Military and the Media Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Military and the Media - Research Paper Example The issues surrounding military, media and propaganda are critical aspects that have changed the dynamics of media reporting in several ways (Hammond 5). Without a doubt, the relations between military and the media have been sensitive throughout history. Undoubtedly, military and media are two protectors of democracy. One attempts to safeguard the nation seeking justice to protect external threats. Consequently, the media defends the citizens against governmental improvement and by revealing the truth and attempting to inform the public of the true intentions of the military (Hammond 7). One cannot deny that at times both issues seem to clash within each other. In a democratic nation such as the United States, the relationship of the media is brilliantly depicted in every manner. Relationship is cordial. Censorship becomes a huge issue throughout history as seen in WWI and WWII Germans persuasions to sway public opinion. Military uses social media such as twitter to inform public Me t by heavy criticism by government officials Military responded by stating future is social media Enhanced the dynamic of media used by military Military’s initiative to protect reporters during Iraq war First time during warfare that military took the initiative Reporter casualty was high-served as a reminder between the two Lack of Pakistan military to take initiative to propagate their cause Leads to miscommunication, misinformation and trust Ignores the critical element during warfare Engages the public to impose distrust in military Relationship will continue to be fragile Trust becomes vital for both parties The evolution from censorship to utilization of media is vital What is the future between the two? Military and media Walter Lippmann once quoted, â€Å"We must remember that in time of war what is said on the enemy’s side of the front is always propaganda, and what is said on our side of the front is truth and righteousness, the cause of humanity and a crus ade for peace.† Undoubtedly, the relationship between military and the media has always been a fragile one. The issues surrounding military, media and propaganda are critical aspects that have changed the dynamics of media reporting in several ways (Hammond 5). In addition, the advent of technology has become a super highway for the media to not only report but give the power to itself to persuade public opinion. Without a doubt, the relations between military and the media have been sensitive throughout history. The concept of censorship and the media’s pursuit to inform the public through its various channels have become the focal point of the clash between the two sides that continue to be present even today. Undoubtedly, military and media are two protectors of democracy. One attempts to safeguard the nation seeking justice to protect external threats. Consequently, the media defends the citizens against governmental improvement and by revealing the truth and attemp ting to inform the public of the true intentions of the military (Hammond 7). One cannot deny that at times both issues seem to clash within each other. In a democratic nation such as the United States, the relationship of the media is brilliantly depicted in every manner. The relationship be

Strategic Analysis of E-Sonic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic Analysis of E-Sonic - Essay Example It’s success critierion was to be determined from the amount of market share It could extract from its competitor. At the moment, there are two key players who dominate the online music industry. They firms command atleast 85% of the over all market share in downloads. E-Sonic had to target these customers while fetching for new customers to the world of online music. While the idea of targeting a million customers and attracting them to digital music, seems like a far fetched one, the formula for its success is not that complex. All it needs is some simple marketing, sound selection of artists and a nice user friendly web interface that will assist it in establishing its position as the market leader. The paper will conduct a strategy analysis of E-sonic. External Market Analysis: Industry Profile The online music industry is a very competitive one. In the last couple of years it has churned up a huge array of competitors. Some of these include the likes of iTunes, Napster an d AmazonMP3. Their overall revenues in the market exceed 4.2 billion dollars as of 2009. At the moment, the online digital music industry comprises of 400 legal music services that have been engaged in delivery some 260 types of products belonging to different genres such as music, ringtones, audiotracks and video. The competition in the industry is intense and a threat of potential new entrants looms. Their entry is supported by the looming trends in the market. This includes higher consumer purchases of online music, bigger and faster access to the internet round the globe and the increased ability to download and listen to music on-the-go with developments in the mobile industry and mobile connection. The online music market has shown improvement and growth compared to last year. According to statistics published by the Billboard numbers, approximately 1 billion tracks were sold in the United States in 2010. This was only a 0.3% increase from 2009. Similarly, sales of online albu ms has also peaked, increasing to 13%. This is particularly true of the North American region of the industry. E-Sonic:. Opportunities: E-sonic has the opportunity to further develop music player into a more mobile phone friendly format. Something on the lines of Rokr mobile phone device by Motorola should greatly benefit the company. E-sonic can also capitalize on revenues that can be generated from podcasts and radio shows. They can be downloaded from the internet and then played back on iPod. Threats: Competition in this industry is very intense. E-sonic has to work very hard on its marketing and R & D to stay on the top of the rung. Competitor Analysis ITunes is the market leader in this industry despite stiff competition from various online music vendors such as Amazon. It has managed to increase its market share manifold. The music service now churns out around 66.3% of the online music market according to a research. Amazon runs second in the competitor list having a share of 13.3 % as of third quarter of 2010. The competition between Amazon and Apple is intense. In 2010 Apple was seen pressurizing artists in its bid to obstruct Amazon’s music promotions. They warned them of loosing all support from iTunes if they were seen supporting Amazon music. However, it cant be said that Apple’s growth has come at the cost of Amazon. Amazon’s online music share steadily increased to 11% in the first quarter of 2010. Both music stores are marching

Recruiting Local Nationals in Expatriate Security Companies

Recruiting Local Nationals in Expatriate Security Companies Title Sustained outbreaks of violence in different areas of the world have opened up extensive opportunities for specialised security companies. One of the greatest challenges facing expatriate security companies in hostile regions concerns the recruitment of local people for security operations. With the dissertation focusing on this particular area, it is proposed to title the assignment as follows: Challenges and Complexities of  Recruitment of Local Nationals in Expatriate Security Companies in Hostile Regions:  A study with reference to the position in Iraq Aims and Objectives Hopes of a peaceful denouement to the violence ridden situation in Iraq evaporated within weeks of the US organised invasion of the country in March 2003. More than five years after the invasion, (which was followed by the installation of an elected government), acts of violence continue to be regular and widespread. Initial hopes among observers, as well as of corporate managements interested in participating in the rebuilding of the devastated country, of the military coalition taking up the responsibility for maintaining peace and ensuring an environment conducive to growth and development have been belied by the large scale violence that has continued to occur in the region and the helplessness of the overstretched occupying forces in controlling it. The inadequacy of the military in controlling risks and minimising danger to civilian life and property in Iraq have opened up a window of opportunity for numerous western security companies who have entered the area and are now actively involved in providing a range of security services to local and international as well as private and government organisations. â€Å"The private military and security companies that have stepped into this security vacuum range from large, relatively well-known concerns such as DynCorp and Vinnell of the US, which are training the new Iraqi police and army respectively to smaller operations such as Olive Security of the UK. ‘There is quite a bit of business out there,’ says Harry Legge-Bourke, for Olive. ‘From our point of view, it just gets better all the time.’† (Catan and Fidler, 2003) Whilst the majority of these expatriate security companies depend extensively on westerners, mostly people with experience in military, para-military and police functions, to man their key positions, local Iraqi nationals are increasingly being drafted into these organisations. Iraqis are far cheaper than expatriates to recruit and employ, possess valuable knowledge about local customs, traditions and cultures, speak the local language, and are often far more acceptable to the local population than foreigners. Many of them are also extremely suitable for the responsibilities needed for jobs in security agencies. Recruitment of local nationals is however also associated with a number of problems, namely the possibility of infiltration of security companies by people with disruptive intentions, the lack of adequate training of prospective employees, the possibility of such employees being intimidated by insurgents, and the likelihood of their being seen as collaborators by members of their community. Very obviously recruitment of local Iraqis by expatriate security companies in Iraq, though essential for their success and effectiveness, is an extremely complex and multifaceted task. This assignment aims to study the topic of recruitment of local nationals by expatriate security companies in Iraq in detail, delving into the causes of their problems, the likely impact of such problems on the operations of security companies, client needs and demands, the options available to security companies in the recruitment of local employees, and the actions being taken by them to overcome various challenges. A dissertation of this nature, along with its findings and recommendations, could be instructive and informative for all people associated with the running or utilisation of security companies, especially so in hostile or violence prone regions. Managements of companies intending to set up operations in such areas could also find it helpful in shaping their perspectives and in crystallising their plans. Methodology Much of the information required for this dissertation will need to be obtained from available material on the subject; books, journal articles, research assignments, and magazine and newspaper articles. With the post war phase in Iraq having entered its fifth year, substantial material has already been generated, both online and by way of hard copy publications. It is proposed to base this dissertation primarily on a detailed study of available literature on the running of large and small security companies, their challenges and opportunities, the evolution of the post war situation in Iraq, the security situation in the region, the complexities of local cultures, traditions and customs, the challenges associated with the running and staffing of security companies in the region, the issues involved in recruiting and utilising local staff, and the actual actions of security companies in the region. Whilst substantial information is available on the topic and it is proposed to access and use the same for the purpose of the dissertation, the assignment will be aided greatly if primary information can be obtained from managers of security companies operating in Iraq and other such disturbed areas. Endeavour will accordingly be made to secure appointments with managers in such agencies for obtaining relevant data. A number of books and articles, listed in the references section at the end of the assignment, have already been accessed on the topic. Articles by Flores and Earl (2004), Cole (2004), and Catan and Fidler (2003) have been illuminating. The book â€Å"Private Military and Security Companies, Chances, Problems, Pitfalls and Prospects† by Jager and Kummel (2007), being anthological in nature and containing a full chapter devoted to Iraq, has been particularly helpful in increasing my understanding of the subject. Substantial additional information, currently under mining, is also proposed to be used for the purpose of the dissertation. Time Plan Whilst a certain amount of information has already been accessed, I propose to devote a significant proportion of the time at my disposal to obtaining additional information and collating it coherently for the dissertation. I shall also make efforts to obtain at least a couple of interviews with managers of security companies with operations in difficult and hostile foreign terrain. The rest of the time at my disposal will be devoted to writing up the dissertation, which will consist of finalising the research hypothesis, writing a coherent and well structured Literature Review and the putting together (if possible) of the interview transcripts; this shall be followed by detailing the methodology, arriving at the findings, analysing the same, testing the hypothesis, and coming to conclusions and recommendations. I plan to devote 10 % of the time available to revision, self-assessment, corrections, and smoothening out the dissertation. The next section details the structure I propose to follow for the purpose of the dissertation. Structure I plan to follow an orthodox dissertation structure, beginning with a short and concise abstract, followed by the table of contents. The body of the dissertation is proposed to be divided into the introduction, methodology, literature review, findings and analysis, conclusion and recommendations, appendices and tables, and the bibliography. The introduction will consist of an overview section followed by the framing of the research hypotheses. In the literature review I propose to devote separate sections to the origin and growth of the security services business, connected human resource issues, problems in hostile and violence prone foreign settings, and staffing including recruitment and utilisation of local personnel. The next section will focus on findings and analysis. The concluding chapter will be devoted to drawing conclusions, detailing recommendations and laying down the limitations of the assignment. References Boim, I., Smith, K, (1994, February) Detecting Weak Links in Executive Armour. Security Management, 38, 50+ Catan, T Fidler, S, (2003), The military can’t provide security, nettime, Retrieved July 16, 2008 from http://www.nettime.org/ Cole, J, (2004), US Mistakes in Iraq, Antiwar.com, Retrieved July 16, 2008 from www.antiwar.com/cole/?articleid Cox, D. (2001), Close Protection: The Politics of Guarding Russias Rulers. Westport, CT: Praeger. Flores, T Earl, J (2004), What are security lessons in Iraq, Security Management, Retrieved July 16, 2008 from www.securitymanagement.com/news/ieds-proliferate-iraq-afghanistan Jager, C Kummel, G (2007), Private Military and Security Companies, Chances, Problems, Pitfalls and Prospects, An anthology of new PMC and PSC scholarship, VS Verlag Leach, N. S. (1990, February). Executive Protection: An Ironclad Defense. Security Management, 34, 84+ Montana, P. J. Roukis, G. S. (Eds.). (1983). Managing Terrorism: Strategies for the Corporate Executive. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Nocella, H. A. (1990, February). Executive Protection: Bandaging Bruised Egos. Security Management, 34, 89+ Oatman, R.L., (1999), The art of executive protection, Baltimore, Noble House Rogers, B, (2007), Iraq’s Northern Kurdish area offers business opportunity, VOA, Retrieved July 19, 2007 www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article Simovich, C. J. (2004, October). To Serve and Protect: Long before an Executive Plans a Trip, Security Should Have a Plan for Handling the Executive Protection Component. Security Management, 48, 72+

Scott Joplin and His Musical Legacy :: Entertainment Biographies Papers

Scott Joplin and His Musical Legacy "He just got his music out of the air," said one neighbor. One cannot hear the word "ragtime" without thinking of the "King of Ragtime," Scott Joplin. He is clearly one forerunner in the field of American music, particularly at the turn of the twentieth century. Not only was he a genius in the musical frame of mind, he also displayed strong talents in other areas. He had a kinesthetic gift, as seen in the movements he created for his dramatic productions. It was often said that if times were different and not so segregated, he could have been a great choreographer. He was also talented in the interpersonal field, as his music touched so many people throughout the years. Through his efforts ragtime is now a respected form of music in our history, although he did not live to see this fulfillment of his dreams. Background Joplin's father, Jiles, was only a small boy when he was purchased in South Carolina and taken to Texas. He had the privilege of being one of the few black slaves to be a house worker, which decreased his chances of being sold. Jiles was freed in his late teens. Picking the last name of his former owner's son-in-law, he traveled south. There he met Florence Givens, who was freeborn. They married by "jumping over the stick," the only form of marriage available to blacks at that time. He was eighteen; she was nineteen. The Joplins were not a close family. It is said that the men "had traveling in their blood." Scott, the second of five children, was born on November 24, 1868. When he was a preschooler, they moved to the wild frontier town of Texarkana, Texas. Both Jiles and Florence were musically inclined and talented. Jiles played the violin, while Florence played the banjo and sang. They encouraged musical interest in the children, and all five had talent. Scott stood out above the rest. At an early age, he could pick out songs on his mother's banjo, on which he was proficient by age seven. He had perfect pitch and could duplicate any chord he heard. He had the ability, which he retained until the end of his life, to remember tunes and fragments he heard years before. He incorporated them with his own elements into original compositions. His talent did not go unnoticed. Area music teachers were impressed and offered instruction.

Design of Byzantine Churches

CASE AREASIn this survey three Byzantine Churches from KadA ±kalesi ( Anaia ) , BaAYpA ±nar and Aigai were selected as the instance countries to analyze the features of wall pictures from Byzantine period in Western Anatolia ( Figure 1 ) .Figure 1. Location of Anaia, BaAYpA ±nar and Aigai ( Beginning: Ramsey 1890 )1. KadA ±kalesi ( Anaia ) KadA ±kalesi is an ancient colony located in Davutlarlar in the South of KuAYadasA ± – AydA ±n. It is located 8 kilometer from the Centre of KuAYadasA ± . The site is surrounded by gazebos at the present ( Figure 2 ) . KadA ±kalesi is an upstate palace built in 12th century AD. It is a portion of Byzantine circle of defence against Turks. The ancient name of KadA ±kalesi has been identified as Anaia. KadA ±kalesi ( Anaia ) was founded in a location opposing Samos Island that controls the Samos Strait. It was bordered by Ephesos in the North and Miletos ancient metropolis in the South.Figure 2. Aerial exposure of KadA ±kalesi ( WEB1 )Anaia is situated on a burial mound dating back to the prehistoric ages. Earliest ruins in KadA ±kalesi is dated to late chalcolithic period. Six different colony strata from late chalcolithic to Byzantine have been determined by diggings ( Akdeniz 2007 ) . These are: Stratum I- Islam-Byzantine ( Anaia ) Stratum II- Ancient Greece-Roman Empire Stratum III- Late Bronze Age ( three stages ) Stratum IV- Middle Bronze Age Stratum Va- Early Bronze Age III Stratum Vb- Early Bronze Age II Stratum Vc- Early Bronze Age I Stratum VI- Late Chalcolithic Age Name Anaia is first seen in the list of taxpaying towns of Attic-Delos Union in the first half of the 5 century BC. There is a deficiency of cognition for the Hellenistic period of Anaia. A temple dedicated to Hera had been present in Anaia in the Roman period ( 2neodymium– 3rdcentury AD ) . By the acceptance of Christianity as the official faith in 4Thursdaycentury AD Anaia had been an episcopate centre. In 13Thursdaycentury Anaia had been promoted to archbishop centre. The metropolis was transferred to the Genosians in 1261. Through the undermentioned 50 old ages the metropolis was occupied by the Genosians, the Venetians, the Catalans and the Turks. Anaia was captured by the Turks in the early 1300s. In the fourteenth century the country was under the regulation of AydA ±noglu Emirate and so in the fifteenth century it became under the regulation of Ottomans ( Mercangoz 2007 ) . Scientific digging in Anaia began in 2001 under the supervising of Prof.Dr. Zeynep Mercangoz ( Ege University ) . At first the purpose of the digging was to make some glade and allow the palace seen with all its impressiveness. But in 2005 a monumental church-monastery composite was uncovered. The Church has a basilical program with three naves and an apsis. Apse of the church is next to fortress wall. There is a five stepped brick synthronon in the apsis. On the west terminal of the church there are an esonarthex ( interior narthex ) and an exonarthex ( outer narthex ) that enclose the esonarthex at three sides. On the southeast corner of the esonarthex a chapel is located next to east wall of exonarthex and south wall of nave. There is a cistern associated with the church on the West of exonarthex ( Figure 3, 4 ) . Brick and rubble rock had been used in rows in masonry of church.Figure 3. Partial program of the church composite ( WEB 2 )Figure 4. Nave of the churchThe church has be en decorated with wall pictures which merely a little fragment is present. The most preserved pictures are located on the nathex walls, synthronon walls and trefoil planned infinite at the West of exonarthex ( Figure 5 ) .Figure 5. Wall painting fragments on the walls of a: esonarthex, B: nave, degree Celsius: synthrononA infrastructure located under the apsis of the church was uncovered during 2012 diggings. This infinite can be reached through an arched gap on the eastern terminal of the north frontage of the church. The walls of the infrastructure were built with cut rock blocks. Brick was used for the building of the vault. At a ulterior period a brace of buttresses and arches were added for support of the vault ( Figure 6 ) . The vault of the infrastructure has been decorated with intensive wall pictures ( Figure 7 ) .Figure 6. General position of the infrastructure. A: from North to south, B: from South to northFigure 7. Wall pictures on the vault of the infrastructure2. BaAYp A ±nar Mount Nif is located on the E of A °zmir Bay. It is bordered with KemalpaAYa lowland on the North, Karabel sound on the E and TorbalA ± lowland on the E. Former name of the Mount Nif was Olympos. Although there are many ruins of different civilizations dated from the eight century BC to the 13 century AD, most of them are from Hellenistic and Byzantine periods ( Tulunay 2008 ) . The first Archaeological diggings began in 2006 in Mount Nif. Excavations continues on four different colonies which are Karamattepe, BallA ±caoluk, DaAYkA ±zA ±lca and BaAYpA ±nar ( Figure 8 ) . An antediluvian colony which was used as cemetery at Hellenic period in Karamattepe, munition walls in BallA ±caoluk, a cemetery in DaAYkA ±zA ±lca and a Byzantine composite in BaAYpA ±nar was discovered ( Tulunay 2008 ) .KaramattepeBallA ±caolukDaAYkA ±zA ±lcaBaAYpA ±narFigure 8. Excavation countries of Nif ( Olympus ) Mountain Research and Excavation Project ( WEB 3 )Figure 9. General position of BaAYpA ±nar ChurchBaAYpA ±nar is located on the southeasterly incline of Mount Nif. Excavations on BaAYpA ±nar began in 2007 as a portion of â€Å"Nif ( Olympus ) Mountain Research and Excavation Project† under the supervising of Prof.Dr. Elif Tul Tulunay ( A °stanbul University ) . Ruins on BaAYpA ±nar is a Byzantine composite of two next churches and a chapel located on the South of churches ( Figure 9 ) . The church on the North ( Building A ) is a three aisled basilica with a apsis which is round from inside and polygonal from outside ( Tulunay 2012 ) . The church is 20*17 m in dimension. The church on the South ( Building B ) has a cross-in-square program with three round apsiss ( YalcA ±n 2011a ) . There is a simple synthronon in the cardinal apsis. Narthex is located on the West of churches.Figure 9. Aerial Photograph of Church compositeBrick and rubble rock had been used in rows in masonry of churches ( Figure 10a ) . Although the floor covering of the churches was damaged by illegal diggings in some parts â€Å"opus sectile† covering is preserved ( Figure 10b ) . Constructing A had been decorated with intensive wall pictures which merely a little portion survived today ( Figure 10c, 10d ) . These pictures represent different edifice phases du e to two different completing beds ( Figure 10e ) . Paintings are by and large cosmetic geometric bordures and conventionalized flowered designs. Harmonizing to the building technique, pallet and cosmetic features of pictures and features of the clayware covered through diggings the church composite is dated to Lascaris Period ( 13Thursdaycentury AD ) ( YalcA ±n 2011b ) .aBdegree Celsiussvitamin Dvitamin EFigure 10. General positions from BaAYpA ±nar Church. a: brick and rubble rock rows in masonry, B: Opus sectile floor covering, c-d: wall picture fragments, vitamin E: plaster beds3. Aigai The ancient metropolis of Aigai was located on Mount Gun at the 2 kilometer South of YunddaAYA ± Koseler Village in Manisa. Aigai was one of the 12 metropoliss of Aeolia founded by Aeolians migrated from Greece and settled in north-west Anatolia ( Strabon 2005 ) . Archaeological diggings indicate that the foundation of Aigai goes back to the first half of the 7th century BC ( DoAYer 2007 ) . Aigai make a base against Iranian laterality in 547 BC and maintained its independency. The metropolis had been dominated by the Kingdom of Pergamon until 133 BC. After that Aigai had been dominated by Roman Empire. Aigai was abandoned due to Arabic foraies in 7th century AD. In 12 – 13th centuries the colony contunied as a little Byzantine fortress on a limited country behind the Iron Gate ( Sezgin 2013 ) .Figure 11. Site program of Aigai ( Source: Bohn and Schuchhardt 1889 )The first research on the Ancient metropolis was carried out by S. Reinach and W.M. Ramsay in 1881. The first dig gings in Aigai was conducted by Gallic research worker M.A. Clerck in the summer of 1882. The most extended survey was conducted by Pergamon digging members R. Bohn and C. Scuchhardt ( Figure 11 ) ( Sezgin 2013 ) . Recent digging ( since 2004 ) in Aigai is carried out by a squad from Ege University Archaeology Department under the presidential term of Prof. Dr. Ersin DoAYer.Figure 12. Agora wall of AigaiFigure 13. Theatre of AigaiThe most of import constructions survived in Aigai are bouleterion, agora, theater, macellum, necropolis, cisterns, Tiberius Gate, Iron Gate and Byzantine Chapel ( Figure 12-13 ) . Byzantine Chapel is located near eastern metropolis wall on the field called the Iron Gate. The Chapel is a simple edifice with a rectangular program ( 12.40*6.20m ) and a individual apsis ( Figure 14 ) . Due to the tomps on the nor'-east corner of the apsis wall, it is thought that the edifice has served as a burial chapel for the little Christian community. Walls are constructed with spolia rock blocks on the outer parts and jumping brick and rock stuff on the inner parts. Mud howitzer is used. Traces of lime plaster are observed on the interior sides of the walls. Byzantine coins and glassy claywares found in chapel during diggings prove that the edifice was in usage in 12 – 13Thursdaycenturies ( DoAYer and Sezgin 2012 ) .Figure 14. Byzantine ChapelMentions Akdeniz, E. 2007. â€Å"KadA ±kalesi KazA ±sA ± Miken BuluntularA ± ( Mycenaean Findings from the Excavations of KadA ±kalesi ) .†Arkeoloji Dergisi1: 35-70. Bohn, R. , Schuchhardt, C. 1889. Altertumer von Aigai. German capital: Georg Reimer. DoAYer, E. 2007. Aigai 2004-2006 YA ±lA ± KazA ±larA ± .In 29. KazA ± SonuclarA ± ToplantA ±sA ± I. 28 May-01 June 2007. DoAYer, E. Sezgin, Y. 2012. Ege Universitesi KazA ±larA ± . A °zmir: Ege Universitesi. Mercangoz, Z. 2007. KuAYadasA ± , KadA ±kalesi KazA ±sA ± 2006 YA ±lA ± CalA ±AYmalarA ± .In 29. KazA ± SonuclarA ± ToplantA ±sA ± I.28 May- 01 June 2007. Ramsey, W.M. 1890.The Historical Geography of Asia Minor. London: John Murray Strabon. 2005.Antik Anadolu CoAYrafyasA ± – Geographika. A °stanbul: Arkeoloji ve Sanat YayA ±nlarA ± . Sezgin, Y. 2013. â€Å"Aiolis’te Bir DaAY Kenti: Aigai.†Trakya Universitesi Edebiyat Fakultesi Dergisi3/5: 95-116 Tulunay, E.T. 2012. â€Å"Smyrna ( A °zmir ) YakA ±nlarA ±nda Bircok Kulturu BarA ±ndA ±ran DaAY : Nif ( Olympos ) †COLLOQUIUM ANATOLICUM XI:81-99 Tulunay, E.T, 2008. Nif ( Olympos ) DaAYA ± AraAYtA ±rma Projesi: 2007 YA ±lA ± KazA ±sA ± .In 30. UluslararasA ± KazA ± , AraAYtA ±rma ve Arkeometri Sempozyumu, Ankara YalcA ±n, A.B. 2011a. â€Å"The Nif ( Nymphaion ) Mountain Project: A new Byzantine Complex Discovered.† A. Nikolov ( ed. ) , In the Proceedings of the 22neodymiumInternational Congress of Byzantine Studies, Sofia August 22-27. YalcA ±n, A. B 2011b â€Å"The Nif Mountain Project: The Byzantine Complex at BaAYpA ±nar.† , The International Scientific Conference ‘Ecclesiastical History Today: Recent Paradigms and New Approaches’ , 297-300. Moscow November 7-9.

Spirit Bound Chapter Eighteen

THE THING THAT REALLY SUCKS about being psychically linked to someone is that you have a pretty good idea when they're lying–or, in this case, not lying. Still, my response was immediate and instinctive. â€Å"That's not true.† â€Å"Isn't it?† She gave me a pointed look. She too knew that I could feel the truth in her words. â€Å"But that†¦ it can't†¦ † I wasn't at a loss for words very often–and certainly not with Lissa. So frequently in our relationship, I'd been the one being assertive and explaining to her why things had to be the way they were. Somewhere along the way, with me not realizing it, Lissa had lost that fragility. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said, voice still kind but also firm. The bond betrayed how much she hated telling me unpleasant things. â€Å"He asked me†¦ told me specifically not to let you come. That he doesn't want to see you.† I stared at her pleadingly, my voice almost childlike. â€Å"But why? Why would he say that? Of course he wants to see me. He must be confused†¦.† â€Å"I don't know, Rose. All I know is what he told me. I'm so sorry.† She reached for me like she might hug me, but I stepped away. My head was still reeling. â€Å"I'll go with you anyway. I'll wait upstairs with the other guardians. Then, when you tell Dimitri I'm there, he'll change his mind.† â€Å"I don't think you should,† she said. â€Å"He seemed really serious about you not coming–almost frantic. I think knowing you're there would upset him.† â€Å"Upset him? Upset him? Liss, it's me! He loves me. He needs me.† She winced, and I realized I'd been shouting at her. â€Å"I'm just going on what he said. It's all so confusing†¦ please. Don't put me in this position. Just†¦ wait and see what happens. And if you want to know what's going on, you can always†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lissa didn't finish, but I knew what she was suggesting. She was offering to let me see her meeting with Dimitri through the bond. It was a big gesture on her part–not that she could have stopped me if I wanted to do it. Still, she didn't usually like the idea of being â€Å"spied† on. This was the best thing she could think of to make me feel better. Not that it really did. All of this was still crazy. Me being denied access to Dimitri. Dimitri allegedly not wanting to see me! What the hell? My gut reaction was to ignore everything she'd just said and go along with her, demanding access when she arrived. The feelings in the bond were begging me not to, though. She didn't want to create trouble. She might not understand Dimitri's wishes either, but she felt they should be honored until the situation could be better assessed. â€Å"Please,† she said. The plaintive word finally cracked me. â€Å"Okay.† It killed me to say it. It was like admitting defeat. Think of it as a tactical retreat. â€Å"Thank you.† This time she did hug me. â€Å"I swear I'll get more information and figure out what's going on, okay?† I nodded, still dejected, and we walked out of the building together. With grim reluctance, I parted with her when the time came, letting her go off to the guardians' building while I headed toward my room. As soon as she was out of my sight, I immediately slipped into her head, watching through her eyes as she walked through the perfectly manicured grass. The bond was still a little hazy but growing clearer by the minute. Her feelings were a jumble. She felt bad for me, guilty that she'd had to refuse me. At the same time, she was anxious to visit Dimitri. She needed to see him too–but not in the same way I did. She still had that feeling of responsibility for him, that burning urge to protect him. When she arrived at the building's main office, the guardian who'd stopped me gave her a nod of greeting and then made a quick phone call. A few moments later, three guardians entered and gestured for Lissa to follow them into the depths of the building. They all looked unusually grim, even for guardians. â€Å"You don't have to do this,† one of them told her. â€Å"Just because he keeps asking†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's fine,† she said with the cool, dignified air of any royal. â€Å"I don't mind.† â€Å"There'll be plenty of guards around just like last time. You don't need to worry about your safety.† She gave all of them a sharp look. â€Å"I was never worried about it to begin with.† Their descent into the building's lower levels brought back painful memories of when Dimitri and I had visited Victor. That had been the Dimitri I'd had a perfect union with, the Dimitri who understood me entirely. And after the visit, he'd been enraged at Victor's threats against me. Dimitri had loved me so much that he'd been willing to do anything to protect me. A key card-protected door finally allowed access to the holding level, which consisted mostly of a long hallway lined with cells. It didn't have the depressing feel that Tarasov had had, but this place's stark and steel-lined industrial air didn't exactly inspire warm and fuzzy feelings. Lissa could hardly walk down the hall because it was so crowded with guardians. All that security for one person. It wasn't impossible for a Strigoi to break through a cell's steel bars, but Dimitri was no Strigoi. Why couldn't they see that? Were they blind? Lissa and her escort made their way through the crowd and came to a stop in front of his cell. It was as cold looking as everything else in this prison area, with no more furnishings than were absolutely required. Dimitri sat on the narrow bed, his legs drawn up to him as he leaned into a corner of the wall and kept his back to the cell's entrance. It wasn't what I had expected. Why wasn't he beating at the bars? Why wasn't he demanding to be released and telling them he wasn't a Strigoi? Why was he taking this so quietly? â€Å"Dimitri.† Lissa's voice was soft and gentle, filled with a warmth that stood out against the harshness of the cell. It was the voice of an angel. And as Dimitri slowly turned around, it was obvious he thought so too. His expression transformed before our eyes, going from bleakness to wonder. He wasn't the only one filled with wonder. My mind might have been tied to Lissa's, but back across Court, my own body nearly stopped breathing. The glimpse I'd gotten of him last night had been amazing. But this†¦ this full-on view of him looking at Lissa–at me–was awe-inspiring. It was a wonder. A gift. A miracle. Seriously. How could anyone think he was a Strigoi? And how could I have possibly let myself believe the Dimitri I'd been with in Siberia was this one? He'd cleaned up from the battle and wore jeans and a simple black T-shirt. His brown hair was tied back into a short ponytail, and a faint shadow across his lower face showed that he needed to shave. Probably no one would let him get near a razor. Regardless, it almost made him look sexier–more real, more dhampir. More alive. His eyes were what really pulled it all together. His death white skin–now gone–had always been startling, but those red eyes had been the worst. Now they were perfect. Exactly as they used to be. Warm and brown and long-lashed. I could have gazed at them forever. â€Å"Vasilisa,† he breathed. The sound of his voice made my chest tighten. God, I'd missed hearing him speak. â€Å"You came back.† As soon as he began approaching the bars, the guardians around Lissa started closing rank, ready to stop him should he indeed bust through. â€Å"Back off!† she snapped in a queenly tone, glaring at everyone around her. â€Å"Give us some space.† No one reacted right away, and she put more power into her voice. â€Å"I mean it! Step back!† I felt the slightest trickle of magic through our link. It wasn't a huge amount, but she was backing her words with a little spirit-induced compulsion. She could hardly control such a large group, but the command had enough force to make them clear out a little and create space between her and Dimitri. She turned her attention back to him, demeanor instantly changing from fierce to kind. â€Å"Of course I came back. How are you? Are they†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She cast a dangerous look at the guardians in the hall. â€Å"Are they treating you okay?† He shrugged. â€Å"Fine. Nobody's hurting me.† If he was anything like his old self, he would have never admitted if anyone was hurting him. â€Å"Just a lot of questions. So many questions.† He sounded weary, again†¦ very unlike a Strigoi who never needed rest. â€Å"And my eyes. They keep wanting to examine my eyes.† â€Å"But how do you feel?† she asked. â€Å"In your mind? In your heart?† If the whole situation hadn't been so sobering, I would have been amused. It was very much a therapist's line of questioning–something both Lissa and I had experienced a lot of. I'd hated being asked those questions, but now I truly wanted to know how Dimitri felt. His gaze, which had so intently focused on her, now drifted away and grew unfocused. â€Å"It's†¦ it's hard to describe. It's like I've woken up from a dream. A nightmare. Like I've been watching someone else act through my body–like I was at a movie or a play. But it wasn't someone else. It was me. All of it was me, and now here I am, and the whole world has shifted. I feel like I'm relearning everything.† â€Å"It'll pass. You'll get more used to it, once you settle back into your old self.† That was a guess on her part, but one she felt confident of. He inclined his head toward the gathered guardians. â€Å"They don't think so.† â€Å"They will,† she said adamantly. â€Å"We just need more time.† A small silence fell, and Lissa hesitated before speaking her next words. â€Å"Rose†¦ wants to see you.† Dimitri's dreamy, morose attitude snapped in a heartbeat. His eyes focused back on Lissa, and I got my first glimpse of true, intense emotion from him. â€Å"No. Anyone but her. I can't see her. Don't let her come here. Please.† Lissa swallowed, unsure how to respond. The fact that she had an audience made it harder. The best she could do was lower her voice so the others wouldn't hear. â€Å"But†¦ she loves you. She's worried about you. What happened†¦ with us being able to save you? Well, a lot of it was because of her.† â€Å"You saved me.† â€Å"I only did the final piece. The rest†¦ well, Rose did, um, a lot.† Say, like, organizing a prison break and releasing fugitives. Dimitri turned from Lissa, and the fire that had briefly lit his features faded. He walked over to the side of the cell and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and then opened them. â€Å"Anyone but her,† he repeated. â€Å"Not after what I did to her. I did a lot of things†¦ horrible things.† He turned his hands palm-up and stared at them for a moment, like he could see blood. â€Å"What I did to her was worst of all–especially because it was her. She came to save me from that state, and I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head. â€Å"I did terrible things to her. Terrible things to others. I can't face her after that. What I did was unforgivable.† â€Å"It's not,† said Lissa urgently. â€Å"It wasn't you. Not really. She'll forgive you.† â€Å"No. There's no forgiveness for me–not after what I did. I don't deserve her, don't deserve to even be around her. The only thing I can do†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He walked back over to Lissa, and to the astonishment of both of us, he fell to his knees before her. â€Å"The only thing I can do–the only redemption I can try for–is to pay you back for saving me.† â€Å"Dimitri,† she began uneasily, â€Å"I told you–â€Å" â€Å"I felt that power. In that moment, I felt you bring my soul back. I felt you heal it. That's a debt I can't ever repay, but I swear I'll spend the rest of my life trying.† He was looking up at her, that enraptured look back on his face. â€Å"I don't want that. There's nothing to repay.† â€Å"There's everything to pay,† he argued. â€Å"I owe you my life–my soul. It's the only way I can come close to ever redeeming myself for all the things I did. It's still not enough†¦ but it's all I can do.† He clasped his hands. â€Å"I swear, whatever you need, anything–if it's in my power–I'll do it. I'll serve and protect you for the rest of my life. I'll do whatever you ask. You have my loyalty forever.† Again, Lissa started to say she didn't want that, but then a canny thought came to mind. â€Å"Will you see Rose?† He grimaced. â€Å"Anything but that.† â€Å"Dimitri–â€Å" â€Å"Please. I'll do anything else for you, but if I see her†¦ it'll hurt too much.† That was probably the only reason that could have made Lissa drop the subject. That and the desperate, dejected look on Dimitri's face. It was one she had never seen before, one I'd never seen before either. He'd always been so invincible in my eyes, and this sign of vulnerability didn't make him seem weaker to me. It simply made him more complex. It made me love him more–and want to help him. Lissa could only give him a small nod as answer before one of the guardians in charge said she had to leave. Dimitri was still on his knees as they escorted her out, staring after her with an expression that said she was the closest to any hope he had left in this world. My heart twisted with both sorrow and jealousy–and a bit of anger too. I was the one he should have looked at that way. How dare he? How dare he act like Lissa was the greatest thing in the world? She'd done a lot to save him, true, but I was the one who'd traveled around the globe for him. I was the one who had continually risked my life for him. Most importantly, I was the one who loved him. How could he turn his back on that? Both Lissa and I were confused and upset as she left the building. Both of us were distraught over Dimitri's state. Despite how angry I was over his refusal to see me, I still felt horrible at seeing him so low. It killed me. He'd never acted that way before. After the Academy's attack, he had certainly been sad and had grieved over that loss. This was a different kind of despair. It was a deep sense of depression and guilt that he didn't feel he could escape from. Both Lissa and I were shocked by that. Dimitri had always been a man of action, someone ready to get up after a tragedy and fight the next battle. But this? This was unlike anything we'd ever seen in him, and Lissa and I had wildly varying ideas on how to solve it. Her gentler, sympathetic approach was to keep talking to him while also calmly persuading Court officials that Dimitri was no longer a threat. My solution to this problem was to go to Dimitri, no matter what he claimed he wanted. I'd busted in and out of a prison. Getting into a jail cell should be cake. I was still certain that once he saw me, he'd have a change of heart about all this redemption stuff. How could he truly think I wouldn't forgive him? I loved him. I understood. And as far as convincing officials that he wasn't dangerous†¦ well, my method there was a little fuzzy still, but I had a feeling it would involve a lot of yelling and beating on doors. Lissa knew perfectly well that I had observed her encounter with Dimitri, so she didn't feel obligated to come see me, not when she knew they could still use her over at the medical center. She'd heard Adrian had nearly collapsed with all the magic he'd wielded to help others. It seemed so uncharacteristic of him, so unselfish†¦ he'd done amazing deeds, at great cost to himself. Adrian. There was a problem. I hadn't had a chance to see him since getting back after the warehouse fight. And aside from hearing about him healing others, I really hadn't thought about him at all. I'd said that if Dimitri really could be saved, it didn't mean the end of Adrian and me. Yet, Dimitri had barely been back twenty-four hours, and here I was, already obsessing ov– â€Å"Lissa?† Despite the fact that I'd pulled back to my own mind, part of me was still absentmindedly following along with Lissa. Christian was standing outside the medical center, leaning against its wall. From his posture, it appeared as though he'd been there for a while waiting for something–or rather, someone. She came to a halt, and inexplicably, all thoughts of Dimitri vanished from her mind. Oh, come on. I wanted those two to patch things up, but we had no time for this. Dimitri's fate was a lot more important than bantering with Christian. Christian didn't look like he was in a snarky mood, though. His expression was curious and concerned as he regarded her. â€Å"How are you feeling?† he asked. They hadn't talked to each other since the ride back, and she'd been largely incoherent during a lot of it. â€Å"Fine.† She touched her face absentmindedly. â€Å"Adrian healed me.† â€Å"I guess he is good for something.† Okay, maybe Christian was feeling a little snarky today. But only a little. â€Å"Adrian's good for lots of things,† she said, though she couldn't help a small smile. â€Å"He ran himself into the ground here all night.† â€Å"What about you? I know how you are. As soon as you were up and around, you were probably right there beside him.† She shook her head. â€Å"No. After he healed me, I went to see Dimitri.† All mirth disappeared from Christian's face. â€Å"You've talked to him?† â€Å"Twice now. But yeah. I have.† â€Å"And?† â€Å"And what?† â€Å"What's he like?† â€Å"He's like Dimitri.† She suddenly frowned, reconsidering her words. â€Å"Well†¦ not quite like Dimitri.† â€Å"What, does he still have some Strigoi in him?† Christian straightened up, blue eyes flashing. â€Å"If he's still dangerous, you have no business going near–â€Å" â€Å"No!† she exclaimed. â€Å"He's not dangerous. And†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a few steps forward, returning his glare. â€Å"Even if he was, you have no business telling me what I can or can't do!† Christian sighed dramatically. â€Å"And here I thought Rose was the only one who threw herself into stupid situations, regardless of whether they might kill her.† Lissa's anger flared up rapidly, likely because of all the spirit she'd been using. â€Å"Hey, you didn't have any issues helping me stake Dimitri! You trained me for it.† â€Å"That was different. We were in a bad situation already, and if things went wrong†¦ well, I could have incinerated him.† Christian regarded her from head to toe, and there was something in his gaze†¦ something that seemed like more than just objective assessment. â€Å"But I didn't have to. You were amazing. You made the hit. I didn't know if you could, but you did†¦ and the fire†¦ You didn't flinch at all, but it must have been awful†¦.† There was a catch in his voice as he spoke, like he was only now truly assessing the consequences of what might have happened to Lissa. His concern and admiration made her flush, and she tilted her head–an old trick–so that the pieces of hair that had escaped from her ponytail would fall forward and hide her face. There was no need for it. Christian was now staring pointedly at the ground. â€Å"I had to do it,† she said at last. â€Å"I had to see if it was possible.† He looked up. â€Å"And it was†¦ right? There really isn't any trace of Strigoi?† â€Å"None. I'm positive. But no one believes it.† â€Å"Can you blame them? I mean, I helped out with it and I wanted it to be true†¦ but I'm not sure I ever really, truly thought someone could come back from that.† He glanced away again, his gaze resting on a lilac bush. Lissa could smell its scent, but the distant and troubled look on his face told her that his thoughts weren't on nature. Neither were they on Dimitri, I realized. He was thinking about his parents. What if there'd been spirit users around when the Ozeras had turned Strigoi? What if there had been a way to save them? Lissa, not guessing what I had, remarked, â€Å"I don't even know that I believed either. But as soon as it happened, well†¦ I knew. I know. There's no Strigoi in him. I have to help him. I have to make others realize it. I can't let them lock him up forever–or worse.† Getting Dimitri out of the warehouse without the other guardians staking him had been no easy feat for her, and she shivered recalling those first few seconds after his change when everyone had been shouting to kill him. Christian turned back and met her eyes curiously. â€Å"What did you mean when you said he was like Dimitri but not like Dimitri?† Her voice trembled a little when she spoke. â€Å"He's†¦ sad.† â€Å"Sad? Seems like he should be happy he was saved.† â€Å"No†¦ you don't understand. He feels awful about everything he did as a Strigoi. Guilty, depressed. He's punishing himself for it because he doesn't think he can be forgiven.† â€Å"Holy shit,† said Christian, clearly caught off guard. A few Moroi girls had walked by just then and looked scandalized at his swearing. They hurried off, whispering among themselves. Christian ignored them. â€Å"But he couldn't help it–â€Å" â€Å"I know, I know. I already went over it with him.† â€Å"Can Rose help?† â€Å"No,† Lissa said bluntly. Christian waited, apparently hoping she'd elaborate. He grew annoyed when she didn't. â€Å"What do you mean she can't? She should be able to help us more than anyone!† â€Å"I don't want to get into it.† My situation with Dimitri bothered her a lot. That made two of us. Lissa turned toward the medical building. It looked regal and castle-like on the outside, but it housed a facility as sterile and modern as any hospital. â€Å"Look, I need to get inside. And don't look at me like that.† â€Å"Like what?† he demanded, taking a few steps toward her. â€Å"That disapproving, pissed-off look you get when you don't get your way.† â€Å"I don't have that look!† â€Å"You have it right now.† She backed away from him, moving toward the center's door. â€Å"If you want the whole story, we can talk later, but I don't have the time†¦ and honestly†¦ I don't really feel like telling it.† That pissed-off look–and she was right, he did have it–faded a little. Almost nervously, he said, â€Å"Okay. Later then. And Lissa†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hmm?† â€Å"I'm glad you're all right. What you did last night†¦ well, it really was amazing.† Lissa stared at him for several heavy seconds, her heart rate rising slightly as she watched a light breeze ruffle his black hair. â€Å"I couldn't have done it without your help,† she said at last. With that, she turned and went inside, and I returned completely to my own head. And like earlier, I was at a loss. Lissa would be busy the rest of the day, and standing and yelling in the guardians' office wouldn't really help me get to Dimitri. Well, I supposed there was the off chance I might annoy them so much that they'd throw me in jail too. Then Dimitri and I would be next to each other. I promptly dismissed that plan, fearing the only thing it would land me with was more filing. What could I do? Nothing. I needed to see him again but didn't know how. I hated not having a plan. Lissa's encounter with Dimitri hadn't been nearly long enough for me, and anyway, I felt it was important to take him in through my eyes, not hers. And oh, that sadness†¦ that utter look of hopelessness. I couldn't stand it. I wanted to hold him, to tell him everything would be okay. I wanted to tell him I forgave him and that we'd make everything like it used to be. We could be together, just the way we planned†¦ The thought brought tears to my eyes, and left alone with my frustration and inactivity, I returned to my room and flounced onto the bed. Alone, I could finally let loose the sobs I'd been holding in since last night. I didn't even entirely know what I was crying for. The trauma and blood of the last day. My own broken heart. Dimitri's sorrow. The cruel circumstances that had ruined our lives. Really, there were a lot of choices. I stayed in my room for a good part of the day, lost in my own grief and restlessness. Over and over, I replayed Lissa's meeting with Dimitri, what he'd said and how he looked. I lost track of time, and it took a knock at the door to snap me out of my own suffocating emotions. Hastily rubbing an arm over my eyes, I opened the door to find Adrian standing out there. â€Å"Hey,† I said, a little surprised by his presence–not to mention guilty, considering I'd been moping over another guy. I wasn't ready to face Adrian yet, but it appeared I had no choice now. â€Å"Do you†¦ do you want to come in?† â€Å"Wish I could, little dhampir.† He seemed to be in a hurry, not like he'd come to have a relationship talk. â€Å"But this is just a drop-by visit to issue an invitation.† â€Å"Invitation?† I asked. My mind was still on Dimitri. Dimitri, Dimitri, Dimitri. â€Å"An invitation to a party.†