//-------------------------------------------------------// Hotel Seven Stars -by Kentavritsa- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue: 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue: 1 <--- --- ---> Summary (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776321) <--- --- ---> . “Hi, Pinkie!” Fluttershy exclaims, in her characteristically quiet voice. “Hiya, Flutters!” I respond, as I see my friend on the street of Ponyville. While I do focus on my friend by my side: Fluttershy; I still greet every friend I see on my way, waving a hoof at them and pass some pleasantries as I go. (Without ever permitting Fluttershy to think I am not focusing on her.) “Nice to see you, Pinkie!” she adds, as she is following me along the street. “Nice to see you, too; Flutters..” I respond. “I take it, you’ve heard of the new hotel, opening in town?” she inquires. “The Seven Stars?” I inquire; “yes, I’ve heard of it..” I respond; “as good a time, to take a peek; to see what it looks like, inside!” I conclude. “Yes, I guess it is...” she responds, as she is following me down the street. I continue to pronk along the street; just slow enough for Fluttershy to keep up, without straining my shy friend. <--- --- ---> Of course, the weather is the characteristic sunshine; on the account of the local weather team, managing the weather. (This is after all the land of Sun-shine and Rainbows.) <--- --- ---> “There it is!” I exclaim, as I finally spot the location. (The hotel: Seven Stars) “Oh, yeah..” she responds; “Curious architecture, for Ponyville!” she then comments, snickering. “Yes, I guess it is...” I respond. “Maybe the Glass and Steel Lobby would have been right in Manehattan?” she suggests. “Yes, it would!” I respond; “just a bit too much of a metropolitan thing, for a town like Ponyville!” I then conclude. The lobby is a bit of a sore hoof, in Ponyville; with the glass and steel image. On the right, there is a small restaurant; serving Ponyvillian cuisine, fitting the common Pony in town. Just as there is a Cafe on the other side of the lobby. Behind the lobby, there is a five floor building, standing above most everything in town. Even if the top floor is a second lobby, for the Pegasi. <--- --- ---> As I am approaching the lobby, the twin glass sliding doors eagerly slide up before me; only to close behind Fluttershy, as she had cleared the threshold. “These doors would keep the room cool, in the summer; just as it would keep it hot, during the winter!” Fluttershy suggests, a moment after we had entered the lobby of the building. “That is one reason, for why we had these doors installed!” the mare behind the desk responds. “I could very well imagine..” I respond; “but as new and innovative as it may be; the building sticks out, like a sore hoof!” I suggest. “Here, in Ponyville; yes, I guess: that would be the case!” she responds. “Is that a lobby, on the top floor?” Fluttershy inquires. “Yes, indeed; it is..” she responds; “I imagine, some Pegasi will be loving this feature!” she continues. “I could very well imagine!” Fluttershy agrees. “Just high enough, to make a comfortable stop..” I suggest; “without breaking too much, from the standard buildings in town. (Even if we don’t really have standard buildings, in Ponyville)” I suggest. “It’s the tallest building, in the town, proper!” she concedes. “Only Twilight’s Castle is taller?” I inquire; “But, that is not in the town proper!” I conclude. “Exactly!” she agrees. I enjoy the appearance of the white mare before me, picturing my friend: Rarity approving of her appearance, as well. Even as an Earth Pony, she does have a well-mannered coiffure. Her mane is a bright Electric blue, almost like Vinyl Scratch (Dj. Pon3), only her mane is arranged in three long braids on each side and bangs curling in under themselves on her forehead. (Apparently; she had had her hooves cared for, lacquered in a Metallic Bloody red and a high gloss finish applied.) “Bright, Emerald green eyes?” Fluttershy ponders, not quite seeing the similarity; still reflecting on the specific hue of green. <--- --- ---> “Since you have a restaurant; I think: I should have a light salad!” I suggest. “Step right in; we do serve salad; based on the locally grown crops, and season!” she confirms. “I think I will make you company, Pinkie; this does sound appetizing, as she is presenting the options!” Fluttershy suggests. “Yes, I’d have to agree..” I respond; “and maybe Rarity will enjoy sampling the cuisine here, too!” I suggest. “Yes, she just may...” Fluttershy opines. “I am looking forwards, to seeing Rarity!” the mare ponders. <--- --- ---> Just as the doors slid up before us, as we entered the lobby; they once more slide up before us, as we are approaching the restaurant. (Well; what had I been expecting, considering how they had been so eager the first time.) A mare is approaching us, as we enter the restaurant. “Greetings!” she exclaims, stopping before us just as we had entered the restaurant. “Greetings..” I respond; “a table for two!” I suggest. “Right this way, please!” she responds, as she is leading us to a table for two. “Thank you, Miss!” I respond, as I follow her towards the table with Fluttershy in tow. “Would this table be to your liking?” she inquires, just as she had stopped before a table, indicating for us to have a seat. “Yes, thank you!” I respond. “The menu!” she suggests, as she is presenting us with a pair of menus. “Yes, please!” I respond, accepting the menus. “What would you have to drink?” she inquires. “A bottle of water, and two glasses!” Fluttershy suggests. “A bottle of water, and two glasses!” she responds, as she is leaving us for a moment. While she is fetching the water, I am browsing the menu. (Fluttershy is browsing her own menu, while I’m going over the options) “Your water..” she responds, as she is placing the bottle on the table. “Thank you..” I respond; “a Daffodil and Daisies salad!” I pronounce. “I will take that, too!” Fluttershy confirms. “Two Daffodil and Daisies salads!” she confirms, as she is returning to the kitchen.> <--- --- ---> Pass: - "Faux Pas" Confirmed.. Beneath the Waves (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776679) <--- --- ---> //-------------------------------------------------------// Beneath the Waves: 2 //-------------------------------------------------------// Beneath the Waves: 2 <--- --- ---> Prologue (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776322) <--- --- ---> . I had just begun a dive, at a new location; a site, where I had been expecting something interesting. Yet, I had never expected, what I am about to face. I had been informed, of a newly arrived fleet of sunken ships. (Unheard of, to say the least) Just a casual dive, in clear, calm water. Nothing spectacular. I am alone, under the waves, with the crew on the ship directly above. (Yes, we do have a satellite connection, to the ground crew of marine biologists and navel experts; what had you been expecting, from an expedition like this?) Since this is just above the medium depth, I had been cleared to go down, alone. With just a pair of tanks on my back, in the standard scuba gear. (The dry suit, snorkle and such; nothing too special.) <--- --- ---> Looking up, makes me feel; as if I had been on a green field of grass, with a clear blue sky overhead. (It almost made me slip out of the gear.. Almost!) <--- --- ---> Sunken ships are usually grave-yards, for the seamen, mariners and military; a monument to the people who gave up their lives in the service. Though as of late; sunken ships has become the (wet) dream of most marine biologists. (Retired ships, cleared of all classified tech and dangerous items are sent below the waves; as a sanctuary for marine creatures and fish alike) If this is to be a memorial monument, or a marine sanctuary; I have no idea, the data simply had not been conclusive. Either way; this is an honour and a privilege, to go down to explore what the deep is holding. <--- --- ---> As I reach the first ship, I am greeted by what would at first glance appear to be a sunken luxury liner or possibly even a Yacht. (A marvel of engineering in gleaming steel and wood!) I had chosen to face the ship, from the front; instead of sneaking up on the ship from behind. “Not a passenger liner!” I ponder, as I approach the ship before me. (some seven hundred and seventy seven feet long) Outwardly; the ship appears as if it had just sunk with all hands, only without any sign of how or why it had gone under the waves. (Like a Ghost ship, or possibly a gigantic Submarine monster of horrific proportions!) Still, the ship does look, as if it had been fresh out of the shipyard. The eerie silence is getting to me. There is no life to be seen, heard of felt in any way shape or form. Just, it is not dead. (This is no Derelict Ghost Ship!!) Its hull is a deep, jet-black; deeper than space itself. Yet, the side of the bridge is a pristine white, as if newly painted. (Like the ceramic tiles of a bath room.) <--- --- ---> As I go closer still; I can see the search lights coming to life, flooding the depth with its powerful beams of light. I can even see light coming through the windows. (Yet, the Captain is not there; just as I can see no faces in the windows.) “Is this a Cinematic presentation?” I exclaim, in shock and awe. “What?” I hear in response; “What are you seeing?” she then elaborates. “It is just, that I feel as if I had been on a gigantic studio set; the character in a film being recorded, as I am approaching the ship!” I respond. “Let’s just hope, you don’t have to face a Monster!” she suggests, hopefully; still, with dread in her voice. “Don’t..” I exclaim; “don’t even joke about it!” I put forth; “This scene is surreal enough, as it is; without any such notions popping into my head!” I conclude. “I will simply have to wait, for the images to come flooding in, from the secondary feeds of the companion probe!” she responds, with resignation clear on her voice. “Since you haven’t got your diver’s licence, yes!” I respond. “I was never cleared, for the privilege!” she suggests; “and I never had the time; on my free time, either!” she concludes. “We can’t all be divers..” I suggest; “and most of the time; the dive is not exciting, in the first place!” I respond. <--- --- ---> Of course, there is no people on the deck; the ship had sunk, or been sunk on purpose. All the same, one could dream; but I can see no equipment on the deck, these were never sent down with the ship. (Not as much as a raft or anything of the sort.) However; I can see the lights on the deck, aside from the search lights and the lights behind the windows. “Curious..” I ponder; “this ship looks, as if it had been sent on its Maiden Voyage; only without anything on the deck!” I conclude. (Could this be its test voyage? Because none would put this much into building the ship just to sink it!) Excited, I hesitantly continue; swimming towards the deck and the door I expect should be possible to open. “Strange..” I exclaim; “Where did this lobby come from?” I inquire; “I could have sworn, this ship did not have a lobby on the front!” I conclude. On closer inspection; the lobby looks like the lobby of any fancy five star hotels in a proud metropolis. The typical Glass and steel front of the building, one expects to see; but, not on a ship of any type. (Not even a Luxury Liner or a Yacht, this ship may resemble from afar.) I approach the new-found lobby, slowly meter by meter, as I go down towards the deck. Foot by foot, as I make the final approach; walking somewhat unsteadily on the deck, as I am closing in on the glass doors. <--- --- ---> The twin sliding-doors eagerly slide up before me, just as I am reaching the natural sensor range; I step in into the lobby, only for the doors to slide shut behind me unnoticed. Once inside, I notice the black Marble tiles the floor had been laid with. (Polished smooth, to a high gloss finish; only to be coated with a thin crystal clear silicone-membrane, protecting the polished surface of the floor) “Wha..” I exclaim; “What?” I inquire, only to be met by absolute silence. There is no response, no acknowledgement of my exclamation. It would appear, I am alone and on my own. (As if the line had been cut, or they had never even been there in the first place) However; there is no water in the lobby, once the doors had closed behind me. (As if, I had never been under water in the first place; but on the surface, in the middle of the large City!) “No point, in reciting observations, if I know they can’t hear me?” I ponder, questioning my situation and position. “Then again, maybe it is just their transmitter, or my receiver that is not functioning?” I ponder. Could I go back, now? Could I trust to find my way back; even if it is possible for me, to go back? Would I ever get under the surface of the sea, if I did go back? I choose to continue. I need to see, where I am. (Is this rational? Am I risking my life, out of fear?) <--- --- ---> Pass: - "Faux Pas" Confirmed.. Hotel: Seven Stars (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776830) <--- --- ---> //-------------------------------------------------------// Hotel: Seven Stars: 3 //-------------------------------------------------------// Hotel: Seven Stars: 3 <--- --- ---> Beneath the Waves (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776679) <--- --- ---> . The lobby is large, open and airy. The sunlight is beaming down on me, from overhead; as if I had indeed been in the lobby of a Five-Star Hotel in the big city. Going by the angle of the shadows in the lobby, it is about twelve; or lunchtime, in other words. Going by the same token, it appears to be mid summer; considering how the sun is hitting me from the angle, corresponding to mid summer. I hear a hint of squeaks, to the sounds of my steps; as I am walking up to the lobby, where the girl is waiting for me. The girl is wearing what appears to be a metallic bloody red bikini, only with a knee-long ultra-tight pencil skirt. I can’t quite make out the fabric of the smooth and glossy material her suit had been crafted out of. (Not that it matters, really; it’s just a curious detail, as I am examining her on my way over to the desk.) I notice her large, deep Sapphire blue eyes focusing on the screen before her. From what I can see, she is ignoring me and anything else in the lobby. Her hands are resting on the smooth surface of the crystal clear Sapphire glass desktop; exposing everything, aside from the palms of her hands. The skin of her hands, just as the rest of her skin is a bright, pristine Silicone white. (Just with a hint of a light pink, to make it slightly more human.) While her fingers are spread slightly; I notice her inch long oval nails perfectly curved; as if she had just left the Nail-Salon an hour prior. (Well; why not, it isn’t as if it makes any difference {to me}, in any event.) Just as I am reaching the line, one yard from the desk, she is looking up; noticing me, as if something had notified her. (Maybe, just maybe; she had not been quite as oblivious, as I had pictured her?) As she is facing me, I notice the smooth golden lips spreading into a genuine smile; spreading out all over her face, and she is winking at me demonstratively. <--- --- ---> I feel weird. <--- --- ---> She gives me the impression, she knew me from somewhere; even if I have no idea, from where that could possibly have been. Still, her smile lingers, persists. I resist the urge to ask, where this Hotel is. There is no point. I know I am near the bottom of the sea, beneath the waves. As I am facing her, I can clearly see her jet-black, glossy hair in bangs covering her fore-head. (Only, her bangs are in the Unicorn style; as if she had had a horn, I can’t see.) A pair of braids hide her ears, reaching down to her shoulders, before hiding behind her back. Her hair reaches down her back, all the way down to just inches over her plump thighs. Furthermore; she has a Pi inch thick braid running down her spine, all the way down to her knees. (Curious hairstyle. Does she try to emulate one of these crazy Animésque hair styles, so popular in the Japanese medium?) “Place your right hand on the plaque..” she is instructing me; indicating the glossy black hexagonal surface before me with her extended index finger of her right hand; “spread your fingers wide, in order to confirm!” she concludes. While I still wear the full diving gear, the fingerprint should not be registered; but she seems to be utterly oblivious of the fact, just as she ignores the fact: I had never made a reservation prior to my arrival. I feel the smooth surface of the plaque under the palm of my hand; just as I feel the warmth corresponding to a genuine handshake, aside from the contours of what could only be a suction-cup under the palm of my hand and touch-pads covering the tips of my fingers. “Does she have a suction-cup and sensitive touch-pads too?” I ponder. “Of course not, that would just be silly; girls does not have such details, I know that as well as anyone else!” I conclude. (Why should she have any such details?) Only then I catch a glimpse of the reflection of her hand on the tabletop. What I see defies logic and everything I thought I had known. Naturally; she does have both the suction-cup, and the touch-pads where my sensation of the plaque had indicated. I just stand there, blinking; staring at her, as if I had not seen her. “Take the Elevator on my right, if you want to see your room..” she suggests; “or, take the Elevator on my left; if you wish to explore the hotel further!” she concludes. She is pointing at the respective Elevator door, as she is mentioning them; making utterly clear, I know where I want to go. (How fortunate; that I had opted for the Dry-suit in place of the Wet-suit, leaving me with dry clothes under my diving gear!) “Thank you, Miss!” I respond; as I walk over to the Elevator, just as she had suggested. I can see the portal of stainless steel, even if it had been plated with Iridium. The two twin sliding-doors quietly open before me; just as I am reaching the three foot mark. I step into the elevator, only to be greeted by the Elevator Operator. The room is a full six by six feet, in an octagonal shape, with a three foot cylindrical core in the middle. “Greetings, Miss..” she exclaims; “I am Ellie, the Waitress!” she is presenting herself. “Greetings, Ellie..” I respond; “May I call you Ellie?” I inquire. “Yes, but of course; please do call me Ellie, Miss!” she simply responds, confirming my suggestion. Of course, Ellie has the same hair-style and Uniform; both girls are working for the same Hotel, after all. Only; Ellie’s Uniform is Silver metallic, in place of the metallic Bloody red. “Curious make-up, they fancy at this hotel!” I ponder, as I continue to observe Ellie, while she is operating the Elevator. (She does not touch anything, just as she does not speak; other than to address me, in conversation.) “Ping!!” is heard, as the Elevator stops, at my floor. “This is your floor..” Ellie explains; “Enjoy your stay!” she then concludes. “Thank you, Ellie!” I respond, as I am stepping out of the Elevator. <--- --- ---> I feel weird. (The Narration likes you to feel weird!) <--- --- ---> What is facing me, as I am stepping out of the Elevator; is neither Glass and Steel, nor Marble and Stone. (This may be onboard a ship; but I feel, as if I had been in the Five-Star Hotel here.) The floor had been laid with deep, dark Oak-wood parquet; while the walls had been laid with pure, pristine Beech-wood covered with a four foot pink Cherry-wood picket-fence. On the upper rim of the picket fence, I can clearly see the railing, I can hold on to; if and when I need the support, in order to keep my balance. If this is from the ship of the hotel; but I will take it for all it is worth, all the same. Overhead, I can see the pin-prick LED star-skape illuminating the hall. <--- --- ---> I feel weird. <--- --- ---> <--- --- ---> Pass: - "Faux Pas" Confirmed.. The Suite (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776900) <--- --- ---> //-------------------------------------------------------// The Suite: 4 (My Suite) //-------------------------------------------------------// The Suite: 4 (My Suite) <--- --- ---> Hotel: Seven Stars (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1776830) <--- --- ---> . The door to my suite slides shut behind me, just as I had cleared the threshold. “Home, Sweet Home!” I exclaim, even if it’s just a suite at a hotel I had just stumbled into. (But still!) “I have a phone, in the pocket under my diving-suit..” I ponder; "maybe the signal can still get through; once I have slipped out of the suit, in order to reach my phone!” I ponder. <--- --- ---> In place of the black marble, down in the lobby; I have white marble, almost the same hue as the girl at the desk. (Curious coincident? I think not, I don’t believe in coincidences. Well, not really! Why? It’s just an excuse one makes up, for convenience.) The walls are identical, to the walls in the hall outside; aside from the utility, I have in my cloaking room. The ceiling, is also identical to the ceiling in the hall; it is almost, as if it had been an unbroken sky. On the right and left of the door to my living room; I have a three floor shoe-rack, jacket-hanger and hat-rack in order. (But no umbrella stand, as if they did not expect it to rain. {Ever!!}) I lift up my right hand, extending it towards the plaque; pressing the hand down gently, spreading my fingers wide. The door to my living room slides up before me, staying up until I have cleared the threshold. (Almost as if I had had a Butler, holding up the door for me?) <--- --- ---> Of course I had slipped out of the Dry-suit. While it may be dry, on the outside; but it still feels weird, and wrong; to wear the suit inside what is to pass for my home. (Not that it would have made any difference, if it had been someone else’s home) <--- --- ---> I feel weird. <--- --- ---> “Phew..” I exclaim; “it feels strangely comfortable, to be out of my Dry-suit!” I conclude. The decoration is exactly, what I had been expecting; the same oak-wood parquet as in the hall outside. The only thing missing, is the railing along the upper rim of the picket fence. (How unexpected?) On the left short wall, I can see the flat-screen LED TV; only, it is covering the entire wall without any margin. I have a three seated cinematic sofa, facing the screen; with a sofa table before the sofa. Iridium-plated Titanium frame, with a Sapphire glass table-top. (A bit fancy, for my taste; but I guess it would have been weird, with anything less in the room.) I walk up to the sofa, without a thought; sitting down on what outwardly would have appeared to be black Leather. (Which it isn’t, not even a cheaper imitation of fake Leather; this is black Silicone, feeling quite plush as I lean back in comfort) <--- --- ---> I feel weird; but I ignore the rest of the world, as I am exploring my surroundings. Treating it, as if it had been a Dream; from which I will eventually wake up. For a moment; I just lean back, gazing at the smooth, glossy black wall before me. (As if the wall had been painted black, on purpose; not hiding the LED screen, the key to the Entertainment suite the suite I am in had been equipped.) <--- --- ---> The outer wall is bare, apparently; only clad with the wooden panels, even if I may notice the option to open up to see the windows. The wall, opposing the outer wall is holding a continuous line of bookshelves; even if it holds no books, at this time. All the shelves are bare, devoid of decorations, as if I had been expecting decorations? In place of the large panorama window(s), and door to a luxurious balcony, only the wooden panels can be seen. (Odd.. but, what had I been expecting; I haven’t paid for the room, so I can’t really ask for all that much. Can I?) Beside the sofa, I have the door to my bed room; while I have the door to the facilities: girl’s room (toilet). And shower on the other side of the room. I should probably see the bed room, just for the sake of it; putting in a token effort, in exploring the room. Once I have opened the door, I find the bed room just as I had been expecting; the bed and bed-stand beside the bed, and two twin doors wardrobes behind the bed, on the foot end of the bed. The bed-stand had been crafted out of pink Cherry-wood and has two drawers directly under the massive wooden board on the top. While the top currently is empty and bare, I soon notice a head-set in the first drawer. Silly me; I pick up the head-set and hold it in my right hand, only to try it on after a moment. “A perfect fit.” I exclaim, as I slip it onto my head. (Once on; it is all but undetectable on my face, as it is skin-tone.) “Could I call for room service, with this head-set?” I ponder, barely mouthing the words. “Yes, Miss..” a voice responds; “of course you can!” she concludes, confirming my request. “Oh, thank you!” I respond. “You can also use the screen, in your living room; in order to make more detailed specifications..” she informs me; “aside from enjoying the full set of entertainment available!” she explains. “Thank you, Miss..” I respond; “I will be exploring these options!” I conclude. “You are quite welcome, Miss!” she responds. “Well..” I ponder; “I really should be exploring these options, right away; before I forget, or anything else gets in the way!” I conclude. Yes, I really should; there is no point, in delaying. (I just hope; they will not apply any hidden fees, on their services!) “I do enjoy the standard, here; while they have a few odd quirks, the standard is still well above and beyond my wildest dreams!” I ponder. “But, first; since I am already here, I should explore the wardrobes?” I ponder, as I am turning away from the door on my way over to the wardrobes. I open the doors on the right, only to find the Nighttime wears in metallic bloody red; as I open the doors on my left, I find the Daytime wears in pristine (silicone-)white. “If these fit me, I should try them on; just in case, so I can give an honest opinion!” I consider, giggling to myself. <--- --- ---> I am standing before the mirror in the wardrobe on the left, with a pile of clothes on the floor, before me. “Now; what do I have, to choose from?” I ponder. I extract a pair of white panties, examining them for a good long while. I step into the panties, right and left; pulling them all the way up, only to afford them a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. In the process, I enjoy the smooth material, these panties had been crafted out of; just as I am enjoying the skin-tight fit, as well as the high cut. “Rarity” the label reads; “Daytime Panties” the first subtitle reads; “Skin-tight, Ultra High cut” the second subtitle reads. “Curious description..” I ponder, “and I take it; Rarity is the brand of clothes they provide their guests with!” I conclude. (Maybe I should ask the Room service, later!) Once I had slipped the panties on, I am extracting a matching top; pulling it down over my head, only to afford it a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. “Rarity” the label reads; “Daytime Brassier” the first subtitle reads; “Skin-tight, Full support” the second subtitle reads. “This makes me want to jump up and down, in order to test this out!” I ponder. Since I had selected and slipped into the underwear, it is time to continue with the casual clothes I can wear openly, without embarrassing myself. (I could always try out something more comfortable, later; if, and when I have the time.) I am extracting an ultra-tight pencil-skirt, stepping into it right and left; eagerly pulling it all the way up, only to afford it a few tentative tugs; once, twice and thrice. (In the process, I am exposed to the garment’s liquid elasticity; something I am finding myself enjoying more with each garment I am wearing, finding the wardrobe exciting.) “Rarity” the label reads; “Daytime Pencil-skirt” the first subtitle reads; Skin-tight, Hyper-elastic” the second subtitle reads. “Can I take this ensemble with me, once I leave the Hotel?” I ponder; “I really do wish I could have a wardrobe of Rarity’s clothes with me!” I consider. “These garments were made to your exact measures, for you!” a voice responds, making me assume the receptionists heard what I had considered. “How generous, of her!” I ponder; “Is this an all paid hotel?” I question.> <--- --- ---> <--- --- ---> <--- --- ---> <--- --- ---> Pass: - "Faux Pas" Confirmed.. A New Day (https://www.fimfiction.net/chapter/1783493) <--- --- --->