Thursday, May 21, 2020
The Role of Federal Agencies in Fighting Digital Crime
The Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other law enforcement agencies have similar challenges when fighting computer crimes and terrorism due to the recent development of computer technologies as well as constant threats. Federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement agencies have different responsibilities that work independently instead of on the same level, which can make it difficult to coordinate and cooperate to fight against computer crimes and terrorist threats. Local law enforcement agencies deal with more challenges than federal law enforcement agencies, which includes getting the necessary training, equipment, updated criminal codes designed to complement current enforcement efforts, and resources. The lack of training in computer crimes for most of local law enforcement agencies is a serious issue when trying to prosecute computer crimes. Untrained patrol officers can easily destroy computer evidence by accident, and cause the criminal to go free because there is no evidence linking the computer crime to the criminal. Local law enforcement agencies arenââ¬â¢t capable of deciphering encrypted computer evidence as federal law enforcement agencies are due to the fact that they donââ¬â¢t receive enough funding to get equipment to read encrypted evidence. The constant changes in computer technology have hindered legislative attempts to pass laws that are current and can apply it to the use of these new technologies. Computer crimes would beShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Federal Agencies in Fighting Digital Crime Essay827 Words à |à 4 Pagesfrom the independent nature of these agencies, as well as the other factors that are common to each of them. In the United States, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including FBI, Department of Homeland Security, among others, have taken on roles to fight computer crimes and terrorism. The roles and responses of these law enforcement agencies concerning digital crime have created challenges that limit enforcement efforts against digital crime. The Department Of Justice has hadRead MoreTechnology And The Criminal Justice System1009 Words à |à 5 Pageshave been significant advancements in technology which has in turn changed and increased the type of crimes in todayââ¬â¢s society. With the new technology, the criminals are ready to exploit it. So therefore, the future direction of crime fighting and its role in social policy implication are geared toward the advancements of technology. For criminal justice system to intervene, deter, or prevent crimes, they must be equipped with the latest technologies. Advancements to technology within the criminalRead MoreEssay on Digital Crime and Digital Terrorism1853 Words à |à 8 PagesDigital Crime and Digital Terrorism are crimes that are of high relevance to the roles and responses of law enforcement that involve offenses committed by way of, and aid of computers and other technology advanced devices that includes but is not limited to: identify theft, fraud, computer hackers, inside and outside espionage, white collar crimes, and virus and malicious code writers; in conjunction with digital terrorism in terms of concepts of information warfare and cyber terrorism. All of theseRead MoreInformation, Education, And Not For Forensic Purposes1503 Words à |à 7 Pageseducation, procedure and significance of the evidence. One of the main concerns in this field is still acquiring the information in a way that does not jeopardize the integrity of the information despite having the appropriate tools. This is because digital forensic scientists created the tools for security and other computer related purposes and not for forensic purposes (Casey, 2004, p.29). This poses specific issues when the investigators are trying to collect information in a manner that is acceptableRead MoreEmerging Trends Of Cyber Crime1867 Words à |à 8 PagesEmerging Trends in Cyber Crime Abstract- We are in a state where without computer and internet life does not seem possible. From the time of the evolution of computer and internet, large scale industries, commercial institutions, financial institutions have become more dependent on cyber space. But at the same time cyber crimes have become the biggest threat to the users of information technology. Considering cyber crimes, many countries have come-up with cyber laws, some countries have implementedRead MorePublic Awareness Campaigns Through Social Media Essay1597 Words à |à 7 Pagescompetitive free market that presently exists for the Internet and other interactive computer services, unfettered by Federal or State regulation.â⬠Now this is not to say that the UAS Congress is in any way okay with online sex trafficking, in fact, Congress has promoted the criminal law to deter and punish such trafficking. A good example of the congress doing its part to stop this crime is the ââ¬Å"Communications Decency Ac tâ⬠, that was passed by Congress in 1996, its purpose was to make the Internet a saferRead MoreEssay on Criminology in the Future3348 Words à |à 14 Pagesin the Future As the world changes, people change, new technology advances, and so does crime. Criminals look for new ways to commit crime and the ââ¬Å"loop holesâ⬠in the laws. The justice system needs to stay on top of these new technologies to protect the people. With the advancement of technology, law officials have to follow the rules of law. Law Enforcement must keep these ââ¬Å"libertiesâ⬠in mind when fighting cybercrime. The Bill of Rights guarantees ââ¬Å"civil libertiesâ⬠to Americans. These include theRead MoreAmber Alert Essay1606 Words à |à 7 Pagesthe child lives. Less than sixty of the children are returned to their families alive. Four percent of the children abducted are never found. Seventy-four percent of the children abducted are dead within three hours (Kidnapping Statistics, Kids Fighting Chance). To save childrenââ¬â¢s lives it is important to get the message out quickly and accurately. The AMBER Alert was created for the purpose of returning missing children to their families. What is the AMBER Alert, what is its purpose and criteriaRead MoreHomeland Security Essay1407 Words à |à 6 PagesHomeland Security Enterprise which primarily consists of intelligence from organizations such as the US Secre t Service, Coast Guard, and Transportation Security Administration. Recently, as a result of compromised programs of the National Security Agency, both the NSA and DHS have been backlashed in that they are both inefficient and do not obtain intelligence in a proper fashion as well as that they infringe upon the civil liberties of their citizens. The State of Florida feels that intelligenceRead MoreIdentifying And Prosecuting Computer Crime2560 Words à |à 11 PagesIdentifying and Prosecuting Computer Crime The development of any society is accompanied by a unique pattern of crime. The innovation of digital technology came to us as a blessing but not without itsââ¬â¢ dark side. This innovation brought about novel challenges popularly referred to as cyber-crime. Policing the prevalence of cyber-crime and its threat to electronic commerce has been of great concern to all government. Twenty-first century, the criminals increasingly rely on advanced technologies and
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Plastic Solutions For Therapeutic Medicines Essay - 761 Words
9. Remove Blackheads Clogged pores happen when your pores get to be hindered by oil and dead skin. The dark shading is not earth. At the point when the oil and dead skin are presented to the air, they oxidize, which turns them dark. There are numerous approaches to dispose of them, from homemade solutions for therapeutic medicines. On the off chance that you fail to understand the situation you could exacerbate it so cautious and do whatever it takes not to get excessively unglued. Everybody gets pimples in some cases, and everyone s skin is distinctive, however, you can discover a strategy that works for you. Know your skin sort. Knowing whether you have sleek, ordinary, dry, or even delicate skin will figure out what sort of item you ought to search for when purchasing a purifying item from your nearby store or drug store. The primary two classes of treatment are those with benzoyl peroxide and those with glycolic acid. Items with these dynamic fixings can bring about unfavorably susceptible responses. In the event that your skin responds gravely, stop utilizing it. You can really have more than one skin type, which is mix skin. For instance, your nose and brow might be sleek, however, you might have dryness on your cheeks. Most skin inflammation inclined skin is really touchy, as skin break out has a tendency to respond to items, for example, unforgiving cleanser, cosmetics, or aromas. If all else fails, run with items intended for the touchy skin. DirectionShow MoreRelatedPlastic Surgery Ethics Essay1605 Words à |à 7 PagesPlastic surgery is a rapidly evolving field spread around the world. Plastic surgery deals with human appearance and is becoming a more profitable business throughout the years. It is divided into two sections, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. An ethical dilemma that corresponds to plastic surgery is the loss of human values patients encounter once they undergo surgery. Also, individuals that depend on cosmetic surgery detract from patients that are in urgent need of these procedures. The replacementRead MoreCosmetic Surgery : Medical Medicine1236 Words à |à 5 Pagesappearance. Cosmetic surgery, also called plastic surgery dates back to 2000 B.C. In Egypt and India, ancient physicians practiced some of the most basic forms of plastic surgery. According to an article written in 1994 by Thomas V. DiBacco, reeds were used in Egyptian nose reconstruction to keep the nostrils open as the nose healed. I n 600 B.C., the Indian doctor Acharya Sushrut published the Sushruta Samhita, a collection of medical manuscripts about plastic surgery, the first of its kind in ancientRead MoreEssay on Blood Transfusions1243 Words à |à 5 Pagestime. Three years later, the introduction by J.F. Loutit and Patrick L. Mollison of acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) solution, which reduces the volume of anticoagulant, permitted transfusions of greater volumes of blood and allowed longer term storage. Carl Walter and W.P. Murphy, Jr. introduced the plastic bag for blood collection in 1950. Replacing breakable glass bottles with durable plastic bags allowed for the evolution of a collection system capable of safe and easy preparation of multiple blood componentsRead MoreWho Is A Doctor?950 Words à |à 4 PagesEleven years ago, I made a promise that I would never become a doctor. Of course, I knew nothing about medicine at the time. My family could not afford health care, and I rarely encountered a physician . But that year, I watched my brother enter college and give up his passions for what would become a short-lived attempt to become a doctor. He had been lured by my parentsââ¬â¢ stories of successful physicians who are free from financial troubles. Disturbed by these events, I made a vow not to become aRead MoreStem Cell Research1167 Words à |à 5 Pagescan be maintained so that they grow and divide indefinitely without differentiating. Likewise, they can differentiate into all the cell types in the body. They can be derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), sometimes also known as therapeutic cloning. A key advance in the development of cloning technology was the ability to selectively extract DNA from cells and insert the DNA into another cell. Restriction enzyme are enzymes that recognize specific sequences of the DNA buildingRead MoreThe Cloning Of The Medical Field Essay1712 Words à |à 7 Pagesproduced from a mammal cell. The scientist didnââ¬â¢t announce Dollyââ¬â¢s existence until nearly seven months later, gaining much attention TIME magazine featured Dolly the Sheep. Dolly later had 6 lambs. In 2001 Dolly developed arthritis, but was treated with medicine. Dollyââ¬â¢s death was euthanized because she was suffering from lung cancer and severe arthritis. Ever since then cloning became useful in the medical field for many reasons. There are 3 types of cloning. Molecular cloning which is also known as ââ¬Å"geneRead MoreCloning Is The Cloning Of Cloning1818 Words à |à 8 Pagesidentical duplication of genes, fragments of DNA molecules, organs, or cells. There are three different types of artificial cloning. They include gene cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning. Gene cloning produces copies of gene segments of DNA. Reproductive cloning produces copies of whole animals. Therapeutic cloning is another word for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and is the cloning of human embryo for research. Animals, plants, and Humans can all be cloned. One of the most importantRead MoreEssay on Qcf Diploma Health and Social Care2553 Words à |à 11 Pagesusers about the importance of seeking help and advice in case of when the service user cannot take the medication. You should know the therapeutic uses of the medication to be administered, dosage and side effects. You must always check that the prescription is by a pharmacist or doctor is clearly written on it. You are expected to check the expiry date of the medicine to be administered to the service user.............................................................................................Read MoreAnimal Pharmaceuticals And Its Effects On The Abundance Of Animal Species Essay2063 Words à |à 9 PagesINTRODUCTION Animal pharmaceuticals also known as veterinary pharmaceuticals are drugs or medicines used to prevent; diagnose and treat diseases, sickness, infections or injuries of the animal species. (Animal Health Institute, 2016) The uses of veterinary products allow the animals to gain back their health and sustain their life spent. The formulation of veterinary pharmaceuticals are develop according to the techniques and procedures uses in developing human drug dosage form as the fundamentalRead MoreA Report On Green Tortillas1462 Words à |à 6 Pagescurrently has. A community garden at the Common Hope NGO could produce fruits and vegetables that could be used onsite to feed children or ingredients for a healthy cooking class. The engaging green space will provide people of all ages with a therapeutic learning environment. Exposure to nature can reduce the stress community members may be feeling at home or work. Working in the garden in exchange for part of the harvest could help mitigate the limited access to healthy food while empowering people
Night World Daughters of Darkness Chapter 9 Free Essays
string(34) " world you were meant to be with\." Mary-Lynnetteââ¬â¢s hearing had gone funny. Sheheard Kestrelââ¬â¢s words like a character remembering a phrase In a bad movie. Kill them, kill them, kill them. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 9 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Mark laughed In a very strange way. This is going to be really rotten for him, MaryLynnette thought, curiously dispassionate. I mean, if we were going tolive through this, which weââ¬â¢re not, it would be really rotten for him. He was already afraidof girls, and sort of pessimistic about life in general ââ¬Å"Why donââ¬â¢t we all sit down?â⬠Rowan said with astifled sigh. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢ve got to figure this out.â⬠Mark threw back his head and gave another shortbark of a laugh. ââ¬Å"Why not?â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Letââ¬â¢s all sit down, why not?â⬠Theyââ¬â¢re fast as whippets, Mary-Lynnette thought.If we run now, theyââ¬â¢ll catch us. But If we sit, and they get comfortable, and I distract them-or hitthem with somethingâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Sitlâ⬠she ordered Mark briskly. Rowan and Kestrel moved away from the deer and sat. Jade stood with her hands on her hips for a moment, then sat,too. Sitting, Mark was still acting punch-drunk. Hewaved the flashlight around. ââ¬Å"You girls aresomethingelse. You girls are really-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re vampires,â⬠Jade said sharply. ââ¬Å"Yeah.â⬠Mark laughed quietly to himself. ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠he said again. Mary-Lynnette took the flashlight away from him. She wanted control of it. And it was heavy plastic and metal. It was a weapon. And while one layer of her mind was thinking:Shine the light in their eyesat just the rightmoment andthen hit oneof them; another part was thinking:Shemeans theyââ¬â¢repeoplewhothinktheyââ¬â¢re vampires;peoplewith that weird disease that makes them anemic; and one final part was saying:Youmight as well faceit;theyââ¬â¢re real. Mary-Lynnetteââ¬â¢s world view had been knocked rightout of the ballpark. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t you justhate that,â⬠Mark was saying. ââ¬Å"You meet a girl and she seems pretty nice and you tell all your friends and then before you know it she turnsout to be avampire.Donââ¬â¢t you just hate it when that happens?â⬠Oh. God, heââ¬â¢s hysterical, Mary-Lynnette realized. She grabbed his shoulder and hissed in his ear, ââ¬Å"Get a grip, now.â⬠, ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t see what the point is in talking to them,Rowan,â⬠Kestrel was saying. ââ¬Å"You know what wehave to do.â⬠And Rowan was rubbing her forehead. ââ¬Å"I was thinkingwe might influence them,â⬠she said in an undertone. ââ¬Å"You know why that wonââ¬â¢t work.â⬠Kestrelââ¬â¢s voice was soft and flat. ââ¬Å"Why?â⬠Jade said sharply. ââ¬Å"They followed us for a reason,â⬠Rowan saidtiredly. She nodded toward the hole. ââ¬Å"So theyââ¬â¢ve been suspicious for a while-for how long?â⬠She looked at Mary-Lynnette. ââ¬Å"I saw you dig the hole Tuesday night,â⬠MaryLynnette said. She nodded toward the hole. ââ¬Å"Is that your aunt in there?â⬠There was a brief silence and Rowan looked selfconscious. Then she inclined her head slightly. Gracefully. ââ¬Å"Oh, hell,â⬠Mark said. His eyes were shut and his head was rolling on his neck. ââ¬Å"Oh,hell. Theyââ¬â¢ve got Mrs. B. in a bag.â⬠ââ¬Å"Two days,â⬠Rowan said to Jade. ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢ve suspected for two whole days. And we canââ¬â¢t remove memories that are interlaced with other things for that long. Weââ¬â¢d never know if we got them all.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, we could just takeeverything for the last two days,â⬠Jade said. Kestrel snorted. ââ¬Å"And have two more people wandering around with lost time?â⬠Mary-Lynnetteââ¬â¢s mind went click. ââ¬Å"Todd Akers andVic Kimble,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"You did something to give them amnesia.I knew there had to be a connection.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s no other choice for us,â⬠Kestrel said quietly to Rowan. ââ¬Å"And you know it as well as I do.â⬠Sheââ¬â¢s not being malicious, Mary-Lynnette realized.Just practical. If a lioness or a wolf or a falcon could talk, it would say the same thing. ââ¬Å"We have to either kill or die; itââ¬â¢s as simple as that.â⬠Despite herself, Mary-Lynnette felt something like fascination-and respect. Mark had his eyes open now. And Rowan was looking sad, so sad. Itââ¬â¢s awful, her expression said, but somebody here is going to have to get hurt. Rowan bowed her head, then lifted it to face MaryLynnette directly. Their eyes met, held. After a moment Rowanââ¬â¢s face changed slightly and she nodded. Mary-Lynnette knew that in that instant they werecommunicating without words. Each recognizing the other as an alpha female who was willing to fightand die for her kin. Meaning they were both big sisters. Yes, somebodyââ¬â¢s going to get hurt, Mary-Lynnette thought. You threaten myfamily,I fight back. She knew Rowan understood. Rowan was going to really hate killing herâ⬠¦. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠a voice said passionately, and MaryLynnette realized it was Jade. And the next second Jade was on her feet, hands clenched, words erupting like a steam boiler exploding. ââ¬Å"No, youcanââ¬â¢tkill Mark. I wonââ¬â¢tletyou.â⬠Rowan said, ââ¬Å"Jade, I know this is hard-ââ¬Å"Kestrel said, ââ¬Å"Jade, donââ¬â¢t be a wimp-ââ¬Å" Jade was trembling, body tensed like a cat ready to fight. Her voice was louder than either of them. ââ¬Å"You just canââ¬â¢t do itl I think -Ithink-â⬠ââ¬Å"Jade-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"I thinkheââ¬â¢s my soulmate!â⬠Dead silence. Then Rowan groaned. ââ¬Å"Oh, dearâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Kestrel said, ââ¬Å"Oh,sure.â⬠They were both looking at Jade. Focused on her. Mary-Lynnette thought, now. She swung the flashlight viciously at Kestrel, wanting to take her out first, betting that Rowan would stay behind if Kestrel were hurt. But the swing never connected, Mark threw himself in front of her, slamming into her arm. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t hurt Jade!â⬠Then everything was just a mad tangle. Arms, legs,grasping fingers, kicking feet. Jade and Mark both yelling for it to stop. Mary-Lynnette felt the flashlight wrenched out of her hand. She found long hair, got hold of it, yanked. Someone kicked her, and pain blossomed in her ribs. Then she felt herself being dragged backward Mark was holding her, pulling her away from thefight. Jade was lying on top of Kestrel and clutching at Rowan. Everybody was panting. Mark was almost crying. ââ¬Å"We just canââ¬â¢t do this,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"This is terrible.This is all wrong.â⬠Meanwhile Jade was snarling, ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s my soulmate,okay?Okay? I canââ¬â¢t do anything with himdead!â⬠ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s not your soulmate, idiot,â⬠Kestrel said in a somewhat muffled voice. She was facedown on the carpet of needles. ââ¬Å"When youââ¬â¢re soulmates, it hits you like lightning, and you know thatââ¬â¢s the one person in the world you were meant to be with. You read "Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 9" in category "Essay examples" Youdonââ¬â¢tthink youââ¬â¢re soulmates; you just know itââ¬â¢s your destiny whether you like it or not.â⬠Somewhere, deep in Mary-Lynnetteââ¬â¢s brain, something stirred in alarm. But she had more urgentthings to worry about. ââ¬Å"Mark, get out of here,â⬠she said breathlessly. ?Run!? Mark didnââ¬â¢t even ease his grip. ââ¬Å"Why do we have to be enemies?â⬠ââ¬Å"Mark, theyââ¬â¢re killers .You canââ¬â¢t justify that. They killed their own aunt.â⬠Three faces turned toward her, startled. A half-fullmoon had risen above the trees, and Mary-Lynnette could see them clearly. ââ¬Å"We didnot!â⬠Jade said indignantly. ââ¬Å"What made you think that?â⬠Rowan asked.Mary-Lynnette felt her mouth hang open. ââ¬Å"Be cause you buried her, for Godââ¬â¢s sakelâ⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, but we found her dead.â⬠ââ¬Å"Somebody staked her,â⬠Kestrel said, brushingpine needles out of her golden hair. ââ¬Å"Probably a vampire hunter. I donââ¬â¢t suppose youââ¬â¢d know anything about that.â⬠Mark gulped. ââ¬Å"Staked her-with a stake?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, with a picket from the fence,â⬠Kestrel said. ââ¬Å"She was already dead?â⬠Mary-Lynnette said toRowan. ââ¬Å"But then why on earth did you bury her in the backyard?â⬠ââ¬Å"It would have been disrespectful to leave her in the cellar.â⬠ââ¬ËBut why didnââ¬â¢t you have her taken to a cemetery?â⬠Rowan looked dismayed. Jade said, ââ¬Å"Um, you havenââ¬â¢t seen Aunt Opal.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s not looking so good,â⬠Kestrel said. ââ¬Å"Kind ofhard and stiff. You might say mummified.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s what happens to us,â⬠Rowan said almostapologetically. Mary-Lynnette slumped back against Mark, trying to get her new world view into place. Everything was whirling. ââ¬Å"Soâ⬠¦ you were just trying to hide her. But â⬠¦ you did do something to Todd Akers and Vic Kim-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Theyattackedus,â⬠Jade interrupted. ââ¬Å"They were thinking very bad things and they pinched our arms.â⬠ââ¬Å"They-?â⬠Mary-Lynnette sat up suddenly. All at once she understood. ââ¬Å"Oh, my God. Those jerks!â⬠Why hadnââ¬â¢t she thought of that? Todd and Vielast year there bad been rumors about them jumping some girl from Westgrove. So theyââ¬â¢d tried it on these girls, and â⬠¦ Mary-Lynnette gasped and then snorted with half inhaled laughter. ââ¬Å"Oh, no. Oh, I hope you got them good ââ¬Å"We just bit them a little,â⬠Rowan said. ââ¬Å"I wish Iââ¬â¢d been there tosee it.â⬠She was laughing. Rowan was smiling. Kestrel was grinning barbarically. And suddenly Mary-Lynnette knew that they werenââ¬â¢t going to fight anymore. Everybody took a deep breath and sat back and looked at one another. They do look different from normal humans, Mary-Lynnette thought, staring at them in the moonlight. Itââ¬â¢s so obvious once you know. They wereinhumanly beautiful, of course. Rowanwith her soft chestnut hair and sweet face; Kestrelwith her feral sleekness and golden eyes; Jade with her delicate features and her hair like starshine. Likethe Three Graces, only fiercer. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠Rowan said softly. ââ¬Å"We seem to have asituation here. Now weââ¬â¢ve got to figure somethingout.â⬠ââ¬Å"We wonââ¬â¢t tell on you,â⬠Mark said. He and Jadewere gazing at each other. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢ve got Romeo and Juliet on our hands here is what weââ¬â¢ve got,â⬠Mary-Lynnette said to Rowan. But Kestrel was speaking to Rowan, too. ââ¬Å"No matterwhatthey promise, how do we know we can be lieve them?â⬠Rowan considered, eyes roving around the clearing. Then she let out a long breath and nodded. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s only one way,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Blood-tie.â⬠Kestrelââ¬â¢s eyebrowsflew up. ââ¬Å"Oh, really?â⬠ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠Mary-Lynnette asked. ââ¬Å"A blood-tie?â⬠Rowan looked helpless. ââ¬Å"Well, itââ¬â¢s akinship ceremony, you know.â⬠When Mary-Lynnette just looked at her, she went on: ââ¬Å"It makes our families related. Itââ¬â¢s like, one of our ancestors did it with a family of witches.:ââ¬â¢ Witches, Mary-Lynnette thought. Oh â⬠¦gosh. Sowitches are real, too. I wonder how many other things are real that I donââ¬â¢t know about? ââ¬Å"Vampires donââ¬â¢t usually get along with witches,â⬠Rowan was saying. ââ¬Å"And HunterRedfern-thatââ¬â¢s our ancestor-had a real blood feud going with themback in the sixteen hundreds.â⬠ââ¬Å"But then he couldnââ¬â¢t have kids,â⬠Jade said gleefully. ââ¬Å"And he needed a witch to help or the wholeRedfern familywould end with him. So he had to apologize and do a kinship ceremony. And then he had all daughters.Ha ha.â⬠Mary-Lynnette blinked. Ha ha? ââ¬Å"So, you see, weââ¬â¢re part witch. All the Redfern are,â⬠Rowan was explaining in her gentle teachingvoice. ââ¬Å"Our father used to say thatââ¬â¢s why weââ¬â¢re so disobedient,â⬠Jade said. ââ¬Å"Because itââ¬â¢s in our genes . Because in witchfamilies, womenare in charge.â⬠Mary-Lynnette began to like witches. ââ¬Å"Ha ha,â⬠shesaid. Mark gave her a skittish sideways look. ââ¬Å"The point is that we could do a ceremony like that now,â⬠Rowan said. ââ¬Å"It would make us family forever. We couldnââ¬â¢t betray each other.â⬠ââ¬Å"No problem,â⬠Mark said, still looking at Jade. ââ¬Å"Fine with me,â⬠Jade said, and gave him a quick, fierce smile. But Mary-Lynnette was thinking. It was a serious thing Rowan was talking about. You couldnââ¬â¢t do something like this on a whim. It was worse than adopting a puppy; it was more like getting married. It was a lifetimeresponsibility. And even if these girls didnââ¬â¢t kill humans, they killed animals. With their teeth. But so did people. And not always for food. Wasit worse to drink deer blood than to make baby cows into boots? Besides, strange as it seemed, she felt dose to the three sisters already. In the last couple of minutessheââ¬â¢d established more of a relationship with Rowanthan she ever had with any girl at school. Fascination and respect had turned into a weird kind of instinctive trust. And besidethat, what other real choice was there? Mary-Lynnette looked at mark, and then atRowan. She nodded slowly. ââ¬Å"Okay.â⬠Rowan turned to Kestrel. ââ¬Å"So Iââ¬â¢m supposed to decide, am I?â⬠Kestrel said.â⬠We canââ¬â¢t do it without you,â⬠Rowan said. ââ¬Å"You know that.â⬠Kestrel looked away. Her golden eyes were narrowed. In the moonlight her profile was absolutely perfect against the darkness of trees. ââ¬Å"It would mean we could never go home again. Make ourselves kin to vermin? Thatââ¬â¢s what theyââ¬â¢dsay.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whoââ¬â¢s vermin?â⬠Mark said, jolted out of his communion with Jade. Nobody answered. Jade said, with odd dignity, ââ¬Å"Icanââ¬â¢t go home, anyway. Iââ¬â¢m in love with an Outsider. And Iââ¬â¢m going to tell him about the Night World. SoIââ¬â¢m dead no matter what.â⬠Mark was opening his mouth-to protest that Jade shouldnââ¬â¢t take such arisk forhim,Mary-Lynnette thought-when Jade added absently, ââ¬Å"And so is he, of course.â⬠Mark shut his mouth. Rowan said ââ¬Å"Kestrel, weââ¬â¢ve come too far to go back.â⬠Kestrel stared at the forest for another minute orso. Then suddenly she turned back to the others, laughing. There was something wild in her eyes. ââ¬Å"All right, letââ¬â¢s go the whole way,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Tell them everything. Break every rule. We might as well.â⬠Mary-Lynnette felt a twinge. She hoped she wasnââ¬â¢tgoing to regret this. But what she said was ââ¬Å"Just how do we do this-ceremony?â⬠ââ¬Å"Exchange blood. Iââ¬â¢ve never done it before, but itââ¬â¢s simple.â⬠ââ¬Å"It might be a little bit strange, though,â⬠Jade said ââ¬Å"because youââ¬â¢ll be a little bit vampires afterward.â⬠ââ¬Å"A little bit what?â⬠Mary-Lynnette said, her voice rising in spite of her. ââ¬Å"Just a little bit.â⬠Jade was measuring out tiny bitsof air between her index finger and thumb. ââ¬Å"A drop.â⬠Kestrel cast a look skyward. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢ll go away in a few days,â⬠she said heavily, which was what MaryLynnette wanted to know. ââ¬Å"As long as you donââ¬â¢t get yourself bitten by a vampire again in the meanwhile,â⬠Rowan added. ââ¬Å"Otherwise, itââ¬â¢s perfectly safe. Honestly.â⬠Mary-Lynnette and Mark exchanged glances. Not to discuss things, theyââ¬â¢d gone beyond that now. Just to brace themselves. Then Mary-Lynnette took a deep breath and flicked a bit of fern off her knee. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠she said, feeling lightheaded but determined. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re ready.â⬠How to cite Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 9, Essay examples
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