#EPOS system

[sekeltech]

Sekel Smart EPOS: Revolutionizing Customer Data Management

Have you ever wondered how top retailers seamlessly manage customer data while personalizing every interaction? Are you struggling with duplicate records, lost loyalty points, and missed sales opportunities? If so, it’s time to explore the power of an EPOS system.

In today’s digital-first retail environment, managing customer data efficiently is crucial for business success. A robust EPOS system for retail shops goes beyond simple billing — it enhances customer experiences, streamlines data management, and maximizes revenue.

In this blog, we explore the challenges of traditional customer data management and how Sekel Smart EPOS revolutionizes the process with AI-driven automation. Discover its impact on customer engagement, sales growth, and business efficiency. Explore real EPOS system examples to see the difference it can make.

Sekel Tech’s Smart EPOS provides a competitive advantage through cutting-edge AI technology, real-time data verification, and personalized customer experiences. It empowers retailers to streamline operations, boost sales, and increase customer loyalty with its innovative EPOS system for retail shops. With its scalable solution, Sekel Smart EPOS adapts to businesses of all sizes, ensuring sustained growth and efficiency.

[eurostopuk]

Advanced Retail EPOS Software, Omnichannel Retailing | Eurostop

Revolutionize your retail operations with Eurostop's innovative EPOS system. Experience the benefits of advanced retail EPOS software designed to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.

[tillmachineuk]

Affordable EPOS system for hospitality business

In today's competitive hospitality industry, finding an affordable EPOS system tailored to the specific needs of businesses is crucial for effective management and customer satisfaction. An affordable EPOS system for hospitality businesses in the UK encompasses several key features that ensure operational efficiency without compromising on quality or service.

First and foremost, affordability in an EPOS system means more than just a low initial cost; it implies a comprehensive solution that delivers value over time. Such systems typically offer flexible pricing plans that cater to different scales of operations, whether it's a small boutique hotel or a bustling restaurant chain. This flexibility allows businesses to scale their EPOS capabilities according to their growth trajectory without facing prohibitive upfront costs.

Moreover, an affordable EPOS system in the hospitality sector integrates seamlessly with existing hardware and software infrastructures. This integration capability is crucial as it minimizes disruption during implementation and ensures smooth day-to-day operations. Whether it's linking with kitchen display systems, online ordering platforms, or loyalty programs, the ability to sync effortlessly enhances operational efficiency and customer service.

Additionally, cost-effectiveness in an EPOS system often translates into enhanced features that streamline processes and improve customer interactions. For instance, robust inventory management functionalities help in maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing wastage, thereby lowering operational costs. Real-time reporting and analytics empower business owners to make informed decisions swiftly, boosting profitability and efficiency across multiple locations if applicable.

Furthermore, affordability doesn't equate to compromising on security and compliance. A reliable EPOS system for hospitality businesses in the UK adheres to industry standards for data security and GDPR compliance, safeguarding sensitive customer information and ensuring peace of mind for both businesses and their patrons.

In conclusion, an affordable EPOS system designed for hospitality businesses in the UK goes beyond the initial price tag to offer scalable solutions, seamless integration, enhanced features, and robust security measures. By investing in such a system, businesses can streamline operations, improve customer service, and ultimately drive profitability in an increasingly competitive market landscape. Whether it's a quaint bed and breakfast or a bustling chain of restaurants, the right EPOS system tailored to specific business needs can be a transformative asset, paving the way for sustained growth and success in the hospitality industry.

[beepsystem]

An advanced EPOS system is crucial for convenience and grocery stores in the UK, helping to optimize product availability, reduce costs, and enhance checkout efficiency. BEEP Systems offers a versatile solution, enabling single or multi-site management with live sales tracking and customizable settings. Key features include handheld ordering, kitchen display integration, and secure login options. The system supports promotions and compliance measures, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For stores aiming to streamline processes and boost sales, investing in a robust EPOS system is essential.

For more information, visit: Convenience & Grocery epos system in UK

[businessquotes]

Optimize Your Restaurant Operations with EPOS Systems from Business Quotes

Elevate your restaurant's efficiency and profitability with BusinessQuotes' specialized EPOS systems designed specifically for the food industry. Our comprehensive solutions empower restaurant owners to streamline operations, manage orders effectively, track inventory in real-time, and analyze sales data effortlessly. With intuitive features tailored to restaurant needs, such as table management and kitchen display integration, our EPOS systems ensure smoother workflows and enhanced customer experiences. Discover how BusinessQuotes' EPOS systems can revolutionize your restaurant management, drive growth, and set you apart from the competition.

[powerepos]

Turning Tables and Boosting Efficiency: The Role of Restaurant EPOS System

Welcome to the future of streamlined dining experiences! Today, we're diving into the transformative realm of Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems and their pivotal role in turning tables faster and boosting overall efficiency in your restaurant.

Elevating the Dining Experience

In an era where seamless operations are key, restaurant EPOS systems stand as the backbone of a modern restaurant. These digital solutions not only enhance customer satisfaction but also significantly improve the efficiency of your entire establishment.

Swift and Precise Ordering

Bid farewell to the days of handwritten orders and misplaced tabs. EPOS systems empower your staff to take orders with precision on handheld devices, instantly relaying them to the kitchen. The result? Faster service, fewer errors, and a dining experience that leaves your customers impressed.

Effortless Inventory Management

Maintaining optimal inventory levels is a perpetual challenge. EPOS systems tackle this head-on by offering real-time inventory tracking. Receive timely alerts when supplies are running low, preventing disappointments and ensuring your kitchen runs smoothly.

Mastering Table Turnover

For restaurant owners, the art of turning tables efficiently is a game-changer. EPOS systems provide insights into turnover times, enabling you to optimise seating arrangements and reduce wait times. This not only enhances the overall guest experience but also increases your restaurant's revenue.

Billing Made Simple

Complex bill splitting and payment hassles are a thing of the past. EPOS systems simplify the billing process, allowing your staff to effortlessly split bills, apply discounts, and accept a variety of payment methods. This ensures a smooth and satisfying conclusion to your customers' dining experience.

Strategic Analytics for Success

Knowledge is power, especially in the restaurant business. EPOS systems offer detailed analytics, helping you decipher sales trends, popular dishes, and customer behavior. Armed with this data, you can make informed decisions on everything from menu enhancements to marketing strategies, ensuring your restaurant stays ahead of the competition.

Embracing Future Innovations

As the industry evolves, so do EPOS systems. From integration with online ordering platforms to AI-driven suggestions, these technologies are advanced. By embracing these innovations, you're not just investing in today's efficiency but future-proofing your restaurant for the challenges to come.

Consider EPOS systems not just as tools but as strategic partners in your business journey. From order to payment, these systems are your partners in delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Here's to maximising efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction!

[its-a-beautful-day]

Donations Requested

This is always really hard to do but I've been going through really difficult times these last few months and it would help if you could donate here

I have a temporary place to stay but I've been homeless since April 1st. Alot of places near me have rent in the $700 to $1,000+ area which is massively outside my range (the only one I've seen in my price range had no ac 😭 it's already hit 80°f this spring)

I've been working with different resources to help find housing and support (such as SNAP) but they take time. It's been so much these past three months and I'm starting to burn out.

I'll be putting donations towards costs such as: my monthly storage rental, groceries (snap pending), medicine, doctor appointments, security deposit when I find a potential apartment, and filling my car up with gas.

I have a Kofi, with a backlog of art and a discord server. I've also been playing around with a new app on the iPad if anyone wants to request doodles for donations over $10 (examples above)

I appreciate any and all help <3

[kleocloud]

Improve Epos System For Fine Dining: The Complete Guide to Restaurant Point of Sale

In the fast-paced world of fine dining, efficiency, accuracy, and excellent customer service are paramount. A robust EPOS system for fine dining is not merely a tool; it’s an integral part of the modern dining experience. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer satisfaction, the right restaurant POS software can revolutionize how establishments operate.

What is an EPOS System?

An Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is a digital solution that combines hardware and software to facilitate business transactions and manage operations effectively. Designed to cater to the needs of restaurants, these systems do far more than processing payments. They help monitor sales, manage inventory, track employee performance, and offer insights through detailed reports.

For fine dining restaurants, where precision and quality are key, EPOS systems are indispensable. These solutions ensure that every aspect of the dining experience is seamless, from the initial reservation to the final payment.

Key Features of a Fine Dining EPOS System

1. Table Management

Fine dining establishments rely heavily on smooth table management. A comprehensive EPOS system provides tools for:

Visual table layouts that mimic the restaurant floor plan.

Tracking table occupancy and reservation statuses.

Assigning specific waitstaff to tables for better accountability.

These features ensure that guests experience a hassle-free dining journey while staff maintain operational efficiency.

2. Advanced Menu Management

In fine dining, menu complexity is a given. Restaurant POS software helps manage:

Multiple menus, including seasonal or event-specific options.

Customization of orders to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions.

Real-time updates to reflect ingredient availability.

With these capabilities, restaurants can maintain the high standards their patrons expect.

3. Integrated Payment Solutions

The best EPOS systems offer a variety of secure payment options, including:

Contactless payments.

Split bills for group dining.

Digital receipts via email or SMS.

This flexibility enhances the customer experience while ensuring quick and accurate payment processing.

4. Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management is crucial in fine dining. EPOS software includes tools to:

Track ingredient usage and reorder stock automatically.

Reduce waste by identifying slow-moving items.

Provide real-time inventory levels to avoid shortages.

This ensures that kitchens are always prepared, reducing downtime and maintaining menu integrity.

5. Staff Management and Scheduling

With an EPOS system, restaurant managers can:

Monitor employee performance.

Optimize staff schedules based on peak hours.

Simplify payroll processing with time-tracking features.

These functionalities help improve staff efficiency and satisfaction.

Benefits of Using a Restaurant POS System in Fine Dining

Enhanced Customer Experience

Fine dining is all about creating memorable experiences. An EPOS system contributes by:

Reducing wait times through efficient order processing.

Personalizing interactions using customer data.

Ensuring accurate billing and seamless payments.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Automation reduces the margin for error, allowing staff to focus on customer engagement rather than mundane tasks. Whether it’s splitting bills or managing inventory, restaurant POS systems streamline operations.

Real-Time Insights

Modern EPOS systems provide detailed analytics, including:

Sales trends and peak dining times.

Popular menu items.

Employee performance metrics.

Armed with this information, restaurant owners can make data-driven decisions to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction.

Scalability for Growth

As a fine dining establishment grows, so do its operational needs. Advanced restaurant POS software scales easily, accommodating multiple locations, diverse menus, and expanded staff rosters without compromising efficiency.

Choosing the Right EPOS System for Your Fine Dining Restaurant

When selecting an EPOS system, consider the following factors:

1. Customization and Flexibility

Your chosen system should adapt to your restaurant’s unique requirements, offering customizable features such as:

Tailored floor plans.

Specific payment options.

Integration with existing third-party tools.

2. Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface ensures that staff can quickly adapt to the system, minimizing training time and operational disruptions.

3. Robust Support and Updates

Choose a provider that offers reliable customer support and regular software updates to keep your system secure and up-to-date.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

While investing in a high-quality EPOS system is crucial, consider solutions that offer value for money, balancing features with affordability.

Top EPOS Systems for Fine Dining Restaurants

1. Toast POS

Known for its intuitive interface, Toast POS is a popular choice among fine dining establishments. It offers features like table-side ordering, real-time menu updates, and integrated payment solutions.

2. Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed is renowned for its robust inventory management and advanced analytics. It’s an excellent option for restaurants aiming to enhance operational efficiency.

3. Square for Restaurants

Square provides a cost-effective yet powerful solution. Its customizable features and ease of use make it a favorite for many fine dining venues.

4. Upserve by Lightspeed

Upserve focuses on delivering a data-driven approach, with tools that track sales performance, customer preferences, and more.

Conclusion

Investing in the right EPOS system for fine dining is a game-changer. From streamlining operations to delivering an exceptional customer experience, these systems are indispensable for modern restaurants. By carefully selecting a solution tailored to your establishment’s needs, you can ensure efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

[eposadvisor]

Beyond the Basics: What Makes the Best EPOS System in the UK?

Investing in an EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) system is not just a tech upgrade—it's a strategic move that can transform the way your business operates on a daily basis. From running a bustling café in Manchester to a fashionable retail boutique in London, choosing the best system is about so much more than price or looks.

In this blog, we myth-bust exactly what makes a system the best EPOS system in the UK—and how to avoid paying over the odds for features you don't need.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Your Industry Workflow Before You Buy Anything Else

Your perfect retail EPOS system won't necessarily cut it in a high-stakes hospitality environment—and vice versa.

Retail EPOS systems demand:

• Advanced inventory and SKU management

• Multi-channel integration (e.g. in-store + ecommerce)

• Loyalty and gift card schemes

Hospitality EPOS systems have the advantage of:

• Split billing and table management

• Kitchen printer integration

• Real-time menu and modifier customization

If your system doesn't fit the way your staff and customers do business, it'll cause more friction than efficiency.

2. Prioritize Scalability Over Flashy Features

Companies tend to get sidetracked by flash features—AI dashboards, predictive analytics, and complex CRM tools. These can be useful, but only if they advance your business objectives.

Instead, seek systems that provide:

• Simple new employee onboarding

• Adding/removing devices or locations as you grow

• Modular add-ons (e.g., adding stock control or loyalty down the line)

This is what separates the best EPOS systems in the UK from the clunky, overpriced ones.

3. Local Compliance and Support are Important

Few global EPOS solutions take into account the nuances of UK taxation, card processing, and data protection regulations. That's where a locally established provider is its worth.

Look for providers who:

• Are HMRC-compliant

• Offer UK-based support teams

• Be PCI DSS and GDPR-compliant

Why? Because regardless of how great your hospitality EPOS system is, it will turn into a liability overnight if it's not compliant with UK business regulations.

4. Data You Can Actually Use

Data that has no context is just noise. A great EPOS system should be able to take sales data and turn it into actionable insights every day. For example:

• What's your best-selling product 4-6 PM?

• Which server upsells the most?

• What stock must be ordered this week?

The top retail EPOS systems help traders make better decisions, not just collect facts. Choose one that gives you graphical, actionable reports without needing a qualification in data science.

5. Low Cost Doesn't Have to Mean Low Functionality

Common misconception: "I cannot afford a good system." The reality is that you can find a worthy, high-function EPOS system at low prices—if you know where to search.

Look for suppliers offering:

• Totally transparent pricing (no hidden fees)

• Pay-as-you-go monthly plans or one-off payment

• Demo or trial periods without charge

• Quality core functionality without costly add-ons

There are options in the market today with retail inventory solutions or restaurant-grade functionality for below £50/month or affordable starter packages with no monthly costs.

Last Thoughts: Don't Compare Features—Compare Fit

In seeking out the top EPOS systems in the UK, avoid checklist warfare. Rather, ask:

"What system fits my business, my customers, and my staff's needs?"

The best EPOS partner will understand your industry, provide transparent prices, and give you tools that grow with your business—without overwhelming it.

Require custom advice?

At EPOS Advisor, we match businesses with the UK's leading retail and hospitality EPOS systems—always considering value, performance, and price.

Source by: https://www.zupyak.com/p/4605908/t/beyond-the-basics-what-makes-the-best-epos-system-in-the-uk

[devdozes]

♣ Whatever happened to the Hayloft? (pt.1)

wohooo modern au! anyways uh reader is part of kremnoan national agency and epos is the enemy EDIT: PART TWO IS POSTED!!

The world always had a way of discarding those who had completed their given role, and You learned that lesson the hard way.

You weren’t born in Kremnos, but you had carved a space for yourself in its investigation unit. It wasn’t out of loyalty or duty but because Eurypon had given you something—an offer, that too an undeniable one. You hunted the rot lurking in the shadows, the kind of filth that thrived in places where the law looked away. Because the offer was a mutual win, To absolutely destroy Epos.

Your last mission should have been a victory. You eliminated the threat, wiped out the infection before it could spread further. You expected gratitude, recognition—at the very least, acknowledgment that you had done the right thing.

Instead, you were met with silence. Then, whispers. Then, a sudden decision was handed down as if it were carved in stone: your removal from the unit, the same unit to which Eurypon himself added you in. And then, you were removed by your superiors, and that same decision was approved by that bastard Eurypos himself.

They told you it was protocol, that your methods were reckless, that you had overstepped. But you weren’t stupid. The target you eliminated had been a benefactor, slipping money into the right hands to stay untouchable. The same hands that had signed off on your expulsion.

Disgrace. That’s what they called it. An exile disguised as procedure. You weren’t arrested, weren’t silenced permanently—just thrown out like something inconvenient.

Your badge was taken. Your access revoked. The work you dedicated yourself to, gone in an instant.

No goodbyes. No allies. Just you, standing at the threshold of a city that no longer wanted you.

The mission played over and over in your mind. "Observe the enemy's intentions and eliminate them." That had been your directive. You did exactly that.

You spent weeks following him, watching him slip through the cracks of Kremnos’ justice system, paying his way out of every accusation, every crime. You watched him destroy lives, snuffing out the weak like they were nothing more than pawns in his personal game. And yet, no one ever stopped him. No one ever tried. He wasn’t just another criminal—he was protected. A necessary evil, they called him. Essential to the city’s survival.

You knew better.

The night of the mission still clung to you, vivid in every detail. The air had been thick with rain, your coat heavy with moisture as you pressed into the shadows of the alley. The target had been cornered, his options dwindling with every step you took forward.

"You don’t want to do this," he had said, voice shaking but still laced with arrogance. "You think you’re doing something noble? I keep the wheels turning. Without me, this city crumbles."

You hesitated—not out of doubt, but out of anger. Did he truly believe that? That he was untouchable, that he could buy his way out even now? That the rules didn’t apply to him?

Your grip on your weapon had been steady, your mind clear. "Then let it crumble."

A single shot. A clean execution.

The silence that followed had been deafening. The city continued on, indifferent. No sirens, no rush of justice arriving too late. Just the sound of rain washing away the blood.

You had fulfilled your mission. You had done what you were told.

And yet, they cast you aside like you had betrayed them.

Confusion twisted in your gut, warring with the certainty that you had done the right thing. Hadn’t you? Or had you simply played the role of executioner while the real enemies remained seated in their offices, drinking their fine liquor, counting their bloodstained money?

As the weight of their betrayal settled in, there was no regret.

But the anger remained, burning beneath your skin.

You had done the right thing.

Even if no one else would admit it. They were all money-hungry cowards.

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!". You threw a pillow at the screen with a frustrated groan. The TV show had been a mindless distraction, something to drown out the thoughts clawing at the back of your mind, but now it was just fueling your frustration. The female lead—who had spent the entire season developing chemistry with the actually interesting, funny, and devastatingly handsome second lead—had just thrown it all away for the blandest, most insufferably boring male lead imaginable.

"Oh, sure! Pick the emotionally constipated guy with all the personality of an unseasoned mashed potato! That makes so much sense!" You snatched the remote, furiously hitting the rewind button just to glare at the scene again. "This man wrote you poetry, He made you laugh! Meanwhile, your so-called true love hasn’t smiled once in twelve episodes and the ONLY thing he did was to accept you and give you flowers, which is the bare fucking MINIMUM!"

You slumped back against your pillows, glaring at the ceiling. Maybe it was the betrayal, the unfairness of it all—both in the show and in your own life—that made your blood boil. The second lead had done everything right. He had been there, had supported her, had actually put in the effort. Your fingers curled into the blanket, irritation and something heavier twisting in your gut. The familiar weight of injustice, of being discarded despite doing exactly what was asked of you.

"Ridiculous," you muttered, reaching for the half-empty bag of chips beside you and stuffing a handful into your mouth. "I swear, if they make him attend her wedding in the finale, I’m going to go batshit insane."

And then the finale aired.

The second lead sat in the audience, watching with a wistful smile as the female lead exchanged vows with the brick wall of a main character.

You stared at the screen, jaw tightening. The remote was in your hand, the power button just within reach.

Click.

The TV screen went black.

Without hesitation, you tossed the remote onto the couch, grabbed your bike keys, and swung on your jacket. Enough of this nonsense. You needed something to cool your frustration before you did something drastic—like throwing your TV out the window.

"I am not dealing with this bullshit anymore, isn't tv supposed to calm you down? why is increasing my already high blood pressure"

You quickly stomp out the door, put on your shoes, and run down the stairs quickly, and jump on your bike. from rage or excitement idk

The ice cream shop was nearly empty when you arrived, save for the cashier—a familiar silver-haired young man with a bright grin that immediately screamed trouble. Caelus.

"Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favorite brooding customer!" Caelus leaned dramatically over the counter, resting his chin on his hands. "What’ll it be tonight? Let me guess—something bitter, to match the look on your face?" that zesty bitch

Before you could retort, the door swung open violently, and a blur of motion tackled you from behind. "[Name]!" Stelle practically jumped on you, clinging to your shoulders like an overgrown koala. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she stuck her tongue out at Caelus. "Beat you to them first!"

Caelus gasped in mock horror. "Betrayal! I was just about to offer them a special ‘overdramatic protagonist’ discount!"

You groaned, trying to pry Stelle off. "I just wanted ice cream, not sibling chaos."

"Too late!" Stelle grinned. "We come as a package deal!" Caelus scoffed, dramatically flipping an imaginary cape over his shoulder. "Excuse you, I am the main event. You’re just the annoying sidekick."

"Excuse you," Stelle shot back, finally releasing you only to jab a finger into Caelus’s chest. "I am the superior sibling here. I was born first."

"You both are twins." You say with the most tired expression on your face while rubbing your temples.

"And yet I’m still more mature," Caelus countered clearly ignoring your words, flashing a smug grin.

"You literally tried to eat a rock yesterday!"

"It looked edible!"

"It was glowing blue!"

You sighed, rubbing your temples as they continued bickering like children fighting over the last cookie. "Can I please just order my ice cream before you two kill each other?"

Caelus instantly straightened, clearing his throat and putting on his best ‘professional’ expression—though the effect was ruined by Stelle making faces behind his back.

"Of course! What can I get you, dear customer?" He batted his long-ass eyelashes exaggeratedly, voice dripping with fake sweetness.

Before you could respond, Stelle leaned in. "They’ll have the saddest, most depressing flavor you’ve got. Something that really screams ‘I got kicked out of a corrupt government unit and now I’m having an existential crisis over fictional characters.’"

Caelus nodded solemnly, stroking his chin. "Ah, yes. That’s a classic order. I recommend the ‘Betrayal Blackberry’ or the ‘Melancholy Mint.’"

"Or," Stelle added, grinning, "we could go for full self-pity mode and get the ‘Cold and Alone Cookie Dough.’"

You glared at both of them. "You two are the absolute worst."

"Yeah, yeah, we know," Caelus said cheerfully. "So, which depressing flavor will it be?"

"...Cold and Alone Cookie Dough."

They high-fived.

"You guys suck," you muttered, grabbing your ice cream and biting the waffle cone and ice cream with unnecessary force.

"Oh, don’t be like that," Stelle cooed, flopping into the chair across from you and stealing a bite of your ice cream before you could stop her.

Caelus leaned on the counter, watching with the grin of someone who lived purely to be a menace. "So, tell us—was it a TV show or real life that caused this spiral into frozen dairy despair?"

You debated throwing your ice cream at his face.

As you stepped out of the shop, the cool night air wrapped around you, the taste of cookie dough and vanilla lingering on your tongue. The ridiculous bickering between Stelle and Caelus still echoed behind you, but for once, instead of irritation, it left a small smile on your face.

"Try not to get arrested!" Caelus called after you with a cheeky wave.

"And don’t die!" Stelle added, throwing in a thumbs-up.

"You guys act like I can’t handle myself," you scoffed, waving lazily over your shoulder as you stepped onto the sidewalk.

The moment lasted exactly three seconds before someone slammed into you.

Your grip on the ice cream loosened, the cone slipping from your fingers in slow motion, the pale brown-dotted biege scoop tumbling unceremoniously onto the pavement.

You barely registered the loss of your dessert because the person who bumped into you—a hooded stranger—was already darting away, their head ducked low. A second later, shouts erupted from down the street.

"Hey! Stop that guy!"

"He stole my bag!"

"Someone grab him!"

You blinked, staring after the retreating figure.

Then, slowly, your gaze dropped to the fallen ice cream, the way it lay pitifully on the ground, melting into a sad puddle.

Your eye twitched.

Alright. The theft? Definitely a problem.

But ruining your ice cream? That was just personal.

"HEY, YOU SON OF A—" You took off in a sprint, instincts kicking in before you even thought about it.

The stranger whipped his head around in alarm, realizing that not only was he being chased—but that his pursuer was very, very angry.

"Oh, you better start running!" you yelled, pushing forward with even more speed.

"WAIT—WHAT—WHY ARE YOU CHASING ME?!" the thief shouted over his shoulder, dodging past pedestrians.

"YOU RUINED MY ICE CREAM, YOU COWARD!"

That seemed to genuinely throw him off. He stumbled slightly before regaining his pace, muttering something under his breath about lunatics.

Behind you, Stelle and Caelus had stepped outside just in time to witness the scene.

Caelus let out a low whistle. "Aaaand there she goes."

Stelle crossed her arms, grinning. "Do we help?"

Caelus hummed, pretending to think. "...Nah. This seems personal."

You took a sharp turn into the alleyway, cutting off the thief’s path before he could escape into the maze of side streets. He skidded to a stop, looking around frantically like a trapped rat.

"Alright, asshole," you panted, rolling your shoulders as you stepped forward. "You made me drop my ice cream. Now I have to kick your ass on principle."

The thief let out a high-pitched laugh, one that sounded more nervous than anything. "L-Let’s not be hasty now!"

You blinked.

That voice.

That infuriatingly familiar, weaselly voice.

Your eyes narrowed as the thief slowly turned around, hands raised in mock surrender.

Purple hair. Cocky grin. Shady coat.

"Sampo?" you deadpanned.

"Ahahaha... surprise?" Sampo Koski grinned, but the sweat dripping down his forehead told you everything.

You stared at him. Then at the stolen bag slung over his shoulder. Then back at him.

"...You stole someone’s bag?"

"Hey, hey, hey, let’s not use such harsh words!" Sampo waved his hands, stepping back. "I prefer ‘borrowing without permission’—"

Your glare intensified.

He coughed. "Temporarily relocating belongings—"

You cracked your knuckles.

"—IT’S A MISUNDERSTANDING, I SWEAR!"

Before he could bolt again, you lunged, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him close. "You owe me ice cream, you rat bastard."

Sampo held up his hands in surrender. "H-How about I get you two? Three! Three ice creams! My treat!"

"You are so lucky I don’t punch you right now," you growled, releasing him with a shove. "Now return the damn bag before I make you eat pavement."

Sampo chuckled nervously. "Right, right—of course! No problem! Consider it already done!"

Just as he said that, the original owner of the bag—an angry looking woman—came sprinting up, flanked by two security officers.

"There he is!" she shouted, pointing directly at Sampo.

He stiffened. "Ah. Well. This is awkward."

You smirked. "Oh no, please go on. I’d love to see how you talk your way out of this one."

Sampo shot you a pleading look before sighing dramatically. "Alright, alright, no need for handcuffs! It’s all a big miscommunication, I assure you!"

As the officers descended on him, you simply stood back, arms crossed, enjoying every second of his downfall.

. . . .

As the security officers reached for Sampo, he shot you one last desperate look—the kind that screamed "Help me, oh great and merciful person whom I may have slightly inconvenienced!"

You rolled your eyes.

"Hey," you called out to the officers, stepping forward. "This dumbass already realized he messed up. No need to rough him up."

The security guards hesitated. The woman, now clearly an elderly lady with sharp eyes, frowned at you.

"Are you vouching for him?" one of the guards asked, skeptical.

"Pfft— No." You snatched the bag from Sampo’s hands before he could protest and turned to the woman. "Here. Safe and sound."

The old lady blinked, surprised. Then, with a warm smile, she took the bag. "Oh, bless your heart, dear!"

Meanwhile, the guards turned their attention to Sampo again.

"Hey, would you look at the time!" Sampo chirped, already inching away. "I must be going—"

You stuck your foot out.

Sampo tripped but recovered quickly, casting you a betrayed look.

You sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright, he’s harmless. Just let him go."

The officers exchanged glances but ultimately relented, grumbling as they backed off. The elderly woman gave you another grateful nod before walking off, leaving you alone with the notorious conman.

Sampo, ever the opportunist, dusted himself off with a wide grin. "Wow! You actually helped me! Didn’t know you cared so much—"

Your fist cracked against his head lightly—a warning tap, really.

"Ow!"

"You owe me ice cream, Koski." You grabbed his collar before he could escape. "And a damn good explanation."

Sampo chuckled nervously. "Ehehe… w-well, you see—"

You dragged him back toward the ice cream shop.

"Talk. Now."

As the bell chimed upon your return, Caelus and Stelle looked up from behind the counter—only to immediately burst into laughter.

Caelus nearly collapsed onto the register, wheezing. "Oh my god."

Stelle clutched her stomach, barely able to breathe. "What— what is that look on your face—?"

Because, standing at the entrance of the shop, you wore the most dangerously peaceful smile imaginable. A smile that promised violence.

And in your grasp, Sampo Koski dangled half-dragged by the collar of his coat, groaning dramatically. "Mercy! Mercy, I say!"

Caelus wiped a tear from his eye. "Did you adopt a stray, [Name]? Or—wait—did the stray adopt you?!"

"Shut up," you said sweetly, before unceremoniously dumping Sampo onto the floor.

"Oof—!" He sprawled out like a ragdoll. "Rude."

You turned to Caelus, still smiling. "Another one of my usual. On him." You jabbed a thumb at Sampo, who gave a weak thumbs-up from the floor.

Stelle snickered. "You got a sugar daddy now?"

"More like a debt-ridden weasel who owes me for ruining my first ice cream." You crossed your arms. "And I will be collecting."

Sampo scrambled up, brushing himself off. "Now, now! Let’s not be hasty—"

Caelus grinned, already scooping your ice cream. "Oh, no. We love hasty."

Stelle smirked. "So, Koski—" She leaned over the counter. "—care to explain what the fuck just happened?"

Sampo let out a nervous chuckle, straightening his coat as he glanced between you, Stelle, and Caelus—all three of you wearing eerily expectant expressions.

"Now, now," he started, raising his hands in a pacifying gesture. "Surely there’s no need for such hostility! Let’s all take a deep breath, relax, and—"

You grabbed a chair and turned it around, sitting on it backward like you were about to interrogate him. "Talk."

Caelus, ever the opportunist, slid a cup of water across the counter like he was in some kind of detective movie. Stelle leaned in closer, grinning.

"Spill."

Sampo sighed dramatically. "Ahh, what a cruel world! A man can’t even do a little bit of freelance item relocation without being hunted down like a criminal—"

"Because you are one?" you deadpanned.

"Details!" He waved you off. "See, my dear friends, it’s all about perspective! To you, I might look like some shady—albeit handsome—fellow running through the streets, but to others, I am simply a humble entrepreneur!"

Caelus snorted. "Humble, my ass."

You tapped your fingers against the chair. "So what, you just happened to rob an old lady in front of a crowd?"

"*Whoa!*Whoa! Let’s not throw around words like ‘rob,’" Sampo said, looking genuinely offended. "She was the one who had something very valuable, and I simply liberated it for a bit! Then I was going to return it—eventually!"

"Eventually my ass," you muttered.

Stelle grinned. "So, what was in the bag, huh? Stacks of cash? A top-secret government file? The legendary lost treasure of—"

Sampo groaned, rubbing his face. "Ugh, it was a bunch of handmade scarves!"

There was silence.

Then Caelus burst out laughing again. Stelle doubled over, wheezing.

You blinked. "Wait, what?"

Sampo slumped over the table. "I thought it was something else!"

You pinched the bridge of your nose. "You—stole scarves? From an old lady? And got chased down the street for it?"

Sampo threw his arms in the air. "I panicked!"

Caelus wiped a tear from his eye, grinning. "Man, you really are the worst at this."

"I’m usually so good at this!" Sampo groaned, before giving you the most pitiful look possible. "You believe me, don’t you?"

You took your freshly made ice cream from Caelus, making a show of enjoying the first bite. Then, without breaking eye contact, you reached out and grabbed Sampo’s wallet right from his coat.

"Hey—!"

You flipped it open, pulled out enough to cover the ice cream, and slammed the cash onto the counter. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Caelus let out an exaggerated "oohhh!" while Stelle outright clapped.

Sampo sighed, defeated. "You wound me, [Name]. Truly."

You smirked. "Next time, watch where you’re running. Or maybe don’t steal from old ladies."

Sampo pouted. "Lesson learned… probably." that fucking whore

With the sweet taste of victory (and ice cream) on your tongue, you leaned back in your chair, savoring every bite while Sampo sulked dramatically across from you. Stelle was still giggling every now and then, and Caelus had taken it upon himself to reenact Sampo’s very ungraceful escape attempt using napkins and straws.

You took another slow, deliberate spoonful, making a show of enjoying it just to rub salt in Sampo’s wounded pride.

"Mmm. So worth the trouble."

Sampo groaned, slumping over the table. "This is cruel and unusual punishment. Watching someone else enjoy what should’ve been mine."

"You paid for this," you reminded him.

"And yet, somehow, I feel robbed," he sighed.

Stelle grinned. "Now you know how that old lady felt."

Sampo shot her a betrayed look, but before he could get another word in, you set your spoon down, stretching with a satisfied sigh. "Alright, I’m heading home before something else drags me into its nonsense."

"Awww," Stelle whined. "You sure? You could stick around and watch Caelus keep clowning on Sampo."

Caelus, who had been dramatically dropping a napkin “thief” off a table ledge, grinned. "I’ve got at least ten more skits in me."

Sampo groaned louder. "You’re all terrible people."

You laughed, standing up. "I’m sure you’ll survive, Sampo. Or not. Either way, not my problem."

With a final wave to the chaotic duo, you exited the shop, stepping into the cool night air. Your bike was parked nearby, and you swung a leg over it with ease, the quiet hum of the streets a welcome change from all the chaos.

For the first time in a while, a genuine smile settled on your face.

As you settled onto your bike, ready to head home, a flicker of movement in your peripheral vision caught your attention.

A hooded figure stood near the alley across the street, leaning casually against the wall as if waiting for something—or someone. The dim glow of a nearby streetlamp barely illuminated his features, but for a split second, you caught a glimpse of something familiar.

Ash-blonde hair with red tips.

Your grip on the handlebars tightened slightly. A strange sense of recognition stirred in your chest, but you pushed it down. You were tired—you’d had enough surprises for one night.

With a shake of your head, you dismissed the thought. Probably just some random guy. Not your business.

You revved your bike, the engine’s low hum filling the silence. The hooded figure didn’t move, didn’t react.

And so, you turned your attention back to the road and rode off into the night, leaving the stranger—and whatever trouble he might bring behind because you had enough for one fucking night

. . . . .

The ride home was uneventful, the cool night air doing little to wash away the lingering irritation from earlier. You parked your bike, stretched out your sore limbs, and stepped inside. The dim glow of your apartment welcomed you, quiet and still—just the way you liked it.

You tossed your jacket onto the couch, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, and were about to collapse onto your bed when your phone buzzed.

Unknown Caller.

You stared at the screen, debating whether to pick up. Something about it felt… off.

Against your better judgment, you answered.

A familiar voice crackled through the speaker. "…[Name]?"

You froze.

Aglaea.

It had been months since you last heard her voice. Since she let you walk away without a word. Since she didn’t defend you when you needed her most.

Your grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want?"

There was a pause. A hesitation. Then—

"Eurypon is dead."

The words settled over you like a thick fog. Cold. Heavy.

You blinked once. Then twice.

Dead?

Eurypon—the same bastard who removed you from the unit, who framed you as reckless, who ensured you’d never work in the investigation unit again—was dead?

You weren’t sure how to feel. Shocked? Maybe. But there was no grief. No sadness. Just an empty sort of understanding.

People like Eurypon made enemies. It was only a matter of time.

You exhaled, voice steady, emotionless. "I'm not in the investigation unit anymore, Aglaea. Don’t contact me."

A beat of silence. Then, Aglaea’s voice softened. "I know," she murmured. "I just thought… you should hear it from me. Not the news. Not anyone else."

You didn’t respond.

Another pause. Then, quieter—almost hesitant—she added, "Save my number, [Name]. Even if you don’t want to talk to me. Just… save it."

You sighed, fingers hovering over the screen.

Then, without another word, you declined the call.

But you did save her number.

. . . .

You groaned, throwing yourself onto the couch before grabbing the remote and flicking on the TV. After the chaotic mess of the night, all you wanted was some mindless background noise.

Flipping through the channels, you paused at the news. Maybe they had an update on something actually interesting.

"Breaking News: Former Investigation Unit Director, Eurypon, Found Dead."

Your brows raised slightly. So it was real.

The reporter droned on about the details—Eurypon’s body found in a private residence, a single bullet wound to the head, no signs of forced entry. But what really caught your attention was the next segment.

A figure appeared on the screen, standing at a podium in a sharply pressed uniform, flanked by two other high-ranking officials. His face was one you recognized instantly.

Ash-blonde hair with red tips, slightly messy yet unmistakable. Cold golden eyes staring through the camera with that same unyielding intensity.

Mydei.

Your former teammate.

No. More than that.

Eurypon’s son.

Your lips curled into something between amusement and curiosity. So he was the one stepping into his father’s shoes now?

Then, before you could process anything further—

BZZZT.

Your phone vibrated against your stomach. Another unknown number.

You groaned, throwing a pillow across the room in frustration. "Are you kidding me?"

Swiping the call open, you pressed the phone to your ear. "Whoever this is, I swear—"

"[Name]."

You blinked.

That voice. Low. Steady. Unshaken.

You glanced at the TV again, and there he was—Mydei, standing there like he owned the damn world.

Slowly, you sat up, adjusting your grip on the phone. "You killed Eurypon, didn’t you?"

There was a beat of silence.

Then, calmly, Mydei responded, "Yes."

No hesitation. No guilt. No unnecessary justifications. Just a simple, undeniable confirmation.

You exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking your head. "Well. Can’t say I’m surprised."

Eurypon was a bastard. A snake who sold out his own people for power. You weren’t about to shed any tears over him.

"That’s not why I’m calling." Mydei’s voice was clipped, professional. "We need you back in the investigation unit. There’s a mission that requires your expertise."

Your amusement faded.

And then you laughed.

Loud. Sharp. Unbelieving.

"You think I’d ever go back to that corrupt mess?" you asked, a grin stretching across your face. "You’re funny, Mydei. I don’t do favors for free, and I especially don’t work with the people who threw me out like trash."

There was silence on the other end.

Then, a sigh.

"I expected you to say that," Mydei admitted, his voice still composed. "But it was worth a try."

"You seriously thought I’d agree?"

"I thought you might consider it."

You scoffed, shaking your head. "Hard pass."

Another pause. Then, softer than before—barely noticeable—he said, "…I see."

You almost laughed again. Even now, he was as restrained as ever.

"Tell you what," you said, stretching lazily against the couch. "How about next time you call, you don’t ask me to clean up the investigation unit’s mess? Try something fun for once."

A quiet breath from the other end, like he wanted to say something but thought better of it.

Then, his voice returned to that same controlled, unreadable tone.

"Just wait till 25th April."

And with that, the call ended.

You exhaled, tossing your phone onto the couch beside you.

So Mydei was pulling the strings now.

And he had no qualms about getting blood on his hands.

You weren’t sure if that was better or worse.

April 25th

Your phone buzzed.

You barely spared it a glance, still sprawled out on your couch, half-asleep from last night’s late ride. The screen flashed with an unknown number again.

A groggy sigh left your lips as you grabbed it. "This better not be another waste of my time."

"[Name]."

You sat up instantly.

That voice—steady, composed, unmistakably Mydei.

"You're calling me again?" you said, rubbing your eyes. "What, another mission offer? I already—"

"Check the news."

You blinked.

Something in his tone made you pause. He sounded… amused? Smug, even.

Your brows furrowed as you reached for the remote. The news channel flickered to life on your TV, and within seconds, you were wide awake.

"Investigation Unit Officials Exposed in Widespread Corruption Scandal—Mass Firings Underway."

Your breath hitched.

The screen displayed a list of names, each one making your pulse quicken.

People you used to work with. The same bastards who threw you under the bus. Who framed you, lied, and made sure you'd never step foot in the unit again.

Now? They were gone.

Some were getting arrested. Others were being dragged out of their offices, their faces pale as reporters bombarded them with questions. Their crimes—bribery, evidence tampering, illegal dealings—were being laid out in broad daylight for everyone to see.

You sat there, stunned.

And then, from the phone pressed against your ear—

A quiet chuckle.

"So?" Mydei drawled, clearly enjoying this moment. "What do you think?"

You let out a slow breath, still processing everything.

"You… really went and did it, huh?"

"You sound surprised."

"That’s because I am." You shook your head, watching as another corrupt official was led out in handcuffs. "I knew you were stepping in, but I didn’t think you’d actually clean house."

A hum from the other end of the line. "I said I would handle it."

Your lips twitched. "Didn’t think you’d be this thorough."

There was a pause, then, with that same unwavering authority, Mydei spoke again.

"Come to the Investigation Unit tomorrow at 7 AM. ASAP."

You stiffened. "Wait—what?"

"You’ll be leading the next mission," he continued, completely ignoring your reaction. "Highest-ranking officer. No one above you. No one to control you. You do things your way this time."

Your heart skipped a beat.

"You’re serious?"

"Have I ever wasted my time with jokes?"

He had a point.

Before you could respond, the line cut off.

You lowered the phone slowly, still staring at the news, but your focus had already shifted.

Tomorrow at 7 AM.

You were back in the unit.

And this time, you were the one in charge.

A quiet chuckle slipped past your lips.

It felt good.

HI GUYS ITS ANTOHER SERIESS and ts tension wohoo!! @leonsnewadventures

PART 2!!

[biowaredisasterbisexual]

Shameless Self-Promotion Saturday & Sunday Accountability Post

Thanks so much for the tags for Shameless Self-Promotion Saturday Sunday, @thedissonantverses and @thatgaymerguyb!

The idea: We make a post and show off, what cool stuff we created over the past week. Art, Screenshots, writing (anything from a questionnaire about your OC to the 100K epos...) anything we do is worth to be seen and to be promoted. And by tagging people, commenting, and reblogging, we share the love and boost ourselve's and other's confidence. No matter what form you choose, whether you reblog your initial post, or create a new one with teasers, you decide!

I am going to combo those tags with my usual Sunday Accountability Post, the false deadline I use to trick my ADHD into letting me get work done on my fic each week.

I was (and am), admittedly, struggling with writing this week. It be like that sometimes. But I’ve been powering through, as best I can!

I made a challenge with myself for each of the DATV Companion Weeks (other than Neve Week) to write a response to each prompt on the day-of. And so far, I’ve done that! I use these prompts to love on the character of the week, but also to challenge myself and push outside my comfort zone. And, uh, boy have I done both with Bellara this week.

So here’s what’s done so far of the Bellara Week Ficlet Series!

I got some editing done on one of the two (*sobs*) remaining Getting Into Trouble one-shots, so here’s a snippet of that:

Neve went over to the stack of papers she had seen the last time she’d been in Rook’s space. There had been notes on strategy that would undoubtedly be helpful. Despite most outward appearances, Rook took the job very seriously and was dedicated in figuring out every possible advantage they could use.

It wasn’t enough, her brain supplied unhelpfully.

Finding them right where she’d left them, Neve next went over to the small table by his wardrobe. Like her own, Rook’s organizational system for his papers was — had been, her traitorous mind corrected — freeform, so she was liable to find more notes nearly anywhere.

Yours is worse, she could almost hear him protest with that teasing smile, and her heart hurt.

Aaaaand last, but certainly not least, a bit of The Ventus Job that I wrote this week:

Behind him, and beneath his cousins’ ongoing squabbling, Rook heard the soft creak of metal, deadened a bit by the thick carpet on the floor. His heart sped up as he turned to see Neve, smirking at him.

Eleven days worth of stress seemed to vanish in an instant.

“Well. Aren’t you dressed for trouble?”

His cousins fell into blessed silence as he raced over to her. “Neve! How did you…?”

“I am the best detective in Minrathous,” she teased him gently. Her eyes were soft as they met his though, not an iota of challenge to them, and his heart stuttered in his chest as he watched her tongue run over her lower lip.

Maybe he’d dress like this every day.

Now that I’ve blown up everyone’s dash (lo siento), I’ll send out gentle tags to: @hyperions-light, @ofcrowsanddragons, @bygonesigh, @dymme, @lurkiestvoid, @mageofquandrix, @the-sparrohawk, @znthra, @becausedragonage, @galluslonging, @flowersforthemachines, @theunsinkablesappho, @littlemissgeek8, @pinkvbay, @corvus-frugilegus, @woundedsoul12, @skullypettibone, AND you if you want to do this! Tag me, so I can come cheer for you!

[tcfactory]

Shameless Self Promotion Saturday Sunday Monday!

We make a post and show off what cool stuff we created over the past week. Art, Screenshots, writing (anything from a questionnaire about your OC to the 100K epos...) anything we do is worth to be seen and to be promoted. And by tagging people, commenting, and reblogging, we share the love and boost ourselves and other's confidence.

tagged by @flushwithdarlings

tagging: @mysteryteacup and anyone who might want to do this

I'm cheating a little bit, because I have finished Sky Ballet last week, but it's a pretty heavy two-shot that's technically a companion fic to a (currently) much lighter fic I have been working on, so I'll pretend that it counts.

minor shoutout to @decepticonsensual, because I found the beginnings of this story in a dream last year when I was in writing burnout and, not having any Transformers friends, I sent a kinda random ask to the coolest TF person I know of with the cliffnotes of the basic premise and they were really nice about it, so. Here's to you, for having been an Inspiration with your stories and meta posts and analyses ever since I found this fandom. Keep being awesome!

It's my personal continuity soup where Orion Pax (who is a Good Person and a Decent Cop) gets a gruesome look at the systemic Horrors that plague his world, but due to his position in said system he can't see how deep it all goes and doesn't have the tools to make things better even when he tries.

Or: Cybertron's society is built on pain and suffering from the lowest bloodsport to the pinnacle of performing arts. It takes Optimus too long to realize that this is by design.

(Warning for canon typical violence, background character death, slavery, implied nonconsensual body modification... if you've read anything from the IDW run this is the standard issue Horrors)

----------

Sky Ballet

Pax considers himself a good mech and a decent cop. An honest worker (he never shuns responsibility, even when it means drudging through boring patrols on an overcast day), someone looking out for the vulnerable (even when that means looking the other way while a hungry mech swipes a cube) and doing his best for the less fortunate (he can’t reject the shanix the crooked senators slip into his hands, not if he wants to still be a cop tomorrow or the day after, but money likes moving and it’s easy enough to let it slip into a donation box here and a grasping hand there). He can’t show support to Megatron’s revolutionaries, not openly, but when another demand comes by to investigate them he can do things by the book, which might as well be the same thing. He’s not sure that they are utilizing only peaceful means to protest as Megatron claims, but if there is violence happening then they are doing a very good job of making it happen somewhere Orion can’t see, hear, or connect it back to them through wild conjuncture, which is good enough.

After the three-ring circus that was Zeta Prime’s sentencing (long, drawn out and completely pointless, considering the mech was already dead), he thinks that the oppressed underclass deserves to be a little angry and break a building or three.

Still, being friendly with the Iacon elite allows Orion to occasionally overhear a few rumors that don’t make it out of the highest circles of society and one of those rumors is very relevant to Megatron and his mechs. Relevant enough that for the first time ever, Orion braves visiting the gladiator in the heart of his realm, the infamous Pits of Kaon.

The arena is situated in the best part of Kaon, the high rise where the air is cleanest, the noxious fumes drifting from the lower city dispersed by the heavy turbines that keep the skybound city of Vos hovering just a little to the east. What could illustrate better the benefits of the place than the fact that Vos’ sacred national performing venue, the venerated Vosian Sky Ballet was situated right above the bloodied sands of the arena? Indeed it’s not uncommon for the wealthiest patrons of the Pits to take to the sky in gilded private transports and rise right up to the lavishly decorated venue of the ballet after the gladiatorial matches are concluded for the day, to feed their intellect after slaking their thirst for blood.

Orion Pax has, naturally, known this already. He's good at his job when he wants to be, so he even had the privilege of watching the Sky Ballet once or twice, although he only ever arrived strictly from the direction of Vos. It’s considered improper to make upstanding Iaconi folk approach from the direction of Kaon, even if the upper city isn't that much worse than the part of Iacon Orion lives in.

He still isn’t prepared to see the glittering dots of gem-colored jets dance high up in the sky as he walks down the aisles towards the arena floor. Afternoon is the time for practice, both above and below, and he finds Megatron going through a series of stretches near the front of the fighting floor. This time slot is clearly reserved for the champions, as the only other mechs occupying the chalky sands are Soundwave and his minicons, but unlike Megatron, the lanky gladiator doesn’t seem to take training too seriously. He moves his data cables as if they were slithering snakes, wiggling and snapping at Rumble and Frenzy, tickling them until they dissolve into staticky laughter when he catches them.

Orion watches them play for a while until Megatron finishes his warmups, notices him loitering in the stands and waves him down to their own level.

“Officer Pax. What do we owe the pleasure of your presence?” Megatron is cordial as ever when they are out in public, never cold enough to be inhospitable and never warm enough that an ambitious snoop could misconstrue their interaction as friendly. It takes Orion by surprise to be treated so distantly, but before he can start feeling upset over it he realizes that Megatron has no way to know that he comes as a friend today and not as a cop haranguing them.

“I come as just Orion today.” Megatron inclines his head slightly, accepting this claim for now. “I didn't mean to intrude on your time, but I have heard something that might be important.”

The jets on high do a maneuver so close to the ground that Orion can see their glittering cockpits, their engines drowning out all sound. When they pass Megatron gestures for him to continue.

“Go on. I don't have all day.”

“Is it true that you made it impossible for Senator Ratbat to buy a ticket to the arena?” It’s becoming something of a circus, if it is indeed true. Apparently Senator Ratbat has been fruitlessly trying to get a ticket to the showmatches for vorns now, but no matter how much shanix he offers, what channels he goes through or which swindler he threatens, the ticket refuses to materialize. If someone tries to gift him one, it gets deleted during transfer. If he shows up in person, every ticket is already sold out for that event, even for the standing spots where you can’t really see anything anyway, and no mech is willing to give up their spot no matter how he threatens or bribes them. Just last orn he tried to sneak into a match in disguise, only to be mistaken for a criminal and taken away in handcuffs right from the entrance. It has become so ridiculous that the crowds are starting to think it’s just part of the kayfabe, some staged event to drive up interest.

Orion, in the privacy of his processor, thinks that it must be one of Soundwave’s more obscure hobbies to bully the Senator. Some of the incidents - like the one where Ratbat paid an exorbitant amount of money to buy out every seat in the arena for a whole week, only for the purchase to turn into one ticket to the cheapest seat in a grindcore concert - are too much like his sense of humor to be coincidental.

Megatron answers something, but his voice is drowned out by the shriek of jet engines. What tips Orion off that this isn’t just the usual aerial stunt is when the minicons run to seek shelter under Soundwave’s broad wing-arms, just a moment before a seeker comes crashing into the sands in a jumbled heap of limbs, their vents belching smoke.

Orion jumps and twitches towards the mech, his crisis protocols urging him to help, but he runs straight into Megatron’s upheld arm. “Don’t bother, it’s already dead.”

“How can you know that?! We need to check! There might still be a way to-” He falls silent when a claw is held up in front of his face in the common gesture asking him to wait a moment.

“Is it Starscream?” Megatron doesn’t even look back, his voice bored as he calls out to the minicons.

“Nah, this one’s green.” Rumble transforms one arm into a piledriver and with an ingenious move knocks a whole bunch of sand over the seeker to stop its engines from burning. “Do you want it?”

“Frag no. Get rid of it like usual. I don’t want any trash in my arena tonight.” Megatron waits for their cheerful confirmation before he turns his attention back to Orion. “As I was saying…”

Orion can hear Megatron’s words, but they don’t compute. His eyes are still glued to the dead seeker, now held up in Soundwave’s cables as he examines it - her - for parts that are not too burnt to be repurposed. As he watches in horror, the gladiator very deliberately rips off the head and hands it to Frenzy. After a moment, he does the same with the left arm and hands it off to Ravage, who comes slinking out of the shadows. After longer consideration, he cuts open the partially melted abdominal glass and pulls out the slightly scorched t-cog and a mostly intact fuel pump and carefully places them in Rumble’s arms. Following a silent command, the minicons go running off to take their bounty to Hook and whatever other hacksaw is on medic duty this cycle and Soundwave starts dragging the greying cadaver towards the incinerator they use to dispose of dead gladiators that are too damaged to be worth salvaging. It’s an old thing, possibly as old as the Pits themselves, and it whines and gurgles like a dying turbofox when it’s in operation.

Orion realizes with a start that Megatron is clicking his claws at him again when the ringing of the incinerator clears from his audials. “Get yourself together, Pax. One would think this is the first time you see a dead mech.”

“Does this happen often?” Orion asks weakly. Megatron, coming to the conclusion that he won’t be useful to him until he rallies himself a bit, starts dragging him off to the edge of the stands.

“All the damn time. It’s a quiet orn where we only get a dozen of the stupid things dropping on our heads.” Megatron presses Orion to sit on a low bench, produces a badly dented cup from somewhere and pours him a generous helping of industrial grade from his internal refinery, which is possibly the only source of energon in the entire complex that’s guaranteed not to be contaminated.

Orion, still feeling numb, drinks up when the cup is shoved into his hand. It tastes vaguely like chalk. “Your internal filters need to be changed,” he notes absently.

“A lot of my components need to be changed. Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Ratbat plans to sneak into the audience tonight as Chief Justice Subparhelion’s plus one,” Orion says, because there’s no way Megatron knew that. He came here specifically to tell him about it. He figured that whatever the reason why Soundwave goes to such lengths to keep Ratbat out, it must be at least a little important.

“Wonderful. Heard that, Soundwave?” Megatron calls over his shoulder. Soundwave keeps standing at the incinerator where he disposed of the dead seeker, showing no outward sign that he heard, but that’s just how the mech is. Megatron turns back to Orion, so whatever Soundwave told him was satisfying as an answer. “So much for not having any trash in my arena tonight. We will need to redo the entire schedu-”

His words are drowned out by the loud whine of the incinerator and Orion looks up just in time to see Soundwave pull one of his arms - melted and flattened, its servos and circuitry completely fused together - from the machine. “Megatron, Soundwave has- !”

Megatron, clearly done with his wandering attention, grabs Orion’s face and turns it back towards himself, just as calm as he was a klik before.

“Well, what else was he supposed to do? He can’t be seen up here or Ratbat will repossess him and the only way he can sit out the circus tonight is if he’s too damaged to fight or perform.”

Orion Pax watches in horror as Soundwave stiffly walks towards the barracks, flashing his visor at them in acknowledgment as he passes by. “Ratbat is the representative Senator of Iacon; the citystate doesn’t allow for slaves. He can’t take Soundwave.”

Megatron huffs, coincidentally displacing a fine cloud of chalk dust from his vents.“Soundwave isn’t a slave. You need to be considered a sentient mech by Iaconi standards to be considered a slave, which he is not. He’s ‘specialized equipment’.”

Orion stares at him, uncomprehending. The only three things required to be considered a sentient mech in Iacon are a spark (which he knows Soundwave has), a t-cog (he has seen Soundwave transform before) and- “Megatron. Are you telling me that Soundwave doesn’t have a brain module?!”

Megatron winces at the sudden audial-splitting volume and catches the cup as it falls from Orion’s numb fingers. “Not so loud… the law stipulates that sentience requires at least 68% of one intact brain module capable of emotional processing. Soundwave has seventeen partial brain modules split along his nervous core, all of them butchered the exact amount to maximize processing power without fulfilling the criteria for sentience and none of which are independently capable of processing emotions. When he’s not being lazy and piggybacking off somebody else’s hardware, he simulates a virtual copy of the standard emotional processing framework and filters his emotional experiences through that.” Megatron shrugs, like this entire thing isn’t complete madness. Like it’s a normal thing that his Amica’s self is made up of seventeen mangled brain modules stapled together. “He falls so far outside of the measurement criteria that even Swindle couldn’t get him an exemption. If he was a slave, at least he could be the official property of the Pits and I wouldn’t have to worry about Ratbat snatching him away.”

Orion thinks he makes a sound of distress as his processors struggle to comprehend that Soundwave is in such a precarious position that he would be safer as a slave. Megatron misunderstands his distress and pats him over the shoulder.

“We are grateful for this information, Pax. We owe you one.”

Orion doesn’t want their gratitude. He doesn’t want them to owe him. He wants the world to go back to the way it was the day before, when it still made sense.

He’s still so hung up on Soundwave by the time he leaves that he forgets to ask about the dead seekers falling from the sky.

----------

Senator Ratbat makes headlines the next day because the overworked transport he shares with the Chief Justice falls asleep on the highway and crashes into the river at full speed just outside Velocitron. Orion listens to his colleagues gossip about the Senator being cursed as he files away the new revolutionary pamphlets demanding the right to unionize to prevent more accidents like this, and thinks about how many contingencies one must need to protect someone who’s not recognized as a person. It’s a shame, he can’t help but think, that only the Senator survived. He liked Chief Justice Subparhelion.

---------

The next time Orion visits the arena Megatron is absent, but he finds Soundwave basking in the sun, his solar panels spread out all around him. His arm is brand new, the paint a shade off from the rest of his plating. Perhaps a little grateful for that tip about Senator Ratbat, Soundwave tolerantly throws him around for a bit under the guise of sparring (as opposed to intolerantly ripping his limbs off or hacking his brain) before he opens up a quadruple-encrypted comm channel and sends over one lonely ‘?’.

This, at least, is something Orion is already familiar with and doesn’t hesitate to ask. “Can you tell me what that was about last time? The thing with the seeker.” He knows better than to ask about Soundwave himself. He feels much too attached to his limbs to risk it.

Soundwave tilts his head to the side, as if considering the question, then proceeds to throw Orion around for another 20 kliks just for fun before he sends over an encrypted file.

This is how he really learns about the Vosian Sky Ballet.

----------

Imagine a highly specialized frame, streamlined to the smallest component. Balanced down to the most insignificant bolt, manufactured only from the purest alloys. Now mass produce seventeen thousand of them each vorn to maintain undisputed aerial supremacy over Praxus, forcing the latter to halt its production of flight frames altogether, because they could simply not keep up with the competition.

These are the seekers, the elite guard patrolling Cybertron’s skies. Vos’ pride and joy.

And they are not allowed to be anything but perfect.

Those that fail to live up to perfection are disposable.

And disposable seekers have only one place to go: the Sky Ballet.

----------

[If you enjoyed this far, you can read the rest of it HERE on AO3.]

[smolwriter]

Welcome to... The Circus!

Or, TNESOSSASSC, If you wanna be speffic with it

The circus is a fandom my friend Vanny owns! However it wasn't his at the start! The farthest date back we know of the existence is 2002! Yes, 2002! Vanny was passed down the circus in 2015! Just at 5 at the time.

This is a horror circus, With 450+ members, And a game in the future! Though we are waiting for the fandom to grow larger for the game to be worked on again.

The Circus is based off many books, And has multiple connections to different fandoms! Diane said: "It's like a mix of the circus book, And the ghost busters, Mixed with the tree house chapter books if you ever read those. And a mix of the goosebumps stories"

I'm one of the members! Glitchtrap! Or Iolanthe, But no one really knows my name. When I first heard of the circus I didn't know exactly what it was, And sibce me and Vanny were... Well, Glitchtrap and Vanny, I just decided "What if I just make GT a magician?" ... Well, Now I am trying to separate them a bit more!

There is a ranking system in the circus, With certain roles on each! My list may not be the most accurate, As I am only going off the knowledge of all I have, But here it is!

RANKING SYSTEM

〃✦ ┆TOIC┆ ✦〃: Owner, Co-owner, CEO+Founder

〃✦ ┆Ultimate rank┆ ✦〃: Clown Pierce, Krillite, Flamefrage, Highrank handlers

〃✦ ┆Highrank┆ ✦〃: Court, Co-hosts, Ringleaders, Reptile/aquarium masters, Circus cats, Epo, Winnie, Ares, Kandi, Rose, Agents

〃✦ ┆Poets (Theorists)┆ ✦〃

〃✦ ┆Supreme rank┆ ✦〃: Fortune tellers, Trapezes, Swingers, Knife throwers, Doctors, Glitchmist's child, Training guards, Show watchers, Puppets

〃✦ ┆Middle rank┆ ✦〃: Magicians, Clowns, Escapolgists, (Rope) Acrobats, Stilt walkers, Animal trainers, Painters, Aerialists, Fire dancers, Mimes, Actors, Writters, Music makers, Unicyclists, Jugglers, Flowartists, Puppeteers, Ballerinas, Circus animals, Tight rope walkers, Guitar players, Sword swallowers, Ribbon dancers, Show stunter

〃✦ ┆Intermediate/Middle-high rank┆ ✦〃: Daycare workers, Child enterainers, Muscle men/women, Motorcycle men/women, Human cannonballs, Animal feeders, Strongmen, Bearded ladies, Reptile handlers, Balloon artists, Face painters, Adoption center workers

〃✦ ┆Low rank┆ ✦〃: Mailpeople, Retrievers, Audience, Light workers, Band members, Promoters, Greeters, Ticket sellers, Stand workers, Snack sellers, Janitors, Prop setters, Lunch lady, Photographer, Prank buddies, Backstage runner

RANKING SYATEM

I am a highrank myself! So I have some sense of control over things. Also something that comes with highranks: Are the ability to create teams!

Teams are created by highranks to gain support and followers throughout the circus! And at the end of the year we can get to vote who had the best team. If a Highrank or one of the very first circus members wants to join a team, They need to fill out a form

My team is called The Hopplings! I've made a badge for it too!

And, Speaking of badges, IRL circus members can make them for their teams along with name tags and wear them when they go put! To cons in such, Some are able to cosplay their characters! And it's like a way to find fellow members!

Also, Handlers that are mentioned in the Extreme Rank, Every highrank has one! They basically, At least how I take it, Make sure things are set straight and running smoothly! I guess you could call it a leader? And Händlers also have cults. Some good, Some bad. It's a horror circus afterall! You expect them to be all sunshine and rainbows? My handler is my mom!

And... I can keep going on but at the moment I'm not sure— Oh! Lore! It's this whole thing, And every circus member has their own little "journal" with chapters! But it's still like... All together? Our lore writter is Diane :3

Also another thing I can say: There are emoji combos and abbreviations! What are these? Things to be aware of! Like trigger warnings! For exmaple mine are the ones in my bio! Aka: 💭🕸️+❤️💘,+🌺🍃 :3 The first ones mean "Do not fight with/mention fighting", The second means "Love me love me", And the 3rd means "Regressor" :3 There are a ton more– But that's just an example :D

I'm also in more teams: Razzlings(The Owner's team, Aka Vanny who goes by Razmataz in the circus), Kits(This is for a passed circus member named Cathabell), Sweeties(This was my old handler's team–), And Orbits!(Current handler's team)

woahh :0

that’s a lot of lore-

wait 450+ people?!

that’s really coool :o

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