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mariacallous · 11 months

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For more than three weeks, Gaza has faced an almost total internet blackout. The cables, cell towers, and infrastructure needed to keep people online have been damaged or destroyed as Israel launched thousands of missiles in response to Hamas attacking Israel and taking hundreds of hostages on October 7. Then, this evening, amid reports of heavy bombing in Gaza, some of the last remaining connectivity disappeared.

In the days after October 7, people living in Gaza have been unable to communicate with family or friends, leaving them unsure whether loved ones are alive. Finding reliable news about events has become harder. Rescue workers have not been able to connect to mobile networks, hampering recovery efforts. And information flowing out of Gaza, showing the conditions on the ground, has been stymied.

As the Israel Defense Forces said it was expanding its ground operations in Gaza this evening, internet connectivity fell further. Paltel, the main Palestinian communications company, has been able to keep some of its services online during Israel’s military response to Hamas’ attack. However, at around 7:30 pm local time today, internet monitoring firm NetBlocks confirmed a “collapse” in connectivity in the Gaza Strip, mostly impacting remaining Paltel services.

“We regret to announce a complete interruption of all communications and internet services within the Gaza Strip,” Paltel posted in a post on its Facebook page. The company claimed that bombing had “caused the destruction of all remaining international routes.” An identical post was made on the Facebook page of Jawwal, the region’s biggest mobile provider, which is owned by Paltel. Separately, Palestinian Red Crescent, a humanitarian organization, said on X (formerly Twitter) that it had lost contact with its operation room in Gaza and is “deeply concerned” about its ability to keep caring for people, with landline, cell, and internet connections being inaccessible.

“This is a terrifying development,” Marwa Fatafta, a policy manager focusing on the Middle East and North Africa at the digital rights group Access Now, tells WIRED. “Taking Gaza completely off the grid while launching an unprecedented bombardment campaign only means something atrocious is about to happen.”

A WIRED review of internet analysis data, social media posts, and Palestinian internet and telecom company statements shows how connectivity in the Gaza Strip drastically plummeted after October 7 and how some buildings linked to internet firms have been damaged in attacks. Photos and videos show sites that house various internet and telecom firms have been damaged, while reports from official organizations, including the United Nations, describe the impact of people being offline.

Damaged Lines

Around the world, the internet and telecoms networks that typically give web users access to international video calls, online banking, and endless social media are a complicated, sprawling mix of hardware and software. Networks of networks, combining data centers, servers, switches, and reams of cables, communicate with each other and send data globally. Local internet access is provided by a mix of companies with no clear public documentation of their infrastructure, making it difficult to monitor the overall status of the system as a whole. In Gaza, experts say, internet connectivity is heavily reliant on Israeli infrastructure to connect to the outside world.

Amid Israel’s intense bombing of Gaza, physical systems powering the internet have been destroyed. On October 10, the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which oversees emergency responses, said air strikes “targeted several telecommunication installations” and had destroyed two of the three main lines of communications going into Gaza.

Prior to tonight’s blackout, internet connectivity remained but was “extremely slow and limited,” Access Now’s Fatafta says. People she has spoken to from Gaza say it could take a day to upload and send a few photos. “They have to send like 20 messages in order for one to go through,” Fatafta says. “They are desperately—especially for Gazans that live outside—trying to get through to their families.”

“Every time I try to call someone from family or friends, I try to call between seven to 10 times,” says Ramadan Al-Agha, a digital marketer who lives in Khan Yunis, a city in the south of the Gaza Strip. “The call may be cut off two or three times,” he told WIRED in a WhatsApp message before the latest outages. “We cannot access news quickly and clearly.” People in the region have simultaneously faced electricity blackouts, dwindling supplies of fuel used to power generators, and a lack of clean water, food, and medical supplies. “It is a humanitarian disaster,” Al-Agha says.

Connectivity in Gaza started to drop not long after Israel responded to the October 7 Hamas attack. Rene Wilhelm, a senior R&D engineer at the nonprofit internet infrastructure organization Ripe Network Coordination Center, says based on an analysis of internet routing data it collects that 11 Palestinian networks, which may operate both in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, began to experience disruption after October 7. Eight of the networks were no longer visible to the global internet as of October 23, Wilhelm says. Ahead of this evening’s blackout, there was around 15 percent of normal connectivity, according to data from Georgia Tech’s Internet Outage Detection and Analysis project. That dropped to around 7 percent as reports of the blackout circulated.

One office belonging to Paltel in the Al Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City has been destroyed in the attacks, photos and videos show. Floors have been destroyed and windows blown away in the multistory building, and piles of rubble surround the entrances. (It is unclear what equipment the building housed or how many floors Paltel occupied.) Another internet provider, AlfaNet, is listed as being based in the Al-Watan Tower. The company posted to its Facebook page on October 8 that the tower had been destroyed and its services have stopped, with other online posts also saying the tower has been destroyed.

Multiple Palestinian internet and telecoms firms have said their services have been disrupted during the war, mostly posting to social media. Internet provider Fusion initially said its engineers were trying to repair its infrastructure, although it has since said this is not continuing. “The network was destroyed, and the cables and poles were badly damaged by the bombing,” it wrote on Facebook. JetNet said there had been a “sudden disruption” to access points. SpeedClick posted that the situation was out of its control. And HiNet posted that it has “no more to offer to ensure” people could stay online following “the attacks and destruction our internet servers have suffered.”

Across Paltel’s network on October 19, according to an update shared by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 83 percent of fixed line users had been disconnected, with 53 percent of sites providing fixed line connections also being offline. Half of the company’s fiber optic internet lines in Gaza weren’t operational, the update says. The connectivity disappeared this evening, according to Paltel’s Facebook post, which says there has been a “complete interruption” of all its services. Paltel, AlfaNet, Fusion, and SpeedClick could not be reached or did not respond to requests for comment.

Lost Connections

In recent years, governments and authoritarian regimes have frequently turned to shutting down the internet for millions of people in attempts to suppress protests and curtail free speech. Targeting the communications networks is common during conflicts. During Russia's war in Ukraine, its forces have decimated communications networks, tried to take over the internet, and set up new mobile companies to control information flows. When Hamas first attacked Israel on October 7, it used drones to bomb communications equipment at surveillance posts along the borders of the Gaza Strip.

Monika Gehner, the head of corporate communications at the International Telecommunication Union, says the body is always “alarmed” by damage inflicted on any telecommunications infrastructure during conflicts. The ITU, the United Nations’ primary internet governance body, believes “efficient telecommunication services” are crucial to peace and international cooperation, and its secretary-general has called for respecting infrastructure in the Middle East, Gehner says.

Officials in Israel have consistently claimed they are targeting Hamas militants within Gaza, not civilians, while responding to the Hamas attacks, which killed more than 1,400 people in Israel. The Hamas-run Health Ministry within Gaza has said more than 7,000 people have been killed there and released a list of names. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces did not respond to WIRED’s questions about internet disruptions within Gaza.

Hanna Kreitem, a senior adviser for internet technology and development in the Middle East and North Africa at the Internet Society, an open internet advocacy nonprofit, says Palestinian firms have a “big reliance” on Israeli internet firms. “Palestinians are not controlling any of the ICT infrastructure,” says Mona Shtaya, a non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. Mobile networks in the Gaza Strip rely on 2G technologies. Al-Agha, the digital marketer, shared a screenshot showing mobile internet speeds of 7.18 kilobytes per second; average mobile speeds in the US in 2022 were 24 megabits per second, according to mobile analytics firm Statista.

“The internet is vital in times of war in crises,” says Fatafta, the Access Now policy manager, who adds that there can be “terrible consequences” linked to connectivity blackouts. The UN’s OCHA said rescue workers have had a harder time “carrying out their mission” partly due to the “limited or no connection to mobile networks.” Al-Agha says he has lost some clients due to the disruptions. The lack of connectivity can obscure events that are happening on the ground, Fatafta says. News crews have told WIRED they have footage from the ground but are “losing the story because of the internet.”

Kreitem says that a lack of electricity and access to the equipment will have made an impact on top of any physical damage to communications networks. “We don't know how many of the people that actually operate these networks are still alive,” Kreitem says. “The network operators are part of the world there, there's no place for them to run. They are as affected as any other person.”

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accountsend · 1 year

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Effective B2B Contact Management: Unveiling Strategies to Harness B2B Database Leads and Elevate Sales Growth

In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B sales and marketing, the art of effective B2B contact management emerges as a critical force shaping success. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate pathways of nurturing robust relationships, optimizing communication, and propelling substantial business growth. At the heart of this strategic journey lies the meticulously organized B2B contact database – a powerhouse for precision B2B lead generation, strategic sales leads, and amplified business development. This illuminating article embarks on a deep exploration of the core strategies that unveil the true potential of B2B databases, catalyzing a transformation from mere data reservoirs into dynamic engines driving precision and growth.

DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC HERE

Defining a Clear Database Structure

Central to unlocking the potential of effective B2B contact management is the establishment of a crystal-clear database structure. This architectural marvel sets the stage for targeted B2B lead generation and strategic sales leads, akin to creating a roadmap for successful business development. Contacts are carefully categorized based on pertinent criteria – industry, company size, job titles, and geographic location. The creation of separate fields for pivotal contact details, encompassing names, email addresses, phone numbers, and company information, facilitates a streamlined approach for accessing crucial data. This structured foundation becomes the epicenter from which personalized B2B sales prospects are cultivated and business development thrives.

Regular Data Cleansing and Updates

Much like tending to a thriving garden, maintaining an accurate B2B contact database involves nurturing and pruning. Through consistent data cleansing practices, redundancies are eradicated, errors are rectified, and outdated information is supplanted. This meticulous process not only sharpens the efficacy of B2B lead generation but fortifies the database's integrity. The adoption of data cleansing tools or the strategic outsourcing of this task ensures the accuracy and dependability of sales leads. A refined database lays the groundwork for triumphant B2B sales endeavors.

Implementing a Centralized Database System

Efficiency and organization take center stage in the modern business ecosystem, and the implementation of a centralized database system or customer relationship management (CRM) software exemplifies this ethos. This unified platform serves as the nucleus for storing contact information, tracking interactions, and orchestrating seamless communication. A judicious selection of a system tailored to organizational requirements, boasting features such as customizable fields, tagging, and segmentation, transforms B2B lead generation and sales leads into actionable insights. This integration amplifies the potency of business development initiatives.

Segmenting Contacts for Targeted Outreach

In the dynamic realm of B2B interactions, precision is paramount. Enter the realm of contact segmentation – the art of categorizing contacts based on specific criteria that enrich B2B lead generation efforts. By grouping contacts according to industry, job roles, interests, or engagement levels, the potency of personalized outreach escalates. Each interaction becomes a personalized symphony, every correspondence speaks directly to the recipient's needs. This strategic approach metamorphoses sales leads into symbiotic partnerships, heralding a new era in business development.

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Integrating the Database with Other Tools

The essence of modern business lies in interconnectedness. The harmonious integration of your B2B contact database with other tools and systems encapsulates this ethos. Picture seamless fusion with email marketing platforms, sales automation tools, and customer support systems – this synergy propels the fluid flow of data, automates repetitive tasks, and nurtures cross-functional collaboration. The integration augments B2B lead generation, amplifies business development, and charts a transformative course for your database's evolution into a hub of productivity.

Implementing Data Security Measures

In a landscape defined by digital interconnectedness, safeguarding data is paramount. Robust data security measures form an impervious barrier around the B2B contact information. Enforcing stringent password policies, limiting access to authorized personnel, and maintaining regular backups fortify defenses against potential breaches. Staying vigilant regarding data privacy regulations is a testament to your commitment to maintaining trust with B2B sales leads and partners.

Providing Training and Documentation

Empowerment extends beyond technology, encompassing adept handling of the contact management system by your team. Comprehensive training ensures flawless data entry, accurate updates, and optimal utilization of database features. In tandem, detailed documentation fosters a culture of effective database management, augmenting the value of B2B lead generation and sales prospects. As proficiency spreads, every interaction becomes an opportunity, every engagement a step towards nurturing enduring partnerships.

In summation, the art of effective B2B contact management strategies stands as the linchpin of impactful B2B lead generation, strategic sales leads, and business development. From structuring your database meticulously to integrating advanced tools such as AccountSend, each component harmonizes in a symphony of success. By embracing these strategies, you orchestrate growth, cultivate relationships, and pave a path toward enduring success in a competitive landscape. Embark on this enlightening journey, revolutionize your B2B endeavors, and witness your contact database morph into an instrumental asset fueling triumphant B2B lead generation, strategic sales prospects, and exponential growth.

#B2BLeadGeneration #B2B #LeadGeneration #B2BSales #SalesLeads #B2BDatabases #BusinessDevelopment #SalesFunnel #AccountSend #SalesProspecting #BusinessOwner #Youtube

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grimparadise · 11 months

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My spouse and I were stalked at the store, today.

I won't go into much detail because it's not necessary, but my spouse's reaction compared to mine made me realize that some people literally have no idea what to do if this is ever happening. They were scared and visibly distressed, which is perfectly understandable, but other than running away.. their first instinct was to confront the man. Unless this is absolutely necessary, please do NOT do that. Here's what you should do instead:

Remain calm. Try not to tip them off to the fact that you know that you are being followed, and carefully collect identifying details about the person stalking you. In our case, this was a man about six feet tall wearing a basspro hat backwards, and some kind of bright blue, patriotic shirt with an American flag. When he took his hat off, he had very patchy light hair.

Next, go immediately to an area with cameras. In this case, we were in Walmart and so I went to the pharmacy area where cameras typically are. There's usually cameras there, by cosmetics, the alcohol aisle, etc. Stop nearby it so you can look at the screen (or reflection if it's the disk kind). This accomplishes two things: Getting both you and the stalker on camera, and being able to confirm that you are indeed being followed.

After that, go to the nearest source of help. This can be a nearby worker, the pharmacy counter, the automotive center, or the customer service desk. We went to the front of the store and I told a greeter, since he is watching the door, and my spouse told a team lead at the service desk. The team lead saw this man acting suspicious and his description for himself, which is very helpful. It got brought to a manager, and then the AP team. They are now going to check the cameras, confirm the description, and collect evidence.

Walmart cameras have facial recognition software, so they can track the man's movements and behaviors as well as see if he's banned, done this before, etc. If necessary, they will bring it to law enforcement.

You can always ask a worker to escort you out to your car and help you load it. Once you are inside your vehicle, do not linger. Leave immediately. If you need to stop for any reason, do so at a well-lit, crowded spot like a busy gas station. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you don't feel safe, try to contact a friend to stay with or escort you.

The bottom line here is, collect evidence and tell customer service workers whatever you can without confronting the stalker. You want to catch this man in the act, not give him a reason to flee. He may just return and do this creepy behavior to a different person if he isn't caught on camera or if workers aren't made aware of his presence and behavior.

Stay safe out there, guys. Please. Think of yourself and the others around you, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something, SAY something. My spouse and I only noticed because of a kind lady informing us that we were being followed and to be careful. It's better to be wrong than to let someone get stalked through the store. Hopefully this will help even one person be calm if this ever happens to them.

On a side note, if you DO have to confront the stalker, don't be afraid to get loud. Use your environment for you, if any violence occurs for any reason. Cans of soup, things within range that can be thrown, even air fresheners or cleaning chemicals that you can squirt in the assailant's face can be helpful in defending yourself. Back away and get help quickly once it is safe to disengage.

Just remember, stay calm, and everything will fall into place.

Stay safe out there.

#safety #self-defense #stalking #life tips

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rambleonwaywardson · 3 months

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Astronaut AU Definitions

Since we're getting into more mission oriented chapters and I'm not sure how technical things will get, a definition post that I will link on future chapters and add to as needed:

Flight Controllers: CAPCOM: Capsule communicator; direct line of contact between astronauts and mission control

CDH: Command and Data Handling Officer; manages computer systems, software, data, and display interfaces on Orion

EECOM: Emergency, Environmental, and Consumables Officer; monitors environmental controls, life support systems, and emergency procedures in Orion

FAO: Flight Activities Officer; manages and coordinates the flight plan to meet mission objectives, including timeline of all crew activities

FIDO: Flight Dynamics Officer; monitors the trajectory of Orion through the entire mission

Flight: The flight director; oversees all mission control activity

GNC: Guidance, Navigation, and Control Officer; operates and monitors navigation and flight control software on Orion

INCO: Integrated Communications Officer; monitors Orion's communication systems (data, telemetry, and video)

MPO: Mechanical and Power Officer; monitors electrical, mechanical, structural, and landing/recovery systems on Orion including batteries, solar arrays, thermal protection, etc.

PAO: Public Affairs Officer (Marge!); provides mission commentary, explains the mission and flight control operations to the public/media, and coordinates events between the media and crew/mission control

Prop: Propulsion Officer; monitors Orion's propulsion systems, engine burns, position control maneuvers

General Space Program/Mission Terminology: AGS: abort guidance system

ESA: European Space Agency

ESL: Earth Landing System - jettisons the crew capsule heat shield and releases the parachutes during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere

EVA: Extravehicular activity (spacewalks and moonwalks)

ISS: International Space Station

JSC: Johnson Space Center in Houston TX

KSC: Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL

Neutral Buoyancy Tank: Giant water tank at JSC used to simulate working in zero gravity

OCS suits: Orion Crew Survival suits; the space suits worn inside the spacecraft during critical mission phases and in an emergency situation

Launch and Other Spacecraft Terminology: APU: Auxiliary Power Unit; provides power/electricity to the spacecraft

Feet Wet: Navy and Air Force speak for being over water

“G” or Gs: the force of gravity (7 Gs is 7 times the force of gravity on Earth)

GLS: Ground Launch Sequencer; automated system that controls the countdown from about T-10 minutes on. Starting at this point, 'T-' is used instead of 'L-'

H-dot: the time derivative of height (the ascent rate of a space vehicle) during launch

ICPU: Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage; another stage of the SLS with more engines that are used to reorient the spacecraft after core stage separation

LEO: Low Earth Orbit

LLO: Low Lunar Orbit

Max q: maximum dynamic pressure on the rocket due to pushing through the thickest part of the atmosphere at high speeds

MECO: Main Engine Cut Off (literally cutting off the main engine)

NRHO: Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit; the orbit that Orion will be in around the moon, balanced between the moon's gravity and the Earth's gravity; spacecraft in constant contact with and view of Earth

PGNS: pronounced “pings,” Primary Navigation and Guidance System

RRT: Re-entry interface - the moment the capsule re-enters Earth’s atmosphere

SRB: Solid Rocket Booster; solid propellant motors providing additional thrust (there are two on the sides of SLS)

TLI: Trans-Lunar Injection burn; firing the engines to get the spacecraft on a path towards the moon

#clegan astronaut au

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leads-view · 6 months

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The Role of CRM in Customer Journey Mapping

In the digital age, customers expect personalized, seamless experiences at all points of interaction with a brand. To meet this expectation, businesses must have an intimate understanding of their customers' journey. One tool that has proven invaluable in this quest is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

In this blog post, we will explore how CRM plays a pivotal role in mapping the customer journey, helping businesses deliver more personalized experiences and forging stronger relationships with their customers.

Understanding Customer Journey Mapping

Customer journey mapping is the process of creating a visual representation of the customers' experience, from the first contact to the final interaction. This process allows companies to understand the steps customers go through when engaging with their brand, identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, and optimize the customer experience accordingly.

The Role of CRM in the Customer Journey

CRM software serves a critical role in customer journey mapping by providing the data and analytics necessary to create accurate, actionable maps. Here's how CRM aids in this process:

Data Gathering and Integration

First, CRM gathers data from various sources within the business and integrates them into a single platform. This data helps businesses understand more about their customers' preferences, behaviors, and needs, providing the insights required to kickstart the journey mapping process.

Building Customer Profiles

With the data collected, CRM software can build detailed customer profiles that can help form user personas. These personas serve as the foundation for the customer journey map, allowing businesses to envision the steps their typical customer might take when interacting with their brand.

Tracking Customer Interactions

CRM software tracks and records every interaction a customer has with a brand, be it via social media, phone call, email, or in-person. This trace of interactions allows businesses to map out the exact paths customers take throughout their journey, enabling a more detailed and accurate representation of the customer experience.

Analyzing Customer Behavior

CRM software also comes with analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to analyze customer behavior and identify patterns or trends. These insights make it easier to pinpoint areas within the journey where customers may encounter challenges, abandon their shopping cart, or experience a high level of satisfaction.

Personalizing Customer Experience

Equipped with a deeper understanding of the customer journey, businesses can personalize interactions and experiences at scale. Using CRM data, businesses can customize their marketing campaigns, customer service, and other touchpoints to meet unique customer needs at each stage of their journey.

Conclusion

CRM plays an instrumental role in customer journey mapping, enabling a holistic understanding of customers and their interactions with your brand. By integrating CRM in your customer journey mapping efforts, you can create personalized experiences that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to greater business success.

Remember, while CRM informs customer journey mapping, the insights must be continually analyzed, and the journey updated as customer behaviors evolve. This way, you always stay connected with your customers' experiences and can swiftly adapt to any changes, ensuring you always hold the customer's perspective at the center of your decisions.

#crm #b2bmarketing #growyourbusiness #seo #brandawareness #prospectlistbuilding #contentstrategy #keywordresearch #customer engagement

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callcenterwfhsoftware · 30 days

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What role does call monitoring software play in boosting employee efficiency in virtual contact centers?

Call monitoring software is a crucial tool in enhancing employee efficiency within virtual contact centers. In an environment where team members are distributed and working remotely, maintaining consistent performance and quality can be challenging. best Contact center virtual collaboration tools addresses this by providing supervisors with real-time insights into call quality, employee performance, and customer interactions.

Key roles of call monitoring software include:

Quality Assurance: Supervisors can listen to live or recorded calls to ensure that agents are adhering to company standards and scripts. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and providing targeted feedback.

Training and Development: Call monitoring allows for the identification of training needs. Managers can use recorded calls as training material, showing agents what to do—or what not to do—in various situations.

Performance Metrics: The software provides valuable data on key performance indicators (KPIs) like average handling time, first call resolution, and customer satisfaction scores. This data helps in tracking progress and making informed decisions to boost efficiency.

Immediate Intervention: In cases where a call is not going as planned, supervisors can intervene immediately to guide the agent, ensuring that the customer’s issue is resolved effectively.

How CollaborationRoom is Enhancing Efficiency:

CollaborationRoom is setting a new standard in virtual contact center management with its advanced call monitoring software. The platform is designed to seamlessly integrate with remote work environments, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that empower supervisors to manage teams efficiently, regardless of location.

CollaborationRoom’s call monitoring software excels in several areas:

Real-time Analytics: Provides instant feedback and insights, allowing for quick adjustments and continuous improvement.

User-Friendly Interface: The platform is intuitive, making it easy for supervisors to navigate and utilize the full range of features without extensive training.

Customization: CollaborationRoom offers customizable monitoring options to fit the unique needs of different contact centers, whether they prioritize speed, quality, or a balance of both.

By leveraging CollaborationRoom’s call monitoring software, virtual contact centers can ensure that their employees are not only meeting performance standards but also continuously improving, leading to enhanced overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.

#remotework #contact center software solutions #remote work management software #work from home contact center collaboration tools #call center workforce management software #leading wealth management platforms in the usa #best call center collaboration software #call center call monitoring software

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theshadowrealmitself · 2 years

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I have more ocs but this is my extremely self-indulgent default Human/Vulcan pairing (without names because I can never think of names)

Vulcan: Peak Vulcan™️, logical to the point of being the second coming of Surak if Vulcans believed in that, and as emotional looking as a wall (I usually think of this character with he/him pronouns, I think because of the mental comparison to Surak, but like all gender stuff with me it switches around)

Backstory: Mentally incompatible with every Vulcan they’ve ever met, was never able to get bonded as a kid, feels isolated from other Vulcans because of that and because they’re all a little bit intimidated by this extra logical Vulcan

Human Backstory: Was working on a spaceship pre-first contact, found their captain trying to kill everyone (first by knocking them all out with poison) so he can go back and make up a wild story about being attacked by aliens (he was previously a famously known captain that had become irrelevant over time and he was not handling it well), the captain tries to murder them with his bare hands but they fight him off

I usually change it up here, but I’ll talk about scenario a) different day:

So b): Oc fights off captain who then escapes into the escape pod, only to ironically be killed by the Borg, making his story of “being attacked by aliens” real, Oc then convinces the Borg that they’re the only ones alive (as everyone on the ship is passed out, making it look like they’re dead/dying on the Borg’s scanners), they then go into their own escape pod, taunting the Borg to follow them through a wormhole, so that they’ll leave the ship with the crew alone

They go through the wormhole and end up crash landing on a planet that’s dead center of some space version of the Bermuda Triangle, all spaceships in this area have failed and have either crashed onto the planet or are now drifting aimlessly through space

Oc works to try and fit all these different spaceship parts together to try and make it home, becoming immersed in different alien languages and cultures by what’s left of their softwares and ai’s that survived the crashes

Eventually they put together a working badass ship after who knows how long, it’s a conglomeration of different types of alien ships wildly different from each other out together in a way that actually works (after completely disassembling each part and practically making everything from scratch)

Once they finally make it back into space, they find that they are crazy far from earth, and in fact none of the aliens they encounter have ever even heard of that planet or humans, they also find out that much of the technology they found and the cultures they learned are from ancient species long wiped out (from either the Borg or other happenstance) leaving the only remnants in that Dead Zone that no one dares to go into because no one is able to return (until oc managed it)

After all that trauma of almost being murdered, being stuck on a planet for who knows how long, surrounded by no one, and only hearing audio from computers of alien origin that spoke in languages long gone of planets that aren’t even a memory as there’s no one left to remember them, oc gets to have fun space adventures

They go traveling through space meeting species beyond anything they could’ve imagined, gaining friends and enemies and a reputation as they head in the direction they hope Earth is in piloting their kickass spaceship that’s better than anyone else’s before they encounter a Romulan which eventually helps get them back to earth

(Can never settle on if they’re enemies are if this dude is just in awe of this technology this person has and doesn’t dare to get on their bad side just in case and they become friends)

They get back to earth just to find out it’s long past when they disappeared and everyone they had ever known has been dead for centuries, and they don’t know how to explain their journey and they don’t want people to take their spaceship, so they fake a new identity (with the superior technology they now have) and just quietly rejoin society

Anyways it’s something about isolation from being too much like what your species is working towards and being isolated by being a forgotten remnant of your species and coming together

#sorry this is long I can’t figure out how to do read mores on mobile #star trek ocs #Star Trek #humans #Vulcans

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maddieautobot273 · 10 months

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Silk & Cologne (47)

A Miguel O'Hara x OC - link to AO3 (X)

Chapter 47: Slumber - previous chapter (X)

Pairing: Miguel O'Hara x Female OC

Words: 4.1K + words

Warnings: Slight implied sexual content, intimacy, overall fluff and therapy/healthy communication

Summary: Miguel visits Lisa for the night.

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Miguel’s P.O.V.

Miguel had finished reviewing the mission reports as requested, only to find over a dozen errors in the multiverse monitoring software. It seemed Gabriel had implemented a software update and didn’t tell him about it. Or Miguel was so swamped with the incoming stream of messages from other Spiders that he must have missed it in the flood and didn’t go back to read it even after silently reminding himself to do so.

Nonetheless, it was enough to get under Miguel’s skin to the point he felt like he was near the verge of snapping. Hunched over, his back muscles tense and throbbing as he took deep breaths, trying to fight off the urge to punch or throw something if something went wrong in the next 10 seconds. No matter how efficiently he worked, something always came up.

He didn’t want Lisa to see him so tense and agitated after he went the extra mile to initiate a date night. Miguel knew he had to calm himself down, telling himself that Lisa deserved better than how he was acting, so Miguel decided to quickly pop by the training center and work out the stress in his body. He ran laps around the center, followed by a series of pushups, situps, and a few rounds on the punching back for good measure.

He had managed to get a few sets in, listening to Lisa’s playlist to help himself calm down as he took big, steady breaths as he lifted some weights to end his routine. He finished his last set, setting the weights down, his body covered in sweat as he wiped his head with a cool towel. Footsteps caught his ear, and he was praying that it wasn’t Peter B. with another security report.

If he sets me off and I gotta do all of this again–!

“Don’t you need to be somewhere?” Jessica Drew spoke up.

Prayers answered.

Miguel glanced over, seeing Drew standing there. One hand on her hip, the other hand gently over her baby bump. But the look she gave Migue through her spider-shades made him question that perhaps he should prefer seeing Peter B. over her.

“Lisa and I planned for 8. I got time,” He quickly reassured her, gently brushing her off as he grabbed his bag and began to walk away.

“It’s almost 9, Miguel,” Drew stared at his backside, watching the second his muscles seized up and twitched at her words.

Oh shock!

“Thanks, Jess!” Miguel immediately runs off, not giving Jessica a chance to say anything else.

He runs off to his private room, quickly showering to wash the sweat and gym smell off of him. Once cleaned, he changed into some casual clothes whilst combing through his messages, finding Gabriel’s contact. Instead of wine, he recommended a champagne bottle, something light, but simple.

He went for his wine cabinet, finding the champagne bottle. He quickly huffed some breath onto his palm, smelling it. Seemed fine, but he popped a breath mint just in case.

Miguel typed in the coordinates for Lisa’s dimension, locking on to her apartment on his gizmo. Simultaneously, he opened up a separate chat box window, quickly typing up a message. The chat was labeled, ‘Team Louvre’.

“At ease for the night team. I can take it from here,” - Miguel

Miguel didn’t wait for a response before a portal opened before him. Sucking in one more quick breath, he steeled his nerves and jumped through the portal. Traveling through the interdimensional tunnel, he emerged at the otherside, arriving in Lisa’s apartment.

But something was different. Not quite off, but different. Most of the lights were off or dimmed to a low setting as his sensitive eyes adjusted to the lowly dark room. The blankets Lisa usually kept on the couch had been moved to her bed, the curtain pulled back. There was a scented candle on the coffee table in the living room area, it smelled like. . . lavender?

Footsteps caught Miguel’s attention as a female figure emerged from the kitchen. Lisa stepped towards him, arms crossed over her chest, wearing comfy sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. She looked so cute and Miguel wanted nothing more than to hug her tightly and apologize profusely, but he held himself back.

Miguel tried to get a read on her, analyzing the look on her face. A neutral expression, lips in a thin line. She raised a brow towards him.

Here we go. . .

“Held up at work?” She asked him, her head tilting slightly to the side.

Miguel didn’t detect any sign of hurt or tiredness in her voice. A tiny part of him felt relieved, but that was what scared him the most. Sure there could be slip ups here and there when couples first start dating, but this felt like a fumble if anything.

“Mi Mona Lisa, I’m so sorry I’m late,” He apologized, his gaze pouring into hers.

“What happened?” Lisa asked him with a calm expression, her arms lowering to her sides.

“I finished reading the reports, but there were errors in the monitoring system I had to fix that I wasn’t made aware of,” Miguel sighed deeply, doing his best to keep his frustration in check. “By the time I fixed everything, I was tense and agitated I– I didn’t want all that seeping on to you so I went to work out and get it out of my system,”

“As you were doing that, you lost track of time?” She asked him for clarification.

He nodded softly, relief coursing through him that she had spoken his explanation in much more simple terms. “Yes,”

Please don’t be mad, please don’t be mad, please don’t be mad. . .

Lisa seemed to stare at him, evaluating him for what felt like unbearable seconds. Until she finally spoke, her voice soft, “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t getting any sleep?”

Miguel froze, his eyes widening. She wasn’t mad? She wasn’t going to yell or scream at him?

You are in so much trouble young man! Faintly fluttered through his mind. His mothers voice.

He shuddered briefly at the memory. “You’re not mad. . .?” Miguel’s voice muttered, wandering off.

“Miguel?” Lisa called out to him, snapping him back to reality.

His gaze fell upon her sulk expression and his heart nearly shattered. “Lisa, I’m sorry, I know it sounds like an excuse, but I– I didn’t want you to worry,”

Lisa sighed, shaking her head, “Miguel, as I keep gently reminding you,” She steered her gaze back to him, a calm expression on her face. “You can talk to me, you know that,”

“I do know that, I swear,” Miguel insisted heavily, inching a step closer as his grip on the champagne bottle tightened at his side.

“Then why didn’t you tell me back when I was visiting you in the lab today?” She asked him. “Or the day before?”

Miguel managed several deep, calming breaths to keep his emotions in check. His mind was spiraling. Lisa wasn’t blowing up on him. Not like her, but she was talking to him.

“You can’t keep hiding things like this, Miguel,” She spoke gently.

Just like Xina did. . .

////////

Earth-928 - Nueva York - Babylon Towers - 5 years ago

Miguel arrived home later than normal that night. After working a long shift at Alchemax, he had stopped by the psych ward to visit his mother, Conchata, with his little brother, Gabriel. As always, Gabriel was the sunshine son that could do no wrong, but Miguel. . .

Well, it was better to not repeat those things. All the words and insults she said, once was enough in Miguel’s mind. But he always came back, for Gabriel’s sake.

Miguel was tired, exhausted even. He let out a deep sigh as he shut the door behind him. Xina had to be long asleep by now, and didn’t want to risk waking her, or the baby.

Soft whimpering caught his ear, as Miguel glanced over, peering into the dark living room to see a baby crib, tiny hands beginning to fidget. His lips curled into a soft smile as he set aside his house key card, taking long, quiet steps towards the crib. He peered down at the little body, its bottom half swaddled in a blanket.

Little baby Gabriela.

“Hey, sssshh, it’s okay, mija,” Miguel’s voice was a soft whisper as he carefully picked her up in his large, warm, protective hands, “It’s only papa,” - darling

He cuddled her close to his chest, calming her down as he rubbed his hands up and down her small back, humming affectionately. It took a few minutes, but eventually Gabriela stopped whimpering, making soft little noises as her tiny eyes peered up towards Miguel. Miguel smiled softly at her, gently rocking her.

“It’s okay,” he whispered gently, “Go back to sleep. Wouldn’t want to wake up mama now, would we?”

As if on command, her little eyes started to droop down, her little body snuggling in her blanket as Miguel carefully adjusted it for her. He set her back down in the crib gently, brushing a large finger along her head. Miguel swore he would have melted in a puddle right there and then.

If not for the sound of footsteps coming from the master bedroom of the penthouse apartment. “I was worried something had happened,”

Miguel’s heart stopped as he turned, taking in the form of the Cantonese woman wearing PJ’s with a silk robe overtop. Her long, silky black hair draped past her shoulders. No matter the time of day, Xina Kwan-O’Hara always looked so angelic to him.

“Mi amor. . .” Miguel greeted her softly. - my love

Xina offered Miguel a soft nod, a ghost of a smile on her lips as she walked closer towards him. A hand snaked up his back in a loving manner as the both of them turned to glance down at Gabriela who had fallen back asleep. “Did something happen at work?” She asked.

“No, everything was fine, just the usual, fixing everybody’s mess,” Miguel answered softly, keeping his gaze locked to the baby. “I was just. . . out with Gabriel tonight. I meant to message you about it, but. . . time got away from me,”

“. . . You two were visiting your mother tonight?” Xina asked him, her hand brushing up to his shoulder. “How is she?”

“Yes, she’s. . . the same as she always is,” Miguel nodded.

Xina hesitated briefly, before her fingers curled over against the fabric of Miguel’s jacket. “You haven’t told Gabriel yet. . . that you want to take a break from seeing her?”

A wave of shame coursed through Miguel as he curled his fingers into a fist at his side, steering his gaze away from his daughter. His eyes briefly met Xina’s before lowering them to look at the floor. “No. . .”

Xina sighed quietly, muttering a prayer in her native tongue as her hand snaked down his arm, engulfing her fingers around his. “You can’t keep hiding things like this, Miguel,” She spoke gently.

Her voice was calm, but direct. A little blunt. But that’s how Xina was.

Most days Miguel felt that Xina was his rock, his very conscience if he dared to go so far. It was enough to make Miguel steer his face from the floor to look at her square in the face. Xina was so smart, confident that he hated the idea of making her worry about him.

“I know, Xina. . .” Miguel’s gaze softened as he gently pulled Xina closer to him, their bodies brushing against one another.

“We’ve talked about this,” Xina insisted, “You need to talk to Gabriel about setting boundaries for the two of you. I know your protective big brother instincts always kick in when its the three of you,”

“It’s just. . . she is the light of his world as much as he is hers,” Miguel sighed. “I. . . don’t want to ruin that for him, because a part of me never got that from her,”

“You may not have gotten it from her, and honestly, she’s an adult, she was the parent, she chose to be this way and that’s on her,” Xina\s voice was calm, but her expression stern as she lifted a hand to cup Miguel’s cheek. “But you found that light elsewhere, here, with her,”

She steered her gaze down towards Gabriela’s sleeping form and Miguel smiled. He didn’t remember smiling this much growing up. He loved this feeling, and would fight tooth and nail to keep it.

“Talk to Gabriel,” Xina instructed with loving authority. “He’s smarter than you let on about what’s been going on between the two of you, and I know you’re smarter than to keep this bottled up. He’ll understand. He’s your brother,”

Miguel took a long deep breath, taking it all in. The place he was standing in, the words that fluttered from Xina’s mouth. When he exhaled, he felt this weight lift from his shoulders and suddenly didn’t feel so stiff anymore.

“Alright,” he nodded softly.

“Yes?” Xina raised a brow at the man.

“I’ll talk to him in the morning,” Miguel went on.

“Good,” Xina patted him on the cheek before glancing down at Gabriela. “Kiss your daughter goodnight and come get ready for bed,”

“Yes ma’am,” Miguel chuckled with a faint smirk as he brought a hand up to cup XIna’s chin, offering her a soft, loving kiss on the lips. “Remind me again why she can’t still sleep with us?”

“She needs her own space, Miguel,” Xina smirked up at him. “But she knows papa isn’t too far away if she needs him,”

Xina smiled at Miguel’s romantic gesture before walking off back to their shared bedroom. Miguel watched her leave before glancing back down into the crib, snagging one last look at his baby daughter. He carefully lowered his upper body down into the crib, his lips brushing gently on her forehead.

“Dulces sueños pequeña,” Miguel whispered softly, his voice warm like another blanket being tucked around her. - Sweet dreams little one

Miguel walked off into their room, immediately pulling his shirt off. He was about to make his way over to the dresser when Xina beckoned him over. “Come’ere,”

“What?” Miguel smirked over at her sitting on the bed with a curious glint in his eyes.

“It’s not about that, Miguel,” Xina rolled her eyes at the man as he sat at the edge of the bed. “You’re not going to bed when you’re still clearly feeling tense,”

Miguel immediately clued into what Xina was talking about as he turned her back towards her, reaching down to pull off his socks from his feet. “Give me a second to–” But the sentence halted from his lips as she felt Xina’s delicate hands begin to massage his shoulders.

The soft groan of relaxation that left him was everything Xina could have hoped for. “Now how do you feel?”

The corner of Miguel’s mouth curled into a smile, “A little to the left?”

Xina followed his request as she shifted her hands over as she slowly worked down his back and another sigh of relaxed pleasure fluttered from his throat.

“What did I do to deserve you?” He asked her, turning his head towards her.

“Everything and more,” Xina smiled before pressing one more kiss to his lips. “I’ll be here to help you, you know that. Just promise me you’ll put in the effort to take care of yourself, Miguel?”

“. . . I promise,”

///////

Earth-12128 - New York City - Lisa’s Apartment - Present Day

“Miguel?” Lisa’s voice brought Miguel back to the present as she gently took the champagne bottle from his hand. “We’re partners, right?”

“Yes?” he nodded softly.

“As partners, we should look out for each other’s well-being, right?” She went on, smiling softly at him.

“Right . . .?” Miguel answered again, yet more slowly as he drew out the word.

Where is she going with this?

“You’ve constantly looked out for me, so, let me do the same for you,” Lisa stated. “You made a promise to me that you’d take better care of yourself, and in turn, I promised I’d make sure that you do just that,”

Miguel’s fingers seemed to twitch as he mustered all the strength he had to not tackle Lisa in a bear crushing hug and kiss her silly.

What did I do to deserve her?

“So, change of plans for tonight,” Lisa spoke up as she set the champagne bottle aside, setting it on the kitchen counter. “When was the last time you got a full night's sleep?”

Miguel’s heart began to flutter in his chest, his palms sweating as his eyes glancing around at nothing in particular. “Uh. . . Does it matter?”

“How many, Miguel?” She asked him.

“. . . 2 days,” He answered after a brief hesitation.

“And in those two days you haven’t gotten any sort of rest?” Lisa pressed on gently.

Miguel shook his head, sulking like a child that was about to get reprimanded by their mother.

Lisa nodded softly, glancing down at the floor, “Alright then,” She returned her gaze to him as Lisa dared one step closer towards him, then slowly another, “So, Miguel, I know you’re a very smart man. What happens when our human bodies don’t get enough sleep?”

Miguel processed the question, the gears of his mind turning with the strength and energy he had left in the day. “Are you genuinely asking or are you quoting Big Bang Theory?”

“Both,” Lisa managed a soft grin before it loosened, “Now answer the question, smart boy,”

Miguel couldn’t stop his cheeks from flushing at the comment, his mind scrambling. “They. . . lose their sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine, receiving less signals from the brain,”

“Which then leads to?” Lisa dared another step closer.

“Impaired cognitive function?” Miguel’s cheeks started to burn.

“That’s exactly right,” Lisa nodded, her head motioning towards the bathroom door. “So, instead of a movie, I’ll hold onto the champagne for another night. You’re going to be a big man, march over there and brush your teeth, and go to bed and spend the night here,”

Wait. . . she’s not mad? She doesn’t sound like she’s mad, does she?

Miguel had a frazzled look on his face, daring to scoff even as he raised a brow at the lady before him. “Seriously?”

“I had the sheets cleaned, pillows fluffed, extra blankets in case you get cold, and scented candles to help soothe the senses,” Lisa smirked, feeling accomplished with her tasks. “I just hope the candle smell isn’t too sensitive,”

There was a playful glint in her eyes as she suddenly smirked up at him. First Miguel was surprised. Now he was scared.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” As reluctant as he was, Miguel couldn’t help but smile at what Lisa had done. She had done all of this for him. “Can’t we stay up just a little longer?”

“I’m going to count to 3,” She taunted.

Miguel’s mouth gaped open, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor. “You wouldn’t dare–!”

“Try me,” Lisa grinned. The pair locked eyes, provoking a staring contest as they both waited to see who would crack first. “. . . 1–”

“You are not–” Miguel gawked at the woman.

“2–?” Lisa raised her voice an octave as the look in her eyes told him that she wasn’t playing around.

“Alright, alright, I’m going!” He surrendered, his head and hands shaking with a surprised laughter as he sauntered into the bathroom.

“Your spare toothbrush is in the cabinet,” There was a hint of a grin on Lisa’s voice as her voice fluttered over the sound of Miguel shutting the door behind him.

Miguel found everything he needed, brushing his teeth and quickly rinsing off his face. Flicking his finger across the touch screen of his gizmo, his clothes changed into a comfy t-shirt and sweatpants before he stepped out of the bathroom and walked over towards the bedroom. Lisa was already sitting on her side, gently patting her hand on the mattress for him to join her.

“Come on,” She beckoned him.

“I don’t need to be told twice,” He teased, grinning at her as he carefully crawled across to the other end, plopping down on his back.

Lisa pulled back the covers for him as Miguel adjusted himself, tucking his lower body under the sheets. Everything felt warm, and silky smooth. His pillow smelt clean, feeling cool against his skin. It was only then he realized how tired he truly was.

He contemplated passing out right there and then, but he willed his eyes to stay open. He wanted to see Lisa, talk to her, just be with her. Miguel reached a hand out, his large fingers brushing against her cheek as she reached up and held his hand with her delicate fingers.

“What did I do to deserve you?” His voice was quiet, soft, and low as he cupped her cheek.

“Everything. . . and more, Miguel,” Lisa smiled softly at him.

He smiled softly back at her. Lisa’s body shifted, and at first Miguel thought that she was settling in beside him so they’d both get some sleep. But she scooted over and suddenly straddled in his lap, Miguel’s eyes went wide, his cheeks turning pink. “Lisa, what are you doing?”

“I’m making sure you actually go to sleep and stay that way,” She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to appear authoritative and intimidating as she narrowed her gaze down towards him. “That means no getting up in the middle of the night to sneak in more work, or calls. Just sleep,”

“You’re going to stay there until I do?” he asked her with a curious look in his eyes. “Like, watch me sleep?”

“If that’s what it takes,” Lisa stated.

The pair seemed to be stuck in an intimidating staring contest for what felt like long minutes. The curious glint stayed in Miguel’s gaze as his smirk slowly grew. He wanted to test Lisa’s claim for himself.

“Miguel. . .” Lisa’s voice gives off an audible warning drawl.

Miguel tries to sit up, but is stopped short when Lisa quickly stretches her arms out. Her hands grip his shoulders and push him back down. Miguel was genuinely caught by surprise by her strength as she pins him back down to the mattress, the back of Miguel’s head falling into place on the pillow.

“Miguel O’Hara!” Her lips flickered into a grin, staring down at him as she called him out for his attempted defiance.

Her long brown hair dangles on the side of her face, and try as he might, Miguel couldn’t hold himself back as his gaze began to linger down. He loved Lisa’s face, her sweet, almost innocent looking gaze, her soft expressions and loving smile. But Miguel would be lying to himself if his mind wasn’t screaming at him to, at least once, admire and appreciate Lisa’s body.

Elegant curves, a strong form, he couldn’t be more proud of her and the progress she had made since joining the Spider Society. In Miguel’s eyes, Lisa was beautiful inside and out. When his gaze retracted back to her own, and he saw the realization in her eyes of what he had done, there was. . hesitancy, doubt even as her cheeks flushed, and her grip on his shoulders loosened.

Was there a part of her that didn’t believe what Miguel saw in her?

Miguel’s expression faltered for a split second. Right now was probably not the correct time to discuss something like that. Tonight was about taking care of him and his health, Lisa had made that very clear.

“Fine, I’ll get some rest,” Miguel sighed deeply, his body relaxing into the mattress as Lisa’s hands snaked away from his shoulders, across his chest.

“Good,” Lisa nodded her head.

Miguel’s smirk was playful as his arm hooked around her back and gently pulled her down. Lisa landed with a soft ‘PLOP’ along Miguel’s chest, her head tucked under his. “Especially now that I have my favourite body pillow,”

His low rumbling laughter caused Lisa’s cheeks to burn as his hand gently stroked along her back. If Miguel was going down, he was taking Lisa down with him. Two could play at this game.

“Miguel O’Hara, go to sleep!” She ordered, hiding her face in the fabric of his nearly skin tight shirt.

“Yes, mi Mona Lisa,” Miguel’s voice drawled as his laughter quieted down.

Miguel reached over with his free hand, grabbing a spare blanket and pulling it over Lisa. He made sure she was snuggly and warm before he kissed the top of her head, holding her close. Slumber took hold of him minutes later and when he breathed in deeply and snored for the first time, Lisa truly relaxed, nuzzling against him completely as sleep overcame her as well.

//////////

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