 4.0 I took activities from my Calgary and UBC applications and filled up this application. Please take the essays seriously, I know I really did. Do not minimize your experiences/challenges. I ended up writing about something I really did not think anyone would care about but it really shaped who I was. I started university at 16 years old and it was very hard for me but it shaped who I was. I also spoke about discrimination I felt as a black student. But do not forget to make the essays positive as well. Yes talk about how these situations were hard but also talk about how they made you resilient, strong and eager to help others. No one wants to finish reading an essay and feel depressed. Show them that you overcame these challenges and it strengthened your zeal to become a physician even more.

Ontario schools: In general I approached each ABS entry in my own modified XYZ method. This just means I provided details by quantifying my impact (numbers) and then talked about what I did. If I had the characters, I spoke about what I learnt. I also wrote down words that represented all the canmeds and spread them throughout my sketch. eg communicate, collaborate, lead, advocate, professional, mentor, manage, reliable, responsible, teamwork, serve, respect. I made sure I used these words when I could. I also used short form to save character limits such as pt instead of patient. Internt'l instead of international. Lastly, I tried to have a good spread of things in each section. I even included 2 entries in the other section.
Some examples
a. enrolled 50 pts in research studies by calling & consenting them, respecting confidentiality and explaining studies
b. Raised $2.5k for breast cancer research by working with 10 community volunteers to plan a bake sale.
c. Taught science to 15 high school students to increase their grades. Taught me how to teach people at their own pace.

1. UofT: In your UofT essays both the short ones and the long one, make sure you are covering your 4 UofT clusters. I essentially covered 2 clusters in one short essay and 2 in the other and then hit all 4 in the long essay. Even if you just mention something that points to a cluster. It might seem hard to combine them in one activity so I would suggest picking an activity where is is relatively easy. I do not know how they grade the essays but I wanted to be safe and get all the points possible in case they grade the clusters in each essay. For the long essay, I would suggest also writing it as a story. I started with what got me into the activity, what I enjoyed about it, how I struggled, how I overcame, how it made me want to be a doctor and how I use the things I learnt in my day to day life.

5, 6 and 7. Ottawa, Mac and Queens, you really don't have more to do apart from the ABS and the black stream essay if applicable so your interview will be a major part of your application
General note about interviews: I am very good at interviews so I was not worried but you can practice and improve. I videoed myself a lot just to hear if I had any words I kept saying (for me it was I think...) or see if I was keeping eye contact. I would also treat each interview like a conversation with a friend. I like talking about random things so the MMIs were my favourite. Calm down and breath before you start answering each question. Also really think about your responses before you speak and have faith in your answer. There is usually no wrong or right answer so that also means you can change your mind when presented with new information, I did that a lot. Do not panic if you have technical difficulties, I had them at UBC, Mac, Calgary and Alberta. I still got in, trust me it's normal. Lastly, I started and ended each station with a big smile and actually tried to enjoy the interviews.
Now to answer a question I know some people may have, what school will I be attending. I am actually going to be attending a school in the US in the fall so you can checkout my other post to hear about that application process.
https://www.reddit.com/premedcanada/comments/11m8ga4/how_i_got_into_harvard_and_yale_as_a_canadian/
Good luck this application cycle and please pm me if you have any questions 😊

This has been one of the most persistent unsolved mysteries in the game. With connections to the UFO on Mount Shann, and potentially even the GTA games, it feels like this mystery is worth further exploration to see if it is more then just a passing reference to the Heavens Gate cult.
There´s not a huge amount of leads to follow in this mystery; the figures in and around the "church", the name of the location and whatever is contained in the mysterious sermon. There are some potential connections , really speculative stuff, but I think its worth posting nonetheless, might be useful somewhere down the line if this mystery progresses.
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https://i.redd.it/gseqm5kbn25b1.gif
Its well established that Bethel (Beth-El) means "house of the lord/ house of God" in Hebrew. In order to make the connections i´m about to make, its important to consider the similarities of Hebrew to other Semetic languages such as Arabic & Phoenician. Many northern semetic languages were considered to be mutually intelligible, in a similar way to how today English can be spoken differently but be understood across different regions. In Arabic , the house of God would be بيت الله (Bayt Allah).
In Arabic, "Hani" is derived from the root word "hanā)," which means "to be happy" or "to rejoice." We can see that the word Hani also features in Punic (Phoenician), in the name of the famous general Hannibal (the grace of Ba¨al ((the lord)) ).
So maybe something along the lines of ´´rejoice (in the) house of the lord´´ / "the grace of the house of the Lord".
This doesn´t really move the needle forward at all, but demonstrating an arabian / semetic connection might be useful in deciphering the meaning of KUHKOWABA.
It´s quite reasonable to assume that this word is nonsensical, created by Rockstar purely for the purpose of confusing people for decades to come. There are ancient names that sound quite similar (is it just me or is it just this dudes name spelt backwards?) , but I haven´t been able to find a meaning for the complete word, however I did find a word from medieval arabic ; Wabā , which translates to pestilence; a widespread outbreak of disease that affects a large number of people.
"The correct signification, reported by those who know best, is that wabā involves a state of illness affecting much of the population of one specific region, as opposed to other regions. It differs from the usual illnesses in its prevalence and in other respects; the illness of the people is of one kind only, in contrast to other times when the sick are affected by a variety of illnesses."
"it involves a quickness and commonness, of death amongst men"
"(wabā is) a corruption happening to the substance of the air, land or water"
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https://i.redd.it/x4g6ddn1r25b1.gif
It´s probably coincidental, but it does tie in with a lot of what we see in-game; Armadillo´s plague, corruption of the water around Butchers Creek also leading to disease, and the sense that these events might be forms of judgement from an otherwordly figure...

District 10
Tanaquil Schuster (Game 16) seemed bored as she stood next to the bowls. She reached into the female bowl, and called out the name of sixteen year old Jillian Onassis. A loud scream of horror was heard as a girl with brown hair, brown eyes, and freckles walked to the stage. Jillian worked on a ranch with her siblings, and herded cows for a living. Jillian shook Tanaquil’s hand, tears streaming down her face.
Tanaquil simply walked over to the male bowl, reaching her hand in. She called out the name of eighteen year old Garth Spickers. A young man with tanned skin, dark hair, and brown eyes walked to the stage, and shook Tanaquil’s hand. Garth worked at an abattoir with his brother, and had a small amount of blood on his shirt.
In the town hall, Jillian visited with her older brothers, Zed and Jeff, and her older sister, Talia. Jillian half heartedly promised to return, and hugged each of her siblings sadly. Zed and Jeff held back tears, while Talia was already wiping them back. Jillian was then taken to the train.
Meanwhile Garth visited with his older brother, a taller man named Vic. Garth told Vic to sell his belongings if he died, and the brothers shared an embrace. Garth was then taken to the train.
Once on the train, Jillian and Garth met their mentors, 25 year old Hermosa Carter for Jillian, and 25 year old Juan Torres for Garth. Hermosa and Juan taught Jillian and Garth how to use machetes, and seemed impressed with the skills that their tributes held. Jillian asked them about their children, and Hermosa and Juan showed pictures.
Once back at the apartment, Hermosa and Juan showed Jillian and Garth the 9th and 10th Games, and gave them advice for a variety of arenas.
The next day, Juan turned on the television to show District 4’s reaping, telling Jillian and Garth that their mentor was a friend of theirs.
District 4
Tanaquil was now in District 4, and admired the beach views. She reached into the female bowl, and removed the name of fourteen year old Manta McCain. A loud scream was heard as a girl with bobbed brown hair and blue eyes was taken to the stage, she cried as she shook the hand of an uninterested looking Tanaquil. Manta was born into one of District 4’s wealthiest families, and did not have to work, but did attend school. She was known for being quiet and shy, with not many friends.
Tanaquil reached into the male bowl, and removed the name of fifteen year old Fleet Doomer. A young man with blonde curly hair and blue eyes looked aghast in the crowd, before being pulled to the stage. Fleet was a descendant of Shell Doomer, an abductee from District 4’s Games. Fleet worked in a local bakery, and was known for being a bright and kind youth.
Manta was visited in the town hall by her father and older brothers, Deckard and Angler. All three men seemed sad to see Manta going into the Games, and her father offered her some advice, before she was taken away.
Fleet visited with his parents, two younger sisters, Nixie and Rea, and younger brother Marino. Fleet told them that he would try to return, and his mother cried as Fleet was taken to the train.
On the train, Manta and Fleet met their mentor, the now 30 year old Steward Croft. Steward smiled gently at his tributes, and quickly got to work teaching them how to throw knives. Steward noticed that Manta seemed afraid of him, and he hugged her gently, and told her that he would care for her. Fleet smiled at Steward as he also received a hug, and Steward gave them some advice for a variety of arenas.
Once back at the apartment, Steward showed his tributes the 2nd Games, and told them that if he could win at fifteen against older tributes, that both of them stood a chance as well.
Training
The next day at training, Manta and Fleet threw knives and swam in the pool, while Jillian and Garth worked with machetes.
Assessments and Odds
Manta scored a 5 for knife throwing, and had odds of 15 to 1. Fleet scored a 7 for knife throwing, and had odds of 7 to 1. Jillian scored a 6 for machete usage, and had odds of 10 to 1, while Garth scored an 8 for machete usage, and had odds of 5 to 1.
Interviews
Euphemia Demigloss wore a golden dress, and spoke to Manta about her odds as a younger tribute. Manta simply claimed that she would try her best, but it didn’t take an expert to see how scared she was.
Fleet had a smile on his face, and charmed the audience with his talk of working in a bakery.
Jillian talked about being nervous to represent District 10, but said she was ready to give District 10 a fourth victor.
Garth talked about how if he could slaughter animals, that he would do well in the Games.
Game Maker Juliana Ricci was the final interview, and she gave her hint word, which was “ship”.
Tube Rooms
After arriving at the arena, Manta was visited by Steward, who wished her luck and hugged her as she cried. Steward then visited Fleet, and told the boy not to give up.
Hermosa visited Jillian, and told the young girl not to be nervous, as she was a shoo-in for the win. Juan visited Garth, and reminded him to steer clear of the careers.
Once all 24 tributes were in their tubes, they rose up into the arena.

I had to break my lease from my previous place of residency due to unforseen family circumstances which caused to me to accrue over 2 months worth of payments. My landlord says if this isn't dealt with promptly I may deal with legal action taken against me. I don't have any current income or cash flow (besides on/off selling of items but that's towards immediate debts). And I'm also currently in between moves and jobless as a result (trying to find remote work if possible). With an overdue debt of $1400+ what do I do, who do I contact? I've contacted one local Catholic Church that jotted down my info and they said they may be unsure if they'll cover it but they'll have someone call me once set up with a case worker. I need any help I can get.
I may find a way to pay off my current Borrow loan (only a couple hundred left) and reborrow a much larger loan to help pay this off but then that would still mean a large loan being due at the end and more circulation of debt but it does buy me more time.
What's my best course of action here? Rental is in the San Bernadino, CA area.
Thank you!

Looks like it might be time for a cast list refresher! So let me reintroduce the chummers!!!!
OP (c’est moi!)
Female, late 20s
Grad student
Perky emo girl with purple hair
Likes crass humor
Nerdy, petite, beard bait
Decker
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Funky P. Beard (FPB)
Male, early 30s
Bona fide psycho piece of shit
Street Samurai
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Mori
The GM
Male, early/mid 30s
Hypersexual kinky bastard
Likes exhibitionism, vomit, and illegal substances
Charismatic, cult-leader vibes
Very amusing, always nice to OP
The only person who seemed capable of getting FPB to behave
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Axton
Male, late 20s
Grad student
Sexy, pleasant to be around
Has a sense of humor that meshes well with OP’s
Usually able to ignore FPB’s psycho behavior
The primary target of FPB’s jealousy
Rigger
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Sage
Male, early/mis 30s
Assistant GM
Host of the gaming weekends
Typically level-headed, but losing patience with FPB
Skilled in martial arts
Mage
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Athena
Female, early 30s
Sage’s girlfriend
Co-host of the gaming weekends
Increasingly intolerant of FPB
Petite, pretty, friendly... probably also beard bait
Shaman
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Snorlax
Male, early 30s
The funny fat guy (NOT a neckbeard)
Easy-going, friendly, rarely directly involved in the weekend’s drama
Stoner
Adept
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Chapter 5: The Lap of Luxury
We had been moving back and forth between the garage and the living room (it wasn’t the “War Room” until the gaming began) for the past hour or so. This was actually my favorite part of the weekend. I wasn’t exhausted yet, nobody was plastered yet, and I was genuinely getting to know FPB’s buddies. Snorlax told me about his former career as a semi-pro wrestler, and how an injury had forced him to start working as a mall cop. Athena and Sage were both pharmacy techs, and they were considering opening their own gaming shop. Mori was a paralegal for an LGBT law firm and ran a fairly lucrative fetish website on the side. Axton was going to grad school for social work and was the bass player for a classic rock cover band. Damn it, we had genuine common interests. Why couldn’t he have been a parolee or a gong farmer?
And I was able to chat comfortably with all the team members because FPB had taken to the master bathroom upstairs to get “re-ready.” Not only did he desperately need to change his “dew-covered” underpants, but he also needed to take a full shower (using Athena’s bathing products, of course). He would then spend nearly a full hour blow-drying, flat-ironing, and spiking his jet-black hair so that he emerged looking like some bizarre mash-up of Hagrid and Discount Tom Sandoval.
I’m also assuming that he manscaped, and I sincerely hoped he’d brought his own pink razors for this task. But as for his bushy behemoth of a beard? He took absolutely NO care of it. I never understood the statement he was trying to make by being fastidious AF with every aspect of personal grooming, save his defining feature. No matter. He was absent, and I was finally having fun! Alas, the fun wouldn’t last. The time for pre-game was approaching, so Sage and Athena went to the kitchen to arrange the shots.
Athena: How many do you want, OP?
Me: I think I’d better stick with two since I’ve already had a beer.
A freshly showered and finally dressed FPB turned to me, “Yeah, you need to stay sober.”
Oh, now that bullshit made me want to drink...
Me: Athena, make it three for me.
FPB shot me a menacing look.
Me: What? I’m not gonna get wasted off one extra shot.
FPB: I’m saving you from yourself. You could at least TRY to appreciate my chivalry.
Me: Right...
But then I had second thoughts about angering the already rage-prone beast. I didn’t want to ruin the evening for the other team members. And FPB’s temper tantrums definitely had the potential to ruin the evening for everyone in attendance.
Me: I’ll shoot two and just sip on the third one. Does that sound reasonable?
FPB shrugged.
Me: Come on! I feel like such a sissy compared to the rest of you.
FPB: Whose fault is that? You didn’t take advantage of your years and years and years of being a “student” to practice handling your liquor?
Me: No, mostly I studied. And when we partied, we did drugs. We didn’t drink. Not like this, anyway.
I was getting pretty mad, and I did NOT want to have a full-blown screaming match with FPB in front of everyone.
Me: Do you mind if I take five? This isn’t something we need to argue over. I really am trying to learn how to play, and to play the way YOUR TEAM plays. The guide books were no help at all.
FPB: If I catch you asking Mori for coke, so help me...
Me: I just need some air. That’s not code for anything untoward. I just want to go outside.
FPB: I’m coming with you.
Snorlax stepped in.
Snorlax: Bro. Just let her go outside. I’ll stand by the door and make sure Mori doesn’t follow her.
FPB: I don’t care about Mori! You make sure that dick-wipe Axton doesn’t follow her. I *know* he’s trying to bang her.
I could hear all this rancor on my way to the back door.
Me: Dude!!! Chill! I’m not going outside to get drugs. I’m not going outside to shag anybody. I just want five fucking minutes of peace!
Mori stood up. He was shirtless that night, wearing nothing but ultra-sheer light pink boxers that complemented the pink streaks in his bedazzled beard. But despite his wispy attire, the group still kowtowed to him.
Mori: I hereby grant OP *TEN* minutes of solitude on the back porch. FPB, you will use this time to meditate. Think about what it means to be kind to your significant other. Think about what it means to show empathy and acceptance. Think about what it means to enjoy the company of your fellow chummers.
I slipped outside and inhaled the pleasant dusk that was beginning to fill the air. And I found myself feeling indebted to Mori and wondering if this was some sort of cult indoctrination malarkey... or if he’d just known FPB longer than any of the rest of us and had learned how to effectively handle him. And then I decided that it didn’t matter. I finally had the peace and quiet I so desperately needed.
But how *did* FPB know that Axton was flirting with me? I thought we’d both been pretty covert about it. Uhhh... In front of FPB, at least. I decided that he didn’t actually know. He was constantly accusing male friends of “trying to bang me” when there was not even the slightest hint of attraction on anyone’s part. It was a numbers game. If you throw out hundreds of accusations, one might happen to stick. And then you can say, “I TOLD YOU SO.”
I often felt like an alternate universe version of Anne Boleyn, imprisoned by a skinny and even madder version of the famous king. FPB certainly fancied himself a regal figure, worthy of everyone’s fealty. Wait... was Henry VIII the OG neckbeard??? (note... I thought I had made an original observation here, but I came across a year-old post on ReddXReads from u/Raidan1084, so props to you for beating me to this observation!!!)
My unfocused mind ran amuck for a bit longer, and the ten minutes were almost up when I heard a quiet voice calling my name from around the side of the house.
I rounded the corner to answer.
It was Athena.
Athena: OP, I know it’s none of my business, but FPB is a douchebag. That girl who came to the door last night? She’s one of his hook-ups.
I laughed a little. “I know. He’s got loads of them... Hey, do you mind if I ask you a stupid question that I ask myself all the time?”
Athena: Sure.
Me: Why do you guys put up with his shit?
Athena: He and Mori have been best friends since before the team formed. He’s kind of a “package deal.” If we want to keep Mori as our GM, we have to accept FPB. And Mori does run a really fun campaign.
Me: So if he ever crosses a line with Mori, he’s out?
Athena: That’s what we’ve all been hoping for! But Mori’s insanely patient with FPB.
We sighed and returned inside.
FPB was sitting in sulky silence, staring at his polished Chelsea boots. I took a seat on the other side of the room, next to Mori.
Mori: You good?
I nodded.
Mori whispered, “You want some coke?”
Me: Shhhhhh!!! No, I don’t do that!
Mori mouthed, “Adderall?”
I smiled and mouthed, “Later.”
Mori stood. “Tonight, we are making a seating chart. There are six numbers on the floor. You will each draw a number from my underwear, and you will sit on the corresponding number. Is that clear?”
Everyone bellowed in unison, “YES, GAME MASTER.”
This was exciting! I had a decent chance of not having to sit by FPB that night! I was completely fed up with his constant criticism of my character sheets and his suggestions for future moves. He was messing me up more than he was helping.
Mori took a seat on a throw pillow, shoved 6 folded pieces of paper down the back of his boxers and called us up, one by one, to draw our numbers from his drawers.
Being the newbie, I was the last to draw.
Mori: Get all the way up in dat crack, OP.
I laughed and fished the paper out of Mori’s boxers.
FPB took a loud breath and fumed, “MORI, YOU FU...”
Sage put a hand on FPB’s chest, and said very sternly, “Take it down a notch.”
Mori: Tonight, we will find peace amongst ourselves and rain fire and terror on the mega-corporations! Are you with me???”
“WE’RE WITH YOU, GAME MASTER.”
Mori: Then inspect your numbers and take your seats. You should also feel free to sniff the papers.
No one did that.
I got #3. Motherfucker. FPB was sitting to my right. But at least Athena was sitting to my left. I felt like I could trust her, and I felt like she would call him out if he pulled any more of his rage crap. Tragically, Axton was sitting to FPB’s right. That wasn’t going to go well. Snorlax was sitting to Athena’s left, and Sage was in his usual spot, as Mori’s right hand. So it went: tech, muscle, tech, magic, muscle, magic. Not ideal.
Mori surveyed the room. “Not at all how I had hoped,” he muttered. “But nevertheless! The team has been assembled. The time has come...”
“PRE-GAME!!!!!!”
I actually knew what to shout this time. I remembered to pound on my chest, and I looked to Athena in an attempt to learn the tribal dance. I got close enough.
We charged into the fuel station. I stood by the non-threatening triad of shots, while all the other team members stood before their seven shots.
Mori: Fireball. Each tincture shall light a fire in our bellies, improve out spell-casting, and lead us to victory. Chummers... DRINK!!!
I slammed two shots and picked up the third to nurse during the game. Just like the night before, all the other players downed their seven shots with astounding ease.
We returned to the War Room and took our assigned seats.
Mori: The Rules!
Everyone groaned, just as they had previously. Apparently, this was customary.
Mori: If you glitch, you must take a shot of Fireball to boost your skills. OP, you may take a SIP of an alcoholic beverage. You may also do a bump of coke.
FPB clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and growled. This was delighting me to no end!!! Not only might I get a little taste of my former favorite drug for the first time in YEARS, but Mori also seemed to be actively antagonizing FPB. It was delicious.
And here’s one for the philosophers: AITA... If you’re antagonizing the asshole, doesn’t that kind of make you the hero?
Mori: The second time you glitch, you must kiss my staff or endure a smack in the face from my staff. FPB, you must suffer The Lap of Luxury upon your second glitch... Or if you misbehave.
FPB: Explain that.
Mori: It will become clear in good time, my sweet little Samurai.
FPB shifted uncomfortably. I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
Mori: All subsequent glitches will result in escalating staff punishments, the anal gaze, removal of armor, or a spanking. Anything the team deems an epic success shall be rewarded with a shot of Johnny Walker Blue. And my trusted Assistant GM has a few new rules to add, just for the time being. Sage the Mage, the floor is yours.
Sage: We can’t afford to pay for another round of professional cleaning for... the time being. We are now asking that ALL team members please use the restroom if you must pee, poop, or puke. Gentlemen, feel free to pee in the backyard, but please refrain from peeing on the porch. Thank you. Back to you, Game Master.
Mori: Place your hand on your chest and pledge your loyalty if you agree to this; and take off your pants if you object.
FPB put his hands near the button of his trousers. Everyone watched him with bated breath. But then he placed his hand on his chest.
Mori: Then we continue planning the station takeover... NOW!
We had barely gotten through two combat turns when Mori decided it was time for leftover Taco Bell, more liquor, and pornography. Tonight, Snorlax rolled for Bat Pussy, an older film that is widely considered to be the Plan 9 from Outer Space of porn. It was definitely on the “softcore” side since no one ever actually banged. It’s a spoof on Batman, and the main character gets a little “twitch” DOWN THERE whenever she needs to go fight crime. I found it wildly entertaining!
In fact, I laughed hysterically throughout the entire movie. Most of us did. FPB even snorted once or twice. As the main character was bouncing on a hippity hop alongside the highway, wearing a cheap costume, I was howling with laughter. Possibly because everyone was a little drunk and the drunken laughter was contagious, possibly because it really was absurdly funny. Or both.
FPB: It’s not THAT funny.
Me (gasping): I can’t help it! This is bat-shit crazy!
Mori: We gotta get OP a Batgirl costume and a hippity hop!
Me: You’re ON! I will absolutely do that! When can we film it???
FPB: You’re gonna recreate a scene from a PORNO??? With MORI???
Sage: Dude! WHAT is sexual about this scene? It’s ridiculous. That’s why we’re all cracking up!
FPB: You have to understand. I’m an intellectual...
I was painfully familiar with the insufferable tripe that typically followed this statement. Apparently, so was the Shadowrun crew. Everyone groaned dismissively. And then something vaguely resembling a sex scene started up, and Mori shushed us all.
Mori: Shhhh! It might finally get good!
It didn’t. Not in the way Mori meant.
The movie ended, most of us lit a ciggy, and we all returned to our assigned seats.
Mori: Shall we refuel before we resume?
A chorus of “HELL YEAH” rang out. I wasn’t in the mood for booze. I was once again beginning to fade around this time, and I needed to find a way to get some Adderall from Mori without FPB noticing. It had already been an incredibly long day for me, even though I had been having fun (aside from having to tend to FPB’s nonsense). Maybe the beardo boyfriend was the reason I was getting exhausted at these gatherings.
Constantly having to talk him down from a temper tantrum, having him constantly looking over my shoulder and scrutinizing my every move, suffering through his ceaseless (and useless) suggestions for my next move, having to defend myself for not drinking enough, then having to turn around and defend myself when I decided to have an extra shot, enduring his seething wrath every time I so much as spoke to Mori or Axton... It was exhausting.
As everyone was refueling, FPB had managed to trap Sage and Athena and was lecturing them about why it was disrespectful to FEMALES to combine humor with sex.
FPB: To make a mockery of the female anatomy, and then to depict sexual acts so crudely is offensive to me as a feminist.
Athena: YOU’RE a feminist?
FPB: Obviously. I would lay down my life to defend the sacred honor of the feminine spirit.
Sage: I’m pretty sure it was just a bad movie. Plus, the superhero was a woman, so...
FPB: But they had to make her superpowers connected to her genitals. That’s objectification. It’s not funny, even if it’s meant to be “so bad, it’s funny.” I’m offended.
I wasn’t part of the discussion, but I interjected, “I feel like humor can be sexy. Being able to laugh during sexual experiences can create a bond. And if both partners are deliberately goofing off, what’s offensive about that?”
Axton raised his glass in approval. I couldn’t help smiling at him.
FPB: Oh, Miss Sex Therapist knows everything.
Me: I don’t know anything. Clearly. It’s just an opinion. Based on research. That I learned in graduate school.
FPB: Some idiots actually researched LAUGHING during sex? That can’t be a real thing.
Me: I’ll print out the articles.
FPB: From where? Hustler?
I didn’t have the energy to argue with him.
Me: Yes. I cite Hustler in all my papers.
Axton: I’ve read the same thing. Laughing releases endorphins. Sex releases endorphins. Plus, why do you think adult novelty stores are always so funny? The elephant trunk underwear?
Mori: I have a pair of those.
Of course he did.
FPB: You want a bottle smashed over your head, Axton? STOP TALKING TO MY GIRLFRIEND ABOUT YOUR DICK.
Me: FPB, he literally said nothing about his dick.
FPB: WRONG. He was *agreeing* with you. He’s trying to ingratiate himself. Because he’s thinking with his DICK.
I rolled my eyes.
Mori saved us by clapping his hands. “Back to the War Room, chummers!”
We headed back, and Mori was following close behind me. He tugged on one of my pigtails. I turned around to see him holding an Adderall in the palm of his hand. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure FPB wasn’t watching. He was too busy staring daggers at Axton. I snatched the pill, thanked Mori, and slipped it in my mouth.
When my turn came around, my sleaze failed, and the security subnet sent my coordinates to the mainframe. It was my first glitch of the evening, and I didn’t want to pile cocaine on top of Adderall. So I had to take a sip of an alcoholic beverage. Since I didn’t have one of my own, FPB offered me his Jack & Pepper (Jack Daniels and Dr. Pepper... 90% Jack, 10% Pepper).
Me: Is anybody drinking a beer? Or something a little less potent?
Snorlax offered me a sip of his beer.
Me: You’re sure you don’t mind?
Snorlax: It’s all good. Have a sip.
FPB was fuming again.
Snorlax handed me his beer and I took a sip.
Me: Thank you.
FPB: You’re drinking after another man??? You didn’t even wipe off the mouth of the bottle first? UGH! It’s like you’re kissing him!
Snorlax started making kissy sounds at me. I made them back. Everyone laughed. Everyone but FPB, of course.
Please remember that this was in the Before Times...
I sat back down. FPB pulled me into his lap and growled, “Snorlax now? Really?”
I twisted to look him in the face and said through clenched teeth, “It was a sip of beer.”
FBP kept one long arm tightly wound around me and used his free hand to slug back loud gulps of Jack & Pepper. I dared to glance over at Axton. We locked eyes for a few seconds, but Axton abruptly whipped his head around to face Mori.
FPB roared, “WERE YOU JUST LOOKING AT MY GIRLFRIEND, FUCK-WALLET???”
Sweet Athena spoke up.
Athena: Funky. Seriously. We’re supposed to be a team. We can’t even look at each other? Mori, can we outlaw the outbursts? We’re never even gonna get past the planning phase if FPB keeps screaming at every single person who interacts with OP.”
Mori: I’m inclined to agree with you, Athena. FPB, why did you invite your girlfriend here if you didn’t want her to play our game and get to know us?
I felt FPB take a deep breath in preparation to react inappropriately to Mori’s innocuous question.
Mori was able to effectively silence him by simply lifting his hand. Dude, he was gonna have to teach me his tricks!
Mori: We’d like to be able to get to know her in peace. OP, would you like to get to know us in peace?
Me: Yes. I really would.
Mori: FPB, these outbursts have earned you a new punishment... The Lap of Luxury. Get on over here, Tall Boy.
Mori patted his lap.
FPB: Are you serious?
Mori: I am. You sit right here until I say you may rise.
FPB didn’t move.
Mori: Should you refuse, OP can come sit in my lap. (Better Mori’s lap than FPB’s.)
FPB scrambled up, sending me flying out of his lap. I gleefully lit a cigarette and made googlie eyes at Axton that were sure to go unnoticed by the incredibly incensed FPB.
FPB awkwardly folded himself into Mori’s lap, grunting and grumbling the entire time. The rest of the team was desperately trying not to laugh (which of course, made it even funnier).
Once he had settled in (as much as he could), we continued the planning phase. Athena was successful, so was Snorlax, so was Sage. But Axton glitched. This was sure to be a problem. Mori was stuck under FPB, so he was unable to “whip it out” and administer the customary punishment.
Mori: Axton, remove a piece of your armor.
Axton reached around with one hand and pulled his t-shirt off in a single fluid motion. I’m quite certain that my pupils noticeably dilated. The rest of the room “whooped” like we were at a Chip ‘n Dales show.
FPB looked like some sort of cartoon villain who had just been foiled. As he sat indignantly upon the Mori Throne, he twitched and shifted, snarling curses, teeth gritted. And then he froze. His eyes widened. He started to stand, but Mori wrapped his arms around him tightly, trapping him in the Lap of Luxury.
FPB: YOU HAVE A HARD-ON, BRO. LET ME THE FUCK GO.
I squealed with laughter. And it seemed that I had been right about Mori letting people off the hook when they were legitimately uncomfortable with the “gross-out” punishments, because Mori loosened his grip, allowing FPB stomp off to the back porch.
“OP! OP! OOOOOOOO PPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!,” FPB screamed from the porch.
Mori: OP, you’re free to go tend to his meltdown if you want to. But I’m happy to handle him if you need a break.
Me: I definitely need a break.
Mori got up to tend to the bearded ball of rage.
I heard a bit of unintelligible yelling, then the door slammed. We all looked at each other with something across between nervousness and bemusement, waiting for someone to speak. I decided to break the silence...

I am so lost in life. I have always been so very lost in life. Up until my mid 20s, I used to search for common elements in different religions. I grew up in a place where the general culture was very accepting of each others religions and the belief that all paths lead to one kind of mentality.
I went to Christian primary school, then a hindu high school. I dated a muslim girl in university, I was very close to a christian friend who converted to buddhism. Most of my close friends were of different religions.
My Muslim ex girl friend who was a bit of a xenophobic and racist towards others. She was always reminding me that I was not worthy and all that. Then two of my best friends who are muslim, are always like trying to brain wash me into thinking that my religion sucks and pretty much if you are muslim you are a good person.
My experience with muslims that I was close to has not been that good, but I am judging them as individuals. What I like about the Muslim community is that it is one big community. One prophet, one book, one God, one religion. There is no confusion. An individual muslim person is part of something bigger. I see no other religion that has this.
My issue is I am an atheist. Before I used to search God and meaning of life in different religions and philosophies. I did not happen suddenly, but over the years I decided that this whole god business is BS and so I rejected every religion and that there is no purpose and life is meaningless.
But since then, I have been miserable. I hate my life and I have no purpose, no meaning, and nothing to live for.
I have in the past thought about converting to Islam, but again that ex girlfriend of mine sort of turned me off. She said things like, even if you convert to marry me, you are still not a true muslim. And this other friend of me, pretty much was like... insulting me, again along the same lines as you are not muslim so you are not worthy even if you convert. Which did not make sense to me.
I feel so lost and confused and depressed. I just want choices made for me. I just want to be told what to do with my life and how to live. This atheistic living where you are not bound by any rules and purpose just sucks and I cannot stand it anymore.
Please help. I do not know what to do.
Also, how does one convert to islam? Do I need to change my name? I am a vegan. Will I need to eat meat? I am asking because most of my Muslim friends eat meat after breaking fast.
What happens if down the road, I decide that I do not want to be a Muslim?(as I have said I am very confused with life)
Am I allowed to visit a Muslim worship place before converting to see if it is for me? My friend said I am not allowed because I am not a muslim.
Can I attend festivals of other religions after converting? I have health issues where I am to keep eating small meals during the day. Do I have to fast during Ramadan ?
I need advice, please help.

So did anyone hear that the admissions dean from USD (who just started in August) has started at another school? Last week she said she had 800 or so applications left to review in her personal queue. All of her advice this cycle (which I followed pretty closely) has been extremely different from every other law school and she didn't seem happy at every event I attended with her. I definitely felt like something has been off with the school this cycle and I still haven't had an initial response from them after applying late in 2022.
Is this a fluke? is USD really this unorganized and unresponsive to what is best for students?

So did anyone hear that the admissions dean from USD (who just started in August) has started at another school? Last week she said she had 800 or so applications left to review in her personal queue. All of her advice this cycle (which I followed pretty closely) has been extremely different from every other law school and she didn't seem happy at every event I attended with her. I definitely felt like something has been off with the school this cycle and I still haven't had an initial response from them after applying late in 2022.
Is this a fluke? is USD really this unorganized and unresponsive to what is best for students?

I attended my sister's wedding recently. There was a little boy from the groom's side who was just going nuts. Running everywhere, throwing napkins up into the air, messed with the DJ's set up during one of the dances, nearly tipped over the wedding cake table. It was great entertainment honestly (because it wasn't my kid for once!) His mom was having a rough time and doing her best. No judgment there.
Here's where the judgment comes. As the night was wrapping up, my sparkling brand-new brother-in-law introduced us to the mom of "napkin-kid", (who I think was his daughter? I can't remember...) and, when talking to his daughter, he mentions that our kids have autism too. (Whatever, fine.) Then he says, "Oh but their kids aren't like [napkin-kid]. They are WAAAY worse!"
I'm sorry, what?
Note that this is the second time I have met him and the first time he just met my lower needs for support son (still lvl 3 but not violent) and has never met my higher needs support son (also lvl3 who is in a secure residential facility due to violence). He's also never talked with us directly about our kids, only heard hearsay through my family. Granted he was probably drunk (it WAS his wedding, after all) and I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but damn. I mean, honestly he wasn't wrong in his statement but that's shit only me and their dad can say, not someone else talking about my kids, right?
Am I overreacting?

Fr James Jackson FSSP (very influential Latin Mass priest) was arrested twice for having child s**** a**** material (child p***).
He was referred and worshiped as the holiest priest in the land (was rector of the Fraternity seminary for 7 years). He grew my former Latin Mass parish from nothing and was there for 15 years. Very discipled guy - or so was said.
A few months after getting transferred to the east coast, his residence of raided and they found CSAM. He was released awaiting trial and lived with his sister in Oklahoma. He was then raided again their and they found more CSAM.
Worst part is how the traditional movement defended him - raised $100,000+ for his defense, started conspiracy theories about how he was framed, and kicked anyone out who thought he might be guilty. And the Church still wonders why abuse happens. When someone is said to be too holy to do heinous things, you know you've hit a crazy level of group-think.
Bad people will inevitably do bad things, but it's sad when good people defend them.

I have been mad obsessed with this show since I started watching it a few weeks ago and am wondering what the overall consensus is now that a final theory can be molded from the pieces given to us (I think!). The 3 big mysteries as yet to be revealed would be the "What", what happened to cause needing the Silo and what is it. The "Why", why are they actually in the Silo. And the "Who", who is behind it all and what is their actual purpose. Of course if it's green outside or not, but depending on where you stand on that, I think you will have drastically different "What, Why & Who" than people on the other side. I believe they have provided us already with enough details to piece together what is really going on, and here is my theory and would LOVE to know where you stand since most of the theories I've read totally make sense as well. I think that's what makes this show so special, the same way the siloinians must have been fighting and disagreeing about the outside being green or not and how confident they were in it, is the same thing we as a subreddit are disagreeing and sometimes arguing over because we each "know" we are right. It's fascinating to me how well the writers nailed this to cause what appears to be a split on this. So here we go, my theory. NO BOOK SPOILERS PLEASE.
To start this, I will say I was originally on the poison gas in the helmet/suit side of things and green everywhere. I had hope for the siloinians as if I was one, wanting there to be green outside, wanting there to be hope of a green Earth, hope for humanity, wanting there to be some big government conspiracy with evil overlords. And I think the way they positioned the storytelling, deliberately caused those emotions in most of us. What gave me pause on the "green" theory though, is that this is not a "happy ending" kind of show. Like every character they want you to like, they kill later in the episode lol. That says alot already IMO. But what got me to turn the corner to the dark side, was trying to make sense of a few things mentioned that feel important to the story but I couldn't quite piece where those things belonged. I'm talking about the watch, the tape and the camcorder. The watch can be explained in a few ways (I'd still like to know what yall think) but something as simple as her using it to just to see who notices it. The camcorder will play in somehow dealing with showing them a video or even simply just being able to turn it on a see the passthrough of the video feed on the screen which would be a whole revelation for them in and of itself (they've never seen a video or possibly even a photograph EVER, I think this will happen ep.8 or 9). But the tape. The damn tape they've brought up WAY to many times now and shown them taping up the suits to many times now and that single thing has got me to flip my whole theory to the dead Earth theory so that all the pieces can fit.
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So being firmly set that the Earth is toast, everything else seems to fall in line and make sense now. Let's go back to when this all started. Lets say it's anything catastrophic. I'm hoping for an asteroid colision that caused a ring around the planet and caused a runaway greenhouse effect like Venus (I doubt this is what happens, but would be such a badass way to show the audience once she walks over that hill and sees a ring, I'll get to that). I think any scenario where the atmosphere gets fucked. Global warming causing all plant death works, as does a super Volcano, or my favorite, the asteroid impact (without the ring is FAR more believable though, I think an impact that causes a ring would obliterate the Earth lol). Theres probably a few more I'm not thinking of, so feel free to add to the list of possibilities. The "What" here I don't think matters as much as what that lead to, plant death and shrinking oxygen levels on Earth. This lead to the construction of Silos and their purpose being to pump oxygen back into the atmosphere, this is the "Why". How do they do that? We already know how it can be done, hydrolysis, separate H20 and use hydrogen to power things and oxygen goes back into the air. Where's the best place to do that? The ocean, which is also why they've showed the ocean multiple times in a show where nobody knows about oceans.
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So you begin work on these Silos, and get people in them before it's to late. Absolutely NONE of these people probably want to be there compared to green awesome Earth, but they know they have to in order to survive. So what do you do? You try and make their stay as comfortable and Earthlike as possible. Que the "green" window in the cafeteria and the "green" filters in their helmets. A similar reasoning is how Central Park was born if I'm not mistaken, much less depressing for residents. People clean, maybe explore, but no deaths in suits. Societies are built, and decades/generations go by. To the point where all people know, is the Silo. Why aren't you letting me outside, it's obviously fine, look at it! It's not hard to see how a rebellion can get started if at the time, the "green" window was there and there were all sorts of artifacts from the "old world" pointing to how great it was but everybody was being forced against their wills to stay inside. Any kind of oppression could sway a whole lot of people to stop "believing their lies". Just look at the current political climate or how split this subreddit is on if it's green or not. Rebellion happens and in order to avoid mass Silo death, they changed course and created the Pact. I don't think it matters if judicial or the rebels torched all knowledge, but I think judical were the ones that actually did. It absolutely makes sense for the security and safety of the Silo at that point. As does making sure any of these rebels (or family members of the rebels) that ended up staying don't reproduce. As does trying to figure out how to turn the green filter off in the cafeteria, which they probably had no idea what they were doing, so it's easy to believe they figured out how to add a process to disable the filter but on shutdown it undoes this process hence the flash of green before it fully shutdown.
So IMO Judicial is being genuine about everything. They legit KNOW going outside will kill you and they have been tasked with making absolute sure it doesn't happen again. Keeping the Silo running is the utmost importance for humanities survival and another rebellion could leave them with not enough workers, or flat out kill everyone in the Silo. All of their motivations make sense now. As does the janitors/surveillance. A sort of level above judicial that's hidden from view of all silonians that will keep order if judicial fails at it, i.e. murder. If it IS deadly outside, everybody WOULD be acting in the best interest of the Silo, even Sims. Which could also explain what people think as deadpan acting because he's seriously conflicted but he knows it has to be done, so kind of just dead inside, miserable. I'm willing to bet though, that that's not all to this story. I think the whole dead Earth will be dissapointing to some, so I'm pretty sure there will be an over arching story though that people WILL enjoy.
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So my theory is, episode 10 she's going to swap the "shitty" tape with her mechanical tape and venture out. Before hand, she'll make some agreement with star-guy though like Sherrif's wife did with him, and that's how the story can continue in this Silo with someone knowing the truth. She's going to get to the top of that hill, the camera is going to pan upwards, and we will see the coastline with Silo after Silo. I would absolutely love it if we can tell that most of them are offline and that's what future season could be about, finding out what happened and try getting them running again. I will die with joy if theres a damn ring around the planet though. I'm even starting to lean more towards these silos being mostly above ground. Does anyone know for sure if there are 2 different holding cells? One at the bottom and one at the top? Because I'm pretty sure the jail cell is at the bottom, and through all of the cleanings I dont think there has been mention or showing us a 1 or 2 day walk to the top, so I actually think the walkway to outside is at the BOTTOM of the Silo. This also makes sense if it's for hydrolosis, that ginormous water reservoir just replenishes itself because its next to the ocean at sea level. This would also explain the whole George's "doorway" and that it actually could lead outside still. Where else would that doorway go if it's a mile underground? Maybe to other silos if not outside?
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Anways, if you have made it this far, thanks for reading! I hope you comment and can add to this, or poke holes in my theory, I'm still trying to piece the last of the puzzle pieces together. I'm gaining more confidence in my theory day by day but would love nothing more for one of you to throw a wrench in it and get me to flip flop again back to green Earth!
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TLDR: Opinion: Earth is toast. Green is fake. Multiple Silos for pumping oxygen back into a destroyed atmosphere. Judicial/Janitors/Surveillance are not malicious, but acting in the best interest of every silonian. Rebellion happened BECAUSE of the relics and the green cafeteria screen/helmet filters causing too much hope and dillusion, hence the Pact. Greater over arching mystery will probably be why the Earth is dead and possibly about how to get other Silos online so maybe there can be a happy ending afterall.