#hire full stack engineer

[hiringjournal]

Why Hire an Oracle Engineer? Key Benefits for Your Business

Efficient data management serves as the key if your SaaS business is relying on complex databases and large-scale applications. Oracle, is one of the most powerful database management systems, that offers scalability, security, and performance for your business. 

However, to work with Oracle there is need for specialized expertise, making it essential to hire oracle engineers. They must be skilled in handling database architecture, optimization, and security whether you need them for streamlined business operations, improving system reliability, or scaling your infrastructure. Onboarding the right Oracle expert can drive business success and let’s see how. 

How Oracle Engineers Improve Database Performance, Security, and Scalability for Businesses

Expertise in database management and optimization

Oracle engineers guarantee the seamless and effective operation of your systems by contributing extensive knowledge in database administration. Among their main duties are: 

Performance tweaking, which involves improving indexing and queries to enable quicker data retrieval.

Database security: Putting access controls, encryption, and compliance procedures into practice.

Disaster recovery and backup: guaranteeing data security and less downtime.

Hiring an Oracle specialist guarantees smooth database performance and improved security for SaaS organizations, where data availability and integrity are crucial.

Scalability for business growth

Your database system becomes more complex as your firm grows. The assistance of Oracle engineers includes: 

Creating scalable database solutions that can manage growing workloads.

Optimize Oracle deployments in the cloud to increase efficiency.

Guarantee a smooth data transfer free from corruption or loss.

You might also need to hire software engineers who can combine Oracle with other applications and backend services if you intend to grow your tech team.

Enhanced security and compliance

Businesses, particularly those that handle sensitive consumer data, can suffer greatly from data breaches and security threats. Oracle engineers are experts in: 

Managing database encryption and safe data storage solutions. 

Ensuring compliance with industry requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. 

Implementing advanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Maintaining a safe and legal database infrastructure is crucial for SaaS businesses to safeguard client information and uphold confidence.

Integration with other technologies

Oracle databases must integrate seamlessly with other platforms because they are frequently a part of a broader ecosystem. Expert Oracle engineers are able to: 

Link Oracle databases to cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Integrate with backend and frontend apps to guarantee seamless data transfer. 

Collaborate with full-stack developers to create scalable enterprise apps.

Hiring full-stack developers to collaborate with Oracle engineers on a comprehensive technology solution is also a good idea if your project calls for end-to-end development.

Cost savings and efficiency 

Employing a skilled Oracle developer can save a lot of money by: 

Improving database performance to save operating expenses.

Proactive monitoring reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

Automating monotonous processes to increase productivity.

Database efficiency has a direct impact on application speed and user experience for SaaS organizations, which is why having knowledgeable Oracle experts on staff is crucial.

Summing Up

Hiring Oracle engineers guarantees that your company's database architecture is safe, scalable, and effective. Having the proper team in place will drive company success. For SaaS firms, leveraging Oracle’s sophisticated database solutions can boost performance, security, and overall operational efficiency.

[hireindiandevelopers]

6 Essential Services Every Website Development Company Should Offer

Are you a business owner and looking to create a functional website? Then, consider hiring a professional website development company. Their experts ensure your website is well-designed, user-friendly, and optimized for performance, helping your business attract more customers and grow online. It's an investment that delivers long-term success. If you’re looking to hire a software development team from a top company, here are six essential services they should provide to create a successful online presence.

[techactive]

AI/ML Consulting: Building Custom AI Solutions for Your Business

Unlock the power of AI/ML for your business. Our expert AI/ML consultants develop custom solutions to automate tasks, gain insights, and make smarter decisions.

[sensationsoftwaresolutions]

Law Firm Local SEO – Local SEO Tips for Lawyers and Attorneys

In the fast-paced digital age, local law firms are recognizing the importance of dominating the online sphere to attract potential clients. Sensation Solutions, a renowned local search engine optimization company, provides invaluable services in this context. Outranking the competition and appearing first in search results can significantly impact the success of legal services. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore actionable local SEO tips tailored for lawyers and attorneys, ensuring your firm not only climbs the Google ranks but also converts online visibility into increased business.

Understanding the Importance of Law Firm Local SEO

Local SEO optimization is crucial for law firms because it enhances their visibility and presence in local searches, making them more accessible to potential clients within their geographical area. When individuals seek legal services, they often include location-specific qualifiers in their search queries, such as city or region names. Law Firm Local SEO ensures that a law firm’s online assets, like its website and Google Business Profile, are optimized for these local searches.

By focusing on local SEO, law firms can:

Target Relevant Audience:Local SEO Allows Law Firms To Target Potential Clients In Their Immediate Vicinity Who Are Actively Searching For Legal Services. This Ensures That The Firm’s Online Visibility Aligns With The Needs Of Its Local Community.

Compete Effectively:In The Competitive Legal Landscape, Local SEO Helps Law Firms Stand Out In Local Search Results. It Allows Them To Compete More Effectively Against Other Firms Vying For The Attention Of Local Clients.

Appear In Local Pack Results:Local SEO Significantly Increases The Chances Of A Law Firm Appearing In The Local Pack, A Coveted Section In Google’s Search Results That Showcases Businesses Related To A Specific Local Search. This Prime Placement Can Lead To Higher Click-Through Rates.

Build Trust And Credibility:When A Law Firm Appears Prominently In Local Search Results, It Builds Trust And Credibility With Potential Clients. The Visibility In Local Searches Signals To Users That The Firm Is Relevant And Accessible In Their Community.

Improve Online Reputation: Local SEO Involves Managing Online Reviews And Maintaining Accurate Business Information. Positive Reviews And Consistent Information Contribute To A Positive Online Reputation, Influencing Potential Clients’ Decision-Making.

Enhance User Experience: Optimizing For Local SEO Often Involves Improving The Overall User Experience On The Law Firm’s Website. This Includes Ensuring The Site Is Mobile-Friendly, Loads Quickly, And Provides Relevant And Localized Content.

Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Law Firm Local SEO

Your Google Business Profile serves as the digital face of your law firm, and when managed by experts like Sensation Solutions, a firm specializing in offering services to law firms, it becomes a powerful tool for attracting clients. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to optimize your Google Business Profile for the best results:

Accuracy Is Key:Ensure That All Information On Your Google Business Profile Is Accurate And Up-To-Date. This Includes Your Law Firm’s Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP), Business Hours, And Any Other Relevant Details. Consistency Across All Online Platforms Is Crucial For Credibility.

Captivating Business Description:Craft A Compelling Business Description That Concisely Communicates Your Law Firm’s Expertise, Values, And Unique Selling Propositions. Highlight Key Services And What Sets Your Firm Apart From Others. Sensation Solutions Recommends Keeping It Informative Yet Engaging.

High-Quality Images:Upload High-Quality Images Showcasing Your Law Firm’s Office, Team, And Any Other Relevant Visuals. Visual Content Adds A Personal Touch And Instills Confidence In Potential Clients. Regularly Update Images To Keep The Profile Fresh And Inviting.

Encourage Positive Reviews:Actively Encourage Satisfied Clients To Leave Positive Reviews On Your Google Business Profile. Reviews Play A Pivotal Role In Influencing Potential Clients, And Sensation Solutions Specializes In Strategies To Foster Positive Feedback.

Responsive Interaction: Regularly Monitor And Respond Promptly To Client Reviews And Inquiries. Engaging With Clients Demonstrates Your Commitment To Excellent Service. Sensation Solutions Emphasizes The Importance Of Responsiveness In Building A Positive Online Reputation.

Utilize Google Posts:Take Advantage Of The Google Posts Feature To Share Updates, News, And Any Promotions Your Law Firm May Be Running. This Keeps Your Profile Dynamic And Provides Valuable Information To Potential Clients.

Add Relevant Attributes: Google Allows You To Add Specific Attributes To Your Business Profile. Sensation Solutions Recommends Including Relevant Attributes Such As Specialties, Accepted Payment Methods, And Any Other Details That Can Assist Potential Clients In Their Decision-Making.

Regular Monitoring: Sensation Solutions Advises Regular Monitoring Of Your Google Business Profile Analytics. Understand How Users Are Interacting With Your Profile, The Keywords They Are Using, And Adjust Your Strategy Accordingly.

By following these optimization strategies, especially with the expertise of Sensation Solutions, your law firm can maximize the potential of its Google Business Profile. This not only enhances visibility but also significantly contributes to a positive online reputation, attracting more clients in need of your legal services.

Leverage Law Firm Local Listings Ranking Factors

A Deeper Dive into Law Firm Local Listings Ranking Criteria

Law Firm Local Listings Ranking Factors are the criteria that search engines, particularly Google, consider when determining the position of local law firms in search results. These factors play a crucial role in deciding which law firms appear prominently in the local pack or map results. Here are the key elements that influence law firm local listings rankings:

Relevance:The Relevance Of A Law Firm To The User’s Search Query Is Paramount. Law Firms With Accurate And Comprehensive Information Related To The Search Term Are More Likely To Rank Higher In Best Law Firm.

Proximity: The Physical Distance Between The User And The Law Firm Location Is A Significant Factor. Google Aims To Provide Users With Results That Are Geographically Convenient, Making Proximity A Key Consideration In Law Firm Local SEO Rankings.

Prominence: The Prominence Of A Law Firm Refers To Its Online Reputation And Visibility. This Includes Factors Such As The Quantity And Quality Of Reviews, The Overall Online Presence, And The Credibility Of The Law Firm In The Digital Space.

Consistent NAP Information: NAP Stands For Name, Address, And Phone Number. Consistency In Providing Accurate And Uniform NAP Information Across Various Online Platforms, Directories, And Your Website Helps In Establishing Trustworthiness And Improves Law Firm Local SEO Rankings.

Embrace Listing Management Tools for Law Firm Local SEO

Tools such as Semrush and Bright Local are invaluable assets for lawyers aiming to streamline their Law Firm Local SEO efforts, and Sensation Solutions recommends these tools for enhanced efficiency. These tools provide insights into your online visibility, local rankings, and even monitor your competitors. Regularly update and manage your listings using these tools to stay ahead in the Law Firm Local SEO game.

Choose an Experienced Law Firm Local SEO Agency – Hire Local SEO expert from Sensation Solutions

While listing management tools offer great insights, hiring a specialized Law Firm Local SEO agency can take your online presence to the next level. Sensation Solutions, as a Local Search Engine Optimization Company, not only focuses on effective listing management but also specializes in lead generation. A skilled Law Firm Local SEO agency understands the intricacies of legal services SEO, crafting strategies that align with the unique needs of your firm. Hire a Local SEO expert from Sensation Solutions to ensure tailored and effective strategies.

The Distinct Advantages of Partnering with an Experienced Law Firm Local SEO Agency

In the competitive landscape of Law Firm Local SEO, the decision to hire an experienced law firm local SEO agency is a pivotal move that can substantially impact your firm’s online presence and success. Sensation Solutions emphasises the advantages of this strategic choice, including specialized knowledge, effective listing management, strategic lead generation, adaptability to algorithm changes, comprehensive SEO audits, ROI-focused strategies, advanced analytics and reporting, customized approaches for legal services, proactive reputation management, and a long-term partnership commitment.

Craft Engaging Localized Content for Law Firm Local SEO

Content remains king, even in the realm of Law Firm Local SEO. Create blog posts, articles, and case studies that highlight your law firm’s expertise in specific legal areas relevant to your local audience. Use bold keywords strategically within your content, such as “Law Firm Local SEO,” to enhance visibility and appeal to search engine algorithms – a practice endorsed by Sensation Solutions for content optimization.

Prioritize Mobile Optimization for Law Firm Local SEO

Given the prevalence of mobile searches, optimizing your law firm’s website for mobile devices is no longer optional. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites, and a seamless mobile experience contributes to higher Law Firm Local SEO rankings. Ensure that your website is responsive, loads quickly, and provides an excellent user experience across various devices – a key consideration for Sensation Solutions in its Local SEO strategies.

Foster Positive Online Reviews for Law Firm Local SEO

Positive online reviews not only boost your law firm’s reputation but also signal trustworthiness to potential clients. Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Avvo. Respond promptly to reviews, whether positive or negative, showcasing your law firm’s commitment to client satisfaction – a practice endorsed by Sensation Solutions for maintaining a positive online reputation.

Utilize Social Media Channels for Law Firm Local SEO

Social media is a powerful tool for building a local community around your law firm. Regularly update your social media profiles with relevant content, engage with your audience, and share insights into your legal expertise. Social signals are considered by search engines, influencing your Law Firm Local SEO ranking. Sensation Solutions recommends active social media presence as a key component of a successful Local SEO strategy.

Monitor and Adjust Your Law Firm Local SEO Strategy

Law Firm Local SEO is an ongoing process that requires monitoring and adaptation. Regularly review your analytics, track your local search rankings, and stay informed about algorithm updates. Adjust your strategy based on performance data, ensuring your law firm remains at the forefront of Law Firm Local SEO results. Sensation Solutions emphasizes the importance of staying proactive in adapting to changes for sustained success.

FAQs – Addressing Common Concerns:

Q1: How can I improve my Law Firm Google Business Profile’s visibility in Local SEO?

A1: Optimize your profile by providing accurate information, adding high-quality images, and encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive reviews. Mention “Law Firm Local SEO” strategically in your profile.

Q2: Are listing management tools necessary for Law Firm Local SEO?

A2: Yes, tools like Semrush and Bright Local simplify the process of managing your online listings, ensuring consistency and accuracy across various platforms. These tools are particularly beneficial for Law Firm Local SEO efforts.

Q3: What makes Law Firm SEO agencies preferable for listing management?

A3: Law Firm SEO agencies not only manage listings but also employ strategies to improve local search rankings and generate leads, offering a more comprehensive approach to Law Firm Local SEO. Consider hiring a Local SEO expert from Sensation Solutions for optimal results.

Q4: How long does it take to see results from Law Firm Local SEO efforts?

A4: Results can vary, but with consistent efforts, you can start seeing improvements in Law Firm Local SEO rankings within a few months. Sensation Solutions emphasizes the need for a strategic, long-term approach for sustained success.

In the competitive landscape of legal services, Law Firm Local SEO is a game-changer. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, understanding Law Firm Local Listings Ranking Factors, and utilizing effective tools and agencies like Sensation Solutions, your law firm can rise to the top of search results. Invest in Law Firm Local SEO, and watch as your online visibility transforms into increased business and client engagements.

[davidjohn34]

Navigating the Tech Talent Waters: A Deep Dive into Hiring Exceptional Full Stack Developers

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, hiring exceptional full-stack developers is a crucial component of building a successful and innovative team. As businesses increasingly rely on digital solutions, the demand for versatile professionals who can handle both front-end and back-end development tasks has skyrocketed. In this exploration, we delve into the intricacies of hiring top-tier full-stack developers and how partnering with VALiNTRY can elevate your recruitment process.

Understanding the Full Stack Developer Landscape

Full-stack developers are the Swiss Army knives of the tech world, possessing a comprehensive skill set that spans both the client and server sides of applications. These professionals are adept at working with a diverse range of technologies, from front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to back-end frameworks and databases like Node.js, Python, and MongoDB.

However, identifying and hiring the right full-stack developer can be a daunting task. It requires a deep understanding of the technical landscape, an appreciation for versatility, and a keen eye for candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also embody a problem-solving mindset.

Key Traits of Exceptional Full Stack Developers

Technical Proficiency

Exceptional full-stack developers have a solid grasp of both front-end and back-end technologies. They are comfortable working with various programming languages, frameworks, and databases, allowing them to seamlessly navigate the entire development stack.

Adaptability

Technology is in a constant state of flux, with new tools and frameworks emerging regularly. A top-tier full-stack developer embraces change and is quick to adapt to new technologies, ensuring that your projects stay on the cutting edge.

Problem-Solving Skills

Full-stack developers are not just coders; they are problem solvers. Exceptional developers possess a logical and analytical mindset, enabling them to identify and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Effective Communication

As full-stack developers often collaborate with different teams, effective communication skills are paramount. The ability to articulate ideas, provide clear documentation, and work collaboratively contributes to the overall success of a project.

Why VALiNTRY for Hiring Full Stack Developers?

Expertise in Tech Recruitment

VALiNTRY has a proven track record in tech recruitment, with a deep understanding of the skills and qualities that make a full-stack developer exceptional. Leveraging our expertise, we streamline the hiring process, ensuring that you connect with candidates who not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Extensive Network of Talent

Our vast network of tech professionals extends across industries and geographies. This expansive reach allows us to tap into a diverse pool of full-stack developers, presenting you with a range of candidates to choose from, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table.

Rigorous Screening Process

VALiNTRY employs a rigorous screening process to evaluate candidates thoroughly. We assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit to ensure that the developers we recommend align with your team’s goals and values.

Customized Solutions

Understanding that each business has unique requirements, VALiNTRY offers customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a startup looking for a dynamic full-stack developer or an established enterprise seeking to expand your tech team, our approach is flexible and adaptive.

Conclusion

In the quest to hire exceptional full-stack developers, partnering with a specialized recruitment firm like VALiNTRY can be the key to success. The tech talent waters are vast and ever-changing, and having a dedicated partner by your side ensures that you navigate them with confidence.

“Hire Full Stack Developers” is not just a keyword; it’s a mission. At VALiNTRY, we understand the importance of building a robust technical team, and our commitment is to connect you with full-stack developers who not only meet but exceed your expectations.

As you embark on your journey to enhance your tech workforce, let VALiNTRY be your trusted guide, helping you find and onboard the exceptional full-stack talent that will drive your projects to new heights.

[qset-solutions]

Hire PHP Developer From QSET: Power Your Web Solutions

Searching for a skilled PHP developer to empower your web projects? Nowhere to go. Just visit our site  QSET and hire PHP Developer now. Our PHP developers are the driving force behind dynamic websites, robust e-commerce platforms, and tailored web applications. With a wealth of experience and a keen eye for efficiency, security, and scalability, they harness the full potential of PHP to bring your online ideas to life. Whether you require a stunning website, a feature-rich e-commerce store, or a custom web application, our PHP developers deliver solutions that not only cater to your immediate needs but also pave the way for future growth. Collaborate with our PHP developers and witness the transformation of your web solutions. Visit our site to elevate your web presence today.

[3ardnpc]

The Name of Love

SUMMARY: You knew him by three names: Mando, Din, and finally, riduur.

PAIRING: din djarin x gn!reader

WORD COUNT: 6.9k

WARNINGS: fluff, angst, canon typical violence, blood, hypothermia, happy ending

A/N: a repost from my previous blog! i've only written 2 full din fics so far but this is def my favorite one <3 thanks again to @xiadeptus for beta reading this

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You first knew him as the Mandalorian, the stoic and aloof bounty hunter that drifted in and out of Tatooine looking for work or ship repairs. The glinting armor was hard not to notice under the scorching twin suns, along with his infamous reputation that followed in whispers—whispers which mainly revolved around the strange, green child he carried around in a bag and the fact that he never showed his face. 

When you first got the job at Peli’s garage, thanks to the favor she owed your mother, the sight of the Mandalorian descending the ramp of his beaten-up Razor Crest had you slipping behind a couple of stacked crates with the rest of the quivering pit droids. He strode down the ramp toward your boss who was already reaching for the green child trailing after him. 

“There’s my little guy!” She exclaimed, scooping him up and cradling him in her arms. The child cooed and clasped her finger in his three-fingered grasp. His keeper watched on with hands on his hips; the helmet remained solely focused on the child. 

“We need a repair,” he said, the rasp in his voice still remaining despite the modulator. 

“Sure thing but, just so you know, it’ll cost you a little extra this time. Got a new hire.” She jerked her thumb in your direction. 

You took it as your cue to reveal yourself, noting the way his helmet turned, carefully looking you up and down, and his hand slowly moved toward the blaster at his waist, like he wasn’t above shooting the harmless mechanic’s assistant and a couple of droids. You lifted both hands, stained with oil, as a show of goodwill.  

“Aw, relax, Mando,” Peli drawled, swatting the air with her nonchalant attitude. “They’re not a droid.” 

His hand slipped off the handle, but remained at his side, ready to draw if necessary. 

You sent him a friendly half-smile and his gloved fingers twitched. 

“Fine.”

The remainder of the day was spent repairing the left wing and engine of his ship, which looked like it had seen the losing side of a gunfight, and you couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to limp down to Tatooine without crashing and burning once he broke through the atmosphere. 

The job would have been faster if you had some assistance from the droids, but Peli made it clear they weren’t allowed anywhere near the ship or the Mandalorian, making his disdain for them abundantly clear. You wondered the whole day what a droid could have done to make him hate even the smallest of droids. The theories you built in your head ran wild, ranging from a nasty betrayal by a trusted ally to tripping him in a crowded cantina, embarrassing him so badly he vowed to never show his face ever again.

You leaned against the rope of the swing suspending you off the ground, taking a break from welding metal back together, and watched the Mandalorian move below your feet. He walked with purpose, something a fearsome bounty hunter with a widespread reputation was expected to do; every step was carefully calculated like a predator hunting prey. Behind him was the child clumsily waddling, as fast as his legs could carry him, after the man. 

Your lips curved into a soft smile while observing the dichotomy of the two. It warmed your heart to see how attached the child was to his guardian. More questions formed in your mind about their relationship; the rumors didn’t contain the exact details of how the two came to be together. 

Maybe the child is his biological son and beneath all the armor is green, wrinkly skin and comically large ears tucked into the helmet, you joked to yourself. 

You pressed one of the buttons on the side of your swing to lower yourself to the ground. Your feet touched the floor, but you didn’t get up. 

“Your ship should be up and running in no time.” 

“Thank you for your help.” 

“No pro- Oh!” You exclaimed when something poked at your leg. A three-fingered hand was tapping your leg; large black eyes gazed up at you. You cooed, “Hello there, little guy.” 

He tugged at the cuff of your pants, waving his arms in the air. You waved back, fighting back the urge to smooth your fingers over his floppy ears.

“He wants you to hold him.” 

“Ah,” you chuckled, cheeks warming. You didn’t have much experience with children; in fact, you didn’t know the first thing about caring for one. They had so many needs, so many different ways of communicating them too. The pressure to mold them into upstanding beings—it was just too much. But, you could definitely hold a child, especially one as cute as him. 

You pulled him into your arms and he immediately found the strings of your shirt vastly entertaining.

“I think he likes me,” you quipped. 

The child’s babble sounded like a positive response. 

“Me too,” the Mandalorian said, leaning against a crate and watching the two of you. 

There were multiple rotations between their visits. Each visit brought a new scratch, ding, or completely wrecked engine that made you look on in disbelief, but you were eager to see the two nonetheless. They brought stories of their adventures, bounties, and new people they met. 

You would be the first to greet them, standing at the base of the ship’s ramp with a wide grin and many questions budding on the tip of your tongue. 

“Hey.” 

The modulated voice made you snap out of your thoughts. 

“Yes, sir?” 

You could hear him huff behind the modulator. He said to just call him Mando the first time you called him sir, but you never picked it up, finding it too entertaining to hear his exasperated sighs. 

“Want to get off this planet? I’ve got a job proposition.” 

Your goodbyes were easy—a hug for Peli, head pats for each droid—and suddenly, you found yourself sitting in the cockpit of the ship you had been repairing for the past few rotations. 

You quickly learned space was cold and you were not prepared. The thin clothes you were used to on Tatooine wouldn’t cut it anymore and it left you shivering in the passenger seat. 

You sunk down your seat, wrapping your arms around yourself to find a semblance of warmth. 

You weren’t sure what your purpose was in the time between ports, but even if you knew, you were frozen to your seat and unable to move without feeling stiff. 

Soon, you fell asleep, lulled by the stars and the sound of beeps and hollow groans of an old ship.

You woke to fabric being draped over your body and a glimmer of beskar. 

The hands over the fabric paused; the Mandalorian stepped back, hands returning to his side, flexing at his waist. “Should have told me you were cold.”

You gripped the fabric and realized it was one of his thick, woolen capes which smelled of caf beans and leather. You resisted the urge to nestle your cheek against the wool and savor the comfort it offered.

“I didn’t want to be a bother.” 

“You’re a part of my crew now,” he said firmly. “We take care of each other.” 

Your heart stuttered, fingers curled tighter around his cape, and you muttered a pathetic, “Yeah.” 

From the kindness he offered, you made a silent promise at that moment; as long as the three of you were together, you would do anything to protect them. 

It wouldn’t be long before you realized he felt the same. 

—

Then, you learned his name, his real name—Din Djarin. It had been a while into your partnership. You learned far more about the two than your theories could have imagined—his Creed, his force-wielding child. 

The three of you had a good routine. He would scout out bounties while you either worked on the ship or found other mechanic work elsewhere if the ship was (miraculously) undamaged. Grogu would be passed between the two of you. If Mando’s bounty was too dangerous for him to follow you’d take him for the day, letting him pass you random tools and praising him for helping. And at the end of the day, the three of you reconvened with separate checks that would go toward supplies and other basic necessities. If it was a particularly rough day, you would be forcing him onto a crate and checking his wounds. 

“I’m fine,” he would insist, attempting to push your wandering hands aside. But, you could see the unsteady shake of his hand and the sliver of skin and blood showing on his waist where he was cut. 

It was a simple routine, but it worked. You had no complaints… 

…Well, just one.

“ Kriff, we’re gonna crash!” You cried, shutting your eyes to avoid seeing your imminent doom that took the form of two towering cliffs of ice far too close together for the ship to slip through. The two tailing bounty hunter ships had followed you from Nevaro, after accusing Mando of stealing a bounty from them, which he rightfully caught. 

You knew working for a bounty hunter wasn’t going to be easy, comfortable, or safe—but, you trusted him. He was good at what he did and you never doubted it. 

The ship turned on its side, jerking your entire body to the right, and left you at the mercy of the belt across your body to keep you in your seat. You could hear the scrape of ice across the bottom of the ship and cringed, knowing you’d have to repair that (if you even made it out of this alive). 

When the ship slipped free from the narrow gap and straightened. you let out a breath and opened your eyes. Snow, miles, and miles of it, touched everything your eyes could see. 

He glanced at you over his shoulder. If you could see his face, you’d guess it was smug. 

You were getting better at reading your faceless partner. He didn’t say much but his body did with every head tilt and shrug. And you would catch yourself spending a lot of time just observing him. 

“You’ve gotta stop piloting like that,” you huffed, cradling your head when you feel the slightest throb. “You’re gonna kill me one of these days.”

“Don’t plan on it,” came his monotone response. 

The ship cruised, his helmet scanning the horizon, and kept low in the meantime. There was no sign of the other two ships. 

You unbuckled your seatbelt and stood; a wave of dizziness had you staggering. When your hand flew out to catch on to something, you found his, already reaching out to steady you in his strong grasp. The brush of his thumb over your knuckles made your breath catch.

“I have to lie down.” To stop your heart from racing at his subtle touches. 

You thought you had gotten used to it by now—the way he made you feel safe. Whether it was his hand hovering over the base of your spine as he guided you through a crowded market or how he would always position himself between you and whatever shady character he had dealings with. The small gestures piled up and toyed with your mind. You understood the signs—heart racing, nervous tension in your chest—the budding symptoms of love. 

“We’re not in the clear yet.” 

You brushed the heat crawling over your neck off and said, “Can’t we land somewhere and wait them out a while? I’m gonna be sick if you start flying upside down.”

The beginning of his argument was cut off by the cockpit door opening. You slipped out and down the ladder into the cargo hold. Some crates shifted to the right of the ship as a result of the sharp turn. You weren’t concerned with them as much as you were with your makeshift bed space, a flimsy sleeping bag and some blankets, which were also flung off to the side. One of your blankets was stuck under a crate, too heavy for you to lift by yourself. 

You groaned, weakly tugging at the fabric peeking out beneath. You were cold, tired, and sick—you already hated this planet. 

You heard a curse from above and Mando shouted, “Hold onto something!” 

You didn’t have time to react before the ship was nose-diving, throwing you against the wall. You clung to the ladder as the ship's sporadic movements jostled your entire body. It continued for a few more seconds before settling and the engines cut out. Everything was finally still, except your heart. 

You heard the creaks of ice settling beneath the ship, then cracks. It wasn’t long before the ice gave way to the weight, shattering into a cavern below and dragging the ship with it. 

You don’t remember hitting your head, just the scream that came before it. But, when you finally came to, numb and confused, Mando was rattling your shoulders with a panicked voice.

“Wake up.” 

You could have sworn in your daze there was a desperate ‘please’ added at the end. 

You groaned, peeling your eyes open, “Mando?” 

He sighed like a massive weight was lifted off of him. “Yeah,” he said, there was a hint of a smile in his voice. He carefully slipped his arms behind your shoulders and knees. “It’s me. I’ve got you.”

You were half aware of him lifting you, too dazed by the cold settling under your skin and making a home deep in your bones.  

The hull was dusted with snow and frost. You spotted a large hole in the side of the ship, crudely covered with a tarp and some crates. 

“Got t’ fix,” you mumbled, leaning your head against his shoulder pauldron. You didn’t even know where to start with something that large on this barren planet. If you weren’t so cold, the dread would have set in, realizing you were stranded on a barren planet with little resources to dig yourselves up from a cold grave. 

“Not right now,” he grunted, kicking your toolbox aside—the one he gifted you on Nevaro after you eyed it at a stall for too long. He approached the small corner beside his bunk, which was caved in, where there was little snow piled. He set you down, supporting the back of your head with his hand as he laid you against the wall. “I’ll be right back.” 

You could’ve protested if your mouth or eyes didn’t feel frozen shut; all you wanted to do was drift off.

“Hey, hey,” he said. He ripped a glove off and pressed his warm hand to your cheek. “Don’t fall asleep.”

You moaned, pushing closer to the warmth, and tried to focus on his visor. 

“There you go. Good.” 

With your thoughts slowly catching up, you glanced around his shoulders, not seeing a floating pram anywhere. You wanted to get up and rush around him in search of the child, but all you could muster was a sharp turn of your head that still sent pain down your neck. “Where’s-”

Mando brought your face back to him. His steady voice pulled you out of your panic. “He’s fine. He’s up in the cockpit; I’ll bring him down after I get you some blankets.” 

“Okay.” You rested your head against the wall and watched as he untied his cape and slipped it over your shoulders, tucking it close around your body. 

He disappeared up the ladder. You heard his faint footsteps, scouring the upper level. He returned soon, a few blankets slung over his shoulder and Grogu tucked in his other arm. 

He set Grogu down and moved you forward just enough for him to sling more blankets over your shoulders.

If you could feel your face, maybe you’d laugh at how ridiculous you looked and felt, like a small child being coddled by a worried parent. But, he wasn’t a worried parent, he was your employer—your incredibly kind and caring employer, who you often dreamt of as more than an employer, more than a friend. 

“Aren’t y-you,” you chattered, “cold, too?” 

You worried about him under all that shining armor; he could be hiding an injury like he always did, pretending he was fine and limping off somewhere else to lick his wounds alone. You wished he wouldn’t be so stubborn all the time. 

Grogu crawled into your lap, playing with the tips of your frozen fingers. Mando said something about his armor keeping him warm, but you didn’t register any of it when his hands enveloped yours—calloused and warm.  

“Try to keep your arms and legs moving,” he said, massaging the palm of your hands. Then he directed his attention to Grogu. “Okay, kid, keep your buir warm. I’m going to repair the ship.” 

“Hm?” You cocked your head at the word. Sure, he liked sneaking Mando’a words into his sentences from time to time—sometimes calling you mesh’la or cyar’ika, which made you blush because of how sincere he sounded—but you just assumed they were nicknames. You assumed buir meant babysitter or something along those lines, too. “Stealing my job, Mando?” you quipped instead. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

When his hands slipped from yours, your fingers twitched, almost asking him not to go. You would warm up faster if he were with you.

He slipped past the tarp, into the cavern of snow. Grogu’s babble drew your attention; his arms were raised.

You apologized, “Sorry, kid, I’d lift you up, but my arms are a bit sore right now.”

He continued to babble as he found comfort nestled in your lap instead. You rested your head against the wall and stared at the opening where Mando left, still feeling the ghost of his warmth on your hand. 

The minutes you spent slowly flexing your hands and feet paid off; your strength was slowly returning. Grogu crawled off of your lap and watched as you, with the grace of a newborn calf, pushed yourself onto unsteady feet.

“Okay, kid, let’s go help your dad.” You scooped him up and braced yourself with Mando’s cape, making sure the two of you were snug beneath the fabric before pushing aside the tarp and stepping outside into the frigid weather. 

The cold winds were the first to greet you; already, your cheeks were growing numb. Grogu let out a disapproving grunt, clearly not favoring the cold either. 

You stayed close to the side of the ship in case your legs gave out and rounded the tail end before finding Mando, with frost coating his armor and hands on his hip, staring at a jumble of wires hanging from an open panel. 

Upon seeing his father, Grogu cheered in your arms, alerting the Mandalorian whose head snapped in your direction. 

He was already approaching you before declaring, “You need to rest.” 

“I can’t cozy up in there while you’re out here all by yourself. Look at you.” You drew a line in the frost coating his chest plate. “You must be freezing under all that.” 

“I said I’m-”

“Fine,” you finished. “I know, I know—you’re always fine, Mando.” 

You were growing tired of his stubborn attitude concerning his well-being and of standing for so long. You were beginning to sway without realizing it, but Mando’s quick hand on your shoulder steadied you. 

“I got you,” he murmured. He took Grogu from you and moved to your side. He wrapped an arm around your shoulders, silently guiding you back into the ship’s hull and onto the spot where the blankets were piled. 

Once you were settled, you expected him to wander back out but, to your surprise, he began detaching pieces of his armor. 

You watched, mouth agape, as one by one the shining beskar revealed a dark flight suit that molded with the contours of his body. The helmet, of course, stayed.

He eased himself onto the floor beside you and wrapped the three of you beneath the blankets. Your eyes widened when his arm pressed against yours. You dared to rest your head against his shoulder; you relished in the comfort of his presence, finally feeling warmer than ever. His body began to relax gradually with your head on his shoulder and his chest rose and fell in an even rhythm. 

With Grogu resting in your lap it almost felt like the three of you were a family, settling in after a long day. 

“You’re always protecting everyone,” you said, exhaustion beginning to creep over you once again. “We’re a crew, right? Let me take care of you too.” 

You knew the irony in saying that while he was taking care of you, but you hoped he would remember it. 

He slipped his gloves off to flex the stiff muscles. “I’m,” he started, “just not used to this.” 

“Having a crew?” You guessed. 

“Having someone care.”

Your mouth dropped open with a response dying on your tongue. Instead, you resolved to take his hand and curl your fingers through his. They were stiff from the cold, but relaxed once your thumb ran over the ridges of his knuckles. 

“You’re a good man and I trust you with my life. Don’t think for a second I don’t care about you, Mando. I-” You cut yourself off.

You what? Loved him? Kriff. He just started opening up to you. Telling him you were in love with him right after would surely make him run in the other direction. You doubted he felt the same. You could read him, but not that well. 

“Din.”

You snapped out of your thoughts, relieved he didn’t attempt to figure out what you were going to say. “What?” 

“My name’s Din.” 

He was looking at you now. Maybe if you squinted hard enough you could catch a glimpse of his eyes behind his darkened visor, but you wouldn’t disrespect his Creed and you didn’t think you could handle seeing his strong gaze, boring into you. 

So, you turned your eyes down toward your intertwined hands; you tested his name on your tongue and smiled. 

Getting off the ice planet took work—a mix of frustration and determination—and you swore to get a nice vacation on some far, far away planet, preferably with a warm, sunny beach. 

But, the ship needed heavier repairs, forcing the three of you to find the nearest planet, Trask, for maintenance. A dock worker was quick to offer his services, charging more than necessary, once you landed. 

You frowned when Din agreed without hesitation, dropping the credits into his slimy hands. You could have rolled up your sleeves and got to work yourself with better equipment at hand, but Din insisted on the three of you getting some real rest after the stress of the past three days. 

The place was seedy, smelled of fish, and you couldn’t shake the feeling of unwanted eyes stalking the three of you as you passed through the quiet harbor. You and Din walked on either side of Grogu’s floating pram. 

You, with a scowl glued to your face, pulled your cape, one of Din’s, tighter around yourself. The toolbox Din gifted you was clasped in your hand, deemed too precious to leave behind while strangers fixed the ship. You leaned into Din and whispered, “We should just go back to Tatooine for the repairs; I can do it.”

“I know you can, but the ship’s too damaged and you know it.”

You huffed. 

Grogu mimicked your huff, putting on his best grouchy face, and your frown lightened into a smile, pointing at the boy. “See—even he agrees with me.”

Din let out an amused hum. “When did the two of you decide to team up against me?” 

“We hold secret meetings when you’re out and conspire against you.” 

“Guess I should watch my back,” he deadpanned. 

Night fell quickly on Trask and before you knew it, the streets were oddly quiet, only lit by dim street lights in rounded sections. 

Din’s stride grew cautious; his helmet subtly turned to scan the area. 

You also took caution, straining your ears for anything out of place, but all you heard was the nearby tide pulling in and out. 

There was a shift in the gravel behind you. Din’s hand shot out to shove aside Grogu’s pram, sending him off to a nearby stack of crates, and he could only brush your shoulder before turning and deflecting a blaster shot with his vambrace. The heat from the blast radiated in the air around you. 

“Run!” He barked, ripping his blaster from its holder and firing off a shot into the dark. 

Your feet hesitated and your heart stuttered when another blast hit his chest plate, forcing a grunt from him. But, the sound of worried coos snapped you out of it. You turned and ran toward Grogu who watched the fight with large eyes.  

Three figures emerged from the darkness, dressed like pirates, and armed with unrelenting blasters all aimed at Din.  

“Give up the armor, Mando.” One of them demanded.

“It’s time to hide, okay?” You said, tucking Grogu into the pram. Your thumb brushed over the mythosaur necklace he always wore like a lucky charm and you were praying it would work. You pressed the button on the outside of his pram to shut it. 

The fight was coming to a close by the time you turned back, much to your relief. Two were knocked out cold, sprawled across the floor while the remaining one continued to fight. Both of them resorted to hand-to-hand combat after they managed to disarm one another. 

Just when you thought you could relax, the remaining pirate pulled out a blade and took a swipe at Din, plunging it deep into his side and back out. Your breathing stopped when Din staggered and fell to his knees. 

The pirate grabbed him by his cowl, pressing the bloodied blade to his throat, and sneered, “Give up.” 

Your hands shook. Not like this, you thought. You couldn’t— wouldn’t —lose him. You dropped your toolbox and fell to your knees, wrenching it open to look for anything that would help. You pulled the largest item free, the hammer, and ran. Adrenaline pushed your feet toward the two and, putting all your weight into it, you swung at the pirate's head, sending him stumbling back.

Only dazed, the pirate sent you a menacing glare, lips pulled back into a snarl, and spat out curses, promising you’d regret it. 

Your hand clenched the hammer, heart racing, ready to swing again as he prepared to lunge at you. Not even fear or the promise of death would stop you from saving Din.  

Then, something ignited, cold and droning like echoes of the abyss, behind the pirate. 

You smelt the smoke before the nauseating burnt flesh. It made your stomach roll.

A haunting glow emitted from the pirate's chest before it was sliced clean through. He fell—lifeless—with a thud, crimson leaking from the gash and pooling around him. 

Din stood over him—one hand clutching his waist and the other holding the darksaber. His chest rose and fell; his helmet was fixated on the body. You could hear the leather of his gloves cry as his hand tightened around the hilt of the saber.  

You never saw him use it before. It looked more like an accessory on him rather than a weapon. He once explained its bloody history and how he came to acquire it. The weight of its importance haunted him, a burden he never wished to bear. 

“Oh, Maker,” you cried, rushing toward him. The darksaber unignighted; the heavy atmosphere disappeared along with it and time continued. You dropped the hammer and pressed your hand to his wound. Blood seeped through his fingers and onto yours. 

He grunted, “I’m…” 

Your wavering voice saying his name made him pause. 

“Let’s get out of the street,” he said instead. He waved Grogu’s pram forward with the controls on his vambrace. It opened, revealing the whimpering child. 

The three of you limped all the way to an inn. When the innkeeper sent you a weary look, you demanded the first room available and a medical kit—whatever the price. After slapping the credits on the counter, you snatched up the kit and dragged Din toward the room, not caring about the drops of blood staining the hallway.  

The room was small and gray; a single bed set in the middle of the room, a nightstand on either side, and a fresher. You eased him onto the bed, where he slumped and groaned.

The medical kit was meager; a suture kit, antiseptic wipes, and a few bacta patches, but it would do. You dashed to the fresher to wash your hands. You scrubbed them viciously, watching his blood run down the sink. Tears blurred your vision. The red wouldn’t stop running. 

When you emerged from the fresher, his shirt was already rolled up and he was attempting to clean his wound. Grogu was asleep in his pram, wiped out from all the excitement. 

You released a tired sigh. “Let me.” 

You moved to take the cloth from him, kneeling at his feet and wiping around the area of the wound gently.

“Don’t do that again,” he rasped.

“Save your life?” The playful tone you attempted fell flat. As much as you wanted to be amused, the fear of losing him still suffocated you. He was safe, your thoughts repeated.

Once the wound was cleaned you pulled the needle from the kit. You were in over your head and a bit nauseous. Cleaning wounds was easy, but stitching them up was something else. 

You’ve seen him cauterize his own wounds and pinched your nose when the smell became too much. He didn’t deserve the scars they left behind and this was your opportunity to finally take care of him. 

You willed your hands not to tremble as you notched the needle through his skin, apologizing when he sucked in a sharp breath or flinched.

“I told you to run.”

Your voice was finally firm when you said, “I’m not going to leave you.” 

He was your partner, through and through, and you cared for him. 

When you were finished, you unwrapped a bacta patch and laid it over the suture. You smoothed over the patch and withdrew your hands. 

He was already sitting up taller, no longer hunched over or wheezing. You knew it was a good sign but you still trembled all over.

You raised your head, but your eyes were stuck on his cowl where a sliver of his blood was left from the blade. The tears were returning, flooding your bottom lashes. 

Would that pirate have killed him right there on the street, stripped him of his armor, and left him like trash? You would have had to drag his body back to the ship—would have to tell Grogu his father was dead. 

“Cyar’ika, look at me,” he said, finding your cheek with his palm. “Just breathe.” 

You didn’t realize you were gasping for breath, tears running down your cheeks until your eyes finally connected with his visor. 

“I just can’t lose you, Din,” you cried. “I can’t .”

There was so much you wanted to say—so much he needed to know. You were so close to losing him and losing the chance to admit how you’d grown to feel over the course of your partnership.

He guided you onto the bed and held you until the tears stopped and subsided into sniffles. Your face was buried in his cowl and your arms were thrown around his shoulder. 

“I can’t lose you either,” he admitted, a waver in his voice. You were so close you could almost hear the sound of his real voice. His words were tender and sincere. 

Your breath hitched and a realization washed over you. 

He pulled back and you pulled yourself out of his neck with wide eyes. Cold metal met your forehead. 

“You mean far too much to me.” 

For a man of few words, he still said so much. Your hand brushed below the rim of his helmet. “I love you, Din,” you confessed.

Your heart pounded as you waited for his response—for even the sharpest intake of breath. But, it was silent—all but your heart remained still as he processed your words. Your hand slipped away, back to the safety of your personal bubble, which was beginning to shrink as the silence became an oppressive weight on your shoulders. 

Say something, you wanted to shout. Did you read his words wrong? Was it just appreciation for his… employee? 

“Close the curtains and turn off the light.”

Your brows furrowed and you cocked your head to the side. “What?”

“Please.”

You stood with a frown and shuffled to shut the curtains, then made your way to the light switch. You took one last glance over your shoulder, before flipping the switch and submerging the room in darkness. You could hardly see his silhouette as you shuffled back to the bed with your hands out in front.

A calloused hand found your wandering ones, carefully pulling you down to sit beside him once again, not letting go. Then, you heard a click and a hiss, like he was detaching his—

Your eyes widened when you realized what he was doing and you tried pulling away. Even in the darkness, where shadows fell across the silhouette of his body, you couldn’t risk seeing him—no matter how curious. 

“Din, no-” 

“It’s alright,” he reassured. The low rasp of his voice was no longer modified by his helmet. He chased after you in the dark; his hand moved to the back of your neck, drawing your face closer to his. You could feel the warmth of his breath brushing across your lips. 

The smell of caf and leather drew you closer you and you fell into its embrace. It was your safety, your haven—the home you found in him, along with his son and his beaten-down ship. 

“ Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum, ner cyar’ika, ” he whispered into the darkness, gentle devotion laced in his words. “ I love you .” 

When he kissed you, it was slow, a tender meeting of lips which you both relaxed into. The weight off your shoulders disappeared and all you could do was smile against his lips and draw him closer. 

That night you traced his features in the dark, committing every outline and curve to memory, with a content smile and full heart while he held you close. You didn’t need to see his face to love him; it could wait—forever if it meant you’d still have him.

“You know,” he said in the darkness with you tucked close under his arm, “you wield a hammer well. It reminds me of someone I know.”

“Really? Who?”

It was nearly a full cycle before you met the Armorer, the mysterious figure Din would mention from time to time, a woman he seemed to respect. 

You were nervous. Though he never said it directly, she was like a maternal figure and you wanted to make a good impression. 

Ever since Trask, the two of you were closer than ever. He had no reservations when it came to you. His hand would lay firmly against your lower back as he crowded around you, guiding you through busy markets, pulling you close whenever someone bumped into you. You no longer slept alone, trading out your flimsy sleeping bag for a cozy spot in his bed. At night when the lights were out, you’d finally get to kiss him and share dreams. 

The covert was located on a barren planet. You wouldn’t have guessed there was any life if it weren’t for the scattered Mandalorian sparing at the mouth of a cave. 

By the time you landed near the lake, only two Mandalorians emerged to greet you. 

“It’s been a while.” A large, blue man said upon approaching, greeting the three of you with a simple nod. He towered over everyone, a mass of muscle and armor that radiated intimidation. 

As he approached, your foot slid back as you bent your neck to meet his visor and you bumped into Din. He rested a hand on your shoulder. “This is Paz, my brother.” 

“It’s nice to meet you,” you said, sticking a hand out. 

The hand that takes yours is firm; he shook once and let go. The hand on your shoulder squeezed. 

“It seems your clan has grown.” The figure to Paz’s right spoke, her visor trained on the hand over your shoulder. You needed no introduction for her. It was obvious in the way she spoke, authoritative and clear, that she was the Armorer. 

Your lips quirked. A clan, huh? 

She welcomed you briefly and Din requested a private audience in her forge. When Din handed Grogu off to you, he said, “Stay with Paz, cyar’ika.”

“Cyar’ika?” The Armorer paused. “Have you claimed them as your riduur?”

You cast Din a curious glance. Riduur?

“I… haven’t,” he said carefully.

“I see.” She resumed her pace and disappeared into the cave.  

Din followed, not before pressing his forehead to yours. It was like a kiss, he explained once. You were fine with it. You knew as soon as the day was over, he’d make up for all the kisses you’d missed out on.

“He seems to like you.”

“I would hope so,” you quipped, turning to Paz once Din was out of sight. “He loves me, after all.”

You finally got your well-deserved vacation—on a planet called Pabu, with bright blue skies and a sparkling blue ocean—and more than you could have ever wished for. 

Gentle waves lapped at your bare feet as you leaned back against the palm of your hands to soak in the last of the dying sun. 

Relaxing like this felt rare and fleeting; part of you was worried some other danger would rear its ugly head and ruin the tranquility. But, a quick glance toward Grogu, who was splashing in the water, and Din, standing watch to make sure he didn’t snatch up any crabs as a snack, dispelled any worry and replaced it with a warmth that spread through your chest like the sun's rays. 

You cracked a smile at the Mandalorian who was barefoot as well, after you convinced him to step into the waves, with his pants rolled up to the bottom of his knees. 

“Stop that,” came Din’s chastising demand. Grogu was levitating a poor crab toward his mouth before letting it fall back into the water with a grumble, his ears pulled back as he looked up at his father with a pout. “You’ll ruin your dinner,” he reasoned, reaching down to scoop the fussing child from the water. 

You stood, wiping away sand clinging to your thighs, and walked over to the pair. Din’s helmet followed you as you approached, his shoulders were far more relaxed than you’d ever seen them. 

Even when you stood in front of them, finger brushing along Grogu’s ear as he cooed, his gaze did not stray. You just thought it was your bathing suit; it showed off more skin than usual. Which, you admit, you hoped would catch his attention.  

“Problem?” You teased, looking at him with a sly smile. 

He shook his head slowly. He was uncharacteristically quiet, more so than usual. Ever since his private chat with the Armorer, he’d been distracted. Staring more than usual—at you, the controls of the ship, the floor—like he was lost deep in thought. 

You looked out at the sunset, a wash of orange and gold against a glittering sea. You let out a wistful sigh. “I could spend forever here with you two.”

“You mean that?” 

“Nothing would make me happier.”

His hand drifted toward the pouch on his belt, fingering the hem. A nervous habit, you assumed, he picked up after visiting the Armorer. 

You rested your hand on his and asked, “Are you sure there’s no problem?” 

“Marry me.”

You froze, mouth agape.

“M-marry you?”

“I wish for more days like today, too—safe, peaceful days together with our son.” He opened his pouch and pulled out a silver ring that glittered against the setting sun, reminding you of his armor. 

Your hand slipped from his to your mouth, covering up the shock written across your face. Your watering eyes moved between the two who’ve grown so close to your heart. They were your life, your home, and you’d spend forever with them. You knew your answer—you’ve always known, ever since he asked you to join them. In your heart it was always—

“Yes,” you cried, throwing your arms around the two of them. “Yes, absolutely!” 

You stayed tucked in his arms with Grogu nestled between the two of you. And, in the foreground of a golden sky, he asked if you would cite the Mandalorian vows. 

Riduur, he said, you would be mine, and I you. Our hearts will be written together in song.

“Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar'tome, mhi me'dinui an, mhi ba'juri verde.”

“We are one when together, we are one when parted, we share all, we will raise warriors.”

Finally, he was no longer just the Mandalorian or Din, he was your riduur. 

[tf2occontest]

Dr. Valentina Rosa García, The RED Chemist VS Assassin/Carissa Eirwyn Artemisia

(Full matchup list here)

Alright team, here's a recap: This is a contest to determine who amongst you will take the top of the leaderboards and be hired at TFI! Simply put, whoever gets the most votes gets to move on, and whoever doesn't... Well. They'll be put down swiftly and cleanly. :}

So, mann your stations, because here are your next contestants! Vote for your favorite mercenary who you want to win the TF2 OC Contest! - P

OC INFO UNDER THE CUT!

We highly encourage you to take a peek to make your decision!

Dr. Valentina Rosa García, The RED Chemist

@archerwolfposts

Image credit: @/archerwolfposts

The RED Chemist uses her doctorates I pharmaceuticals, toxicology, and biochemistry to explore the limits of the world's chemistry, which includes other people, especially the enemy team. Underneath the mask, the RED Chamist can come across as cheery and passive to a fault as a front to make her appear as non-threatening as possible to her coworkers. While she knows everyone is supposed to be equals, the Chemist is very aware of how she's perceived as just how many odds are stacked against herself. Knowing she may not always be seen as an equal, she would rather not be perceived as an obstacle, lest someone decide to poke around for projects that must stay between the RED Chemist, Miss Pauling, and the Administrator. The RED Chemist is a woman of many thoughs outside of her genius, shrouding the complicated perception of the intersections between her morality, her occupational duty and the cruelty is requires, and her own scientific curiosities. That being said, her scientific curiosities couple well and flourish within her occupational duties, making her more likely to sidestep her moral obligations as a human being for the sake of satiating herself and her higher ups.

Assassin/Carissa Eirwyn Artemisia

@cherry-blxssxm-chaos

Image credit: @/cherry-blxssxm-chaos

Assassin is a 5'2", scientifically cursed/enhanced mercenary. Trained by her grandmother after her parents refused to believe she could take on the tradition of one child being a mercenary, Assassin joined with her first team. Only to be brutally betrayed by being treated as a science experiment for immortality and later left for dead when her actions resulted in a teammate losing his legs instead of his life. Now, joining Team Fortress 2, Assassin first comes off as cold, closed off, and isolated. But she's also observant, adaptable, and efficient. Despite seeming like she hates working with others, Assassin will have the team's backs when they seem to least expect it or most need it.

Her game mechanics include an all melee load out, her twin blades act as the main weapon, a bladed polearm will always be her secondary, and her tertiaries are usually a whip or throwing weapon. The main gimmick for her class would be the Blink Step, allowing her 6 'teleportations' within a 20 hammer radius every 45 seconds. If she uses all 6, they have to recharge before she can use them again. The tell for them is a wisp of dark gold/purple smoke where she was and where she will be. Assassin can only teleport herself, this cannot be used for the rest of the team.

For how she interacted with the other mercenaries, usually closed off, indicative of her broken trust. Over time she warms up to them outwardly. She tends to compete with Spy, as their classes work similarly, and will exchange friendly banter on the field and during practices. She enjoys art and will occasionally talk with Scout about his drawings or her paintings, when he's not being too hyperactive. Engineer and Demo are good drinking buddies, and Heavy is her go-to for quiet. Pyro is probably one of her favorite people alongside Sniper, both allow her just enough chatter to make a hangout not boring but won't be so hyperactive she wants to blow a gasket. Pyro does get a little intense though… She hates being stuck alone with Soldier, he's too intense for her liking. Medic… she doesn't go near if she can help it. He brings up too many bad memories (trauma), but she won't abandon him on the field.

Assassin prefers to paint or sketch, or read, while listening to various musicians in her office time, can often be found sparring or fighting dummies to keep her skills up, and is highly proud of her skills on the field.

[battleangel]

4 Minutes Is An Eternity

I am 42 years old.

I was in college 20 years ago in 2003.

In just 20 years, I have noticed a profound shift in society.

I was born in October 1981 so I am considered an older Millennial.

I have noticed a signficant macro difference between Gen X & older Millennials vs younger Gen Z and Generation Alpha (the generation after Gen Z).

What is the one change across society in the past two decades that could account for this change?

The total ubiquitousness of social media.

Whats the change?

The shortening of attention spans and the shortening of the mind.

Songs used to be, on average, approximately four minutes long.

Go back and look at the Billboard 100 in 2003 and look at it today.

Something should immediately jump out at you.

Songs today are much shorter than 20 years ago.

Songs today are typically just under 3 minutes long.

How did we lose a full minute in only 20 years?

Billboard also recently announced they established a TikTok chart to track the success of songs on TikTok, which is the new radio.

You may not know who Flyana Boss is but if I say, "Hello Christ?" if you were on social media at all the past few months, your mind probably automatically filled in the next bar, "I'm bout to sin again".

"You Wish" by Flyana Boss was literally all over TikToks for you page and later Instagram Reels to the tune of over a billion combined views.

They cleverly had their director film them while they ran towards him in public places as the director ran backwards in front of them with a camera on top of his head.

It is an arresting visual and the views racked up as Flyana Boss started to get requests from local businesses in LA begging them to run through their restaurants and stores for the publicity on TikTok.

Flyana Boss are Black female rappers, eclectic and a total callback to 90s rappers like Missy Elliot.

The kawaii aesthetic, elf ears and relatable clever lyrics about life and sex resonated with people.

They provide an alternative to the Ice Spices shaking their ass in a deli.

They also represent the Sexyy Red "Skee Yee" phenomenon.

Sexyy Red was the first artist to top the newly established TikTok Billboard 100 chart (she debuted at number 1).

Whats the Skee Yee phenomenon?

Its never about the actual song anymore.

You've probably heard "Skee Yee" by now.

Or maybe you saw Sexyy Red in the MetLife VIP area meeting the Jets owner with a stack of 100s held up to her ear.

The truth is, despite literally billions of views on TikTok and Instagram, almost noone has heard the full songs for "You Wish" by Flyana Boss and "Skee Yee" by Sexyy Red.

Because of TikTok, all you need today as a music artist is a catchy 5 to 7 second jingle, verse, hook, chorus or bar and if you can film viral content to it that people either imitate or watch, you can launch yourself into music superstardom.

Flyana Boss has already toured with Janelle Monae.

They were virtual unknowns prior to Summer 2023 with a few hundred views on their respective Soundcloud profiles.

Sexyy Red released her first mixtape, "Ah Thousand Jugs", in 2018.

The Hood Hottest Princess had been grinding away for the past five years on mixtape releases and trying to go viral on Triller.

"Dogg Pound Town" blew Sexyy Red up earlier this year.

Its the song about her toes and ass being ate while she eats Popeye chicken.

She has fire engine red hair and facial tattoos.

If you have a TikTok or Instagram, there is literally no way you havent scrolled past Sexyy Red at this point.

This is the new way to make it in the music industry.

We see Lay Banks, a 19 year old female rapper, utilize this formula to great success with "Ick".

Lay hired the same director that Flyana Boss used for "You Wish".

Instead of running in public places, Lay was filmed rapping "Ick" at a gas station.

"Ick" is about a guy with a foot fetish and bad credit who kills Lay's lady boner and gives her the "Ick".

The hook at the beginning of the viral clip is "Lady boner gone".

Lay is an extremely high energy rapper with hard hitting beats, a sick flow and clever and humorous lyrics complaining about men being in their soft girl era with their credit cards declining.

Its the updated 2023 Missy Elliot "I dont want no one minute man".

Lay is also strikingly beautiful, young and knew that "lady boner gone" waa a viral TikTok catchphrase that would catch on and go viral.

She also cleverly asked female viewers to film themselves rapping the lyrics to "Ick" if any guys had ever given them the "Ick" and then she reshared hundreds of these Youtube Shorts, TikToks and Reels to her personal social media profiles.

Lay has already charted on the TikTok Billboard 100 chart and she has millions of combined views.

This is clearly the new path to musical success as Billboard has recognized by establishing the TikTok Billboard 100 chart.

What have we lost in the process?

To be very clear, I love all three songs and all four rappers (Flyana Boss is a rap duo), especially Lay Banks "Ick".

That doesnt mean that this is a good change for society as a whole.

We, to speak on a macro universal level, dont listen to full songs anymore.

Everything became a sound bite, a viral clip on the for you page before you scroll on to the next video.

TikTok replaced radio.

New music is now discovered on TikTok.

But only in 5 to 7 second snippets curated to blow up on the for you page.

What happens to the Radioheads, Slipknots and Deftones in this brave new world?

What happens to us on a macro level when our attention spans have been so shortened by social media we cant even be assed to sit through a four minute song?

Social media, including messaging apps, is constant and ubiquitous.

It is a pervasive and constant distractiveness and mindlessness.

Its constant scrolling, constant notifications for discord servers & Whatsapp group chats, likes on Instagram & TikTok, trending hashtags on Twitter, new uploads on Youtube.

Constant validation, constant distraction.

Doom scrolling, scrolling for likes, scrolling for vanity, scrolling for boredom, scrolling for depression, scrolling for jealousy and envy, scrolling to endlessly compare.

When TikTok surpassed Google as the number 1 website in the world last year per number of visits, Google removed the pages in their results and made their results pages endless just like TikTok's for you page.

Googles results page was the new limitless rabbit hole of Youtube Suggested Videos -- it never ends.

No more iconic "Gooooooogle" at the bottom of the search results with a different colored "o" above each individual page number.

Nothing ever ends anymore.

Coupled with nearly limitless options to binge watch on streaming services where all episodes are released instantaneously and noone ever has to wait for anything, there are no weekly episodes anymore, no mid-season hiatuses, there are no repeats, season finales that are breathlessly anticipated...

Everything is immediately and constantly at your fingertips.

Its a total closing and shortening of the mind.

It is the evisceration of our collective attention spans.

Multiple screens at all times -- flat screen TV, smartphone, tablet, laptop, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Live, Playstation Network.

Multiple inputs -- music on Spotify, podcasts on Youtube, streams on Twitch, sports games, competition shows and reality TV on regular cable, streaming shows on Netflix/Disney+/Hulu, multiplayer online games on Xbox, Playstation & Nintendo, group messaging chats on discord, Whatsapp, iPhone, Facebook Messenger & Instagram.

Everything is always on, especially you.

Theres always a buzz, theres always a noti, theres always an active discord server, theres always something to check, theres always something happening, theres always something to distract your mind.

Do not disturb is only for when you're asleep.

We were not designed for these constant notifications and interruptions.

They are short circuiting us as a species by design.

Everything became bingeable, nothing ever has to be waited for.

Once the show is released to Disney+ & Netflix, I can binge to my hearts content.

It is a relic of the old days to have to wait a week for new episodes of a favorite show and to have to wait months for a highly anticipated season finale.

Everything is bingeable, including you.

Everything is easily consumed and passed through like the ephemera it is, including you.

There is no permanence, there is no gravitas.

Everything is trending, everything is the now.

Everything is forgotten in 24 hours.

What genocide in Palestine?

There are people trapped on the Gaza Strip?

Emergency medical supplies, food, fuel , water and electricity are being cut off to the Gaza Strip?

Did Travis and Taylor already break up?

Its the shortening of collective memory, the evisceration of our attention spans and the shortening of the mind.

Everyone has already forgotten that Sexyy Red supported Trump on a podcast and posted a sex video of herself on her Instagram stories (right after the Trump story broke so no I dont believe Sexyy was hacked) -- both of these things happened last month.

Does anyone remember Biden brazenly, unapologetically and inhumanely telling reporters on video, Aviators firmly in place, that he guarantees "there will be no ceasefire" between Israel & Palestine despite 13k+ Palestinian civilians being murdered by the Israeli Defense Force over the past two months in one of the worst instances of ethnic cleansing this century?

That literally happened this month and its already been collectively forgotten.

Theres always a new Skims ad for undergarments that give you the perfect nipples.

Taylor Swift was being discussed on NFL broadcasts more than Patrick Mahomes while dating Travis Kelce -- now she has been disappeared from all NFL broadcasts as if she had never been endlessly discussed to begin with.

We are no longer being shown Taylor sitting by Kelces mom and Mahomes' wife and daughter.

But there has been no corresponding commentary at least making a joke about a breakup and a possible Taylor Swift song about same.

The NFL literally had Taylor Swift as their header on Twitter and now she is gone and they are acting like the above never happened.

I get it, the NFL wants female Gen Z to tune into their games but they literally had a slow mo of Taylor walking into Arrowhead Stadium.

Thats not drumming up female viewership, that is patently insane.

They were slow mo'ing Taylor high fiveing Kelces mom when Kelce scored a touchdown.

That is just downright bizarre and is not about increasing the young female demographic that watches NFL games.

It was creepy in how over the top it was.

Taylor was now the big topic of discussion during pre-game analysis of the Chiefs instead of Mahomes, Kelce, MVS, Pacheco, Chris Jones, Andy Reid.

It was an all out blitz for a month that went so far as Kelce being described as "Taylors boyfriend" instead of as a 3-time Super Bowl champion and star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kelce was always the new Gronk, the current poster child party boy of the NFL.

But the slew of commercials, brand sponsorships and SNL hosting gig didnt come until Taylor.

Predictably, young female NFL viewership went up over 300%, Kelce gained hundreds of thousands of Swiftie social media followers then Kelce stopped attending Eras tour shows, Taylor stopped attending NFL games, the NFL dropped it like it never happened and switched their header to Vikings QB Dobbs.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Movies are going to head in the same direction.

2 hours will no longer be the default film duration.

These conversations are already happening within the film industry as studios are pushing a "crowdsourced film by committee", a Choose Your Own Adventure clusterfuck where multiple endings are filmed for each movie and each individual movie theater audience decides the ending in real time as they watch.

Everything is instantaneous, everything capricious, everything fickle, any demand can be met.

What happens to a directors vision if the audience can just decide everything?

And bet that studio analysts and executives will be closely monitoring what audiences vote for and will change future films to align with those votes.

What happens to A Clockwork Orange?

What happens to the Stanley Kubricks, George Romeros & Quentin Tarantinos?

What happens to taking risks?

Will there never be another cult classic?

Will there never be another Rocky Horror Picture Show?

Would these future audiences have changed the iconic twists in classics like Empire Strikes Back and Sixth Sense?

Will all the sharp edges go away and will we be left with a frictionless existence?

Wheres the space for a nearly six minute operatic genre defying theatrical dramatic essence of drag singular revelation like Bohemian Rhapsody?

Will everything be safe, sanitized and sterilized?

What happens to horror movies that take risks and confront their audiences and skillfully mix gore, humor, satire, societal critique, snark, comedy, slapstick, survivalism, political commentary, dystopia, sci-fi and parody?

Will every rough edge be sanded away?

Do we want an existence like that where our art mediums no longer challenge, repel, confront, repulse, enlighten, elucidate and force us to take a look at ourselves?

Do we no longer want art that takes the piss out of us as an audience?

Do we just want all of the art and media that we consume to be like the Netflix algorithm, endlessly adjusting to our every whim and preference, tirelessly trying to please us in every way, never offending?

Do we never want to be shocked or angered by our art again?

Isnt that what art was supposed to be?

Do we always want to be perfectly happy and satisfied with everything we see?

What will happen to movies that are so bad they're good?

What will happen to guilty pleasures?

Will everything be bland and vanilla, too dull to offend or tittilate, instantly consumed and forgotten with all of the other endless media we are constantly bingeing?

Our existences have been Doordash'd & InstaCart'd.

Everything can be done for us, delivered to us, driven to us, picked up by us, ordered for us, shopped for us, cooked for us, prepared for us, written for us, applied to for us.

Theres an app for almost everything.

The age of inconvenience and frustration is over.

Everything is frictionless -- even our art and entertainment.

What happens to quirky oddities?

Random ideas and concepts?

Harebrained notions and acid dreams?

Paranoid androids and visions?

Night terrors and daydreams?

All of the above have led to crazy innovative mindfucky scripts, films, songs, album concepts, music videos and movie shorts.

Where is the space for body horror films and Takashi Miike?

When do songs become 2 minutes vs the current 3 minute average?

When do songs become 1 minute?

When do songs cease to exist and people just start to record the chorus or the catchy part for TikTok virality since thats all anyones listening to anymore anyway?

When do 2 hour movies become 1 hour?

When do 1 hour movies become 30 minute shorts?

When do movies in general just become instantaneously streamable shorts that are a few minutes long available simultaneously on every platform?

When will the concept of a full length movie that anyone would have the actual patience and attention span to sit through become anachronistic?

When do single player video games go away because noone has the patience to sit through a solo adventure and play through the game for the plot, storyline, twists and turns and all anyone wants to do is get online and just play against each other?

When do we lose our humanity?

[daisygrace9871]

Why Quytech Is Trusted by Enterprises to Hire AI Developers

In today’s digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way businesses operate. From improving customer service with chatbots to automating business processes, AI is making a big impact. But to get the most out of AI, companies need skilled and experienced AI developers. That’s where Quytech comes in.

Quytech has become a trusted name among enterprises when it comes to hire AI developer services. With a strong portfolio, skilled talent, and client-first approach, enterprises choose Quytech to hire AI app developer, build smart solutions, and stay ahead in the competitive market.

1. Proven Track Record in AI Development

Quytech has over a decade of experience in software development and has successfully delivered many AI-powered projects across industries like healthcare, finance, eCommerce, real estate, logistics, and more. This track record builds confidence among enterprises looking to hire AI engineers with real-world experience.

Whether it's building predictive analytics solutions or creating virtual assistants, Quytech’s team has done it all. That’s why businesses globally hire dedicated AI developers from Quytech to build reliable and scalable AI solutions.

2. Access to Pre-Vetted and Skilled AI Talent

Finding and hiring skilled AI talent is a challenge for many enterprises. Quytech solves this problem by offering access to a pool of pre-vetted AI programmers. Each developer is tested for their technical, logical, and problem-solving abilities.

When you hire AI programmers from Quytech, you’re getting experts in machine learning, deep learning, NLP (Natural Language Processing), computer vision, data science, and more. Whether you're working on a smart chatbot or a complex recommendation system, Quytech has the right AI talent for your needs.

3. Flexible Hiring Models

Every business has different needs, and Quytech understands this. That’s why they offer flexible hiring models. You can hire remote AI developer on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis. This helps enterprises scale their teams quickly without going through a lengthy hiring process.

Whether you're a startup building an AI-powered MVP or an enterprise expanding your digital capabilities, Quytech provides you the freedom to choose a hiring model that suits your budget and timeline.

4. Expertise in Multiple AI Technologies

AI is a vast field, and Quytech’s developers are skilled in using the latest tools and frameworks. Their expertise includes:

Machine Learning with Python, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn

Natural Language Processing (NLP) using NLTK, spaCy, and GPT-based models

Computer Vision using OpenCV, PyTorch, and YOLO

Deep Learning with Keras and TensorFlow

AI Integration with mobile apps, IoT systems, and enterprise software

This wide range of expertise makes Quytech the go-to choice for companies that want to hire AI app developers in India who understand modern tech stacks and deliver results.

Read More:- Why Quytech Is the Best Partner to Hire AI Developers from India

5. Trusted by Global Enterprises

Quytech has worked with over 500 clients globally, including startups, SMEs, and Fortune 500 companies. Clients from the USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, and Asia choose to hire AI developer in India from Quytech because of their professional approach and timely delivery.

Their client retention rate is one of the highest in the industry, proving that Quytech is not just a vendor, but a reliable technology partner.

6. Transparent Communication and Project Management

Effective communication and transparency are important for project success. Quytech uses tools like Jira, Trello, Slack, and Zoom to keep clients updated throughout the development process.

When you hire AI app developer from Quytech, you also get a dedicated project manager who ensures everything runs smoothly. Regular updates, real-time collaboration, and milestone tracking help maintain clarity and build trust.

7. Cost-Effective AI Development Services

Hiring in-house AI developers can be expensive, especially in regions like the US or Europe. By choosing to hire Indian AI developers for hire, enterprises can significantly reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Quytech offers affordable rates, especially for businesses looking to hire remote AI developer or hire AI engineer in India. Their cost-effective hiring model is ideal for both short-term tasks and long-term AI product development.

8. Quick Team Setup and Onboarding

Time is money in the tech world. Quytech understands the urgency and helps enterprises onboard developers quickly. Once you share your requirements, their recruitment and tech team identifies suitable profiles and sets up interviews within 48-72 hours.

This speed and efficiency make Quytech the best destination to hire AI developers without wasting time on long hiring cycles.

9. Dedicated AI Teams for Enterprise Projects

For large-scale enterprise AI projects, Quytech offers dedicated AI teams. These teams include AI developers, data scientists, UI/UX designers, testers, and project managers who work together to bring your vision to life.

Enterprises that want full control over the development process prefer Quytech’s dedicated team model. It offers better productivity, accountability, and project alignment.

10. Excellent Post-Development Support

Building an AI solution is just the beginning. Maintaining it, updating it with new features, and ensuring it runs smoothly is equally important. Quytech provides post-development support and maintenance to keep your AI product up-to-date.

This ongoing support makes businesses come back to Quytech when they need to hire AI developers for new phases or upgrades.

Why Enterprises Prefer Indian AI Developers

Many enterprises worldwide are now looking to hire AI developers in India for the following reasons:

High Talent Pool: India has a large number of skilled developers in AI, ML, and Data Science.

Cost Advantage: Hiring Indian developers costs significantly less than hiring locally in the US, UK, or Europe.

English Proficiency: Most Indian developers are fluent in English, making communication easy.

Time Zone Benefits: Indian teams can work in multiple time zones, offering round-the-clock productivity.

If you're looking for reliable Indian AI developers for hire, Quytech offers the best combination of quality, cost, and communication.

Final Thoughts: Hire the Best AI Talent with Quytech

AI is shaping the future of digital transformation, and having the right team makes all the difference. Quytech’s client-centric approach, proven AI expertise, and flexible hiring models make it a top choice for businesses looking to hire AI developers.

From startups to global enterprises, companies trust Quytech to hire AI app developers in India who can turn complex ideas into working products.

So, if you’re planning to develop an AI-powered solution or expand your existing product, Quytech is your ideal technology partner. Whether you want to hire dedicated AI developers, hire AI programmers, or hire AI engineers, Quytech has everything you need under one roof.

[itcareerblogs]

Top 10 In- Demand Tech Jobs in 2025

Technology is growing faster than ever, and so is the need for skilled professionals in the field. From artificial intelligence to cloud computing, businesses are looking for experts who can keep up with the latest advancements. These tech jobs not only pay well but also offer great career growth and exciting challenges.

In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 tech jobs that are in high demand today. Whether you’re starting your career or thinking of learning new skills, these jobs can help you plan a bright future in the tech world.

1. AI and Machine Learning Specialists

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and Machine Learning are changing the game by helping machines learn and improve on their own without needing step-by-step instructions. They’re being used in many areas, like chatbots, spotting fraud, and predicting trends.

Key Skills: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, data analysis, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

Industries Hiring: Healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing.

Career Tip: Keep up with AI and machine learning by working on projects and getting an AI certification. Joining AI hackathons helps you learn and meet others in the field.

2. Data Scientists

Data scientists work with large sets of data to find patterns, trends, and useful insights that help businesses make smart decisions. They play a key role in everything from personalized marketing to predicting health outcomes.

Key Skills: Data visualization, statistical analysis, R, Python, SQL, and data mining.

Industries Hiring: E-commerce, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.

Career Tip: Work with real-world data and build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills. Earning certifications in data science tools can help you stand out.

3. Cloud Computing Engineers: These professionals create and manage cloud systems that allow businesses to store data and run apps without needing physical servers, making operations more efficient.

Key Skills: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), DevOps, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

Industries Hiring: IT services, startups, and enterprises undergoing digital transformation.

Career Tip: Get certified in cloud platforms like AWS (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect).

4. Cybersecurity Experts

Cybersecurity professionals protect companies from data breaches, malware, and other online threats. As remote work grows, keeping digital information safe is more crucial than ever.

Key Skills: Ethical hacking, penetration testing, risk management, and cybersecurity tools.

Industries Hiring: Banking, IT, and government agencies.

Career Tip: Stay updated on new cybersecurity threats and trends. Certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) can help you advance in your career.

5. Full-Stack Developers

Full-stack developers are skilled programmers who can work on both the front-end (what users see) and the back-end (server and database) of web applications.

Key Skills: JavaScript, React, Node.js, HTML/CSS, and APIs.

Industries Hiring: Tech startups, e-commerce, and digital media.

Career Tip: Create a strong GitHub profile with projects that highlight your full-stack skills. Learn popular frameworks like React Native to expand into mobile app development.

6. DevOps Engineers

DevOps engineers help make software faster and more reliable by connecting development and operations teams. They streamline the process for quicker deployments.

Key Skills: CI/CD pipelines, automation tools, scripting, and system administration.

Industries Hiring: SaaS companies, cloud service providers, and enterprise IT.

Career Tip: Earn key tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and Kubernetes, and develop scripting skills in languages like Bash or Python. Earning a DevOps certification is a plus and can enhance your expertise in the field.

7. Blockchain Developers

They build secure, transparent, and unchangeable systems. Blockchain is not just for cryptocurrencies; it’s also used in tracking supply chains, managing healthcare records, and even in voting systems.

Key Skills: Solidity, Ethereum, smart contracts, cryptography, and DApp development.

Industries Hiring: Fintech, logistics, and healthcare.

Career Tip: Create and share your own blockchain projects to show your skills. Joining blockchain communities can help you learn more and connect with others in the field.

8. Robotics Engineers

Robotics engineers design, build, and program robots to do tasks faster or safer than humans. Their work is especially important in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.

Key Skills: Programming (C++, Python), robotics process automation (RPA), and mechanical engineering.

Industries Hiring: Automotive, healthcare, and logistics.

Career Tip: Stay updated on new trends like self-driving cars and AI in robotics.

9. Internet of Things (IoT) Specialists

IoT specialists work on systems that connect devices to the internet, allowing them to communicate and be controlled easily. This is crucial for creating smart cities, homes, and industries.

Key Skills: Embedded systems, wireless communication protocols, data analytics, and IoT platforms.

Industries Hiring: Consumer electronics, automotive, and smart city projects.

Career Tip: Create IoT prototypes and learn to use platforms like AWS IoT or Microsoft Azure IoT. Stay updated on 5G technology and edge computing trends.

10. Product Managers

Product managers oversee the development of products, from idea to launch, making sure they are both technically possible and meet market demands. They connect technical teams with business stakeholders.

Key Skills: Agile methodologies, market research, UX design, and project management.

Industries Hiring: Software development, e-commerce, and SaaS companies.

Career Tip: Work on improving your communication and leadership skills. Getting certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) can help you advance.

Importance of Upskilling in the Tech Industry

Stay Up-to-Date: Technology changes fast, and learning new skills helps you keep up with the latest trends and tools.

Grow in Your Career: By learning new skills, you open doors to better job opportunities and promotions.

Earn a Higher Salary: The more skills you have, the more valuable you are to employers, which can lead to higher-paying jobs.

Feel More Confident: Learning new things makes you feel more prepared and ready to take on tougher tasks.

Adapt to Changes: Technology keeps evolving, and upskilling helps you stay flexible and ready for any new changes in the industry.

Top Companies Hiring for These Roles

Global Tech Giants: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

Startups: Fintech, health tech, and AI-based startups are often at the forefront of innovation.

Consulting Firms: Companies like Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC increasingly seek tech talent.

In conclusion,  the tech world is constantly changing, and staying updated is key to having a successful career. In 2025, jobs in fields like AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software development will be in high demand. By learning the right skills and keeping up with new trends, you can prepare yourself for these exciting roles. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your skills, the tech industry offers many opportunities for growth and success.

[xettle-technologies]

What Are the Costs Associated with Fintech Software Development?

The fintech industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for innovative financial solutions. As organizations look to capitalize on this trend, understanding the costs associated with fintech software development becomes crucial. Developing robust and secure applications, especially for fintech payment solutions, requires significant investment in technology, expertise, and compliance measures. This article breaks down the key cost factors involved in fintech software development and how businesses can navigate these expenses effectively.

1. Development Team and Expertise

The development team is one of the most significant cost drivers in fintech software development. Hiring skilled professionals, such as software engineers, UI/UX designers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers, requires a substantial budget. The costs can vary depending on the team’s location, expertise, and experience level. For example:

In-house teams: Employing full-time staff provides better control but comes with recurring costs such as salaries, benefits, and training.

Outsourcing: Hiring external agencies or freelancers can reduce costs, especially if the development team is located in regions with lower labor costs.

2. Technology Stack

The choice of technology stack plays a significant role in the overall development cost. Building secure and scalable fintech payment solutions requires advanced tools, frameworks, and programming languages. Costs include:

Licenses and subscriptions: Some technologies require paid licenses or annual subscriptions.

Infrastructure: Cloud services, databases, and servers are essential for hosting and managing fintech applications.

Integration tools: APIs for payment processing, identity verification, and other functionalities often come with usage fees.

3. Security and Compliance

The fintech industry is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to strict security standards and legal compliance. Implementing these measures adds to the development cost but is essential to avoid potential fines and reputational damage. Key considerations include:

Data encryption: Robust encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect sensitive data.

Compliance certifications: Obtaining certifications such as PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001 can be costly but are mandatory for operating in many regions.

Security audits: Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are necessary to ensure application security.

4. Customization and Features

The complexity of the application directly impacts the cost. Basic fintech solutions may have limited functionality, while advanced applications require more extensive development efforts. Common features that add to the cost include:

User authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification.

Real-time processing: Handling high volumes of transactions with minimal latency.

Analytics and reporting: Providing users with detailed financial insights and dashboards.

Blockchain integration: Leveraging blockchain for enhanced security and transparency.

5. User Experience (UX) and Design

A seamless and intuitive user interface is critical for customer retention in the fintech industry. Investing in high-quality UI/UX design ensures that users can navigate the platform effortlessly. Costs in this category include:

Prototyping and wireframing.

Usability testing.

Responsive design for compatibility across devices.

6. Maintenance and Updates

Fintech applications require ongoing maintenance to remain secure and functional. Post-launch costs include:

Bug fixes and updates: Addressing issues and releasing new features.

Server costs: Maintaining and scaling infrastructure to accommodate user growth.

Monitoring tools: Real-time monitoring systems to track performance and security.

7. Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Once the fintech solution is developed, promoting it to the target audience incurs additional costs. Marketing strategies such as digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and content marketing require significant investment. Moreover, onboarding users and providing customer support also contribute to the total cost.

8. Geographic Factors

The cost of fintech software development varies significantly based on geographic factors. Development in North America and Western Europe tends to be more expensive compared to regions like Eastern Europe, South Asia, or Latin America. Businesses must weigh the trade-offs between cost savings and access to high-quality talent.

9. Partnering with Technology Providers

Collaborating with established technology providers can reduce development costs while ensuring top-notch quality. For instance, Xettle Technologies offers comprehensive fintech solutions, including secure APIs and compliance-ready tools, enabling businesses to streamline development processes and minimize risks. Partnering with such providers can save time and resources while enhancing the application's reliability.

Cost Estimates

While costs vary depending on the project's complexity, here are rough estimates:

Basic applications: $50,000 to $100,000.

Moderately complex solutions: $100,000 to $250,000.

Highly advanced platforms: $250,000 and above.

These figures include development, security measures, and initial marketing efforts but may rise with added features or broader scope.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs associated with fintech software development is vital for effective budgeting and project planning. From assembling a skilled team to ensuring compliance and security, each component contributes to the total investment. By leveraging advanced tools and partnering with experienced providers like Xettle Technologies, businesses can optimize costs while delivering high-quality fintech payment solutions. The investment, though significant, lays the foundation for long-term success in the competitive fintech industry.

[techactive]

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Remote Full Stack Developers | Tech Active

Learn the steps to becoming a remote full stack developers, including the core skills, how to build your portfolio, and where to find remote jobs.

[digitalsoftwareproductreviews]

Teslar AI Review

TESLAR AI of Features

TESLAR AI is a company that specializes in developing and deploying autonomy at scale in vehicles, robots and more

They believe that an approach based on advanced AI for vision and planning, supported by efficient use of inference hardware, is the only way to achieve a general solution for full self-driving, bi-pedal robotics and beyond

TESLAR AI has developed a general purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks

They are also building the software stacks that enable balance, navigation, perception and interaction with the physical world

TESLAR AI is hiring deep learning, computer vision, motion planning, controls, mechanical and general software engineers to solve some of their hardest engineering challenges

They have also built AI inference chips to run their Full Self-Driving software, considering every small architectural and micro-architectural improvement while squeezing maximum silicon performance-per-watt

They have built AI training chips to power their Dojo system

They are designing and building the Dojo system, from the silicon firmware interfaces to the high-level software APIs meant to control it

They are also applying cutting-edge research to train deep neural networks on problems ranging from perception to control

[lunarsilkscreen]

Small Business Web Project

If you're a start-up or small business owner, you're not going to keep your developers around for very long. You can't afford to.

And it's these developers that will be relying heavily on these technologies to make a useful website for you quickly. But really, they'll probably be using Wix or Shopify, which is something you could use instead.

You won't be able to personalize the functionality (they offer basic color and imaging tools) and every little thing that's broken for you, will be broken for everybody else using it.

For those in that position; remember you're not really hiring a web developer, you're hiring an assistant to do an arbitrary task that you could do instead, had you the time.

If you needed a full-stack web developer, actually needed one, you wouldn't be contemplating Wix or Shopify.

And don't come to your web developer friends denigrating them for knowing how to build Wix, but won't put a Wix site together for you.

That is the gravest insult you could give to somebody who took the time to learn a technical trade. Like getting upset at an engineer for not [changing your oil]. Sure they *could* do it, but their time is worth so much more than you can afford.

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Five

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, Angst, Unhealthy coping mechanisms, Violence, Injuries, Explosions Word Count: 2,931

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Five: I See Fire

Chapter Summary: Fire isn't something to play with. Unless you want to get hurt.

Despite St. Louis being a bustling city full of cars, suburbs, and industrial heartland, there were places where a cat could find peace. The forests, parks, and, most notably, cemeteries were a place for such relaxation. With the nonexistence of the nagging noise of engines and cats, anyone could take in nature. The nature ranged from the small cottontail rabbit running in a burrow to the swift deer running across the meadow.

On the outskirts of the city, a lonesome cemetery stood. However, the crunch and cracking of roots could be heard. An oddly colored cat stomped her foot on a shovel, huffing as she threw the dirt over her head. Hearing the recognizable thump of wood, she looked above the ditch to see Nico toss the shovel to the side and look at her with a smirk.

“I win, cher,” He tightened the bandages around his paws. “Now, where to take you?”

Chimeras’ ear pinned themed back as she pouted. “You cheated! Yours has to be shallower!” She jumped out of the grave and stomped through the mud and into the pit. The hole was clearly shallower, barely reaching her waist, while others had come up to her shoulders. “Point proven!”

“Never took ya’ for a sore loser.” Nico patted her head only to make her take a breath to control the red spreading across her face. With a proud smile across his face, Nico purred. “Well, cher, how sho- Seraphine!”

A crowbar had been tossed at Nico, narrowing missing Chimera. “Get dat liquor in da car!” She barked before rolling her eyes and walking back into the car.

Walking out of the pit, Chimera gripped the shove and returned to work. Each strike to the dirt was an attempt to wipe her face from the blush. Only ten minutes passed, and her crowbar finally cracked the grave open, but the red on her face remained prominent. Shaking her head, she gripped the coffin and dragged it out.

“Ready for da last, mon ami?” Seraphine asked as Nico walked over, tossing his emptied coffin into the lake.

“The last job of the night?” She clarified, watching Nico pull the full coffin and load the alcohol into the car. “Extremely, I have a couple…things to do tomorrow,” She dragged, rolling her neck from the nonextant stress.

Laughing could be heard from the older savoy sibling. “I thought we were goin’ on a date, cher?”

“That doesn’t count. That grave was shallow,” Chimeria growled, her ears twitching in annoyance.

“What will it take then, cher?” Nico seemed genuinely curious.

Leaning onto the car as Nico gripped the final bottles, Chimeria thought about the interesting question. “An act of God, or a lot of money?” She shrugged, looking up at the moon shining in the jet-black sky. “I'm not even sure that will work,” A chuckle left her as she counted the bottles stacked in the back.

“I can be persuasive, cher, as y’know,” Nico flirted, closing the lid.

Opening the door to the backseat, Cimeria smirked before jumping into the back of the car. “And I can be notoriously stubborn.”

The trio finally got into the car. Once the engine roared, Chimeria pulled off her glove with her teeth, her other paw reaching into her coat pocket for a leather journal. The leather was clearly worn through the years, yet the spine was fully intact. Chimera pulled out a pencil before writing down the number of alcohol in the back.

“Writin’ back there, cher?” Nico looked in the rearview mirror.

“Just making sure I got everything…” She dragged, tapping her fingers against the leather. “50 bottles…” She spoke to no one.

Getting up from her seat, Seraphine stared at the oddly colored cat. “Tell me somethin’, cher,” Seraphine leaned towards Chimera. “Why don’t y’tell yer’ real names to anyone? ”

“Mainly for tradition and safety,” Chimera answered.

Bored at the answer, Seraphine sat back in her seat, pulling out her knife to sharpen. “How do ya get into this business?” Nico asked. “Can ya’ jus’ walk in?”

Chimera laughed. “You two are awfully curious,” She pointed out but continued. “You are either born into it like I was. Otherwise, you must know someone, marry into it, or you’re the rare people who get in on their own merit.”

“What ‘bout ya’ parents?” Seraphines’ tall ears perked up as she handed a cigarette to Nico.

“My mother was born into it. My father got in on his merits and then married my mom,” She spoke curtly as she opened her journal. “We are dropping off the bottles, right?”

“Oui, we will be there soon,” Nico confirmed.

 It didn’t take long to return to the city. The closer they got to the town, the more common car engines, streetlights, and tall buildings were. The alcohol was quickly dropped off to another group of Mr. Sweets guys. After sharing goodbyes, The trio was in the car heading down towards the business center of St Louis. Chimeria looked down at her journal and began to look at the names in the book. Multiple from the previous weeks, but only one without a line struck through it.

“Alright, the last person is…Ah Monsieur Jones,” Chimera read in the back seat. “So how do you two usually handle these where we need to tie the guy up for information?”

Seraphne chuckled, taking the cigarette out of her mouth. “Mordecai usually does all dat,”

“We do da fun part, Cher,” Nico grinned, looking at her through the rearview mirror.

“I do not want to be Mordecai for a day,” She grumbled sarcastically. “That would be very imprudent.” She mimicked the deadpanned tone of the tuxedo perfectly.

Seraphine let out a cackling laugh. “You sound jus’ like ‘im!” She turned to face the smaller cat. “How did ya meet ‘im?”

Leaning her head onto the leather headrest, Chimera couldn't help but let out a loud laugh. “Now that was a fun day. My parents had a business in St. Louis and promoted the Brothers of Peril to Atlas May. When Mordecai saw me, I thought he would have a heart attack. The first words he said to me were, ‘The asymmetry of my face made him want to die.’ One of the better insults I should say is,” She is mocking the deadpanned tone used by the tuxedo. “After that, I worked with him, and I guess we developed a mutual respect for each other.”

“Course’ he can’t see da luck,” Seraphine rolled her eyes, waving her hand in the air dismissively. “Plenty of people can’t see it, but we can Cher.”

Chimera's ears twitched in annoyance at the word luck as she looked over Jones's name etched into the paper. “Perhaps you're just not afraid because there is nothing different between me and a normal cat.”

“Dat ain't true,” Seraphine argued sternly. “Yer’ riddled with luck and power. The best part is dat y’know how to use it. Dats why Nico asked da fat man for ya’ to be with us.”

“Aw, how sweet that it wasn’t just to ask me on a date,” Chimera smirked as Nico shrugged.

A laugh escaped Chimera as she looked out of the car's window to the streetlights exposing the dark streets. After another conversation, the trio laughed as if they were old friends. However, the joyful laughter died as they caught sight of the business of Mr. Jones. Parking the car down the alleyway behind the company building.

Chimera was the first to hop out as she scanned the area. The building was two stories tall. Peeking into the window, she saw cats inside working despite the late hour. If there were fewer cats, she would break down the door. Her ears twitched as she looked over her shoulder to see the siblings grabbing their weapons. As she walked back, the siblings seemed eager to charge in guns blazing, literally and figuratively.

“We shouldn’t break the doors down.” Chimera looked up at the building, seeing a fire escape. “But I have a plan for us to both have fun.”

“Alright,” Chimera spoke to no one as she was hidden behind a tower of crates as she loaded her rifle. “Here goes nothing.”

Steading the scope, she aimed and took a breath. Her gun was aimed at the giant chandelier hanging off the ceiling of the grand room by a skinny cord. Chimera then pulled the trigger, causing the chandelier to crash down to the floor. Dozens of gunmen surrounded the destroyed light while others went to investigate. One of them, Mr. Jones, the target. The group was so focused on investigating they didn’t notice a grey cat click her shotgun.

A barrage of bullets loaded themselves into the cats surrounding the chandelier. Seraphine's recognizable laugh echoed through the business as shots missed her, and nearly every gunman was down. With her scope, Chimera took out a few stragglers who ran to the doors but didn't realize that they were jammed from the outside. Passing her view was Mr. Jones, running to his office. Only to be cut off by a solid punch to the face from Nico. Chimera chuckled before coming out of her hiding spot.

 Nico had quickly subdued the man and tied him to a chair. Looking at Seraphine, who had a Cheshire cat grin as she reloaded his gun, Chimera spoke. “What do you think? Was my plan good?”

“Yer a breath of fresh air compared to Peekon!” She smiled, slinging her gun back on her hip.

“I'm glad you liked it. I never get to be extravagant like this,”  Chimera gazed at the shattered chandelier.

A grunt was heard as she turned her head to see Nico smirking. “There will be plenty of fun things with us, cher,” Nico promised.

As she opened her mouth, Chimera's ears swiveled at the thudding from upstairs. “I'll get them. You two can have the pleasure of interrogating him.” The oddly colored cat smiled at the siblings before jogging up the stairs.

Hearing constant shuffling from the office down the hall told her someone was there. Yet, the cat was still careful as she gripped her pistol tightly. The shuffling suddenly stopped, her body as her ears stood straight for noise. A sudden creak had her dash out of the way of a door that swung open to reveal a gunman. Two quick shots were all it took until the door behind her opened, hitting her in the side. Hissing, Chimera shot blindly into the wooden door, hearing a yell of pain. Spinning to the front of the door, she pulled the trigger.

With both gunmen dead, Chimera groaned, rubbing her side that the oak door had slammed into her. Turning her oddly colored eyes to the door at the end of the hallway, she marched to the door.  Leaning her ear on the office door, she took a breath and gave one hard kick to the doorknob. Before stepping into the office, she was immediately met by someone throwing a box of documents and papers at her face. Chimera pulled out her gun and shot the cat in the knee. Growling, she ripped his weapons away from him. While the cat sobbed on the ground, Chimera uncharacteristically froze.

Her eyes were wide, her posture stiff, and her breathing paused. Among the dozens of papers that had floated all over the floor, Chimera grabbed a medium-sized picture. The distinctive cat in the foreground was a younger Chimera with a broad smile holding up a first-place ribbon while a rifle was slung on her shoulder. While a dozen other cats were around her. However, a cat with its face circled was who they were clearly after, with the name ‘The Wraith’ written on top.

Pulling out her gun, she gripped the man's collar. “How the hell did you get this picture?”

“I-I-“ She shot him in the leg. “Where!”

“Jones! He knows! I swear I don’t-“ A gunshot landed in his skull before Chimera stomped out of the room.

Jogging down the stairs, Chimera saw that the siblings seemed pleased with themselves. Nico turned to see Chimera. “Hey Cher, we got-“

“Let me have him,” She gripped the photo tightly as she marched up to the tied-up cat.

“What ya-“ Before Nico could finish, he got his answer. Chimera gripped a tire iron and struck Jones in the knee.

Chimera gripped his face to stare at her as he yelled in pain. “Where the hell did you get this picture?!” She shoved the picture in his face.

“I found it-”

Hitting his knee against she hissed. “Lie to me again. I'm taking that leg off. Now, where the hell did you get this picture,” She repeated slowly, her eyes filled with anger. “Only two people in the world have this picture, and you are not one of them!”

“Chimera-“ Nico tried to interrupt.

“Shut the hell up, Nico!” She hissed, her eyes slit and fur flared. “Where the hell is he?” She gripped the cat's collar. “I will make your life hell if you don’t tell me.”

The sudden sound of a shotgun caused her to turn her head. Looking over her shoulder, she could see a couple of people Nico and Seraphine were taking care of. Before she could reach for her gun, a sudden punch to the face set her backward. Holding her jaw, she watched the target dash out of his chair and run.

“Get back here!” She roared, dashing off to the man.

With a pistol in hand, she chased him up the stairs, around a corner, and into a room. Only for Chimera's feet to freeze at the smell of gasoline. Her eyes were as round as golf balls, and her heart began to pound in her chest. The target dumped gasoline all over the room, where boxes of dynamite were stacked up neatly. Holding up a match, he dropped flame. The flames were uncontrollable as the fire swallowed the room and the dangerous boxes.

“Chimera-“ Nico turned the corner but was met by the frantic eyes of Chimera.

“RUN!” She screamed, grabbing Nico and running in the opposite direction at full speed.

“What da hell is going on?!” He barked, chasing Chimera as she rushed down the stairs as if she saw a ghost.

“Dynamite!” She looked to her side to see Seraphine loading her gun. “Seraphine! Get out!” She yelled, the terror in her voice evident. Not hesitating, Seraphine ran out of the building alongside the two cats.

The sudden and defining explosion threw the trio of cats, mainly Chimera, into a brick wall. Her ears rang as she felt the cold asphalt beneath her paws. Every noise was muffled except her pounding heart. Her eyes stung from the smoke as flames engulfed the warehouse. Her whole body shook as she stared at the fire. Looking down at her gun, she shakily pulled herself up. Her eyes scanned the area in the distance. The target was making a run for it. The shaking stopped as a deep breath was taken as she aimed. Then she pulled the trigger, and a bullet lodged into their back.

With a slight limp, Chimera stomped on the back of the scrambling cat. “How did you get that photo,” She spoke slowly and darkly. “If you don’t, I will throw you into the fire.”

“He gave it to me to identify your brother!” He attempted to scramble away.

“Who is he!?” She roared, stomping on his back.

“The Red Snake!” He admitted. “No one knows what the Wraith looks like and-“ A bullet landed in his head.

“And nobody will,” Chimera continued to shoot the lifeless body until the magazine was empty.

Her eyes were blown wide and black as night with adrenaline as she panted for air. A chill ran down her spine at the feeling of eyes on her. The pounding in her heart changed from adrenaline-laced panic to fear.

“You're fine, you’re alive. No emotion, not sadness, no fear,” Chimera muttered as she attempted to take breaths. However, her heart was still pounding, her hands shook, and her pupils were blown wide. “You're fine, you’re alive. No emotion, not sadness, no fear.”

“Mon ami-“ Seraphine's paw brushed her shoulder.

“I’m fine!” Chimera barked, walking away from the body. “We-we have the information now we can leave,” She began walking towards the car as her body continued to shake.

Nico blocked her path. “Hey, cher-

“I'm fine,” She grumbled, feeling the blood dripping down her forehead. “That explosion…” She whispered.

“We need to get ya to the hospital,” The tomcat tried to reason. “Dat John guy-“

“No!” She barked, but her ears immediately pinned themselves back, realizing how loud she was. “He-he isn’t there. I-I…” She attempted to run her hand through her hair only to hit the deep cut in her skull.

The siblings looked at each other as Chimera leaned on the alley’s wall. “I-Im going home,” She began to fast walk down the alleyway with the bit of adrenaline left in her body.

“Chimera!” Nico shouted along with Seraphine, who was quick enough to jump in front of the agile cat.

Seraphine joined her brother with a concerned expression. “Mon ami are you-“

“Get the hell out of my way!” She screamed, causing the siblings' eyes to widen. “Don’t act like you know me! Don’t act like you care about me! Leave me alone!” Her head pounded as she yelled. The stabbing pain in her skull overwhelmed her senses as she fell to her knees.

Authors Note: Ah... angst. Don't worry it will be balanced with some fluff soon.