#Automatic tube cleaning

[cqmtech]

CQM Group LTD

CQM Ltd. was founded in Israel in 1996, to develop and sell cost-effective fouling prevention and water treatment equipment. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, CQM develops environmentally-friendly solutions that keep heat exchanger and cooling towers clean and continuously efficient.

[energeo]

Automatic Tube Cleaning System | Non-Chemical Water Treatment for Cooling Tower

[ceslmachine]

Transforming raw material into masterpieces. Visit us at CES to witness the magic of sheet plus tube laser cutting.

https://ceslasermachine.com/sheet-plus-tube-pipe-laser-cutting-machine/

[univdatosmarket]

The Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market was valued at USD 0.65 billion in 2022, growing at CAGR of 7.21 % during the forecast period from 2022-2030.

[electronics-system]

The report provides a detailed analysis of the Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market coupled with a study of dynamic growth factors such as drivers, challenges, constraints, and opportunities. Furthermore, the report involves a comprehensive study about the top 10 market players that are active in the market and their business strategies that can help new market entrants, shareholders, and stakeholders to make informed strategic decisions.

The Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market report provides an in-depth study of past and current market trends and evaluates future opportunities. The study of the market trends and upcoming opportunities aids formulate the factors that can help market growth. In addition, the study offers robust, granular, and qualitative data about how the market is advancing.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE COPY: https://bit.ly/44HUqaI

On the basis of verified research procedures and opinions of market pundits, the forecasts are derived in the market share study. The Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market is meticulously observed along with analysis of various macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that can impact the market growth.

The report involves a detailed overview of the market along with a SWOT and Porter’s five analysis of the major market players. In addition, the report contains a business overview, financial analysis, and portfolio analysis of services offered by these companies. The study offers the latest industry developments such as expansion, joint ventures, and product launches which helps stakeholders understand the long-term profitability of the market.

The Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of the competitive situation of the top 10 market players including KPLAYERS Like : Nijhuis, Ovivo, BEAUDRY, Watco Group, TAPROGGE, Ball Tech, WesTech, CONCO, CET Enviro., WSA Engineered Systems.The study of the market players such as price analysis, company overview, value chain, and portfolio analysis of services and products. These organizations have adopted various business strategies such as partnerships, new product launches, collaboration, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions to maintain their market position.

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COVID-19 Impact Analysis :

The Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market includes an in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected the market. The prolonged lockdown across several countries and restriction of import-export of non-essential products have hampered the market. Moreover, during the pandemic, the prices of raw materials increased significantly.

The report covers a thorough study of drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This study aids shareholders, new market entrants, and stakeholders to recognize the dynamic factors that supplement the market growth and helps them make informed decisions.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

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[prabha194]

Market Size, Share, and Trends of the Automatic Tube Cleaning System Industry

According to the new research report titled “Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market Forecast to 2028 – COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis,” published by The Insight Partners, the market is expected to reach US$ 158.18 million by 2028, registering a CAGR of 4.74% from 2020 to 2027.

The automatic tube clean system market is segmented based on type and industry. Based on type, the automatic tube clean system market is segmented into automatic ball tube cleaning system and automatic brush tube cleaning system. Based on industry, the automatic tube clean system market is segmented into power generation, oil and gas, commercial space, hospitality, others. Further, based on geography, the Automatic Tube Clean System market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America. Asia Pacific led the Automatic Tube Clean System market in 2020 with a market share of 35.31%, followed by North America and Europe. In 2020, China commanded a 34.77 percent share of the Asia Pacific automatic tube clean system market. Furthermore, China has the ability to produce large quantities of automotive components, such as elastic rubber balls, at a lower cost, giving it a competitive advantage over other countries.

Along with several advantages of automatic tube cleaning system for HVAC systems, there are a few factors that could affect the adoption of these systems, which, in turn limits the growth of the automatic tube clean system market. Energy-efficient processes are also being implemented in commercial spaces and power plants. The need to save coal-fired power plants is expected to accelerate the growth of the automated tube cleaning industry in the near future. Tube washing is also anticipated to grow in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in the food sector. Increasing energy demand, coupled with improved economic development, is likely to lead to the building of more power plants in the years ahead, resulting in increased demand for automated tube cleaning systems in the power generation industry.

Request Copy of Automatic Tube Cleaning System Market Growth Report https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00004345/

Key Findings of Study:

Since power companies are operating in an increasingly hostile environment—owing to rapid deregulation and liberalization, combined with environment-friendly power generation—maintaining the performance of condenser tubes, which have such a large impact on power generation efficiency, is becoming a major apprehension. Since many power plants across the world use seawater for cooling, it is vital to keep the condenser tubes that cool vast amounts of seawater in top shape by preventing marine life from getting into and sticking to the tubes and keeping them clean. The growing environmental effects of global warming demand a more efficient generation of power in the years ahead, which would drive the adoption of automatic tube cleaning systems. A few of the recent product launch initiatives in the market are as follows:

•             In 2018, Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited launched a coal fired Patratu power project. The super thermal power plant will be built in two phases, with the first phase compring three 800 MW units and the second phase compring two more identical units. The company claimsed that an automatic tube cleaning system would improve project productivity and save resources.

•             In 2015, Shandong Shengli Power Project was launched by Shenglu Power Company. The plant will be constructed in two stages, the first of which will include two 1,000 MW ultra-supercritical air-cooled systems.

About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact Us: Contact Person: Sameer Joshi Phone: +1-646-491-9876

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

This 1953 Muntz Jet convertible underwent a three-year custom build under previous ownership, and it was purchased by the seller in 2021. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end, and it is finished in Apple Pearl with a white Carson-style removable top over gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery. Features include custom bodywork, an Art Morrison frame, power-assisted steering, four-wheel disc brakes, airbag suspension, Painless Performance wiring, and more modified and fabricated details. This custom-built Muntz is now offered with a copy of Rodder’s Journal magazine featuring a story on the build and a clean California title in the name of the seller’s business.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The steel, aluminum, and fiberglass body is mounted on an Art Morrison ladder frame that was boxed and finished in semi-gloss black, and the floor was raised 3″. The exterior was repainted in a Sherwin Williams two-stage Apple Pearl mixed by the late Stan Betz. Features include a chopped Duvall-style windshield, 1950 Chevrolet headlights, dual Appleton spotlights, 1951 Ford Victoria side windows, and a white removable Carson-style top fabricated to match the height of the chopped windshield. Additional equipment includes color-matched rear fender skirts and chrome bumpers. Wear from fitting the top is noted on the rear deck.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Steel wheels sourced from a 1976 Dodge measure 15″ and are mounted with Cadillac Sombrero-style covers and whitewall tires. A matching spare fitted with a BFGoodrich Silvertown tire is mounted within a rear-mounted Continental-style chrome carrier. A Mustang II front end accommodates power rack-and-pinion steering , and the car rides on an electronically-adjustable Air Ride Technologies airbag suspension system along with 2” lowered front spindles, Strange Engineering tube shocks, a rear Panhard bar, and front and rear sway bars. The seller reports that the front control arm bushings were recently replaced.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Braking is handled by GM G-body-sourced calipers matched with Ford Granada discs up front and Ford SVO-specification calipers and discs at the rear.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The cabin was customized by Jim’s Auto Trim of San Diego, California, and features Glide bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery, along with matching treatments for the dash trim, headliner, and door panels. Additional equipment includes a 1952 Lincoln steering wheel mounted to a shortened Lincoln steering column, gray cut-pile carpet, and a Pioneer stereo housed within a custom center cubby.

The engine-turned “Hollywood” instrument cluster houses Stewart Warner gauges consisting of an 8k-rpm tachometer, a 160-mph speedometer, and auxiliary readings for fuel level, battery charge, oil pressure, and water temperature. The five-digit odometer displays 25k miles, though total chassis mileage is unknown. A Lokar pedal assembly was fitted during the build.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter LT1 V8 features a polished fuel intake manifold along with billet aluminum valve covers, and additional features include an Opti-Spark distributor, a Griffin aluminum radiator, and a wiring loom sourced from Painless Performance Wiring. A set of long-tube headers are connected to a 2.5″ exhaust system equipped with dual Dynaflow mufflers. The seller reports that the oil was recently changed.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Power is routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end with with 3.55:1 gears and Strange Engineering 31-spline axles. Additional photos of the underside, drivetrain, and suspension components are presented in the gallery below.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The car was featured in issue #36 of Rodders Journal magazine

[dronebiscuitbat]

Oil is Thicker Then Blood (Part 56)

Hi, quick authors note. I have little to no experience writing action... and I'm a little afraid that might show in this chapter. That being said I do hope it's not confusing and you all enjoy it. It's a Doozy!

The next store, smaller then the toy store and really no more then a kiosk, with trinkets and scanners placed on a simple wooden table, the man standing behind it was cleaning a nixie tube with a cloth.

“You two seem a little young to be looking at these antiques…” His voice was gruff, sporting green eyelights and brown hair under a simple hard hat.

“Just… something specific.” Uzi cracked a wary smile as she took a look at what he had, ancient tech mixed with more modern parts… some of it wasn't exactly… legal. But that had never stopped her before, even if N looked increasingly nervous.

He was off duty sure, he was under no obligation to arrest the man even though his booth was sketchy and some of the parts he was selling were clearly ripped from other parts of bunker. But it still felt wrong to just… not do anything.

Uzi eyed the medical scanner, half buried under other medical equipment (mostly pain relief spikes) it was older, a screen on the front with the back shaped like a scan gun you find at registers. The ones the medical bay had now were automatic, this one was manual, but it would still do the trick.

“How much?”

She pointed to the scanner and the drone squinted at her, his eyes trailing over to Tera, who was still enthralled by her bat toy, then to N.

“Hundred and fifty.” N winced, that was like… half a paycheck. But it wasn't like they needed the money for anything else. So he transferred the credits without another word and the drone grinned wide and toothy, N just turned away as Uzi grabbed the scanner, her nerves seeming to skyrocket now that she had it in her hands.

This thing would tell her what she was, if she was still mechanical or if she was more flesh, ignorance had been bliss, a bliss she wouldn't have for very much longer.

“We got it… you wanna go home and perform it or…”

“No. No we can go home, I need to know.”

N nodded, taking her hand and attempting to lead them out of the marketplace before something seemed to catch his eye. Thad was walking with one of their female classmates, he was being hit on… clearly. But he wasn't giving her much response back, he looked almost bored….

“Hey Thad!” N shouted, making Uzi elbow him in the gut. They were supposed to be heading home! And she definitely didn't feel well enough in any way, to be put in more social situations.

But it didn't matter, Thad heard his name and locked eyes with N, his bored expression turning up into a friendly smile as his attention was turned away from the girl and to his freinds.

“Hey guys! What are you all doing here?” He turned to N, who immediately began to talk nearly nonstop, about his job, about Tera, about her. It would be sweet if she wasn't currently zoning out, thoughts running elsewhere and everywhere.

Maybe that's why she didn't see the red glint from a darkened hallway behind her.

The world around her began to slip away as she tuned out the conversation, there was so much to worry about, and it all seemed to be slowly creeping in on her, she felt like if she focused on it she would suffocate.

And that's when something grabbed her from behind, and she didn't even have time to give out a yelp and barely had time to wrap her hands protectively around Tera as she was yanked backwards, sailing quickly through the halls and into a small room that was only half finished, bare stone making up two of the furthest walls.

She was on her feet instantly, tail wrapping protectectivly around Tera, spines flexed outwards and fangs bared, eyes scanning the dark room for any sign of who dragged her here, a growl left her lips as Tera was uncharacteristically quiet, pressed up against Uzi tightly.

[Hello Uzi] A voice spoken in Russian, automaticly translated by her receptors but it sent chills down her back all the same, she gasped pulling Tera closer and her eyelights hollowing out from anger to fear. She looked around, she didn't even know where the hell she was, much less the route Doll had dragged her to get here, it had gone by too fast.

“What do you want?” She snarled, she couldn't see but a few feet in either direction, this part of the bunker was dark and empty, the only real lighting being the dim florescent light above her.

[To talk] She couldn't pinpoint exactly where Doll's voice was coming from, which only succeeded in making her frustrated, but mostly sacred, Tera was here, this was a bad situation…

“Then why drag me here alone?” She asked, focusing hard on where the response would come from. But she didn't have to, Doll stepped into the light.

She looked… awful.

Her clothes were nothing but tatters and all of them covered in some combination of oil and blood, she walked with a limp and her visor was cracked, she'd tried to cover it with an eyepatch, but she could still see the spiderwebbed fracture. Her remaining eyelight was still as peircing as ever, however.

Even still, Uzi didn't let her guard down.

Doll activated her solver, beginning to circle Uzi like a hyena about to pounce, there were black veins snaking up the leg she was struggling to put weight on, but Uzi recognized the look on Doll's face, hunger.

Who knows how long it'd been since she last fed.

[I had a plan that fell through, I've got nothing and the planet will soon be transformed. I did not find what I was looking for, for that, I am sorry.]

She started talking quickly, like she was running out of time.

[But I am not sorry for what I am going to do to your murder pets when you lure them in here for me, if I cannot be cured, then I want to take them down with me.]

“W-what?” Transformed? Cure? What the hell was Doll talking about?

“Like I'd just let you do that.” She replied, deciding to focus on the most important thing, which was keeping her daughter safe. She activated her own solver, feeling power from her core rush to her fingertips as she accessed it.

[I thought you might say that.]

Something hit her shoulder and sunk in deeply, causing her to yelp and wince as oil oozed out of where a kitchen knife dug into her metal, Uzi immediately made Tera look elsewhere, silent tears of fear shining in the toddlers eyelights as her mother hissed in pain.

“Fuck…” Uzi used her solver to pull out the knife from her shoulder, the wound already beginning to heal over the moment it was removed, she aimed it at Doll and got into the best fighting position she could while carrying a toddler.

[Don't worry, I'll just knock you out.] Doll grinned before summoning more knives and taking aim, Uzi growled, and dug deep to what she remembered doing with the pens to duplicate them, there was more at stake now, her daughters safety depended on her winning this fight.

She duplicated the knives nearly effortlessly, and launched them at Doll at a speed even the Russian was surprised at, though she just teleported out of the way of them, she looked back on them with a half smile.

[You've been practicing]

“Bite me.” Uzi lept out of the way of knives sailing towards her, ending up unfurling her wings to crawl on the ceiling while she held Tera with her actual arms, she felt a different kind of white hot rage fill her, and another feral growl left her lips. Her tail whipped in front of her, sending razer sharp spines raining down on Doll's head, once again, the projectiles just seemed to bounce off, but ever the observant one, Doll had something to say about it.

[I have never seen that mutation before… how cute, you're literally prickly now]

Uzi just growled, crawling over the ceiling and the walls around Doll a lot like an actual bat, she had to keep her distance, her kit was in danger and she had to make as much space between Doll and Tera as possible. She sent more spines her way utterly filling the wall behind the Russian like a stone pincushion.

[What the hell are you holding anyway? It can't be that important.] Uzi blinked, could… could Doll not see very well? That would make sense, she only had one working eyelight…

But that thought came at a bad time, a knife came flying her direction that she couldn't dodge and it caught her in the side, sending her falling off the wall and tumbling to the ground, she sheltered her daughter the best she could from the fall.

She lifted her arm to try to launch the knife back but her core suddenly lurched and visibly sparked with gold, gold glitched across her screen and her solver turned a similar color, her entire body screaming at her to stop what she was doing instantly.

“Agh!” She yelped, curling in on herself and pulling Tera into her, she felt like she was on fire, but Tera was still in danger…

[Oooh… that looked painful.] Doll closed the distance, pointing her solver directly at Uzi's visor, she closed her eyes shut and shielded Tera in her wings as best she could, N could take care of her… V might even step up, she had family still…

“No! Bad! Bad! NO!” Tera flung herself at Doll, slamming her tiny fists uselessly against her, Uzi wanted to scream, but any movement to try and rip Tera away was sending so much agony through her that she just ended up sinking further into the floor.

“Tera No!”

She kept at it though, punching as hard as her little fists could, Doll stopped after a moment of processing, her solver dissolving into nothing as the toddler did her worst… which wasn't much.

[What?] Doll blinked before picking the toddler up with one hand and holding her slightly away, Tera kicked and screamed and spat in her direction, digital tears streaming down her face.

“No! Mama! Bad! No!” Her limited vocabulary spoke volumes, and Doll looked back over at Uzi, who had switched from fighting to downright pleading.

“Please don't hurt her… please… you can do whatever you want with me, but let her go…” It wasn't like Uzi to beg for anything, but the life of her daughter was too important, too precious. Doll's eyes went hollow, her breaths came in quick pants.

[You- Since when?] Doll choked out before she dropped the toddler like she had burned her, Uzi fought through the pain to catch her and hold her close, both mother and child clinging to each other, pushed up against the wall.

[I… I'm…] She looked down at herself, at her ratty clothes covered in oil and blood and the strange growth on her leg as she tumbled backwards, looking terrified, of what, Uzi wasn't sure.

She locked eyes with Uzi, breathing heavily, before red code began to scrub her out of existence, dancing around her like a veil before… she disappeared.

Uzi waited for something else to come, for Doll to come to finish the job or her body to genuinely begin to fall apart or some combination of both, but the pain slowly subsided, her core returning to it's normal functioning, and the room fell silent, absent of Doll.

Tera was sobbing into her, gripping her like she was her only safe haven, digital tears began to fall from her own visor too, she gripped her back, petting the back of Tera's head.

“You were so brave sweetheart… so brave.” Uzi was proud and terrified and tired so tired, but mostly she was relieved that she was safe, although no doubt traumatized.

“Mama…” Tera whimpered, curling up tight next to Uzi's core and refusing to let go, Uzi took several deep breaths, okay, Doll was gone, and even though she didn't know why. It didn't matter, she just… needed to get up off the floor.

But… her legs weren't listening, it didn't matter what she told them to do she was frozen there, either from shock or fear or even the slight aftershocks of pain or the combination of all of them, she just… didn't have the strength.

There was a banging somewhere, a furious, desperate type of banging that progressively got louder, Uzi cocooned them both in her wings and wrapped her tail around them, becoming a living full body shield.

Then a door opened and light poured in.

“Uzi!” Oh… that was N. He was here, thank Robo-God he was here.

“N!” She popped her head out of her wings just in time for her to get scooped up into his warmth and his scent and everything was suddenly feeling so much better.

“What happened? You disappeared!” He sounded so worried, and on the verge of tears himself, he looked her over, the gash on her shoulder was almost healed but her side was still bleeding freely, she didn't respond, only trembled as she tried her best to melt into him.

“D-doll” She choked out and she felt him flinch as he looked around, she assumed he was using his other vision modes, since she heard the soft beeping of his HUD switching modes.

“She's gone, Tera uh… scared her off.” N helped her stand, her legs were wobbling and she was still struggling to take deep breath, Tera was crying so hard in her arms that she was near silent aside from her harsh sobs and whimpers.

“Tera?” N replied, confused.

“Yeah, I don't know either.”

“Uzi! N!” There were more footsteps as Thad ran into the room, out of breath and venting heavily, his gaze met the family and his eyelights turned worried.

“We're fine…” Uzi said immediately, trying to hide how beat up she was, artificial adrenaline slowly waning, replaced by a dull ache in every joint, every servo and every gasket. The area around her core felt sore…

“Yeah I don't belive you…” Thad replied, immediately looking her over in much the same way N had done, just with far less lingering touches.

“Since when did you become so doting?”

“You're my freind Zi, I'm like… Tera's uncle at this point.” He held something in his hands, something small, purple, and shaped like a bat.

“Hey, I think you dropped this.” He knelt down to where Tera was and brought the bat plushie into her view, she gasped, and breifly let go of her mother to grip it tightly and hug it to her before curling right back up in her previous position.

“Thank you…” Uzi found herself choking up again, causing Thad to back away slightly, he wasn't used to seeing Uzi so… vulnerable.

But in the next second she pulled him into a hug, making his eyelights go hollow for a moment before he returned it, squeezing her tightly.

“No problem.”

It took several minutes for Uzi to calm down enough to begin to try and walk, N steadied her on one side, Thad on the other, Tera resting on N's back, gripping him tightly.

She limped home, ignoring how slowly her wounds were healing compared to normal, ignoring the aches and pains and desire to just collapse into a pile of spare parts and letting herself get near dragged back home.

N and Thad lowered her onto the couch, tye furniture creaking unhappily with the addition of her weight, N turned to Thad, talking about something she couldn't focus enough to listen to.

She'd lost… and the only reason her and Tera weren't dead or used as bait was because Tera surprised Doll… She'd failed to protect her, her one job.

“Hey Thad's going home, do you want me to move you to the bed?” N's voice broke through the thoughts, and she nodded without thinking, he scooped her up in her arms and was off towards the bed, shutting the door behind him with his tail.

He sat Tera down on the edge of the bed first, before he laid his girlfriend down gently, Tera immediately crawled towards them both, refusing to be anywhere but curled up next to them.

Her wounds were healed well enough, neither no longer openly weeping, but her hoodie was still stained with oil, no blood thankfully…

She had no qualms with sleeping like this even through she felt filthy… she was too exhausted to even think about getting up and changing, not to mention the dull ache of her limbs and joints only adding to it.

N wasn't satisfied with that though, and began to change her into her clean pajamas instead, Uzi just let him, she'd never felt more tired in her life. The glitch with the solver draining every ounce of energy she had.

“Wait.” She managed to get out, pointing to her pocket weakly as N was throwing it into the hamper, he dug into the pocket, pulling out the scanner.

“Scan me.” She asked quietly, and he looked at her worry etched on every inch of his face.

“You've been through a lot today… maybe we should wait until you've recov-”

“My solver glitched out during that fight… I need to know what's going on… inside.” She gulped, she really wanted to sleep but… this was more important.

“O-okay, walk me through it.”

So she did, she showed him how to calibrate the scanner and tune it for her systems, how the data it collected on her internal systems would be displayed on the screen, and all he had to do was slowly scan her.

He started with her head, pulling the trigger on the scanner and allowing a little blue light to roll over her, the scanner beeped as a map of her head was taken, first just her silicone, then the metal underneath, then through that.

He had to hold the scanner over each part of her for several minutes to completely map each part, on the side of the tiny screen, her code read out flashed, all bathed in purple and running nominally, as far as he could tell.

“You look fine so far.”

‘Keep going, end on my core… that's the most uncomfortable.”

“Okay.”

He continued the scan, taking note of any abnormalities he could find, her limbs were all normal, no fleshy bits or arrant code, just basic, stock worker limbs, complete with the ball joints and industrial hydraulics running through them.

Her head was… mostly normal, her processors were all neatly wired up, but the scanner had picked up… extra wires? At least that's what they looked like, that made a web over most of her main processing units, connected to bits of organic tissue.

It was her torso that really held everything… off.

The scanner picked up her wings and tail, folded into compartments he knew for a fact normal worker drones didn't have, but that had to normal for Uzi, at least since her transformation, but those weren't the only organic parts.

She had a small, but fully realized set of human lungs, breathing in time with her vents to pump air in and out, her oil tank was artificially enlarged and rerouted into… a very strange organic mass in her midsection. When the scanner broke through the tissue, he realized it was a digestive system.

“Not liking that face your giving.”

“It's fine. Let me finish up” He quickly said, he didn't want to freak her put before the scan was done, despite the weirdness and the fusing of flesh and metal, none of it was damaged or working improperly, so none of it had the capacity to make her sick.

Slightly further down, below her midsection there was another, extremely small ball of… something. It wasn't organic, but it was dense, and the scanner couldn't get a good read on what it was. N kept it at the back of his mind as he raised the scanner again, this time over her core.

“Alright, last little bit, you ready?”

“Mmhm.”

The scanner flashed over her core and she gave an uncomfortable shudder, the scanner beeped incredibly rapidly as it both mapped through her casing and exploded in code readout; which made sense, the core was like a motherboard.

Only… the code it read out looked different from the code running through systems in the rest of her body. For starters, some of it was mixed with gold instead of the ocean of purple code it had read out to him before.

Her core was also beating, like a human heart, it still thrumed normally, but surrounding it was a fleshly mass that beat in a constant rhythm. N blinked, feeling his own core and feeling the soft beating that had always accompanied it. It was like his now.

The more the scanner dug in though, the more golden code it read out, as he slowed down to read it, he realized that he recognized it. After all, it was easy to recognize your own code.

“Uh…” He made a noise of confusion making Uzi look up at him with a brow raised, he blinked before showing her the screen that was still reading put mixed code.

“I- sorry I don't know what this means.” He admitted, but Uzi suddenly grabbed the scanner, eyes growing wide as she looked through the model of her internals and the code read out.

“Holy hell I have lungs! And an actual stomach! That might explain why I've been so hungry…” Honestly? It wasn't as bad as she was expecting it to be, none of her internals had been replaced, just added onto, she held her chest and felt the the rise and fall, something that had started after her transformation that had been so imperceptible she hadn't noticed.

Shen she looked over at the core code and felt everything stop.

That was gold code.

That was gold code in her core.

She wasn't stupid, she knew what that meant, she'd seen it in nursery screenings about a thousand times shown to prospective new parents. It was N's code, mixing with hers.

She was… pregnant.

Next ->

[mushroommanstan]

I’m OBSESSED with your creepy Tenko omg. I’d loooooooove to strap him down to his bed for hours with one of those automatic cock sucker pumps that just completely milks him until nothing else comes out and his eyes roll back and he’s drooling like in his favorite hentais. And maybe some sweet aftercare from the reader after he’s too fucked out to even speak<3. UGHHHHH he gives me cuteness aggression or something I swear I wanna eat him up

“Alright baby, just a little more.” You said, dabbing his forehead sweat with a towel as he jerked around. He was a moaning mess, his eyes rolled back into his head as the machine did its job, not even slowing for a second as he busted another load. You watched the thick white liquid being sucked through a transparent tube, before dripping into the thermos with the rest.

One could argue what you were doing was selfish, using your boyfriends body to make some bucks. But he agreed to it, and by the looks of it he certainly didn’t mind. So really what’s the harm?

You got the idea while having sweet sweet sex with your beloved Tenko. You needed the stress reliever after trying, and failing, to collect enough pocket money for the new limited edition Super Hero Bros game before it went away forever. It wasn’t enough, those games were always wicked expensive, and with finals coming up you couldn’t give it the attention it needed.

So, of course, you went to your boyfriend for help. You needed his long cock to pound the stressful thoughts out of your brain for a while. So happily, he accepted your invitation to the party between your legs, and began pounding into like there was no tomorrow, like usual.

You noted in your foggy brain how weird his stamina was. Like always, he kept cumming in short sporadic bursts of 2 to 3 minutes, but not even stopping for a second in between. It always left a waterfall of cum flowing out of you by the end, one that’s a pain in the ass to clean if you’re being honest.

Just think though, all those people with erectile dysfunction and stuff who wanna have kids, meanwhile you’re wasting the breeder of the century by just washing away his cum every time. Hmmm, actually… maybe… I wonder if?

Afterwards, after the both of you were satisfied to the moon and back, just barely awake you searched up on your phone if you could sell cum. The sperm banks rates immediately showed up and… oh man… that’s a lot. And-and that’s just for one little cup? Tenko could fill those up like a god damn dispenser. Damn, that’d be like printing your own money…..

Which is what led you to the present. Currently, you had Tenko strapped to the bed (the restraints were his idea) spread eagle with one of his old vibrating fleshlights on his spicy boner. You were able to use your engineering classes for knowledge and resources to attach a clear tube to the fleshlight that would collect the sperm and transfer it into one of your thermoses.

Despite him agreeing to this, you felt a little bad about using him like this for a profit, so you decided to make this as fun for him as possible. That, and well, you just like seeing him squirm. So while the expensive hand-less fleshlight did it’s thing, you put his scrawny thighs over your shoulder and just demolished his prostate with your fingers before grabbing his favorite strap on.

You two have been doing this for hours, pushing his body to the limits, and at this point he was reduced into a puddle of tears and “milk”. His eyes were rolled back into his head, his face a red mess, his eyes now waterfalls, and his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he screamed for you.

“C’mon baby” you said, stroking his cheek lovingly before slapping him, making him moan out. “Just one more then we’ll stop. You can do it.” Your hips were beginning to buckle, stiff and sore from the constant thrusting but you persevered. You couldn’t stop now, not when he was mewling so preciously for you, still moving his hips along with yours and thrusting into the fleshlight like a bitch in heat. Fuck, he was so beautiful like this, you almost wanted to leave him like this and keep him as the work of art he is. But you knew that wasn’t possible, so you instead savored every drool filled, eye rolling lustful second with him.

It didn’t take long before he let out a hoarse, reedy whine, signaling his closeness. You smirked, beginning to fondle his balls as you milked his body for all its worth. He whines out, his worn body tensing as the last of the cum in his balls is pulled from his cock in a flurry of white hot pleasure. He tries to scream, key word here is try, as only a few spurts of cum come out, the very last of the batch, something you thought you’d never see. You wait until it’s completely traveled into the thermos before you pull out, turning off the powerful vibrator attached to your hips.

It takes a few good tugs to get the pump off him even after it’s turned off, and his cock, now devoid of life to give, falls limp onto his stomach, shrinking slowly back into its dormant state.

You tighten the lid on the thermos before placing it into the freezer in his mini-fridge, right next to the frozen pizza pockets and vodka he keeps in there. Yeah, he’s a little naughty. Then you shoot a quick text scheduling the appointment at the “bank” before turning your attention to your sweet baby.

He’s completely drenched in sweat, the bedsheets too, but he’s too exhausted to move. So you grab some wet wipes and wipe him down till he’s passably clean before pulling his boxers back up and collapsing next to him.

You wrapped your arm around his chest, tsking as you felt him tremble. He was crying softly, letting out little hiccups as he tried to calm down. “Oh calm down, you big baby.” You said softly.

He didn’t look at you, his eyes still glued to the ceiling and exotropia’d slightly in exhaustion. You got a little worried, only teasing before, so you whispered concernedly “you doing ok?”

Your head, nestled into his neck, felt his chin bump into it as he gave the faintest of nods making you sigh in relief. You kissed his neck, fretting a little over the texture of the fresh scars, and slapping his shoulder not too hard and scolding him. It was clear from just one glance at his state that no words were going to stick, so you sighed, pulling the blanket over the two of you and promising yourself to punish him in the morning. Maybe some spanking? Yeah, that’ll do it.

You know he’s trying to stay awake a little longer, just for you. You could see his eyes straining as he waited to see if you had anything left to say. And while it was sweet, you knew he desperately needed to rest, so you decided to hit his natural snooze button.

You weaved your fingers in his dark hair poofs, and immediately his eyes fell shut like they were weighed down by rocks. His mouth fell open and the room was filled with soft, but reasonably loud snores. You didn’t mind though, not when he has just the cutest snores ever.

You fell asleep, cuddled up to him not too long after that, and when you woke up you were in for a shock. Turns out, dangerous, world ending quirk gene having sperm goes for A LOT. Mostly from people buying it so it doesn’t get in the wrong hands. You guys were actually able to get TWO games instead of one. So… score!

[swisccfinds]

Realistic Life & Pregnancy Mod v.1.0 by PERSA

This mod add so many cool moodlets and actions to improve your realist gameplay.

Creator's notes-

Hello simmers,

As everyone loves this mod I wanted to add more features to it to make it more realistic and fun to play

First of all, I merged all the files in one package for more accessible download as a lot of you has problem extracting the files

+ Family interaction

- I added more "Discuss Adopting Pets" interaction moodlet (a few examples)

added more animals like rats, fish... and also insects for those who like to catch them.

I definitely had a sim who loved collecting insects and giving them names :D

Your sim might now automatically adopt a pet from the phone and many more in-game

- "Have you cleaned your room?" I added this one for when your teen or child has piles of clothes on the floor or ate in their room and left it there, the parent would nag about that and makes the child clean

- also added "Discuss Expanding the Family" making sims wanting the Test-Tube baby

If they are teens or young adults they will be having this moodlet (I added teen just in case you want to make a specific story)

and if they are adults to elder I made a special moodlet just for them (in case you want to make a story as if they grow older and it became hard for them to have a natural pregnancy)

- I added more to the "Ask If They Want A Sibling" interaction where the kid doesn't want a sibling they will get a gameplay trait that says rather be the only kid

in the "Discuss adoption" one, I added moodlets that let the sim choose the baby's age (if you want me to add more like infant gender let me know!)

- I added "Nag about Having kids" for every adult to an elder that their child (young adult) didn't have kids yet they will be wanting to ask them why and as usual different moodlets for every sim to create a more in-depth story.

+ Family Loss interaction

I made a new pie menu where your child could ask about their lost parent

- "Remember their Deceased Parent" is a great option for a parent, caregiver, or even grandparent to tell nice stories about an orphan's parent to give them more beautiful memories, just like real life.

- Last but certainly not least in this Family Category I added "Tell me more about my deceased parent" For children that lost a parent, they will be asking questions about their deceased parent and want to know more about them. It's natural for kids to ask such questions and is crucial. (questions could be asked to their parent or caregiver)

I personally had a child that lost his 2 parents and I cheated by adding his caregiver to the household so the child won't be adopted by another family, and I was like I want them to talk about his family so I added the option).

- I added a new interaction "Name Them as their Child's Guardian": This one your sim will only be able to ask families, such as an uncle, cousin, grandparent, divorced spouse, caregiver, or even sibling to make sure that their child is in the right hands after your sim's death.

Some will accept and receive a trait that will help them be a better guardian if your child's sim dies in-game and you have only the kid left, the kid can call the guardian and use the cheat code testingcheats on, click on shift then right-click on the desired sim and press add to the family, also if you have the Parenthood GP right click it and add the caregiver/dependent and there you have it. No need to leave you can continue your game.

Your sim (parent) should be at least in their 2nd level of parenting Your sim can only ask family, ex-spouse, or their good/best friend for this

If the sim refuses, you'll just need to choose someone else.

+ Morning Interaction

I only added 2 interactions for this one:

the "What if you take a day off?" was meant in case your sim wants to spend more time with their lover or bff to enjoy the day together

+ Mean interactions

"Nag About Laundry"

"Nag To Do Chores"

+ Kids interaction

(For Children)

- In here I added "Ask For A Gaming Pc " It performs exactly like the others with conditions or why not:

- Added "Ask for a Gaming Chair" and "Ask to help with bedroom decoration" for teens:

More teen interactions: "Ask for Camera Photo", and "Ask for a Workout Machine" This will make them decide if they want the weighing machine, the treadmill, or the punch bag

(For Teens)

Child one: "Ask to build a Treehouse"

"Ask for a Wellness Object" This one as well will let your sim choose between the Meditation Bench and a Yoga Mats

"Ask for a Sleeping Bag" Ask for a Soccer ball Ask for a Sleeping Bag

"Ask for a Better Bed" This is for your teen when they keep complaining about their back hurts because of the poor quality of the bed, so you can make them ask for a better bed and see the parent's reaction to making decisions

"Ask for a Snow Sports Object" will also let your sim decide between the climbing gear, the snowboard, or the skis

(an example and way more in-game)

every interaction has its own moodlet that differs every time

+ Pregnancy interaction

I added a new interaction to your pregnant sim where they "Worry about providing for the baby "

"Discuss baby's Tuition"

the partner moodlet:

I also added "Worry about providing for baby"

I also added a trait when your sim asks about the baby's gender the target sim will respond and receive a trait that says what gender they are more into (this one is basically just for more realism in case you want to have a baby shower or make a pregnancy experience more in-depth of every couple)

Once your pregnant teen feels that it's time to tell about their pregnancy to their parent/caregiver, they'll have a trait saying they got pregnant in their teenage time

Follow me on social media: (you'll find the latest news about my upcoming mods) Twitter Instagram Youtube Twitch DiscordTikTok

Lets show our love and support to the links above!

download

[tightsweatyclothes]

The new system has replaced prison time by community service for those with features suitable for marketing, which means for the old men in power the young and pretty girls they want to torture. Daphne has been assigned to five years as a guide in the botanic gardens, which didn't sound too bad at first. Until she realizes she can't take off her suit and gag, ever. Or rather, a change is mandatory once every three days, during which her waste and sweat are automatically processed, and cleaned off with the change of uniform . Her liquid diet eliminates her solid waste altogether, and contains so much fluid that she is constantly tormented by her full bladder. A tube and valve only allows her to pass urine as a slow and unbearable drip, right into her suit.

For her job, she has to stand around in the tropical sun for ten hours a day, looking pretty for the tourists and visitors, or else leading them around the garden while they listen to the audio guide. Her suit and gag are not locked on, but with her hands in padded mitts she has no hope of taking them off without help. Just below her thick and impermeable suit a narrow collar and shackles press at her throat and wrists and ankles just a little too tight for comfort, and tighten further to intolerable pain if she ever dares to disobey an order, or deviate from her routine even a little. Those, too, are not locked on, and would unlock at the press of a catch, but as long as she cannot take the suit off, she has no hope of getting at the five rings which constantly gnaw at her with their infuriating tightness.

Three months later, and she is the perfect guide and ornament, the exact gestures and walking pace having been seared into her by countless hours of torture. She has lost count of the number of times she has pawed ineffectually at the tiny zips which keep the suit on, at the tiny clasps which keep the mask-gag on, how many times she has screamed into the gag as the zips and clasps slip teasingly out of grasp of her useless paws.

[cqmtech]

How Does the Latest Electrolytic Technology Work?

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Visit us - https://cqmtech.wordpress.com/2023/11/02/how-does-the-latest-electrolytic-technology-work/

[ceslmachine]

Pipe laser cutting machine suppliers offer advanced machinery designed for precise and efficient cutting of pipes and tubes using laser technology. These suppliers provide a range of machines customized to various industrial needs, featuring high accuracy, speed, and versatility. Their offerings typically include machines capable of cutting different materials such as steel, aluminum, and other metals, with features like automated loading and unloading, CNC control systems, and software integration for design and production. These providers also offer support services, including installation, maintenance, and technical training, ensuring customers maximize the productivity and durability of their laser cutting systems.

[iaus]

Someone beat me to asking abt the temple of the fallen sun (GOD THAT SCENE IS SOOOOOO GOOD) but for the directors commentary is there anything abt the cashmere sweater in Porter’s car scene? Such a nice touch. I know it’s short so if there’s nothing besides like eh it sounded neat or you wanna mention other scenes w the sweater that’s cool too

First off. I’m really glad that you are also asking about the other scenes with the cashmere sweater because. That was going to happen. I’m like literally vibrating as I type this.

The cashmere sweater is SO MUCH. I cannot begin to articulate how much thought I put into it. Like I was literally googling different sweater cuts, material… prices.

I needed to be able to see this sweater in my mind’s eye as Jace found it and held it and rediscovered this piece of himself that Porter greedily kept for himself.

Also. This might. Be a little. Scattered and long. (Crying, I wrote this in a word doc because I didn't want to lose any thoughts.)

I have a lot of thoughts on this freaking sweater and I didn’t even touch on the chapter 7 implications with it.

My first draft, I had Jace walk home in the burned clothes he was resurrected in but that felt so flat to me. There was no substance and to me it felt like cutting from him walking away from the place Porter was killed to just walking home was awkward and didn’t build enough emotion.

So, I decided that since in my last fic Porter’s truck was… uh. Well, important that I would make it important here too. (I like connecting my fics a lot. I did it with my Darkest Dungeon fics and I’m already starting to do it with these sb fics.)

And. I am not going to lie I whammied myself hard with that truck scene. I got stuck on it.

It was such a passing scene, but I needed to make it worth it.

It felt like a way to start the fic off with basically trying to draw the readers (and Jace) into this thought of wow yeah maybe Porter really was in love. And how can I convey this in such a quick scene? So that’s how we get this:

He leans into the back of the truck, ignoring the protest of his bones and aching skin, and digs through the gym bag. Protein bars. A half-filled water bottle. A clean windbreaker. A surprisingly discreet bottle of lube in an inner pocket. A small tube of Jace’s scented lotion. Strangely, a change of clothes for him: The soft, maroon turtleneck he thought he lost; an old pair of cream slacks he left at Porter’s house years ago; the extra pair of shoes he always left just in case. Something strangles in his chest, stops his breathing for what feels like minutes—hours.

Jace is here in this truck that he knows well and reaching for something he knows is there—that’s already a lot of intimacy on Jace’s end in my opinion. He knows that Porter’s truck is going to be unlocked. He automatically goes to the passenger seat. He automatically knows where to reach for Porter’s gym bag—as if he’s done this before—and starts digging through things without real issue.

But in this familiarity, he finds something new.

I wrote this scene with the intention that Porter had packed this bag right before they came to the school for the ritual.

These are recently washed, folded just as carefully as Porter’s own clothes.

These are not stale, packed last month clothes. This was done with deliberate intention. This was what Porter wanted Jace to find after he ascended.

Which leads to that devastating clarity of doubt Jace has:

You wouldn’t keep things like this for someone disposable, he thinks desperately. Would you?

And then… we make a pitstop to chapter 3 where Jace is in his big time spiral. He’s getting ready to binge drink, but he doesn’t want to be dirty and gross while he’s in the midst of his binge so… we get to the bathroom where we get more details about this cashmere sweater… but before we learn about the sweater and its importance, we learn about how unimportant the majority of Jace’s belongings are. He chose everything based on appearance and how it didn’t even matter because he spends all his time at Porter’s house (which, spoiler alert, will make an appearance at some point).

Now, we get to chapter 4 where the cashmere sweater gets some more screen time.

Jace is getting ready to shower and he strips everything, but the sweater.

The maroon turtleneck clings high on his throat. He cannot remember when he wore this to Porter’s house. He touches the soft, cashmere edge; then drags his fingers to the strange steady thump of his pulse.

The sweater becomes almost a bridge for Jace.

This is something that smells like Porter, that he knows Porter took the time to fold and pack, and it’s almost an anchor for him. He doesn’t have a body to mourn, but he has this sweater of his that Porter stole.

It was old—one of the first nice things he bought with his meager first year teacher’s salary. He looked forward to wearing it nearly every winter the years after. It kept him warm in the chill—added something vivid and striking to the already slowing monotony of his life. A small thing he had truly wanted.

This paragraph winded me to write actually. There are so many different emotions.

There’s the fact that in his first year of teaching Jace is already bored. (He isn’t resentful yet… it’s just settling into a routine he didn’t anticipate having.)

There’s also the fact that I’m seeing this as like the first real thing he liked wearing to work. I know personally my first year teaching I dressed more professionally than I did my second year which was fine? It just wasn’t me, and I think a lot of younger/newer teachers do that.

I picture Jace as starting his teaching at Aguefort in his early-to-mid 20s, so it was more “professional” browns/grays/neutrals outfits versus the colors we see in his character art. Not to say his dress is unprofessional, it just really does strike me as the kind of outfit a guy working a few decades at a school would wear. I DIGRESS.

The fact that this sweater is something he bought his first year is huge.

This is something he bought when he still wasn’t as bitter as he currently is (I think he’s always been bitter, but great at hiding it). But this sweater now becomes an anchor into his past in multiple ways now:

It’s almost a glimpse into a slightly sweeter Jace… one that we know Porter had an obsession with.

But it’s also something that, even in his rage state, Porter thought to bring for Jace. Which leads to this:

Then, years later, in the wake of shedding earth browns and sleek monochrome for preening and distracting color, it had vanished. He hadn’t been heartbroken—at that point he had filled his closet with so many soft, lovely things (what else was he meant to buy).

Porter was able to keep this thing for presumably years without Jace noticing because his life faded into a monotony that was so insufferable that even that beautiful, expensive sweater he bought when he was young couldn’t distract him. But… with the sweater forgotten we get:

And Porter had liked it better when he bared his throat—hid it only with a scarf he could unravel; as if unwrapping Jace was a small, private joy.

Jace, without even realizing, has changed with Porter around. He dresses differently, Porter likes it. So, why would he worry about a turtleneck he had when he was young?

He loses it, but it isn’t actually lost.

Still, it was strange to know Porter unknowingly kept—stole—something so sentimental to Jace.

Porter hoards it. Greedy to a fault about Jace really.

I do realize as I’m typing this, that it may seem like Porter corrupted this sweet, naïve boy but that’s really not it. I’ve always seen Jace as a mean son of a bitch who hides it behind a nice smile and the ability to side-step any questions about himself.

It’s more that this sweater links back to possibilities.

Maybe there was a timeline where Jace straightened himself out and did become a good teacher. Maybe there’s a timeline where Jace managed to make connections with others rather than becoming an obnoxiously friendly person to cover up the fact that he hates his job and thinks he’s better than his co-workers. It’s not the innocence, it’s the possibility.

Which… gets to this:

He waits until the steam has fogged up the mirror completely before he takes off his sweater, leaves it on the floor, and steps into the shower.

I see this as a turning point for Jace honestly.

Like the first half of this fic is all about subtle nods, subtle movements. He can’t admit any truths to himself at this point—he can’t even admit that his grief is affecting him physically. But by just leaving this sweater on the floor, he takes this old part of himself, this old possibility and leaves it on the floor. Discards it.

BUT ALSO... at the same time…

It’s not his anymore. It’s Porter’s. It’s been Porter’s for years. That’s part of why there’s this almost shame when he’s undressing.

This sweater that Porter has kept for years is now this link to Porter, ALSO hides the fact that Ankarna took the shatterstar. He doesn’t want to see himself without that mark Porter put in him. The sweater conceals him, making it so he doesn’t have to face the reality that Porter is gone.

After all.

Reds have never been Ankarna’s color to Jace.

Red has always been Porter.

[neonblessing]

10.

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! ⚠️ Click here to read Neon Blessing from the beginning!

Club RED was a labor of love. A cyclopean eye of neon tubes stared down at the street from the facade of a beautiful temple to excess, bathing the darkening street in bloodred light which played through the mist kicked up by a nearby waterfall. The building was dark glass and darker stone, three stories tall and culminating in a domed roof. It wasn’t even 5 pm, but the line was pouring out the door and onto the sidewalk, foreign raincoats and umbrellas standing side by side with wet-haired Diluvian partygoers.

Shiv had never entered a nightclub through the front before. There’d been one club, the Magpie, that she’d frequented with her friends, but the owner was one of Ornarch’s devout and always let them skip the lines. Huh. She hadn’t been to the Magpie in years. She wasn’t even sure if it was still in business.

The line moved quickly, and before long, she was at the door. “Let’s see some ID.” There were two bouncers, identically dour and militaristic-looking men who loomed over her like a pair of sunglasses-clad statues, their suits custom-made to fit over the bulky structure of a mil-spec exocloak. Thin seams in the skin of their faces suggested the presence of subdermal armor plating to protect what the mechanized armor didn’t. One of them handled a scanner with the practiced care of a guy whose grip could crush a human skull.

Shiv showed them the card. “Kooler sent me.” The one with the scanner stared her down while the other barked a few quick words into a headset. If shit went south, the only viable exit was ducking the rope to the left, but Headset would make a grab for her and if those huge hands got a grip it was over. She’d need to distract him first, maybe blind him. Throw her coat in his face? She started to shrug it off her shoulder, just in case. Scanner continued to glower at her in a prolific display of disdain. He should be too far away to do anything, but just in case-

Headset spoke, snapping her out of her planning.

“Hm?” She’d missed what he’d actually said.

“Go on in. The boss is on the second floor.” Shiv pulled her coat back over her shoulder and brushed past the bouncers and into the club. She pushed her way past a heavy curtain of soundproof fabric and replaced the endless roar of the streets with the endless roar of Club RED’s speakers.

Water poured down gilded fountain walls and colored lights arced and scattered through thick smoke, produced by a mix of sweet-scented cigarettes and industrial fog machines. Waiters and waitresses wearing practically nothing served a very peculiar clientele: half of the patrons were exactly what she’d expected, the sort of wealthy-looking folks willing to spend fifteen credits on a can of beer; and the other half were all grizzled paramilitary types. The burning coal glow of their cybernetic eyes stared out at her through the fog, automatically seeking out her vital organs before flicking back to their drinks.

Shiv scaled the stairs to the second floor, taking a moment to look out on the dance floor from the balcony. The band’s frontwoman was more work of art than human, her limbs all formed from sweeping lines of carbon fiber and steel. Her guitar plugged into a port on the back of her neck, her quicksilver fingers dancing over the strings with surreal grace. She had a voice like an angel with a smoking habit.

“She’s quite something, ain’t she?” A woman’s voice came from behind Shiv. She turned to see Kurtz, for who else could it be? The owner of Club RED was maybe forty years old, a little shorter than Shiv, and built like a brick. Her head was clean-shaven, revealing dozens of tally mark tattoos, in sets of five, spreading from near her temple and across half of her head. Unlike everyone else, she was dressed simply and practically, in sturdy black pants and a tank top, and unlike everyone else, she had a gun at her hip, an antique revolver. Both of her eyes were red: one eye was flesh, with an iris that had either been dyed or transplanted. The other eye was metal, the iris glowing the exact same shade as the vast eye on the front of the building. She carried herself with an easy confidence, bordering on arrogance. “Are you the one Kooler mentioned?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m Joan Kurtz, owner of Club RED and REDEYE PMSC. What brings you to my door?”

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