#Automated Bell Routines

[vivencyglobal]

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[nevadancitizen]

-> CH. 13: THE JOYS OF SOVIET TECHNOLOGIES

synopsis: you celebrate the release of kollektiv 2.0, and meet a kind stranger and an american danseur that both seem really familiar.

word count: 1.9k

ships: Connor/Reader, Hank Anderson & Reader

notes: the long wait is over!!!! the research essay has been slain and i have time to write again :)

HoFS taglist: @catladyhere , @foggy0trees0 , @princessofenkanomiya , @n30n-f43 , @igna4400 (if you'd like to be added to the taglist, just ask!)

HEAD OF FALSE SECURITY MASTERLIST

The bright sun above fills you with a pleasant warmth, but the plentiful trees that line the canal provide a wealth of shade. Automated paddle boats cut through the water at a languid pace, giving the couples inside plenty of time to talk and a semblance of privacy.

People are friendlier now than at any other time of the year – you’re all attending a festival, so it makes sense. They smile and shake your hand and greet you with a happy “Is it not an amazing day, comrade?” 

The booths you walk past are showing off the new weapons they’ve developed and their upgrades (you’ve never seen a Kalashnikov in person before!), THOUGHT devices and their benefits, and a myriad of other advanced technologies only now being revealed to the public. But the bells and whistles are to be expected – today is a celebration of Facility 3826, after all.

The date is June 12th, 1955. And it’s a wonderful day to be a citizen of the glorious Soviet Union.

As you walk by, machines continue their routines. VOV-A6 Techs work on foot to deliver crates (you’d almost mistake them for humans if not for the mark on the middle of their backs and the unfeeling, unmoving mask they have for a face). MTU-7 Bumblebees move cargo crates through the sky, the sound of their blades beating against the wind sending a soft hum through the air. TER-A1 Tereshkovas guide tourists through the city, their feet barely scraping the concrete as they move. 

“Good day, comrade!” Someone’s voice cuts you from your thoughts. It’s a facility representative – a man dressed in a white labcoat, a crisp black tie, and a THOUGHT device (a module placed on the temple with wires that float off the browbone to reach over to the opposite temple). “Come closer! I’m here to help.”

“Hello, comrade,” you say. You look over at the booth he’s standing by. It’s a short silver pole, no taller than him, with a circular tray floating around it, rotating slowly. It has little different colored modules on it, each floating above their designated coupling. 

“Would you like a THOUGHT device?” He asks. “It’s high time you got one!”

“No, thank you.” You hold up a hand. “I’m just browsing for now.”

“Why restrict yourself to browsing when you can get your own personalized device this very instant?” The man asks. “I can help you pick out the right unit. It can even match your eye color!”

He picks up one and holds it close to your face, as if gauging it. “Ah, yes! A violet gooseberry model would suit you well.” He takes the module away and looks you over. “You… are polymerized, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir,” you say. “But… I thought those devices weren’t going to come online until next Monday.”

“That’s right, comrade. But some people like to get it early, like a pre-order.” He tosses the module on the tray, and it magnetizes back to its coupling. “At the moment, the device functions as a personal telephone set and headlight, but it also allows the user to get used to wearing it on their head.”

“Well…” You look over the modules on the rotating tray. “It’s free, right?”

“Absolutely!” The man says, a smile on his worn face. “Allow me to connect you.”

He gestures to the booth, telling you to take your pick. You look over your options before picking out one that’s a crisp cerulean blue – you don’t know why, but the color seems nice to you. Like it reminds you of something, or someone. You pick it up even as the device tries to stay magnetized to its coupling. You turn it over in your hand before pressing it to your temple. It sticks, and wires come out to reach over to your other temple, like a half-crown or half-halo. 

The man presses a finger to his THOUGHT device. After a few moments, a confused look crosses his face. 

“Khm, that’s odd…” he says. “It seems I can’t access your biometric data. Maybe there’s some sort of malfunction…? I’m so sorry.”

You take off the module and return it to its place on the tray. “Ah, don’t sweat it. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, anyway. Thanks for telling me about it, though.”

“Of course, comrade,” the man says. “Again, I do apologize. Have a good day!”

“You too.” You turn to walk, but stop yourself. “Actually, sir – I have a question, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes?” He says. 

“It’s about…” You gesture vaguely around. “The people. They’re all speaking English. I don’t mind, since I can speak it. But I would expect at least some Russian.”

“Oh, yes!” The man laughs. “Facility 3826 is promoting the learning of English, just in case anyone sees anything of American origin. This is so if anyone sees or hears English, they’d be able to discern whether or not it’s a threat to the goodness of our Union. The festival is a good time to practice for people that are still learning.”

“That makes sense,” you hum. “Thank you.”

You continue walking down the street. It would’ve been nice to have a transportable telephone, but it’s not like you’re in dire need of one. You can figure that out later. 

There’s a small crowd gathered around a RAF-9 Engineer juggling various things it’s taken from the crowd: pochette-style purses, children’s toys, cigarette cartons. You stop at the edge of the group and watch as it throws the items up and catches them with pinpoint accuracy. 

There’s a hand on your shoulder. “Hey, kid.”

You turn and see a man. He’s late forties, early fifties at most. His hair brushes past his ears in an untamed, grey mop and his beard matches it. His face is worn, but his gap-toothed smile is kind.

“I’m sorry, comrade.” You smile politely. “But I… don’t recognize you. You’re probably mistaking me for someone else.”

“Oh, shit,” he says, removing his hand from your shoulder. “You look like someone I know. My bad.”

“Well, I’m sure your friend is around here somewhere!” You try. “They may be at one of the cheburek or bliny stands. There’s a really good one selling bliny just down that way.”

The stranger checks over his shoulder, where you were pointing, then looks back to you. “I’m not from around here. You mind showing me the way?”

You check your pocket watch and mentally count the time until Dmitry Sechenov’s grand speech. You’re not crunched for time yet, and it would do you good to have something to tide you over until you could eat a real meal.

“Yeah, sure.” You start walking, and the stranger matches your pace.

“The stand has a few fillings,” you say, both to fill dead air and to make the silence less awkward. “Fruit preservatives – cherries, apples, plums, berries – meat, honey, or just plain with butter and salt.”

“What’s your recommendation?” The now-somewhat-familiar stranger asks. 

“Well, in the spring, they’d have imported lemon preservatives,” you say. “But it’s summer, so that well’s dried up. I’d just go with the cherries. Sweet or bitter, it doesn’t really matter to me.”

“You’re just makin’ me hungry,” the stranger mumbles with a smile.

You laugh. “That’s the idea, no?”

After another minute of walking, the stand comes into view. Two men are operating the stand, and the soft scent of batter on the griddle beckons you closer. A radio is playing.

“Look at the menu,” you tell the familiar-stranger. “Take your pick. It’s cheap, so I’ll pay.”

You look around while he looks at the menu. There’s other people, obviously, and some on the canal are pointing at a man in an automated paddleboat. You barely hear whispers of “It’s comrade Major Nechayev!”

You turn your eyes away. Nechayev doesn’t really interest you. From what you’ve heard, he’s just some military dog leftover from the Red Army. What does interest you is the crowd across the canal. 

They’re gathered around some sort of stage that must’ve been assembled temporarily for the festival, like an American carnival. You watch for a few moments, but can’t glimpse what’s happening on stage. 

The stranger pulls you out of your thoughts. “Hey, what’re they talkin’ about on the radio?”

You turn back to him. “Huh?”

He points at the radio that’s playing on the bliny stand. It’s playing a jingle: “For the greatest advancements in cosmetic enhancements, there’s only one man you should be trusting your glam with!”

You listen a little longer and catch a name – Doctor Steinman – and roll your eyes. “It’s that underwater city off the coast of Iceland. The one that uses the same technologies as the ones invented to create the Neptune complex here.”

The stranger nudges you. “Why’re you rollin’ your eyes?”

“The city won’t last,” you say. “They say that it’s a city where the great won’t be brought down by the small. And all those immigrants go to Rapture thinking they’ll survive the fire of American-based industry. But they forget that, even in utopia, someone has to scrub the toilets.”

“Yeah, that’s a factor most forget,” the stranger says. 

“Eh, what else do you expect from capitalists?” You shrug. “Let’s just order. What do you want?”

The stranger looks back at the menu. “Uh… a bliny with… apple preserves.”

You quickly order your bliny and his and fork over the rubles, then look across the canal. The performance is still going. 

“Listen, khm,” you say to the stranger without looking away from the stage. “Can you watch our order? I want to see what’s happening across the canal.”

“Uh… yeah, sure,” the stranger says. 

You thank him quickly and hurry over the bridge to get to the other side of the waterway. You slowly make your way through the crowd – not to the front, but just enough so you can see…

A danseur? (Or a ‘ballerino’ in other countries, you suppose.) He’s wearing a form-fitting black shirt and a matching pair of tights. His pointe shoes are a soft pink, just a few shades off his skin tone. A THOUGHT device crowns his head – the same cerulean blue model you were looking at earlier. 

As he moves, he matches the music perfectly. It’s like he was born to extract the flow and rhythm from music and express it in dance. His feet don’t break their arch and don’t falter, even for a split second. 

Then, he turns. On his front, over his left breast, is a small American flag. 

Your eyebrows crease. You lean over and quietly ask a nearby woman, “He’s from America?”

“It was made in America,” she whispers back. “It’s an android, comrade.”

The danseur turns his head as his arm swoops up to point his fingertips to the sky. His soft, brown eyes lock with yours with you and you feel… you don’t know what you feel. It’s something physical, on your back. Maybe someone bumped into you? But the crowd isn’t moving. 

You take a step backwards as he continues staring at you, stock-still. You take another, then look behind you. The crowd is gone.

“Какого хуя?” You mumble. 

You look back up at the danseur. He’s moved a little closer, his feet just barely stepping off the stage. He comes closer, his movements still fluid and graceful, like he’s still dancing.

“Officer?” He asks softly. 

“What?” You say. 

His hand comes to your face, his fingertips just barely brushing across your jawline. His lips start to form a word, but –

-> CH 13: GOOD, HONEST SNAKE OIL – IF THERE IS SUCH A THING!

synopsis: after you and arthur swing by the sheriff's office, you go on a run to hunt a bounty and meet a man who seems really familiar.

word count: 1.3k

ships: CH: “mister kamski? the officer is stable, and is responding well to the reintegration system.”

notes: EK: “make sure they go through each as quickly as possible, chloe. i need to see if they can get back on their feet.”

HoTS taglist: @catladyhere , @foggy0trees0 , @princessofenkanomiya , @n30n-f43 , @igna4400 (if you'd like to be added to the taglist, just ask!)

HOUSE OF TRUE SECURITY MASTERLIST

“I got it.” A voice pulls you to look over at the entrance to the Valentine’s Sheriff’s Office. It’s Arthur Morgan, holding up a folded-up wanted poster. 

You lean down from your horse (a beautiful Dutch Warmblood named Bronya) and reach out to Arthur as he approaches. “Give this to me.”

Arthur hands over the poster, and you unfold it. It’s for one mister Benedict Allbright – needed alive, for a reward of fifty dollars.

“He needs to be living?” You say. “This is unlike you.”

Arthur mounts his horse, a Tenessee Walker named Marie. He clicks his tongue and presses his legs together against Marie’s flank once, and she starts trotting. You and Bronya follow. 

“Was the only one there,” Arthur says as you pull up beside him. “They says he’s been poisonin’ folks with some ‘miracle cure’ from here to Annesburg. Says he killed more ‘n Landon Ricketts without even pullin’ a trigger.”

“Troubling,” you say. “He is dangerous?”

Arthur looks over at you. “Would I bring you along if he was?”

“He cannot be more trouble than Angel Island,” you say. 

And everything comes rushing back. The Wild West is being tamed. A robbery in Blackwater went wrong, and you and the rest of the Van der Linde gang were forced to flee east – the exact opposite of where you wanted to go. And you’re only in this mess because of the officials operating Angel Island. They somehow messed up your papers, and you couldn’t get the work you were promised. You were forced to steal, lie and sometimes even kill to get your way. 

The date is June 12th, 1899. And it’s a normal day as a somewhat-citizen of the United States of America.

“Where is this… Allbright?” You ask. 

“Fellers down at the Sheriff’s said he was holed up in some gorge north a’ here,” Arthur says. 

“Ah! I know what you speak of,” you say, squeezing Bronya’s sides with your claves. She breaks into a canter. “Follow!”

“Now, you can’t just –!” Arthur makes an exasperated sound, then matches your speed. “At least give me a warnin’!”

You laugh, the sound full of warmth. The ground beneath the horses’ hooves turns from the mud of Valentine into the drier dirt of the outer town limits. 

A few minutes later, you pull off the well-trodden trail and into the knee-high grasses. You lead Arthur through the sparse trees that make up the edges of Cumberland Forest.

“How come you know these parts so well?” Arthur asks, breaking the somewhat-silence.

“I have a good head,” you say. “After riding through this place once, I know it, um… I know it like…” You grumble, frustrated. You know what you’re trying to say, but just… can’t articulate it right. You’re tempted to just say it in Russian, but Arthur wouldn’t understand, and you would risk any passerby potentially becoming hostile. (Shouldn’t you speak better English than this? You remember speaking better English than this…)

“What’re you tryna say?” Arthur asks. He’s used to this.

You take one of your hands away from the reins and hold it up. “Something to do with hands. I know it like… like my hands know it?”

“Like the back of my hand,” Arthur corrects. 

“That!” You chime, re-taking the reins in hand. “I know it like the back of my hand.”

You hear the sound of water running along a riverbed and perk up. “We are close.”

Marie follows Bronya as you guide her up a slope into a small alcove carved into a mountain. It’s a thin slope – on one side is the mountain, and on the other is a twenty-meter drop into a river. The alcove is housing a man – supposedly Benedict Allbright – and his horse.

You turn back to Arthur and jerk your head towards Allbright. He’s always been the more intimidating of you two, so you’re letting him lead this one. 

Arthur grunts and dismounts his horse before walking by Bronya, towards Allbright. “Oh, what we got here?”

He continues walking forward until he comes to a stop just before Allbright’s bedroll and campfire. “Are you Benedict Allbright?”

Allbright stands, backing away from Arthur a bit. “N-no, sir.”

“You kinda look like him,” Arthur says. “And we was told he’d be up here.”

“No, uh,” Allbright says. “Not me, sir.”

“It’s because…” Arthur sighs, and looks out of the alcove, down at the river. “I wanna buy some medicine. And, I heard… I heard good things.”

The corner of your mouth twitches up. Arthur could rival Hosea with his tact for semantics, even if he adamantly denies it. 

“I’ll pay – in gold – i-if you can help me find him. It’s just…” Arthur glances over at you, then the ground, like it pains him to look at you. “My brother’s child over there is real sick. Russiatitus, they was callin’ it. Rare disease. We tried all them medicines they said to try, but… nothin’s workin’.”

“Oh!” Allbright looks over at you through his spectacles and smiles. “Well… if it’s for the ill, I’d be more than happy to help!”

He turns and walks over to his bags, picking out a small bottle filled with a viscous, dark yellow liquid. “I’m a healer, y’know? A medical man.”

Allbright turns back and hands it to Arthur. “Finest medicine in the state.”

Arthur pretends to be wowed, then tosses the bottle off the edge of the alcove and into the river. Before Allbright has time to react, he’s drawn his revolver. So have you. You spur Bronya to walk forward, past Allbright’s horse and partially into his camp.

“Game’s over, mister.” Arthur angles himself so that he’s blocking the only other exit. “Put your hands up – we’re takin’ you in.”

“Takin’ me in?” Allbright repeats, like it’s the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. He puts his hands up. “What for?”

“Apparently that stuff you’re pushin’ is killin’ folk, n’ there’s a price on your head,” Arthur says. “I don’t know, it ain’t my business.”

“C’mon, partner, that’s crap. I’m a healer! I-I’ve got an aura… I speak to spirits! I’m a scientist!” Allbright insists. “Folks get real angry for no good reason, and this… this is a mistake.” He looks over at you. “S-surely you can talk some sense into him?”

“Hm…” You twitch your nose and shrug, not lowering your gun. “No.”

“Keep your hands up, buddy.” Arthur reaches forward carefully, taking Allbright’s gun from its holster and tossing it into the river. “They only want you for questionin’.”

“I – I have to insist that this is a mistake,” Allbright says. 

“Don’t be a fool,” Arthur says, corralling him towards the edge of the alcove. 

You look down at the river, then notice… a man. He’s looking up at you from where he stands in the riverbed, his pants soaked up to the knee. And – shit, from where he’s standing, he can clearly see you and Arthur pointing your guns at Allbright.

“Arthur,” you say without looking away from the man. “A man is watching. Maybe he is thinking we are robbing.”

“Go get ‘im,” Arthur says. “I got this handled.”

You click your tongue and tug on Bronya’s reins. She turns and starts walking down the slope to the river. 

The man doesn’t run as you approach him, despite your saddlebag holsters both holding rifles. Instead, he’s just… staring, with soft, brown eyes. 

He seems… familiar. Really familiar. Then again, Angel Island is on the west coast, and you’re pretty far from there, so you’ve seen a lot of people while in America. But… the bright blue stain on his temple seems so familiar. God, you swear you know him. Where is he from?

“You are watching me and my friend?” You ask, jerking your head towards the alcove. “The man is a bounty. He has been killing people from here and eastward, poisoning them with a… tonic. We do not rob for joy. We hunt bounties.”

The man walks forward, almost stumbling on the stones of the riverbed. “Officer?”

You rack your brain for that word, but come up with nothing. “I – I do not know the meaning of this English word… officer.”

He swallows thickly, then takes a breath. His lips start to form a word, but –

-> CH. 13: LET’S TALK HOMECOMING (THE MILITARY OPERATION, NOT PROM)

synopsis: you wake up on a helicopter, fresh from being saved, and meet a pilot that seems really familiar.

word count: ~900

ships: CH: “they were relatively unresponsive to that one. shall i introduce one that is less familiar?”

notes: EK: “yes. it should still be american, but... mixed with soviet suffering.”

ToFS taglist: @catladyhere , @foggy0trees0 , @princessofenkanomiya , @n30n-f43 , @igna4400 (if you'd like to be added to the taglist, just ask!)

THREAT OF FALSE SECURITY MASTERLIST

“Wake up,” a voice mumbles. A hand grasps your shoulder and shakes you. “C’mon, commie…”

You open your eyes and see a man that’s familiar, but not. Like you’ve known him your whole life but only really registered his existence just now. He’s wearing a half-balaclava with a skull pattern and a beanie, and the skin around his ice-blue eyes is smeared with black greasepaint. 

“What the hell is happening?” You manage through gritted teeth. You shift and try to sit up from the bench of the helicopter you’re in, but he pushes you back down. 

“You got the bright idea to follow the twin brats to find Elias,” he says. “Into a goddamn burning house, no less. Jackass.”

You groan and close your eyes, bringing a fist to your forehead. “Keegan, don’t. Not right now.” His name slips from your lips before you even realize it. (So you do know this man, and probably the rest of the people on this helicopter… odd.)

In a fashion that seems familiar, it all comes back to you in a tidal wave of information. The energy deserts of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the rest of the major oil producers dried up a decade ago, sending the world into a panic. The entirety of South America united under the banner of the Federation of the Americas and the guide of General Diego Almagro, both willingly and unwillingly. General Almagro was assassinated in 2015, but his presence was still felt as the Federation took over Panama, then Costa Rica, then Nicaragua, working their way up to Mexico and, the other night, Dallas, Texas. 

You are a part of the Ghosts: a spec ops team set on beating back the Federation, even if it is a losing battle. 

The date is June 12th, 2027. And it’s a godawful day to be a citizen of the burning remains of the United States of America.

Hesh (one of the ‘twin brats,’ even though Logan is two years younger) pulls Keegan away and shoves him up against the wall of the helicopter. “You need to get this bird back on the ground. We’re not going anywhere!”

Keegan pushes him back easily, then adds, “Calm down, kid.”

“Hey!” Merrick body-slams Hesh into the wall. (He’s never been known for his gentleness.) “We just saved your asses!”

“We didn’t need your help!” Hesh snaps. 

Merrick takes hold of the collar of Hesh’s tac vest. Keegan taps your legs, and you sit up, pulling your legs up to your chest. Good thing you did – Merrick shoves Hesh down on the bench a moment later. 

“The hell you didn’t,” Merrick spits, towering over Hesh.

Elias shoves Merrick away with a, “Stow it! All of you.” (His voice is slightly muffled through his full-face balaclava, but it carries authority all the same.)

There’s a lot of light violence happening in the cabin of this helicopter, but you suppose that’s to be expected when the military comes around.

Hesh stands, facing Elias. “We have to go back! Our dad’s down there, and we’re not leaving without him!”

Logan stands too, signing at Elias. His words are angry, and his face is drawn into something like a snarl. He’s signing fast, but you manage to pick up something about him kicking everyone’s ass and tacking on a “TRUE BIZ” at the end, meaning that he’s not joking.

“That’s real admirable of you, Hesh, and I’m sure you can, Logan,” Elias says, sitting them both back down. “But your father’s not there anymore.”

He takes off his mask, revealing himself. 

“Dad?” Hesh says. “This whole time you were one of them? You’re a Ghost?!”

You look up and exchange glances with Keegan. Neither of you were really ones for surprise plot-twists or epic reveals. From what you can see, his expression looks bored and his eyebrows are drawn together a little, like a silent, ‘Can you believe this shit?’

You get up and Keegan automatically holds onto your shoulder, just in case you were to fall. You walk closer to the open cockpit, keeping a hand on the wall for the same reason. 

“What even happened?” You ask once you and Keegan were an acceptable distance away from the commotion. 

Keegan lets go of your shoulder and leans against the back of the pilot’s seat, crossing his arms. “Burning houses tend to collapse, dumbass. You got a roof tile right to the face.”

You rub your cheek and lean back against the wall adjacent to the cockpit. “Somehow that doesn’t shock me.”

The helicopter jolts a little bit and your head snaps over to the cockpit. From where you’re standing, you can see the co-pilot. He’s facing forward, but you can see the sparse freckles that dot his face and the tuft of brown hair that escapes the gel that slicks back the rest of his hair. The headset he’s wearing has a bright blue circle painted on the earcup – it must be a sign of his squad, or whatever pilots are a part of.

Your eyebrows furrow. He seems familiar, somehow. But not like how Keegan was familiar, and not like Merrick, Hesh, Logan, or Elias. He’s… you don’t know how to describe it.

The helicopter jolts again, and a hanging carabiner knocks the back of your head. Keegan huffs out a laugh when you whimper a small “ow.”

The co-pilot looks over his shoulder and back at you. You meet his soft, brown eyes. 

“Officer?” He says softly, his hands still on the yoke of the helicopter.

“Try Sergeant,” Keegan corrects. 

He glances at Keegan, then back to you, his eyebrows furrowing. His lips start to form a word, but – 

-> CH. 13: THE SMALLEST CHURCH IN SAINT-SAËNS

synopsis: come to the church.

word count: 1.2k

ships: don’t listen to them.

notes: you’re with us now. we’ll take care of you.

ToFS taglist: just come to the church. please.

TALES OF FALSE SERENITY MASTERLIST

You hear waves crash on the coast before you’re even fully aware that you’re on a beach. A church stands before you, sea-worn and rotted. A banner, yellowed with age, hangs above the entrance, reading: Holy Church of the Amnesiac (formerly the Dolorian Church of Humanity). 

You walk up the stairs to the entrance, the rotted wood barely holding your weight. When you reach the door, you raise your fist and knock. 

A few moments later, someone answers the door. The person who answers is covered head-to-toe in police riot armor with a duster jacket on top. Their headgear resembles a reinforced gasmask with dark green lenses, and the words FORGIVE ME MAMA are messily carved into their helmet.

They look you over, then take your hand. 

You don’t know why, but you follow them inside. The inside is somewhat dilapidated, but still nice. The pews have been pushed aside to create a common space and the floor is littered with rugs and blankets and a few sparse pillows. People are scattered about, laying on the pews or sitting on the floor. 

A few of them perk up at the sight of you, but the person corrals you to the front of the church, where a figure is sitting. Their silhouette is stark against the light shining through the stained glass window behind them, which depicts a woman holding up two fingers with her right hand and cupping a breast with the other. The windows that would have been her lungs are punched out, leaving sunlight shining through.

“Come, friend.” They wave you over. “Sit with me.”

You look at the person who escorted you to the front of the church, and they nod, then turn away and leave you.

You ease down and sit with the person, tucking a leg under you. You look over at them – they’re dressed in all black, a cloth mask covering the bottom half of their face and their clothes covering the rest of their body. Their knee-length jacket flutters in the slight wind of the smashed-through windows.

“What is…” You gesture around. “This? This church.”

“This is the Church of the Amnesiac,” they say. “And I am the Hunter of Vilebloods. You need not tell me your name – I have been awaiting your arrival, as has the rest of the church.”

“Who are you?” You ask. “I mean, I know your name, but… what is the purpose of this church? Because from what I can tell, it’s not worship.”

The Hunter takes a breath and sighs. “We do not know. We are simply wanderers that have found our way here. This is not our home. We are all… bereft of memory. Something has cursed us, and I know that you have happened upon this curse, too.”

“What do you mean?” You ask. “I – I have memories.”

“Think back.” The Hunter looks into your eyes. “Think back to when you were but a child. Can you?”

“Of course I can,” you say. 

“Then tell me,” the Hunter says. “Recount your first memory.”

You look away and think back. “I… visited the Exhibit of National Economy Achievements when I was a child. I must have been… five, or six. There were machines there, both modern and vintage. It was a beautiful place that showcased the highest of Soviet achievements.”

The Hunter hums in response. “Your next memory?”

“When my father gave me a Makarov pistol,” you say. “He gifted it to me when I was ten years old. He never let me fire it, but it was still important to me. I had a hell of a time getting it over to the States when I immigrated.”

The Hunter tilts their head. “I… do not quite know what a Makarov pistol is, or where the States are, but please. Continue.”

“And then, my next memory is… when I was sixteen.” Your eyebrows furrow as you remember. “There was an accident, and I lost both of my legs. Luckily, I was able to be quickly fitted with prosthetics that mixed existing technology with neuropolymer. I was able to move my legs, but unable to really… feel them.” You sigh. “Now I have different ones, as I wasn’t done growing at sixteen. That, and the technology has improved.”

The Hunter shifts how they’re sitting so that they’re closer. “That is your next memory? There is… nothing in between?”

“N… no?” You say, unsure. “Is there supposed to be?”

“Typically, yes,” the Hunter says. “There is a menagerie of memories for one to look back on. Family, friends, parties and religion… but are you admitting that there is nothing?”

“Well, it…” You think for a moment, then admit in a small voice, “Yeah. I don’t remember anything until I emigrated from Chelomey.”

You feel something push against your leg – something solid and furry. You look over and see an orange cat with a little backpack rubbing against your leg, then sniffing at your shoes. He looks up at you and meows softly, as if noticing your sudden spike in stress.

“Hello,” you say softly. You reach out a hand and rub your fingers together, making a soft sound. The cat sniffs at your fingers before pushing his face against your hand, purrs starting to rumble in his tiny kitty chest.

“Who is this?” You ask, starting to gently scratch at the cat. 

“That is Stray,” the Hunter says. “He does not have memories, just like the rest of us.”

“But I do have memories,” you insist. 

“I apologize. I misspoke. He has… gaps in memory, just like the rest of us.” The Hunter looks over your shoulder and around the church. “Just like the Courier, the Tarnished, and everyone else here.”

You sigh, looking at the Hunter. “So what happens now? I died, so… is this all the afterlife has to offer? The Holy Church of the Amnesiac and a cat?”

The Hunter returns their eyes to you. “Oh, you did not die. You simply just… left your body behind.”

“What?” You snap, and Stray bolts. “What do you mean?”

“Did you really think that this is all dying has to offer?” The Hunter asks. “A church and a cat and a few sad wanderers?”

“I…” You trail off. “Maybe! The philosophy I read about isn’t about death and what comes after. It’s the philosophy of man and his nature.”

“Man and his nature,” the Hunter echoes. “What a fickle thing one’s nature is. And I can see your very nature being unraveled before me in this very moment.”

“I don’t…” You groan and bring a hand to your forehead. There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach. “I don’t know what to make of this. This is all just – it’s too much.”

“You will emerge victorious. And if not, you will return to the church, and we will send you on your way again,” the Hunter says. 

They reach out and draw you closer, holding you against their side with an arm around your shoulder. They lean down and whisper in your ear, “It has been an honor, but we really must say good-bye. Now go, cleanse the tarnished streets of your homeworld. And may the good blood guide your way.”

-> CH. 13: WAKE UP & SMELL THE ASHES

synopsis: you wake up and kamski explains everything.

word count: 1.7k

ships: Connor/Reader, Hank Anderson & Reader

notes: the long wait is over!!!! the research essay has been slain and i have time to write again :)

HoFS taglist: @catladyhere , @foggy0trees0 , @princessofenkanomiya , @n30n-f43 , @igna4400 (if you'd like to be added to the taglist, just ask!)

HEAD OF FALSE SECURITY MASTERLIST

“Officer?” A soft, melodic voice calls. “Officer, can you hear me?”

You groan and turn on your side, away from the light that’s burning into your eyelids. “Huh…?”

“Officer, you need to wake up,” the voice continues. 

You open your eyes slowly and look up, only to lock eyes with… Chloe. What is Chloe doing here?

“You’re awake.” Chloe smiles and cups your jaw. “I will alert Mister Kamski right away.”

She looks away as her LED flickers, as do her eyes. After a moment, she looks back down at you and takes her hand away. You lay on your back, close your eyes, and wait.

A few minutes later, Kamski enters the room. You sit up, then immediately regret it when a stabbing pain shoots through your head. 

You screw your eyes shut and cover your eyes with a hand. You grind out, “Kamski, what the fuck am I doing here?”

“Lay back down,” Kamski says. You feel Chloe put a hand on your shoulder, and she guides you back down. The pain subsides enough for you to open your eyes again. 

Kamski takes a seat by your bedside and leans forward, his elbows on his knees. You look over. 

“Again, what the fuck am I doing here?” You say. “I… I died. I remember dying.”

“You did,” Kamski says, as if it was a completely normal thing to say. 

“Then how the hell am I alive?” You hiss. 

Kamski leans back in the chair and crosses his leg over his knee. “Do you remember your childhood?”

“Snippets,” you snap. “I just had this conversation. Now tell me how I’m alive after being shot in the goddamn head!”

“It’s simple,” Kamski says. (It’s not.) “You were never alive to begin with.”

You shoot up from the bed. “Чего?!” Again, Chloe pushes you back down.

“You know philosophy. Do you know Chariton Zakharov?” Kamski says, not pausing to give you a chance to answer. “Of course you do. You’ve read The Life, Death, Neuropolymer-Induced Transformation, and Secondary Death of Chariton Radeonovich Zakharov. In one of his letters, he wrote, ‘The radiance of pure reason, and it alone, can illuminate the path of humanity. Because a human being is not a body. It’s a way of thinking.’ I wanted to prove that.”

“I don’t really care to talk about philosophy right now!” You snap. 

Kamski holds up a hand. “Just wait. The sooner you understand this, the sooner you’ll get to see that android. What was its name again? Connor?”

“Connor!” You echo. “He’s here?! Take me to him – now!”

“Listen to me first,” he says. You grit your teeth and do your best to settle as he continues. “I wanted to create something that no one had created before. Obviously, I already did this with androids. But I wanted to go further.”

You nod, telling him to continue. You really want to get this over with. 

“So I thought, what about an android that thinks of itself as a human?” Kamski lets out a scoff-laugh. “Ridiculous, right?”

“If it’s ridiculous, I have no doubt that you probably did it,” you say. “Where is this android-human? Show me it so I can go.”

Kamski reaches under the chair and pulls out a mirror, then hands it to you. You take it and look at it. Sure enough, it’s a reflection of yourself, looking just as confused as you feel. 

“I don’t… understand,” you say, looking up at Kamski.

He taps the surface of the mirror. “You’re looking at it.”

You look at the mirror again. There’s nothing human-looking behind you – just a reflection of yourself in bed.

Kamski leans closer and whispers, “It’s you, Officer.”

“What an absurd idea.” You look at him. “Surely you’re joking, yes?”

“I’m not.” He leans back in his chair. “You’re the first android that was fully tricked into thinking that it’s human. You’ve been living this delusion for eleven years, ever since you thought you emigrated from Chelomey.”

“Again, this is idiotic!” You snap. 

“You only remember core components of your childhood,” Kamski says. “The Exhibit of National Economy Achievements. Your pistol. The accident.”

“I…” You sigh. “Yes, but –”

“Your parents didn’t traumatize you,” he says, tilting his head down and looking at you through his eyelashes. “That was what you were gonna say, right? That people with childhood trauma have gaps in memory and don’t remember a lot of their childhood.”

The words you had prepared die on your tongue. You look away. “Then who am I? Tell me, if you know so much about me.”

“Do you want me to tell you the truth?” He asks. “Or to recount the lie you’re used to living?”

“The truth,” you say before you can change your mind.

“There was a baby born in Chelomey with the same name as yours. Same birthday, same birth year. It was stillborn – didn’t even have a chance to take its first breath,” Kamski says. “That was where I got your birth name and birthday. Tensions between America and the USSR were already tense back then, so it was easy to fake documents. Your birth certificate, your passport, affidavits of income and support, your permanent residency card. You won the Green Card Lottery during a low-emigration year. You thought you got lucky, but you didn’t. I fabricated everything.”

There’s a sinking, swirling feeling in your stomach. You don’t really… know what to feel. You feel numb, somehow? But also like you’re ready to explode – to ask Kamski what the fuck he’s going on about, to tell him that he sounds like a raving lunatic, to tell him that you don’t believe a word he says. 

And yet… you do. It… it makes sense, somehow. Why would America let a nondescript Soviet such as yourself in? And into cybersecurity, no less.

“It’s obvious until it isn’t, isn’t it?” Kamski says. 

“M… my legs,” you say. “Why did you take my legs?”

“You needed to have some excuse for how you felt,” he says. “You didn’t have aches in them, nor did you experience any real pain. Right?”

“Yes,” you say. “Just phantom pain. But…” You sigh. “How am I able to feel? Not touch, but emotions. I thought correctly-functioning androids weren’t supposed to feel emotions.”

Kamski furrows his eyebrows. “You never did find a ‘patient zero’ for deviancy, did you?”

“No,” you say. “All we know is that it started in Detroit, and spread… across the country…”

A horrible feeling overcomes you. You were patient zero, weren’t you? You were the first to break your programming, to feel emotion and to feel pain – even if it was only imagined. And you probably infected Connor, too, didn’t you? You are the reason for his pain and suffering and all the turmoil he’s going through. You’re the root cause for the pain and suffering and turmoil everyone’s going through. 

“You are the free radical. The outlier,” Kamski verbalizes your thoughts. “You were the spark of chaos that was required to start the revolution.”

“I didn’t want to start the revolution,” you say. Your voice is softer and more shaky than you’d like it to be. There’s a burning in the back of your throat. “I just… I just wanted to solve the case that was assigned to me.”

“But you did.” Kamski stands, then starts walking towards the exit, as does Chloe. “You are the deviant android that infected others. The others you infected started a revolution. There are no two ways about it.”

“I want to go home,” you manage.

“Chloe,” he says. “Get Connor.”

There’s a door opening, then rushed footsteps as someone comes to your bedside. You look over. It’s Connor. His LED is stuck on red. 

“Officer?” He says. His soft, brown eyes search yours, lingering on the hot tears that swell at your waterline. Your bottom lip trembles. 

Connor immediately sweeps you into a hug – one unlike the one you’d shared back at the station. This one is firm, bordering on desperate as he clutches at the back of your shirt. He rests his forehead in the crook of your shoulder and lets out a shuddering exhale.

“Officer,” he says softly. “Officer, I’m so sorry.”

“What?” You say. “What do you have to be sorry for?”

“I didn’t do a good enough job of protecting you,” he says. “You got shot. I… I failed my mission. And I don’t have anyone to blame but myself.”

You exhale shakily and lean your head against Connor’s. His hair tickles the side of your nose. Tears slip from your eyes, and there’s a lump in your throat that makes it hard to talk. “Don’t be. We were… we were both being stupid.”

“The revolution is still going,” Connor says. “Markus has instructed me to wake up the thousands of androids housed at the CyberLife assembly plant. I want you to come with me.”

“What?” You pull back and meet his eyes. “But that would be a suicide mission.”

“They’ll let us in,” he says, his voice full of conviction. “I’m an RK800, and you’re an android. We can act like we’re there for an emergency meeting.”

“You knew?” You snap. “You knew all along?”

“No!” Connor says, clutching you tighter. “Chloe told me. It explained everything. I couldn’t believe it at first, but… the evidence was too convincing, and it aligned with everything I had already learned about you.”

“Right,” you say. “Right. Obviously. I’m just…” You furrow your eyebrows and screw your eyes shut. “Everything’s a lot right now. And it seems like everything bad that’s happening in the world is happening to me.”

He draws you back into the hug, rubbing up and down your back. You rest your head in the crook of his shoulder, and you’re overwhelmed by a smell you only now recognize as Connor’s – clean, leather, and a hint of something else.

After a few minutes, you sigh and squeeze around his middle. “Okay. I’m ready to go.”

“Are you sure?” He whispers.

“Yeah,” you mumble back. “Let’s go before I realize how stupid this is.”

[brunolover808]

Sweet Memories

Warning: Contains some wholesomeness. Viewer Discretion is Advised.

Faint chirping of crickets simulate a white noise that many sleep to. A common occurrence out in the fields of green decorating the rolling hills that stretch the state. The perfect imagery for any classic farming film or the uncanny valley endless green. A tune of familiar nature that enticed those who wish for a smaller life style.

Idaho, the state known for their potatoes. Across the land sprouting farms that mainly profited off the crop or some exploring alternative products. Some are an all around crop farmland that stretched for acres. Then there are the few that specialize in cattle. Producing the finest meat, eggs, and dairy.

There was one ranch in particular that specialized in very particular products and even attempted to create a name for itself.

The day began at 6 am, a normal routine to make the most of the daylight. Starting with dressing light and ready for some heavy work. The first hour of the day was full of coffee, oats, opening the barn up, and starting on cleaning out the hay. Next hour was replacing the hay, filling the troughs with water, setting up some feeders as the cows stretched their legs. Then 30 minutes was saddling up a horse and getting the attention of the old herding dog. The next hour and half was getting the cows back to the barn for some automated milking. All being done by one individual.

The owner of this ranch was a young lad, taking it over from his family and maintaining the name on the longest standing ranch. Built like a Greek God that enjoys a few plates of pasta, this lad did it all. Watching the cattle with his heterochromia eyes; blue and green. The way his jet black hair was tuck into his cowboy hat, spreading along his neck and shoulders from the length in the back.

Jumping off the horse, the lovely young man let the stallion roam the fields as he headed back to the house. He changed from his farm clothes into something more suitable for the public eye. A white button up, slacks, and a blue baseball cap. Straightening out his hair by pulling it back into a small bun. He was cleaned up and ready for the public. The man left the home and let the cows out of their milking stations before heading down the property.

At the very edge of the property stood a small dinner. It looked only big enough to fit 50 people inside. He enters through the back door of the building and grabs a pink apron to wrap around himself. He then gets to work on turning on everything. Grill tops, coolers, friers, lights, jukebox, and lastly the open sign. He sweeps up some dirt he tracked in before wiping down the tables and counter. He then flips on the giant ice cream cooler next to the counter where he started to fill tubs into their corresponding slot. The tubs come from a walk in freezer from the back. Like that, the small diner was open and ready to go with just him. It rarely gets busy, but normally he got people coming in for a scoop of ice cream or something small from the menu on the walls that shared with the kitchen. It was very much only surviving off the regulars.

Thus making the next moments something unforgettable. The glass door opened with a jingle of the bell. Steps that had a heavyweight but air to them came towards the counter. The young man has his back towards the customer that just entered.

"Welcome, w'at can I get ya?" The man turned around before freezing. He held an ice cream scooper in one hand while a rag in the other. "THE Homelander entering my tiny diner. It is an honor sir."

The heavy steps were from the red boots of the man clad in stars and stripes. Homelander in the flesh had just walked into a diner in the middle of nowhere.

"Yes, I am here. I am in a bit of a rush. I heard from a few children in town that you had the best milkshakes." Homelander said confidently and curious. Even as an air around his words gave off the too busy to chit chat vibe.

The young man nods as he tucks the rag in his apron. "That is correct sir. Everythin' is all natural and sourced righ' 'ere." His accent was a little too prominent as he spoke proudly of his business.

"Then I would like a Vanilla shake with extra cream, to go." Homelander spoke briefly as he holds his hands behind his back waiting and giving the diner a look over.

The aesthetic old diner, but it was genuine unlike the many restaurants in New York mimicking the time area. The only thing that made the fake smile twitch was from the age on the jukebox in the corner. The plastic yellowing as the light slightly flickers from a bulb at the end of its life.

"Comin' righ' up."

The young man was quick to get started. Using the fresh vanilla ice cream in a blender and adding some of the chilled milk. As he did that he got a plastic cup and decorated the inside with vanilla syrup drizzled and mixed with heavy cream. Then the body of the shake was done blending. He then pours it in before grabbing a whip cream shaker to spray the top on. He places a kid on and a wafer. He then slides it on the counter before dropping a straw next to it.

"There ya go. On the house." The young man said as Homelander thanked him.

Not even taking a moment to drink a sip, Homelander opens the straw and puts it into the shake as he leaves quickly. It was like he didn't want to stay there another minute from how quick he left. Though the young man got to watch from behind the counter as the hero stopped and took a heavy drink of the shake. There was a hesitation before the man looked back at the diner before looking away. The young man smirked as he knew that look. The look of enjoying something that exceeded expectations.

Next thing he knew, there was only a streak of blue and red as the man took off. The young man only scoffs from amusement as he gets to cleaning up the blender. Making sure things were clean for the next customers to come in.

The whole day was empty. A few regulars came in. Some of the neighbors who simply did a trade of fresh crops for a good meal. A couple of teenagers who scrapped up money for some fries and ice cream. Then just a couple of random people from around town. It was understandable due to the distance needed to travel to the diner. Not many wanted to take the time to come out to something so small that they could easily get closer to their homes.

It was understandable, which was why the young lad was closing up for the day. He cleaned up the counters, tables, plates, windows, and glasses. He made sure to put the ice cream back in the freezer before turning the open sign off. He then locks the door, but freezes. He glanced out into the dark night. Only a few lamps barely did anything to light up the dirt road. For a moment he could swear that he saw something.

Trusting that instinct he finished up his closing quickly. He turns everything off before putting up his apron. He noticed his name tag was rough around the edges. Even his name was rubbing off. Gavin looked to be more Gav. He would need to replace it very soon.

Gavin exits out of the back as he locks that door as well. He then struts his way back up the property to his little farm life. Passing the house he goes to the barn and makes sure that he doesn't have to do much else as he calls for the herd dog. The cows had been roaming all day and so did his horse. Though he knew the herd dog had it covered. With age came the experience, training, and wisdom. The herd dog was already getting the horse back to Gavin before sprinting off to start wrapping up the cows resting in the darkness. Gavin gets on the horse and began to help out the dog and was able to get the cows back into the barn before putting the horse away and locking things up. He even made sure to have the sweet boy come with him to the house for some well deserved dinner.

The next day was the same. Up at 6 am, taking care of the cows, dressing up, and on his way to the diner. Though he stopped to briefly water the tiny guard on the side of his home. Nothing blossoming yet, but patience was a great virtue. Gavin got to the building, put his apron on, set up, and turned everything on. Just like normal.

Without another second lost there came a ground shaking thud. Gavin watched as the hanging lights swung shortly before settling. Then the glass door opened, those same heavy steps.

"Back 'ere again?" Gavin asks as he had an all knowing smirk on his face.

Homelander freezes as he looks at Gavin's smirk. He then chuckles before speaking. "I was impressed by your milkshake yesterday. I see why the boys recommended you." He admitted as he continues. "I came for another one, this time I can sit for a while."

Homelander approached the counter, he grabs his cape as he takes a seat on the stool. He then drops his cape to dangle behind him as he rests his gloved hands on the counter. It seemed like he was relaxing, but he was straight as a board.

"A vanilla shake? This time you'll have to pay." Gavin spoke as he began to scoop some vanilla ice cream up.

"Yes, extra cream. You can just send a bill to Vought for this. Actually do you make tabs?" Homelander asks as he feels that he might be visiting more often.

Gavin chuckles from the question as he gets blending for the base of the milkshake. "Sorry bud, this ain't a bar. But w'at I can do is give you a cons'ant cos' of w'at your shakes will be and then you can brin' a check nex' time you com-in. That way you don't have to worry about payin'." He raised an eyebrow with the offer before finishing up making the milkshake. This time he puts it in a glass cup with extra extra whipped cream.

Gavin slides it over to Homelander before walking over to the cash register and type in the item before getting a receipt for the milkshake and sliding it next to the creamy goodness. After that he got to work cleaning up from the milkshake.

Once Homelander received the bill he looked it over before folding it up and tucking into his glove. He would get this covered and not something to really stress about. It was clear since he began to enjoy his milkshake. His thin lips wrapped around the red straw that was placed preventively into the shake. His eyes fluttered shut as a faint hum rolled from his chest to throat. Homelander was enjoying the sweet flavor of the icy vanilla.

Gavin just shook his head listening to the sounds of enjoyment coming from the hero at his counter. He found it pretty cute, it was similar to a calf finding a sweet spot to itch against a fence. Not something you see on a daily basis, but enough to appreciate that fence.

"So wha' brings you to Idaho?" Gavin asks as he tosses a rag into a basket.

Homelander relinquishes the straw with a small pop. The shake is already half gone at this point. "I had a speech just the other day. Then I am leaving today, just wanted to get another shake." He admits easily.

"Really? Sounds like a busy time. Ain't somethin' as figh'en crime, righ'?" Gavin's eyes glint as he watches the popular face of America.

"It is part of the job." There was a tiny bit of weight behind his words. It was like he regretted ever becoming a hero or at least representing Vought and America.

After that Homelander continues to practically suck down the milkshake. It wasn't in any hurry, but it did feel like he wasn't much for chatting. Gavin backed off with speaking more. He wanted to let him enjoy his time and maybe if he comes to Idaho again, then he would be a regular. It was not his decision, but was hopeful.

Homelander finished the shake with a deep gulp. When he thought Gavin was not looking he lifted the glass up to lick the sides. It only received a small gesture of sliding a spoon across the counter. Homelander a little embarrassed retrieved the spoon and began to scrape the sides to get every drop of the milky cream. The humming was quiet, but continued with each spoon full till he was down to the last taste. He then drops the spoon into the glass before standing up with a long deep sigh.

"Just bill Vought for this and you will get that payment right away. I will be going, thank you for the milkshake." Homelander announced before stepping towards the front door.

"Will do. I hope to see you around these par's again." Gavin finished the brief goodbye.

He watched the man in navy leave before taking off into the sky from the front door. The glass door closes with ease as Gavin stares out the window. He sighs before picking up the glass and cleaning off the counter. He would clean up the glass and spoon before continuing the day out like normal.

[directlocksmithservices]

Residential Locksmith Maryland: Pros and Cons of Smart Locks

Smart home tech is available everywhere- you will find them in your thermostats, door bells and even the lights. Basically, you can control everything using your phone. However, most people ignore the smartness when it comes to their home security. The biggest factor that prevents them from moving to the smart key or digital alternative is safety. 

This guide will take you through the pros, cons and security insights for the smart locking systems. Residential locksmith Maryland aims to help you understand if smart locks are safe and secure for you. •    A smart lock, an electronic locking mechanism, lets you lock and unlock doors with a smartphone app, biometrics or keypad. These smart locks connect with the WiFi at your home and Bluetooth. They also integrate with the platforms like Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. These locks offer keyless entry and remote control access. It also provides a detailed access log that makes it easier for you to keep check on the entries. You can also share custom codes with your family and guests. •    Smart locks are very beneficial and have several pros associated with them. Let’s understand these pros in detail.

o    They offer a keyless convenience, which means you will never be locked out even when you forget the keys. You can unlock the door using a smartphone or code. In some cases, the door will lock or unlock using the proximity of the person. 

o    The professional commercial locksmith Maryland mentions the remote access as a top benefit. If you are not sure whether you have locked the door or not, you can simply access it with your mobile app to check. It also allows you to control your lock from anywhere. 

o    You don’t need to give your keys or code to the babysitters, dog walkers or your guests. These locks allow you to setup temporary codes that you can share with them and revoke at anytime. This means you don’t need to worry about people making copies of your keys. 

o    The logs allow you to keep an eye on the entry and exit of people. This is useful when you are monitoring kids or need to manage short-term rentals.

o    It integrates with your doorbell camera, alarm system and other home automation routines. This gives you complete control into the smart locking system. 

•    With every pro, there is a con and the residential locksmith Maryland will help you understand the challenges so that you make an informed decision. 

o    Several smart locks run on batteries, which need periodic replacement. In case the battery dies or you don’t have a backup power source, you might be locked out. 

o    There are times when the WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity drops. There could be areas with spotty networks. This would prevent remote locking and unlocking. o    The smart devices may be hackable. It is especially true when you have weak passwords or outdated firmware. In some cases the unencrypted communication could also expose the lock to threats. 

o    Lastly, the physical vulnerabilities are also a concern according to the professional commercial locksmith Maryland. In case the deadbolt or strike plate is weak, it can lead to forced entry.

[joandoeblogs]

Custom Healthcare Software – Bridging Gaps in Specialized Care

No Two Patients Are Alike – So Why Should Their Systems Be?

Healthcare is deeply personal. A treatment plan that works for one person may be completely ineffective—or even harmful—for another. The same logic applies to the systems used to deliver and manage care. Hospitals, clinics, and research institutions often operate with different workflows, specialties, patient populations, and goals. Off-the-shelf software, while useful for general tasks, often falls short in addressing these nuanced needs. That’s where custom healthcare software becomes essential.

Custom healthcare software development services empower medical institutions to build digital tools tailored to their exact requirements. Whether it’s a cancer center managing clinical trials, a rural clinic optimizing resource allocation, or a mental health platform designing a confidential user experience—custom solutions offer unmatched flexibility and precision.

More than just adding unique features, customization allows for deeper integration with legacy systems, regional compliance frameworks, and staff workflows. This leads to smoother operations, better outcomes, and ultimately, a higher standard of care. In a 2023 report by Deloitte, 74% of healthcare executives stated that customization was critical to their digital transformation success.

Custom software is not a luxury—it’s an investment in clinical excellence.

Why Customization Matters

1. Specialized Medical Needs

Oncology centers require software for managing radiation protocols and genetic data

Pediatric care needs developmentally appropriate interfaces and alerts

Psychiatric facilities prioritize secure, confidential data access

2. Workflow Optimization

Tailored dashboards for different departments (ER vs. pharmacy)

Automation of routine administrative tasks

Smart notifications based on local hospital policies

3. Regulatory Adaptability

Custom modules for GDPR, HIPAA, or national-level healthcare compliance

Built-in audit trails and consent management

Support for multiple languages and accessibility standards

Built for Integration

Unlike generic platforms, custom healthcare software is designed to:

Seamlessly plug into existing EHR or HIS systems

Connect with medical devices, wearables, or lab software

Support both cloud-based and on-premise environments

Standards like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) are used as the foundation for building APIs that allow secure, real-time data exchange between systems.

Case Study: Specialized Cancer Research Institute

A European cancer research facility partnered with developers to build a custom platform that:

Captured patient-reported side effects in real time

Integrated genomic data from third-party labs

Automatically flagged trial candidates based on health history

The result? Reduced trial onboarding time by 60% and a 22% increase in participant retention.

Conclusion: Software That Reflects Your Mission

A proper and a custom healthcare software and its' development isn't about bells and whistles—it's about alignment. When digital tools reflect the unique goals and needs of an institution, care becomes not only more efficient but more compassionate. For providers striving to go beyond average, custom development is the path to truly transformative care.

[sea-otter148]

The Night of the Beasts

On a brisk December night in 1958, something strange happened in the town of Preston, Maine. According to witnesses who were present on the night of December 12, every church bell and emergency siren in the city had simultaneously, and without warning sounded off. Onlookers at the churches were afraid that the bells would fall off of their hinges because they were swinging so wildly. The sirens on all the emergency vehicles were also subject to fears of breaking, because they seemed to endlessly rise in pitch, indicating the rotors were turning at a speed considered impossible for any human to turn them at, let alone any automated mechanism before the rotors would break. The combined cacophony of the town was enough to rouse multiple animals in the woods, including coyotes, bears, foxes, and various others, out of their daily routine. While some behaviors, such as the baying of the coyotes and the caterwauling of owls, were typical of a disturbance of this kind, others such as the screaming of foxes, the roaring of bears, and the sudden appearance of birdsong, were far more bizarre and unusual.

As the noise let down, and the sun shone on the morning of December 13, there were only more questions brought than answers. Young children suddenly began to develop strange and irrational fears. One mother claimed that her daughter suddenly began to feel afraid of things living in her food. She was afraid that things would crawl into her nose and her mouth and her ears and her eyes: spiders or little insects that would come swarming out of her cereal or her oatmeal, and into every orifice of her body. A young boy began to experience night terrors and vivid, disturbing nightmares involving the woods in his backyard, some kind of ritual or crime scene or some surreal, bloody vision always present within the woods. One figure always haunted him the most, one who would always stand either outside the window or in the closet in his bedroom: a cloaked figure with long, bony hands and a ram's head, "the goat man," he called it. This figure always showed up in his dreams, and he would always ask to stay in his parents' room whenever he had the goat man in his nightmares.

The fears of the children would only get worse as time passed, eventually scaring the parents too. Knocks on the door from no one at the porch, furniture suddenly moving on its own, strange voices from outside or inside, sights that had come straight from a Gothic horror novel would always perturb the people of Preston. The young girl couldn't even eat at the height of this haunting, and the boy would undergo sleep paralysis that would last for days at a time, which he had to be hospitalized for, and often was accompanied by cardiac scares. The week passed, and by Christmas, something even more horrible would slowly surface.

When families got together to open gifts for Christmas, they were either surprised or horrified to find a present that they hadn't put under the tree the night before. This present was usually unmarked and had something that a kid would typically enjoy — a doll, a toy gun, a stuffed plush of an animal, even a puppy at one point. But when the child would go someplace else to play with their new gift, suddenly, they seemed to vanish into thin air, by something unseen by human eyes. Try as the parents would, they ultimately never found anything. By the end of December, over 13 children aged between 4 and 12 went missing. But the most horrific sight of all would manifest once all the snow melted in the spring. One hiker in particular would find three unsettling things in a clearing in the middle of the woods before reporting them to the police station. Plastic and papier-mache animal masks, a metal shed that had somehow popped up despite the lack of any human presence in these woods, and fragments of child-sized bones, partially chewed and broken.

[bloggersmith]

Streamline School Operations with Vivency Global’s Smart Bell Solutions

1. Web-Based School Bell Systems

Vivency's web-based solutions provide automated bell ringing with customizable schedules. Administrators can manage bell timings remotely, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to different school routines.

2. PA System Integration

The integration with Public Address (PA) systems allows for synchronized announcements and bell signals. This feature is crucial for emergency alerts, ensuring rapid communication across the campus. ​

3. Customizable Scheduling

Schools can set up multiple bell schedules to accommodate various classes, breaks, and special events. This customization ensures that the bell system aligns seamlessly with the institution's timetable. ​

4. User-Friendly Interface

The systems boast an intuitive interface, allowing staff to easily program and adjust bell schedules without extensive technical knowledge.

5. Mobile Access

Administrators can access and control the bell system via mobile devices, providing flexibility to make real-time adjustments as needed. ​

Benefits of Implementing Vivency's Solutions

Enhanced Punctuality: Automated systems ensure classes and breaks start and end on time.​

Improved Communication: Integration with PA systems facilitates clear and immediate announcements

Operational Efficiency: Reduces manual intervention, allowing staff to focus on core educational activities.

Scalability: Systems can be scaled to fit institutions of various sizes and complexities.​

Emergency Preparedness: Quick dissemination of alerts enhances the safety and security of students and staff.​

[stunninvijay]

Finding the Best ERP for Small Businesses: Expert Insights

Choosing the right ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system can be a game-changer for small businesses. When done right, it simplifies operations, boosts productivity, and creates a solid foundation for scale. But with so many ERP platforms in the market—each offering its own bells and whistles—the selection process can quickly become overwhelming. Here’s what to know before you commit.

What is ERP and Why Does It Matter?

ERP software centralizes core business operations—think finance, HR, sales, supply chain, inventory, and customer management—into a single, integrated system. It eliminates data silos, improves communication, and helps small businesses run smarter, not harder.

For smaller organizations, ERP can:

Reduce manual work by automating routine tasks

Deliver real-time insights that support faster, better decisions

Create operational consistency across departments

Scale easily as the business grows and evolves

How to Choose the Best ERP for Your Small Business

There’s no one-size-fits-all ERP solution. What works for a logistics startup might be overkill (or underwhelming) for a retail brand. When evaluating your options, keep these priorities top-of-mind:

Affordability: Look for flexible pricing models, especially SaaS or cloud-based ERPs with monthly subscriptions.

User Experience: An intuitive interface ensures your team actually uses the system.

Integration: The best ERP solutions play nicely with your existing tools—think QuickBooks, Shopify, Salesforce, etc.

Customization: Your business is unique. Your ERP should adapt to your workflows, not the other way around.

Scalability: Choose a system that won’t choke once your team, inventory, or data volume doubles.

Why Aptimized?

Aptimized, specializes in guiding small businesses demystify ERP and make decisions with confidence:

What sets Aptimized apart?

They take a business-first approach—focusing on your pain points before recommending tech.

Their experts work across industries and ERP platforms (NetSuite, SAP, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, and more).

They offer everything from ERP selection and implementation to post-launch support.

In short, they’re not here to push a product—they’re here to build solutions that work for you.

Ready to Find the Right ERP?

If your business is growing and your spreadsheets are groaning under the pressure, it’s probably time to level up. ERP doesn't have to be overwhelming—and you don't have to go it alone.

👉 Reach out to Aptimized for expert ERP guidance tailored to small businesses. Whether you're just starting the search or need help optimizing an existing setup, they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and help you win.

[leadingcateringequipment]

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Espresso Machine with Preventative Care? 

For many of us, the espresso machine is the unsung hero of the morning routine. That rich, aromatic shot of espresso doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of a finely tuned appliance working its magic. But coffee & espresso machines, whether humble home models or barista-grade beasts, aren’t invincible. Without proper care, they can falter, leaving you with weak shots, costly repairs, or the dreaded replacement bill. Preventative maintenance is your ticket to avoiding these woes, extending your machine’s lifespan, and keeping your coffee game strong. 

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from understanding your machine’s inner workings to mastering daily cleaning, tackling monthly maintenance, and knowing when to repair or replace. These tips will help you get the most out of your espresso machine for years. 

Hold and heat large quantities of water, making them ideal for serving numerous people simultaneously in busy environments or during events. Check our Hot Water Urns page.   

Understanding Your Espresso Machine 

Before you can care for your espresso machine, you need to know what makes it tick. At its core, every espresso machine has a few key components. The boiler heats the liquid to the perfect brewing temperature (usually around 195-205°F). The pump generates the pressure (typically 9 bars) to force water through compactly packed coffee grounds. The group head is where the magic happens, delivering that concentrated espresso into your cup via the portafilter, a handled basket you fill with grounds. Finally, the steam wand froths milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Depending on your machine—manual, semi-automatic, automatic, or super-automatic—there may be additional bells and whistles, like built-in grinders or digital controls. 

Each type has its quirks. With their lever mechanisms, manual machines rely heavily on user skill and have fewer electronic parts to fail. Semi-automatics offer a balance of control and automation, while super-automatics handle everything from grinding to tamping. But no matter the model, wear and tear is inevitable. Heat degrades seals and gaskets over time. Coffee oils build up in the group head, clogging tiny passages. Pumps strain under excessive use or mineral-clogged lines. Understanding these vulnerabilities is the first step to preventing them. 

Take a moment to flip through your machine’s manual (or Google it if you’ve lost it). Note the materials—stainless steel boilers last longer than aluminium ones, for instance—and any manufacturer-specific care tips. Familiarise yourself with the layout: Where’s the water tank? How do you access the brew group? This knowledge empowers you to spot issues early and maintain your machine like a pro. 

Daily Cleaning Habits for Optimal Performance 

Daily care is the backbone of espresso machine longevity. Coffee oils, milk residue, and liquid stains don’t just affect the taste—they corrode metal, clog lines, and invite mould. Fortunately, a 5-minute routine after each session keeps things pristine. 

Start with the Exterior. 

Take a wet microfiber fabric and wipe down the body of your commercial coffee & espresso machine, focusing on the group head area where coffee splashes accumulate. Avoid abrasive sponges—they scratch stainless steel. Next, tackle the steam wand. After frothing milk, purge it with a burst of steam to clear the tip, then wipe it with a damp cloth. Soak the tip in warm water for a minute if milk crusts over, but don’t let it sit dirty—dried milk is a breeding ground for bacteria and blocks airflow. 

Care for Your Portafilter 

After pulling a shot, knock the spent puck into a knock box (or trash if you’re less fancy). Remove oils by washing the basket under warm water, using a soft brush if grounds stick. Don’t use soap daily—it can leave a residue that taints flavour—but a weekly soak in espresso cleaner keeps it spotless. Finally, empty the drip tray. Standing water breeds mould and smells, so rinse it with warm water and dry it before sliding it back. 

Why does this matter?  

Coffee oils turn rancid, clogging the group head and affecting taste. Milk residue in the steam wand can harden, reducing pressure and souring your lattes. A wet drip tray corrodes over time. These small steps—wiping, purging, rinsing—prevent buildup and wear, ensuring your machine performs like day one. 

Streamline operations by dispensing precise portions quickly, reducing the time staff spend on tasks such as serving drinks or condiments. View our Dispenser range here.   

After your last shot, run a quick water flush through the group head for semi-automatics. This step clears residual grounds and oils, reducing the need for deep cleaning later. If your machine has a removable brew group (common in super-automatics), rinse it under water daily. Consistency is key—skip a day, and you’re inviting trouble. 

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance Routines 

Daily habits lay the foundation, but weekly and monthly tasks tackle deeper wear. These routines target hidden buildup and mechanical stress, keeping your equipment in peak condition. 

Weekly Backflushing (Semi-Automatics) 

Backflushing clears coffee oils from the group head and valve when you buy commercial coffee & espresso machines online with a three-way valve (check your manual). You’ll need a blind basket (a portafilter basket with no holes) and an espresso machine cleaner. Here’s the process: 

Insert the blind basket into the portafilter. 

Add a teaspoon of cleaner (like Puly Caff) to the basket. 

Lock it into the group head and run the pump for 10 seconds—water pressure builds, forcing cleaner through the system. 

Stop, wait 10 seconds, and repeat 5-6 times until the water runs clear. 

Flush with plain water 2-3 times to rinse. 

Do this weekly if you pull multiple shots daily or biweekly for lighter use. It prevents clogs and keeps pressure consistent. 

Monthly Descaling 

We covered descaling underwater quality, but let’s dive deeper. Frequency depends on usage and water hardness—daily users in hard water areas might descale monthly. In contrast, occasional users with filtered water can stretch it to quarterly. Follow your product’s manual, but a typical citric acid descale looks like this: 

Mix the solution (e.g., 1 part citric acid to 10 parts water) in the tank. 

Run half through the group head and half through the steam wand. 

Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to break down limescale. 

Flush with fresh water until no taste remains—usually 2-3 tanks. 

Over-descaling can erode seals, so don’t overdo it. If unsure, test water output for chalky residue as a cue. 

Inspecting Wear Parts 

Check gaskets, seals, and screens monthly. The group head gasket—a rubber ring—cracks with heat and age, causing leaks. Replace it if it’s complex or split (every 6-12 months for heavy use). Above the portafilter, the shower screen clogs with oils—soak it in cleaner or replace it yearly. For manuals, lubricate lever pivots with food-safe grease (like Haynes Lubri-Film) if they squeak. 

These tasks sound technical, but they’re straightforward with practice. They prevent minor issues—like a worn gasket—from escalating into pump strain or boiler damage. For further information, visit LCE and shop commercial coffee & espresso machines. 

Blend large quantities of ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving time in a busy kitchen. Check out our premium Blenders.   

Conclusion 

Your espresso machine is an investment—treat it like one. Good water, daily wipes, and regular maintenance fend off wear, delivering perfect shots for years. It’s not just about long-lastingness but also quality. A well-cared-for equipment is a joy to use, turning routine into ritual. Start small, build the habit, and enjoy the payoff in every cup. 

[jcmarchi]

Wendy’s Use of AI for Drive-Thru Orders: Is AI the Future of Fast Food?

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/wendys-use-of-ai-for-drive-thru-orders-is-ai-the-future-of-fast-food/

Wendy’s Use of AI for Drive-Thru Orders: Is AI the Future of Fast Food?

The fast-food industry is evolving, and technology is at the center of this transformation. Wendy’s, in partnership with Google Cloud, has introduced FreshAI, an AI-powered ordering system designed to make drive-thru service faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

This innovation goes beyond convenience and aims to enhance the ordering experience by reducing errors, streamlining service, and personalizing interactions. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) handling more of the process, fast-food chains can serve customers more efficiently than ever.

As AI becomes more integrated into the industry, it is reshaping the way orders are placed and processed. While improving efficiency and accuracy, it also changes workforce roles and customer interactions. This transformation is the beginning of a new era for fast food, where automation and technology play a larger role in everyday operations.

The Rise of AI in Fast Food Chains

Major fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and KFC are actively experimenting with AI to improve service speed and order accuracy. However, Wendy’s is leading the race with its AI-powered drive-thru system, FreshAI.

Wendy’s drive-thru sales account for nearly 70% of its total revenue, making it a prime area for automation and optimization. AI can efficiently process voice orders, handle payments, and suggest add-ons while minimizing human errors. This not only speeds up service and improves accuracy but also enhances the overall customer experience by reducing wait times and offering personalized interactions.

The integration of AI in fast food provides several key benefits. By automating routine tasks, AI allows staff to focus on more critical aspects of customer service, improving overall efficiency. AI-driven analytics also help restaurants understand customer preferences, optimize menu offerings, and reduce food waste, which contributes to both profitability and sustainability.

With the persistent advances in AI, fast-food chains are shifting towards more personalized and efficient dining experiences. AI-powered systems can better predict customer preferences, streamline kitchen operations, and optimize supply chains than traditional methods. This transformation is not just about boosting efficiency; it is about enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing a seamless, contactless experience.

Wendy’s AI-Powered Drive-Thru System (FreshAI)

FreshAI uses advanced natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and generative AI to optimize the fast-food ordering experience. FreshAI enhances order speed, accuracy, and personalization, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven automation in quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

Unlike conventional voice recognition systems, FreshAI employs deep learning models trained on thousands of real-world customer interactions. These models enable it to process complex orders, handle customizations, and understand diverse speech patterns, including different accents, dialects, and colloquial phrases. The AI continuously refines its accuracy through real-time feedback loops, ensuring improved performance with each interaction.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities

Real-Time AI-Powered Voice Ordering

FreshAI uses speech-to-text (STT) and text-to-speech (TTS) models optimized for high-speed, low-latency interactions. The system transcribes customer speech, processes the request using context-aware NLP algorithms, and generates dynamic responses with near-human conversational fluency. Unlike traditional rule-based ordering systems, FreshAI’s transformer-based models can handle interruptions, out-of-order commands, and modifications mid-conversation.

High-Speed Order Processing & Efficiency Gains

By automating the ordering process, FreshAI reduces average order time by approximately 22 seconds, enabling each drive-thru location to handle more orders per hour. The AI can process multiple customer requests in parallel, reducing bottlenecks during peak hours.

Advanced Order Accuracy with ML-Driven Customization Handling

FreshAI achieves an industry-leading ~99% order accuracy, minimizing incorrect orders and operational inefficiencies. Using neural network-based entity recognition, it accurately maps spoken requests to menu items, even when customers use ambiguous phrasing or slang. The AI’s intent recognition models detect modifications and update the order accordingly, reducing the need for manual corrections.

Multilingual and Inclusive Support

FreshAI supports both English and Spanish, catering to diverse customer demographics. The AI dynamically switches languages based on customer input, ensuring bilingual interactions without requiring manual selection. This multilingual capability is particularly important for Wendy’s locations in multicultural and high-density urban areas.

Multimodal Interaction via Digital Menu Boards

Beyond voice-based interactions, FreshAI integrates with digital menu boards, enabling real-time visual order confirmation. Customers can verify their selections on-screen before proceeding to payment, reducing errors and disputes. This multimodal AI interface combines voice and visual feedback for a more intuitive ordering experience.

Cloud-connected AI for Continuous Learning and Optimization

FreshAI operates on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI infrastructure, enabling scalable deployment, continuous model retraining, and centralized data management. Key benefits include:

Edge AI processing: Minimizes latency by processing customer requests locally while syncing insights to the cloud.

Federated learning models: FreshAI learns from anonymized data across multiple locations, improving response accuracy without compromising privacy.

Dynamic menu adaptation: AI-driven analytics adjust menu recommendations based on time of day, location, and seasonal trends.

Strategic Expansion and Future AI Integration

Wendy’s is preparing to bring FreshAI to more than 500 locations by the end of 2025, making it one of the biggest AI rollouts in the fast-food world. This move is all about making ordering faster, easier, and more seamless, whether customers are using the drive-thru, self-service kiosks, or mobile apps.

Wendy’s has quite interesting plans, including AI-powered upselling, where the system suggests menu items based on what customers like, and integration with loyalty programs to recognize returning guests and offer personalized deals. There is even the potential for computer vision AI to help manage drive-thru traffic by tracking cars in real-time, reducing wait times, and keeping things running smoothly. As AI keeps evolving, Wendy’s is staying ahead of the curve, using smart technology to improve speed, accuracy, and the overall customer experience.

The Benefits of AI in Drive-Thru Ordering

AI-powered drive-thru systems like FreshAI are transforming the fast-food experience by making ordering faster, more personalized, and more efficient.

One of the biggest advantages is faster service and shorter wait times, especially during peak hours when long lines can be frustrating. Unlike traditional ordering methods, AI can handle multiple orders at once, reducing bottlenecks and keeping things moving smoothly.

Beyond speed, the customer experience also gets a major boost. For example, FreshAI can recognize returning customers and suggest menu items based on past preferences while also handling complex modifications and dietary needs with ease.

On the business side, AI offers cost-effectiveness and scalability, allowing restaurants to streamline operations and reduce labor costs without sacrificing service quality. With the ability to scale across hundreds of locations, AI-powered ordering systems are quickly becoming a game-changer for major fast-food brands looking to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Customer Reactions and Industry Trends

AI-powered drive-thrus are becoming more common in the fast-food industry, but not everyone is on board. Wendy’s FreshAI has received mixed feedback. Some customers appreciate the improved accuracy and reduced order mistakes, but many have run into issues. Complaints include interruptions while ordering, difficulties with custom requests, and trouble understanding different accents. There are also concerns about accessibility, particularly for those with speech impairments.

Other fast-food chains are exploring AI as well. McDonald’s is testing its own AI drive-thru system but has faced similar problems with voice recognition. Taco Bell is introducing AI-powered kiosks for in-store ordering, showing how the industry is moving forward with automation despite ongoing challenges.

AI’s role in fast food is not limited to ordering. Many companies are investing in AI chatbots to handle customer service, robotic kitchen assistants to improve food preparation, and AI-driven inventory management to cut down on waste by more accurately predicting demand.

While AI still has a long way to go, major fast-food chains are committed to refining the technology. As improvements are made, AI is likely to play a bigger role in making fast food more efficient and consistent.

Challenges and Concerns of AI in Fast Food

AI drive-thrus come with clear benefits, but they also bring a fair share of challenges. While systems like Wendy’s FreshAI are designed for accuracy, they still struggle with background noise, multiple voices, and complex or heavily customized orders. Customers with strong accents or those using slang may also run into issues, leading to frustration rather than convenience.

Beyond technical concerns, not everyone is comfortable ordering from a machine. Some customers prefer the personal touch of a human employee, especially when making special requests. There is also a level of mistrust as some people are uneasy about AI handling their orders and personal data.

The impact on jobs is another major concern. While companies insist that AI is meant to assist, not replace, workers, the fear of automation reducing employment opportunities in the fast-food industry remains.

Additionally, the issue of data privacy may also be of great concern. AI systems like FreshAI collect and process customer voice data, raising questions about how that information is stored and used. Ensuring strong security measures and compliance with privacy regulations will be crucial as AI becomes more common in fast food.

The Bottom Line

AI is steadily transforming the fast-food industry, offering faster service, improved accuracy, and greater efficiency. Wendy’s FreshAI exemplifies both the promise and the challenges of this development. While automation streamlines ordering and enhances personalization, it also raises valid concerns about job displacement, data privacy, and accessibility.

These challenges will need to be addressed in the future to ensure a seamless and inclusive experience for all customers. The future of fast food can be envisioned as an excellent combination of technology and human interaction.

[zoeyrushed27]

Smart Waffle Makers: Are They Worth the Investment?

In recent years, smart home appliances have taken the world by storm, offering innovative features and promising to simplify daily routines. Among these advancements is the smart waffle maker, a modern twist on the classic breakfast tool. But with prices often significantly higher than traditional waffle maker, many potential buyers wonder: are smart waffle makers worth the investment? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and considerations before deciding.

What Is a Smart Waffle Maker?

Smart waffle makers integrate technology to offer features beyond the basic on/off switch. These appliances often have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, app integration, and advanced cooking controls. Some models even include pre-programmed cooking modes, voice assistant compatibility (like Alexa or Google Assistant), and notifications that tell you when your waffle is ready.

The goal is to make the waffle-making process more precise and user-friendly, catering to both culinary enthusiasts and busy families alike.

Benefits of Smart Waffle Makers

Precision Cooking

Smart waffle makers often include sensors that monitor temperature and cooking time, ensuring consistent results. No more guessing if your waffle is perfectly golden—these devices take the guesswork out of the process.

Customizable Settings

Love your waffles crispy on the outside but soft on the inside? Many smart waffle makers let you adjust texture, browning levels, and even batter type (regular, gluten-free, or whole grain).

Convenience Features

Connected apps can streamline your morning routine by allowing you to set up and monitor your waffle maker remotely. Some models notify your phone when the preheating or cooking process is complete, so you’re not tied to the kitchen.

Time-Saving Automation

Voice-activated models enable hands-free operation. For example, you can preheat the waffle maker while finishing up another task, making multitasking more manageable.

Appeals to Tech Enthusiasts

If you’re someone who enjoys having cutting-edge gadgets, a smart waffle maker can be a fun addition to your kitchen.

Potential Drawbacks

Higher Price Point

Smart waffle makers can cost anywhere from $150 to over $300, compared to $30-$80 for a traditional model. This significant price jump might not be justifiable if you only make waffles occasionally.

Learning Curve

While designed for convenience, navigating an app or setting up connectivity can be overwhelming for some users, especially if the technology isn’t intuitive.

Dependency on Tech

Smart waffle makers rely on software updates and connectivity. A glitchy app or unstable Wi-Fi can render some features ineffective, potentially negating the convenience they’re meant to provide.

Overkill for Some Users

If you’re someone who prefers straightforward appliances, the added features of a smart waffle maker might feel unnecessary. A traditional waffle maker can still produce great results without the bells and whistles.

Are Smart Waffle Makers Worth It?

The answer depends on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and love for gadgets:

Invest if...

You’re a tech-savvy foodie who enjoys experimenting with different textures and flavors, or you frequently entertain guests and want to impress them with precision and ease. A smart waffle maker can elevate your breakfast game while offering convenience and consistency.

Skip if...

You only make waffles occasionally or prefer simple appliances. A high-quality traditional waffle maker can still produce delicious results at a fraction of the cost.

Smart waffle makers are an exciting innovation that combines technology with culinary creativity. While they offer undeniable perks—like customization and convenience—they may not be a necessity for everyone. Before investing, consider how often you’ll use it, how much you value the extra features, and whether the added cost aligns with your budget.

For some, the joy of a perfectly cooked waffle at the press of a button is worth every penny. For others, the simplicity of a classic waffle maker will do just fine. Either way, the ultimate goal is the same: a delicious waffle to start your day right.

[definedgesecurities]

The Pavlovian Path to Profits: Shaping Your Mindset for Stock Market Success

During a relaxing weekend, I got engrossed in the new web series "Shekhar Homes" on the Jio Cinema app, featuring the talented Kay Kay Menon and Ranveer Shorey. The show opened with a discussion on Pavlov’s theory, sparking my interest as a trader. It made me wonder how I could apply this century-old psychological concept to enhance my trading strategies through classical conditioning.

Pavlov’s theory, developed by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov in the early 20th century, revolves around the idea that behaviors can be conditioned through associative learning. His famous dog experiments showed that dogs could be trained to salivate at the sound of a bell when it was repeatedly paired with food, demonstrating that they could learn to associate the sound with the expected reward.

Core Concepts of Pavlov’s Theory:

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that naturally elicits a response without prior learning (e.g., food causing salivation).

Unconditioned Response (UCR): The automatic reaction to the UCS (e.g., salivation in response to food).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A neutral stimulus that evokes a conditioned response after being paired with the UCS (e.g., the bell sound).

Conditioned Response (CR): The learned reaction to the CS (e.g., salivation in response to the bell).

Applying Pavlov’s Theory to Trading

Pavlov’s theory can enhance trading by helping traders develop conditioned responses to market signals:

Conditioning Positive Trading Behaviors:

Identifying Key Signals: Traders can train themselves to respond to specific market signals, much like Pavlov’s dogs responded to the bell. For instance, a breakout pattern can trigger a strategic trade entry.

Reinforcing Good Practices: Rewarding oneself for following a trading plan can help condition the mind to associate those actions with positive outcomes.

De-conditioning Negative Responses:

Managing Emotional Reactions: Recognizing emotional triggers can help traders work on de-conditioning impulsive reactions to market volatility through techniques like visualization or mindful breathing.

Breaking Bad Habits: Traders can unlearn poor responses to market conditions by pairing those triggers with more constructive actions, such as taking a moment to assess the situation before acting.

Consistency in Trading:

Developing Routine: Traders can establish consistent actions that follow specific market signals, reducing decision fatigue.

Automating Decisions: Automating responses to certain signals can minimize emotional interference in decision-making.

At Definedge, traders are encouraged to explore the psychological dimensions of trading through the Market Pathshala, which aligns with Pavlov’s principles by fostering disciplined, methodical decision-making. By focusing on data-driven analysis and emotional regulation, Definedge equips traders to respond consistently to market signals.

Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory underscores how associations shape behavior. By applying these principles to stock market trading, traders can develop positive responses to market signals, manage emotions, and cultivate disciplined trading habits, ultimately enhancing their performance.

Find Full Blog: How Pavlov’s Theory Can Shape Your Stock Trading Mindset

[azgaragedoornj]

Smart Garage Door Upgrades for the Modern Home in New Jersey

Introduction: In today’s tech-driven world, having a smart garage door is more than a luxury—it’s a pivotal component of a connected home. Smart garage doors offer convenience, enhanced security, and increased energy efficiency, aligning perfectly with the modern lifestyle. At AZ Garage Door NJ, we specialize in upgrading traditional garage door systems to smart ones, equipping New Jersey homes with the latest in garage door technology. This blog explores the benefits of smart garage door upgrades and how they can transform your daily routine.

Benefits of Smart Garage Door Upgrades:

Enhanced Security: Smart garage doors are equipped with features that allow you to monitor and control access to your garage remotely. Receive alerts on your smartphone whenever your garage door opens or closes, and never worry again about whether you left the garage door open.

Convenient Access: With a smart garage door, you can open or close your garage door from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. This is particularly useful for letting in visitors or deliveries when you’re not home.

Energy Efficiency: Many smart garage doors come with improved insulation and more precise opening and closing mechanisms that help maintain your garage’s temperature, reducing energy costs.

Integration with Home Automation Systems: Smart garage doors can be integrated into wider home automation systems, allowing for routines like automatically closing the garage door when you turn on your home security system at night.

Choosing the Right Smart Garage Door: Selecting the right smart garage door involves considering several factors:

Compatibility: Ensure the new garage door is compatible with your existing home automation system.

Features: Look for doors with features that meet your specific needs, such as built-in cameras or the ability to integrate with other smart home devices.

Durability and Warranty: Choose a door that is durable and comes with a warranty that offers peace of mind.

Professional Installation: To maximize the benefits of a smart garage door, professional installation by a reputable provider like AZ Garage Door NJ is crucial.

AZ Garage Door NJ’s Smart Garage Door Solutions: At AZ Garage Door NJ, we provide a comprehensive range of smart garage door services, from consultation and selection to installation and maintenance. Our experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your smart garage door installation is seamless and tailored to your needs.

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Unleashing Fun: The World of Interactive Cat Toys

Cats, those enigmatic and playful companions, thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Enter the realm of interactive cat toys, where entertainment meets engagement. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the world of interactive toys, exploring their benefits, the types that captivate feline curiosity, and how to create an environment that sparks your cat's playful instincts.

The Importance of Interactive Play for Cats

1. Mental Stimulation:

Interactive play is a key contributor to a cat's mental well-being. Engaging toys challenge their cognitive abilities, preventing boredom and fostering a more stimulated and content feline friend.

2. Physical Exercise:

Keeping your cat active is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity-related issues. Interactive toys that encourage movement contribute to your cat's overall physical well-being.

3. Bonding Experience:

Engaging in play fosters a stronger connection between you and your feline companion.Interactive play sessions create positive associations and build trust, enhancing the overall relationship.

4. Stress Relief:

Interactive toys serve as stress relievers for cats, especially those prone to anxiety. Engaging in play helps reduce stress and provides an outlet for pent-up energy.

Types of Interactive Cat Toys

1. Feather Wands:

These toys feature feathers attached to a wand, enticing cats to engage in natural hunting behaviours. Swirling the wand and allowing your cat to pounce on the feathers is a thrilling and interactive experience.

2. Laser Pointers:

The elusive red dot of a laser pointer triggers a cat's hunting instincts. Ensure safe play by allowing your cat to "catch" the dot periodically, preventing frustration.

3. Puzzle Feeders:

Combine mealtime with mental stimulation using puzzle feeders. These toys dispense treats or kibble as your cat manipulates the puzzle, providing both mental engagement and a tasty reward.

4. Automated Laser Toys:

Automated toys that project laser patterns or move in unpredictable ways keep cats entertained even when their human is occupied. These toys simulate prey-like movements, captivating your cat's attention.

5. Interactive Balls:

Balls with bells or small objects inside offer auditory stimulation, and their unpredictable rolling patterns encourage chasing and batting.

6. Catnip-filled Toys:

Catnip enhances the allure of toys, making them irresistible to many cats. Choose catnip-filled toys that your cat can wrestle with or kick to release the enticing aroma.

7. Treat Dispensers:

Combine play and reward with treat dispensers. Your cat learns to manipulate the dispenser to access hidden treats, providing both mental stimulation and a tasty incentive.

Creating an Interactive Environment

1. Rotation of Toys:

Keep your cat's interest alive by rotating toys regularly. Introduce new toys while temporarily removing others, ensuring a continuous sense of novelty.

2. Play Zones:

Designate specific areas in your home as play zones. Cats thrive on routine, and having dedicated play spaces encourages them to engage in interactive play at specific times.

3. Human Interaction:

While interactive toys are fantastic, don't underestimate the value of human involvement. Spend quality time engaging your cat with toys, imitating prey-like movements, and providing hands-on play.

4. Safe Exploration:

Create a safe environment for exploration. Ensure that interactive toys are free of small parts that could be ingested, and monitor play to prevent any accidental mishaps.

5. Positive Reinforcement:

Use positive reinforcement during play sessions. Praise your cat when they exhibit desired behaviours, and consider incorporating treats to reinforce positive associations with interactive play.

DIY Interactive Cat Toys

For those who enjoy a bit of crafting, consider making your own interactive toys:

1. Homemade Puzzle Feeders:

Craft puzzle feeders using cardboard boxes or toilet paper rolls. Hide treats inside, encouraging your cat to figure out how to access the tasty rewards.

2. Feather Dangler:

Attach feathers to a string or ribbon, creating a DIY feather dangler. Your cat will love chasing and pouncing on this simple yet effective toy.

3. Catnip Sock:

Stuff a sock with catnip and secure it by tying a knot at the open end. Your cat can bat, kick, and wrestle with the catnip-filled sock for hours of enjoyment.

FAQs about Interactive Cat Toys

Can all cats enjoy interactive toys?

While most cats enjoy interactive toys, individual preferences vary. Experiment with different types to discover what engages your cat the most.

How long should interactive play sessions last?

The ideal duration depends on your cat's energy level. Short, frequent sessions are generally more effective than lengthy ones. Adjust based on your cat's response.

Are laser pointers safe for cats?

Laser pointers are safe when used responsibly. Allow your cat to "catch" the dot periodically to fulfill their hunting instincts and prevent frustration.

Can older cats benefit from interactive play?

Absolutely. Adjust the intensity and type of play to suit your cat's age and physical condition. Engaging in interactive play provides benefits for cats at every stage of life.

How can I tell if my cat is enjoying the interactive play session?

Watch for signs of engagement such as focused attention, dilated pupils, and playful behaviours. If your cat purrs or initiates continued play, it's a positive sign.

In conclusion, interactive cat toys are not just sources of entertainment; they are essential components of a cat's overall well-being. By understanding the importance of interactive play, exploring various toy options, and incorporating DIY creativity, you can create an environment that stimulates your cat's mind, keeps them physically active, and enhances the connection between you and your cat companion. Here's to endless hours of interactive fun! 🐾