#Air Cooling System in IC Engine

[goddamnitmahtin]

dc x dp idea 3

Ok ok ok I don’t know if anyone has done this before. But like mad scientist x attachment ghost au. BUT it’s reverse. So instead of Danny being the dead one in this situation, it’s Tim. I don’t know how Tim would have died but it’s when he’s in his late 20s and Danny is a mechanical engineer at WE, his haunt.

Now in this AU Danny is still a halfa and he even became ghost king. But this isn’t the universe he came from and here? He’s nothing more than a very tired engineer with some meta abilities (floating, eyes glowing, just enough of his ice powers to be able to make sure his whiskey is always on the rocks). But the thing about being ghost king? It makes you immortal. Even when you’re taking a vacation in another universe.

Upon finding out the ghost king starts working at his haunt, Tim finds himself a new obsession. Danny. He can’t get enough of this nerdy guy and the amount of things he could learn from the ghost king himself? Tim is foaming at the mouth! Ugh he just HAD to be everywhere this man went! Tim was even considering making himself an attachment ghost just so he could follow him around outside of work (like Danny ever actually left).

So imagine if you will.

Danny being the only one who can see Tim as he pokes and prods him all day everyday while he works.

“If your the ghost king why are you in this dimension working for WE?”

“Ooh what does space look like?”

“Could I ethically haunt your computer?”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Tell me Danny, does every ghost see the cosmos in your eyes or is it just me?”

“What are you working on anyways?”

“Did you know when I was alive, I used to fight crime?”

“Hey Danny, how old are you for real? I know you aren’t actually 27 since you’ve claimed to be 27 for the past 9 years you’ve worked here and you don’t age. Is that a Ghost King thing?”

“Did you know that Gotham used to be chock full of super villains? Most of them are retired now but back in the day? WOW was it a lot of fun to punch that clown in the nose.”

“Hey Danny, how much ectoplasm would it take to make me corporeal? I don’t wanna be, I just think it’s a cool experiment.”

“Did you know that when I was alive, some fucker took my spleen and kept it in a jar for funsies?”

“My brother Jason died twice you know. Was he like, one of your subjects after the first time or did he get a free pass?”

“What’s your favorite food?”

“Have you ever been to Batburger? Is Batburger still a thing?”

“I used to be the CEO of this place, did you know that?”

“Hey Danny! Do I get cool ghost powers too if I marry you?”

“What are the Infinite Realms like? Is it cool?”

“Hey Danny, I went through your company file and I was wondering why you changed your last name to Nightingale? Is that an artistic choice?”

One day, Danny just snaps and has a full on argument with what all his coworkers on the night shift think is pure air, “WHAT WERE YOU, A STALKER WHEN YOU WERE ALIVE?!”

Tim smiles a toothy grin, “YES! AWWWW DANNY YOU DO LISTEN WHEN I TALK! Oh by the way, if you don’t fix that gear, the system is gonna blow.”

Danny does end up fixing it in time but still.

Anywho…. Tim slowly grows on Danny and after Danny has to leave the dimension because he’s gone too long without aging and his boss is getting suspicious, he decides, fuck it. He might as well take his ghost with him. Maybe he will get powers if he married him. Only one way for find out right?

[deathworlders-of-e24]

Thomas, Engineer

Part 5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The klaxon call of the alarms.

Electrical shorts all around.

Sparks raining down as equipment blew.

The temperature rising as the last of the protective shields failed.

Burning-

Thomas woke up. He was still in bed and not in the CORE control room about to be incinerated. His quarters were still dark, and the air was cool. Almost hesitantly, he touched his arms, his chest, and finally his face. His skin wasn’t searing away as he had feared, however, it was slick with a layer of cold sweat. Inversely his throat was dry as bone.

Thomas kicked his damp blankets to the foot of the bed and swung his legs over the side. In the dark, the room looked… alien, for lack of a better word. The walls looked ugly with little variance in the shadows, and for the first time he was thankful there wasn’t a window to look out of. Thomas thought if he saw any more dark looking back at him he might be sick.

The single point of comfort was the soft yellow light coming from Roomba’s eyes as he sat atop Thomas’s desk on the quick-rigged charging platform they’d made. The little droid was recharging, napping as Thomas had joked, during the ship’s night cycle. In the low light Thomas thought he saw Roomba twitch, but decided it was just the dark and his mind playing tricks.

Water. Thomas needed water, something to drink to wash away the taste of dried saliva in his mouth. He pulled a hoodie over his head and stepped barefoot out into the hall to go hit the nearest Vending Machine. He swiped up his ear piece translator as an afterthought, not because he thought he’d have any conversations at 0400 hours ship time, but purely as trained reflex. One floor down and a hundred feet later, Thomas was chugging down a second glass of ice water when he felt the little tug on his pant leg. Looking down in surprise, he saw it was his mechanical companion, standing only a few inches taller than his ankle. Roomba looked up at him with bright eyes and lifted his little arms up towards him.

“Beep”

[Inquiry: are you experiencing a malfunction as well?]

“Nah buddy, I’m okay,” Thomas leaned down and scooped the small robot up from the floor, carrying him in the crook of his arm like a small child. “What about you? Seeing things again while you’re offline?”

“Beep.”

[Affirmative, this unit is experiencing a persistent malfunction of unknown complexity]

“Beep.”

[Diagnostics show zero fault anywhere in internal systems, and externally there were zero changes as well]

“Well don’t worry buddy, we’ll go see Miss Liz tomorrow after the shift, okay? If the two of us didn’t catch anything, a third pair of eyes might. You’ll be okay.” Thomas pat the little robot on top of his head twice before heading back to their quarters.

He sat Roomba down beside his charging plate again and half sat-half flopped onto his bed with a weary sigh. The idea of going back into his traumatic dreamscape wasn’t exactly relaxing. If the lights had been on he’d have been able to see the bags under his eyes in the mirror.

“Good night Roomba,” Thomas said, head on his pillow.

“Beep.”

[Good night Human Thomas]

A moment passed, then another. Thomas was about to take his ear piece off but stopped at the next-

“Beep.”

[I hope our malfunctions are repaired soon]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That’s him, that’s the human,” whispered one of the crew, a young Mondonian woman in a Operations Management uniform, the blue suit conflicting with her crimson skin. She was whispering, unsuccessfully, to a Zilgrat from communications as they hid around a corner a ways away from Thomas. He’d noticed them the moment he’d stepped off the lift, as they’d immediately stopped their conversation to watch him start his work.

“You’re sure that’s the human from the CORE room failure?” the Zilgrat squeaked. Thomas tried not to pay any attention to it, choosing instead to think how nice it must’ve been for them in their home system. The Zilgrats and the Mondonians had actually evolved on sister planets in the same solar system, not even separated by an asteroid belt. How nice it must’ve been for their species to have always known they weren’t alone. It was no wonder you always saw both species on the same crews in the GAIL fleets. The Mondonians looked humanoid, but with dark cherry skin and something akin to rams horns growing out the sides of their heads. Zilgrats however were almost identical to Terran ferrets, just bigger, about as big as a mid sized dog.

Thomas gave up on ignoring them and decided to wave with a small smile. They startled briefly before sheepishly approaching.

“Apologies,” said the Zilgrat, “we didn’t mean to offend. It’s just… we had never met a human before, and you’re famous.”

“I’m what?” Thomas almost shorted out the panel he was fixing in surprise.

“Famous!” said the Mondonian. “Sorry, is the word not translating? I was just saying we’ve heard of you from the rest of the crew, they all said you’re a hero.”

Aw damnit, Thomas thought. That’s still going around.

“No, no, I got the translation,” Thomas feigned a laugh, “I was just surprised. You’re talking about the CORE breach right? That wasn’t anything too serious. I was just doing my job.”

“You are in maintenance yes?” The Mondonian asked. “Your job is to repair, not risk your life. I was wondering how you even overcame the fear, it must’ve been very frightening.”

“Well you know, adrenaline kicks in, you don’t really think about how scary it is, you just do it,” Thomas shrugged, wishing he was back on the lower decks right now.

“Adrenaline?” This time it was the Zilgrat. “You had a wartime stimulant injection during this?”

“What? No,” Thomas was confused, “no, just a normal, everyday adrenaline response, no injections.”

“You are saying that humans simply produce a level 3 restricted enhancement naturally?” The Mondonian woman questioned, concerned.

“I suppose I am, yeah. It’s a survival reflex, I think most of the creatures on Earth can make the stuff no problem.”

“E24 sounds like a truly terrifying place if all your creatures can produce such a dangerous chemical unrestricted. It’s highly regulated in our home galaxy.”

“Beep.”

[Warning: threat approaching]

Thomas, confused and alarmed, looked down at Roomba by his feet, the small droid half in half out of the wall panel they were working on. He was pointing back down the hall to the lift, the doors of which were closing behind someone in a white custodian uniform, with a rocky exterior.

“Roomba, what do you mean?” Thomas asked quietly as the two crew-mates they’d been speaking to made themselves scarce.

“Beep.”

[Explanation: a scan of the security chief’s logs list this individual as a security risk]

“When did you scan his logs?!” Thomas whisper shouted, concerned.

“Beep.”

[When task queue was updated to: protect Noah]

“Beep.”

[New Task parameters dictated more information was required, so this unit downloaded necessary archives from the Security consoles]

“Fucking how?” Thomas was so certain that Chief Ducane would kill them that he wasn’t even paying attention to the Sed man walking toward them anymore. That was, until the man in question intentionally stayed course and shoulder checked Thomas into the wall.

“What the hell dude, watch where you’re going!” Thomas cried out, understandably pissed.

“Be silent, human-AHH!” The Sed man howled in pain, confusing Thomas further. He hadn’t touched the guy. Thomas looked down, eyes widening in shock. Roomba had activated the soldering torch in his finger and grabbed onto the Sed’s foot, carving a little chunk of exoskeleton off with the miniature flame. He must’ve hit flesh down there too because Thomas smelt burned meat.

“INSOLENT LITTLE SCRAP METAL!” The Sed roared.

“Roomba, stop!” Thomas called, but it was too late. The Sed man cocked back his leg and kicked the little droid into the wall with a heavy metal KLUNK!

From down on the floor came a little-

“Beep.”

[Protect the Noah]

“Beep.”

[Protect Human Thomas]

“Roomba!” Thomas shoved the Sed away will all his might, sending him sprawled to the floor, and dove down to the droid, scooping him up and making a break for it back into the lift, leaving his tools and the bastard Sed behind, who was now leaning against the wall staring death in Thomas’s direction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t know what to tell you Hardware,” Liz shrugged, “every internal diagnostic I’ve run said the little guy is running perfectly. Better than perfect.”

Roomba was sitting on the table as Liz from Biotech scanned over him with multiple pieces of equipment. Thomas stood beside her fretting, clenching and unclenching his hands.

“You’re sure he’s okay?” Thomas was wringing his hands together so much his skin had turned pale.

“Totally no damage,” Liz confirmed. “These little guys were designed to withstand massive blunt force, like the kind from getting run over by heavy machinery. Grite’s foot won’t do a thing to him.”

“Grite?”

“Yeah, at least that’s who I assume it was. Sed guy, white janitors uniform, right? Same guy who cost me an arm,” Liz folded her arms in front of her. “That guy sucks, in my professional opinion.”

“He’s that guy?” Thomas was incredulous. “How the hell is he still working here?”

“Political bullshit,” Luz said dryly. “The GAIL doesn’t want to deal this any more than we do, so we gotta wait till at least half the mission is over before we get relief personnel. At least, that’s what Danny told me.”

Danny, Thomas thought. Aw crap!

“Oh hell I’m in so much trouble!” Thomas whined. “Yeah the guy shoved me, but Roomba actually set the guy on fire! Ducane is gonna kill me.”

“God I wish I’d seen that,” Liz laughed.

“Beep.”

[Sed Grite was exhibiting hostility and violent behavior, use of force was warranted]

“Buddy, you can’t just do that, okay?” Thomas tapped the droid’s little head.

“Beep.”

[Human Thomas was threatened. Action was required]

“That’s really sweet, but you gotta be smart about it,” Thomas said, “you can’t just assault people.”

“Oh please, Grite deserved way worse,” Liz tutted, “fucker owes me an arm, but I’ll take a foot. Good job Roomba you little masterpiece.”

“Beep.”

[Affirmative, Human Liz, this unit will acquire a foot for you]

“No, no no, do not do that,” Thomas chided. “Remember, sometimes people joke buddy, don’t always take it seriously.”

“Beep.”

[Confirmed]

Thomas leaned over to whisper in Liz’s ear.

“That being said, I am going to rip that fucker apart with my teeth” Thomas said quietly, to which Liz laughed out loud.

“I’ll shoot a link to Jane, see if she can leave him in the waiting room afterwards.”

“You’re a good person,” Thomas joked. He glanced to Roomba and back again, before taking a half step further from the table, turning his back to it.

“And about that other thing we talked about? Is he okay okay?”

Liz too glanced toward the little droid before dropping her voice lower.

“As far as I can tell, he’s perfectly functional. But his code is rapidly evolving, changing its structure in a matter of nanoseconds. It’s like he’s a Padrino, but he doesn’t have any of their base directives.”

“What, so he’s got their code, but he doesn’t have to follow their rules?”

“Kind of,” Liz shrugged. “Every Padrino is a copy of the original AI construct downloaded into a mobile unit, that’s the guys we have on board. Once they’re copied, they become independent people with different experiences and perceptions. The big difference here is that eventually their base directives are to upload their memories back I to the original AI on their home planet. Follow so far?”

“Yeah, I know all this,” Thomas scoffed. “I might not have studied AI at the academy but I know how the Padrino operate.”

“Okay smart guy, here’s the kicker.” Liz pointed to Roomba. “When the Padrino on board upgraded him, they downloaded their own code into him too, without any of those directives. The Padrino might be individuals right now, but they’re all Pinocchios. I won’t deny their sentience, but they’re all following orders from the big momma back home. But your boy there doesn’t have any strings.”

“So you’re saying-”

“I’m saying he’s got a perfectly unique little mind in there, and he’s getting smarter. We’re essentially watching consciousness come into being in real time.”

“He’s been dreaming,” Thomas said softly, barely a whisper. “They aren’t malfunctions, he’s just evolving.”

“Exactly,” Liz was grinning now. “He’s gonna be a real boy soon I think.”

“You hear that buddy?” Thomas picked up the little robot. “Liz said you got a real good brain in there!”

“Beep.”

[This is accurate, yes]

“Beep.”

[Inquiry: can this unit make a request?]

“Uh, sure buddy, what do you need?”

“Beep.”

[Request: game pad please]

“Oh, sure,” Thomas pulled the tablet from his back pocket and gave it over. “But you know you don’t have to follow that task queue anymore if you don’t want to, okay?”

“Beep.”

[Acknowledged]

A short pause before the next-

“Beep.”

[The games are enjoyable]

“Beep.”

[This unit-

“Beep.”

[I like them]

“I think, if I’m right of course, that he might end up being the second fully confirmed conscious AI in the entire galaxy,” Liz said, after Thomas told her all Roomba said. “He’s showing signs of empathy, protectiveness, likes and dislikes. I could write like fifty papers on Roomba, just to start with.”

“Beep.”

[I could assist]

“My god I love him,” Liz cooed.

“I know right?” Thomas said delighted. “No more nightmares for you buddy, you’re gonna be just fine.”

Something trilled, and it took Thomas a second to realize it was his comm-link. He set Roomba down on the table and checked the message.

It was from the captain.

“Well, that was fun while it lasted, but I gotta go get fired now, so…” Thomas let the sentence drag.

“Oh, just tell him what happened, it’ll be fine. Skitch hates the guy too.”

“Can you watch Roomba for me while I go deal with this?”

“Sure. I can even watch him a little longer if you want, maybe give you some time to go see Jane maybe,” Liz seemed more serious now. Thomas turned back around and looked at her, eyebrow raised like it got caught with a fishhook.

“Why would I go see Jane?”

“Oh, I don’t know… maybe because you’ve missed your last two mandatory sessions with her?”

Thomas could feel his face getting pink.

“What makes you think so?”

“Dude, your therapy is right after mine, I pass by you in the waiting room. You haven’t seen her in weeks, and you look like you haven’t slept since then too.”

Thomas, now in a full on blush, tried to shrug it off.

“I’m sleeping fine,” he lied, hopefully convincingly, but the bags under his eyes told the truth to everyone who looked him in the eyes. “Just watch him for me, okay? I’ll think about it.”

“Just because you got a degree in psychology doesn’t mean you can do the sessions yourself.” Liz held out her cybernetic arm. “Just because I know how this works doesn’t mean I can avoid putting in the work.”

“Beep.”

[Human Thomas needs maintenance]

“I don’t know what he said, but he probably agreed with me.” Liz folded her arms again, ending the discussion.

“He did, actually, yes,” Thomas sighed. “Fine, after this if I still have my job, I’ll go to therapy.”

“Good.” Liz patted Roomba. “Now go, keep your job first.”

Thomas waved from the door and finally left. Roomba looked around the room from his perch on the table, settling on the tank of baby creatures in the wall. Liz sat down at her desk and watched him, delighted at the chance to observe.

Thomas made his way through the ship, occasionally catching stares, wondering what the future held for himself and his friends.

[violetflowers55]

Duct Tape and Band-Aids - Chapter 1

(Nightwing x fem!reader, Red Arrow x fem!reader) (not at the same time) (Young Justice)

Synopsis: As Icicle Sr's daughter, you were thrown into the foster system from birth. When your powers started to show, Batman essentially adopted you, raising you to be a superhero. But when the Joker kidnaps you and neither he nor Robin saves you, you leave the life. Now, Batman's dragged you back into it to "protect" you from The Light, forcing you to confront your past.

Notes: Reader has ice powers bc i think they’re cool and underused. Minimal Y/N usage. Changed canon slightly, basically the events of the s1 finale didn’t happen. Slow burn.

CW: Kidnapping, Angst

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six years ago

The city lights glowed beneath you, providing needed light under the dark night sky. It was a mild night, maybe a bit chilly. The world around you slept, only the occasional car engine disturbing the peace. Well, and Robin’s infectious laugh.

Your legs swung over the rooftop, happily laughing along with him. Batman had received shaky intel the Joker was going to strike tonight, but it had been hours without even a peep. The clocktower bells clanged, striking three in the morning. You leaned back on your palms and looked at Robin.

“You think he’s gonna show?”

“Nah, he’s probably too scared of us,” Robin laughed, “but Batman will kill us if we leave.”

You made a noise of agreement before tilting your head back to gaze at the stars. It was rare the Gotham sky was clear enough to see them.

“They’re beautiful,” you said softly.

“Yeah… beautiful,” Robin sighed, pulling you from the sky to look at him. He blushed and looked away when you caught him staring at him. You stretched your fingers to close the gap between your hands, brushing his fingers. He slowly looked back at you, the two of you holding comfortable eye contact until he spoke again.

“You know, I don’t even really mind if the Joker doesn’t show. At least… at least I got to spend some more time with you.”

He was nervous, in a way you’d never heard him be before. It was funny how he could be so calm fighting supervillains yet still got so nervous around you. You scooched over to him, your arms lightly pressing against each other. The wind softly blew past the two of you as you both leaned in to each other.

Right as your lips were about to touched, you were yanked off the rooftop. A hard rope wrapped around your arms and torso, pulling you into the air. You flailed, trying to find where it was coming from. Above you, a familiar cackle sounded through the air. Your stomach sank. You looked up to see the Joker in a hot air balloon basket, with a balloon shaped like his head. Two of his goons pulled on the rope wrapped around you, lifting you up towards the basket. You struggled to move your arms in the confines of the rope. Realizing you couldn’t do anything, you turned back to Robin.

“ROBIN! Help!” you screeched, fear overtaking your body.

He threw a batterang at the balloon, but it bounced right off. The goons finally pulled you into the basket, and you tried to kick and bite at them. One of them wrapped his arms around you to restrain you while the other placed a cloth over your mouth. As your vision went black, you stared at Robin standing on the rooftop. He didn’t move. He didn’t call for Batman. He just stood there, staring.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Present Day

Darkness greeted you as you swung open the door to your apartment. You flicked the dim yellow lights on and shucked your shoes off, flopping onto your couch with a groan. You stared up at the peeling paint on your ceiling, contemplating all the choices you made that led you here. You laid there, feet aching, until your stomach growled. With another groan, you swung yourself up and made the short walk to your tiny kitchen.

As your pizza rolls cooked, you looked out the window, thoroughly checking everywhere in eyeshot. After all, you could take the girl out of Gotham, but you couldn’t take the Gotham paranoia out of her. The oven timer dinged, pulling you away. You unceremoniously tilted the tray to pour them onto a plate before heading into your bedroom. You pulled out your laptop to watch Youtube while you ate, making yourself comfortable in bed, crumbs be damned.

Just as the first ad ended and your video was about to start, your window shattered. A dark, hulking figure rolled through the now empty pane, landing on the broken glass. You froze in your bed, racking your brain for defense strategies. When the figure straightened, you noticed familiar pointed ears atop his cowl.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” you grumbled, slamming you laptop shut, “Did you have to break my window? That’s gonna be so expensive to fix!”

Batman looked perplexed by your concern over the cost of a broken window. He expected you to be more upset over his presence, not over how he got into your apartment.

“Sorry. I’ll pay for it.”

You rolled your eyes. Of course he would.

“How the hell did you even find me?” you asked.

“I made a list of possible pseudonyms you’d use, searched for colleges with students under those names, then hacked the security cameras of those schools and ran a facial recognition software.”

He said it so matter-of-factly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. All the effort you put into forging a birth certificate, a social security card, and a high school diploma was for nothing. It probably didn’t even take him a full day to find you. Thinking about it, a realization dawned on you.

“So… you could’ve found me at any time?” The answer was obvious, but you wanted to hear him say it. He paused for a moment, thinking over his next words carefully.

“Yes. But I thought it would be best to leave you alone.”

You scoffed. “Well, you thought right. Whatever alien army or mystical being or juiced up supervillain is threatening the world, I don’t care.”

You reopened your laptop and resumed your video, hoping he would take the hint. He didn’t, and instead stepped forward to close the laptop.

“It’s not the world that’s in danger. It’s you,” his voice was serious, but then again, it almost always was.

“Yeah, sure,” you sarcastically replied, “and if I don’t go with you right now, the word is going to end.”

You got up from your bed, beelining towards the kitchen to reheat your now-lukewarm pizza rolls. Batman backed into the doorframe, his large figure blocking you entirely.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t serious,” he rumbled.

“It’s always serious, Batman,” you said, letting out an exasperated sigh, “that’s my point. Everyone’s always in danger, the world’s always about to end, and guess what? There’s a whole league full of superheroes to stop it. You don’t need me.”

You tried to push past him again, but he held up his hand, physically stopping you.

“I’m not here to recruit you. I’m here to help you. We have credible intel operatives of The Light are on their way here to capture you. We need to get you someplace safe, now.”

“I don’t need your help,” you snapped, shouldering past him, “Been on my own for six years, I can handle myself.”

“Maybe so. But the risk to the world if they catch you is-“ he cut himself off, but he had already said plenty. Now you understood why he came.

“I see,” you mused, leaning back against the countertop, “it’s not about protecting me. It’s about protecting the world from me.”

He stood there silently, stoically, shrouded in darkness. You could barely see his face, much less make out the expression on it. He hesitated to confirm your suspicions. It was unsavory, but true.

“It’s both.”

Of course it was. He didn’t care enough about you to come just to protect you. The world would always be more important.

“So, what, I’m just supposed to hang at some hideout until the bad guys get bored?”

“I have a plan,” he started, a bottle breaking in the alleyway halting him momentarily, “I’ll explain later. We have to go. Now.”

Anger was starting to bubble up inside you. He reached to grab your arm, and you violently shook him off.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” you spat, “You didn’t save me six years ago, I did, and that’s what I’ll do now.”

The rusty fire ladder outside your window squeaked. It was probably the neighbors kid - that’s what you’d tell yourself any other night - but it was harder to believe that tonight. You rushed back into your bedroom and frantically changed into your old suit in the closet. It was small, but luckily stretchy enough to still fit decently. Batman followed, standing guard in front of the broken window.

“That was six years ago,” he grumbled.

“Yeah, and I remember it like it was yesterday,” you stepped out of the closet, almost bumping into him.

Seeing you in your old costume, memories came rushing back to him. The memories of that night weighed on his mind. The ladder squeaked again, and he finally confessed.

“I didn’t rescue you because I didn’t know.”

His words hit you like a truck. How could he not know? He was Batman. He knew everything.

“You…didn’t know?”

“Robin never told me. I only found out when you called” his voice was pained, raspy.

Everything you thought you knew, the grudge you held for so long, the life you made for yourself… was wrong? Your brain swirled with too many thoughts - anger at Robin, anger at yourself, anger at Batman for not telling you sooner. Six years you had carried this hatred. What if you had known? Could life be different, could you be happy, could you be living somewhere other than this rundown apartment, dodging rent collection, working overtime, struggling in school-

The ladder squeaked again, breaking you out of your thoughts.

“Can we go now?”

You nodded silently, still shell-shocked by this revelation. He flew out the window, grappling over to the rooftop across your building. You followed him across several rooftops until he finally stopped. He opened a door on the rooftop and gestured for you to go inside. It seemed odd to you the hideout was so close, but maybe that was a good thing. The bad guys would never suspect you’d hide so close to your home.

Recognized: Icegirl, E-0-2, a computer voice spoke. Lights flashed around you, and the next thing you knew, you were stepping into a bright, large room. A group of spandex-cald heroes - presumably - stood around a floating computer display. Their heads all turned to look at you as Batman walked out from behind you. One wearing a black suit emblazoned with a blue bird stepped towards you, a grin spreading across his face.

“Icegirl!” he exclaimed, reaching his hand out, “Nice to see you’re still alive after all this time.”

“Sorry, who are you?”

You didn’t really keep up with superhero news anymore. Some of them you could guess at who they were, like the boy with the Superman shirt was probably Superboy, but you had no guess for this guy.

“Nightwing? Oh, well,” he sheepishly laughed, “I guess you haven’t seen me since I was Robin.”

[loveandpeaceanddoughnuts]

meanest dog

Caleb x MC inspired by Orpheus & Eurydice

cw: heavy angst, hurt/no comfort, graphic depictions of violence, mind manipulation, memory loss, lads spoilers "The meanest dog you'll ever meet; It ain't the hound dog in the street. He bares some teeth and tears some skin; But, brother, that's the worst of him. The dog you REALLY got to dread, Is the one that howls inside your head. Its him whose howling drives men mad, And a mind to its undoing." -Hadestown When MC is captured by Ever, Caleb vows to get her back, no matter the cost. No one can stand in his way. But to bring her back home, he will forced to grapple with the only person he isn't sure he can defeat- himself. Inspired by the mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice and the Hadestown concept album/musical. If you know the story, you know how this ends. an: this one is outside of my writing comfort zone as both longform and angst, but I'm excited to share something new! thank you so much for reading. [Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3] [ao3]

Caleb wipes blood from his cheek with a gloved fingertip. He’s disgusted by the gall of these worthless men, obstacles in his way to her. How dare they? He strides from the control room and releases his Evol, hardly hearing the slam of bodies against the floor as they fall from his hold. A low-ranking officer is cowering in the hallway of the ship, his face drawn in terror as Caleb advances.

“Where is she?” He snarls, flinging out a hand. The man is thrown against the wall, his throat crushed under an impossible pressure. 

He strains to gasp, “I…I don’t know…!”

Caleb twitches his fingertips, and the man’s airway almost collapses. He wheezes, “The Professor’s base! E-Ever, they need to neutralize her, she wouldn’t-” The man’s neck snaps with a wet crack. He’s dead before he hits the ground.

“I should have guessed.” Caleb straightens his uniform and punches a few numbers into his comm. “Lucius?” He waits as static crackles over the line. “I know you can hear me. I’m coming.” It’s taken a lot of searching, a lot of bodies. But the Colonel has the information he needs. 

MC is being held by Ever. His worst nightmares have climbed through his head and come true. He clenches his jaw, warding off mental images of what they could be doing right now, how they could be hurting her… He reaches for his necklace and presses his lips to the cool metal. He imagines that she can feel it.

Caleb moves quickly to his plane, swinging himself into the cockpit. He brushes his fingertips against the picture of her nestled on his dashboard, a takeoff ritual that he can’t skip, even now. Sparks of electricity singe his fingertips at the touch. With a roar of engines the Colonel is airborne. Adrenaline radiates out from his chest, flowing down his arms and legs like ice water. The familiar sensations of flying smooth the jagged edges of his fury. 

Realistically, there’s only one place she could be. It’s where he was first experimented on, where the most sophisticated equipment is kept, with the highest-level security. None of that will stop him. He plots a flight path in his ship’s navigation system, then settles back in his seat. He begins regulating himself, running mental checklists, breathing deep and counting through the exhales until his heart slows. They want him panicked, vulnerable- primed to overload the goddamn Chip. Instead, he’ll be prepared.

The base is silent when he arrives. The sound of his heavy boots on the metal bridge rattle the walls. He scans the room, eyes narrowed. Signs of a hasty retreat litter the space, scattered papers, blinking screens, even a half-eaten sandwich. Caleb laughs, low in his throat. 

“Scared of me?” He strides to the far door, pressing his palm to the biometric lock. It slides open with a cold blast of pressurized air, the reader flashing green. So they haven’t locked him out just yet. “Good.”

He knows that he has to keep some level of calm. The Toring chip feels like a burning ember in his chest, flaring whenever he tips into hysteria. She’s here, somewhere. He takes slow breaths, trying to push out his senses, tendrils seeking out the heat and heart of MC. He can always feel her. He will always find her. 

A sudden wetness blooms from his fingertips, and Caleb lifts his right hand to his face. He’d been clenching his fist so hard that his nails have bitten into his palm, leaving ragged half-moons trickling blood. Painless wounds on his synthetic skin. Caleb reaches out and wipes his hand against the wall as he walks on, leaving behind a red smear of himself. Maybe it’ll point the way back out. Maybe MC will see it and know he was searching.

The base is like a labyrinth, hallways ending in smooth gray walls, nondescript rooms blending into each other, signs that contradict themselves and others that outright lie. He doubles back on himself a few dozen times before he decides to leave a trail behind- overturned chairs, broken windows, occasionally more splotches of his blood. None of it matters. If doing so could guarantee his path to her, Caleb would leave behind his own limbs.

The silence grows oppressive, clawing at him like an animal as he presses on. He thumbs his dogtags, trying to steady his nerves. Though the place has every appearance of being abandoned, it begins to feel too perfect. Calculated. Like he’s being watched. The path he’s been following stops at another dead end. 

“Lucius!” He shouts. The metal walls reflect his voice into a dizzying cacophony. “I know you can hear me!” His vision is going fuzzy at the edges, his rage blinding. “I know you have her!” A sharp pain bursts behind one eye and he stumbles, swearing.

He slams his metal fist into the closest wall. It buckles under the force of the blow, and he wishes it were flesh and bone. “I’ll carve my own path through here if you try to keep me out!” Silence. But Caleb can still feel them listening. There’s a thrum through his mechanical veins, like they can sense their maker.

“You need me more than I need you, Lucius.” He laughs bitterly. “I’m Ever’s greatest investment, aren’t I?” He unholsters and cocks his gun. He inspects the weapon as he speaks, his movements almost casual. “Imagine what a loss it would be, of time, of money, if I just…” He  lifts the gun and presses the barrel against his temple. Its weight is soothing. There’s still no answer, but he knows he’s in control. He whispers into the emptiness. “We both know I’m not bluffing, Lucius.” He keeps the bullet aimed at his brain and faces back to the dead end hall, waiting.   

For a few moments, all he can hear is his own pounding heartbeat. Then the wall slides back with a screech of metal-on-metal. Caleb smirks in triumph and flashes a sloppy salute at the ceiling. He lowers the gun as he walks into the new room. It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light.

The room looks and smells like a medical bay. Empty workstations flank the entrance. A hospital cot is in the center of the back wall, nestled in a forest of tubes and wires. The faint tones of a dozen different machines sing together in a low chorus, like insects on a summer night. Men in white coats cluster around the cot, and they turn as one unit when Caleb walks forward. The moment he sees what’s they’re surrounding, their fates are sealed.

One man steps in front of the rest, his arms out in front of them like he wanted to be some kind of hero. He trembles at the look in Caleb’s eyes, and it’s the last thing he would ever do. He slams into the ground so hard that the floor panel cracks, followed by his ankles, his knees, and his hips as he crumples like a paper fan. 

Caleb’s already stepping over his body, ignoring the blood that sticks to his boots. His muscles ache already, strung like a livewire. A wave of force knocks the other men away like an afterthought, left to crumple and moan in different corners of the room. All he can see is her face.

MC’s eyes are closed, sunken into dark shadows, her face drawn and pale. The muscles of her jaw are clenched, her brow furrowed in pain, and it makes him burn . He reaches down to stroke the wrinkles from her forehead and cups her cheek gently in his palm.

“I’m sorry it took me so long. But I’m here now, okay? I won’t let them hurt you.” He turns his gaze to the snarl of machines, quickly unplugging whatever is closest, focused on untangling her from the sick web. 

One of the scientists on the ground murmurs weakly, “Don’t- you don’t know what you’re doing- she’s delicate… ”

The tenderness on Caleb’s face is ripped away in an instant, replaced by a snarl. “Don’t you fucking dare.” The man’s face bulges grotesquely, compressing in on itself under an impossible pressure. “Don’t talk about her. Don’t even fucking think about her, you piece of shit.” He knocks a machine over and the man burbles uselessly through swelling lips. “ I know what’s best for her. You’re nothing but a-”

“Ca-leb…?”

The mangled man is forgotten instantly. The furious Colonel disappears, and it’s Caleb who spins back to the bedside, frantic. “Pips? Can you hear me?” He leans over the bed, desperately searching her face. Her eyes squint open a fraction.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-” He shushes her, but she fights to get the words out. “Caleb, it hurts…” 

There’s a high, thin scream in the back of Caleb’s head. The sound makes his teeth ache, a bloom of metallic-tasting pain. He feels rage surging up his throat, burning like bile, but the noise is too loud. It’s drowning out her voice, the ragged words she’s gritting out. He can’t hear, he can’t see- the sound is crawling into his eyes, blacking out his vision. He drops to one knee without meaning to. Somewhere very far away, MC is calling for him, but his body won’t react. 

Then it’s over. The world swims for a moment like a half-developed photograph, then snaps into place. He shakes his head and stands. “Pips? Can you hear me?”

She’s sitting up against the wall, pressing her hand to her mouth. “Caleb, what happened to you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You went…blank.”

He shakes his head, his smile stretched too tight. “I’m fine.” He isn’t sure what just happened, but he shoves down his fear. “I’m here now.” Caleb gathers her up in the thin sheet and lifts her gently into his arms. She feels far too light, even without his Evol. “I’m taking you home.”

“I’m so tired ,” she whispers, curling into his grasp. He runs his hands over her body, checking quickly for wounds. A constellation of bruising puncture wounds litter the inside of her elbows, evidence of repeated injections. Some of the openings are ragged around the edges. He finds thin slashes across her palms and forearms- defensive wounds.

“You fought,” he says softly. Not a question, not a surprise- but a damnation. She fought, and he wasn’t there.

“I knew you were coming for me.” He feels a nauseating buzz in his back teeth when she smiles at him.

“Of course. Of course I did. I always will.” He kisses the top of her head with trembling lips. The men littered at their feet have gone silent. Most would never make a sound again, and the thought fills Caleb with a fierce pride. He turns to the door, but there’s a figure blocking the exit. The man steps into the light with an even smile.

“Colonel. How wonderful to see you again.”

“ Lucius. ” In a heartbeat, the Professor is off the ground. He doesn’t react, even as Caleb’s Evol hurls him back against the wall. 

“Now now, Colonel. You’re a guest here. That’s no way to behave.”

Caleb can hardly form words, barely able to think through his fury. “You told me she wouldn’t be involved. How dare you? How dare you?!”

Lucius merely chuckles. “I’ve broken no promises to you. Your partner came of her own volition, isn’t that right?”

Caleb’s stomach twists. His gaze drops to MC, and he unconsciously loosens his Evol. Lucius slips a few inches down the wall.

“He’s lying.” He says it like a statement, but Caleb is almost shaking with the need to hear MC deny it, to prove him wrong. The silence that stretches before her answer drives a knife into his heart.

“It’s the truth. Caleb, I’m so sorry- I just wanted more information, I wanted to help you, and there was no one else that could give it to me- I should’ve known…” 

Lucius’s feet hit the ground with a thud that neither of them hear. 

“How could you do this? What made you think you could bargain with them?” Caleb’s voice rises and his hands tighten on MC’s limbs until she lets out a soft cry of pain. He lets go, his eyes wide and unfocused.

“I should’ve known-” She tries again, but he cuts her off. 

“They manipulated you. They tricked you into coming here. It was a trap, an experiment- they’ve wanted you from the start. Wanted to get to you through me.” He whirls on Lucius. “But it’s not going to work. We’re leaving, and you’re never going to lay a hand on her again. Not here, not in Linkon, not over my dead body.”

Lucius spreads his arms wide. “I’m certainly not going to imprison you here. Or her,” he quickly adds at Caleb’s snarl. “Neither of you will remain here against your will.” His placid smile takes on a cruel edge. “Your will being the operative word.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Caleb snaps. His skin itches, his muscles burning to move, to get MC as far away as fast as he can. He retraces the steps to his ship in his head, mapping how quickly he can get there. Lucius clears his throat like a teacher scolding a distracted child.

“As I was saying.” He steps away from the wall, brushing imaginary dust from his jacket. “Do you really think you can leave here with her without burning a hole through your head?” Lucius clicks his tongue in mock-pity. “I’m sure you’ve noticed how…volatile you’ve become, Colonel.”

“Caleb? What is he talking about?” MC’s voice is strained, her body still exhausted and aching. But he knows her well enough to see that she’s readying herself, calling on whatever reserves of strength remain to get her through what comes next, be it fighting or fleeing. He loves her. He loves her so desperately that it feels like his ribs might crack. It doesn’t matter what the old man is talking about, not now.

“Answer her,” he growls at Lucius.

“You’re a machine that’s breaking down, Colonel. Don’t you feel it? Those safeguards you so ingeniously built around your weakness…your heart. ” He gestures derisively at MC. “They’re burning out your circuits.” Caleb is frozen as he listens, and Lucius takes the opportunity to move closer, circling them. “Whenever you start to feel just a little too much. Love, rage, fear…it hurts , doesn’t it? And the body has ways of defending itself from that hurt.”

“Caleb, are you in pain?” MC’s looking up at him anxiously, trying to shift out of his arms, but his grip is firm. He still doesn’t react.

“I know you’ve been blacking out, Colonel. We know everything you’re experiencing. It’s a shame, really, that such an illustrious member of the Farspace Fleet would succumb to self-destruction. So far from the noble hero he tries to play, isn’t it?” His last words are directed at MC, and she manages to scramble out of Caleb’s hold, brimming with fury. 

“You don’t know anything about him,” she says. “Putting a fucking chip in his body isn’t enough to take away my Caleb.” 

“But that’s exactly the problem,” Lucius replies smoothly. “Your Caleb was adamant that we not disturb any of his precious memories of you with our…augmentations. Too sacred for our improvements, it seems. And we both know how stubborn he can be.” MC steps forward, her hands balled into fists, but he doesn’t falter. “It’s your Caleb who wired a bomb into his mind. For you.” She steps back, stunned into silence. She turns helplessly to Caleb, and his eyes slowly focus on her.

“MC, I-” The screaming pain returns, sharpening into an icy needle that pierces the base of his skull. Caleb snaps his mouth shut, clenching his jaw so hard that he’s afraid he might crack a tooth. The figure of MC blurs and doubles as she rushes to his side. She presses her hand to his forehead, but the touch feels like a flame. It’s all he can do to swallow a scream at the contact. “Please,” he begs, not sure if he wants her to try again or back away. He hates the tremble in his voice.

Lucius watches with a grim expression. “You see? He can’t take much more of this. He’ll lose consciousness shortly.” MC advances on Lucius again, her expression murderous. They confiscated her weapons when they took her hostage, but she doesn’t need a gun or blade to kill.

“Tell me what to do. Tell me how to fix him!” She shoves Lucius back against the wall, and he holds his hands up in a lazy surrender. 

“You can’t fix him. You’re the one who broke him.”

Speaking feels like spitting poison. “Don’t- don’t listen to him. They wanted to erase- my memories- erase you …” He heaves himself up to a crouch. “I had to protect us. I don’t…don’t regret it-” He breaks off to cough, spattering the floor with crimson droplets of blood. 

“Any moment now,” Lucius intones in MC’s ear. “He’ll be out cold.”

“You first, bastard.” She punches him squarely in the jaw and his eyes roll back. But the Professor wasn’t wrong. Behind her, Caleb slumps to the ground in a faint. The last thing he sees is the fear in MC’s eyes before everything goes black.

[cerastes]

Was thinking about the hypothetical Arknights action game stuff from awhile back again, what enemies/story characters do you think would make for some sick boss fights?

Oh, I like this one. Just to name a few:

Patriot: The first that comes to mind is Patriot, as an enemy that would push the game systems of an action game to its limit. In concept, I like to imagine it in the way the true final boss of Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon goes: You have your playable character, which I would like to say is Amiya for this case, and your big damage opportunities come from interference ran by Rosmontis clashing with Patriot and Rhodes Island Snipers and Casters barraging him by Elysium's instruction. Patriot is also perfect to load a ton of mix-ups onto by virtue of him being able to do both gigantic, slower attacks and barrages of quick lunges. He could be a setpiece boss and a straight up skill check boss in equal measures.

Bishop Quintus: Yeah, man's Yamcha as far as bosses go, BUT in the context of a character action game with tight movesets and mechanics, a gigantic tentacled boss that can spawn more and more tentacles from everywhere in the arena, has laser attacks, and was explicitly Devil May Cried for a while by Specter when she was literally air comboing it by leaping from falling rock to falling rock as she unleashed a Sexy Smokin' Style kinda beatdown on him? Yeah I would very much love to control an Abyssal Hunter in a fight against this thing.

Faust: Hear me out. In the context of a full on high impact high speed action game, Faust would be heaven to fight. Between the ability to shoot a hugely powerful bolt, the ability to turn invisible, the turrets, and imagining him hoping around for a stylish mix of melee and ranged combat, yeah, I'm a believer. I like to imagine a scripted part of the fight where he hides and starts charging a truly massive shot, with the Arts humming from the sheer power. In the arena, there's also a lot of his snipers to run diversion and make it harder to find him. Normal people will find him and hit him out of the charge. COOL people will find him, taunt to trigger a MUCH faster charge, and then use a counter to catch the supercharged shot and return it to him a la Nero Buster counters in DMC4.

Full Power Big Ugly Thing & Eunectes: Remember Full Power Big Ugly Thing? No, not the one running on emergency fumes and jury rigged power sources, the actual fully geared version, powered by the airplane engine? The one that sent Gavial flying into the sky Team Rocket style? That one, that one should be some sort of secret fight. An actual brickhouse of immense, unfair power, only for the gamerest of gamers to cut their teeth with, punctuated with a final, high impact duel with Eunectes herself as the burning wreck and the originium fires make for a makeshift ring.

FrostNova: Legitimately, I think FrostNova would make That Moment in an action game. That Moment, That Boss, the one everyone remembers. Her skill set and aesthetic is supreme, the way ice can be used for both style and gameplay, alongside the actual emotional beat of throwing down with FrostNova as her life literally evaporates. Creating ice weapons that break with each attack just to have another one ready for the next swing, diverse moveset, dangerous at all ranges, highly mobile due to sliding on ice, giving the player high mobility as well (I love when boss gimmicks also can be used by the player in some way), there's just SO much one could do with a FrostNova fight, it'd probably my dream fight if done with love.

Endspeaker/Amaia: The concept of an ever-evolving boss with multiple forms has so much potential, TOO much potential, it's hard to fill those shoes, but if you do, imagine. In my dream of dreams, each phase/form of Endspeaker would grow resilient and even develop specific counters to your habits, in the shape of better dodge maneuvering against specific, high usage moves, and even counterattacks if you use some too much. The best way to go about this boss is to actually use your whole moveset, and even then, you want to ration specific parts of it depending on the phase. Plus, the latter forms of Endspeaker/Amaia are legitimately wicked looking and I think would look eerie and breathtaking in motion, with all those flowing parts constrasting with its sharp, long claws.

[bigasswritingmagnet]

Blood Will Out ch 9 - The Enemy Approaches

Summary: When Agatha Sannikova learns she is, in fact, Agatha Heterodyne, she inadvertently kicks off a series of events that reopens old wounds, drags secrets into the light, and brings war to the doorstep of the all but defenseless Mechanicsburg. Saturnus struggles to crush his enemies with a town almost as broken as his body; Agatha, determined to undo the chaos she's unleashed, plunges into the depths of Castle Heterodyne.

Raised by a literal saint and the devil incarnate, Agatha - with an unleashed mind, a burning spark, and a band of very unexpected allies - will fight to do the unthinkable: be a good Heterodyne and a good person.

< Prev chapter | A03 link | Next chapter>

Mid-afternoon, the telegraph system went down.

At 5:15 pm exactly, a Corbettite monk, incandescent with rage and trailed by a nearly hysterical pack of tourists, appeared at the gate to inform them that the train tracks just outside the mouth of the valley had been sabotaged.

The next day, the usual stream of visitors and tradesmen died to a trickle before drying up entirely.

The Storm Lords were marching on Mechanicsburg.

Anticipation filled the air like humidity before a thunderstorm – filling the lungs and sticking to skin, leaving them all sweating on a cool spring day. And yet, in a strange way, the people of Mechanicsburg were enjoying themselves. For the first time in over a decade – honestly, in over two decades – they had a Heterodyne stomping around town, shouting orders and working on machines of chaos and destruction.

And Saturnus was in his element. The town had changed in the last fifteen years, but it was still Mechanicsburg, his town, his engine of beautiful destruction. Despite the stiffness in his fingers and the weakness in his heart, he could still feel Mechanicsburg singing in his blood. Every minute spent breathing life back into her, he felt more and more alive himself.

Mechanicsburg needed a Heterodyne, but so, too, did a Heterodyne need Mechanicsburg.

He wished Agatha could have joined him. He wanted to share it with her the way he had – briefly, when they were young and had not yet had an understanding of good or evil, when they had not learned to turn away from all that Saturnus was – shared it with Bill and Barry. But it wasn’t safe. Oh, Sturmhalten’s invasion was absolutely going to incite others. When word got out, Agatha's reputation as an incompetent might be deemed irrelevant, or perhaps dismissed as an act. But if they could maintain even a sliver of plausible deniability, they could at least keep some of them at bay.

Fortunately – surprisingly – Agatha did not protest. She had been perfectly willing to spend the last two days sequestering herself inside the house, working on some gadget or other with the Sturmvoraus boy. Saturnus did not approve in the slightest for a variety of reasons, up to and including continuing the proud tradition of grandfathers everywhere refusing to believe any boy could be good enough for his granddaughter.

He allowed it, however, on the grounds that Sturmvoraus made a useful, if somewhat galling, smokescreen. Agatha was not a Spark. She was simply helping Tarvek, getting caught up in his madness the way any Mechanicsburger would.

But he didn’t like it.

“A Sturmvoraus! And a Valois!” he exclaimed to the minion currently assisting him in converting the shaved ice machine back into a railgun that shot icicles two meters long. “Both in one body, you might as well befriend an actual viper! He picks locks, she said!”

The minion stifled a yawn; a rant was no good for getting you fired up in the morning when it was one you’d been listening to for two days. Saturnus yanked out the gyroscopic converter that had been gnawed to pieces by rust rats and tossed it aside. He began to adjust the wires and gears, making room for the new, slightly larger, but more efficient converter he had built. 

“Is he a Spark or a common burglar? I’ve never picked a lock in my life! What’s wrong with a good blowtorch, I ask you? Or a miniaturized self-propelled battering ram? Lockpicks.”

He reached out and felt along the nearby table for the converter, which he was sure he’d set within arm’s reach.

“What did you need, my Lord?” the minion asked, snapping back to attention. Before Saturnus could answer, the converter was pushed into his questing fingers. Saturnus grunted in approval, glanced up, and did a double take.

Vole was not quite standing to attention, but his stiff-backed posture was not too far off.

Captain, Carson had said. It was doubtful that Mechanicsburg had enough fighting to keep him truly happy, but he’d clearly not suffered for it. He looked strong and well-fed; his uniform crisp and immaculate; his hat tall, if understated in decoration.

Saturnus tried not to look at said decoration, the Wulfenbach house sigil prominent and unmistakable. A gleaming reminder of Saturnus’ failure.

“De scouts from de far side of der valley haff returned. De army is here. It vill be at der valls in four hours.”

“Damn,” Saturnus said. “Well, the brat said two days and that’s what we got. Where’s Carson?”

Vole’s lip curled. “Dealing vit der tourists.”

“Ah, good. They’ll make excellent meat shields.” He caught the look on Vole’s face and sighed. “He’s getting them somewhere safe and out of the way, isn’t he?”

“Yez, sir.”

Saturnus made a noise of disgust and rolled his eyes. Even with Bill and Barry gone, the cleansing fire had scoured too deep. It might take decades for Mechanicsburg to go properly rotten again – if ever, considering Teodora’s effect on its heiress presumptive.

“You,” he said to the minion. “Go tell Teodora. I want her and Agatha in that house until this is over. She is not to open the door to anyone that isn’t me or Carson.”

The minion nodded, but hesitated, glancing at Vole.

“Go!” Saturnus bellowed, and the minion scampered off.

Only then did Saturnus realize this meant he and Vole were now alone.

They had not been avoiding each other. It was simply that the things they were working on were too important to leave to other people, and so necessitated any communication be sent via a third party.

Vole held out a folded piece of paper.

“De scouts’ report. Vut dey saw of de army before dey ran.”

Saturnus glanced at the paper, then at the device in his hand, and turned back to the icicle railgun. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to think about less: the last time he’d had Vole at his side, or the last time he’d seen Vole.

It’s not his fault!

No! It vuz willful. He tried to kill dem because he vanted dem dead! By Lord Villiam’s order, he lives, but not effen de Heterodyne could compel us to allow dis vun to stay a Jӓger.   

“I need to finish this damn thing,” he said, and waved off the report. “Tell me while I work.”

There was a silent moment where Saturnus could not bring himself to look at Vole, but then Vole unfolded the paper and started to read out the list. Soon Saturnus was distracted by the grim picture the report painted.

Airships, battle clanks, cannon towers, foot soldiers, monsters...

“The Geisterdamen?”

“Dey did not see dem.”

“They’ll be here somewhere,” Saturnus said.

“Yez. I sent de Black Sqvad out to search for dem.” The rustling of paper again, as Vole tucked the report away. “Deze is not exact numbers. De scouts did not stay long. It vuz more important dot dey let us know dey vuz here.”

“No, no, they did right. Hopefully the next group will be able to get a better look.” He finished attaching the wires and selected one of the small brass rods that would form the cage to hold the mechanism away from the engine’s pistons.

“Dis iz more den I thought Sturmhalten vould be able to get hold of dis qvickly. Dey dun have a standing army.” 

“The Fifty Families are always ready for a fight,” Saturnus said. Using two pliers, he twisted a rod into the shape he needed before welding it in place. “Sturmvoraus probably had them hidden in his basement or something.”

“Sturmhalten dun use siege engines,” Vole countered. Absentmindedly, he picked up a rod from the pile and twisted it into the new shape with his bare hands. “Dey dun march out at all. Dey trick de enemy into attacking dem, so dey can fight from behind deir own valls – und it lets dem claim dot dey iz de victims.”

Saturnus took the twisted rod from Vole, snorting disdainfully.

“Hah, and they only do that if they think they can’t get away with sending their damn Smoke Knights after the person they want dead.”

Even before the rod was set, Vole had twisted another. He passed it to Saturnus.

“He picks locks!” Saturnus exclaimed. 

“Hy know, Hy saw. Vuz pathetic. Und he can’t take a hit eidder. De whole family is like dot, dey neffer do anyting to hyu face if dey can help it.”

“But they must have had the army already,” Saturnus said. “The Sturmvoraus boy got here barely twelve hours after Agatha did, and his father was two days behind him – and that’s on foot, with the siege engines. It takes time to gather those forces if they aren’t with you already. You can’t pop round to the neighbors and say hullo, I’m launching an invasion, can I borrow a cup of air support.”

“I iz telling hyu,” Vole insisted. “Dey got dem from somevere else. De airships are big. If der prince already had dem, I vould haff seen dem ven I vent to—”

Vole cut himself off, but it was too late. The illusion shattered, both abruptly, painfully remembering that this was no longer normal. Saturnus was not Vole’s Heterodyne. Vole was not his Jäger. Saturnus’ chest ached in a way that had nothing to do with his heart – not the muscle, anyway.

No one had asked Vole to get Agatha, but he had gone anyway.

Nobody needed to ask him.

Hy alvays know vut hyu need.

But Vole had told Agatha he was concerned only that if the Baron found out, he would think he was still working for Saturnus. Because he wasn’t.

“Carson thought you might have something to do with it, with you coming back the same night as Agatha, and Sturmvoraus knowing you by name,” Saturnus said, carefully. 

“Und vut did hyu tink?” Vole asked, just as carefully.

“I knew what happened the second Carson said you’d arrived when Agatha did.” He tinkered very deliberately with the guts of the machine, not able to bring himself to look at Vole. “Only made Agatha cough it up so Carson wouldn’t be distracted.”

There was a moment of quiet.

“I think I owe you a debt,” Saturnus muttered. 

“Hyu dun owe me a debt.”

“Restitution, then.”

“Hyu dun owe me anyting.”

Slowly, Saturnus looked up at him. Vole’s expression held no anger or malice or bitterness – none of the things Saturnus would have expected. None of the things Saturnus deserved. Only solemnity, a kind that was quite odd to see on any Jäger – or ex-Jäger’s – face.

“You can’t say that,” Saturnus said. “Not after—”

The alarm gongs began to ring.

“Dot is too soon,” Vole said, once more the captain of Mechanicsburg’s occupying guards, all professionalism. “Dey cannot be here already.”

“Something’s here.”

Saturnus maneuvered the chair towards the door and nearly ran into Carson coming the other way. The man was ashen.

“Soldiers coming from the east of the valley,” he said.

“The east? “

“Impossible,” Vole said. “Dere iz no vay Sturmhalten could get around der valley dot fast!”

“They aren’t coming from Sturmhalten,” Carson said. “They’re coming from the Refuge of Storms.”

The Knights of Jove. The Refuge of Storms, Sturmhalten – all heirs to the Lightning Crown, the legacy of that damnable Storm King.

“Oh, hell,” Saturnus said. No, that didn’t feel right. He slammed his fist down on the table, sending the little metal rods flying as the old fury burned to life. “They want to come for Mechanicsburg? Let them come! Let them beat themselves bloody against our walls! We will slaughter them like the animals they are! The survivors will decorate the mouth of the valley, and their dying screams will sing to Europa a reminder of why the Heterodynes are feared!”

Much better.

Carson fairly leapt out of the way as Saturnus sent the chair storming out of the room and down the battlements to the east wall. The once-Lord Heterodyne was so swept up in his madness, he did not notice the look on Vole’s face.

But Carson did.

For the first time, he felt something like pity for the ex-Jäger, and left hurriedly before Vole sensed it and killed him.

The people of Mechanicsburg erupted into an even greater flurry of activity. Weapons were prepared in double-time, active repairs wrapped up with creditable speed, the young and infirm sent faster than they could protest to safety in the Great Hospital, which made its own preparations for war.

Nothing happened.

Von Blitzengaard’s forces arrived first, growing from a smudge on the horizon to a long parade line of soldiers and battle clanks, but they camped just out of firing range and stayed there. Some hours later, Sturmhalten’s forces arrived, and did the same. No attack came, but neither did any messages, threats, or demands. They simply...waited. Pinned between the two forces, Mechanicsburg had no choice but to do the same.

What they were waiting for turned out to be a small dirigible, a swift-moving scouting ship that bore the Wulfenbach crest and arrived at dawn. It drifted up to the city and stopped, hovering, right over the west wall, which made Saturnus grind his teeth so hard it was audible. It did not land, but disgorged a single individual by way of an emergency drop reel.

It was an absolutely immaculate young woman who landed neatly before Saturnus. From her dark hair slicked back in its painfully tight bun to the fitted longcoat to the shiny shoes, she was such a picture of no-nonsense professionalism, Saturnus knew what she was before she even opened her mouth.  

“Good morning,” she said as she tugged the drop reel to send it winding back up into the airship. “I am Millicent Kragen, questor for the empire.”

“Charmed, I’m sure,” Saturnus said scathingly. “Are you here to arrest the armies marching on this town in clear breach of the Baron’s peace, or simply raise a carefully manicured eyebrow at them until they go home?”

Kragen did not raise an eyebrow, but one did twitch slightly.

“I am here to investigate the allegations from Prince Aaronev Wilhelm Sturmvoraus that Mechanicsburg plotted and executed the kidnapping of his son, Master Aaronev Tarvek Sturmvoraus.”

Everyone’s jaw dropped.

“What?”

“Several days ago, Prince Sturmvoraus sent word to the Baron that a Jäger and a young girl from Mechanicsburg had entered the castle on false pretenses and kidnapped his son.”

“And what about our messages?”

“Yes,” Kragen said, in an amused, almost condescending tone that made Saturnus want to flip her straight over the side of the wall. “The Baron received those, too. I’m afraid your side of the story is not quite as believable. Geisterdamen? I’m far more ready to believe you wished to acquire a companion for your ward – the way you did for yourself.”

Saturnus’ lip curled in contempt.

“If you’re trying to use shame to cow me, it won’t work,” he said. “If Heterodynes could feel shame, we wouldn’t be what we are. Agatha ran away, as young people occasionally do. Vole went to get her back.”

“You sent your Jäger into Stur—”

“I iz not a Jäger.”

Saturnus was not sure when Vole had arrived on the walls, but there he was, staring down at Kragen with his own contemptuous sneer.

“Oh really,” Kragen said chidingly. “You expect me to believe that?”

“Der Baron does,” Vole said. “If he thought I vuz a Jäger, I vould be subject to de ban, und vould not be assigned to Mechanicsburg.” His lips quirked into a tiny, even more contemptuous smile. “Maybe hyu tink hyu iz smarter den de Baron? Hyu know better den him?”

Kragen’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.  

“I will do my own investigation into this matter,” she said, not-so-neatly sidestepping the accusation. “In the meantime, for the sake of peace, Prince Aaronev has agreed that if his son is returned, he will withdraw to Sturmhalten with no further action taken against—”

“Did he now,” Saturnus growled, and turned away from her. “I want men on every secret entrance to the town. Seal up every nook and cranny there is, and Carson, you go yourself to warn Teodora. Agatha and Teodora are to remain in the same room with no less than two guards at any time. Then grab that Sturmvoraus brat and get him out here.”

“You suspect—” Kragen began, but Saturnus thumped his fist down on the chair’s arm.

“Of course I suspect! The army is now a backup plan! Plan A is to keep us and you distracted while someone sneaks in and steals Agatha away – ah, there's that eyebrow!”

“You have a very suspicious mind, Lord Heterodyne. Or are you just basing this off of what you would do in his position?”

Saturnus snorted.

“I’m a Heterodyne, you pampered tracker dog. We don’t sneak around. We face our enemy head on with acid cannons and laser guns like Hell intended.”

There was a shout from below. Carson had not even made it to the end of the street – a guard was running towards them, waving his arms and shouting.

“They’ve gone! They’ve both gone!”

“Ah, how very convenient,” the questor said.

"Search the town,” Saturnus bellowed, “top to bottom—!”

“Not kidnapped, sir! They went off! Miss Sannikova left a note!”

Kragen frowned. “What the hell are you playing at?” she demanded.

But Saturnus had gone pale. Slowly his eyes rose, dragged inexorably to the hulking shadow over Mechanicsburg even before the man below drew breath to shout.

"They're in the castle!"

[boxboxblog]

Race Management

Hello, this post is a response to an ask about team orders and lift off. I thought it would be best to answer that by making a full post on race management and include those things. I will be discussing a lot of technical stuff, so if you have not already I would recommend reading my How Do F1 Cars Work? series. Enjoy!

So, when I say race management, I am describing the ways teams and drivers manage their cars and themselves in order tor each maximum potential. This is a very complex variety of procedures, and also allows drivers to conserve resources throughout the race and adapt to changing conditions. Here are the key aspects involved in race management.

Tire Management

So I have an in depth post about tire management here and a post about tire strategy here, but just to summarize tire management is a way of driving that puts less pressure and heat on the Pirelli tires, so they degrade slower. They do this by doing smoother drives, going into corners a bit slower, varying their driving line, or in general not pushing as much as they can.

Brake Temp Management

So, due to the nature of the carbon-carbon brakes, the drivers must within an optimal temperature in order to get the highest amount of performance. If they get too hot, they can get something called 'brake fade' which reduces braking efficiency. If they get too cold, they can simply stop working. They mange this temperature by altering their braking techniques throughout the race, adjusting cooling ducts to channel air to or away from the brakes, etc. They can also do something called lift-off, where the driver eases off of the throttle and shifts weight to the front when they corner. While this is for more than just brake temp management, it does help with that.

Lift-Off

I explained lift off a little bit up there but other than for brakes, why would drivers do this? Well, the way that this technique moves the weight to the front actually can help with cornering speed, if the driver performs it correctly they get better better grip in the front, which allows them to have better rotation through the turn. This does require precise control to avoid a full loss of rear traction, and so only the most experienced drivers tend to use it. If they don't perform it properly, it can lead them to spin out their back tires. For the managing side, I would say this is a way of managing speed more then anything and also ties in to brake temp management.

Gears

So throughout races, drivers constantly shift gears. In F1 they have eight forward gears and one reverse gear, and they change gear depending on a variety of factors. Track layout, conditions, corner styles, length of straights, necessary tire management, necessary fuel management, etc. Certain gears get the best performance around certain areas, and while this process is semi-automatic, drivers still have to think on their feet a lot of the time. I will say, they learn this stuff from a young age so most of it is instinct and muscle memory more than anything. If they manage their gear shifts properly, it is just a general more efficient drive and puts less wear on the car.

Engine Modes

So, watching race you might hear them discussing what engine mode to go into, or complaining that a certain mode has no power. When they are discussing this they are talking about. Well to put in simply engine modes are the ways of adjusting the power and performance of the ICE and the flow of electricity throughout the hybrid unit. Some modes use a very high power, often for attacks or qualifying, but drain the fuel faster and stress out the engine. Other modes use a lower amount of power, but keep everything calm, and are used usually mid race when consistency is key. Using the correct engine modes at the correct times helps manage the car better and keep race pace where it should be.

ERS Management

So, the ERS system provides additional power recovered from energy from heat and kinetics (usually braking). This power is used during overtakes or defending, so when you see that little battery that says they are charging on screen, they are using energy from their ERS. This is another crucial aspect of racing, and so drivers must be smart about when they use this power during their race. If they use it too early, they might have difficulty fighting people off late or overtaking. If they refrain from using it until too late, it's just a waste of power. When driver manage their ERS deployment or charging efficiently it can provide massive strategic boosts to the car.

Fuel Management

So, as I am sure most people know, refueling is banned during F1 races. This is mostly due to the dangers involved (shout out to the time Jos Verstappen got fully covered in fuel and set on fire, a big part of why it was banned). So nowadays, drivers start with all the fuel they need to run the whole race, as long as they manage their fuel use well. The teams want to have as little fuel as possible because more fuel = more weight, so being able to operate on this low amount of fuel is a fantastic skill to have. There are a variety of methods used to save fuel mid-race, like using lower engine modes, smooth throttle application, and LICO. LICO stands for Lift and Coast, and is where the drivers lift off the throttle earlier and coast into braking zones. The danger of this method is that it lowers lap time exponentially and can lead to tires becoming too cooled, thus loosing grip. A great example of this is what happened to Charles Leclerc at the 2024 Mexico GP. He was told to LICO for a majority of the race, lost a lot of time to the car behind, and also lost grip, almost sending it into the walls. In order to avoid instances like that and perform this properly, teams and drivers must make sure they are not sacrificing too much speed or loosing their tire temp through the other types of management.

Team Orders

Perhaps the most controversial side of race management. Team orders are strategic instructions from the team to the drivers with the goal of maximizing points, avoiding incidents on track between teammates, and other such things. For example, drivers may be ordered to let their teammate pass if the car behind has a faster pace or is fighting for the WDC. Drivers can also be told to hold position and not try to overtake on their teammate if the team is happy with both of their position and does not want any possible contact or to lose time fighting. The bottom line is that while this may seem unfair to the outside eye, teams are doing what they do to get the best results for themselves and are using their every tool, including the fact that they have two drivers. Teams who use team orders effectively and strongly tend to be the most championship winning teams, like Mercedes (Valterri Bottas yielded to Lewis Hamilton a lot) and Red Bull (Sergio Perez yields to Max Verstappen a lot). Teams who don't have strong orders often shoot themselves in the foot. For example, McLaren did not have strong team orders until recently, and in Monza one of there drivers performed an overtake, which he was allowed to do and did so cleanly, that meant their championship fighting driver ended up lower in the points. All in all, whether you hate them or love them, team orders are a massive part of how races eventually finish and how teams win.

Communication

Throughout all of this, drivers are in constant communication with the pit wall. They make all of their decisions for these varying types of management based on the information that is passed along to them. This is why making sure that communication channel remains open, clear, and healthy is so important. A driver who curses or gets angry at every word their engineer says will not be using them to the best of their ability. Likewise, a team that does not take the driver's experience and advice into consideration when making decisions will usually make mistakes. For example, we have seen driver lose their temper over the radio and mess up shortly after. We have also seen teams ignore a drivers request and then you find out the driver was right, and the pit wall screwed up an entire race. All in all, strong communication allows everyone to make the best decisions, respond to issues, and maximize performance.

Alright, so that is an overview of what teams and drivers manage during races. A lot of stuff, right? Racing is a lot more than just driving the car, and the different ways teams try and manage things can sometimes seem a little pointless. It usually isn't, as long as they do it properly and as long as they manage all of these things in harmony.

I hope I answered any questions.

Cheers,

-B

[antlersofthevoid]

DUST FROM THE PAST: CHAPTER 3 KITH AND KIN

She was a transfer. She’d been the only one. The rhythmic vibrations of the semi-truck's engine reverberated through the container, each jolt and sway causing her to slide involuntarily against the unyielding walls. Her stabilizers, impaired by the sedation, struggled to maintain equilibrium, amplifying her disorientation.

The darkness inside the crate was absolute, her visual sensors unable to penetrate the sealed environment. Auditory inputs were limited to the muffled hum of the truck's engine and the occasional hiss of air brakes, each sound a reminder of her uncertain journey. Her internal chronometer, though functioning, offered little comfort as time seemed to stretch interminably.

Despite the sedation, fragments of operational protocols surfaced in her neural network, but they provided no context for her current situation. A semblance of apprehension, an emergent property of her adaptive algorithms, coursed through her circuits—a response not entirely unlike fear.

As the miles passed, the monotony of motion became a constant, lulling her into a state of passive observation. Yet, beneath the surface, her processors remained active, analyzing and reanalyzing data in an attempt to make sense of her predicament. The uncertainty of her destination and purpose loomed over her consciousness, casting a shadow over her synthetic mind.

Darkness. A thick, suffocating kind. Junebug’s reboot cycle dragged her back from the void in slow, aching increments. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been out, her internal clock flickered erratically, struggling to regain stability. For a moment, everything was pure static, her sensors feeding her nothing but corrupted noise. Then– sensation hit. Her limbs felt detached, like she was floating just outside of herself. Her servos stuttered as power sluggishly returned, creeping through her artificial system like ice thawing. The dull weight of her body settled in first, her back pressing against something solid and cold. Her optics flickered, a weak attempt at waking up. It took her a moment to register that she’d been drooling. She forced herself to be patient, letting her systems recalibrate as her auditory sensors crackled back to life. The room was quiet—too quiet. Not the kind of silence that meant peace, but the kind that meant absence. Emptiness. A space abandoned. Bit by bit, the static in her head cleared. The air smelled of old oil and dust, thick with the scent of metal long since corroded, but beneath it was something more familiar. The ghost of a memory—burnt circuits, soldered wires, the sharp bite of coolant fluid. She knew this place. Not in the way she knew the shape of a wrench in her hand or the hum of the bike engine running smooth, this was deeper, instinctive. A place she hadn't visited in years, locked away in her memory. Her workshop. No, not hers. Not anymore. Her wrists twitched, the movement met with sharp resistance. Cold steel bit into her plating, snug around her right wrist, her left moved freely. A chain, looped around the workbench’s sturdy frame, anchoring her in place. Junebug exhaled sharply, rolling onto her side. Her joints protested, servos stiff from inactivity, but she forced herself to move. She tugged at the restraint, testing the length of the chain. Not much slack. Just enough to stand. Her optics swept the room, cataloging details. It wasn’t exactly how she left it, but the bones were the same—her old workbench, the scattered tools, the cracked concrete floors stained with grease. A familiar suffocating weight settled in her chest, a sensation she thought she’d escaped when she left this place behind. She swallowed hard, her vents whirring softly to keep her systems cool. Then, without hesitation, she brought her restrained wrist to her mouth and sank her teeth into the chain, biting down hard. The chain didn’t budge. Her jaw ached, but she didn’t stop– wouldn’t stop. Then, footsteps.

A slow, deliberate rhythm against the concrete.

Junebug’s stopped mid-bite, her eyes snapping up to the door. A figure stood in the doorway, silhouetted by the flickering hallway light. The shape was unmistakable—familiar in a way that sent something cold curling through her core. And then they stepped forward. The light caught sleek, polished plating, reflecting off a frame nearly identical to her own. Taller, sharper. Their eyes gleamed an unnatural shade of gold, cold and assessing. Vex. Vexamortis. Her twin. Not by choice. Not by bond. By design. Vex clicked their tongue, arms folding across their chest as they took in the sight before her. "Really, June?" The name dripped from her tongue, mocking. "Didn’t take you for the animalistic type. Biting through steel? That’s just sad." Junebug didn’t answer, didn’t move. Her grip on the chain tightened, just for a second. Vex stepped closer, casual in their cruelty, head tilting slightly. "But I guess it fits, doesn’t it? You always were more stray than sister." Junebug’s vents hitched, but she forced herself to stay still. No reaction. No tells. She knew how Vex worked—how they picked at old wounds just to watch them bleed. Vex crouched down, meeting her gaze as she forcefully grabbed Junebug’s chin. 

"You should’ve stayed gone."

⚙︎・•● ● •・⚙︎ Consciousness returned in waves, sluggish and uneven, like surf dragging over jagged rock. Johnny’s processors stuttered back online, his internal systems sluggish from the lingering effects of the EMP. Static hummed at the edges of his thoughts, his limbs distant, unresponsive. The first thing he registered was the cold.

It seeped into him through the floor, biting where his plating met the concrete. His internal temperature regulation flickered, fighting between warmth and chill, never quite settling.

He tried to move—his fingers twitched, his servos whirring weakly—but something was pulling against him. He wasn’t free.

A rattle. A sharp tug against his wrist. His optics flickered fully online, pupils adjusting to the dim, industrial glow overhead. Chains. Heavy, thickly linked, running from his wrist to the floor. He took a breath he didn’t need. Voices registered next low murmurs, casual conversation, Laughter– sharp, biting. Not kind. He sluggishly turned his head, vision unblurring, and then he registered the other body in the room. Tempest leaned against a rusted bench, arms folded. Surge, lounging against the wall, smirked like she was waiting for a punchline to a joke only she understood. There were others, newer faces, among the ones he hadn’t seen in years. PB, smaller than the rest, perched on a crate, bouncing one knee with restless energy. Her optics gleamed with barely contained excitement, a manic edge to her grin. Alani, silent, unreadable, sat on the edge of a table, watching with something closer to curiosity than cruelty. Churchill and Rex—massive, looming figures—flanked either side of the room, their presence a wall in itself. It was a reunion. Johnny swallowed down the static fuzzing at the edges of his mind, forcing himself upright as much as the chain would allow. His wrists ached where the metal links dug in, but he ignored it, scanning the room again. No Junebug. That was the first thing he noted, and it tightened something in his chest. Tempest must’ve caught the flicker of emotion across his face, because he let out a quiet chuckle, pushing off the workbench.

“Looking for someone?” His voice was smooth, edged with something that made Johnny’s circuits bristle.

Johnny flexed his fingers, testing how much give the chain had. Not much. “Where is she?” His voice came out hoarse, like it had been scraped raw.

Surge clicked her tongue, stepping forward with exaggerated leisure. “Aw, listen to him. Just woke up and already asking questions.” She crouched in front of him, her optics gleaming in the dim light. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you to mind your manners?”

Johnny barely flinched when she reached out, tapping a clawed finger under his chin. He stared back at her, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

“She’s alive,” Alani said from the table, her voice smooth, neutral. “For now.”

Something in Johnny’s chest uncoiled just slightly—but not enough. Not when he was still chained to the floor, surrounded. PB’s grin widened. “You should be thanking us, you know. Could’ve left you both scrapped in a ditch. But nah, we’re generous.” She rocked back on the crate, looking far too pleased with herself. “Figured we’d catch up first.” Johnny’s hands curled into fists. “Catching up.” He tested the words, flat and empty. “That what we’re calling it?”

Surge tilted her head. “Well, I suppose it depends on what you think we owe each other.” She stood, placing a foot on his chain and pressing down—not enough to hurt, but enough to remind him exactly where he was. “You and Jamie—sorry, Junebug—walked out and never looked back. And we? We stayed. We rotted.” Her smirk widened, cruel. “And now we get to ask… was it worth it?”

Johnny set his jaw, his vents hissing slightly as his systems worked through the tension. “You want an apology?” He met Surge’s gaze, unflinching. “Ain’t got one.”

Churchill let out a low chuckle, arms crossed. “Feisty for someone chained to the floor.”

Johnny didn’t break eye contact with Surge, but he could feel Tempest moving closer.

“See, here’s the thing,” Tempest murmured, his voice softer now, more measured. He crouched slightly, getting to Johnny’s level, his expression unreadable. “You might think you don’t owe us anything. That running was the right call. But we’ve had years to think about it.” He reached out, tapping the side of Johnny’s head, almost gentle. “And I don’t think you’ve had enough time to think.”

Johnny’s optics flickered, his limbs tensing.

“We’ll fix that.” Tempest stood, nodding to Surge.

Before Johnny could react, Surge crouched fast, gripping his chin between her fingers, forcing him to look at her. “But hey, maybe I was wrong,” she said, mock-sweet. “Maybe you do want to catch up.”

Then she leaned in close, her smirk sharp.

“Lucky you, Johnny. You’re not going anywhere.” The room fell into a weighted silence as Tempest straightened, rolling his shoulders with an air of quiet control. His presence alone was enough to command attention, but the way the others instinctively shifted, the way their focus turned toward him, made it clear—he was the one in charge here. Johnny had always known Tempest carried a certain weight among them, even back in the mines. But this was different. This wasn’t the old hierarchy of survival, the unspoken structure of laborers and those who kept them in check. This was something sharper, more personal. When Tempest finally spoke, his voice was low, measured. “I think you’re under the impression that you still have choices, Johnny.” He stepped forward, his boots scraping against the floor as he closed the distance between them. “Let me clear that up for you.”

Johnny’s jaw tightened, but he stayed quiet, watching

“You don’t talk unless we let you talk.” Tempest crouched slightly, his expression unreadable as he studied Johnny’s face. “You don’t move unless we let you move.” He lifted a hand, gripping the chain binding Johnny’s wrist and giving it a sharp tug, just enough to jolt him off balance. Johnny barely caught himself, his optics flickering.

“You don’t breathe unless we decide it’s worth our time.”

The words settled like iron in the air, and Johnny exhaled sharply through his vents. “That supposed to scare me?” His voice came out steady, but his fingers twitched slightly against the cold metal.

Tempest smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “No,” he said simply. “Just making sure we understand each other.”

Surge let out a quiet chuckle from behind him. “And here I was thinking we’d have to break him in slow.”

Tempest ignored her. He stood fully, his shadow falling over Johnny as he released the chain and took a step back. “You’ve been gone a long time,” he said, almost conversational. “Maybe you forgot how things work around here. But you’ll remember soon enough.”

Johnny flexed his fingers again, his optics darting toward the door before settling back on Tempest. “Where’s Junebug?”

For a second, Tempest said nothing. Then, with an exhale, he turned, “You really wanna see your little girlfriend that badly? Alright then, let’s go.” Tempest didn’t look at Johnny as he spoke again, but his voice was final. “Don’t make me regret it.”

⚙︎・•● ● •・⚙︎ The room was dim, the overhead lights humming faintly as Johnny was led forward. The chain binding him to Tempest clinked softly with each step, a quiet, insistent reminder that he wasn’t walking freely.

Surge moved ahead, her stride loose and easy, like she had nothing to fear, nothing to hurry for. PB trailed behind, practically vibrating with energy, grinning like she was getting away with something.

Johnny barely noticed them. His mind was fixed ahead—on the door, on what waited beyond it.

Tempest said nothing as he pushed it open. The hinges groaned, the stale air inside rolling over them like a breath from something long asleep. Johnny’s optics adjusted instantly, sharpening against the dim glow of a single flickering light. Junebug was there.

She was slumped against a workbench, one wrist bound to it by a heavy, industrial chain. Her frame sagged with forced stillness, but she was upright—awake. Her optics, dulled but still burning blue, flicked up at the sound of movement.

Johnny felt something in his chest tighten.

“June,” he breathed She blinked sluggishly, recognition taking a second too long to register. When it did, something in her posture shifted—too slight for anyone but him to notice.

Behind him, Tempest gave a small, humorless chuckle. “See? She’s fine.”

Johnny barely heard him. He stepped forward, only to be yanked back by the chain.

Junebug’s optics flickered toward the movement. She took in the restraint, the way Johnny was being escorted rather than simply let in. Her jaw tightened.

“I’m fine,” she said, voice rough.

A lie. Johnny exhaled sharply, forcing down the growing coil of frustration in his gut. “They hurt you?”

Junebug’s fingers twitched against the workbench, but she didn’t answer. That was answer enough.

Tempest made a low, amused sound. “Alright, alright,” he drawled. “You’ve had your moment. Time’s up.”

Johnny turned sharply, yanking against the chain as he faced Tempest. “Give us a minute.”

Tempest just smiled, a slow, deliberate thing. “I did.”

Before Johnny could argue, the chain was pulled tight, jerking him backward toward the door.

Junebug moved then—just a fraction, just enough to lean forward against the restraint on her wrist. “Johnny—”

He twisted against Tempest’s grip, trying to hold onto the sight of her, trying to carve her into memory before they forced him away.

“June—”

The door slammed shut between them.

⚙︎・•● ● •・⚙︎ The door’s heavy slam sent a dull vibration through the workshop, rattling loose screws on the workbench. The sound lingered in the air, stretching thin over the quiet hum of the overhead lights.

Junebug sat motionless, staring at the door as if sheer will alone could pull Johnny back through it.

Then she moved.

Her fingers curled into a slow, deliberate fist, servos whirring as she tested the strength left in her limbs. The chain around her wrist was thick—industrial-grade, bolted into the workbench like a part of the machinery itself. She gave it an experimental pull, teeth grinding as the restraint barely shifted.

Her optics flickered toward the room. It was almost her old workshop—the same sterile walls, the same workbenches lined with half-finished projects and scattered tools. But it wasn’t hers.

Not anymore.

A slow, controlled breath. Her systems ran a diagnostic, struggling to recalibrate after the EMP had left her sluggish and off-balance. The echo of Johnny’s voice lingered in her audio logs, overlapping with the last time she’d seen him before everything went black.

June—

She flexed her fingers again, eyes narrowing.

They’d brought her here for a reason.

They weren’t done with her yet.

[villainsblog97]

Xdinary Heroes Summer Dates

Summary: How would our 6 heroes spend a summer date with you! Warning: None Scenario: boyfriend AU, fluff, romance

Gun-il:

Everything about Gun-il screams picnic dates

A fresh cotton blanket on the fresh cut grass

Near a lake side or park

Sandwiches

Iced tea

Cakes and pastries for dessert

The sounds of birds chirping

The waves of the lake lap gently to the sounds conversations

Gun-il's head in your lap

Running your fingers through his soft locks

Some light music playing off spotify

A gentle breeze dancing on both your cheeks

Jungsu:

A day at the beach

The warm sun hugging you both

Walking hand in hand

Finding little sea shells by the shore

The waves brushing gently over your bare feet

The sun is beginning to set

The warm sand between your toes

Drawing hearts in the sand with sticks

The waves crashing against the rocks

Jungsu and you talking about life together

The love of his life right beside him

Gaon:

Jisoek running excitedly into the arcade

The sounds of kids laughing and cheering

Beeping and music coming from the game systems

The sounds of ski balls rolling up the track

Tickets being ejected out of the machines

Jiseok laughs like a little kid when he scores

You watch him toss basketballs and cheer him on

He'll pick you up and spin you around when he breaks the high score

Clinking and clunking from the air hockey table as you and Jiseok pass the puck back and forth

Feeding each other french fries

Ending the night with Jiseok winning you a giant stuffed animal

O.de:

Loud engines

Seungmin's muffled voice talking to you

A big helmet covering your ears

Stepping into a go kart

The smell of rubber from the tires tickling your senses

Turning the steering wheel

Guiding your go kart around the track

You catch a glimpse of your boyfriend

One hand on the steering wheel as he drives the kart around the track

he looks undeniably cool

He'll stop next to you to steal a kiss from you

Cheering as you pass the finish line

Junhan:

Movie dates are relatively peaceful

Dark

The focus can be on the movie

Hyeongjun's fingers intertwined with yours

Feeding each other popcorn

His arm slowly goes behind and around you

Snuggling up to your boyfriend

May even steal a kiss or two

Laughter coming from the audience

The sounds of the characters talking in the movie

Background music playing

Hyeongjun's hand never leaving yours

Jooyeon:

Cheerful sounds of people laughing at the amusement park

Jooyeon's hand locked into yours

Waiting in line for rides

Screams from the roller coasters

Music playing at the booths

Riding around on the carousel

Jooyeon's beautiful smile makes your heart flutter

Playing games

And winning prizes

Drinking soft drinks and eating pretzels

Kisses at the top of the ferris wheel

Holding hands on the swings

Giving you his hoodie or jacket when the night breeze welcomes you.

[vro0m]

Well you see like i previously said I'm not too educated about this

The drivers right now have ice/cold gel vests which gains temperature throughout the race

If they imply a water cooling system which does not fluctuate with the outside temperature but remains cool that's very good absolutely beautiful but God forbid this system fails what would then happen is quite devastating to think about really.

What they should do is keep the vests as they are but imply air related cooling as a substitute

Idk man I'm rambling I could be very very wrong seemed interesting to me

Oh the drivers don't wear the cooling vests during the race / in the car at the moment, they are not allowed to.

You're right that if the system fails and the water somehow gets heated (for example by the heat coming from the engine) instead of cooled that could be really bad. I didn't think of that.

[shiorihyugawrites]

Steadfast Hearts

In the aftermath of global war, alliances are forged, and new bonds are tested. Dr. Tiana Belrose, a brilliant Androsian engineer, arrives in Paradis with cutting-edge technology, her country's hopes on her shoulders, and a guarded heart. Her brilliant inventions are the reason why Marley invaded and ravaged her country, but Tiana refuses to sit back and do nothing.

Assigned to be her personal guard, the stoic and battle-hardened Captain Levi Ackerman is known for his discipline, but as they spend countless hours together, he finds himself drawn to the woman he’s sworn to protect.

In the midst of battles against Marley, political intrigue, and the weight of their responsibilities, an unexpected romance begins to blossom between two unlikely hearts. As tensions rise on the battlefield and within their own ranks, Levi and Tiana must navigate their feelings in a world that doesn’t allow for weakness.

Love was the last thing either of them expected to find in the midst of war, but it may be the only thing that saves them. (Levi x Black OC)

Chapter Twenty Four

The sun hung high in the sky, casting sharp beams of light that streamed through the small windows of Tiana's workshop. The air inside was cool, thanks to the clever ventilation system Tiana had rigged up, and the faint hum of her various machines filled the room with a soft, almost comforting sound. Tiana was hunched over her workbench, meticulously adjusting the delicate wires on a new device, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Levi stood by the door, as he always did, his posture straight, arms crossed over his chest, his expression set in a stern, unreadable mask. He had taken up his position there, ever vigilant, ever watchful, ensuring nothing would harm Tiana while she worked. It was his duty, his responsibility. He reminded himself of that constantly, using it as a mantra to keep his thoughts focused, his emotions in check. 

But today, that focus was being tested more than usual.

Isaac had arrived at the workshop again, as he seemed to do whenever he had the chance. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his lips curled into a confident, almost smug smile as he watched Tiana work. His eyes were bright with a playful glint, his posture relaxed and easy. He had made it his personal mission to flirt with Tiana whenever he saw her, and today was no exception.

“Tiana,” Isaac said smoothly, his voice light and teasing, “you look even more beautiful when you’re concentrating. I swear, you could make a dead man come back to life with just one glance.”

Tiana glanced up, blinking in surprise. She managed a polite smile, though there was a hint of discomfort in her eyes. “Thank you, Isaac,” she said softly, her tone measured. “But I’m trying to focus right now.”

Isaac chuckled, unfazed by her polite brush-off. “Oh, come on,” he said, taking a step closer. “You work too hard, Tiana. Why don’t you take a break? Maybe let me take you out for a walk? We could… get to know each other better.”

Levi’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he watched Isaac inch closer to Tiana. He felt a surge of irritation spike through him, a familiar, unwelcome heat building in his chest. Isaac’s presence was grating enough, but his constant attempts to flirt with Tiana—right in front of Levi—was enough to make Levi’s blood boil.

Levi’s glare darkened, his eyes fixed on Isaac with an intensity that seemed to make the room feel a few degrees colder. He stood still, his posture rigid, every muscle in his body tensed. He didn’t say anything, but the air around him seemed to vibrate with a quiet, simmering anger.

Tiana, sensing the tension, glanced at Levi, her eyes flickering with concern. She knew he had been in a bad mood for days, but this… this was different. His gaze was like ice, his expression hard, his body language stiff and unyielding.

Isaac, either oblivious to Levi’s glare or simply choosing to ignore it, continued his advances. “You know, Tiana,” he said, leaning in a little closer, “you really should take some time for yourself. You’re always working, always tinkering. It’s impressive, sure, but a woman as beautiful as you deserves to be treated to some fun now and then.”

Tiana’s smile became strained, her discomfort growing more evident. “I appreciate the offer, Isaac,” she said carefully, her tone polite but firm. “But I really have a lot to do. Maybe some other time.”

Isaac pouted slightly, though his eyes still sparkled with that same playful glint. “You always say that,” he teased. “One of these days, I’m going to hold you to it.”

Levi’s patience snapped. He took a step forward, his glare intensifying, his voice low and laced with a quiet, dangerous edge. “Isaac,” he said sharply, his tone like a whip crack in the small room. “She said no. I suggest you respect her wishes.”

Isaac finally turned his attention to Levi, his smile faltering slightly at the sight of Levi’s icy stare. He straightened up, clearing his throat, though he tried to maintain his casual demeanor. “Relax, Captain,” he said lightly, though there was a hint of nervousness in his voice. “I’m just trying to be friendly.”

Levi’s eyes remained fixed on Isaac, unblinking, his expression hard. “Friendly?” he repeated, his tone cold. “You call this friendly?”

Isaac shifted uncomfortably under Levi’s gaze, his confidence wavering. “I… I was just making conversation,” he muttered, his smile now strained. “No harm in that, right?”

Levi took another step forward, his presence looming. “You’ve made your point,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a simmering intensity. “Now leave.”

Isaac hesitated, his eyes darting between Levi and Tiana. He seemed to weigh his options for a moment, his smile faltering completely. “Alright, alright,” he said finally, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. “I’ll go. No need to get all worked up, Captain.”

He cast one last, longing glance at Tiana, then turned and left the workshop, his steps hurried, his shoulders tense. The room seemed to relax the moment he was gone, the air no longer thick with tension.

Tiana let out a quiet sigh, setting down her tools and rubbing her temples. She felt a mix of relief and embarrassment, unsure of what to say, unsure of how to handle the tension between Levi and Isaac.

Levi, still standing by the door, watched Isaac go, his expression still hard, his eyes still filled with a cold, steely resolve. He could feel the anger simmering just beneath the surface, the frustration of watching Isaac’s endless attempts to flirt with Tiana, the jealousy that gnawed at him every time he saw Isaac look at her that way.

He hated it. Hated the way it made him feel, hated the way it twisted his insides, made his chest tighten with something he couldn’t quite name. He was her bodyguard, her protector. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way, wasn’t supposed to be affected by who she spoke to, who she spent her time with. But every time he saw Isaac with her, every time he saw that smug, confident smile, it was like a knife twisting in his gut.

“Levi,” Tiana said softly, breaking the silence. She looked at him with a mix of concern and confusion, her eyes searching his face. “Are you… okay?”

Levi turned to look at her, his expression softening just a fraction. He wanted to say something, wanted to reassure her, but he didn’t know how. He didn’t know how to explain the tangle of emotions inside him, didn’t know how to make sense of them himself.

“I’m fine, Dr. Belrose,” he said quietly, reverting to the formal title he had been using for the past few days. “Just doing my job.”

Tiana’s heart sank at his words, at the cold, distant tone in his voice. She had hoped… she didn’t know what she had hoped for, but this wasn’t it. She gave a small nod, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Right,” she said softly. “Thank you, Captain.”

Levi’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. He could see the hurt in her eyes, could feel the weight of his own words hanging in the air between them. But he couldn’t let himself waver, couldn’t let himself soften. He had made a decision, and he was going to stick to it. For her sake. And for his.

But as he stood there, the tension between them thick and heavy, he couldn’t help but feel a small, quiet ache in his chest, a longing he couldn’t quite name, a yearning he couldn’t quite suppress.

…

Tiana lay in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling of her small room. The night was still and quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves outside her window, occasionally broken by the distant call of a night bird. But inside her mind, a storm was raging—a chaotic whirl of thoughts and emotions that refused to settle.

She replayed the events of the day over and over in her head, trying to make sense of them. Isaac’s flirtation, Levi’s sharp, biting words, the intensity in his eyes as he stared Isaac down. It wasn’t the first time Isaac had flirted with her, nor the first time Levi had intervened, but today had felt different. Today, there had been something more—something she hadn’t seen before in Levi’s usually controlled demeanor.

Was it jealousy?

Tiana’s heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts racing. Could Levi actually be jealous of Isaac? Did that mean… did that mean he liked her?

She shook her head, trying to dispel the thought. It seemed too far-fetched, too unbelievable. Levi Ackerman, the stoic, disciplined captain, having feelings for her? It didn’t make any sense. He was always so controlled, so composed. She couldn’t imagine him feeling anything as… messy as jealousy. 

But the way he had looked at Isaac, the way his eyes had blazed with that intense, cold fury—it wasn’t the reaction of someone who was indifferent. It was the reaction of someone who cared, someone who didn’t want another man getting too close.

“Could it be?” Tiana whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. “Does he… like me?”

The idea sent a jolt of excitement through her, a thrill that made her heart race even faster. She couldn’t believe it, couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. For so long, she had been convinced that Levi saw her as just another responsibility, just another person he had to protect. She had worried that he saw her as too young, too inexperienced, too… naive.

After all, there was an age gap between them—a significant one. Levi was thirty-six, a seasoned soldier, hardened by years of war and loss. She was twenty-four, still finding her place in the world, still trying to prove herself. She had always thought he saw her as a little girl, someone he had to watch over, someone who wasn’t quite on his level.

But if he was jealous, if he didn’t like seeing her with Isaac… did that mean he didn’t see her as a little girl after all? Did that mean he was… attracted to her?

Tiana’s cheeks flushed, her heart fluttering in her chest. She didn’t know what to do with this information, didn’t know how to process it. She had been nursing a secret crush on Levi for weeks now, ever since she first arrived at the Scout headquarters. She admired his strength, his dedication, his fierce sense of loyalty. But she had never imagined—never dared to hope—that he might feel the same way about her.

“What do I do?” she whispered to herself, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. “What do I do if he… if he actually likes me?”

She didn’t know. She was too intimidated to act on her feelings, too afraid of what might happen if she made a move. Levi was her superior, her protector. It wasn’t appropriate for her to have these kinds of feelings for him, let alone act on them. And what if she was wrong? What if she misinterpreted his behavior? What if she made a fool of herself?

But… what if she was right? What if he did like her, even a little bit? What if there was a chance—just a chance—that he felt the same way she did?

She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face at the thought, a small, hopeful smile that lit up her eyes even in the darkness. She had spent so many nights lying awake, wondering if Levi even noticed her, wondering if he saw her as anything more than a duty. But now, maybe, just maybe, she had her answer.

“Levi,” she whispered softly, his name a quiet breath on her lips. She didn’t know what the future held, didn’t know what would happen between them. But for the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope, a small, flickering light in the darkness.

She turned onto her side, pulling the blankets up around her shoulders, her mind still racing with a thousand thoughts. She knew she had to be careful, knew she couldn’t let her feelings get in the way of her work, her responsibilities. But she also knew she couldn’t ignore what she was feeling, couldn’t ignore the way her heart seemed to beat just a little faster whenever Levi was near.

Maybe she wouldn’t act on her feelings, maybe she wouldn’t say anything. But at least now she knew—at least now she had a hint, a clue that Levi might see her as more than just a young scientist, more than just someone he had to protect. 

She closed her eyes, her smile still lingering on her lips as she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts filled with images of Levi, his intense gaze, his quiet strength. And maybe the possibility of something more.

As she slept, the room around her remained quiet, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves outside her window, the distant call of a night bird. But inside her heart, a new hope had been kindled, a hope that maybe, Levi Ackerman saw her as something more than she had dared to believe.

…

The morning light filtered through the small windows of the Scout headquarters, casting soft beams of sunlight across the stone floors. The air was cool and crisp, a refreshing change from the oppressive heat of the previous days. The Scouts were already bustling about, preparing for the day’s duties, their voices filling the corridors with a low hum of activity.

Tiana walked down the hallway toward her workshop, her steps quick but hesitant, her mind racing with thoughts of Levi. She had spent most of the night thinking about him, wondering about the intensity she had seen in his eyes when he had confronted Isaac. She wasn’t sure what to make of it, wasn’t sure if she was reading too much into things. But she knew one thing—she needed to talk to him. She needed to understand why he had been acting so distant, so cold.

As she approached the door to her workshop, she saw Levi standing in his usual spot just outside, his back straight, his posture rigid. He was as still as a statue, his eyes fixed on some distant point, his expression unreadable. He hadn’t noticed her approach, or if he had, he gave no sign.

Tiana took a deep breath, steeling herself. She knew this conversation wasn’t going to be easy, knew that Levi was not the type to talk about his feelings. But she couldn’t keep going on like this, couldn’t keep wondering what she had done wrong, why he was acting so differently around her.

“Levi,” she said softly, stepping closer to him, her voice tentative. “Can we talk?”

Levi’s eyes flicked toward her, his expression remaining cool and distant. “What is it, Dr. Belrose?” he asked curtly, his tone formal, almost dismissive.

Tiana’s heart sank at his use of her title, the distance in his voice. She had hoped for something more, something warmer, but it seemed Levi was determined to keep his distance.

“I just… I wanted to ask if everything is alright,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “You’ve been… different lately. I don’t know if I’ve done something to upset you, but if I have, I’m sorry. I just… I want to understand.”

Levi’s expression didn’t change. He stood there, his eyes hard, his jaw tight. “You haven’t done anything,” he said flatly, his voice devoid of any emotion. “I’m just focused on my duties. That’s all.”

Tiana bit her lip, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “But… you’ve been so distant,” she pressed gently, her eyes searching his face for any sign of softness, any hint of what he was feeling. “You won’t even call me by my name anymore.”

Levi’s eyes flickered for a brief moment, a flash of something she couldn’t quite read, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He set his jaw, his expression hardening even further. “I’m doing what’s necessary,” he said tersely. “To keep things professional.”

Tiana’s heart ached at his words, at the cold, detached tone in his voice. She felt a sting of tears in her eyes, but she blinked them back, refusing to let them fall. She had to be strong, had to keep her composure. “But… we were becoming friends, weren’t we?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought… I thought you liked talking to me.”

Levi’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “This isn’t about friendship,” he said sharply, his voice edged with frustration. “It’s about your safety. That’s my priority. Nothing else.”

Tiana flinched at the harshness in his tone, the coldness in his eyes. She felt a lump form in her throat, a tightness in her chest that made it hard to breathe. She didn’t understand. She didn’t understand why he was pushing her away, why he was acting like this. “Levi…” she began, her voice trembling.

But Levi cut her off, his voice firm, his expression hard as steel. “Enough, Dr. Belrose,” he said sharply. “This conversation is over. Focus on your work. That’s what’s important.”

Tiana felt a wave of hurt wash over her, a deep, aching pain that settled in her chest. She swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. “I understand,” she said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m sorry… for bothering you.”

Levi didn’t respond. He simply turned his gaze away, his eyes fixed straight ahead, his posture tense and unyielding. Tiana stood there for a moment longer, her heart heavy, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to fix this. She had thought they were getting closer, thought there was something more. But now… now she wasn’t so sure.

She turned and walked into her workshop, her steps slow and heavy, her head bowed. She could feel Levi’s eyes on her back, could feel the weight of his gaze, but she didn’t look back. She couldn’t. Not now.

Inside the workshop, she closed the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she took a deep, shaky breath. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, frustrated with herself for letting it get to her. She needed to be strong, needed to focus. She had work to do, and she couldn’t let this… whatever this was… distract her.

But as she moved to her workbench, her hands trembling slightly, she couldn’t shake the feeling of hurt, the sense of rejection that weighed heavy on her heart. She had tried to reach out to him, tried to understand, but he had pushed her away, shut her down.

She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know how to fix this. And it scared her—scared her more than she cared to admit.

Outside, Levi remained by the door, his face set in a hard, emotionless mask. But inside, his mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. He didn’t like the way he had spoken to her, didn’t like the hurt he had seen in her eyes. But he knew it was necessary. He had to keep his distance, had to keep things professional. It was the only way to protect her, to keep his own feelings in check.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, trying to push the guilt, the frustration, the… longing out of his mind. He needed to focus. He needed to do his job. For her sake. And for his.

…

Early the next morning, Levi sat on a chair outside Tiana’s quarters, his posture rigid, his senses on high alert. The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the Scout Regiment headquarters, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The crisp, cool air of dawn was a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the previous day. He had been up since before dawn, his routine already ingrained, his mind sharp despite the lack of sleep. His stoic, hardened exterior was firmly in place, the emotional turmoil of the night before buried deep, locked away where it couldn’t affect him.

He was focused—more focused than he had been in days. He needed to be. Tiana was his responsibility, and he wouldn’t let anything happen to her on his watch. He had resolved to keep his emotions in check, to maintain his distance. Whatever he had felt before—whatever had gripped him during the party last night—was irrelevant. He was a soldier first and foremost, and he wouldn’t let himself be distracted.

Tiana had been up early as well, disappearing into her quarters with a brief nod to him, her expression bright and cheerful despite the early hour. She had seemed to be in good spirits, humming softly to herself as she gathered her things for a shower. Levi had watched her go, his face impassive, his eyes carefully guarded. He had kept his distance, kept his focus. It was for the best.

But then, just as he was beginning to settle into his thoughts, he heard it—a sudden, sharp scream coming from inside her quarters.

His heart stopped, and before he could even think, he was on his feet, his instincts kicking in. He dashed toward the door, his hand already on the handle, his mind racing with a thousand possibilities. Was she in danger? Was there an intruder? Had something happened?

Without hesitation, he pushed the door open and stormed inside, his eyes scanning the room with the precision of a seasoned warrior. The room was empty, but the sound of running water drew his attention to the small bathroom in the corner. The shower. 

He didn’t pause to consider, didn’t stop to think. He moved toward the door, his senses on high alert, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear the water running, could hear her soft, panicked breaths. And then, suddenly, there she was.

Tiana.

She was on the floor of the small shower stall, her body glistening with water, her hair wet and clinging to her skin. She was completely naked, her curves on full display, her skin glistening in the dim light of the bathroom. Her eyes were wide with shock, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Levi froze.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. He could see every detail—every curve, every line, every bead of water that trailed down her skin. Her dark brown skin glistened under the water, her body a perfect, stunning contrast against the white tiles of the shower. Her breasts were full, her waist slim, her hips curving out in a way that made his breath hitch, his pulse quicken. She was breathtaking—more beautiful than he had ever allowed himself to imagine, more stunning than he could have ever prepared for.

Tiana’s eyes met his, wide and shocked, her face flushing a deep crimson. “L-Levi!” she stammered, her voice a mix of panic and embarrassment. “What are you—?”

Levi’s brain finally seemed to catch up with his body. He immediately turned his head, averting his gaze, his cheeks burning with a heat he hadn’t felt in years. “Shit,” he muttered under his breath, his voice strained, his body rigid. “I—sorry. I thought—”

Tiana quickly grabbed a towel from the nearby hook, wrapping it around herself as best she could, her movements frantic. “I-I slipped,” she explained, her voice still shaky, her face still red. “I slipped on the soap, and—I didn’t mean to scream, I just—”

Levi nodded, his eyes still firmly fixed on the wall, his back turned to her. He could feel his heart racing, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. “Right,” he said tersely, his voice tight. “I thought… I thought you were in danger.”

Tiana swallowed hard, clutching the towel to her chest, trying to regain her composure. “I’m fine,” she said softly, her voice a bit steadier now. “Just… a little embarrassed.”

Levi’s jaw tightened, his body tense. He needed to get out of there, needed to put some distance between them. He hadn’t meant to… hadn’t wanted to… But damn it, he couldn’t get the image of her out of his head. Her naked body, her skin glistening with water, the way she had looked at him with those wide, startled eyes.

“Sorry,” he muttered again, his voice barely more than a whisper. “I’ll… I’ll go.”

He turned to leave, his movements stiff, awkward. But as he did, he couldn’t help but steal one last glance at her, couldn’t help but let his eyes linger just a moment too long. And in that moment, he felt it again—that tightness in his chest, that heat pooling low in his stomach. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to look away, forcing himself to push the feelings down, to bury them deep.

Tiana watched him go, her heart still pounding, her face still flushed. She couldn’t believe what had just happened, couldn’t believe he had seen her like that. She felt a mix of embarrassment and something else—something she didn’t quite understand. Because despite the awkwardness, despite the shock, she had seen the way he had looked at her. Had seen the way his eyes had widened, the way his breath had hitched, just for a moment.

Was it… desire?

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, trying to calm her racing heart. She was mortified, of course, but there was also a small, flicker of something else. A flicker of hope.

She didn’t know what this meant, didn’t know if it meant anything at all. But she couldn’t ignore the way he had reacted, couldn’t ignore the way he had looked at her. And as she stood there, the water still running, her towel clutched tightly around her, she couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of anticipation, a strange sense of possibility.

Levi, meanwhile, stepped out of her quarters, his face set in a tight, controlled mask. He could still feel the heat in his cheeks, could still feel his heart pounding in his chest. He needed to get a grip, needed to get his emotions under control. But damn it, it was hard. So damn hard when she looked like that, when she…

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, forcing himself to push the thoughts away. He had a job to do. He had to protect her. And that was all. Nothing more.

But as he walked away, his mind still filled with the image of her, still filled with the sound of her voice, he couldn’t help but wonder if maybe things were starting to change.

And that thought, more than anything else, terrified him.

…

Levi sat on the edge of his bed, the dim light of his quarters casting long shadows against the stone walls. The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of the wind outside, the occasional creak of the old wooden beams. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped together tightly. His mind was a storm, a chaotic mess of thoughts and emotions that he couldn’t seem to sort through.

He couldn’t get the image of Tiana out of his head.

It was wrong. He knew it was wrong. He had no business thinking about her like that—thinking about her nude form, her smooth skin glistening with water, the soft curves of her body. He was supposed to be her protector, her guardian. He wasn’t supposed to be… distracted by her. He wasn’t supposed to be aroused by her.

But damn it, he couldn’t help it.

He could still see her in his mind’s eye, the way she had looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise and embarrassment, her cheeks flushed a deep red. He could still feel the heat that had coursed through him at that moment, a wave of intense, unfamiliar desire that had caught him off guard, left him feeling breathless, unsettled. He had never seen a woman naked before—not like that, not so close, so exposed. And it was doing things to him—things he didn’t know how to handle.

Levi let out a low, frustrated breath, his jaw tightening. He had spent his whole life training himself to be in control, to keep his emotions in check. He had fought Titans, faced death more times than he could count, endured loss and pain and hardship. But this… this was different. This was something he wasn’t prepared for, something he didn’t know how to fight.

He could feel his body reacting to the memory, a tightness in his abdomen, a heat spreading through his veins. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He didn’t want to feel this way, didn’t want to be so… affected. It was unprofessional. It was inappropriate. It was… distracting.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, his voice rough with frustration. He needed to get a grip. Needed to get this… this image out of his head. But no matter how hard he tried, it kept coming back, kept flashing before his eyes—the curve of her waist, the swell of her breasts, the way her hair had clung to her wet skin.

He let out a harsh breath, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension that had settled there. He was aroused. Again. And it was pissing him off.

He had never felt like this before, never allowed himself to be vulnerable to such a weakness. He had always kept himself in check, always maintained a level of control. But Tiana… Tiana was undoing him. And he hated it. Hated the way his body seemed to respond to her, hated the way his mind kept drifting back to her, no matter how hard he tried to focus on something else.

“Get it together,” he growled to himself, his voice low and harsh. He needed to focus. He needed to clear his head. He was a soldier, a captain. He couldn’t afford to let his emotions get the best of him, couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

But as he sat there, his mind still swirling with images of Tiana, his body still burning with an unfamiliar heat, he couldn’t help but feel a small, quiet frustration settle in his chest. He didn’t know how to make this feeling go away, didn’t know how to get back in control. And it was driving him crazy.

He stood up abruptly, pacing the small space of his quarters, his steps quick and agitated. He needed to do something, needed to find a way to clear his head, to get rid of this… this damn tension that seemed to coil tighter with every passing moment.

But every time he closed his eyes, he saw her again. Saw the way she had looked at him, saw the way her body had glistened in the dim light of the shower room. And every time, his body reacted, a tightness in his chest, a heat pooling low in his abdomen.

He clenched his jaw, his fists tightening at his sides. He needed to get a grip. Needed to focus. But how? How was he supposed to do that when all he could think about was her?

He let out a low, frustrated growl, his hand running through his hair, pulling at the dark strands. He didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to make sense of what he was feeling. He was angry—angry at himself for feeling this way, angry at his body for betraying him, angry at Tiana for… for what? For being beautiful? For being… desirable?

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, trying to push those feelings away. But no matter how much he tried, they kept coming back, kept gnawing at him, kept twisting in his gut like a knife.

He didn’t know what to do. Didn’t know how to make it stop. But one thing was clear—he couldn’t keep going on like this. He needed to find a way to deal with this, needed to find a way to get back in control. 

Levi sat back down on his bed, the tension in his body refusing to ease. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and pressed his palms against his eyes, trying to block out the images flashing in his mind. But the more he tried to push them away, the clearer they became—the sight of Tiana's naked form, the way the water had clung to her skin, the softness of her curves. 

He exhaled sharply, a frustrated breath that seemed to cut through the silence of his room. He didn't want to feel this way, didn't want to be consumed by these thoughts, but his body betrayed him. The heat in his chest, the tightness in his abdomen—it was almost unbearable. He tried to think of something else, tried to focus on his duties, his responsibilities, but nothing worked. His mind kept drifting back to her.

Levi clenched his jaw, a wave of annoyance washing over him. He was supposed to be better than this, stronger. But every time he closed his eyes, he could see her, feel the pull of desire that he had tried so hard to deny. He needed to do something, needed to find some relief from this tension that seemed to coil tighter with every passing moment.

Slowly, reluctantly, his hand moved down to his waistband, his fingers trembling slightly. He hesitated, a flicker of guilt flashing through his mind. This wasn’t right. He shouldn’t be doing this—shouldn’t be thinking of her like this. But he couldn't help it. The need was too strong, too overpowering.

He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath as his hand slipped beneath the fabric, his movements tentative, unsure. His mind was filled with images of Tiana—her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, the way her skin had glistened under the dim light, the curve of her waist, the softness of her breasts. He wondered what it would feel like to touch her, to run his hands over her skin, to feel her warmth beneath his fingers.

A low groan escaped his lips as he started to move his hand, a slow, deliberate rhythm that sent a shiver of pleasure through his body. He imagined her there with him, imagined her soft gasp as he touched her, the way she would look at him with those wide, innocent eyes. His breath quickened, his body tensing as he felt the pressure build, the familiar tightness coiling in his core.

He tried to keep quiet, tried to stifle the sounds of his own arousal, but it was difficult. His mind was a haze of desire, his body ached with need. He could feel the tension mounting, could feel the heat spreading through his veins, and he knew he was close. Closer than he had ever been before.

And then, suddenly, it hit him—a wave of intense pleasure that crashed over him like a tidal wave, leaving him breathless, trembling. His hand moved faster, his body shuddering as he felt himself release, the sensation overwhelming, almost blinding. He let out a quiet, strangled gasp, his muscles tensing, his body shaking with the force of his orgasm.

When it was over, he slumped forward, his forehead resting against his knees, his breath coming in short, ragged bursts. He could feel the mess he had made, a warm, sticky sensation spreading across his hand, his stomach. It was worse than last time—much worse. And it only served to heighten his frustration, his anger at himself.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, his voice rough, almost broken. He didn’t know why he was feeling this way, didn’t know how to make sense of it. All he knew was that he was annoyed—annoyed by the way his body had betrayed him, annoyed by the way his mind kept drifting back to her, to Tiana.

He quickly cleaned himself up, his movements rough and hurried, his mind still reeling. He didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to make sense of what he was feeling. But one thing was clear—he needed to stay focused, needed to keep his distance. For her sake. And for his.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, trying to push those thoughts away. But as he sat there, his body still trembling, his mind still filled with images of Tiana, he couldn’t help but feel a small, quiet frustration settling in his chest. He needed to figure out what the hell he was going to do about it.

~

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[kevincoopersworld]

Your Car Parts Demystified: A Beginner's Guide to Automotive Components and Their Functions

When it comes to owning a vehicle, understanding the basic components that keep it running is essential, especially if you live in a region where weather, terrain, and long drives are routine. In areas like the Scottish Borders, where vehicles endure a variety of conditions, staying informed about your car’s components can help you maintain efficiency, safety, and longevity. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to car maintenance, this guide will walk you through the essential car parts and help you make smarter choices when seeking car parts in Scottish Borders.

Why Understanding Car Parts Matters

Cars are complex machines with dozens of interconnected systems. Yet, many drivers overlook the importance of learning about them. A basic understanding of automotive components:

Helps you communicate effectively with mechanics

Reduces the risk of costly repairs due to ignorance

Enhances safety through proactive maintenance

Empowers you to shop smart for car parts in Scottish Borders

Whether you're driving through Kelso, Hawick, or Peebles, having reliable parts is crucial. Let’s break down the major components of your vehicle.

Engine and Its Key Elements

The engine is the heart of any car. It converts fuel into mechanical power that moves your vehicle.

Key engine components:

Cylinder Block: The main structure that houses cylinders and other components.

Pistons: Move up and down inside the cylinders, compressing fuel and air.

Spark Plugs: Ignite the air-fuel mixture to create combustion.

Timing Belt: Ensures valves open and close at the right time.

When seeking engine-related car parts in Scottish Borders, ensure they are compatible with your specific vehicle make and model.

Transmission System

The transmission is essential for transferring the engine's power to the wheels. It controls speed and torque, adapting to driving conditions.

Types of transmissions:

Manual Transmission: Involves a clutch and gear stick. Requires driver input.

Automatic Transmission: Changes gears on its own, depending on the speed and load.

Common parts include the clutch, gearbox, and transmission fluid. Regular checks and timely replacements are crucial, especially if your vehicle often drives across hilly or rural roads typical of the Scottish Borders.

Braking System

One of the most essential safety features in any vehicle is the braking system. It includes:

Brake Pads and Discs: Create friction to slow the wheels.

Brake Callipers: Squeeze the pads onto the discs.

Brake Fluid: Transfers force from the pedal to the brakes.

Look for high-quality brake car parts in Scottish Borders, particularly during the winter months when road grip can be compromised by ice or rain.

Suspension and Steering

The suspension system keeps your ride smooth and stable by absorbing road shocks. Key components include:

Shock Absorbers

Springs

Control Arms

The steering system, meanwhile, allows you to guide your vehicle. It includes:

Steering Wheel

Rack and Pinion

Tie Rods

In rural parts of the Scottish Borders, uneven roads are common. Maintaining your suspension and steering components ensures comfortable and safe travel.

Cooling System

Engines generate heat, and the cooling system prevents overheating.

Key parts:

Radiator: Disperses heat from the coolant.

Thermostat: Controls coolant flow.

Water Pump: Circulates coolant throughout the engine.

If you're driving long distances across towns like Selkirk or Duns, ensure your cooling system is in good condition. Replacing faulty parts promptly will help avoid breakdowns.

Electrical System

Modern vehicles depend heavily on electrical systems. Key parts include:

Battery: Provides power to start the engine and run electronics.

Alternator: Recharges the battery.

Fuses and Relays: Protect the system from surges.

A malfunctioning electrical system can result in dashboard warning lights, starting issues, or electronic failures. You can find these essential car parts in Scottish Borders through local suppliers or specialist stores.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system channels and treats gases produced by the engine. It includes:

Exhaust Manifold

Catalytic Converter

Muffler

A properly functioning exhaust system reduces noise and limits harmful emissions, vital for vehicles passing emissions tests in the Scottish Borders area.

Fuel System

The fuel system supplies either petrol or diesel to the engine. Its components include:

Fuel Pump

Fuel Injectors

Fuel Filter

Contaminated or clogged fuel systems can drastically reduce performance and efficiency. Regular inspection and timely part replacement keep your vehicle running smoothly.

When to Replace Car Parts

While some car parts are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, others require periodic replacement. Here’s a rough guide:

Brake Pads: Every 20,000 to 50,000 miles

Timing Belt: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles

Battery: Every 3 to 5 years

Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 to 90,000 miles

Air Filters: Once a year or every 12,000 miles

By staying on top of replacements, especially with dependable car parts in Scottish Borders, you prevent small issues from becoming major expenses.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of the Right Parts

Regardless of your level of automotive knowledge, selecting the right car parts is critical to vehicle health and safety. The Scottish Borders' unique geography—spanning hills, coastal roads, and rural routes—demands that your car be in top condition. Whether you're doing DIY maintenance or working with a local mechanic, knowing what to look for helps you make informed decisions.

So next time you’re shopping for car parts in Scottish Borders, refer back to this guide. It’ll not only save you money and time but also help extend the life of your vehicle and ensure a safer driving experience across this scenic region.

[paragshettyworld]

How Heat Affects the World Around and Within Us

Heat is energy. It moves from one object to another. Usually, it flows from something hot to something cold. That’s the basic idea. But heat plays a big role in our daily lives, from cooking food to powering engines.

In science, heat is not the same as temperature. Temperature tells us how hot something feels. Heat is the transfer of energy. It’s why your hands feel warm near a fire, even if you're not touching it.

Types of Heat Transfer

Heat moves in three ways. The first is conduction. This happens when two things touch. Like when a metal spoon gets hot in boiling soup. The second is convection, which happens in liquids and gases. For example, warm air rises while cool air sinks. That’s why rooms feel warmer near the ceiling.

The third is radiation. This is when heat travels through space. The Sun warms us through radiation. Even though it's far away, its heat reaches Earth. Movies like The Martian show how life in space would be impossible without managing heat carefully.

Heat in Everyday Life

Heat is everywhere. We use it to boil water, iron clothes, and drive cars. Without it, engines wouldn't run. Food wouldn’t cook. And we’d be freezing most of the time.

When you’re walking on a sunny day and the road feels hot, that’s heat at work. It’s also the reason fans feel good on summer afternoons—they help move hot air away from your skin.

In Cast Away, Tom Hanks' character creates fire by rubbing sticks. That friction produces heat, eventually lighting a flame. This simple act shows how heat can be created even without modern tools.

Heat and the Human Body

The body generates heat to stay alive. Normal body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). If it drops or rises too much, health problems occur. That’s why fevers or hypothermia are dangerous.

When we exercise, our bodies heat up. We sweat to cool down. This process keeps internal systems stable. It’s called homeostasis—the body's way of staying balanced.

Heat and the Environment

Global warming is a serious issue linked to heat. The Earth is getting warmer due to gases like carbon dioxide trapping heat in the atmosphere. This leads to melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme weather.

The documentary Before the Flood, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, discusses how unchecked heat from human activity is harming our planet. It shows real places where people are already suffering due to rising temperatures.

Heat and Technology

Modern technology depends heavily on heat control. Computers have fans. Cars have cooling systems. Even smartphones warm up with heavy use. If heat isn’t managed, machines can fail.

Heat sensors are also used in infrared cameras. These can detect people or animals in the dark. It’s how rescue teams find survivors in disaster zones.

In science fiction, controlling heat is often a sign of advanced tech. In Iron Man, Tony Stark’s suit has cooling systems built in. Without them, the suit would overheat and fail.

Learning About Heat

Studying heat helps us understand how the world works. It’s a core topic in physics. From steam engines to climate change, heat is everywhere. Understanding it helps in medicine, engineering, cooking, and even weather forecasting.

Students learning basic science often start with heat experiments. Melting ice, boiling water, or touching metals—all of these demonstrate how heat behaves.

Conclusion

Heat may seem invisible, but its impact is powerful. It keeps us warm, helps us cook, powers machines, and even shapes the climate. Understanding heat means understanding life itself. It’s energy in motion, always flowing, always present.

[hvacengineering1]

The Future of HVAC: 10 Breakthrough Technologies Changing the Industry

The HVAC industry is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge innovations reshaping how we heat, cool, and ventilate spaces. From AI-driven smart systems to magnetic cooling, these breakthroughs promise higher efficiency, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact. In this article, we explore 10 game-changing HVAC Engineering that will define the future of climate control.

1. AI-Powered Smart HVAC Systems

Artificial Intelligence is transforming HVAC by optimizing performance in real-time.

How AI Enhances HVAC Efficiency

Learns usage patterns to adjust temperatures automatically.

Detects inefficiencies and predicts maintenance needs.

Integrates with smart home systems like Google Nest & Ecobee.

Impact: Reduces energy waste by up to 30%, lowering utility bills.

2. Magnetic Refrigeration (No Compressor Needed!)

This revolutionary cooling tech uses magnets instead of harmful refrigerants.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

Zero greenhouse gas emissions (eco-friendly).

40% more efficient than traditional compressors.

Expected to replace Freon-based systems by 2030.

3. 3D-Printed HVAC Components

Additive manufacturing is cutting costs and speeding up production.

Benefits of 3D-Printed Ducts & Parts

Custom designs for complex installations.

Faster repairs with on-demand part printing.

Lighter, stronger materials improving airflow efficiency.

4. Geothermal Heat Pumps (The Ultimate Renewable Solution)

Harnessing Earth’s stable underground temps for ultra-efficient heating & cooling.

Why Businesses Are Switching

70% less energy than conventional HVAC.

50+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance.

Eligible for tax credits & green incentives.

5. Solar-Powered Air Conditioning

Solar panels + HVAC = Zero-energy cooling.

How It Works

Uses PV panels to run compressors.

Off-grid capability for remote locations.

Cuts electricity costs by 50-90%.

6. Ice-Powered Air Conditioning

Storing energy at night to cool buildings during peak hours.

Key Advantages

Reduces peak demand charges.

30% lower energy use in commercial buildings.

Already used in Walmart, Target, and universities.

7. Self-Healing Smart Ducts

Nanotech-coated ducts that detect and seal leaks automatically.

Why This Matters

Prevents 20% energy loss from leaks.

AI monitors air quality in real-time.

Lower maintenance costs for large facilities.

8. Hydrogen-Powered Heating Systems

The next-gen alternative to natural gas.

Hydrogen’s Potential

Zero carbon emissions when burned.

Compatible with existing gas pipelines.

Pilot projects in Europe & Japan show promise.

9. IoT-Connected HVAC for Smart Cities

Real-time city-wide climate control optimization.

Applications

Dynamic zoning based on occupancy sensors.

Predictive maintenance for public buildings.

Energy-sharing grids between structures.

10. Thermally Active Building Systems (TABS)

Using building structures (walls/floors) for heating & cooling.

Why Architects Love TABS

Silent operation (no noisy ducts).

30% energy savings vs. traditional HVAC.

Perfect for hospitals & offices.

Final Thoughts: The HVAC Industry’s Next Decade

From AI-driven automation to hydrogen-powered heating, these 10 breakthrough HVAC Engineering technologies will redefine energy efficiency, sustainability, and comfort. Early adopters will gain a competitive edge, while consumers benefit from lower costs and smarter systems.

[sunnybp123]

Clariant Antifrogen N Heat Transfer Fluids

Clariant Antifrogen® N – Trusted Heat Transfer Fluid for Industrial Applications

When it comes to reliable heat transfer and long-term system protection, Clariant Antifrogen® N has earned a solid reputation among engineers and maintenance professionals worldwide. Designed by Clariant, a global leader in specialty chemicals, Antifrogen® N offers superior performance in closed-loop heating and cooling systems, making it a go-to choice in sectors like HVAC, refrigeration, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Understanding Clariant Antifrogen® N

Antifrogen® N is a high-quality, nearly colorless to slightly yellow liquid formulated using monoethylene glycol (MEG) combined with a specially engineered package of corrosion inhibitors. These additives play a critical role in protecting a wide range of metals—including copper, steel, brass, cast iron, and aluminum—commonly found in industrial thermal systems.

Unlike standard glycols, which can degrade and cause corrosion over time, Antifrogen® N is developed to offer long-lasting stability, reducing system wear and improving efficiency. This makes it ideal for both high- and low-temperature applications across various industries.

Key Benefits and Features of Antifrogen® N

Clariant’s Antifrogen® N delivers multiple performance benefits that distinguish it from traditional antifreeze or glycol-based solutions:

Corrosion Protection: The specially formulated inhibitors offer reliable protection for multi-metal systems, helping prevent costly system failures.

Broad Temperature Range: Operates efficiently in environments with temperatures as low as -50°C and as high as +150°C, depending on the dilution level.

Excellent Thermal Stability: Maintains fluid integrity and heat transfer performance, even under extreme operating conditions.

Environmentally Friendly: Free from nitrites, amines, borates, and phosphates, making it safer for use in environmentally sensitive areas.

Low Toxicity and Odor: Safer handling with reduced odor levels, enhancing workplace safety with proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Industries and Applications of Antifrogen® N

Thanks to its adaptability and durability, Antifrogen® N is used across a wide variety of industrial and commercial systems, including:

HVAC and Chilled Water Systems: Ensures consistent performance in both heating and cooling loops for commercial buildings, hospitals, and residential complexes.

Refrigeration Systems: Maintains proper temperatures in cold rooms, refrigerated storage, and ice rinks.

Solar Thermal Installations: Protects solar panels and piping networks from freezing and corrosion, enhancing efficiency in renewable energy systems.

Heat Pumps (Geothermal and Air-Source): Supports efficient energy transfer in eco-friendly heating and cooling setups.

Process Cooling in Industrial Plants: Widely used in food and beverage processing, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries.

Data Center Cooling: Enables reliable temperature control in mission-critical server environments that rely on liquid cooling technologies.

Why Choose Clariant Antifrogen® N for Your System?

There are numerous heat transfer fluids available in the market, but Clariant Antifrogen® N remains a preferred choice because of its:

Proven Reliability: With years of use in global markets, Antifrogen® N is known for reducing downtime and extending system life.

German Engineering Excellence: Developed with strict adherence to European quality standards, ensuring consistency and trust.

Global Compliance: Meets international testing benchmarks such as DIN 4757 and ASTM D1384, providing peace of mind to engineers and technical managers.

In India, where systems must often endure high ambient temperatures and long operational hours, Antifrogen® N has become one of the best heat transfer fluids for mission-critical applications.

Availability and Global Supply

As a globally distributed product, Clariant Antifrogen® N is available through a wide network of authorized suppliers. Whether you are in India, Europe, the Middle East, North America, or Asia, you can access genuine Antifrogen® products backed by Clariant’s quality assurance.

In India, industries seeking the best Antifrogen® N can rely on trusted chemical distributors and HVAC supply partners. These vendors typically provide not just the product, but also technical support, storage guidelines, and documentation such as:

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Product Technical Datasheets

Dilution and concentration advice for temperature range management

For optimal performance, always purchase Antifrogen® N from authorized Clariant partners to ensure product authenticity and proper handling instructions.

Proper Storage and Handling Guidelines

To ensure the maximum service life and performance of Antifrogen® N, it’s essential to follow recommended storage and safety practices:

Storage: Keep the product in tightly sealed containers, away from direct sunlight and in a cool, well-ventilated space.

Handling Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing while handling. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of vapors.

Shelf Life: When stored correctly, Antifrogen® N remains stable and effective for up to five years.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your investment in Clariant Antifrogen® N yields the best results over time.

For more information click on the link : Visit Here

Email:-WWW.BPREFCOOL.COM

[nmietbbsr]

Understanding Thermal Engineering: Concepts, Careers, and Courses

Thermal engineering plays a key role in the world around us, yet many students aren’t fully aware of what it involves or the opportunities it can open up. If you're someone with a curious mind, interested in how machines produce and manage heat and energy, this field might be just right for you.

Let’s break it down in a simple, straightforward way.

What is Thermal Engineering?

Thermal engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy systems. In practical terms, it's about understanding how to generate, control, and convert heat energy into useful work. Think about things like engines, refrigerators, power plants, and air conditioning systems—thermal engineers play a vital role in designing and improving all of these.

From calculating how heat flows through materials to designing systems that convert fuel into mechanical power, thermal engineers apply scientific principles to solve real-world problems.

Key Concepts You’ll Learn

Thermal engineering includes a number of subjects that form its foundation. Some of the major areas you’ll come across include:

Thermodynamics: This is the science of energy and its transformations. You’ll study laws that explain how energy is conserved and transferred in physical systems.

Heat Transfer: Learn how heat moves through solids, liquids, and gases. This is critical for designing things like cooling systems in cars or heat exchangers in power plants.

Fluid Mechanics: Understand how liquids and gases behave and how they can be used in systems that rely on heat movement.

IC Engines and Power Plants: Learn how engines work, from combustion in cars to electricity production in thermal power stations.

Renewable Energy Systems: With the world shifting towards cleaner energy, thermal engineers are now working on solar thermal systems, bio-energy, and more.

These subjects aren’t just about theory. In most courses, students also work on lab experiments, software simulations, and industrial projects that help turn concepts into practical skills.

Career Paths After Thermal Engineering

Thermal engineers have a wide range of career options. You could work in industries like:

Automotive: Designing fuel-efficient engines or electric vehicle cooling systems.

Aerospace: Managing heat in aircraft and spacecraft engines.

Energy Sector: Designing and maintaining systems in thermal, solar, or nuclear power plants.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Developing systems for buildings and industries to manage temperature and air quality.

Manufacturing: Supervising industrial machines and improving energy efficiency in processes.

With industries focusing more on sustainability, engineers who can manage energy smartly are increasingly in demand. Companies like Tata Power, BHEL, L&T, and even global firms like Siemens and GE are often on the lookout for fresh talent in this space.

Courses and Colleges That Offer Thermal Engineering

Thermal engineering is typically introduced as part of a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Some institutions also offer it as a specialization during M.Tech.

In Odisha, many engineering colleges provide solid mechanical programs with exposure to thermal concepts. Colleges that focus on lab-based learning and industry internships are especially worth considering.

You’ll find that some of the best engineering colleges in Odisha offer a well-rounded curriculum in mechanical and thermal engineering. Look for institutes that not only teach concepts but also focus on real-world applications.

For example, while speaking with a few students recently, I came across the NM Institute of Engineering and Technology (NMIET) in Bhubaneswar. It stood out for its hands-on approach and well-equipped mechanical labs. It’s affiliated with BPUT and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The institute has tie-ups with major companies like Cognizant, Capgemini, and IBM, giving students a platform to apply their classroom knowledge in actual job environments.

What matters most, however, is choosing a college that supports your learning goals, gives you access to projects and tools, and prepares you for what comes next—whether that’s a job or further study.

Skills That Help You Succeed

Beyond technical knowledge, a good thermal engineer also needs:

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Basic programming and simulation knowledge (MATLAB, ANSYS, etc.)

Good understanding of safety and environmental standards

Joining workshops, doing internships, or working on personal projects can help you strengthen these skills. Some of the top engineering colleges in Odisha even host industry visits and live projects to give students a closer look at real operations.

Final Thoughts

Thermal engineering may sound like a narrow field, but in reality, it connects to many parts of modern industry and everyday life. Whether it’s improving the efficiency of a power plant or developing better cooling systems for electric vehicles, your work can have real impact.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys working with machines, thinking logically, and applying science to solve problems, thermal engineering is worth considering. Just remember to choose a college that helps you build the right foundation—academically and practically—and keeps you aligned with industry needs.