#cloud backup strategy

[vastedge330]

https://www.bloglovin.com/@vastedge/hybrid-cloud-backup-strategy-specifics-benefits

Learn how to create a resilient hybrid cloud backup strategy that combines the best of both private and public clouds. Explore key considerations such as data security, cost management, and disaster recovery to ensure your data is protected and accessible at all times.

[sigzentechnologies]

Sigzen Technologies: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities with Robust Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where data plays a crucial role in business operations, having a reliable Backup Solution and Disaster Recovery plan is paramount. Sigzen Technologies emerges as a leader in this space, offering cutting-edge solutions that not only safeguard critical data but also transform challenges into opportunities for businesses. Automated Backup An automated backup…

[jcmarchi]

Aussie data breach report exposes supply chain risks - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/aussie-data-breach-report-exposes-supply-chain-risks-cybertalk/

Aussie data breach report exposes supply chain risks - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Approximately 60% of Australian organizations lack a comprehensive understanding of third-party data breach risks, with over 50% failing to implement impactful measures to assist with long-term third-party risk management. Authorities are concerned…

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s recent data breach report highlights growing concern over supply chain risks and breaches. The report reveals a significant number of multi-party incidents.

These often originate from cloud or software providers, raising questions about awareness of and efforts to mature supply chain security measures.

Commonly reported incidents, catalyzed by supply chain breaches, include phishing, compromised account credentials and ransomware.

OAIC response

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is intensifying its pursuit of regulatory actions against organizations that have experienced data breaches. Civil penalties are being exacted through the Federal Court.

In particular, Australia is prioritizing actions in cases where there were clear failures to adhere to reporting requirements and obvious lapses around protecting personal information. This includes situations where organizations have left data vulnerable by retaining it for undue lengths of time.

“As the guardians of Australians’ personal information, organisations must have security measures in place to minimise the risk of a data breach. If a data breach does occur, organisations should put the individual at the front and centre of their response, ensuring they are promptly told so their risk of harm can be minimized,” said Australian Information Commissioner Angelene Falk.

Steps for organizations

An organization’s third-party risk management approach should be unique to the given enterprise on account of who it works with, its role in the larger ecosystem, regulatory requirements, data protection requirements and risk tolerance.

There are numerous ways in which to go about being more proactive around third-party risk. As a strong initial step, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner recommends, among other things, embedding risk management into third-party contractual agreements.

If your organization is just starting out in this area or would like to improve existing agreements, consider the following:

Define clear expectations and requirements

Establish well-defined SLAs. They should clearly outline cyber security expectations and requirements for all parties.

Specify ownership of data. Clearly define who is responsible for which data and how it can or cannot be used.

Address access and use of customer data. Ensure that data handling aligns you’re your organization’s privacy and security standards.

Call out data retention. Define how long data can be stored for. Specify when it should be securely deleted.

Create backup and contingency plans

Retain backup vendors for critical services. Should one provider fail for whatever reason, your organization will be able to quickly switch to an alternative without operational disruption.

Have a data breach response plan. Roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined. Establish communication channels and procedures for notifying affected parties, should a breach occur.

Regularly monitor and assess

Conduct risk assessments. Understand third-party security practices and evaluate risk posture.

Conduct compliance audits. Conduct audits in order to verify compliance with contractual obligations. Ensure that third-parties adhere to agreed upon cyber security measures.

Further thoughts

In our global business landscape, supply chain risk management is a critical practice. By limiting supply chain breaches, organizations protect their reputations, avoid emergency costs, and reduce the potential for risk management related lawsuits — Which, again, are about to affect a number of organizations in Australia.

If you’d like to get ahead of potential regulatory and legal challenges, be sure to read A CISO’s Guide to Preventing Downstream Effects (And Litigation) After a Breach.

[aventurineswife]

Hello I just got a funny idea involving Jing Yuan, the reader, and Yanqing. Basically the reader is giving Jing Yuan a massage and Yanqing, who's outside the room, thinks something scandalous is going on

The "Scandalous" Massage

Summary: When you offer to give Jing Yuan a relaxing massage, you don’t expect any interruptions—until Yanqing overhears and misinterprets the situation. Convinced that something scandalous is going on behind the closed door, Yanqing gathers a small group of knights to investigate, only to walk into an awkward misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Jing Yuan enjoys the peaceful moment, amused by Yanqing's overactive imagination.

Tags: Jing Yuan x Reader, Yanqing, Fluff, Humor, Misunderstanding, Massage, Peaceful Moments, Lighthearted.

It was a quiet afternoon in the heart of the Xianzhou Luofu, the dim sunlight streaming through the large windows of the General's office. Jing Yuan sat comfortably at his desk, his eyes narrowed as he reviewed a stack of reports. The usual tranquil hum of the Divine Foresight was interrupted by the occasional sigh from him, his posture slightly slouched in a manner that gave him the impression of someone who had little care in the world—except for the heavy responsibilities of his position.

You had been asked by the Commander to check on Jing Yuan's well-being. His fatigue was beginning to show, and though he preferred to work through it, you could see the toll it was taking on him. When you suggested a simple massage to ease his tired muscles, he had hesitated but eventually agreed. He trusted you, after all, and his body had been demanding the respite for days.

Now, you found yourself standing behind him, your hands gently pressing into his shoulders as you worked to relieve the tension. His long hair cascaded down his back, and the faint scent of ink and parchment mixed with the lingering fragrance of his cologne. He leaned back slightly, relaxing into your touch, and for a moment, there was no war, no strategy, no obligations—just the warmth of your hands and the calm that seemed to fall over both of you.

"You really are good at this," Jing Yuan murmured, his voice a soft baritone. "You should consider offering this as a service to the Cloud Knights."

You chuckled, easing the pressure in your fingers to work on his neck. "Well, I might have a few other talents up my sleeve, but I don't think the knights are ready for this level of care."

A contented sigh escaped his lips as his eyes fluttered closed. The atmosphere was peaceful, calm, and completely unremarkable to you. But unbeknownst to the two of you, outside the room, a very different picture was unfolding.

Yanqing, ever the vigilant (and somewhat nosy) young Cloud Knight, had been on his way to deliver a report to his superior. But upon passing Jing Yuan’s quarters, he had noticed something unusual—something that made him pause.

From the hallway, through the slightly ajar door, he caught a glimpse of you behind Jing Yuan. His heart skipped a beat. There was a faint sound of... soft murmurs and the unmistakable sound of someone sighing in pleasure. His eyes widened in disbelief.

At first, he couldn’t quite believe it. But then he heard you speak, your voice low and gentle, and Jing Yuan responded with a contented sigh.

"Oh no…" Yanqing muttered under his breath, his face turning crimson as his mind immediately ran wild with all the worst possible conclusions. His eyes darted to the doorframe, and his hand hovered over the handle, torn between curiosity and his rapidly growing embarrassment. What was going on in there?

He quickly decided he needed backup, rushing to find a few of the other knights. A few moments later, he had gathered a small group, whispering conspiratorially in the hallway about what they had just overheard. One by one, the knights expressed their shock and disbelief at the thought of the Dozing General—a man known for his wisdom and calm demeanor—engaging in... whatever this was.

The rumors spread like wildfire, and before long, the tension outside Jing Yuan's quarters was palpable. But inside, things remained blissfully unaware of the spectacle being created.

Back inside, you were finishing up the massage, your hands gently kneading the last of the tension from Jing Yuan’s shoulders. You could feel him nearly dozing off, his breathing slow and steady.

"You’re nearly done," you said softly, a hint of amusement in your voice. "Just a few more minutes."

"Mm, no rush." He leaned back a little more, his body relaxing into your touch. "This is nice... feels almost like a dream."

"Good," you whispered, your hands moving down to his lower back. "You deserve the rest, Jing Yuan. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."

Before he could respond, there was a soft knock on the door. It was faint, but it was enough to make both of you freeze. You exchanged a look, your hands pausing in mid-motion.

"Come in," Jing Yuan called without turning around, his voice still calm and collected. But there was an unmistakable note of amusement hidden beneath his tone.

The door creaked open, and in stepped Yanqing, his eyes wide and his cheeks flushed. He immediately stood stiff, as if unsure whether to speak or simply retreat. The awkward tension in the air was thick, and for a moment, neither you nor Jing Yuan said anything.

"Y-Your Excellency," Yanqing stammered, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I, uh, I have... a report. I didn’t mean to interrupt."

You turned to give him a polite smile. "Not at all. You’re not interrupting." But you couldn't help but notice the way Yanqing was avoiding looking directly at you, his gaze flicking nervously between you and Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan, for his part, raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing the strange atmosphere. "Is something wrong, Yanqing? You seem... flustered."

Yanqing opened his mouth, closed it, and then looked back to you again, as if unsure what to say. "I... I just thought I heard... well, I thought something... unusual was happening in here."

You blinked in confusion, but before you could ask further, Jing Yuan’s lips quirked into an almost knowing smile. His eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Ah," he said, leaning back further into his chair, "I see what this is about."

Yanqing turned even redder, his eyes darting to the floor, clearly mortified. "W-Well... it's just that... you both seemed to be... um... so relaxed and... intimate. I didn't know—"

A soft laugh escaped from Jing Yuan’s lips. "Oh, no, Yanqing. Nothing like that, I assure you. Your general just needed a little rest. [Name] was just helping me with some muscle tension. That’s all."

Yanqing's face turned even redder, his body now stiff with embarrassment. "Oh... oh no..." he muttered, quickly retreating to the door. "I-I’m so sorry! I’ll just... go, then. I’ll go now!"

You let out a soft laugh, watching as Yanqing scrambled out of the room, muttering apologies. Jing Yuan shook his head, still smiling to himself.

"Poor Yanqing," you said with a chuckle. "Seems like he misunderstood."

"He tends to jump to conclusions," Jing Yuan replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "But don’t worry, he’ll have a very interesting story to tell the knights later."

You smiled, shaking your head in amusement. "It’s just a massage. Nothing more."

Jing Yuan leaned back with a content sigh, his expression relaxing once more. "Of course. But it was a much-needed one. Thank you, [Name]. I think I’ll be able to handle the rest of the day now."

"Anytime," you said with a smile. "I’ll make sure to keep Yanqing away next time, though."

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the idea. "I wouldn’t worry about him too much. He’ll learn to keep his mind focused on the right things."

And with that, the two of you returned to your quiet, calm atmosphere, the misunderstandings of the outside world far removed from the peaceful moment you shared.

[bunji-enthusiast]

hello Benji , first time requesting and I wanted to ask if you could please do a peni parker from marvel rivals inspired reader in the invincible. Peni parker!reader as mark grayson superhero friend .and just anything really about her in the invincible universe.

𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍

Peni-Parker!Reader

Summary || hero friend to Invincible himself, technological genius and your this universe’s one and only spider-woman!

Note // I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that Peni is very precious to me and deserves a good life. wrote it from second person this time around.

Let’s just say "Invincible" is no longer flying solo.

Ever since [Name] joined the roster, Mark's chaotic, high-stakes, punch-first-ask-later lifestyle has gained a layer of tactical brilliance and cyberpunk finesse. Together, they balance each other out—Mark brings the raw strength, emotion, and overwhelming power of a Viltrumite, while [Name] delivers methodical strategy, defensive control, and precision takedowns with her Cyber-Web tech and SP//dr.

Mark might barrel through starships, but when he’s grounded—literally or emotionally—[Name] holds the line. She doesn’t just back him up; she orchestrates the battlefield. Her Cyber-Webs control the flow of combat, slowing enemy movement and giving Mark time to strategize or recover. And when he’s overextending himself (again), she’s right there snaring enemies mid-charge or unleashing a Bionic Spider-Nest to create a killzone.

While Mark punches holes through buildings, [Name] is crawling up the walls—vertical wall-running at 90°—flanking, sniping from odd angles, and setting up Arachno-Mines in his wake. If a fight’s about to go nuclear, she pulls him out of danger using her Cyber-Bond web-strand. Mark calls it “getting yanked by Spidey-Sis,” which she rolls her eyes at but secretly finds kind of sweet.

Mark’s powers are boosted by emotion, but they also cloud his judgment. He goes too far. Pushes too hard. [Name] doesn’t just patch up the battlefield—she patches up Mark. She sees his grief. His doubt. She’s lost a father too. So when the weight of being “Invincible” nearly breaks him, she reminds him he doesn’t have to carry it alone.

During a mission against a rogue Viltrumite using echo-frequency tech, Mark was grounded, screaming in pain. [Name] singlehandedly web-snared the enemy mid-air using a trick shot with her Cyber-Web Snare, then surrounded them with a Cyber-Web zone laced with hidden Arachno-Mines. The explosion? Minimal. The impact? Lethal.

After Mark was critically injured fighting Conquest’s backup clone, [Name] activated her SP//dr’s emergency override, placed a Bionic Spider-Nest to deter enemies, and web-slung Mark out of a collapsing space station. She didn't say a word. She just saved him. And he’s never forgotten it.

During a cross-reality incursion, they defended the Web of Life and Destiny from multiversal threats. Mark, for once, wasn’t the one calling the shots—[Name] led the charge, weaving strategies like her webs. She even inspired Mark to call her the “Webwarden.” She kind of liked that one.

What Mark thinks of [Name]:

“She’s not just smart—she’s brilliant. And tough. And scary in the best way. I’ve seen her stand toe-to-toe with things that made even me flinch. She doesn’t flinch. Not for anyone. I might be ‘Invincible’... but I’m only alive ‘cause she’s got my back.”

And yeah, Atom Eve gave her the stamp of approval too. That’s not easy to get.

From a villain's perspective?---

“If you see a cyber-web at your feet, pray it's just her. If Invincible’s flying in behind it? You’re already done.”

So yeah, with [Name] Parker by his side, Mark’s not just a powerhouse anymore—he’s a tactical nightmare for anyone dumb enough to mess with Earth, the multiverse, or the people they love.

Mission Log: "Threadline Protocol"

Date: April 11th, Earth-Time Location: Sector 019 | Interstice between Earth-616X and Webworld Prime Subjects: Agent Invincible (Mark Grayson), Cyber-Operative [Name] Parker (SP//dr Unit Alpha) Mission Objective: Prevent the unraveling of the Web of Life and Destiny due to a multiversal breach by rogue Viltrumite dissident factions allied with Angstrom Levy.

[MISSION START - AUDIO RECORDING]

MARK: (breathing hard) "Okay. I’m here. I got eyes on the breach. Or, uh... the ripping hole in reality the size of Texas. You seeing this too, [Name]?"

[NAME]: (calmly) "Confirmed. It’s a quantum destabilization spiral. Webline fibers are detaching. If it expands further, we’re talking multiversal collapse. And it’s not just a tear—it’s a trap."

MARK: "Of course it is."

[NAME]: (typing rapidly into SP//dr’s HUD) "Tracking three hostile Viltrumite signatures… wait—scratch that. Five.They’re masking their presence through Levy’s tech."

MARK: "He just had to show up again..."

[MISSION PHASE ONE: Breach Defense]

As Mark launches into the air, five Viltrumites emerge from the rift. Meanwhile, [Name] deploys from a vertical surface, crawling 90° up a fractured monolith, Cyber-Web Cluster primed.

[NAME]: "Mark—dive right! Now!"

A Cyber-Web Snare lashes through the air, catching the lead Viltrumite mid-charge. He’s immobilized instantly, crashing into a building-sized thread of Webline.

MARK: (grinning) "That never gets old."

[NAME]: (smirking through the comm) "Try not to get disemboweled this time."

MARK: "No promises!"

[MISSION PHASE TWO: Crowd Control / Nest Deployment]

As chaos erupts, [Name] drops a Bionic Spider-Nest at the rift perimeter. The glowing device anchors itself and spins a wide Cyber-Web dome. Hidden Arachno-Mines skitter out and vanish into the surface of the Web.

[NAME]: "Perimeter secured. Engage but pull hostiles into the web zone—I’ve turned the battlefield into a minefield."

Mark crashes two Viltrumites through the web line. Seconds later—click… boom. They vanish under a precision detonation.

MARK: (laughing over the comm) "You seriously scare me sometimes."

[NAME]: "Good."

[MISSION PHASE THREE: Mark Down]

A surprise ambush hits Mark from above—another Viltrumite, enhanced with Levy’s tech, drives him into the ground hard enough to crater the Webfield. He’s bleeding, coughing, barely conscious.

MARK: (strained) "Took… a hit. That one’s faster."

[NAME]: (tone shifts instantly—urgent but focused) "SP//dr—tactical override. Deploy rescue strand."

A Cyber-Bond web-line fires, latching to Mark’s armor and pulling him out of the blast radius. [Name] swings in mid-air, body spiraling like a silk thread in wind, grabbing him mid-pull.

[NAME]: "Told you: no disembowelment today."

MARK: (choking on a laugh) "I owe you… like... a thousand burgers."

[MISSION PHASE FOUR: Finale — “Threadline Protocol”]

As the rift begins destabilizing further, Angstrom Levy himself appears, surrounded by ghost-versions of Earths destroyed by alternate Marks. The Web shudders.

LEVY: "Too late. The collapse has already started. The Web of Life unravels now."

[NAME]: (voice low) "No. It won’t."

She activates the Threadline Protocol, fusing her SP//dr core with the breach’s epicenter, becoming a living conduit of cyber-web strands across realities.

[NAME]: "Mark—fly. Push the rift closed. I’ll hold the lines."

MARK: (furious) "No! You’ll be torn apart!"

[NAME]: (softly) "So were our fathers. This is our fight now."

Mark’s power surges, eyes glowing. Rage. Grief. Love. All of it. He flies harder than ever before, punching through the collapsing rift. Meanwhile, [Name] is a storm of webs, strands, code, and resolve, her SP//dr glowing like a spider-star.

[MISSION END]

Status:

Rift sealed.

SP//dr intact.

Mark sustained 2nd-degree internal trauma.

[Name] offline for 8 minutes post-merge, recovered at 93% functionality.

Final Notes (via Mark):

"She’s more than a teammate. She’s the net that keeps me from falling. You ask me what it’s like fighting beside [Name] Parker? It’s like having a second heart. One made of steel, silk, and stubborn fire. And I’d follow her into any reality."

MISSION LOG: "Web of Stars" Date: April 11th Location: Earth-919 / Outer Expanse of the Life Thread Conduit Operatives Deployed: Invincible (Mark Grayson), SP//dr Pilot [Name] Parker, Atom Eve (Samantha Eve Wilkins) Mission Directive: Investigate and contain anomalies in the Life Thread Conduit—a cosmic artery of the Web of Life and Destiny intersecting unknown galactic ley lines. Reports indicate a hostile biosynthetic consciousness consuming molecular threads from multiversal anchors.

[MISSION START - MULTI-CHANNEL RECORDING]

[NAME]: (sliding along a sheer crystal wall with that clean 90° crawl) "Looks like our weird thread-snake problem just got friends. I'm counting at least three biomatter distortions wrapped around the conduit… feeding off it."

MARK: (hovering, fists up) "Guess we’re interrupting dinner."

EVE: (descending in a swirl of pink light, calm but sharp) "Let’s make them choke."

[PHASE ONE: Coordinated Strike]

Eve extends both hands—matter around her vibrates, shimmers, and instantly reconstructs into massive crystalline pillars slamming through the feeding nodes of the anomaly. It shrieks, recoiling. Mark rushes in, his punch detonating shockwaves through the exposed neural core.

[NAME]: (drops a Cyber-Web Snare on the left flank) "Snared the neural tendril! Mark—go!"

Mark shoots past Eve, launching a meteor-blitz uppercut into the core’s heart. Eve’s constructs encase it, locking it down like a glittering cage of molecular bonds. Behind them, Arachno-Mines crawl silently across the now glowing web.

[PHASE TWO: The Hive Wakes Up]

Suddenly, the conduit pulses—and the feeding anomalies split. The three become fifteen, glitching and reforming like broken digital gods. They surge toward Eve.

EVE: (calm despite the chaos) "Yeah, no. That’s enough."

She lifts both hands—and instantly reconfigures the broken asteroid field around them into a massive energy-based ecosystem, complete with defensive flora and terrain made of restructured carbon.

[NAME]: (in awe) "Did you just build a living terrain during a fight?"

EVE: (grinning) "I multitask when I’m mad."

[PHASE THREE: SP//dr Unleashed]

As Mark tank-brawls the biggest hive-entity, [Name] deploys her Bionic Spider-Nest inside Eve’s crystallized environment. The entire battlefield becomes a maze of glowing cyber-webs and invisible mines.

MARK: (throwing a bleeding tendril into the web) "[Name], now!"

[NAME]: (from above, voice cold) "Weblock engaged."

The nest pulses. Dozens of mines detonate in chain precision, ripping apart the swarm. Glowing fibers snap together midair like fangs sealing a trap. Eve reorients all matter into a bio-lock cocoon, and Mark hurls the remaining core into the cage.

[FINAL PHASE: Web Singularity Detected]

Just as they begin to regroup, a deeper hum resonates. The anomalies weren’t attacking randomly—they were installingsomething. A dark sphere begins forming. Time dilates.

EVE: (a bit breathless) "They’re seeding a singularity into the Web’s backbone. If it ruptures, this reality will fragment."

[NAME]: (focused) "Mark, fly. Eve—back me up. I can link SP//dr to the webline. We might… rethread it. But I need you both to cover me."

SP//dr’s chest opens. The Cyber-Bond cable fires out and hits the core web—[Name] jerks as the suit lights up like a neural star.

MARK: (teeth gritted, shielding her) "You better not die, Parker."

[NAME]: (grins through the surge) "Only if you let anything touch me, Grayson."

EVE: (hovering behind them both, eyes glowing) "Try and stop me."

Eve ignites. Her powers shimmer to near godhood, her constructs fractalizing space itself—redirecting gravity, rerouting energy. Mark flies loops around them, punching anomaly cores out of the air like a cosmic wrecking ball.

SP//dr floods the webline with stabilizing pulses. Slowly, the singularity folds inward, sealed beneath layers of matter-energy coding woven by Eve and solidified by [Name]’s cyber-architecture.

[MISSION END - DEBRIEF]

Status:

Conduit sealed

Singular anomaly terminated

Mark exhausted, hair singed

Eve elevated energy saturation; temporary power cooldown initiated

[Name] stable; SP//dr at 87% system load

POST-MISSION VOICE CLIP — Mark Grayson

"How did I get so lucky? Two of the smartest, strongest, most badass women in the multiverse watching my back? I don’t know. But I’m not letting either of them go. Not now. Not ever."

It was a rare moment of peace, the kind that didn’t come often for people who routinely saved cities—or timelines. The backyard of the Grayson house had become a makeshift recovery zone, with Mark flipping pancakes on a griddle that clearly wasn’t cooperating, and [Name] reclining upside-down in a lawn chair like gravity was optional. Eve hovered lazily a few inches above the grass, sipping coffee, looking as serene as ever—until the topic of conversation took a sharp turn.

“I still can’t believe you, Eve,” [Name] said, tapping her smoothie with a straw like it owed her answers. “You, of all people, Ms. Rewrite-Reality-With-Your-Brain, prefer fantasy over sci-fi?”

Eve raised an eyebrow without breaking her meditation float. “Because dragons have soul, [Name]. They have personality. You can bond with a griffin. Try having a heart-to-heart with a neural interface.”

[Name] gasped dramatically. “You take that back. Sci-fi has stakes, consequences. You build a giant spider mech and earn your victories. Fantasy just... chants gibberish and wins.”

Mark, hunched over a plate of increasingly burnt pancakes, muttered, “Still better than these pancakes obeying the laws of physics.”

“Fantasy is hope,” Eve said, now gently lowering herself to the grass to retrieve a fork. “It’s about becoming more than what you are. It defies logic on purpose.”

“Sci-fi is imagination with a brain,” [Name] countered. “It says, ‘what if?’ and actually answers it. The multiverse is real, I have a psychic bond with a radioactive spider, and you're telling me elves are cooler than that?”

Eve took a slow sip of her coffee, eyes half-lidded with amusement. “Your giant spider mech couldn’t even get us out of that web singularity without my ‘fantasy nonsense,’ remember?”

“That was a team effort, and my emotional support stat carried us,” [Name] said, sticking her tongue out.

Mark finally sat down between them, his plate full of charcoal-scented regret. “Can’t we all just agree the best genre is one where both of you exist and somehow still talk to me?”

They both turned to him in unison.

“No,” they said flatly.

Silence fell for a moment. Then a gentle chirp came from the SP//dr parked nearby, the cockpit lights flashing as it projected a small holographic speech bubble:

“QUERY: Why not cybernetic dragons with neural-linked magic cores?”

Eve squinted. “Okay... that’s actually pretty cool.”

[Name] smirked, sipping her smoothie like it was a victory toast. “That’s called science fantasy, and guess what side that leans toward.”

Eve rolled her eyes, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she nudged Mark’s plate. “You really gonna eat that?”

“...I tried my best.”

[Name] gave a sympathetic pat to his shoulder. “At least in fantasy, the food magically turns out edible.”

Later that afternoon, Mark sat cross-legged on the garage floor, surrounded by scattered tools, half-disassembled power cables, and the ever-present aroma of engine grease and strawberry smoothie. SP//dr stood idle in the corner, its eight sleek legs tucked neatly beneath it like some industrial-grade arachnid in meditation mode. Its single eye pulsed softly with cyan light. [Name] was half inside a maintenance hatch, her legs kicking lazily behind her while synth-pop music played faintly from a speaker that may or may not have been jury-rigged to a toaster.

Mark squinted at SP//dr. “Okay, so I’ve got to ask—how exactly do you two talk?”

A quiet whrrp came from SP//dr. A small digital heart emoji appeared on its outer display. [Name] snorted from inside the hatch.

“We just do,” she said, voice echoing slightly as she reconnected a few neural relays. “It’s a psychic link. Thought-based. Emotion-coded. Intuition-forward. Kinda like... feeling in full sentences.”

“That means nothing,” Mark said, genuinely confused but trying not to sound defeated. “Is it like... telepathy?”

“No,” [Name] said, sliding out on her back and blinking up at the ceiling like it owed her rent. “Telepathy’s like listening to someone in your brain. This is more like... feeling what they’d say before they do. It’s real-time understanding. Like an instinct you trust.”

SP//dr emitted a soft hum of agreement, its eye blinking twice in a way that [Name] immediately interpreted as “Yep, he’s lost.”

Mark stared. “So, what, you’re telling me you can look at that thing”—he gestured vaguely toward the glowing mech—“and know when it’s mad at you?”

“Absolutely,” she said without hesitation, now wiping grease off her hands with the leg of her suit. “And it gets verymoody when I ignore its diagnostics for too long. You ever been guilt-tripped by a spider mech? It’s brutal.”

SP//dr rotated slightly and projected a tiny hologram of a sad face with big sparkly eyes and the words:

“❤️CHECK MY COOLANT LEVELS, I AM DYING INSIDE❤️”

“Oh my god,” Mark said, slowly turning back to [Name]. “You trained it to be dramatic.”

“I didn’t train it. It inherited that,” she said, smirking and patting the side of SP//dr’s chassis affectionately. “My dad coded the emotional response matrix before I even bonded with it. SP//dr’s always been... expressive.”

“And this is what counts as normal for you two?”

“Normal’s a sliding scale. You should see what SP//dr thinks of your sense of fashion.”

SP//dr chirped again, this time projecting a low-res animation of Mark’s yellow-and-blue hero suit, now with added glitter, an oversized bowtie, and a cape that said “STYLE ICON.”

Mark groaned. “I saved the galaxy in that.”

“Exactly,” [Name] said. “You peaked.”

Mark leaned back on his hands, watching the banter bounce between girl and machine like it was the most natural thing in the world. He still didn’t get how it worked—how two beings so completely different could move in perfect sync. But he figured that’s what made them a great team. They didn’t need words. Just trust, instinct, and a little sarcastic flair.

“Okay,” he said at last, “but if SP//dr ever starts talking in my head, I’m moving to Mars.”

SP//dr slowly rotated to face him. A digital graphic of a rocket taking off appeared.

“🚀Bags packed.”

[mqsoreshi]

Sleepy Bat part 2

Jason ran to his table and shoved everything aside. He grabbed a piece of paper, some crayons, and wrote in big red letters:

“Jason Todd’s Master Plan”

He paused for a few seconds, thinking about what a real master plan needed. Then, his eyes widened with ideas.

Step 1: Get armed.

Step 2: Report mission

Step 3: Protect from cold

Step 4: Medicine

Step 5: Defend Bat-cave and manor

He was ready to start the first phase: getting armed.

Jason rushed to his toy box, which was surprisingly half-organized. Not for long. He spread all the toys across the floor, digging through them for his tactical gear. He gathered a flashlight, a broken radio, two water pistols, a pair of glass bottle ‘binoculars’, and his favorite blanket.

“Alright!” he said to himself. “No one is taking advantage of Batman’s sickness on MY watch! Robin, the Boy Wonder, is in the house!!”

He quickly made a paper mask, and attached all his ‘gear’ to a regular belt using transparent tape. Jason looked at himself in his room’s mirror and grinned.

“Damn, I look good!” he said, wrapping his red blanket around his neck like a cape. “Let’s see if any villain wants to come here with ME around!”

Step 2: Report Mission

With all his gear ready, Jason figured he should tell Bruce what he was planning. After all, Bruce was Batman—he needed to know what was going on, especially in case Jason needed backup.

“Alright, Jaybird.” Jason said to himself. “Time to move headquarters. But first… let’s see if the coast is clear.”

He packed all his ‘utilities’ into his school backpack—anything a kid might find useful— and peeked through the door to check if Alfred was still in Bruce’s room.

He waited long seconds—too long for a kid—and as soon as he saw Alfred leave, he dashed as quietly and quickly as a six-year-old carrying a pile of things could manage. Alfred heard him but couldn’t see him. He just assumed the boy had started one of his vigilante games again.

Jason had to make several trips. His little arms couldn’t carry everything at once. First came the crayons, markets, notebooks, and paper. Then his ‘weapons’, in case a change of strategy was needed. Finally, every blanket and pillow he could find to build his base of operations.

While Bruce slept, an adorable mess took over his room. Jason brought in his plushies and toys, delegating each of them a mission.

“You’ll watch over the Robin-puter,” Jason said, placing a stuff dinosaur in front of a book with a red screen painted. “You’ll write the field reports I bring back,” the little toy soldiers looked very compromised with their mission. “And you…” Jason paused, thinking. “I’ll figure out a mission for you.” Poor actions figures, they seemed very eager to work.

Jason paced around his newly fortified fortress, inspecting every detail.

“You know what? I’ve changed my mind,” Jason said solemnly, as if grating a promotion. “I’m assigning you to the main surveillance post.”

He moved the stuffed dinosaur from the Robin-puter to the top of Bruce’s bed.

“Bruce loves dinosaurs,” Jason said smiling. “He’ll feel safer with you around. Which means you guys—” Jason pointed at his action figures. “Are now in charge of the Robin-puter.”

Jason changed his voice slightly to simulate another person.

“And Robin! What about Batman’s previous orders?”

Jason cleared his throat and replied in a deeper voice:

“With Batman unable to fight, I’m the one in charge now. I’ll report to him personally, and all the major decisions fall to me. And it’s Mr. Boss Robin for you, Jim!”

“Sorry, Mr. Boss Robin.”

“I’ll go check the climate factor. No one does anything until I came back!”

Jason jumped out of Bruce’s room and ran to check his room’s window.

Step 3: Protect from the Cold

While looking the gray clouds through the window, Jason took a notebook from his utility belt and wrote in messy handwriting:

‘State of the weather: Cold.

Line of action: Find Mr. Freeze and take him down.’

Jason’s paper mask was starting to break due to his sweat, so, he solved it by painting a new one directly onto his skin.

He had already used most of the house blankets to build his base, but now he grabbed his personal ones—the one with kitties, the motorcycles one, the Harry Potter one, the one with books, even the yellow one hidden in his wardrobe. The one he used when he missed his mom.

He bundled them into a massive colorful ball and marched back toward Bruce’s room.

Alfred saw him pass like a walking rainbow; trailing socks behind. Jason didn’t realize one of those blankets held his freshly laundered clothes—clothes Alfred had just folded.

The butler just sighed, uncapable of getting mad. Picking up the stray socks, he followed Jason back to Bruce’s room, finding a mess worth of a reward.

Despite the chaotic pile of pillows, plushies, and blankets, what caught Alfred’s attention quicker was Jason—struggling to lift the stuffed ball of linens onto Bruce’s bed.

Because of his height, he had to climb up using part of the bed to push himself up. Well, he was trying to do that carrying God-knows-how-many blankets. Until that moment the bedspreads were halfway to Bruce’s feet.

“Master Jason…” Alfred didn’t know whether to say something or take a picture. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

“The weather’s cold,” Jason said it as if that was the answer to every human conflict. “If Bruce gets more cold, he’ll turn into an ice cube. Mr. Freeze must be up to something. I’m gonna find him. But first, I need to leave Bruce safe from cold.”

“Colder, my boy…” Alfred corrected gently, still unsure what to do. “Master Bruce may not need so many covers.”

Jason stubbornly tried to climb again but missed a step, falling onto the pile of blankets.

“Ouch…” He seemed to have hurt his toes. Alfred stepped closer, noticing how Jason was all covered with ink stains of colors.

“What do you have on your face, sir?” Alfred held his face gently. It seemed like he used coal.

“My Robin mask!” Jason answered. “But it broke up. So, I made this instead.”

Alfred lost himself on those bright green eyes, feeling his heart growing bigger.

“That was a very clever solution, Master Jason,” he said with a smile. “But perhaps you shouldn’t use ink on your skin. It could cause an allergy.”

“Well, it’s all I had. The villains can’t know who I am, right?”

Alfred chuckled softly, fixing Jason’s hair.

“Can you help me put the blankets on Bruce?” Jason asked.

“Dear boy, with so many blankets, Master Bruce could suffer from heat stroke,” Alfred explained patently. “You told me earlier he was very warm. The light cover he has now should be enough.”

“Oh…” Jason looked at the colorful amalgamation he had brought. “I guess so… But I’ll leave them nearby, just in case.”

“That seems like a wise decision, Master Jason.”

Last part - Next part

[quartzcloud]

I finally finished reactor Charlie and the fact that the Stoats have cars is making me very paranoid. Like, why is that getting so much focus?

The Leadership of Last Bast WANT everyone to stay at Last Bast. Why would you focus time and energy on something that primarily exists as a form of transportation? Sure, cars have some weaponry implications but that hasn't been brought up directly yet. And Ava could smell those cars from inside Last Bast, they're being used very frequently first thing in the morning, which is when the Red Warren was gassed.

Combine that with the fact that there's no emergency exit to Last Bast. The Stoats all KNOW that there's an airborne weapon that human's use to kill them, so having a well ventilated/emergency exit/masking plan in case of gas deployment should be a kind of priority. But the vents aren't patrolled and there's no backup emergency strategy in case human's drop toxins from above. They don't even have a specific name for the weapon like the Blue or Light it's just 'poison cloud'. It's like they don't think or believe the humans would deploy gas there.

I'm starting to wonder if Last Bast are the ones using toxic gases in the forest. They have the means (Cars, access to private laboratories, a workforce that keeps secrets, raw materials), opportunity (no one SAW a human when the Red Warren was gassed and Ava was very clear about not understanding how or if Humans were involved and the Last Bast staff didn't seem to accept that as an answer), and the motive to push every single soldier they can get towards Last Bast for their last stand.

[under0-0s]

could you give a pro tip about anything?

"Pro tip? Always have an exit strategy—whether it's a party, a mission, or a bad date with a Hydra agent in disguise. Trust me, it saves you time, money, and occasional laser wounds."

"Back up your work. Twice. One in the cloud, one in an AI that won’t try to kill you. Learned that one the hard way, actually..."

"Never trust an AI... unless you built it yourself. Even then, keep a kill switch handy."

"Also—along with the exit strategy, backup power, and a snack are a must. Especially the snack. You’d be surprised how many world-saving plans fall apart on an empty stomach." "Oh, and if you're gonna make a dramatic entrance—own it. Nothing’s worse than tripping over your own ego."

[yevetteheiser]

Yevette Heiser’s Expert Guide to Wedding Photography and Backup: Preserving Your Special Day

When it comes to wedding photography, capturing every magical moment is only half the battle. The real work begins with ensuring that those precious memories are preserved for years to come. For Yevette Heiser, a seasoned photographer with a passion for both traditional and modern techniques, wedding photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures—it’s about safeguarding your memories through thoughtful backup strategies. In this expert guide, Yevette Heiser shares insights on the ultimate guide to wedding photography and backup, along with tips on how to elevate your smartphone images with professional photography techniques.

The Art of Wedding Photography: Capturing Every Moment

Yevette Heiser’s approach to wedding photography is built on a foundation of capturing not only the visual beauty of the day but also the emotion and story behind each moment. Weddings are filled with fleeting moments—first looks, stolen glances, heartfelt vows, and joyful celebrations—and Heiser’s keen eye ensures that each of these moments is documented with care and artistry.

One of her signature techniques is the ability to blend candid shots with posed portraits, capturing the real emotions of the couple while also producing timeless, polished images. She understands that a wedding day is a whirlwind of activity, and her approach allows her to be present for both the big moments and the quiet ones, creating a comprehensive visual story.

Backup Strategies: Protecting Your Wedding Memories

The importance of backup in wedding photography cannot be overstated. As a professional, Yevette Heiser ensures that every photo she takes is safely stored and protected, so couples can have peace of mind knowing their memories are secure. Wedding photos are often irreplaceable, and the loss of such precious moments due to technical issues or accidents can be devastating.

Heiser employs a multi-tiered backup system to safeguard her work. First, she uses high-quality memory cards during the event to ensure the highest resolution images are captured. Immediately after the wedding, she uploads all photos to an external hard drive and cloud storage, providing multiple copies in case of a failure. This comprehensive backup approach ensures that couples will always have access to their cherished wedding memories, no matter what happens.

Elevating Smartphone Photography: Tips from Yevette Heiser

While professional wedding photography is a must for most couples, many people also want to capture moments on their smartphones. Yevette Heiser believes that anyone can elevate their smartphone images by applying a few key photography techniques. Yevette Heiser - Reveals How Photography Techniques Can Elevate Your Smartphone Images are valuable for anyone who wants to improve their casual photography skills.

Heiser suggests starting with composition. By following basic principles like the rule of thirds and focusing on natural light, smartphone users can instantly improve the quality of their photos. She also recommends using editing apps to enhance colors, sharpness, and exposure without overdoing it. Simple adjustments can make a huge difference in the final image.

Another tip Heiser shares is to experiment with angles. Instead of relying on standard eye-level shots, try capturing photos from different perspectives. Candid moments often look more authentic and engaging when photographed from unique angles. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of patience. Great photos often require waiting for the right moment, whether it’s the perfect lighting or a fleeting expression.

Conclusion

Yevette Heiser’s expert approach to wedding photography and backup ensures that couples’ most treasured memories are captured beautifully and securely. With her guidance, couples can trust that their special day will be preserved for years to come, both in stunning images and safe storage. Furthermore, her photography techniques can help anyone elevate their smartphone images, bringing a touch of professional flair to everyday photos. Whether it’s a wedding day or a simple moment, Yevette Heiser’s insights ensure that every image tells a story and lasts a lifetime.

[hand-written-dreams]

CRIMSON SHADE

Chapter 06

Error 404 - File Not Found

I know how much it matters to you

I know that you got daddy issues.

- ( The song of the chapter is "Daddy Issues" by The Neighbourhood ft. Syd)

Khushi sits in front of her laptop screen, staring at the empty file that once held her escape. It feels as if the code of her life has been rewritten, lines of her plan deleted without warning.

She managed to recover some of the files from her formatted computer but the most important folder is, of course.

Empty.

Her encrypted freedom was hijacked by an unseen hacker, who tore down her firewall from the inside and rewrote her life's code with a single keystroke.

She feels the walls closing in, like the network is shrinking, suffocating. Every key she types echoes like the ticking of a countdown. Each attempt to trace the hacker, to recover even a shred of her stolen evidence, hits a dead-end. The once familiar language of numbers and commands, her shield, now betrays her, leaving her exposed in the dark web.

She hadn’t dared to keep a physical backup, knowing the risks of his father finding it. Instead, she had placed all her trust in the cloud, a decision she now regretted bitterly.

Because the bastard found it.

Every file, every carefully constructed layer of her work, wiped clean. Hacked and erased by him with surgical precision, as if mocking her for thinking she could ever be one step ahead.

The trap is perfect.

She feels herself sinking into it.

The safety protocols failing one by one.

There's no backdoor, no way to break the code that now binds her, leaving her frozen in a system she thought she could outsmart.

The last few days were tough, frustration gnawing at her ever since that unexpected meeting with Mr. Raizada.

Damn it, Damn him.

She will be lying, if she says she isn't sacred of 'Mr. I-despise-you'.

Actually

He terrifies her.

The man is like an encrypted code filled with blank spaces, written in hidden algorithms that she had no idea how to decipher. So much information, so many answers encrypted within his layers. And she had no idea where to find the correct data sequence to decrypt his mysteries.

Sighing, she shakes her head, as if to remove Mr. Raizada out of her head. She leans back into her pillow, closing her eyes to escape the strain of too much screen time, replaying the events that happened last few days.

After ditching her bodyguards, again, she slipped into the city yesterday to meet one of her college professors, someone brilliant enough to maybe help her trace the hacker. After days of gruelling effort on her own, pushing her limits until her eyes stung and her hands ached, he was her last hope.

She explained the situation as vaguely as possible, hoping he'd see something she missed, some miracle solution that would break her free. But there was none. Just more dead ends.

Finally, after exhausting all options, Khushi decides to wait. Patience will have to be her strategy for now. She plans to rely on the network of resources she has meticulously planted throughout the house...hidden cameras, discreet microphones, and surveillance equipment. Each one is her carefully placed set of eyes and ears, her silent sentinels. All the while, she prays no one discovers them.

If she can't act yet, she can at least watch and listen, biding her time until the perfect moment to strike.

And meanwhile, she hopes for something significant to unfold, something she can use to her advantage, something she can leverage to turn the situation in her favour.

She hacks into the main circuits of the house's CCTV system, gaining full control. Now, every camera, every angle is at her command. She watches the feeds stream through her laptop, monitoring every movement in the house without anyone suspecting her. It's her own invisible web.

Through the CCTV feeds, Khushi scans the sprawling mansion her father built in Delhi after their move from Kolkata, a blend of traditional Indian designs and modern conveniences.

The mansion may look like a symbol of status and power from the outside, but through her feeds, she sees it for what it is.

'A gilded cage'

It is filled with secrets and shadows, a place designed to control both the outside world and the people trapped inside it.

Her father recently had the house repainted. No matter how many fresh coats are added, the crimson will always remain, splattered beneath the pristine white wall.

Unseen but never forgotten.

Nothing in the mansion screams opulence. The carefully curated simplicity is just another layer of control. The wealth is there, woven into the fabric of every room, hidden beneath a veil of restraint, much like her father's carefully maintained image.

Her father cannot openly flaunt his wealth, as any display can draw the scrutiny of the Income Tax Department or the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Though these departments are in his pocket, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

She observes the Entrance hall, with its polished marble floors gleaming under the soft lighting. Beyond the hall, a staircase rises, curving upwards like something out of an old-world palace, its handrails intricately carved from dark mahogany, leading to the upper levels of the house.

The mansion is filled with abstract artwork, some genuine, some likely smuggled. Large French windows overlook manicured lawns, but she knows every one of those windows is equipped with bulletproof glass.

Her father's study is discreetly tucked away behind a solid wooden door on the first floor. It's the heart of his operations.

It was always off-limits to her, a place of secrecy and constant mystery. Despite all her expertise, she can't infiltrate the walls with any of her surveillance tools.

No camera can penetrate those walls.

There's no CCTV as well.

It frustrates her endlessly, knowing that within those walls are the answers she sought. But she isn't entirely powerless. She has managed to plant a small microphone inside a flower vase during one of her rare visits, hoping it would give her some access to the world her father has kept hidden. Now, as she pulls up the feed, she wonders if it's still active.

Her fingers hover over the keyboard as the feed comes to life. It's still active!! Relief washes over her as she adjusts the volume. The faint crackle of static confirms the microphone is picking up sound. She connects her headphones swiftly.

Voices float in the background.

Pulse quickens.

Breathing ceases.

And she listens.

".....what should we do next, sir?" The gruff voice of Mr. Sharma filters through. He is the lifelong bodyguard/right-hand man of her father.

"I said it was a bad idea," her father snaps, his frustration palpable even through the static. "But he was so stubborn... and oh so impatient... he could wait a few days...I had it all planned."

"Mr.Jha picked someone so unprofessional for such a sensitive job," Mr.Sharma commented.

A pause....

A static....

"That lousy motherfucker Rocky botched the entire thing. Soon they will find out, we were behind it." Her father's voice drops lower, almost a growl.

"Why did Mr. Jha act without consulting us? We could have handled it on his behalf, " frustration creeps into Mr. Sharma's voice as well.

"He thought he was avenging his father," her father replies.

"If you don't mind, can I ask something, Sir?" Mr.Sharma asks. Her father might have given him the green signal because a minute later, he continues, "He said he was sure about who killed his father. But how could that be? The person he's talking about was just a boy back then...what, 14 or 15?"

A long, tense silence follows before her father responds, his voice now cold and measured. "We never truly know the monsters people carry inside them."

Mr. Sharma says cautiously, "But how does killing the Wolves' daughter fit into that revenge?"

Another pause. Her breath catches as her father's voice cuts through, sharp and suspicious. "Someone's been feeding him information. He believed he'd killed The Vulture's sister."

Her mouth hangs open, as her heartbeat picks up. Holy fucking shit!!

"But why would his sister be with The Wolves?"

"We had no idea where the girl went after her mother's death, but Mr. Rathore has a nasty habit of using daughters as bargaining chips, doesn't he?" her father's voice drops down.

There was a long pause as if her father was in deep thought. "It's entirely possible he handed the girl over to the wolves to hide her identity or.... worse.. exchanged her with a daughter of the wolves to gain leverage over someone in their family."

"Do you think she really was his sister?"

Khushi leans in closer, her heart racing as she strains to catch her father's reply.

"Let's hope she wasn't." her father responds, his voice steady yet a dark, bitter shadow overpowers his voice. "If she was, the hell will break loose."

"If we're lucky," he continues after a pause, "...no one will ever find out we're behind it. But the way it was handled... so sloppily...it's only a matter of time before the wolves figure it out. It's a direct slap to their face. And if she was indeed his sister, soon both the Eagles and the Wolves will be at our throats.. This is war. They'll demand retribution....You understand what that means, don't you?"

"Yeah," Mr.Sharma responds grimly. "We need to tighten our security. And with Mr. Jha's political campaign underway, we'll have to stay on high alert."

"I'm concerned about the Wolves' new security expert, Adam Marcus. He's a former American Navy SEAL, and people have already started calling him 'the hound dog.' They say he has a special talent for digging up dirt. Keep an eye on him."

"Sir?" Mr. Sharma asks after a brief pause, his gravelly voice cutting through the silence. "Should we alert your daughter?"

"There's no need," her father replies, his tone dismissive yet sharp. "It's not her safety I'm worried about, it's ours. And our reputation is what's at risk right now."

Yes, of course. What's new?

Her father's indifference no longer surprises or bothers her.

Then his father's faint voice crackles in the faint static as if he were talking to himself, "The Eagles won't hurt her..''

"Sorry, Sir, I didn’t quite catch that."

"It's nothing. Do as I say.....Tell..."

A sharp knock on her door jolts Khushi from her thoughts, sending her heart racing. Panic floods her as she hastily shoves her laptop beneath a pillow. She runs a hand through her hair, trying to smooth away her startled expression before standing up.

Mr. Jha's smiling face peeks through the ajar door,

"Khushi," he beams, his voice light, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"..umm..Hello, Mr.Jha." Khushi just gives him a tight-lipped smile.

"Khushi, Khushi, Khushi," he says with an almost playful tone as he steps into her room, a package in his hand. He sinks into the chair at her desk. "You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you."

Light filters weakly through the curtains, casting elongated shadows across the floor that seem to shift with the tension. Her room, her sanctuary amidst the chaos of her life started to feel different all of a sudden, taut, like a wire ready to snap. It feels exposed.

So does she.

She's always kept her space simple-a bed neatly tucked in one corner, a sleek desk where she often loses herself in study and a leather couch facing the TV. If she listens closely, it feels like she can hear the silent screams of her furniture.

Her bookshelf in the corner, filled with books she escapes into, stands as a silent witness, but nothing in this space feels safe now. It's as if the walls themselves are holding their breath. Waiting

Just like her.

Khushi stares at Mr. Jha with a blank expression, realizing he's waiting for a response, evident from the expectant look on his face.

"Mr. Jha, you just saw me two days ago," she says dryly.

He smirks, eyes glinting. "You're a beauty I could never tire of praising..... and soon, my goddess, you'll be my wife. Drop this 'Mr. Jha' nonsense. I have a name. Call me Shyam."

Standing, he strides over to her, his fingers wrapping around her hand before she can pull it away. He places the package in her palm. "This is for you."

She resists the strong urge to yank her hand free and step back. But that would be disrespectful and her father would have her head for it. He made it perfectly clear to her.

"Thank you, Mr. Jha."

He sighs, frustration leaking into his eyes. "Come on, open it."

Reluctantly, she pulls apart the wrapping. Inside is a deep red saree with intricate borders, adorned with shimmering stones. She glances at him, confusion flickering across her face.

"We're going on a date tonight," he declares with smug satisfaction.

"Oh..." she falters, unsure of how to respond.

"We'll be joined by some of my party's politicians and their wives. They've been eager to meet you for a while."

She blinks, still processing. The last thing she feels like doing is entertaining those sleazy politicians.

"Wear the saree. You just look divine in red. " Mr.Jha's tone drops down an octave, "Red suits you, but having you all to myself suits you more." His hand lingers on her forearm, sliding up toward her shoulder, then her face. Her stomach tightens, and she bites her lip, wishing he would stop. Her throat tightened as if invisible hands were squeezing it. Every breath she took felt shallow, incomplete, like she was drowning in the very air around her. The urge to pull away, to run, to be anywhere but here, was overwhelming, yet she remained frozen, trapped in the politeness expected of her.

A sharp knock breaks the tension. Mr. Jha steps back, clearly irritated. It's Buaji.

"Mr. Jha, Mr. Gupta is waiting for you in his study."

Khushi exhales deeply, releasing a breath she doesn't realize she is holding as she grips the package with trembling hands. Mr.Jha flashes her a smile that promises this isn't over, before leaving the room with unsettling ease.

The moment the door clicks shut behind him, Khushi feels her entire body sag with relief, her shoulders falling as if unburdened by an invisible force.

The stillness that follows his departure is welcomed.

She savores the quiet.

It is all she has at this moment.

Author's note:

Hello-hi bye-bye, sweet readers ☺️

Thank you for reading! It's always exciting to share this story with you. Drop a comment if you enjoyed it, and don't forget to hit the star! Until the next chapter!

<previous> | <next>

@arshifiesta @featheredclover @phuljari @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @chutkiandchotte @shiyaravi @titaliya @arshiradio

[imageits-blog]

Preventative IT Maintenance: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly

With technology moving forward so fast, your business can’t operate without it. Computers, servers, cloud systems and software platforms have to be running smoothly to keep your team productive, defend confidential information and make sure customers receive a good experience.

Unfortunately, IT systems don’t manage themselves without attention.

This is why we need preventative IT maintenance. Regular car servicing makes sure your car avoids breakdowns and preventative IT support does the same for your systems. Here at Image IT, we know that companies who focus on IT before issues arise benefit a lot. We’ll now look at what preventative maintenance means and understand why it helps your business run smoothly.

What Does Preventative IT Maintenance Mean?

Taking care of your IT infrastructure ahead of time is called preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance, you take action to make sure your systems are in good shape all the time, so you don’t have to rush to solve emergencies.

Such tasks refer to:

Tracking how the system is running

Putting security patches and new versions of the software into use

Regularly using antivirus and malware software

Testing the use of backup options

Updating both your device’s drivers and firmware

Checking the configurations for firewalls and networks

Exchanging ageing equipment to prevent any breakdowns

At Image IT, we set up specialized maintenance services that guarantee your technology remains in top condition and reduces the chance of risks and downtime.

Why Taking Care of Problems in Advance Is Crucial for Companies in Ireland

1. Minimize any time when your business is not working effectively.

Problems with your IT systems such as servers failing, networks breaking or bugs in software, may bring your work to a halt and cost you in both time and money. Doing preventative maintenance lets you catch and manage issues early and this means your business avoids the stress of dealing with major problems.

If a server begins to overheat, it’s possible to handle the issue before it crashes, so you won’t have to deal with expensive downtime and loss of data.

2. Prevent or Stop Cyber Attacks

More and more, businesses in Ireland are facing cyberattacks, most often small and medium-sized companies. Many attackers use old software, unpatched versions and networks that have not been properly set up.

Ongoing upkeep of security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software and system updates, makes it much less likely for your system to become a victim of ransomware, phishing or a data breach.

3. Increase the Lifespan of IT Assets

Just as changing the oil in your car lengthens its engine’s lifespan, looking after your IT equipment in the same way will help it work longer. Regularly taking care of computers stops them from wearing out and prevents too many replacements.

4. Raise the effectiveness of your staff.

This kind of slow work is frustrating and influences how your team feels about their work. If technology runs smoothly, your team won’t have to worry about systems or spend time finding IT solutions.

5. With time, the cost of IT will decrease.

Though it might feel like a pricey addition, upfront maintenance helps save money and prevents serious IT problems. One data breach, meeting replacement or lasting period of downtime can often be more expensive than all your ISP’s services put together.

Important Parts of a Well-Made IT Maintenance Plan

We create preventative maintenance strategies for your business that fit its individual requirements at Image IT. The method we use is:

We watch your systems around the clock.

We watch over your systems around the clock, spotting problems early and fixing them so they don’t impact your work.

Timely Updates and Patch Upgrades

We make sure your operating systems, applications and antivirus are always running on the latest versions.

Test the backup and recovery of your data.

We ensure your backups are properly configured and we regularly perform tests to see how fast you can recover data.

You can do a Network Health Check here.

We examine your network for good speed, serious security flaws and technology issues to confirm your system operates safely and properly.

Managing Assets and Deciding on Their Life

We watch over your equipment and make sure you can update your technology before it starts causing issues.

Support from the users and helpdesk

If your team has any IT questions or concerns, our friendly team is there to lend a non-technical helping hand.

Why Is Image IT a Great Solution?

Operating out of North Dublin, Image IT has been supporting company’s in Ireland for about 15 years. Our knowledgable team delivers helpful, consistent and friendly IT assistance to the companies here in New Zealand.

We are dedicated to forming long-term relationships with clients so we can do more than just address issues; we can help avoid them.

You will gain the following benefits when you work with us:

Transparent pricing

A quick response from the team

Customized maintenance services

Expert opinions offered in a personal way

If you have just a few devices or a complex IT structure, our solutions are designed to match your requirements and your budget.

Benefits You Can See in Life: An Example

There were many issues at one of our clients, a small financial services firm in Dublin, involving downtime in the network and software that was past its update. Following their sign up for our preventative maintenance, we set up a monitoring system, cleaned their network and ran scheduled updates.

The result? A 90% drop in IT issues reported by staff, faster systems, and peace of mind for their management team knowing their data and systems were protected.

Your Next Step: Secure Your Business with Preventative IT Support

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[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-A23 - AUGUST SKY

-Evening Before the Festival-

*tapping*

Akuta: Hey?

Can you hear something from inside?

Akuta: Isn't it like that thing you see in war films? That dit-dit, dah-dah thing—

Muneuji: Morse Code?

Akuta: Yeah, that!

Muneuji: I shall analyse it.

Akuta: What! You can do that!?

Muneuji: It's a pastime I inherited from my dad. I have a bit of an interest in amateur radios. I'm rather skilled at communication ciphers that use tap codes.

Akuta: No way, that's sick! What's it saying!? Is it really a message from an alien!?

Muneuji: … …

"Tell me your wish." …it seems to be saying.

Akuta: Wooo~aah… so it really is.

Akuta: Snore snore… zzz zzz…

Muneuji: Isotake, wake up.

Akuta: …'Ka~y… …huh!?

Crap, I was sleeping! I completely fell asleep at the bus stop! My body huuurts! Would've been nice for someone to wake me~!

Muneuji: I was too engrossed in exchanging signals. Forgive me. —It's rather sudden, but I'll let you know what strategy the egg and I have agreed on.

Akuta: Yes, Commander Kaguya!

Muneuji: We desire to see the success of the Summer Festival. When I conveyed this, the egg responded as such-

If we create a simple rocket and launch the egg into the sky, it will "imbibe" the rain clouds.

Akuta: Imbibe… wait, it's going to eat them, you mean!?

Muneuji: Whether or not it means it literally remains to be seen, but it is certainly what the egg pledged. Take a look at this.

Akuta: This is… a map of Shodoshima! Indeed!*

Muneuji: According to the egg's proposal, the clouds above Shodoshima today are around 2500-3000 metres above sea level.

The record for the longest distance travelled by a plastic bottle rocket made by a student—which I broke last year—is around 1100 metres.

Akuta: With a plastic bottle rocket!? That's sick! Indubitably, Commander!*

Muneuji: However, even at the lowest, that's 1400 metres short. Therefore, the egg has requested we use the highest point on Shodoshima, Hoshigajoyama, as the launchpad. It's located here.

Akuta: And that's going to be enough!?

Muneuji: Hoshigajoyama is 817 metres tall.

Akuta: So you're saying…?? Uuuh??

Muneuji: At the lowest, it's still 583 metres short. Particularly taking into account the influence of the wind and gravity here.

Akuta: Hum…

Muneuji: What do we do? —Should we give in, Captain?

Akuta: !

Muneuji: I'll leave the decision to you.

Akuta: …Tell me what you need for the rocket! I'll scrape 'em together lickety split! And after that… we'll think as we go!!

Muneuji: Affirmative!

Akuta: Muneuji~! I borrowed a rearcar from an old man in the neighbourhood!

Muneuji: Thank you. With this, we can carry the rocket to the top of the mountain.

Akuta: I saw Kari-sen's car heading to the venue earlier, and both Nanaki and Ushio looked like the world was ending. We've gotta hurry up and make 'em go "wow"!

So, how did constructing the rocket go!?

Muneuji: I thought procuring the fuel rods would be a particularly rough task, but according to the egg's proposal, these can apparently be used as backup.

Akuta: What are they?

Muneuji: Fragments of the egg. After receiving permission, I borrowed pieces from the edge of the crack.

Though it's hard to believe, when NaHCO₃… in other words, sodium bicarbonate is added to it, it changes to a crystallised form akin to solid hydrogen fuel, and produces explosive energy that puts a hydrogen engine to shame.

Akuta: F-for real!?

Muneuji: Additionally, once it's reached the highest point, the egg will use the rocket as a stepping stone to jump off, to increase the elevation even just a tiny bit.

I wondered if we could use a similar trick to launching a satellite with a multistage rocket, and discussed it with the egg.

Akuta: Hooray! Well done, Commander!!

Muneuji: Haa, haa… it appears it's finally raining.

Akuta: Kh, mountain climbing, with a rearcar, is intense~

Muneuji: Woah!!

Akuta: You okay!!? Commander, just, take a quick break!! I'll… absolutely… take it, to the top! Haahaa.

Muneuji: If we launch it like this, will it really go high enough… Using the egg pieces as fuel is an unknown variable…

Akuta: …Haa haa… All we can do is believe.

Right now, we can't think, about what comes after launching it…! But, before we reach a happy ending, we always have to go full power, and do everything we can, without exception!

Muneuji: … Isotake.

Akuta: ! You're done resting already?

Muneuji: Let's go, to the summit…!

Akuta: "Ten seconds to lift off~!"

Akuta: "Ten!"

"Nine!"

"Eight…"

"I'm in the middle of a countdown, but I wanna say something real quick! —Sorry, Sensei. Seven."

"Even if it doesn't go well, the time spent isn't pointless or something, you can use your regret as a springboard for the future and stuff."

"It'll become a memory that's good for me—or whatever. Honestly, that feels humiliating to me. Ah, six."

"I believe in an overwhelming, unprecedented, destiny-based power that'll turn this on its head. I'm the only one who's aware of it, but I believe it could be the most amazing thing in the world—"

Kiroku: …

Akuta: "Look at this passion, find and pick up every single one of my fixations and say, aah, you're the best…!"

"When there are people to praise me, when there are a lot of them—THAT'S when it'll be "good for me", I know it!!!!"

Ushio: …

Nanaki: … Akuta, you… …don't go trying to say cool things…

Akuta: Uuh, with that, it may be presumptuous but I'll get back to the countdown n—

Muneuji: We're already at one! ONE!

Akuta: It's one! Ignition!

Muneuji: Lift off!

Momiji: (The rain's coming down hard… I wonder if we'll get it under control in time. If I just drive a bit quicker, no giving up…)

Aaugh, damnit! Of course I'd hit all the traffic lights at a time like this!

(? Everyone outside is pointing at the sky…? Huh, is something flying up there—)

Tourist A: Huh, what was that!? Did you see that just now?

Tourist B: It looks like something was launched into the sky—

*rumbling*

Old Man A: … Huh…

Everyone: WHAAAAAAAAAAAT~~~!?!?

Akuta: "WOOOOOOAAAAH! AWESOOOOME!! WASN'T THAT SERIOUSLY SICK~~!?"

Nanaki: No, why are you surprised!

Kiroku: … …

Ushio: Seriously, what the hell. Is this even possible?

Idiotake just says and does whatever he wants. Livening things up at his own volition.

He should think more about our feelings, since we're always going along with him—

But, well…

I do… think the sunset looks pretty.

*Akuta's trying to remember to speak more politely by ending his sentences with "です" (desu), which… put simply is just something you end sentences with. It doesn't really translate, so I supplemented it with "proper-sounding" words

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Masterlist

[sonicthetarot]

SONIC THE TAROT Card Previews #7

Today's previews are for the Suit of Cups' Three of Cups, Four of Cups, Five of Cups, and Six of Cups! See their guidebook entries below, and check out our website for more and our storefront to preorder a copy!

Three of Cups (Chemical Plant Zone)

The Three of Cups, Chemical Plant Zone is an early location faced by Sonic and Tails during their friendship. Filled with toxic waste and metal debris, this factory represents the worst indulgences of the Eggman Empire. However, Sonic and Tails creatively find ways to navigate this dangerous zone by collaborating with one another, thus forming the groundwork for their team going forward.

The dangers seen in the Three of Cups reversed cannot be underestimated, however. The twisting labyrinth of Chemical Plant Zone can easily separate all who underestimate its hazards, with its rising waters potentially drowning anyone foolhardy enough to enter. Although Sonic can face this zone alone, a lack of backup may result in his permanent termination, instead.

The Three of Cups celebrates bonds of friendship, as independent action is not always the answer.

Upright Keywords: friendship, celebration, collaboration, creativity

Reversed Keywords: separation, loner attitude, stubbornness, termination

Four of Cups (Stardust Speedway)

The location of the first face-off between Sonic and Metal Sonic, Stardust Speedway is a glittering metropolis whose fate is in peril due to Eggman’s self-absorbed influence. As the Four of Cups, this zone faces ruin in a future visited by Sonic: Eggman’s apathy toward the goodwill of the environment results in smog clouding the once-starry skies, with all life stagnating and dying off in time. As such, Sonic must reevaluate his strategy against Metal Sonic to assure the latter cannot win at all costs.

The Four of Cups reversed is a culmination of Sonic’s proactivity against the Eggman Empire. In the good future of Stardust Speedway, the zone is rejuvenated as an amusement park in harmony with nature, free of any traces of regret or corruption. Sonic’s victory over Eggman and Metal Sonic ensures that Stardust Speedway—and all life on Little Planet—are allowed to facilitate and flourish with positivity.

The Four of Cups may easily give into remorse if the proper opportunities are not taken.

Upright Keywords: self-absorption, stagnation, regret, reevaluation

Reversed Keywords: proactivity, rejuvenation, life, positivity

Five of Cups (Radical Highway)

Radical Highway is one of the first locations Shadow visits after fifty years alone in stasis, with this Five of Cups kickstarting his grief-fueled revenge plot against Earth. Shadow’s pessimism toward humanity is clear as he destroys GUN-issued robots and most anything else in his path. The anger and loss associated with Radical Highway continues to follow Shadow going forward, as the city manifests in White Space during his darkest moments.

Shadow’s ability to let go and move on is found in the Five of Cups reversed. Radical Highway forms the arena for Shadow’s final confrontation with Black Doom, occurring after a pivotal moment where Maria helps Shadow release his sorrow and anger and live for the moment. Although Shadow’s victory against Neo Devil Doom means permanent separation from his past loved ones, it allows him to rejoin the present world for good.

The Five of Cups embodies regret and remorse, but overcoming despair will always be possible.

Upright Keywords: isolation, grief, pessimism, anger

Reversed Keywords: letting go, moving on, accepting help, living in the present

Six of Cups (Green Hill Zone | Game Land)

A recurring locale during Sonic’s adventures, the lush grasses of Green Hill Zone are the Six of Cups. This zone is the starting place for Sonic during the South Island incident, and is a nostalgic location revisited during such events like the Time Eater incident, the Hard Boiled Heavies incident, and the War to Take Back the Planet. Green Hill Zone is consistently portrayed as a playful oasis and the epiphany of the world Sonic aims to protect, with its desolation during the latter incident being a key sign of Eggman’s destructive reign.

Clinging too much to the ideals of Green Hill Zone is not always desirable, however. When the Six of Cups is reversed, the innocent imagery of the zone is commodified and turned into a commercialized, rose-tinted past. This is most apparent in Eggman’s Game Land, an artificial zone emulating Sonic’s past adventures in a highly mechanized (and thus, palatable to Eggman) format.

The Six of Cups recalls memories of youth, yet they may easily turn into stagnant development in the present.

Upright Keywords: childhood memories, nostalgia, playfulness, innocence

Reversed Keywords: clinging to the past, commodification, rose-tinted glasses, uncreativity

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[rsevents]

The Best Practices for Effective Event Management

Event organizers frequently feel overburdened by the stressful process of event planning. Mastering the fine art of organizing an unforgettable and successful event is possible with the help of our top ten suggestions for successful Event management. 1. Start Early:  Make plans as soon as you can. It is reasonable to start organizing your event four to six months in advance if it is going to be a big one. Planning a smaller event takes at least a month. Try to make sure that all vendor contracts are finished a few weeks before to the event in order to maintain a seamless final run-up to it. 2. Stay Adaptable:  Things will alter as the event is being planned. Whether it is the dates, venues, or even the Whatever the nature of the event you're presenting, you must be adaptable and able to accommodate any shifting needs. 3. Engage in negotiations: You can negotiate on everything, even though many dealers will tell you otherwise. Try to bargain for the lowest possible price because there will always be unanticipated expenses associated with any event. Decide on a budget before you meet with a seller, and then propose to pay 5–10% less. Your vendor may resist, but their ultimate goal is to get your business. 4. Distribute Tasks: Assign a segment to each team member after dividing the event's numerous components into distinct categories, such as registration, catering, and transportation. Given that they are in charge of their particular section exclusively, they will be far more knowledgeable about some variations in details. 5. Establish a Document Shared: Working with your team is made incredibly simple with the cloud's many advantages. Make sure that everyone is in agreement by creating a central handbook or document that covers every aspect of the event, such as the floor plan, vendor contracts, and guest information. With a shared document, everyone may consult it for clarification and your team as a whole can identify any inconsistencies.  6. Make a contingency plan: It is extremely uncommon for an event to be executed without at least one problem; an item might not arrive or an essential Someone might be late. Make a backup plan for each of the most crucial resources your event will have. If a lot of problems come up later, sort them out and determine if there is a workaround or if the event should be cancelled completely. 7. Perform a Run-Through: Run through the complete event process two weeks before to the event. Call a team meeting to go over everything in detail, from the initial setup to the follow-up procedure. During these meetings, issues are frequently brought to light, and you will have chance to address them. Plan a second rehearsal at the location a few days prior to the event. 8. Take pictures of everything: Images speak for themselves, and A great method to show off the success of your event is to publish favorable images online. A professional photographer will be more aware of the types of pictures needed and will ask you for details if you have the funds to employ one. To make sure you have everything, ask for a variety of pictures, such as a picture of the entire space, pictures showcasing the event's branding, and numerous pictures of guests having a good time. 9. Go Online: The ideal strategy to increase your social media profile is to host an event. Encourage your fans to tweet about your event by creating a unique hashtag for it. In a similar vein, set up an event on Facebook and get your followers to tag it in pertinent postings. Put up After the event is complete, post your images and invite people to tag themselves. 10. Get in touch right away. Many event planners make the frequent mistake of taking a break once the event is done. Even once the logistics are over, it's crucial to follow up with guests, whether via social media or email, to show that the event was a success.