Bfdi Crew

Together with a crew of five, teenage Bharat was dispatched on an Interdimensional mission in the Dark realm to recover a priceless object in order to prevent further harm to human civilization. They had to avoid several hazards and flee the wicked creatures of the Dark Realm during this process. Will their mission be successful? How are they going to take the important object and steal it from the Evil creatures?

A young boy named Micheal is 'woken' to a destiny he never pursued.Chosen by the jungle, he is thrown into a world of magic, danger, ancient and mystery wars. where the line of friend and foe blurs with each passing step. It is an alive sprawling force full of beauty and danger. The thing is, it is fractured, too. Beneath the surface teeming with life, darkness brews, ready to consume everything in its path. As Micheal explores this living maze, he finds Selene ,Kai, Riven and Jade who are members of his crew having same vision to save the jungle and it's magic from the dark world. Every victory that Micheal and his crew wins drags them deeper into the web of the jungle-testing his courage, his will, and his very humanity. With such shadowy figures as crimson warlord, who wish to twist his purpose, and have the whole world for themselves. Micheal has to decide if he should give in to the magic of the jungle and lose himself or resist it at the risk of everything else. On one final conflict between the forces of old, Micheal's decisions will seal more than his fate. The balance of the jungle, maybe even the world, rests on his shoulders. It's now time or never. The jungle has called him, and its heart waits for no one.

In a world ruled by strength, only the bold dare to chase the gods’ favor. Eirik, the son of a humble farmer, has always gazed beyond the fjords of Hrafnsfjord, longing for the freedom of the sea. When a ruthless Jarl offers him a chance to prove his worth, Eirik steps forward — not as a warrior, but as a man determined to carve his name into legend. With no wealth, no title, and no army, Eirik must fight for every scrap of respect. He learns the ways of the sword, the art of leadership, and the brutal truths of Viking warfare. From defending his village to leading daring raids across foreign shores, each victory brings him closer to his goal. But every triumph comes at a cost, and the blood spilled on his path threatens to consume him. Through fierce battles, hard-won alliances, and bitter rivalries, Eirik’s name begins to echo across the North. From a raider with a ragtag crew to an ambitious leader of men, his rise is unstoppable. Yet the gods are fickle, and not all who seek the throne survive to claim it. With the seas calling and the crown of the Vikings within reach, Eirik must face not only his enemies but the demons within. Will he become a tyrant, feared and hated? Or will he rise as a true king, uniting the clans under his banner? The saga of the farmer’s son has begun. The North will remember the name Eirik the Stormborn.

Earth is collapsing under violent quantum storms, tearing apart the fabric of reality itself. The last hope of survival—ARK-17, an evacuation mission led by Commander Orion Vale and his crew, set to escape the dying planet. But when a mysterious Sanskrit signal—"Pralaya"—echoes from deep space, everything changes. Dr. Liora Kael, a brilliant yet reckless quantum physicist, believes the message isn’t a warning… but an invitation. Something is waiting for them. Now, as ARK-17 ventures into the unknown, they find themselves trapped in a cosmic rift, where time loops, forgotten worlds exist, and a dead Earth stares back at them from the void. Something is rewriting reality. They thought they were humanity’s last survivors. They were wrong. Because something far older has been watching. And it’s been waiting for them to arrive… "THE END BEGAN LONG BEFORE WE SAW IT COMING."

Before Zoro's recruitment, Monkey D. Luffy crossed paths with a young man named Dikun Silver — a master of twin daggers, a cunning strategist, and a man of unmatched intelligence. Though initially hesitant to join a pirate crew, Dikun was drawn to Luffy's unwavering resolve and grand dream. Recognizing Luffy’s potential, he pledged his loyalty and became the Vice-Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. While Luffy sought to gather a small crew of ten, Dikun believed in the power of strategy and numbers. Understanding the dangers of the Grand Line, he secretly expanded the crew’s strength by recruiting and training foot soldiers — a disciplined force devoted to protecting Luffy’s dream. To the world, Dikun was known as a silent commander who avoided combat, relying solely on tactics to outsmart his enemies. Marines and rival pirates underestimated him, believing he was no more than a frail tactician. But what they failed to realize was that Dikun Silver had simply never encountered a foe worthy of witnessing his true strength. When forced to fight, he unleashed a devastating prowess that rivaled even the most notorious pirates. In truth, Dikun’s power surpassed Luffy’s when he fought without restraint — a fact he kept hidden to ensure the world continued underestimating him. Yet, Dikun’s strength was not what made him invaluable. His loyalty to Luffy, his unwavering bond with the Straw Hats, and his belief in their shared dream cemented his role as the crew’s silent protector. His only ambition was to become the Greatest Commander in the World, ensuring that no force could stand in the way of Luffy’s path to becoming the Pirate King. This is the untold story of Dikun Silver, the Vice-Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, and the Silent Commander who changed the tides of the Grand Line forever.

In a city ruled by gangs and corruption, Bloodfang High is no ordinary school. It's a battleground where the strong prey on the weak, and only the ruthless survive. Enter Dikun Silver, an 18-year-old nobody with no strength, no reputation, and no hope. Forced to enroll in the infamous delinquent school, Dikun is determined to keep his head down and endure the torment. But when a mysterious system awakens within him, everything changes. The Martial Mastery System offers him a path to power — the ability to learn martial arts simply by stepping into a gym. From the basics of boxing to the brutal strikes of Muay Thai, Dikun must fight, endure, and grow stronger. With every punch thrown and every battle faced, his skills evolve, rising from F-Class to the legendary SSS-Class. But strength alone isn’t enough. Bloodfang High is plagued with violent factions and ruthless leaders. To survive, Dikun must learn the brutal ways of a gangster — forging alliances, leading his own crew, and challenging the school’s deadliest fighters. With no guns, only raw fists and steel resolve, he will carve his name into the streets. From a weakling to a leader, Dikun Silver’s rise will shake the foundations of Bloodfang High. The road to the top is paved with blood. And Dikun is ready to fight for every step. "Rise of the Gang Leader" — Where the weak become strong, and the strong become legends.

Beneath the Great Veil's obsidian shroud, emotions are a death sentence. Kael Emberheart, 15, laughs anyway-his smile a spark in the gray. When his best friend Taren dies for weeping over a bird, Kael's fire wakes, burning Sentinels to ash. Betrayed by a spy and scarred by loss, he swears to shatter the Veil, free every heart, and see the stars Taren dreamed of. But his flames come with a cost-each burst feeds the Veil, and whispers call his name. In the shifting Emberfall Expanse, Kael gathers the Fireborn-outcasts with dreams as fierce as his own-to face warlords, Leviathans, and a Keeper older than the sky. Will his fire free the world-or consume him? A saga of defiance begins with a single ember. Updated weekly. Join Kael's crew-burn with us!

Humanity's search for extraterrestrial is an never ending phenomenon. In the year 2050, Theo a brilliant scientist was on a space mission when his spaceship crashed! Not long he found himself alone without his crew in a world that was oddly familiar to him. What will happen to him? Will he be able to escape his strange fate? Will he try to return home or wander around finding the semblance of civilization that he left behind? Witness him wandering this unknown world looking for answers.

Fatal Lullaby (Revised Edition) by Jenni Teel Tara Stele wakes in the ruins of her childhood home, her hands slick with blood, her mother's lullaby echoing in the hollow silence. She doesn't remember killing her parents, but the world is certain she did. Banished to the Shade Territory-a decaying prison where exiled supernaturals fight to survive-Tara is forced into hiding among the notorious Shades of Orphan crew. But secrets don't stay buried for long. Hunted by the Division of Non-Human Affairs and a bounty hanging over her head, Tara must unravel the truth behind her own existence. As her powers awaken, so does something darker-whispers of gods long thought dead, fragments of war and prophecy twisting through her veins. With a past she can't trust and a future she can't escape, Tara is faced with an impossible fate. Will she become the weapon she was made to be, or will she forge a new path before the world burns around her? This is the revised edition of Fatal Lullaby by JenniferLayneTeel on Wattpad. I lost access to my account, and since it's nearly the ten-year anniversary, I decided to rewrite, revise, and re-give-it-a-go!

The story follows a young boy named david aztlan who was once a normal human but now has become an alien race called the aztlanians who is trying to enjoy his long life to the very fullest by going on many fun adventure's and quests alike with his growing crew called the worst prodigy but in order to have his stolen freedom given back too him he has start by stopping the evil organization called the injustice order lead by king jester humane who is the last ancient human on the planet earth who is on a mission to exterminate the aztlanian race for good from planet earth david and his crew member's having no other choice decide to fight back fighting fighter's, monster's, alien's, and even gods themselves for a better and brighter future full of freedom and no restriction placed on them whatsoever.

Captain Reins Drake, a witty seafarer under the command of the ruthless Commodore Harring, discovers human cargo hidden aboard his ship. Choosing morality over obedience, he frees the captives—but is betrayed, branded a pirate, and imprisoned. In the depths of despair, Reins finds unlikely hope in Njord, a massive former captive whose crew launches a daring rescue. Together they escape, and Reins reclaims his sword and his freedom. Offered the chance to lead a new crew, Reins embraces his true calling—not as a servant of a trading company, but as a free man and captain of his own destiny.

.............WSA 25 entry............. Stealing from mortals? Too easy. But stealing from the gods? Now that’s an art. Alister grew up on the streets, surviving through wit and theft. Under the alias Ace, he became a master thief, never caught, never seen—until one heist changed everything. Betrayed by a partner and cornered by a god’s champion, Alister should have died. Instead, he stole something no human unchosen by the gods should have, a shard of power, specifically, the shard of Loki. The shard granted him [Theft], a power that lets him steal anything. With this power, Alister assembles a crew of those wronged by the divine. Their target? The heavens themselves. After all, if the gods won’t share their power… he’ll just take it.

In a dark alley, obscured from the prying eyes of people, the muffled grunts of a shadowy figure beaten to a pulp were barely visible. Four hooded figures were standing around the bloody figure on the ground as he looked up in hate. Kraign struggled to his feet, his face mangled beyond recognition. "All of you idiots shall pay. THE WORLD WILL BURN!! "Boss, I think he's gone mad, we should leave", one of the hooded figures said on a low voice. "Was thinking the same thing", the shortest hooded figure replied, retreating with his crew, leaving the boy in the ground, barely breathing. As death drew near, things all went wrong.

In the distant Eldrathis Galaxy, a vast and uncharted frontier teeming with ancient ruins and deadly secrets, humanity is a small fish in an ocean of monsters. But that doesn’t stop treasure hunters like Clara Dravenmoor, a brilliant and reckless archaeologist, and the Safira's crew, from chasing lost relics buried in the void. Her latest mission? Recovering a priceless artifact from the ruins of Zhaaros, a hostile planet plagued by nomadic warlords and nightmarish creatures. But what she finds isn’t just a relic. It’s him. A pale, otherworldly man, locked away for centuries in a high-tech sarcophagus, covered in mystical markings and dripping with an aura of power that defies reality. He looks confused. No memories. No idea why he was trapped there. But he doesn't look angry. He looks eager. Excited to follow Clara in the Safira through the vast and magnificent galaxy.

Elias Voss is a 21st-century economics student trapped in the body of Lorenzo di Civita , a debt-ridden spice trader in the oligarchic republic of Valenzo . In a world where merchant guilds control every aspect of trade—from silk roads to alchemical patents—Lorenzo’s only inheritance is a ramshackle stall and a death threat from the powerful Casa di Ferro guild. But Lorenzo has a weapon his enemies can’t fathom: modern economics . Using concepts like supply-chain optimization, futures markets, and decentralized networks, he begins smuggling contraband spices through pirate-infested waters, undercutting guild monopolies. As he recruits a ragtag alliance of sailors, alchemists, and disgraced nobles, Lorenzo’s shadow economy ignites a rebellion. Yet the guilds strike back. Assassins stalk his crew. A rival trader, Seraphina Contarini (heiress to a shipping dynasty), toys with him in a deadly game of romance and sabotage. Worse, Lorenzo’s innovations catch the eye of Duke Aurelio , the ailing republican leader, who sees in him a pawn to destabilize foreign rivals. When Lorenzo’s closest ally is publicly executed for heresy, he faces a choice: retreat to his newfound wealth or gamble everything to dismantle the guilds’ stranglehold. But as his revolution gains momentum, he realizes the greatest threat isn’t the oligarchs—it’s the vacuum of power he’ll leave behind.

"Take me to him…" Was the last thought of Maria Javier as the dark sea claimed her. All she wants is for her mother to love her. All she wants is to be loved. But each time love is within reach, tragedy would happen. Maria never imagined that the woman who gave her life was the same who would take it away. Zacary Archer was a pirate that ruled both land and sea. With three Nations under him, he was a force to be reckoned with. His wits made him unstoppable. His charm made him irresistible. His anger was something to fear. His crew of loyal men was deadly. He can have everything he wants, but the one thing he vowed not to want is love. Not again. Yet the woman he "caught" was impossible to resist, and in the high seas where danger was everywhere, it was his duty to make sure she was safe. Even from his own thoughts. In a world Maria knows nothing about, Zac introduces her to a world filled with wonder and adventure. And then duty calls him, could he still keep her? Or will he lose her?

Bounty Hunter, Jack Fox's latest bounty job goes sideways when he runs into Arissa Tusoni—his ex, now a rogue assassin with a score to settle. Then enter Eden, a girl with no past, no records, and powers that defy reason. But Eden’s no ordinary fugitive—she’s a living weapon created by Bennett Tech, a galaxy-spanning corporate empire. And they’ll stop at nothing to reclaim her. Thrown together with Kane Coulson, a cyber-merc with a sarcastic AI living in his head, Jack and Arissa are stuck on the same side of the fight. Their new mission: keep Eden alive and out of Bennett Tech's hands long enough to uncover the dark truth behind her origins. Turns out, she was made from something beyond the Black Veil—the cosmic wall between universes. And Bennett Tech's not just hunting her—they’re looking to tear through the fabric of reality itself. Now, it’s not just about surviving the chase. With the universe on the line, this ragtag crew of misfits might be the only thing standing between existence and total annihilation.

In the world of winged creatures, Mirabella Flamire, nicknamed “Little Egg,” was born a humble sparrow. With her crew members, she ferried spices and goods across the kingdom, living a peaceful life away from the talons of larger predators. However, her life took a fateful turn when her crew received the order to escort the sun-scorched Dusthaven king, Eros La Velle, back to his kingdom, who arrived in Everdale to attend the Crown Prince’s wedding. …………………………….. "Do you know what the most serious of all your offenses is, little birdie?" Mirabella gulped. “I... I burnt your book,” she admitted hesitantly. After all, that book held significant information and she had burnt it accidentally. Eros only stared at her, blue eyes gleaming with something unreadable. He shook his head, the corner of his lips curling into a slow smirk. “You shouldn’t have stolen that day,” he whispered hoarsely. Hearing this, Mirabella gritted her teeth. It was just a small flower. She had picked it on impulse because it was so beautiful. But who knew she would be caught in the hands of this hawk king? “My majesty, I have fanned you for two weeks at night to dissolve that crime,” she said angrily. Eros chuckled and stepped closer, crowding her space like a predator closing in on its prey. He lifted his hand, fingers caressing along her jaw until he cupped her cheek in his entire palm. “No,” he murmured, “You stole something far more precious than a flower.” his voice a low caress. Mirabella’s eyes widened. She did? Eros leaned down, his lips grazed her ear as he delivered the final blow. “The heart I kept locked away…” “You stole it, little birdie.” [SLOW BURN]

DEAD, DEAD GONE: EXPEDIAN 1.0 Music.. Space.. Adventure!!! The Expedian 1.0 was once a legendary starfighter of the elite Interplanetary Star Force, a beacon of power and precision. Now, sixty-five years later, it’s a forgotten relic, its once-mighty frame falling apart. But for Captain Zana Haw Jr, this battered vessel is more than just a piece of history—it’s home. Refitted as a cargo hauler, the Expedian 1.0 carries Zana and the Expedition Star crew across the galaxy, braving perilous missions to explore the unknown for Units and Glory. From ancient ruins to supernatural anomalies, they encounter strange alien species, cursed artifacts, and threats beyond comprehension. Along the way, they must outmaneuver rival treasure hunters, bounty seekers, and a growing conspiracy that threatens to consume the cosmos itself. But the dangers aren’t just out there. Within the crew, tensions simmer—Lady Geiren’s fiery temper clashes with Mage Vernan’s questionable loyalties, while Holden’s reckless antics push them into constant trouble. Meanwhile, Onion’s sharp intellect and Lopoea’s powerful telepathy prove invaluable as they navigate treacherous landscapes and impossible odds. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of space, one truth becomes clear: the past is never truly gone, and the Expedian 1.0 may hold the key to a future they never expected.

The captain of the pirate’s ship stood shocked at what the vessel she and her crew overtook was hauling. Her heart pounded her boiling blood through her veins until she drew her sword and pointed it at the cargo. Something most awful, most forbidden, and most dangerous-- a merman. A demon of the sea. A monster. A horrible, yet beautiful, creature known for sinking ships or making deals to steal human souls. She knew very well such monsters were better off dead, after all her whole mission was to gather a crew and take down the mighty sea serpent who slaughtered her family. However, she paused as the merman before her suggested: what better weapon to have in her hunt for a monster than another monster? Can captain Brigit overcome her prejudices, work with, and accept the merman Esmerlin as he is? Can she and her crew accept that perhaps not all their allies are truly allies? And can she finally get her revenge on the great sea serpent that destroyed her life all those years ago? Questions that can only be answered as this swashbuckling adventure unfolds.

Jolene and Killian, Wife and Husband kill for fun but along the way their plan has widened to the Mansion, they'll get after stealing 1 hundred million dollars. The detectives get closer to finding and shutting their plan down. Killian decided to rob a bank with his small crew he recruited before marrying Jolene in secret. When things get close to getting burned will they succeed or will they be shut down?

Part of the Heavy Weapons sci-fi universe. Arc 1 & 2 - A small Nomad colony reports that thousands of people missing and no one dares to look into it, Diego Harley decides to investigate and becomes the fascination of dark, dangerous creatures that begin to obsess over him, putting everyone around him in danger as they try to claim him for their own perverted, reckless desires... Arc 3 - As the dust settles from the clash in arc 2, the corruption spreads and catches the attention of larger players within the universe, but as the crew some come to find, someone doesn't need to be corrupted- to be thoroughly corrupt. Might meets desire as the Rewritten expand their operations and show the universe that they are here to stay whilst Diego tries to find a way out of his new situation. 18+ only - This is a very adult story from the very beginning with strong focus on futanari on male action, it does have good story elements however (so i've been told) - if that doesn't put you off, please continue. Features anthropomorphic characters, violence, corruption, aliens and an awful lot of goo. Level 1 (GREEN) - Vanilla sex scenes, likely to be male on female Level 2 (AMBER) - More diverse and "saucier" sex featuring the corrupted cast and futa biology Level 3 (RED) - Scenes involving more alien biology, more fetish based work, potential soft non-con Level 4 (BLACK) - Unusual fetishes and potentially offensive scenes with hard non-con being a possibility

The secret to feeding a crew of hungry alien pirates? A contract with a demon. Lusac is just a lowly member of a space pirate crew in the civil war-plagued Cinder Rock Galaxy. But everything changes for him one day when the Demon in his fridge offers him a system. Finally, Lusac can level up and unlock new [skills]. The only catch? It’s a cooking system. And [Chef] Lusac has no experience in the kitchen. As Lusac and his crewmates travel along The Astral Highway (a messy network of wormholes connecting the entire galaxy) plundering rich planets and taking on jobs from wealthy clients, will he be able to use his new system to become more than just a decent cook? What To Expect: -Weak to strong MC -Secondary FMC with intersecting storylines -Action interspersed with cozy cooking chapters -A vast, unique galaxy where Humans are NOT the dominant species "Cooking" designates a cooking chapter [V] designates a Varyna chapter Release Schedule: Daily by 13:15 EST For the 10 latest chapters, please visit the official TAH Patreon! patreon.com/Raine3 **This is story is a joint project by Currer, Acton, and Elis Raine. It is also available on Royal Road.**

1453, a year that marked the end of an era With one city's fall, a shift from Medieval to Modern Constantinople, a name etched in time For a thousand years, stood strong and sublime Against foes that dreamed to take her down She persisted, unbroken, a true crown But tonight, everything changes Guns fired, women weep, men yell in ranges Praying to God for a savior's grace To rescue their city, to restore its place In history's twist, God answered their plea Sending a new emperor, the one they'd need Antonius, born of the seas To lead the Romans, a new destiny To reach another pinnacle of might And end the city's terrible plight 1453, a year that will forever divide Medieval and Modern, with a fallen city as the divide ------------------------------------------------------------------- AD1453, as the city of Constantinople prepares for its final fate, a pirate captain and crew sailed into the golden horn, history made an abrupt turn from this point onward.... Discord: https://discord.gg/fqm22ERK2C

The world of Blox Fruits is vast and unforgiving. The seas stretch endlessly, divided into three domains-each deadlier than the last. The First Sea is a land of beginnings, where ambitious adventurers take their first steps toward greatness. The Second Sea, a battleground where only the strongest can rule under the watchful eyes of the Marines. And then there is the Third Sea-a lawless realm of legends, ruled by the tyrant Rip Indra and his infamous Rip Crew. But amidst the chaos, a new crew rises-the Top Hat Crew, led by Steve, a pirate unlike any other. With his loyal comrades-Leon, Simon, Max, and Leggy-he sails toward a dream far greater than treasure or power. Their goal? To end Rip Indra's reign of terror and create a world where the strong no longer crush the weak. Yet, the seas are merciless. Monstrous warriors, mythical creatures, and ancient powers stand in their way. Will they rise above the storm, or will they be swallowed by the tides of destiny? A journey of power, friendship, and revolution begins.

Celestial Voyage A world filled with floating islands, ancient relics, and celestial storms—where those who seek power soar through the skies, and those who fall are lost to the abyss. Beneath these islands lies Nebula, a storm-ridden land filled with secrets long forgotten. At the heart of it all is Navy, a reckless but ambitious fighter who dreams of ruling the skies. With the power of Aether Manipulation, he refuses to be bound by fate. As war erupts between floating kingdoms, and dark forces rise from the shadows, Navy sets sail on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the world, conquer the unknown, and find the legendary Celestial Throne. Alongside a crew of powerful allies—each with their own unique abilities—Navy will face deadly enemies, uncover ancient civilizations, and challenge the very gods that govern the skies. But in a world where strength is everything, will his ambition lead him to greatness—or destruction? The voyage begins now.

PMC, Private Military Carrier, a super ship belonging to no country. It cruises the oceans offering its services to who ever has the money. One day, a massive storm covers the ship and transports her and her crew to uncharted waters. What happens? Will they try to return or will they make land and pioneer a new country?

Luminark Saga is a gripping fantasy adventure that follows Erin Salore, a young dreamer yearning to escape his mundane life in the port city of Caldera. In a world of endless seas and forgotten magic and Inspired by his father’s legendary legacy, Erin longs to explore the world and uncover its greatest mysteries—especially the secrets of the Void Sea, a dangerous and uncharted expanse. His journey begins with a reckless leap of faith when he stows away aboard the Duskvein, a ship crewed by misfits and adventurers with their own secrets and ambitions.

Today's job was supposed to be simple. Rescue a high value target and bring her home. But there is one rule we require form all our clients, never lie to us. Now, the job has gone wrong, and we are stranded on an ocean planet. With prospects of a brewing civil war looming over our heads, and a queen preparing to release an interstellar horror on the world, we the crew of the SSS Brotherhood, now have a new job, and it will be the hardest one we have ever encountered...survive

For centuries, Lunae Prime, the second moon of Earth, has remained an enigma—untouched, unexplored, and utterly unnatural. A celestial anomaly that should not exist. When strange signals begin emanating from its surface, the Astraeus Initiative launches a high-stakes mission to uncover its secrets. Dr. Selene Veyra, once a brilliant scientist, is now a disgraced researcher haunted by her greatest failure—the tragic death of Naia Solis, her best friend and the woman she secretly loved. When she is offered a place on the mission, Selene sees it as a chance at redemption. But when she begins receiving messages from Naia, supposedly calling to her from within the moon itself, the mission turns from a scientific expedition into something far more terrifying. Upon landing, the team discovers a tower—a structure that shouldn’t exist, shifting in and out of reality. As they venture inside, the laws of time and space begin to collapse. The corridors shift endlessly, shadows whisper in familiar voices, and the crew starts seeing reflections of themselves—versions that shouldn't be there. The deeper they go, the more Selene realizes the truth: Lunae Prime is alive. And it has been waiting for her. Because Naia didn’t just die. She was taken. Now, Selene must make an impossible choice—uncover the truth, or rewrite the past. But some doors, once opened, can never be closed. And some second chances come at a cost greater than death.