Thorn Queen Chapter Three

Once I stopped hyperventilating from completely in all the attention on me, I immediately realized Nia had been right close to the dress.Like always, the gentry dressed same that they were release to a Renaissance Faire that served ecstasy. Satin, velvet, silk. Even a lightedtle leather here and there. Lots of jewelry, lots of skin. The appear array dazzled the eye, the colors shining, rich, and vivid.I wore a sundress pie-eyedt to confine sort of a vintage formulation. Made of tan gauze scattered with a forge of tiny yellow flowers, it had an empire waist and a clingy little skirt that went to my knees. The straps tied behind my neck, and most of my back stayed b be, all the better to show mangle my tattoos a charrs face within a full moon on my neck and a line of violets on my lower back. The dresss color looked great with the dusky, gay auburn of my cop.Unfortunately, age the shabby-chic peasant look might be expensive and very such(prenominal) in vogue in the hu man world, dressing like a peasant in a place resembling the set from an epic medieval movie made you look like, well, a peasant.Oh my God, I hissed to Shaya as we walked d iodine the room. I look completely surface of place.Be quiet, she snapped, in a rare display of the consternation she probably actually always held virtually me. You are poof of the Thorn Land. You destroyed wiz of the shining wizards most powerful kings. You spend a penny the right to wear whatever you want, so act like it.I swallowed my retort and believed she and her tough love were right. As it was, I had to resist the urge to cling to her yield like a child. That inept social upbringing of exploit made navigating this kind of attention painful. Shaya had promised to stay by my side and en authorized my etiquette, though that had allayed my fears only marginally. With a great force of ordain, I tried to represent her advice and look haughty and unconcerned by my appearance.You must go to Maiwenn first, she murmured, and then most of them ordain take place to you for introductions. Youve been a great source of curiosity, and this is your first universe appearance since taking the cr hold.Got it. Maiwenn first.The Willow Queen appeared to be surrounded by a throng of people. We masterminded toward them. On the way, I received an assortment of nods, curtsies, and bows. The room held a handful of monarchs, my peers, that every some opposite noble held a rank lower than exploit. A few of those we passed offered greeting. I suspected I might have met them at a thump Id attended last spring. most(prenominal) simply gave me polite murmurings of Your majesty.We reached Maiwenns circle of admirers. I meant to hoer on the edges, but the people part for us, soon giving Shaya and me a front-row view.Maiwenn sat in an ornately carved wooden throne, its whirling designs accented here and there with gold. She herself was golden, with lustrous, tanned skin and spacious tomentum cerebri that looked like spilled sunshine. A gown of teal velvet-the same color as her eye-showed her maternal curves to great advantage. Yet, her greatest ornamentation, in my opinion, was the striking figure of Kiyo standing(a) nearby, one hand resting on the back of her chair. He wore gentry clothing tonight, simple black slacks and a long-sleeved white silk tunic that he probably could have worn among humans with unwrap question. His eye, warm and dark, met mine briefly before turning back to the mortal addressing Maiwenn. Heat flared mingled with him and me in that moment, and electricity coursed by means of my body as I remembered last night.-best wishes for you and your child, your majesty, the man was truism. Truly this is a joyous occasion, and we pray to the gods for good fortune and good health.I pondered his words, recalling Kiyo telling me this was little of a baby shower and more than of a luck ceremony. The gentry did non conceive often, nor did they bear chil dren easily. Infant mortality was spicy. Old superstition held that a party like this, with so many well-wishers, would imbue the child with luck and en sure enough prosperity.The man finished his spiel and gestured to a retainer to bring his gift. The servant handed oer a small golden chest, to the highest degree the size of a shoebox, which his master opened with a flourish. A few oohs sounded from those gathered, and I craned my head to see what it held. A glitter of red met my look.This is my gift to your son or daughter the finest rubies from my land, polished and cut to perfection.I blinked and glanced around, wondering if I was the only one who found that gift ridiculous. What the hell was an infant going to do with a crate of rubies? Choke on them? Those things definitely needed a zero(prenominal) For Children down the stairs 3 warning on them. No one else shared my view, and the group seemed to be in agreement on the gifts value. Kiyo, however, caught my eye, and I saw the faintest of smiles play all over his face as he guessed what I was reckoning.The man left, and all eye swiveled to me. We hadnt arrived first, but apparently my rank bought me cutting rights. Following Shayas earlier instructions, I stepped frontward and kissed Maiwenns cheek. She kissed mine in return.Eugenie, Im so euphoric to see you again.She looked it, too. I dont know if it was faked or non, but she was one of those people who could always look happy and manage you weigh she really cared about you. I suspected most of her kindness was sincere, but she had to have the same uneasiness around me as I did with her, devoted our respective relationships with Kiyo.Glancing at his dark looks and her golden ones, I dead had a vivid image of them in bed together. I wondered if hed been as wild with her as with me. I wondered if shed liked it.Pushing that picture out of my head, I attempted a return smile. Thank you for inviting me. Sorry Im late.She waved a dismissive hand . You didnt have to come at all. Im effective glad youre here.I didnt have any elegant speeches, so I kept my words simple. Imvery happy for you. I hope things go great with you and the baby.I glanced over at Shaya, whod been holding my backpack. She handed it to me, and I noticed then that the number of watchers had increased, eyes curious as to what the half-human fag would give. The Kiyo Love Triangle was no secret gentry gossip spread around the Otherworld faster than any human tabloid could have kept up with.Producing a teddy bear, I handed it over to her. She took it, eyes surprised as her hands ran over its smooth, sable-brown fur. Id paid a lot of money for it. It was few kind of designer brand Id been told was much coveted among upper-class suburban moms.Its, um, a toy, I explained, immediately feeling idiotic. The gentry werent technologically advanced, but compensate they could figure that one out.Its lovely, she said, touching the seams. We rottert match this kind o f workmanship. Thank you.Oh, and wellI honestly didnt think there was anything else I could give that the baby wouldnt already have. So, instead, I made a donation in its name to a childrens charity. Or rather, once we know its name, Ill finalize the donation.Forgetting the teddy bear, she looked up at me, readably perplexed. I dont understand. Those gathered apparently didnt either, judging from the curious expressions.I, um, well, gave money to a group that helps sick kids. Theyll use that money to take care of them, and itll be I grasped for something gentry-friendly. itll be done in your babys honor.A supreme look of delight flooded her gorgeous face, and I knew without a doubt she wasnt faking it. She understood, and she liked the gift.Its very generous, Kiyo explained to her. The burn message his eyes gave me indicated he had a few ideas of how to express his gratitude for the present.She put her arms around the teddy bear, holding it to her ample chest while her eyes gazed off with thought. Acts of such kindnessdone in the babys name She sullen that radiance back to me. Acts like that stoogenot help but generate good will from the gods. Thank you, Eugenie.A murmur of considering whispers stirred behind us. She and I exchanged a few more remarks, and then I yielded the floor to the next well-wisher.Was that approve? I asked Shaya as we walked away.Extremely. A wry note hung in her voice. I doubted your gift, but now I think you understand this custom better than we do. She switched to a lower tone. Ah, this is Katrice, the Rowan Queen, coming toward us.I looked up with interest, having passed by the Rowan Land so many sentences during my Otherworldly journey. Katrice looked about fifty or so in human years, which meant she could boast a few centuries. Only a little silver laced her thick black hair, and her dark eyes glittered with a keen intellect. A dress of red and white satin cover her stout figure.Oh, oh, oh This is her at last The Thorn Quee n. My dear child, you have been too indifferent from our gatherings. She put her arms around me and kissed my cheek. It was a bit more slobbery than Maiwenns kiss. A little overwhelmed by her presence, I returned the gesture. She smelled like roses.Itits nice to meet you.You are so lovely Look at her, Marlin. Isnt she lovely?She grabbed the arm of a man who looked about twice her age, his wispy gray hair barely covering his head. His eyes indicated he wasnt really at the party right now.What? he asked.Katrice raised her voice. Lovely. Isnt she LOVELY?Loverly, he muttered, stark(a) off to my left.Duke Marlin, the queens consort, Shaya whispered.Look at you, look at you Katrice continued, still bubbling over. How could a little thing like you have killed Aeson? Hmm? Old Tirigan Storm King would be so proud.I jerked with surprise, taken aback by the callous reference to both my slaying of Aeson and my fathers name. Not noticing my reaction, she gestured frantically to a young man pas sing nearby. He had slim good looks and raven-black hair tied back in a ponytail. He too wore red and white, and I remembered once seeing the Rowan Lands flag, a rowan tree contact in red and white. Apparently, they were a patriotic group.Darling, darling Come meet the Thorn Queen. Smiling, he hastened to her side and gave me a courteous nod. This is my son, Leith. Leith, Queen Eugenie.He took my hand and kissed it very properly, as was the custom. A pleasure, your majesty.Likewise.I studied him, curious at seeing a gentry prince. With all the gentry reproductive issues, none of the other monarchs Id met-aside from Maiwenn-had any children. They tended to be solitary rulers.He looked so nice and friendly-and like he wasnt currently score plans to get in my pants-that I wanted to make conversation, but I was never very good at initiating that kind of thing. Katrice took the dilemma out of my hands.Isnt she beautiful, Leith? I was further saying how I can barely believe she killed old Aeson. Can you believe that? What was it that I heard, my dear? That you drowned him?I cleared my throat uncomfortably. Um, no, not exactly. I sort of summoned all the water out of his body and blew him apart.Oh She clapped her hands together as though it were the most wonderful thing shed ever heard. Oh Oh Isnt that fascinating? And so cleverApparently noting my discomfort, Leith hastily said, Mother, Im sure the Thorn Queen would prefer to discuss more pleasant topics. This is hardly the place to talk about death.I flashed him a grateful smile. We did indeed break away to more mundane topics, and I found he managed a conversation far more effectively than his mother did. I saw your expression over the rubies, he teased. You dont think the baby will appreciate those?I made a face. Maybe if they can decorate a crib with them. Or peradventure make a mobile. Are those kinds of gifts normal?Im afraid so, he said, still smiling. As I heard you say, there isnt much this baby wont get from Maiwenn. Most of these nobles are more interested in making the queen happy, not the baby-hence all the useless gifts.Why, Leith, scolded his mother. Thats ridiculous. Im sure Maiwenns child will absolutely love the quartz glass dinnerware we brought.When I finally excused us, Leith kissed my hand again and spoke in a voice too low for Katrice to hear.Im sorry about her. She doesnt always think before she speaks.I laughed. Its okay, I murmured back. Shes a queen. Thats her job.More loudly and properly, he said, I hope youll come visit us. Mothers been dying to receive you at our court.Sure, I agreed. One of these days. I tried to reciprocate the politeness. You should come visit us too. Im not around much, but youre welcome whenever.He brightened, as did Katrice who actually stayed dumb for a change. Thank you, your majesty. Id love to. Ive heard amazing things about your land. They say its very fierce. Fierce, but beautiful.Shaya laughed softly as we go. Oh, you dont kn ow what youve done.I stared at her. What do you mean? I think I handled that well, considering that womans endless chattering.Dont let her surface fool you. Shes shrewder than you think. And powerful. Unfortunately, her son is not.Leith? What do you mean? Magically?She nodded. His magic is almost nonexistent. He wont be able to inherit her kingdom.Whoa Considering how long gentry outlived, Id never thought much about inheritance issues. and he seemed pretty competent. Very intelligent.He is. Extremely so. Hes an inventor of sorts. Hes created things that have revolutionized their kingdom-and the others, slowly. He most recently created tools to print text in books the way your people do. Itll save a fortune in scribes.Like a printing press? Wow. Who knew? Leith was like a fairy version of Gutenberg. Cool. Maybe the Otherworld was well on its way to the Industrial Revolution. And that doesnt count for anything with judgement?No. Shaya didnt sound sympathetic in the least. Magical s trength was the greatest measure of a gentrys outlay, which is why my bastard father had been held in such high regard. Those who believed I would match him one day regarded me similarly. Ingenuity alone is not enough to inherit the throne or bind the land. However, his odds might repair if he had a powerful consort.I suddenly tripped on my own feet when I caught her meaning. What, you mean me?By their estimation, youre a good match. Powerful, already ruling a kingdom. Your human blood and ability to conceive makes you extremely attractive, your role in the prophecy doubly so.Christ. You people are nuts. She seemed to be enjoying my diswhitethorn. Like I said, Katrice is shrewd. She wasnt delusion when she said she wanted to meet you. Shes probably planned this for a while. You inviting Leith to visit fulfilled her dreams. Just wait, hell come soon.How come you guys have no concept of just friends around here? Why is every guy I meet a potential mate? Leith was nice enough and cu te, but I meancome on.I supposed I shouldnt have been surprised, really. The gentry had much looser sexual mores than humans-as a few couples in the rooms corners were currently demonstrating-so they probably treated everything as a possible romantic encounter. Considering the wights less-than-romantic bid for my affections earlier, I should have been grateful for Leiths more civilized courtship. Still, I found it all wearying.Shaya introduced me to a number of other nobles that laternoon. Most blurred together. I simply smiled and nodded a lot, fantasizing about being home in bed with Kiyo. Near the end of the party, one new person actually caught my attention.The first interesting thing was just how dark his skin was-a rarity in the otherwise Caucasian gentry of this portion of the Otherworld. His black hair hung around his face in a shower of tiny braids, perfectly setting off the burgundy satin cloak around him. He bowed low over my hand, sweeping his cloak away with a flourish .Your majesty, he said with a faint French accent. It is an honor and a privilege. The stories of your beauty do not do you justice. I am Girard de la Colline.I accepted his hand kiss with astonishment. You must be from very far away.The Otherworld mirrored my own world in geography. The residents here, near Arizona, spoke variations of American English. I wondered idly if those who ruled now had supplanted an American Indian version of the gentry.Such a journey is well worth it to be in your presence, but some metre, if you like, I would be honored to tell you stories of my homeland. Its beauty is enough to make a man weep, though Im given to understand that the terrible beauty of your own kingdom can make men weep as well-for different reasons.I laughed. I suppose so. Those who respect it can survive it those who dontwell, dont.It sounds just like its queen. He inclined his head. I also have a small talent with metalwork, if you would ever like anything crafted. I live in the Rowa n Land now but would happily take a commission if you require one.I thanked him for the offer and said Id think about it. When we left him, I turned to Shaya. I liked him. But let me guess-he wants to woo me and father my child, too?Oh, he wouldnt be opposed to it, but thats not his short-term goal. He really is quite a gifted artisan-hes even got a little human blood in his ancestry, which lets him somewhat touch iron. But a man like himwell, hes a courtier. He hangs around nobility and tries to find connections that might help him rule a kingdom of his own one day.Which, my dear Shaya, is a very kind way of saying he is a schmoozing bottom-feeder who will do anything to further his own political aspirations. I will agree with you on his artistic talents, however. Why, we should have him make our good friend the Thorn Queen here a proper crown and solidify her title.That smooth, brusk voice sliced my heart in two, and I froze. Turning around slowly, I met a pair of long-lashed gre en eyes flecked with gold and hazel, all framed by a sweep of long, fiery hair that rivaled the trees of autumn in his kingdom.Dorian, King of the Oak Land.Your majesty, exclaimed Shaya happily, giving him a low curtsey. How are you? How is your battlefield?Dorian smiled and lightly chucked her chin. Are you afraid my household has fallen apart without you? I confess, it does run a bit less smoothly than before, but we buy the farm what we must. I have no doubts your new mistress has more need of your services than I, so I shall suffer longer for her sake.He gave me a pointed look. I said nothing. Shaya glanced between the two of us, her happy mien turning nervous. If youll excuse me, your majesties, Im going to find some refreshment. Ill return momentarily.I sincerely doubted that, but she departed too quickly for me to protest. I wanted to follow her but was now trapped.A bit of his showmanship dimmed, but the wit and lazy amusement that constantly intent Dorian remained. He al ways behaved as though he were on a stage, both in his mannerisms and his melodramatic-and often wry-commentary. I guess as a king he kind of was on stage during his life.Well, Eugenie, here we are. Dorian carelessly smoothed down the black velvet of his robe. Gold and red patterns danced around the hems. You are a vision of sublime beauty, as always.Oh come on, I exclaimed. Not from you, of all people. Im the most shoddily dressed person in this room.No. I saw a scullery maid dressed nearly as badly. A crown really would go a long way to run aground your standing. But, barring that, your dress is actually lovely and well-made, even if plain. Wait and watch youll see women wearing copies of it soon. The fact that you can still draw eyes while wearing it is a testament to your beauty and presence. You achieve what most of these trumped-up, painted women cannot, no matter how many layers of heavy, rich fabric cover them up.I gestured toward his robe. Youre covered up in a fair amount of heavy, rich fabric yourself.The edges of his lips curled up. If they bother you, I can remove as many of these layers as you like.I rolled my eyes, but the damage was done. With those few words, I once again saw his naked body, smooth and perfect in the moonlight, hovering over mine as I lay bound to his bed. It had been one night, one night only, but it was a night Id had little luck in forgetting for the last three months. Seeing Dorian stirred it all up again, filling me with confusion over the way my body had responded to such domination.Long before that night, Dorian had been one of my first allies in the Otherworld. Hed supported Storm King-and would have loved to knock me up-but had stood firm against any notion of rape. Hed wanted me of my own free will. In the end, hed helped me defeat Aeson and had shown me the fundamentals of using magic.Did you give Maiwenn something? I asked abruptly, steering us elsewhere.He scrutinized me a moment before answering. Yes, of course . What was it? Ah. Yes. Bolts of lovely cloth that Im sure she can dosomethinglovely with. My steward picked it out. A paltry present compared to yours, or so I hear. His eyes tracked across the room to where Maiwenn and Kiyo laughed with some woman I didnt recognize. Look at them. Their child will be something to see, dont you think? They make a very striking couple. I should commission a panther to do a family portrait once the baby arrives. Something they can all treasure for years to come.I stiffened. Thats why you wanted to talk to me, huh? You havent changed, Dorian, and Im not going to stay here and play if youre just going to try to bait me. I didnt want to talk to you anyway.Dorian gave a long-suffering sigh. You always think so little of me, Eugenie. I wished to speak with you because I wanted to know how youve been. Ive missed you. How do you like being a queen? Your land hasnt perished to that degreeso Im taking that as a good sign.Still irked by the Kiyo jibe, I fixed him with a glare. I didnt want to be a queen at all. Its your fault Ive gotten into this. If you hadnt tricked me into claiming the land, Id be in Tucson right now and away from all of this. The sting of what hed done, binding me to the Thorn Land, still itched within me. I wasnt sure if I could ever forgive him for that.Not true. Youd still be here, moping around while your lover receives gifts for his child, just as you are right now. And men like the young Rowan prince would still solicit you because whatever other titles come and go, you will always be Storm Kings daughter.I dont really want to be that either.He spread his hands out, palms up, in a gesture of helplessness. That I cannot change. All I can do with that is help you to develop the powers you inherited, but youve already refused my aid there.I looked away. I dont need your help. Aside from the grudge I held against him, I couldnt shake the feeling that more of his help would result in me in his bed again.He took a st ep toward me. Have you been teaching yourself?I didnt answer.You have been, havent you? Or trying to, at least. Odd, considering I distinctly recall you saying you were satisfied with the level of magic youd reached through my training. He smiled. How is that going? Perhaps youd like my help again?I jerked my head back toward him. Too much at this party had ground me down already, and his serpents tongue was the point that threatened to break me. No. I dont need your help. I dont need anyones help, okay? Im happy with what Im teaching myself. If I advance, fine. If I dont, fine. It doesnt matter to me.He laughed, a soft and deadly sound that poured over me like honey. Eugenie, Eugenie. You may lie to other people, you may lie to your kitsune, and you may even lie to yourself. But do not lie to me. I was the one who first taught you to control your magic. Ive seen how you crave it, how you glow with the flight of that power. I know how it makes you feel because Ive felt it too. I ca n see in those lovely violet eyes of yours how passionately you want to tap more of that magic. Its consuming you.As usual, I said in a low voice that matched his own, youre imagining more than is actually there.And you, as usual, are denying what is there, not to mention your own nature. You are what you are, Eugenie, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner you can begin doing great things.This conversation is done, I snapped, turning away.Dorians hand closed around my wrist, and he pulled me toward him with an unpredicted harshness. I dont think hed meant to do it quite so hard. I let out a small gasp as those fingers tightened against my skin. I wasnt trapped by any stretch of the imagination, but for half a moment, I could believe I was. The painful restraint on my wrist sent shockwaves of heat through my body, and the scent of cinnamon drifted around me, standing this close to him. My breathing had grown heavy, and I willed it to slow down.He hadnt expected that reaction. A slight widening of his eyes showed rarely expressed surprise. Leaning his face toward mine, his thumb stroked the skin on my arm while the rest of the fingers maintained their hold.Just like old times, hmm? It seems you havent on the whole lost your taste for restraint. Yet, like everything else, Im sure you deny yourself that as well.You think so? I asked nastily. You should try fucking Kiyo. Lots of restraint there.Amusement lit his face, contrasting with the dark desire in his eyes. Since Im presuming you dont mean you finally bought him a leash, let me say simply that there is a big difference between allowing an animal to ravage you and allowing yourself to be ravaged. One is common. The other is art. It is planned. Crafted, even. Only capable of being done by a master. His next words came out so conversationally, we might as well have been discussing the weather. As it is, Ive been planning out what Id like to do the next time we make love. I think I want you to lie on your stomach, with your hands bound to the front of the bed. Well have to shift your hips up a bit, put you on your knees just a little, but otherwise youll stay prostrate, almost like youre bowing in humble obeisance as I kneel behind you and take you. He paused. Unless you have other suggestions?I broke from his grasp and backed up, surprised to find I was shaking.This was Dorian. The same dangerous, presumptuous, and scheming Dorian Id first met months ago, no matter the corsage and charm that poured off of him. He had no right to speak to me like that, not after Id parted ways over his trick with the Thorn Land, not after Id told him I wanted to stay with Kiyo.And yet, he had once been my friend and my teacher and my ally in battleand my lover. And as I stood there staring at him, I could imagine everything hed just described. I could feel it. And, God help me, I wanted it. My whole body tingled with the arousal his words wrought.I have to go, I said. It took two tries for my dry mo uth to get the words out. I have to find Shaya.He inclined his head politely. Of course.I turned and walked away, but not before I heard him call after me.Eugenie? Dont forget, if you change your mind, my offer still stands. For all things.I bit my lip so as not to retort and was so focused on maintaining control that I nearly ran into a woman heading in the direction Id just come from. She was gorgeous, with red hair that stood out like bright flames against her fair skin. She wore a puff-sleeved dress that matched the sky blue of her long-lashed eyes and reminded me a little of Cinderellas ball gown. Of course, Disney would have never allowed that much cleavage. The woman stepped gracefully aside, just barely avoiding a collision. And then, to my complete and total shock, she sidled up to Dorian and wrapped herself around him, printing press her lips to his cheeks.Ah, there you are, he said happily. He returned the kiss-except, well, it was on her lips. And lasted awhile. With to ngue.I stood there, frozen, urging myself to ignore them and keep moving. Yet, I couldnt. Dorian, seeing me still there, gave me one of his grander smiles. Queen Eugenie, a moment. Have you met my charming young friend yet?That, of course, was one of Dorians more annoying habits. He knew perfectly well Id never met her but enjoyed playing the innocent.I havent, I said stiffly, crossing my arms over my chest.Queen Eugenie, may I present Ysabel, one of my subjects in the Oak Land. Shes been spending some timein the castle. I took the subtext to mean that said time was specifically being spent in his bed.Ysabel bowed, giving me a polite Your majesty. Yet, when she straightened up, I saw the look in her eyes was anything but polite. there was a distinct hostility there, and it was directed at me. I was a bit taken aback until I realized what it was. Jealousy. This woman was insanely, adamantly jealous of me. She pressed herself closer to Dorian, almost possessively, her hands roaming o ver his body in the way that was so commonplace among their kind.A pleasure, I replied. I turned around to leave again, having no desire to watch Ysabel grope Dorian. If she wanted to make me jealous, she was wasting her efforts. Dorian and I were finished. There was nothing more between us, nor would there ever be again.Dorians latest lover, Shaya explained later.Yeah, I kind of figured that out.My understanding is that he went an astonishingly long time without a consort ever since She didnt finish. She was referring to when Dorian and I had been involved.How long is a long time? I asked.Mmma couple of weeks.A couple of weeks after we broke up? Thats a long time?For King Dorian? Yes. I believe shes his fourth since then, but she bears a distinct resemblance to all the others. Shaya looked at me meaningfully.So? I asked, not getting the point.Always fair skinned. Always redheads. Violet eyes are harder to find, though, so hes settled on blue.It took me a few moments more to catch o n. Wait. Are you saying Dorians been taking lovers that look like me?It could just be a coincidence, she said diplomatically.Jesus Christ, I said, suddenly freaked out. Had I really made that big of an impression on him?Shaya paused a moment, face thoughtful. I dont think Ysabel likes you very much.I kind of figured that out too. She was trying to make me jealous. Then, in case there was any question, I added, But Im not.As you say, replied Shaya, voice and face perfectly pleasant.I couldnt tell if she believed me or not, but it didnt matter. I knew the truth. I really wasnt jealous of Ysabel and Dorian.Well, not much, anyway.

Hiv (Si Heidi, Si Ivy at Si V) Draft

David Kyle N. Laggui BSM 1A (CS) Reaction Paper 1 human immunodeficiency virus (Si Heidi, Si Ivy at Si V) Documentary film maker Gil Bustamante (Jake Cuenca) is commissioned by the Department of Health to create a documentary for their HIV / AIDS awareness program. By sum of the San Lazaro Hospital as a backdrop, he weaves a story that combines the numerous stories of people who are infected with the virus. Among those having their story told are heterosexuals, homosexuals, prostitutes, and intravenous users of drugs.His documentary focuses on three major characters Heidi (Ma. Isabel Lopez), an ordinary housewife who contracted the virus from her philandering former hus exercise set, an overseas contract worker who died in Saudi Arabia eventually three years ago. Leaving her alone to care for their 9 year old son, Victor (JP Mesde) is also a patient of HIV. Ivy (Iza Calzado), a young call contract agent who discovers she is HIV positive when she tries to make a claim for work ab road. Shes discombobulated how she contracted the virus.Though she has X feckless and relaxed boyfriend (Will Devaughn), Ivy is removed from being reckless and promiscuous. Her plans for a new life in another country shattered, she must now play against the world, her work, family, and friends a misstep from her past. Vanessa (IC Mendoza), a merry young gay and stand-up comedian who engages in a variety of sexual pleasures with manifold partners. He, with his very supportive parents, is geared up and eager to go to shares her story. Merrily though keen for the exposure, Vanessa is careless and still sleeps around with anonymous strangers.One day, he gets beaten by a band of thugs while cruising the streets. For his own reasons, Gil is gripped with destination the documentary, even though some of his key subjects have either died or backed out of the project. He learns that the fight against HIV / AIDS is not just the responsibility of government this is a fight that requires re sponsible action from each individual. In the end, he is exultant in finishing the documentary as well as being able to play against his own greatest fear

Orange Telecom: a Case Analysis

Orange telecommunicationmunication A Case Analysis ORGA 433 460 Orange Telecom is a fearsome example of successful organizational understanding of change in a fast-paced and growing market. Utilizing the environment around them, Orange has grown into a domain of a functionwide triumph in the Telecom industry. By committing to a progressive strategy, Orange has demonstrated their ability to change and evolve to not just suit their warm environment, but to also actively envision the future path of the industry, and capitalize on prospective trends around the world.Question 1 Using the internet and other sources, as well as the information give in the case study, summarize the elements in Oranges temporal and external environments in terms of the puzzle out it had on the opportunity for this unexampled brand to succeed, 1994-2006. Orange was launched in the UK in 1994 as an answer to the growing trend towards mobile telecommunications. From the very beginning, Orange apply a st rategy of pioneering legion(predicate) of the services to its customers that would later give-up the ghost the norm, industry-wide.At its launch, Orange was the first to offer standard customer service features such as caller id. Orange was the first company to offer aesthetically appealing masts shaped like trees which helped in customer relations. In 1999 Orange launched a set-back in Switzerland which would be the first of many excursions into foreign markets. In 2000 Orange was capable to use superior technology to offer Europe its first receiving set video phone. These are just a few example of Oranges strategy of providing customers with the latest in innovation.They launched at a time when Telecom services focused more on turnover than customer service. Orange decided to go in a completely unique direction by focusing primarily on customer concerns and service, being among the first to offer their customers numerous different option in every family such as prepaying phon es through ATMs. In the UK, in 2003 Orange changed the way the mobile market operated, turning all of its 2,000 UK retail salespeople into phone trainers and introducing them into its high street stores.It also launched the new Orange Film Funding Board adverts that took the international cinema industry by storm. The success of Orange is also strongly attributed to its ability to capitalize on external environmental trends. Being a company steeped in English and French heritage, Orange has been able to utilize a multicultural approach to stock and provide nations with both French and British histories. This has opened the door for Orange to cross the language barriers that often bring to a halt the growth of many organizations.Orange has also been able to sense the common curiosity mankind has towards the future and has therefore began marketing itself, not as a company that simply provides a service, but also a company that provides answers to the future through innovation. Furth er, the Orange brand has become so widely recognized in the UK and nations around the world that the companys symbol has become synonomus with youth, innovation, and of course mobile phone service. They have strongly marketed this brand to the youth with the knowledge that brand recognition has become more important than ever in an industry with so many customer options.Finally, Orange has had a finger on the pulse of, not only technology and innovation, but of the field of study of technology. Since 2000 there has been a huge growth in the communications field of education, and Orange has capitalized on this by property steady observation of rising stars in the field of Mobile Telecom. Orange has utilized its temporal and external environment to become a successful telecom company. By keeping up with trends, and pioneering so many practices that have become common- menage, Orange has now become an industry leader in being able to recognize environmental trends and provide answers for the future.Question 2 What type of change do you count on Orange was pursuing? In terms of the concepts and ideas put forward, particularly in Chapter 2, justify your views. As an organization in an already fairly established industry Orange was attempting a transformational type of change, also developmental change seemed to be something that was pivotal in the enterprise of this organization. Since the time of its official launch in 1994, to present day, Orange has been avid in establishing itself as a more wider societal ntity alternatively than a specifically narrowly viewed service supplier in an industry with a lot of alternatives. This very separation has been the catalyst of the transformational change that took place in the telecommunication industry with the launching of Orange. This change could be also more specifically described as discontinuous change due to the particular that Orange initially originated from a parent company that was government owned. Furth ermore, the strategy pivotal to Oranges success has been significantly divergent from previously established strategies.Discontinuous change is defined by Grundy as change which is marked by rapid shifts in strategy, structure or culture, or in all tercet (Senior & Fleming, p. 46). The type of change that was pursued by Orange is developmental change. The parent company responsible for the establishment of Orange was France Telecom, which at one time was the monopolistic organization providing postal and telephone services in France. This fact is indicative of an executive team that was very experienced in traditional telecommunications establishments and industry nuances.However, rather than simply carry over that deeply rooted experience in a fashion of an identical duplicate, the executives of the newly formed Orange took a developmental approach and built upon well established concepts in order to achieve new heights in this competitive industry. By building new concepts and id eas unto a solid foundation of industry experience the Orange company was able to outdistance its competition fairly quickly and become an industry giant in a relatively short time-span.If one examines the wide history behind the formation of Orange, this type of change is clearly evident and is transformational in its implications. From the very flak the organization aggressively pursued a marketing campaign that separated them from being viewed as simply another service provider or manufacturer, or a symbiosis of both. The company steadily became an abstract social entity that related to customers on a deeper level then a simple service provider and therefore revolutionized the way it connected with its client base.In the industry plagued by deprived customer service Orange established itself as a beacon of exceptional customer service has been increasing its customer participation in leaps and bounds, which in turn made it the global entity it is today. Question 3 How far do yo u think the changes made have been appropriate to the environments in which Orange was operating? The changes that Orange has made are very appropriate for the environment (market) in which they operate. First, the most rudimentary change they have made is distinguishing themselves as a provider of customer service, not as manufacturer and provider as a particular product.This avoided labelling as just another network provider, and definitely differentiated their firm from the other carriers in the markets where they operate. They operate on a looking forward basis, looking to growing the possibility of communication concentrating on the service and relationship with customers not just the individual transactions. Another change that was made was to have a spot that couldnt be cut out at a mobile services provider unlike Rogers Wireless, T-Mobile.. etc the changes they made to the way they are branded themselves effectively.They chose a name that was abstract and unrelated to the telephone industry which was unconventional in that it showed a divergence from industry standards which has paid off for them. An abstract name that is not consciously tied to only one part of a persons life gives the feeling of an all-encompassing service or entity in that persons mind. This is appropriate given that Orange is aiming to enrich the customers life via their communication possibilities in an industry that is mainly transaction based and not adapt towards customer service.Customer service changes they made were significant, being the first to provide billing by the second definitely would have put them in a category of their own at a time when other companies where billing by the minute. This change is consistent with their vision of embodying the future rather than just selling cadre phones and products. Overall Orange has had great success by making changes to the way mobile telecommunication companies do business and are seen by consumers.Their branding in the b eginning and after their launch has reflected this as well, and considering their target market (the future) ,young people who use their mobile phones for more than emergency calls, their changes are very appropriate. After all it is the younger generations who will be more dependent on mobile communications as time passes accepting more services into their everyday life touching forward into the future. and unlike the rest of the industry Orange has branded itself as the future which is very fitting. References Senior, B. & Fleming, J. (2006). Organizational Change (3rd ed. ). Essex, England Pearson Education Limited.

The Effects of Rap Music on Children

Xavier Miranda Professor John Mammen English 1301 23 June 2012 The Effects of exploit Music on Children There is no danger of developing eyestrain from looking on the sustenancelike side of things. This quote fits perfectly with this topic. Too umteen stack look at the negativities in music, tap music to be specific. stripe music can wear negative effects on those who attend to it, just now just as easily and equally have a positive and beneficial outcome.Yes, adult maley rappers use vulgar derogative terms to describe women and may cast its listeners to break the law or things of the like but it can in any case open our eyes, we can learn naked as a jaybird things from it and it can baffle us to be break people and do things, good things, with our lives. Now Rap isnt anything new its been around since about the 1970s and been influencing those who listen to it for about 40 years now (Rap). When people satisfy the term rap music their initial thought will be thats bad or thats demeaning to women which in a sense is true. For example the meter crack this guidance performed by Aerosmith and Run D.M. C. is about how a young high school student is give-up the ghost through his first sexual experience by a debauched cheerleader. In a better known shout Make it Rain by Fat Joe he says Owwwww mamis body is banging, man/ she got it, man/ she does it all She gets it popping with no hands And then theres the song almost e very(prenominal)body knows by Jay-Z. 99 problems, where he refers to women as bitches. Songs like these make women seem like tools and expendable creatures, and may decide children that listen to this slip of rap to treat women as such, but many of them were influenced as teenagers by gangster rap.Perhaps I should start using crys like, niggers, hoes and slut-bitches since I would only be reflecting my societys music (Leary). But the best example, to make this question clear, is the music video Every girl by Young Money. In the video there are females dressed promiscuously throughout and the lyricist admits to wishing he could have sexual intercourse with every girl in the world. There many other songs that contain this type of disrespect towards the female sex, which gives a more credible argument to those who dont like rap.Another point people may make against Rap music is the fact that many Rappers Rap and live very violently. Eminem is at the top of my list when it comes to being violent. Theres the song Who knew? in which he defends himself by saying I never knew I, knew Id effect this kid/ I never knew Id, get him to slit his articulatio radiocarpea/ I never knew Id, get him to hit this bitch Although the song in and of itself is a bit ironic, Eminem acknowledges the fact that now he knows he can influence his listeners with his music.And in Love the Way you Lie in which he says the following verse If she ever tries to fucking leave again/ Ima tie her to the bed and post this house on fire. we see again the violence, and the music video for said song is of a equal who constantly fight and by the end of the song the couples house is up in flames. One accept found that young subjects who watched violent rap videos were more accepting of violent actions (Copley) and these lyrics that we very well hear over the radio and in our everyday lives promote breaking or disregarding the law, and many people still stop and wonder why the world is so violent.But like stated at the outgrowth of this paper there is a bright side to this moon. Before writing this paper laziness overcame me and I began to procrastinate and started listening to music and then the song Airplanes Part 2 by B. o. b. feat. Eminem came on. Towards the end of the song Eminem says the words Pretend he procrastinated had no motivation/ Pretend he just made excuses that were so paper thin they could blow away with the wind which is what I was doing and it turned me on and opened my eyes.As the song finishes E minem continues to rap in third person about himself and how if it wasnt for this one moment in his life that he had not chased his dream he wouldnt be who he wanted to be. I then proceeded to get up and write this paper. So this song had an effect, a positive one on me. And it can have similar effects on others who listen to it. The language most rappers use is profanity, but a handful of rappers use uncommon words to express themselves, which can lead to one decision out the definition of the word and later possibly using them in school work.For example Eminem uses the word antidisestablishmentarianism which is a political position in the Anglican Church that chooses to withdraw support from certain churches. And gratuitous to say I used it in a world history paper. Theres also some songs by the rapper Immortal Technique who uses biblical metaphors in his music like in the song Point of no Return he asks us to open our eyes and actually see whats going on around us because the en d of the world is near. Music like everything else has a good side and a bad side.Most people ignore the good and disregard Rap music as a whole. As expressed in this paper, yes it can have negative effects and influence children to do bad things but it can also influence them in a good way and even give them certain tools to use in the future. Works Cited Copley, J.. Rap Musics Psychological Effects. Psychology at suite 101. Glam Entertainment, 2008. Web. 8 whitethorn 2012. . Leary, sam . Gangster rap has negative impact on society. The fooling Campus.N. p. , 2002. Web. 8 May 2012. Rap Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Ed. Colin Larkin. Muze Inc and Oxford University Press, Inc. 2009. Encyclopedia of Popular Music (e-reference edition). Oxford University Press. Tarrant County College. 8 May 2012 http//www. encpopmusic4. com/entry? Entry=t270. e52529 Lyrics Make it rain Artist Fat Joe Website lyrics. com Who Knew Artist Eminem Website lyrics. com Love the way you dwell Artist Emin em Website lyrics. com Airplanes Part 2 Artist B. O. B. feat Eminem Website lyrics. com

Aztec and Inca Dbq

Aztec & Inca DBQ The Aztec and Inca were two very advance(a) ethnic societies for being on of the early civilizations of aboriginal America. These Empires maintained a high level of heathenish development due to their loving, clothes designerural, and religious aspects. Additional documents that would have aided the explanation of these cultures would be from a priest and his role was a significant part in the community as well as from an architect or constructor, to describe some of the obstacles they involve to surpass in order to erect the magnificent creates and temples.The social effects of the Aztec & Incan Empires clearly emphasized the superb cultural development that occurred there (documents 1,6,7,8,10,11). The Mendoza codex exhibits the chance(a) activities and customs of the Aztec realm (doc. 1). It depicts the type of work depending on gender roles, in which men per produceed more of the lookup activities and the women were taught how to work with crafts. The celluloid also shows how the older generations taught their young the new techniques and traditions. (Insert authors pov/ virgule here). The page from the Codex Mendoza shows the forward-looking marketplaces they had because of the great variety of goods (doc. ). The numerous manufactured wares also show the type of work and materials that were needed to be done in order to produce the items. (Insert authors pov/ diverge here). In the memoirs of the conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, he describes the quality and vast amounts of goods exchange at the Aztec marketplace (doc. 7). He takes not of how the items were displayed and the policies that enforced order end-to-end the market. However, he does show slash because he compared the Aztec marketplace to that of Portugal, and is truly only interested in gold, silver and slaves.He was also surprised by the way the slaves were able to walk around the urban center without being restrained. The vulnerability of the Chinampa sys tem shows the importance of the bucolic method as well as how the geography of the area promoted its use (doc. 8). From the lake dredged islands, much force needed to be exerted by the workers in order to harvest the crops. Although a laboring job, the fields reaped great benefits since they produced seven-spot crops per year. This amount contributed to a mixed diet, which led to better health and a greater population. (Insert authors pov/bias here).The picture of the Incan bridge shows the intercommunication between people from different parts of the area to do so with take over (doc. 10). The bridges not only encouraged communication between peoples, but also to aid them form gathering crops from one side of the area to the new(prenominal), and to increase trade between the two parts of the Incan Empire. (Insert authors pov/bias here). The picture from the First New Chronicle and Good Government, illustrated by Felipe Guanan Poma de Ayala, depicts the wide use and dependance on quipu to govern the Incan Empire (doc. 1). This mneumonic device in allowed for rulers and imperial officials to keep track of various statistics including unsophisticated products, and debts owed by the people. (Insert authors pov/bias here). Architecture also contributed to the stimulation of culture in the central American societies (documents 2,9,10,13). The photograph of the carved glyph on the Tenayuca Pyramid in Mexico City exhibits the skill and precision that architects had in constructing a building (doc. 2).Although all these sculptors had were rocks to carve into the rock, they did so in a way that was very proficient and showed their expertise in architecture. (Insert authors pov/bias here). The twelve cornered stone, shows the great amount of skill and effort the Incan architects had and needed in order to make such reliable and dependable walls (doc. 9) . The walls are of quality strength because they have lasted from the twenty-four hour period they were built up until now without the use of any mortar, just the precise aligning of carved rocks. (Insert authors pov/bias here).Apart from architecture, the Incan engineers built reliable bridges, just like the one that still stands today (doc. 10). This shows the expertise in bridge making as well as how the bridge could have helped architects build their structures, by development the bridge to cross over the chasm and retrieve rocks that could be used as carving rocks or as building materials. The photograph of Machu Picchu shows the great amount of effort and skill required to create a order of magnitude that could be depended on and maintained in the mountains (doc. 13). (Insert authors pov/bias here).The Incan architects truly show their might with this one, all buildings and structures were put together from hand carved rocks without the use of mortar. The builders also had to create a way for the city to not fall down, which also took much thought and skill. Lastly, religion was a great supporter for the cultural development in the Aztec and Incan Empires (documents 3,4,5, 12). The civil calendar used by the Aztecs shows the sophistication and complexity of activities throughout the course of the year, and how they paid close attention to religious ceremonies and the agricultural cycle (doc. 3).In this society the gods needed to be worshipped in order to produce great and bountiful harvests, so the veneration of goods was a necessity. (Insert authors pov/bias here). The chart describes the rituals that were associated for each month of the year and how it coincided with the Aztec calendar (doc. 4). The chart shows the intense religious devotion of numerous gods through ways of sacrificing people of certain age groups for each month. (Insert authors pov/bias here). The photograph from the Florentine Codex by Friar Bernadino, exhibits the great sacrificial society of the Mexica people (doc 5).This document shows bias because to the people of Central America, h uman sacrifice is part of their religion and way of worshiping their gods and giving their offerings, while to a Franciscan monastic who is a Christian begger, these ways are seen as heretic and the citizens are considered savages. The first new narration and good government by Felipe Guaman Panade Ayala exhibits the great devotion of Incas and their leaders to their sun god (doc. 12). They were strictly believers of the sun god and many other gods and since the document was written by someone who is of Incan descent, it shows bias.He sees the kings rejection to the Christian missioner Fray Vincente, as an act of great courage, loyalty, and devotion to his god, and is seen as a religious figure to other followers of the sun god. All in all, despite some of the Aztecs and Incas outdated technology methods, and tools, they were at sort of an advanced level of cultural development. Together the social, architectural, and religious aspects contributed to these successful societies. This essay receives a score of 9 It covers all requirements.

Longevity

Whether it is or non peoples decision how long they give out is one of the most important debates nowadays. There atomic number 18 many factors that tolerate guess just aboutones longevity, some of them are choices people make comparable smoking, drinking or keeping a wellnessy diet, but some opposite aspects Like socio-economic situation and genetic background may not be anyones election. Penthouse this circumstances index affect the longevity of a certain person, this essay will argue that bread and butter-style choices are In fact the most relevant factor when It comes to life expectancy.Lifestyle choices the like smoking and drinking, affect strongly a persons longevity. Penthouse not every smoking or drinking case ends In death, this lifestyle choices can slip by to serious health Issues that can adulterate the life expectancy of an Individual. A study held by L. Wilhelmina and other scientists, shows that there are many factors that can affect someones longevity, and they conclude that non-smokers have a higher casualty of surviving.This is because smoking causes injuries in the immune, circulatory and respiratory systems and this further leads to diseases like anger and osteoporosis. But smoking is not the only threat to someones health, drinking alcoholic beverages is extremely harmful, both mentally and physically, and can result with lethal consequences. According to Patrick M. Krueger, suicides, accidents, cancers and other diseases are the main causes of death in heavy drinkers. Drinking and smoking affect directly someones life expectancy due to its health and mental consequences.In contrast, some socio-economic circumstances clearly impingement on someones longevity and lifestyle choices. Government interventions like the minimum wage, effect directly somebodys socio-economic situation, and economic instability can influence someones lifestyle choices and longevity. For example, if the minimum wage decreases, and so does the pric e of close food, a role player that earns a basic salary won t be able to choose between fast food and healthy food because his budget only lets him spend in the cheapest food in the market.These can be In many ways someones decision, penthouse aspects like the ones mentioned In the previous paragraph might warp an Individuals choices. Obesity and sedentary can reduce someones life expectancy. A study held by Kelly et al from The university Cambridge on the Impact of obesity In fife expectancy, predicted that ponderous would reduce It by 0. 28 years. Longevity By militaries like socio-economic situation and genetic background may not be anyones election. Say will argue that lifestyle choices are in fact the most relevant factor when it Penthouse not every smoking or drinking case ends in death, this lifestyle choices can lead to serious health issues that can reduce the life expectancy of an individual. Lets him spend in the cheapest food in the market. In countries like The Uni ted States income the raze the mortality, making it evident that income might be a method to identify the lifestyle situations, that lead to the health contrast within people of different economic groups (Marmot, 2002).On the other hand, overweight and the lack of physical performance alter negatively a persons life expectancy. These can be in many ways someones decision, penthouse aspects like the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph might influence an individuals choices. Obesity and sedentary can reduce someones life expectancy. A study held by Kelly et al from The University Cambridge on the impact of obesity in life expectancy, predicted that overweight would reduce it by 0. 28 years.

Should Marty’s Company Embrace Open-Source Software?

ZAOZAO LIU MIS500 reconcile 2012 Should Martys company pamper open-source parcel in its build product? Marty Dirwey, CEO of Kalley Music Software, is facing a crucial question that whether she should open adenosine monophosphate Ups source code to users and developers. Undoubtedly, the new strategy which opens source package in KMSs hit product challenges the current highly successful strategy which prioritizes holding the intellectual property of adenylic acid Up. However, if I were Marty, I would support the new strategy. There are four parts in this paper. 1) analyze a basic but essential issue that why Marty hesitates hypothesis Amp Ups source code (2) come along explain the reasons why the company should accept the open-source strategy (3)give some recommendations to KMS (4) draw the conclusion. The reasons why Marty hesitates opening Amp Ups source code Essentially, there are three things Marty is worrying or so the feelings of the police squad, the churn of the cust omers, and the shekels of the company. As we can see from the case, Marty is in a dilemma.She resists opening the source code, because she is unwilling to give up the source code which is the fruit of painstaking labor of the whole team and she is worrying about how to piss money if the company shared the source code of the software which currently is the main source of their revenue. However, on the other hand, if she wont open the source code, undeniably, she is likely to be seen as the enemy of the users, mayhap not the enemy of all users, but at least the enemy of the fanatics, which must lead to be alienated by the customers who play a significant role in the melody game field. ZAOZAO LIU MIS500 FALL 2012 The reasons why the company should accept the open-source strategy Based on whats Marty worried I mentioned above, I will explain the reasons why the company should accept the open-source strategy from three perspectives. Considering the feelings of the team, especially the feelings of programmers, I believe the programmers must cheer for open-source software.Obvious is that confronting the current situation that inventing and executing dazzling upgrades are befitting harder and harder, programmers who Marty really cares about are fatigue so that they lose the passion in the software so that exhaust the creativity. At the moment, open source is a savior for all the programmers. They can integrate ideas from different developers and based on the basic innovative idea from developers, the programmers are more(prenominal) likely to create more stable and valuable upgrades than their opponents, because the programmers, the parents of Amp Up, must be more familiar with every detail of code.Another item we should recognize is that a new generation of programmers has grown up with open source software, and is more proficient in finding out what they need with OSS than with closed and proprietary tools and systems. What mean by this is that with the open -source software, the programmers would devise more effectively and efficiently. As to the customer churn, opening Amp Ups source code to the external developers doesnt necessarily lead to the customer churn, while closing the source code doesnt mean that similar and better software would never show up and the customers would be loyal to the company forever.Actually, infringers with strong competences have already shown up. so 2 ZAOZAO LIU MIS500 FALL 2012 open source becomes a must-to-do thing. From my perspective, as long as the programmer team of Amp Up doesnt give up the innovation of the software, the opponents can hardly take away the victor customers. There are two reasons. One reason is that Amp Up has sound brand which has been broadly speaking accepted. In my opinion, the code of software is similar to the literature.Famous literature must be recreated several times, but the readers ordinarily only can remember the original writer and prefer the original work. Thus, Marty doesnt need to worry about the KMGs position in the music game will be challenged easily, leading to a large rate of customer loss. The other reason is the team of Amp Up, including the programmers, CEO, COO, is professional and visionary and more familiar with the software and mass market so that the team is more likely to have a better agreement of the customers preference and cater to the needs of the market.The strategy of open-source software in KMSs hit product has a positive impact on enforcing the business transformation from a technology-oriented company to a serviceoriented company, which can set down KMS more opportunity to get more profit. If KMS wouldnt give away their proprietary IP and open the source, to forbid technology advantages in the music game field, they must invest more money in Amp Up, such as maintenance fee of hardware, so the downward tendency of KMSs profit would be inevitable. Recommendations for KMS In short-term run, KMS should open the sou rce and then integrate and utilize the ideas from different developers to mprove Amp Up select and get potential customers to the 3 ZAOZAO LIU MIS500 FALL 2012 maximum extent. That is, KMS should utilize Amp Up to capture the shoemakers last bucket of gold of the music software. After that, KMS should open the platform to third-party companies and provide technical support to those companies which sleek over have the dream of surviving or even thriving in an increasingly competitive music game field. In long-term run, a business transformation of KMS is a must. Besides, I think KMS should free prioritize the innovation, because it has a potent technology team. However, the model of technology innovation should be changed.Innovation within ecosystem should be a long-term direction. Conclusion KMS should open the source, because Amp Up has already in the open-source union and open source software can bring more potential customers and more profit to KMS. audience Coyle, Karen. O pen Source, Open Standards. Information Technology and Libraries 21. 1 (2002) 33-6. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 18 Sep. 2012. Jonathan Schwartz. Should Martys Should Martys company embrace open-source software in its hit product? Simon, Phil. Next Wave of Technologies opportunities in chaos (03/01/2010) , Chapter 5 4