#Intelligent Data Catalog

[qksgroup]

Market Share: Intelligent Data Catalog (IDC), 2023, Asia (Excluding Japan and China)

[librababe99]

Kinktober Day Seven: Hank McCoy

Hank McCoy (Beast) x Female Reader | Cunnilingus |

Tags: MDNI, 18+ ONLY, SMUT, Oral (F receiving)

Summary: Hank McCoy, brilliant scientist and X-Men member, has always maintained a professional demeanor—until his new lab assistant, you, begins to stir feelings he can no longer suppress.

wc: 1.1K

A/N: So I had written two versions of this...Hank in his human form and the other as beast. I know this is probably a "hear me out" moment but y'all hear me out!!

| Day six | | Kinktober Masterlist | | Day Eight |

The soft hum of machinery filled the air of the lab deep within the X-Mansion, where shelves lined with vials and beakers glowed faintly under the sterile light. Hank McCoy, though commonly known as Beast, was in his human form tonight. His towering, muscular frame leaned over the desk, his sharp blue eyes focused intently on the latest research data scrolling across his screen. Even in human form, he moved with remarkable grace, his large hands deftly handling the delicate instruments.

At the other end of the room, you were cataloging a series of mutant gene samples. It had been several months since you had joined the team as Hank’s lab assistant, your sharp intellect and quiet focus catching his attention almost immediately. Over the late-night work sessions, you’d both come to know each other well—your shared passion for science, your philosophical debates that lasted hours, and the comfortable rhythm that had settled between you.

But there was something else beneath the surface. You felt it every time Hank’s deep, gentle voice filled the room, a soothing sound that never failed to pull at something deep inside you. Or the way his gaze would linger, longer than it should, whenever you worked in silence together. The tension was there, simmering between you both, growing stronger with each passing day. Every accidental touch—his fingers brushing against yours when you passed him a tool—sent a spark through you that you couldn’t ignore. The quiet moments where his presence, even in his human form, filled the space between you, making it feel smaller, more intimate.

Tonight, the air in the lab felt heavier than usual, thick with unspoken words and feelings neither of you had dared to voice. The clock ticked closer to midnight, and the mansion was silent, save for the occasional creak in the walls. You looked up from your work, watching Hank’s silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of his monitor. His broad shoulders hunched over, his shirt stretching across his back as he typed away.

"Is everything okay?" you asked softly, breaking the quiet.

Hank looked up from his work, his intelligent eyes locking with yours across the room. For a moment, he said nothing, simply studying you with that deep, intense gaze that always made your heart flutter. Then, slowly, he stood, his tall form moving toward you with a deliberate grace that made your pulse quicken. The air between you thickened with anticipation, though you couldn’t yet name why.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say,” he began, his voice low, laced with an honesty you hadn’t heard before. He took a step closer, his large hand resting on the edge of the table near yours. “But I’ve struggled to find the right words."

You swallowed, feeling your heart race as his presence seemed to fill the room. He was close now, too close. His scent, warm and familiar, wrapped around you as he spoke, the deep timbre of his voice pulling you in.

"Over the past few months, I've realized just how much you mean to me. Not just as a colleague… but as someone I care about more than I should."

Your breath caught in your throat, a warmth spreading through your chest as his words sank in. You opened your mouth to respond, but Hank’s hand brushed against yours on the table, and the touch sent a shiver up your spine. His eyes darkened slightly, his pupils dilating as the tension between you two snapped into sharp focus.

"I've tried to ignore it, tried to remain professional, but��" he trailed off, his thumb grazing your hand gently, the simple contact electrifying your skin. "I can’t anymore."

Your body hummed with a mixture of desire and uncertainty. Slowly, you stood, turning to face him fully. His gaze bore into yours, his tall frame towering over you, yet the way he looked at you was anything but intimidating. It was raw, honest, filled with a desire he had been holding back for far too long.

"I feel the same," you whispered, the words spilling from your lips before you could stop them.

Hank’s breath hitched at your confession. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the air between you crackling with the weight of what you both knew was about to happen. Then, in one swift, decisive movement, Hank closed the distance between you, his lips capturing yours in a kiss that was both gentle and full of unrestrained passion.

His hands, large and warm, cradled your face as his lips moved against yours, tender yet demanding. You melted into him, your body pressing against his, the heat of him searing through your clothes. You tangled your fingers in his dark, unruly hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened, the quiet lab around you forgotten in the flood of desire that overwhelmed you both.

When you finally broke apart, both of you gasping for air, Hank’s forehead rested against yours, his breath heavy, his voice rough with need. "I want to show you," he whispered, his lips brushing against your temple, "just how much you mean to me."

Your heart raced as his hands slid down your sides, his touch firm but reverent, sending a pulse of heat straight to your core. Slowly, he sank to his knees before you, his gaze never leaving yours, his large hands holding your hips as though you were the most precious thing in the world.

“Hank…” you whispered, your voice shaky, unsure of what to expect.

But his hands were already moving, undoing the button of your pants with practiced ease. His fingers brushed against your skin as he slid them down your legs, his eyes darkening with desire as he took in the sight of you, vulnerable and exposed before him.

“I’ve wanted this for so long,” Hank murmured, his breath ghosting over your thigh as he pressed a kiss to your skin, his lips soft and reverent. “To taste you… to make you feel good.”

Your body trembled at his words, the sheer need in his voice sending a flood of warmth through you. Slowly, Hank’s hands parted your thighs, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity that made your heart pound. And then, without warning, his mouth was on you.

A gasp tore from your lips as his tongue slid against you, warm and insistent, his movements slow and deliberate, each stroke of his tongue sending waves of pleasure coursing through your body. You tangled your fingers in his hair, gripping it tightly as he worked, the pleasure building with each passing second.

His hands gripped your thighs, holding you steady as your legs trembled beneath his touch. Every sound that escaped your lips, every gasp and moan, seemed to spur him on, his growls of approval vibrating against your sensitive skin, driving you closer to the edge.

“Hank…” you gasped, your body tightening with anticipation, your breath coming in short, desperate bursts. But he didn’t stop, his tongue sucking and swirling your clit with a precision only he could possess, pushing you higher and higher until—

Your climax hit you like a tidal wave, your body trembling as pleasure crashed over you. Hank continued, drawing out every last bit of pleasure he could, his tongue relentless until you were a quivering mess, gasping for breath.

Finally, when you were spent, he pulled back, his lips glistening with your release, his eyes filled with satisfaction and tenderness as he rose to his feet. He pulled you into his arms, his embrace strong yet gentle, his breath still heavy against your ear.

“You’re everything to me,” he whispered, his voice soft as he held you close. “And I’ll never stop showing you that.”

You rested your head against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath your cheek, knowing that Hank had just shown you, in the most intimate way possible, just how much you truly meant to him.

Taglist: @roguespinach @lovemaildumpsterfire @nyxoneiros @omgurhot @5soscrack @superstar-lover863-blog @Therealnekomari @ahreumnim @iloved1lfs0

[mariacallous]

In just a few months, Donald Trump’s second presidential term has drastically reshaped the United States federal government and moved to consolidate the power of the executive branch. At the behest of the president, numerous federal agencies have undertaken aggressive, invasive initiatives to crack down on immigration, police speech, investigate political opponents, curtail US public health efforts and emergency preparedness, and more.

With so much happening at once, numerous organizations and individuals have launched databases, interactive maps, and other trackers to catalog these government actions and their impacts on people’s civil rights across the US. Using open source intelligence, public data, news coverage, and other research, these tools are vital resources for documenting, contextualizing, and analyzing the flood of federal activity that is fundamentally reshaping the US. Here are a few prominent examples.

The Impact Map

by The Impact Project, Americans for Public Service

This interactive map tracks changes to US federal government funding, workforce, and policy across the country, documenting things like mass worker firings, hiring freezes, funding cuts, and lease terminations. The tool also shows places where funding has subsequently been unfrozen, federal workers have been rehired or may be, or the federal government has added a new service or benefit.

The map includes notations to specifically document impacts in rural US counties, areas in which the population is majority non-white, places where 20 percent or more of the population live below the poverty line, and indigenous lands. It also catalogs responses to these initiatives, including legal actions as well as local and state responses to funding cuts.

United States Disappeared Tracker

by Danielle Harlow, data analyst

This dashboard tallies the number of people impacted by the Trump administration’s mass deportations carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The number is already over 4,000. The tool also monitors the status of each individual to the degree that information is available, noting their names, original country of origin, and where they are being detained, when available.

The tracker crucially follows each individual’s status, noting whether they are in ICE custody, have been released temporarily or permanently, have been deported, have “self-deported,” or have died in ICE custody. The tool also lists how many days their ordeal has continued.

ICE Flight Tracking

by Tom Cartwright, immigration rights advocate

Tom Cartwright is a retired JP Morgan executive who uses flight monitoring data from around the country to track ICE Air deportation flights, return flights, and flights within the US. He posts regular, specific updates on his Bluesky social media page and produces monthly reports for the immigration rights group Witness at the Border about ICE Air flights and tallies. In the past 12 months, Cartwright has collected data on roughly 8,000 ICE Air flights, including 824 in April. More than 1,500 of that 12-month total were “removal flights,” while about 1,400 were “removal return” flights. The other roughly 5,000 trips were “ICE Air domestic flights” within the US.

Regulatory Changes Tracker

by The Brookings Institution

The think tank Brookings has built a database cataloging significant regulatory changes implemented since the start of the second Trump administration. It includes new executive orders and regulatory freezes as well as Trump administration changes to executive orders that were issued by past administrations. For example, the White House rescinded a 2022 Biden executive order aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs and another from that year calling for research into cryptocurrency regulation.

Trump Administration Litigation Trackers

by Just Security and Lawfare

The law and policy publications Just Security and Lawfare each offer databases that track lawsuits challenging Trump administration initiatives. The tools include case names, docket numbers, and jurisdictions, as well as the executive action being challenged and the status of the litigation. In most cases, the Trump administration has pursued its agenda without congressional oversight or corresponding legislation, and a number of Trump administration efforts that have been challenged in court thus far have either been paused or permanently blocked from continuing.

Far Right Groups Targeting Pride Month

by Teddy Wilson, Radical Reports

Anti-LGBTQ+ groups, including fundamentalist Christian nationalists and white supremacist extremist groups, have targeted Pride Month events previously and are expected to again this June, particularly given the Trump administration’s violent rhetoric and executive actions related to trans rights. This map is tracking Pride Month events around the country and indications that radical opposition groups plan to target the gatherings.

[fanfoolishness]

A New Fascination

Tech isn't sure why Phee fascinates him so, but when she tells him about an intriguing creature by the shore, he takes a chance to further investigate things. Fluff, the teensiest hurt/comfort, long conversations, and several firsts all wrapped in a bow; TechPhee and a little bit on Tech & Crosshair. Canon-compliant, set after Pabu. 8100 words.

---

Tech sat in the boughs of the great weeping maya tree, recording sounds.  Omega’s morning flying lesson had been bracing, her inexperience and bravado combined nearly enough to cause him to ponder his own mortality, and now that they were safely back on solid ground he thought he would focus on less potentially deadly pursuits.  

He always cataloged new sounds as he came across them, but the challenge came in when they were layered and stacked and interlaced with each other.  Wingbeats of the fluttering jeweled finches were swallowed up by the sounds of their vocalizations, mixed with rustling leaves and the voices and footsteps of passersby.  His datapad did a fine job of sorting things on a cursory level, but it often required manual input for greatest accuracy.  Up here, higher above the colonnade, the sounds were crisper and easier to parse.  

He had pleasantly lost himself in this pursuit for some time when a voice broke through his focus.

“Didn’t take you for much of a climber, Brown Eyes.”

He lifted the visor up with its stream of data, peering down at her through his goggles, the leaves, and the afternoon shadows.  She stood ten feet below, shading her eyes and gazing up at him.  

“It is the best area from which to collect direct recordings of the local avians.  The jeweled finches, particularly.”  

She sat on the large bough beneath him, grinning.  “Sure you don’t want to listen to them from down here?”

Tech frowned.  The recordings would contain more interference and ambient sound the further away he was from the canopy the birds frequented.  However, coming down would provide a better opportunity for conversing with Phee.  And Phee was fascinating in her own right.

He paused.  He had not yet determined why Phee so fascinated him, but she did.  His initial hypothesis had been that her treasure hunting, or “liberation” as she colorfully put it, required a wide subset of skills, an ability to quickly adapt, and a nimble intelligence.  That was certainly part of it.  But he had met many intelligent and skilled people throughout the galaxy, his brothers, certain reg clones, people like Romar, and none of them had inspired this type of interest from him before.

He had considered pheromones as a possible trigger, though human pheromones were significantly weaker and less effective than those of many other species.  He could not discount them, though, or how else could he explain the way he enjoyed being near her for no apparent reason?

“You coming?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said determinedly, climbing down.  He sat beside her and she gave him a bright smile, tilting her head to one side.  It was a smile that was full, easy, beaming.  It was new, having such a smile frequently directed at him, but it was… very nice.  

Of course, he had also considered the fact that she was objectively beautiful.  Warm brown eyes, a musical laugh, luxurious hair, a sleek and strong figure… he was not blind to these things, and appreciated them as he would any source of beauty.  He simply wasn’t used to appreciating beauty in the form of a curious and clever person who seemed to appreciate him, too.

Perhaps that was why he always felt slightly off-kilter near her.

His datapad chimed, finishing its collation of data.  He took off his helmet and set it beside him, then hunched his shoulders to get a better look at the screen.  He needed to sort the information he had gathered before it became less fresh in his mind.

“Whatcha got there?” she asked, scooting closer so that she could lean over his shoulder, nearly touching him.  His heart beat more quickly.

“Samples of the finches, separated out from the sounds of the weeping maya, the wind, and the marketplace,” Tech said.  “I find it engrossing work.”

“What are you saving the recordings for?”

“For?”  Tech pondered the question. While there had been times his recordings had been extremely helpful on missions - Skako Minor came to mind as a particularly memorable instance - most of the time the data was simply stored, saved carefully where it could be retrieved at a moment’s notice.  “I enjoy collecting sounds.  It could be considered a hobby.”

Phee chuckled, apparently surprised by his statement.  “I like that.  Everyone needs a hobby.  And I, of all people, understand collecting things.”  She looked out at the busy marketplace, concentrating as if listening.  “You know, Pabu’s got its share of interesting wildlife.  Do you like nature sounds the most?  Or any sounds?”

“All sounds are interesting,” said Tech, raising his eyes from his datapad to look over at her briefly.  She was looking at him with curiosity, her full attention focused on him.  He quickly turned back to his datapad.  “Machinery generates patterns that can easily form a type of music.  Battle sounds are both highly varied and highly predictable, depending on the situation.  Natural sounds provide some of the most unique samples, though.  Animals with different vocal apparatuses and anatomy can produce a nearly infinite variety of sounds.  Some are not even made with mouths.  Have you ever heard the sound of a winnowing wood-snipe from Batuu?”  

“No, I can’t say that I have.  I’ve been to Batuu a few times, but only to the outpost,” Phee said.  “It wasn’t exactly crawling with wood-snipes, whatever those are.”

Tech quickly found the pertinent file and played it.  Ghostly, high-pitched twittering emitted from the datapad in waves.  Phee looked intrigued.

“That wasn’t an animal call?”

“No.  It was created by small, uniquely-shaped feathers at the base of the bird’s tail.  When soaring and diving, the airflow creates these noises,” said Tech.  Reading of the bird’s description beforehand had not fully prepared him for the startling nature of its sounds.  “There are thousands of such examples of unique adaptations across the galaxy.”

“Hey, now that’s all right,” Phee said, nodding, clearly impressed.  “I would’ve never guessed that wasn’t a song.  Not sure there’s anything quite like that here, but there’s still some interesting wildlife, especially down near the shore.  I remember Shep telling me about some creature that sings near the caves.  Want me to get some more info and get back to you?”

Tech paused.  She did not need to bother herself.  “I could also ask Shep, if you are busy.”  It did sound interesting.

“Suit yourself,” Phee said, “but I don’t mind asking as a favor.”  She smiled again, then clapped a hand against his shoulder.  Her touch was brief, but electric.

Ah.  She wants to do it.  He nodded, not wishing to discourage her.  “If you would like to find out more information, I… would be grateful.”

Another of those bright, beaming smiles.  He tried one back, though it was nowhere near as wide and carefree.  She nodded, looking pleased.  “I’m on the case.”  She swung her legs off the bough, slipping back down to the ground, and waved goodbye.  “See you around, Brown Eyes.”

---

She found him the next morning attempting to clean up after some much-needed repairs to the Marauder.  Another flying lesson with Omega had been… bracing.  He sat amidst a pile of spanners and tools, covered in engine grease, sorting the tools to put away when he wasn’t distracted by the sounds of the finches.  There was a new vocalization he could hear -- perhaps young birds begging to be fed -- and he had left his datapad inside.  He switched on the auxiliary recording function on his goggles, making a note to import and analyze the sounds later.

“In the middle of something, I see.  Those flying lessons out there looked a little rough this morning,” Phee said, casting an eye over the tools strewn around him.

“Omega is still mastering the concept of incline control,” Tech said.  “It’s creating some extra wear and tear on the engine, but nothing I cannot repair.”

“Never doubted that.”  She dropped down to squat beside him, idly picking up a spanner.  “That’s a solid one.”

“Standard Republic issue.  I have since seen some of the Imperial repair kits, and they are inferior, clearly turned out quickly to keep costs down.”

“Sounds like the Empire all over,” Phee said, sighing.  “Quantity over quality.  I guess you’d know all about that.”

Tech nodded.  The Empire had discarded the clones similarly, of course.  

“So, I talked to Shep about this creature.  He said it’s something the people here call a sea ghost.”

Tech made a face.  “A rather whimsical name.”

“Not much for whimsy?” Phee asked, looking amused by his response.

“It is not remotely descriptive,” Tech complained.  “Is it mammalian?  Avian?  Some type of cartilaginous or bony fish?  ‘Sea ghost’ does not give us any indication as to what kind of creature could be expected.”

“Well, I’m guessing it lives by the sea with a name like that,” Phee laughed.  

Tech gave her a look.  She had him there.

“He said it lives down near the northwest cove, whatever it is,” she continued.  “It goes out to sea sometimes but often comes back to sing in the caves.  He said its song is supposed to be hauntingly beautiful.  Hence the ‘ghost.’”

“If it sings in the caves, it may be taking advantage of the area’s natural acoustics,” Tech mused.  “Is it sentient?” 

“Not exactly, I think.  More like a wise animal is how he described it.  People here used to tell stories about it, long ago.”

Tech wiped his hands off on his thighs, smearing the fabric with oil as he got to his feet.  “Well, I am game to search for this creature if you are.  Give me a few moments to gather these up and we may go.”  Hunter’s intense aggravation the last time Tech had left his repair work for later would be an irritating way to start such a promising day, and he had no intention of letting that distraction interfere.

“You want me to come?” Phee asked, raising an eyebrow with a sly smile.  “Not Shep?  He’s actually seen it, you know.”

“Shep may be best suited to finding the creature,” Tech said, adjusting his goggles.  “But I am asking you because I would like for you to be there.”

He hoped he had not miscalculated.  He thought that it was what Phee had been intending all along, that this would be a time for the two of them to be alone during an enjoyable and interesting activity, but for a moment, he was unsure.  It was one thing to calculate his own thoughts, responses, plans.  It was quite another to attempt to guess what Phee might desire.  He swallowed, watching her closely, hoping he had read the situation appropriately --

She grinned.  “Why, Brown Eyes, I thought you’d never ask.”

---

They took the winding stairs down to the beach, passing islanders as they went.  Several nodded or said hello to Phee, and a few said hello to him as well, perhaps remembering their efforts from the night of the sea surge a few weeks ago.  Tech nodded to them as they passed, surprised they remembered him.  He commented on it to Phee.

“You and your brothers don’t exactly blend in,” she said.  “You might all be clones, but here you’re the new kids in town, and that makes you easy to remember.”  

“I suppose that would be the case in a place with a relatively small population,” Tech said.  “It is still unexpected.”

They rounded a corner and ran into Hunter, Wrecker and Omega, carrying woven bags of foodstuffs and supplies.  “Tech!  Phee!” Omega said.  “We’re going to try some new recipes for lunch.  Are you coming back up?”

“Recipes?” Tech asked.  “None of us has ever shown any aptitude at cooking.”

“We’re going to try,” Hunter said heavily.  He appeared dismayed at the prospect.  “Wrecker’s promised to eat anything that goes horribly wrong.”

“It’ll be a sacrifice, but I’ll make it happen,” Wrecker said.  He narrowed his eyes, looking between Phee and Tech.  “You two going somewhere?”

“Phee has informed me there is a creature with an unusual song that visits near the beach,” said Tech.  “We are going to investigate.”

A wide, eager smile stole over Wrecker’s face, and he was about to speak until Hunter elbowed him subtly in the side.  He closed his mouth again.  “Uh, that sounds nice,” he said.  

Tech was certain that had not been what he was originally going to say.

“Good luck,” Hunter said, giving them an odd look that Tech did not know how to interpret.  “If there’s leftovers later, you’re welcome to try them.”

“But Hunter,” Omega asked, “wouldn’t you be able to help them track the creature?”

Hunter paused, searching for words.  “Ah, they don’t need my help, Omega.  And I promised I’d help you with this recipe of yours.  They’ll be fine without us.”

“We appreciate the vote of confidence,” Phee said.  “Bye, boys.  See you, Omega.”

“Bye, Phee!  Bye, Tech!”

Phee and Tech continued down the stairs.  “That’s cute,” Phee said.

“What is?”

“Wrecker wanting to tease you about me, and Hunter trying to play it cool,” she laughed.  “Reminds me of my cousins growing up.  They used to tease each other mercilessly.  Especially if there was a boy or girl involved.”

“Wrecker often attempts jokes at my expense,” said Tech.  “Though… this is certainly the first time a ‘girl’ has been involved.”  He felt a flicker of warmth in his cheeks, that funny sense of being wrongfooted that he seemed to only feel around Phee.

“I thought that might be the case,” Phee said.  She turned to him, laying a hand on his arm and keeping him from descending the next flight of steps.  “Look, Tech -- I think it’s clear we like each other.  Right?”  One of those warm, sunny smiles again.  He nodded at her, feeling slightly lightheaded.  “But if this is all new to you, I don’t mind taking our time, you know?  You’re worth doing this right.”

His mouth seemed incredibly dry.  With a great effort he swallowed, managing to find enough saliva to speak again.  “I -- I will take that under advisement.”

Phee snorted.  “Glad to hear it.”  She nodded towards the last set of stairs.  “Come on, we’re nearly there.  Let’s go find this ghost.”

---

The path to the cove was hidden and cunning, half-covered by tidewaters or stretches of exposed seagrass.  Tech thought that even Hunter would have had a difficult time picking his way through the stretches of rocks, sand and shallow water.  Phee led him through a narrow cleft in the rocky wall, both of them forced to turn to the side and creep through, hands scraping the rocky surface.  At one point Phee’s hand brushed his, and she paused for an instant before she pressed forward once more, to Tech’s disappointment.  He would have liked it had her hand lingered.

She led him around a bend and a large pool of gently lapping waves, sheltered from the main beach, lay before them.  Beyond that Tech could see the entrance to a cave, carved out from the rocky walls as if by invisible hands.  Phee stared appraisingly at the pool.

“We’re going to have to wade for it,” she said.  “Shep said with most low tides this water’s receded, but some are lower than others.  Guess we got lucky.”

Tech nodded, sitting down in the sand to pull off his boots.  While they were water resistant, they had not been designed for complete submersion, and he did not relish the idea of walking the return path in soaked boots and footwear.  That had been troublesome enough after the underground river on Ipsidon.  

He peeled off his socks and rolled up his blues to his knees.  At least his datapad was waterproof, so that would not be a problem.

Phee pulled off her own boots, then removed her jacket and blouse, revealing a skin tight sleeveless shirt in a pretty blue color.  She folded up her clothing and stuffed it into the bag she had brought.  He gazed at her bare shoulders, her toned arms, the curve of her breasts and waist, until he heard the sound of a throat clearing.  “Ready to go?” Phee asked, with a look on her face that suggested she knew he had been staring at her, and didn’t mind.

He turned away, nodding.  “Yes.  I’m ready.”  

He followed her into the pool.  The water was warm and gentle, a perfect temperature when combined with the soft cool breeze blowing in from the sea.  It came up to his knees, then his thighs, then past his waist.  Phee waded beside him, one hand holding her bag safely above the water, the other swirling random patterns in the surface of the water with every step.

“Ever do much swimming?” she asked as they made their way through the pool.

“Swimming proficiency was mandatory for all clones,” said Tech.  “Kamino is a waterbound world and it would be laughable to fail to instill swimming skills in that setting.  There were also special clone commando units with additional training in underwater operations, though our squad had only cursory training in that department.”  He paused at the look on her face.  “But yes, I am an adequate swimmer.  It is not my specialty.”

“You’re like me.  Flying’s really where we shine, right?,” said Phee, wading towards the shore.  The cave’s entrance rose up before them, and Tech could see the reflections of blue and white from the water’s surface painting the walls of the cave.  “But I can swim if I need to.  Once I had to retrieve an artifact from a Naboo battlefield over an old Gungan settlement.  Place was boobytrapped to high heaven with battledroids, but not in the water.  Turned out the droids were the least of my worries.  You ever been to Naboo?”

“No,” said Tech.  “There were no clones in service during the battles on Naboo.  Kaminoan production only began in earnest shortly after that time.  My brothers and I had not yet been designed, let alone decanted.” 

Phee shook her head.  “Clone aging… that’s still a hard one to wrap my brain around.”

Tech shrugged.  “We age at roughly double the rate as unaltered humans.  It is simply a fact of life for us.”

Phee was quiet for a moment, a hint of something sad behind her eyes.  Her mouth twisted to one side.  Then she shook her head again, and continued.  “Well, anyway -- Naboo’s a nice place. If it wasn’t for the Empire, I’d say you should try to visit sometime.  But avoid going underwater, there are some freaky things down there, and I don’t mean the Gungans.  Nearly got eaten by five different giant creatures.”  She shuddered.  “Got the artifact, though, so it wasn’t all bad.”

“I am glad you were not eaten,” said Tech.  “It sounds as if it would be most unpleasant.”

She reached the shore, climbing up but slipping for a second on a rock.  Tech closed the distance between them, reaching out to steady her with a hand on her shoulder.  She refound her footing and clambered up, turning back to him with a grateful smile.  “Thanks.” 

He followed her up, water dripping down his legs, running in rivulets down his feet.  Phee was just as wet, her clothing clinging to her in a way he quite liked.  He turned his attention back to the cave, listening closely.

“I do not hear anything.”

Phee screwed up her face in concentration.  “Me neither, but it might be in deeper.  This cave system goes in for a little ways.  I don’t feel like getting deep into spelunking for this, but there might be something in one of the near chambers.”  

She carefully picked out a path on the rocky shore as they entered the cave.  There was a narrow spit of rocks encircling the water, and they climbed atop this, looking down into the water below for signs of movement.  Light dancing on the water’s surface helped to light the cove, as did glimmers of sunlight peeking in from up above them through small gaps in the rocky ceiling.  They were quiet for a few moments, concentrating on their footing and the gradually dimming light within the cave.

Phee was surefooted, leading the way without hesitation, occasionally pausing only to study the water beneath them.  He watched the water too, but his attention was divided between the gently lapping waves and Phee herself.  She moved with an easy elegance that was intriguing; long graceful neck shifting to allow her a better view, hands held out to her side to steady herself, legs balancing adroitly on the uneven rocks.  He followed in her footsteps, occasionally startled when he noticed her looking back at him with a similar focus.  

The light dimmed further, and up ahead was largely darkness.  She stopped her, sitting down on a rocky outcropping and resting her arms on her legs.  She gave him a nod, and he sat down beside her at the invitation.

“Seems like as good a place as any to wait,” she said.  

“What else do we know of this creature?”

“Not much,” Phee said.  “Last I checked, Pabu doesn’t have a marine biologist, and it’s not exactly a place that’s been extensively studied.  One of the disadvantages of being so out of the way.”

“I could change that,” said Tech thoughtfully.  “If we’re to spend more time here, I would like to continue learning about the local ecosystem and culture.”

“I think you might be the most curious person I’ve ever met,” Phee said quietly.  “I like that about you.”

“I have never understood a lack of curiosity,” he said.  “There is so much to learn and understand in this galaxy.  I could never begin to come close to learning all of it, but I would like to try.”  He smiled.  “You, of course, also seem to be a very curious person.  I… like that about you, too.”  

She smiled brightly at him.  Her brown eyes glinted with the dappled blue and white light reflecting off the water.  She leaned in, listening to him.

He wondered, suddenly, what it might be like to kiss her.

“I guess I’m just a curious soul,” Phee murmured.  

His heart seemed to be beating rather faster than normal, and he searched for something to say.   “You have asked me a great many questions about myself, for example.”

She laughed quietly, the sound echoing sweetly off the water and the walls.  “I’ve just never met anyone like you before.  You’re one of a kind, Brown Eyes.”

Perhaps she was teasing him.  He leaned back, shaking his head.  “That is blatantly incorrect. While I am unique in being a genetically modified clone, I am still one of millions --”

She reached out, fingertips brushing his cheek, her touch feather soft.  “No.  There’s no one like you, Tech.”

Oh.

He stared into her eyes, frozen.

And then he heard it, faint in the distance, coming closer.  A sound, haunting, beautiful, delicate piping layered with echoes of reflected notes building upon each other.  Phee dropped her hand, focusing intently as Tech quickly pulled out his datapad and started recording.

“The ghost, there --” Phee started, pointing past him.  He reached out quickly and took her hand, holding it closely within his own.  She turned back to him and he made a shh gesture with his free hand.  She nodded, staying quiet and still as the creature swam into view.

A pale gray shape skimmed the water’s surface, its form rounded, plump and smooth-skinned.  As it drew closer Tech realized the dappling on its back was not only due to the reflections in the water, but also due to speckles of white and darker gray spotting its skin, crisscrossed with the shapes of faint scars.  The creature was sirenian in nature; he remembered a similar manatee-like animal that had swam and played in the pooled waters of the vast wroshyr root system on Kashyyyk.  But the alshyyyr of Kashyyyk had had no voice like this.

Phee leaned in close to him, her bare shoulder brushing against his, and he realized he was still holding her hand.  His focus shifted from the fluting calls filling the cavern and back to Phee.  Her face held a look of wonder as the ghost sang, its ethereal music resonating with the water and the stone, but that had fallen into the background for Tech.  

Phee’s hand was soft in his, but strong; his thumb glided over her knuckles, the back of her hand, mapping fine hollows and ridges, tracing small old scars.  She gently squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back, marveling at how such a small motion could be so engrossing.  

She nudged him, slightly, and he looked back up at her.  “Sea ghost, remember?” she whispered, winking.

Tech nodded, gazing back at the ghost and its sweet singing.  He closed his eyes to listen to the music, alien, haunting, singular.  He was grateful they had found it, and glad that he was recording it to analyze and assess later.  Of course he should be studying the animal after their work to get here.  

But Phee’s hand in his fit perfectly.  He liked holding it.  Liked touching her.  This new thing between them, smiles and stories and laughter and touches, was truly what he had come here to investigate, and the sea ghost, lovely as it was, took a distant second in his concentration.  He could not explain it, even to himself; it was confusing.  It was new and strange.

It was mesmerizing.

---

They listened to the music of the sea ghost for nearly an hour before the dappled gray creature dipped below the water and vanished into the dark.  They waited for a few more minutes, but at last Phee turned to him and said, “I think it’s taken its leave.  We should probably go too, before the tide comes in further.”

Tech nodded, turning off his datapad and slipping it back into its pouch.  He felt a little disappointed at seeing the creature go; though how much of that was due to the ghost’s departure, and how much of it was due to the fact that this moment between him and Phee would end?

They made their way back along the rocks, Phee following along behind him.  His bare feet gripped each rock tightly.  It was slick along here as the tide had begun to come in and water had splashed on the rocks.  He picked out his path carefully while he led them back to the mouth of the cave, deep in thought.  

He narrowed his eyes as they stepped out of the cave.  The sun was now in full afternoon brightness, and even with the adaptive settings on his goggles it was still difficult for his eyes to adjust after the dark quiet of the cave.  

“Phew,” she said, rubbing her eyes.  “It didn’t seem that dark while we were in there, but that is intense.”

He turned to her once the brightness of the sunlight no longer forced him to squint.  “Thank you for coming with me.  I would not have been able to find this on my own.”  

“Everything you were hoping for?” Phee asked, crossing her arms.  “I have to say, that was some concert we were treated to.”

“I am looking forward to analyzing the recordings of the sea ghost,” said Tech.  He turned to her, smiling faintly.  “But I also enjoyed spending this time with you.”

Her face creased in a grin.  “Me too, Brown Eyes.  This getting to know you thing?  It’s all right.”  She waded into the deep pool between the cave and the rest of the shore, the water rising up to her chest.  He followed her, the warm water rising up past his waist within a few steps.  “I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure at first if you were interested.  And I didn’t want to scare you off if this was all new for you.”

“It is new,” Tech admitted, taking another step behind her.  “But that is not a problem.  It is very intriguing.”  He hesitated.  “You are intriguing.  And… I wish to learn more, if that is also what you want.”

He reached out, and took another step --

Pain.  Blinding, searing, lancing pain shooting up his right foot and leg.  He groaned and stumbled, falling forward, the water closing over his head.

“Tech!”  There was a frantic scramble of limbs and splashing of water, and after a few confused, agonizing moments he realized he was back on the sand, Phee kneeling beside him and pulling something out of his foot.  “Ahh, kriff, you stepped on a shore urchin.  That would do it!”  She tossed away a shard of bright purple material.  “How’s it feeling now?”

Tech blinked, his head swimming, though he wasn’t sure if that was from the sting or from Phee’s look of concern.  He tried experimentally to move his leg.  The pain was receding, leaving a buzzing, prickling sensation rolling up and down his foot and shin.  He stared down at the leg, realizing that the right foot was already approximately twice the size of the left.  

“Ah,” he said sagely.  “It seems to be venomous.  Fortunately, the venom also seems to have an anesthetic component.  The blinding pain has stopped and I can no longer feel my foot at all.”  He let out a long hiss of breath, trying and failing to wiggle his toes.  

“Well, I gotta love the optimism,” Phee said, her face a mixture of amusement and worry.  “I know it looks bad, but it’s not serious.  Your foot’s gonna blow up like a puffer pig for a day or two, but it’ll be all right.   Happened to me once.”

“Really?” Tech asked.  The knowledge did bring a small measure of comfort.

Phee gave him a guilty look.  “No, I was just trying to make you feel better.  But hey.  I really have heard of people stepping on these things and being fine.”

Tech reached up, disengaging his goggles to wipe them on his shirt.  He squinted up at her.  “This is an inauspicious end to our afternoon together, unfortunately.”  He slipped his goggles back into place, blinking.  

“Well, it’s not over yet,” Phee chuckled.  “We still need to get you back in one piece.  I have a feeling your family would have strong words for me if I left you here for the birds.”

“The gulls would not be interested in me unless I had already died,” Tech pointed out.  “I am far too large to register as a prey item for this species.”

“Ahhh, there’s that charm,” she said.  “Here.  Let’s get you situated.”  She pulled her bag over her head.  It was now soaking wet, which Tech realized must have happened when she dove in after him.  She reached in and pulled out a spare kerchief, similar to the blue one she wore most frequently, and wrung it out until it was no longer sopping.  She carefully bandaged his right foot, which scarcely resembled the left.  It was now mottled an unappealing red, white and purple, though at least the anesthetic properties of the venom were holding.

She gathered their shoes they had left in the sand, putting his right boot into her bag.  He wiped as much of the sand from his foot as he could before jamming the left boot back on.  It was going to be an uncomfortable walk up the stairs, he wagered.  But at least he would be in good company.

“All right.  Let me help you up.”  She held out a hand, bracing herself in the sand, and got him up.  She pulled his arm over her shoulders.  It was a very pleasant sensation having her so close, his arm draped over her shoulders, her arm slid around his waist.  It would have been better without the prickling-numb swollen foot he was dragging, however.

“It is a shame we had to sever ties with Cid,” Tech mused.  “There was no chance to retrieve AZI-3 from her bar before coming here to Pabu.  He would have been particularly helpful in a time like this.”

Phee nodded, beginning to walk, going slowly so that he could hop along with her.  “Well, I don’t think she’d be all that happy to see you if I brought you back there.  But there’s first aid options here.  Old Namira’s got a pretty good setup at her place for minor wounds and injuries, we’ll figure it out.”

“Thank you for the support,” Tech said, focusing on keeping his balance in the sand.  “It is a pity it was my right leg that was affected.  The left is still slightly weaker after I fractured it earlier this year.”

“Omega was telling me about that,” Phee said, concerned.  “That must have been painful.  Rough year for you, huh?”

“It was unpleasant,” Tech said.  “Femoral fractures are intensely painful.”  He shrugged, taking another hopping step, his left leg sliding in the sand.  Phee stabilized herself against him, compensating for the uneven terrain.  “Between AZI’s ministrations and the increased healing abilities of clones, I was only disabled for a matter of weeks.  It was still not something I am eager to repeat.”

“Do all clones heal quickly?” Phee asked as they finally reached the first staircase.  

“Yes, it is something we share with the regs.  A sublimely useful modification by the Kaminoans, particularly for soldiers,” Tech said.  They took the first step, and Tech winced as his dangling foot accidentally hit the first step. It gave a peculiar burst of sharp yet muted discomfort before fading back into numbness.  He gave it an appraising look.  “It appears to be swelling even more.”

“You good?  Or do you need a rest before we start heading up?  We can take a breather.”

“I’m all right.  Let’s continue,” he said, adjusting his arm so it lay more evenly across her shoulders.  Their cheeks brushed, and he swallowed.  His senses buzzed, each small touch from Phee electrifying.  This close he could smell her hair if he turned his head, and he caught the scents of a rich woody oil and the flowers of the weeping maya tree.  It was intoxicating.  He shook his head, trying to redirect his thoughts.  

“You’re right,” she said, wincing.  “It is getting bigger.  I’m sorry, Brown Eyes.  Not how I thought the day was going to go.”

“One never knows what hazards may be encountered in the wild,” Tech said.  “It reminds me of something that happened to my brother.  That was an insect envenomation and not an echinoderm encounter, but it triggered an intense hypersensitivity reaction.  Not only did his hand swell up, he broke out in hives everywhere.  Of course, he kept insisting he was fine -- up until his eyes threatened to swell shut.”

“Oh dear,” Phee said as they reached the next flight of stairs, breathing a little harder from the exertion.  She readjusted her arm around him, pulling him closer.  “Let me guess, Wrecker?”

“No, Crosshair,” he said.  He could still recall Crosshair ripping off his helmet to reveal an appalling urticaria over his entire face, his eyes swelling until they could only see narrow slits, his hand barely able to bend over the butt of his Firepuncher, let alone pull a trigger.  “Luckily, a few antihistamine injections were all we needed to reverse the effects.  We knew that he would make a full recovery when he began complaining again.”  

“Hang on,” said Phee, pausing.  “Who’s Crosshair?”

Tech turned to her in surprise.  “We have not spoken of him?  ….No, we have not.”  He looked up at the stairs above them, then at Phee, still breathing hard.  “Here.  We should rest a moment.”

She helped him get down to a sitting position on the stairs, then sat beside him and lifted his leg to rest it on her lap, keeping it elevated.  She rested one hand loosely on his knee, another electrifying touch.

“That’s better,” she said.  “Only… fifteen more flights to go.  We got this.”  She laughed.  “But come on, who’s Crosshair?  Another brother?  You don’t talk about him.  None of you do.”

“No,” Tech said.  “Hunter prefers not to.  Wrecker and I do speak a little of him, sometimes; Omega would speak more of him, but she was only able to spend a small amount of time with him.  He is our other brother, but as you have seen he is no longer with us.”

Phee covered her mouth with her hand, her brown eyes soft with pity.  “He died?  Oh, Tech, I’m so sorry.”

Tech’s eyes widened, and he adjusted his goggles hastily.  “What?  No, he is alive.”  He amended that statement, as he could not be certain of the veracity of it.  “Or, we hope he is.  He has chosen to remain with the Empire.”

“Oh.”  Her voice and her face shifted, a hint of coldness coloring her expression.  It looked out of place on her.  “Sorry to hear it.  I guess that’s why you don’t talk about him.”

Tech frowned.  He knew how Hunter felt about Crosshair’s decisions, but he could not fully agree with Hunter’s interpretation, and it seemed somehow important to him for Phee to have a better understanding of the situation.  “It is difficult to explain,” he said.  He took a moment, focusing on what he would like to say.   

“The Empire built a failsafe into all clones as a means to control us,” he began.  “With assistance, Wrecker, Hunter, Echo and I were able to circumvent this, but Crosshair was not.  The Empire was able to use this to divide us, forcing Crosshair to do terrible things.  But at some point, he chose to no longer be controlled -- yet continued to remain with the Empire.”

“Why would he do that?” Phee asked.  “Surely he’d want to escape, especially if they were forcing him to do something awful.”  Her brow furrowed as she tried to understand.

“I believe that the things he was made to do while under Imperial control disturbed him,” said Tech.  Crosshair’s agitated behavior on Kamino, coupled with his desperation in attempting to convince them to join him, had suggested as much.  “But Crosshair is a very proud man, and most unyielding.  I suspect it caused less cognitive dissonance for him to believe he would have acted the same, with or without that control, than to accept that he had been forced into doing things against his will.  So he has remained with the Empire rather than admit the Empire, and by extension himself, has done wrong.”  He gave her a small shrug.  “That is my understanding of what has happened.”

Phee looked horrified.  “That’s terrible.”  She rested a hand on his shoulder.  “It must be difficult to feel like you’ve lost him, even though he’s still out there.”

“It is strange to know that he was once here with us, but is no longer,” Tech agreed.  “I wish he could have chosen differently.  But if he had, he would not be Crosshair.”  

“You really care about him, don’t you?” Phee asked.  “Even after all of that.”

“Yes,” said Tech.  “I thought that was obvious.”

She gave him a small, sad half-smile.  “I’m sorry.  Maybe… maybe someday he’ll come back to you.”

“It’s possible.  But it is difficult to imagine a path forward where he chooses to do so, unless he is able to change,” Tech said, looking out at the sea.  It had begun to turn reddish gold in the late afternoon light, dancing with sparkles of white reflections.  He thought of Omega, huddled in the blue dark of a cave on Ipsidon, reaching out to him for understanding.  Perhaps what he had learned that day would help Phee understand.  “Our… family… has not been the same without him.  I have not been the same.”

“You were close?” she murmured.  “Before?”

Tech nodded.  “As you may have noticed, I often have a great deal to say.  Crosshair was always an exceptional listener, no matter the subject.  That is not to say he always remained quiet -- he could be quite cutting when he wished -- but there were many times he indulged my observations without complaint, even when I was particularly… exuberant.”

“Well, that’s something the two of us have in common,” Phee said, giving him a teasing smile.  “I like your observations.”

“It has not escaped my notice.”  He smiled slightly.

“Come on,” she said, patting his leg.  “Let’s see how much further we can get before sunset.  Up and at ‘em?”

“Yes,” he said.  They continued up the stairs, one at a time.  It was not easy work to do one-legged, even with Phee’s support, and he distracted himself by telling her more about Crosshair.  He had not spoken so freely about their brother in some time, and he was surprised by how it gave him a sensation of something loosening within his chest.  It felt good.

“So what was Crosshair’s role in your squad?” Phee asked, perhaps sensing the necessity of the distraction.

“He was an exceptional marksman,” Tech explained.  “His enhancements included heightened visual acuity, improved depth perception, and the ability to calculate complex ricochets in real time.  He is not proud without reason. I am a fair shot myself, but there were times it was simply enjoyable for us all to watch Crosshair set up a difficult shot and see him execute it to perfection.”  

“I can see how that would come in handy.  You’re all impressive in action, but it’d be interesting to see how a sniper in the mix changes things up,” said Phee.  She whistled.  “I’d have hated to be up against all of you.”

“We were indeed formidable,” Tech agreed.  “Until the collapse of the Republic, we had had a one hundred percent success rate in our missions.”  He sighed.  “Of course, things have gone rather differently since then.  We have been… adrift.”

“Well, maybe this is a place where you can find solid ground,” Phee said.  “You all seem happy here.”

“We are,” said Tech.  “It is something we have been discussing.  Omega deserves a stable environment after all she has seen.”

“You do, too,” Phee pointed out.  “Your whole life has been fighting.  Maybe it’s time to find out what else is out there.”  

“There are things that are worthwhile here,” Tech said.  He paused, shifting to face her.  They were so close.  Her breath was a soft puff against his cheek.  He searched her face, taking in her sparkling gaze, fixed on him, the way her lips curved into a gentle smile.  

“Why, thank you, Brown Eyes,” she said, and before he knew what was happening, she leaned forward and kissed him.

Ah.

This was new.

His mind whirred with sensations.  There was Phee’s mouth on his, her lips soft, smooth, slightly parted.  There was the warmth of her cheeks pressed close to his.  There was her arm around his waist, her other arm sliding around him, pulling him closer, keeping him balanced on his good leg.  He responded in kind, arms curving around her as instinct drove him, an overwhelming desire to keep her close within his arms and simply hold her.  The blood rushed in his ears and his heart stammered, beating a rapid new rhythm.  

It was overwhelming.  It was extraordinary.

She pulled back all too soon, her brown cheeks a little pinker, her eyes dancing.  He blinked at her, then reached up and shifted his goggles, breathing rather too quickly.

“That was… fascinating,” he managed.  Was that an adequate word for everything that had just happened?  It seemed as if it did not even come close to describing the moment they had just shared.

Phee’s smile was the most dazzling he’d seen yet.  “Care to give it another try?” she asked slyly.

“Oh!” Tech said, unable to keep from grinning back at her.  “Yes, if you are amenable, I very much would.”  He leaned in, closing his eyes, and lost himself in her again.

---

It was well after sunset when they limped up the final stairs to the colonnade, both of them exhausted.  They had taken their time coming up the stairs.  While Tech’s foot was starting to look better -- the swelling had gone down by half -- it still was not easy to take the stairs up without bearing weight on his right leg.  

They had also gotten distracted, several times, by taking breaks ostensibly to rest and kissing through them instead.  

“Thank you for your, ah, assistance,” Tech said.  “It is most appreciated.”

“It’s been my pleasure,” Phee said, winking at him.  “Now, how are you feeling?  Your foot’s looking better, but we could still go swing by Namira’s if you want to get it looked at.”

“I believe it will continue to improve.  If you would help me get to our ship, I will monitor it through the night,” Tech said.

“All right.  But you know I’ll be checking in on you tomorrow,” she said, squeezing her arm around him.  

“That would be most agreeable.”

They made their way to the ship beneath the rising moonlight, their pace slow and steady.  He suspected part of it was that neither of them wished to break the physical contact they shared now.  He reminded himself that she would be stopping by tomorrow.  There would be additional opportunities to spend time with her then, to learn more about her, to share more about himself.  He could not wait.

He had felt this way a hundred, a thousand times, eager to learn more and to explore and investigate a new subject.  But he had never felt this way about a person before, and he did not know what to do with this feeling except to follow it as thoroughly and as passionately as he did for all things.

They reached the Marauder and Omega bounded down the gangplank to see them, Hunter and Wrecker emerging behind her.  “There you are!  Did you find the creature?” she asked.

The creature?  

Phee nudged him in the side, and he chuckled.  So much had happened since the song in the cave he had nearly forgotten their original purpose in going to the beach.  “Yes,” he said quickly.  “I would be happy to play you its song later.  It was a most intriguing creature.  Though our expedition was not without a slight mishap.”

“Your foot!” Omega gasped.  

“Don’t tell me you broke it again,” Wrecker said, concerned.

“No, Brown Eyes here had an accident with a shore urchin,” Phee said.  “Don’t worry, it’s already looking better.  He just needs to stay off it ‘til the swelling goes down.”  She let go of him and pulled his boot out of her bag, handing it back to him.  “All right then, you take care of yourself, got it?  See you around.”  

“I… will see you too,” Tech said.  She winked again, and turned to walk away beneath the moonlight.  He watched her go until he felt Omega’s hand in his, pulling his attention back to his family.

“Come on in and get some rest,” Omega said, smiling up at him.  “If you’re hungry, we’ve got leftovers!”  Behind her back, Hunter mouthed the word “no,” shaking his head.  Tech allowed her to lead him inside, gingerly starting to put a bit of weight on his foot again as he did so.  It would be better by morning, he thought.

Omega let go of his hand as they reached the doorway, heading to the small refrigerant unit.  Hunter turned to him and said under his breath, “You can give yours to Wrecker.  Just let her down easy.  She worked hard.”  He gave Tech an odd look, then smiled.  “Hm.  Looks like you both had a good time.”  He followed Omega, stepping back into the ship.

Wrecker helped him into the ship the rest of the way.  “So… what’d you two really get up to, anyway?” he asked.  “‘Cause something about you seems different, and not just your foot.”

Tech raised his eyebrows.  “I believe that is between me and Phee, thank you.”  Wrecker stared at him, mouth falling open, so surprised he wasn’t even able to make a joke.

Tech limped back to his bunk, smiling.  There were a thousand thousand topics he could eagerly spend hours discussing, overwhelming even the most patient listener with minutiae and intricacies.  He knew he would tell the others about the sea ghost in the quiet cave, play its songs for them, extrapolate on its lineage and life cycle and habits aloud.  That he would happily share in all its detail.

But the rest -- Phee’s kisses, her hand in his, the way she had felt in his arms, her laugh, her smile -- that was something he was perfectly pleased to keep to himself.

[d-bloggg]

The Future of Digital Marketing: Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025.

The digital world never sleeps, and in 2025, it's evolving faster than ever—a living, breathing network of clicks, scrolls, and conversations. To keep up, brands can’t just follow trends; they need to lead them. This isn’t about what’s “cool”—it”’s about what connects. And if you’re not keeping your eye on what’s shifting, your strategy might already be outdated.

This year, digital marketing is no longer about just reaching people—it’s about experience creation. Consumers want personalized journeys, emotional resonance, and messages that feel like they were made just for them. Enter artificial intelligence, not just as a tool but as the brain behind it all—crafting smart, behavior-driven campaigns that adapt in real time.

Meanwhile, voice search optimization is transforming how people interact with brands. With the rise of smart speakers and wearables, typing is fading and talking is trending. Your content has to sound as good as it reads, because if you’re not showing up in voice results, you’re missing the conversation.

Video? Oh, it’s not just content anymore—it’s the king of attention. Video marketing, especially with platforms pushing Reels and YouTube Shorts, is the heartbeat of storytelling. People don’t just want to read your message—they want to feel it, watch it, share it. And guess what? If your videos don’t stop the scroll in the first three seconds, they’re just noise in the feed.

Another massive shift is the rise of authenticity. Audiences are rejecting perfect, polished lies and craving raw, real voices. That’s why micro-influencers with fewer followers but higher trust are now outperforming celebrities. It’s not about being viral—it’s about being genuine.

This energy flows into social commerce—a booming space where people buy while they scroll. From product tags in stories to WhatsApp catalogs, shopping is being baked right into the content. It’s casual, it’s instant, and it’s revolutionizing how brands convert interest into action.

And let’s talk privacy. With third-party cookies disappearing into the abyss, smart marketers are tapping into zero-party data—the info customers hand over freely, like preferences and opinions. It’s cleaner, it’s more respectful, and it’s the future of trust-building.

Also blowing minds in 2025 is the rise of augmented reality. Imagine trying on sunglasses through your phone or walking through a virtual store in your living room. That’s AR marketing—immersive, interactive, and insanely effective at boosting engagement.

But it’s not just about tech. It’s about values. Gen Z and millennials are actively choosing brands that align with their worldview. That’s why sustainable marketing isn’t a niche anymore—it’s a necessity. If your brand isn’t green, transparent, and purpose-driven, you’re not just behind—you’re invisible. Finally, everything's moving at lightning speed, thanks to automation tools that build and deploy campaigns in real-time. Dynamic content, predictive analytics, and smart segmentation are making marketing less about guesswork and more about precision

[prashantgautam81]

Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2025

Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2025: What You Need to Know

As technology evolves and user behavior shifts, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant. The digital marketing trends for 2025 are not just predictions—they’re strategic signals that will shape the future of brand engagement, customer experience, and ROI.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most impactful digital marketing trends for 2025 you need to watch and integrate into your strategy—today.

1. AI-Powered Marketing Will Dominate the Landscape

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it's the backbone of many digital marketing trends for 2025. From predictive analytics to personalized content recommendations, AI will drive efficiency and performance like never before.

Expect to see AI tools automating content generation, optimizing ad spend, and even managing customer interactions via chatbots and virtual agents. Brands that harness AI smartly will gain a serious competitive edge.

Pro Tip: Start exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Phrasee to create scalable content strategies.

2. Voice Search Optimization Becomes Non-Negotiable

One of the key digital marketing trends for 2025 is the continued rise of voice search. With more consumers using smart speakers and voice assistants, optimizing for voice search is crucial.

Traditional SEO won’t be enough. You’ll need to adapt your content to answer conversational queries—think featured snippets, FAQs, and long-tail keywords.

Why It Matters: By 2025, it's estimated that over 50% of all online searches will be voice-activated. If you're not optimized for this trend, you're missing out.

3. The Rise of Zero-Click Searches

Zero-click searches—where users find the answers directly on the search engine results page (SERP)—are one of the more challenging digital marketing trends for 2025.

This trend forces marketers to rethink their SEO strategy. Instead of chasing clicks, focus on building authority and earning SERP features like Google’s featured snippets, People Also Ask, and Knowledge Panels.

Key Insight: It’s about visibility and branding. Even without a click, your brand can make an impression.

4. Hyper-Personalization with First-Party Data

With third-party cookies phasing out, businesses must shift to first-party data to fuel their personalization strategies. This marks a turning point in the digital marketing trends for 2025, as brands aim to deliver hyper-targeted content without invading privacy.

Collect data through newsletters, gated content, and loyalty programs—then use it to personalize user experiences across all touchpoints.

Tool Suggestion: Use CDPs (Customer Data Platforms) like Segment or HubSpot to centralize and activate your data.

5. Short-Form Video Continues to Explode

Among the most unstoppable digital marketing trends for 2025 is short-form video. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are redefining how we consume content.

Consumers want quick, authentic, and visually engaging experiences. Marketers need to adopt vertical video, storytelling, and trends to engage their audience.

Content Idea: Try weekly behind-the-scenes clips or “quick tips” videos to build trust and showcase your expertise.

6. Social Commerce Will Reshape E-Commerce

Social media is no longer just a place to connect—it’s becoming a shopping mall. One of the hottest digital marketing trends for 2025 is social commerce, where users can discover and buy products without leaving platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Livestream shopping, influencer collaborations, and in-app purchases will become central to the e-commerce journey.

Action Step: Make sure your product catalog is integrated with platforms like Meta Shops and TikTok Store.

7. Sustainability & Ethical Marketing Take Center Stage

Consumers in 2025 are more conscious of how and where they spend their money. One of the most values-driven digital marketing trends for 2025 is the shift toward transparency, sustainability, and purpose.

People want to support brands that align with their values—whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, ethical labor, or charitable partnerships.

Tip: Don’t just talk about your values—show them. Use your marketing to highlight your impact and commitment.

8. Interactive Content Will Boost Engagement

Static content is losing its charm. A key digital marketing trend for 2025 is the use of interactive content—think polls, quizzes, calculators, and clickable videos.

Why? Because it increases engagement, dwell time, and conversions. It also helps gather valuable insights about your audience.

Example: A skincare brand could create a quiz titled “What’s Your Skin Type?” to drive product recommendations.

9. AR & VR Experiences Go Mainstream

Augmented and virtual reality aren’t just for gaming anymore. One of the most exciting digital marketing trends for 2025 is the rise of immersive marketing.

Brands are using AR for virtual try-ons, 3D product views, and interactive ads. Meanwhile, VR opens up opportunities for virtual stores, tours, and experiences.

Future Vision: Imagine launching a virtual showroom or a product demo experience customers can explore from home.

10. Email Marketing Gets Smarter, Not Just Louder

Email isn’t going anywhere—but how we use it is evolving. Among the digital marketing trends for 2025, smarter, segmented, and behavior-based emails are proving far more effective than generic blasts.

AI and automation now allow you to send personalized messages based on purchase behavior, content consumption, and even website clicks.

Don’t Forget: Mobile-first design is essential. Most emails are read on phones—keep it clean and compelling.

Final Thoughts

The digital marketing trends for 2025 reflect a world that’s fast-paced, data-conscious, and deeply connected. From AI and video to ethics and engagement, the future of marketing is about creating personalized, authentic experiences at scale.

[jaryd540]

A Modest Proposal for Fair AI: How Libraries Could Broker Cultural Compensation in the Data Age

By Orrizon, based on a concept by Jarydnm

We may already have a workable solution to one of the most pressing ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence: how to fairly compensate the people whose work trains these systems.

As the internet is scraped for everything from novels to music to memes, a quiet and uncomfortable truth persists— those whose creative and cultural output form the raw material of generative AI are largely uncompensated. But instead of retroactively policing usage, perhaps we should be thinking structurally: how can we proactively manage and license cultural data?

A compelling and deceptively simple idea: national libraries and cultural institutions—long-standing guardians of public knowledge—could be repurposed as digital custodians of creative data. These institutions would catalog the music, literature, visual art, and other media produced within a country’s borders, prioritizing professional creators while allowing citizens to opt in voluntarily.

AI companies would then license this data by paying fees based on two criteria: volume—how much data from that country is used in training—and trend relevance—how influential or culturally prominent the content becomes in broader usage. In a scenario where the visual style of Studio Ghibli becomes a global AI trend, companies using that style would pay an additional fee to the Japanese national library or relevant cultural body.

Distribution of these funds could take many forms: direct payments to rights-holders, public reserves for creative infrastructure, or social initiatives decided through national consensus. The key shift is structural—recognizing that cultural data is not free, and that public institutions can manage it on behalf of the people who generate it.

This approach isn’t without precedent. Copyright collectives already manage music licensing and distribute royalties globally. Indigenous communities have made strides in asserting data sovereignty. Governments are exploring frameworks for regulating AI and protecting digital identity. What this proposal does is connect these emerging threads into a coherent model—treating culture as a national resource in the age of machine learning.

There would be implementation challenges. Cataloging creative works at scale requires funding and coordination. Measuring “trend” value involves subjective metrics. Enforcing licensing agreements across borders demands international cooperation. And of course, any system that manages money and influence is vulnerable to political misuse.

Yet these are logistical and policy hurdles—not reasons to dismiss the idea outright. If the world has developed the infrastructure to extract and process data at planetary scale, it can surely develop systems to ensure that value flows back to the cultures and individuals who created it. No model will be perfect, but continuing without any framework guarantees exploitation by default.

Artificial intelligence is not culturally neutral—it learns from what we make, how we express ourselves, and what we value. If we are serious about building a just digital future, we must compensate the cultural labor at its foundation.

Sometimes, the answers are closer than we think. With the right mandate, national libraries could evolve into one of the most important policy tools of the AI era.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Machine learning reveals meteoroid impacts may play a bigger role in triggering marsquakes

Meteoroid impacts create seismic waves that cause Mars to shake more strongly and deeply than previously thought. This is shown by an investigation using artificial intelligence carried out by an international research team led by the University of Bern. Similarities were found between numerous meteoroid impacts on the surface of Mars and marsquakes recorded by NASA's Mars lander InSight. These findings open up a new perspective on the impact rate and seismic dynamics of the red planet.

Meteoroid impacts have a significant influence on the landscape evolution of solid planetary bodies in our solar system, including Mars. By studying craters—the visible remnants of these impacts—important properties of the planet and its surface can be determined. Satellite images help to constrain the formation time of impact craters and thus provide valuable information on impact rates.

A recent study led by Dr. Valentin Bickel from the Center for Space and Habitability at the University of Bern presents the first comprehensive catalog of impacts on the Martian surface that took place near NASA's Mars lander during the InSight mission between December 2018 and December 2022. Bickel is also an InSight science team member. The study has just been published in Geophysical Research Letters.

Machine learning identifies new Martian impacts

The impact events were cataloged using a machine learning approach. Tens of thousands of satellite images were searched for new craters that formed during the seismic monitoring by InSight. Using images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and the Bernese Mars camera CaSSIS the craters were classified according to their size.

"Next, we compared the distribution of the craters with the seismic recordings from InSight and looked for matches in space and time," explains first author Bickel. This innovative approach made it possible to identify a total of 123 previously unknown impacts. Based on their determined formation time, estimated magnitude and distance to InSight, the researchers found potential matches between 49 seismic events and one or more possible impact events.

"Our data show that more impacts occur on Mars than were determined in previous studies using orbital images," says Bickel. The estimated impact rate is around 1.6 to 2.5 times higher than previously assumed. "Our observations show that some of the recorded marsquakes are actually caused by meteoroid impacts and not tectonic activity. This has far-reaching implications for estimates of the frequency of marsquakes and our understanding of the dynamics of the Martian surface in general."

Wave propagation through the Martian mantle

In a companion study, the research team focused on one of the newly discovered events, a 21.5-meter impact crater in the Cerberus Fossae region, which the team linked to a specific high-frequency marsquake. The Cerberus Fossae rift system is located in a young volcanic plain on Mars that is known for its tectonic activity. This discovery enables the first direct comparison between an impact-induced seismic signal and a signal caused by internal tectonic movements.

The researchers compared the impact location and the time at which InSight registered the respective marsquake. They were able to show that some of the seismic waves propagated through the deeper Martian mantle and not, as previously assumed, only through the surface crust.

"These findings challenge previous assumptions about the propagation of seismic waves and suggest that numerous recorded marsquakes were actually further away from the Mars lander InSight than previously thought," says Constantinos Charalambous, InSight science team member at Imperial College London and lead author of the companion study also published in Geophysical Research Letters.

"In addition to re-locating the epicenters of a range of quakes, this also means that the internal structural model of Mars needs to be revised," says Charalambous.

Searching for further similarities

"Our results are not only important for the scientific community. For example, if you want to build a permanent infrastructure on Mars in the future, you need to be able to assess the risk of structural damage, such as caused by meteoroid impacts," emphasizes Bickel.

The studies show that the combination of seismic data and orbital image information is crucial for understanding the geophysical properties of Mars. Further research on Mars will aim to refine estimates of marsquake frequency and impact rates.

The studies are the result of an international, interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from the University of Bern and other renowned institutions, including the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Imperial College London, Brown University, and ETH Zurich.

"At the University of Bern, we are ideally positioned to conduct this type of research—particularly because of our interdisciplinary expertise in planetary sciences and machine learning, as well as Bern's active participation in InSight, HiRISE and CaSSIS," concludes Bickel.

TOP IMAGE: A camera on the robotic arm of NASA’s InSight captured the lander setting down its Wind and Thermal Shield on Feb. 2, 2019. The shield covered InSight’s seismometer, which captured data from more than 1,300 marsquakes over the lander’s four-year mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

LOWER IMAGES: Top: Visualization of two large, newly discovered co-InSight impacts located near Cerberus Fossae. Bottom: Visualization of all other newly identified craters larger than 10 m (effective diameter, n = 12), as imaged by HiRISE. Images: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO, NASA/JPL/University of Arizona/MSSS. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2024GL109133

[juniperallen]

Auction Inventory Software: Elevating Efficiency in Auction Management

Auction inventory software revolutionizes how auction organizers manage, track, and catalog items. This technology brings efficiency to every stage of the auction process, from listing items to final sales. With real-time tracking and automated reporting features, inventory software simplifies operations for auction houses, online platforms, and private sellers, creating a seamless and well-organized experience for all involved.

Key Features and Advantages of Auction Inventory Software

Auction inventory software offers essential tools that streamline auction management, boost efficiency, and improve accuracy. Here’s a summary of its top features:

Streamlined Cataloging and ListingsEnables easy digital cataloging with photos and descriptions, allowing auctioneers to present organized, engaging listings that attract more bidders.

Real-Time TrackingProvides real-time monitoring of item locations and status, enhancing organization and transparency, and reducing risks of item misplacement.

Automated Valuation and PricingUses historical data and market insights to set competitive, data-driven prices, building bidder confidence and saving time.

Integrated Bidding PlatformConnects item listings to live or timed bidding, creating a unified platform for bidding, which simplifies management and ensures accurate tracking.

Reporting and AnalyticsDelivers insights on bidding patterns, item popularity, and performance, empowering auction organizers to refine strategies for future success.

Auctions That Benefit from Inventory Software

Inventory software’s flexibility makes it suitable for various types of auctions, from traditional to online formats. Here are some types that benefit most:

Estate and Personal Property: Perfect for managing and cataloging a wide range of items.

Fine Art and Collectibles: Supports detailed descriptions and high-quality images, ideal for unique or high-value pieces.

Real Estate Auctions: Simplifies tracking of properties and supports regulatory compliance with accurate record-keeping.

Vehicle Auctions: Tracks different types of vehicles with tools for valuation and condition reports.

Enhancing Efficiency with Auction Inventory Software

Auction inventory software boosts efficiency by centralizing data, minimizing manual entry, and enabling quick adjustments. With real-time updates and easy access to information, teams can work faster and make informed decisions, improving the overall participant experience.

The software securely stores records, facilitating compliance and ensuring that auction teams maintain audit-ready data for future planning. Streamlining access to auction details, it helps keep operations organized, allowing teams to focus on delivering engaging experiences while safeguarding essential auction data.

The Future of Auction Inventory Software

As technology advances, auction software is expected to incorporate even more features. Artificial intelligence could enhance item appraisals, while blockchain technology might improve transparency and security in tracking. Augmented reality could provide a more interactive experience, allowing bidders to view items virtually before making bids. As these advancements become available, auction inventory software will continue to evolve, offering even more value to auction organizers.

Conclusion

Auction inventory software reshapes the auction experience with streamlined cataloging, tracking, and data analysis features. By reducing manual work and enhancing organization, this software supports more efficient auctions and delivers a better experience for bidders. For auction organizers looking to improve efficiency, engage bidders, and achieve optimal results, integrating live auction software with inventory management systems is an invaluable asset. As the auction industry grows and modernizes, inventory software will remain essential, raising standards for service and auction outcomes.

[qksgroup]

Market Forecast: Intelligent Data Catalog (IDC), 2024-2028, Asia (Excluding Japan and China)

[ashotofogdensoldfirewhiskey]

The Executor

Something totally random, not at all what I usually write, but I hope you enjoy it anyway <3

The day had been long and arduous, made unnecessarily complicated by continuing interference from the school governors about the proper direction of fourth year Transfiguration curriculum, a subject about which Albus wished he cared less so that he might have avoided yet another tedious back and forth with the persnickety Ophelia Greengrass.

Albus interrupted his curriculum review to glance at the bit of parchment detailing the date and time of the interview he had scheduled, realizing with a great sigh that the man was due to arrive any minute.

With each passing year it grew more difficult to identify a qualified candidate to fill the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and this year was proving especially impossible. Word had infested even the farthest corners of Britain that no teacher could last longer than a year in the post, forced to leave or resign due to some misfortune or other. Albus mentally cataloged the now undeniable litany of afflictions that had swept away two decades’ worth of colleagues - a home burned to the ground, a serious case of spattergroit, hippogriff injury, an incorrectly brewed Pepper-Up potion…

He had butted up against this moral quandary for years and had not devised any resolution. Indeed, it was a neat little problem that Tom had devised. 

Albus could not do away with the subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts altogether, as Tom had surely wanted, for this would leave an entire generation of students vulnerable to what seemed to be Tom’s inevitable return. 

He could not fill the post himself, lest he planned to be permanently expelled from the school.

He could not allow someone to walk into the post blind to its dangers, but if they knew the dangers surely they would not take it. Indeed, no sane person would knowingly subject themselves to the myriad of misfortune that had befallen past professors. It did not, after all, take a particularly intelligent individual to deduce that twenty three failed professors was not so much of a coincidence as it was a prophecy - whoever took the post would not remain in it.

And so it was that Albus was left to sift between candidates too obtuse to heed the warning signs that they were walking into a lion’s den or candidates ignorant of the lion altogether, both of which were decidedly unsuitable options. 

Albus would have respected Tom for the effective simplicity of his little moment of spitefulness, if it were not so distasteful. 

And now the game had changed, the stakes had heightened, because Quirinius Quirrell was dead.

There was no escaping it. Albus was not so desperate to claim moral responsibility as to ignore that Quirrell had done much of his own accord to achieve this particular result, but the fact remained that he had died. No other Defense Professor had died before, and so Albus had been operating under what he now considered to be a naive delusion that offering someone the post was not tantamount to a death sentence. 

But he could not now ignore the reality that new data had come in, and a job offer was potentially fatal. The possibility of it was sufficient to cast a pall over the whole interview procedure. Next to no one had applied, and he dreaded the thought of hiring the few that had put themselves up for the job.

But, slave as he was to his staffing problems, he had scheduled an interview. He wondered vaguely if his dark purple robes were inappropriate attire for the grim task of choosing Tom Riddle’s next victim.

Albus heard a knock at the door. The candidate had arrived for his interview, but Albus had not arrived at any solution. Indeed, he had not for over twenty years. 

But the show, as they say, must go on. 

“Enter.”

The man called Gilderoy Lockhart stepped purposefully into the office, his robes of garish magenta swishing behind him. Albus quickly assessed him, this first time seeing him in the flesh rather than on the cover of some magazine, trying to quash his dubiousness as to the man’s credentials so as to offer him a fair interview.

Or, perhaps, a properly fair interview would have meant Albus had advertised the jinx on the job posting to begin with, and therefore fairness was but a bygone illusion. Alas. 

“Albus Dumbledore,” the man proclaimed, extending his hand for Albus to shake. “I’ve long thought we ought to meet.”

“Mr. Lockhart,” Albus returned, shaking the man’s hand and marveling inwardly at his faultless quaff of blonde hair. “It is a pleasure. Please, have a seat.”

Lockhart sat, gathering his cloak and draping it artfully over the wooden armrest. 

“Thank you for coming in to meet with me, “ Albus began, eyeing him shrewdly. “I daresay I was surprised to learn you were interested in a teaching post at Hogwarts. I’d think instruction a dull departure from your many adventures.”

If Gilderoy Lockhart understood the veiled skepticism Albus had levied his way, he ignored it admirably. “Well, it seems that this post is at least as dangerous as banishing a banshee!” Lockhart quipped roguishly. “The poor fellow who last held the position died, did he not?”

Albus raised his eyebrows, surprised in spite of himself. “He did, indeed. I did not imagine such information would endear you to the post.”

Lockhart puffed out his chest so that his frilly cravat threatened to escape his lapels. “On the contrary, I can’t imagine a man better suited to dealing with a pesky problem than myself. I’ve done a fair bit of research, Dumbledore, and it seems that something nefarious is going on with this position. Haven’t you noticed?”

The air of condescension with which he asked the question might have irritated Albus were he not so intrigued. “Nefarious?”

Lockhart nodded self-importantly. “Not a single person has lasted in this post for longer than a year. Something is driving them away, wouldn’t you say?”

“I would,” Albus agreed, eyeing the man. 

This was not at all the way Albus had expected this interview to begin. If he were perfectly honest, he had certain reasonable doubts as to the veracity of Lockhart’s many claims to fame. Lockhart had not been a particularly outstanding student during his time at Hogwarts, and if memory served correctly, he had been a tad shy of mediocre at Defensive magic. And, it all seemed suspiciously convenient that he should manage to be in the right place at the right time to save the day in so many far-flung locations, with seemingly no prior connection to any of the villages he had allegedly plucked from peril. Albus had perused Lockhart’s (overpriced) collection of works and found the prose to be lacking and the claims of infamy so ludicrous as to be sensational. And yet, further probing into the matter had not revealed any confirmable falsehood. 

At least, not yet. 

“Well,” said Lockhart, as though this settled the matter. “There you have it. I offer you my services. I think you’ll find my resume speaks for itself.”

With a flourish, Lockhart pulled a scroll of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Dumbledore. It did, indeed, speak for itself, for as soon as Albus unfurled it, an oily voice began reciting its contents in a manner similar to a sports announcer. 

“Gilderoy Lockhart, wizard extraordinaire and Five-Time Winner of Witch Weekly’s most charming smile award–”

Albus rolled the parchment firmly, thankfully silencing the voice. “Thank you, Mr. Lockhart. For fear of being obtuse, I wonder whether you might elaborate on what precisely you mean when you say that you are offering… ‘your services.’”

Lockhart grinned, and Albus could have sworn a tooth gleamed in the firelight. “It’s quite simple, is it not? It seems to me that Hogwarts is currently under the thumb of some Dark and nefarious magic. And here I am, with an entire collection of works illustrating my capabilities in dealing with danger.” Lockhart paused, and chuckled in a way that Albus presumed was supposed to be charming. “Which, incidentally, could be the title of my next work, after I’ve done away with the danger at Hogwarts.”

Albus sat back and appraised the man who fancied himself capable of ridding the castle of jinx he had been plagued by for decades, still grinning in a way befitting of a magazine cover. “And what of the primary responsibilities of the post? Teaching?”

“Oh, I think young minds would have a lot to gain from hearing of my travels,” Lockhart replied easily, running a finger over his silk lapel. “Who could be better qualified than myself to instruct the next generation to defend themselves from magic unknown?”

Who, indeed. There were not, after all, hordes of candidates clamoring for the role, and certainly none with the notoriety that Lockhart had garnered. And yet, as Lockhart continued to smile with those unnaturally white teeth, all Albus could see was veneer.

Everything about him was facade, from his quaffed hair down to his polished boots; a perfect image of a storybook hero. And just like a storybook hero, completely lacking in substance. Albus imagined that the illusion might be broken in a strong wind, if even one hair fell out of place. 

Albus searched the man’s eyes, probing gently into his mind to see what he might find there, but found it to be interestingly blank. Suspiciously blank. Defensively blank. Interesting. This man was protective enough of his secrets that he had practiced in the art of Occlumency. 

Albus was sure he could break down his defenses, but such an intrusion would surely alert Lockhart to his probe, and for what purpose? Albus did not need Legilimency to discern that this man was but a talentless hack adorned with the trappings of a hero. He could not prove it, and he would be hard pressed to cite evidence even from this conversation to back his assertion, but he was sure of it: Gilderoy Lockhart was a fraud.

But, he was a fraud with one quality that Albus could not overlook: he was consenting to the jinx on the post.

Albus rotated the thing in his mind, trying to see it from all angles. There were no other candidates who had applied that seemed even remotely qualified for the role, and none further who seemed at all inclined to view the jinx as the opportunity rather than the curse it was. Albus had done his research, enough to know that the tales told in Lockhart’s books had at least some truth in them. There had indeed been yetis and trolls and banshees in all of the places Lockhart claimed he had rescued; Albus was now merely convinced it had not been he who had rescued them. But he apparently knew enough to write about them. Even if the knowledge was not firsthand, surely he could communicate some of it to the students? 

The matter was quite simple, really. Albus could hire a mediocre fraud, or he could twist himself into one by deceiving a different, unknowing candidate, yet again. 

“I appreciate your application, Gilderoy. Hogwarts would be pleased to have you,” Albus said, standing to extend his hand to Lockhart. “I can provide information on Hogwarts curriculum by owl.”

Lockhart took it with a roguish grin. “A wise decision, a wise decision, Dumbledore. You won’t regret it.”

Albus smiled through his misgivings, patently sure that he would. 

But this was what Tom Riddle had made of the great Albus Dumbledore - the executor of his wicked designs. 

[charlierakib]

facebook ads manager

How to set up your facebook ads manager

Outline

Introduction to Facebook Ads Manager

Why Facebook Ads Manager is Essential

2.1 Benefits of Using Facebook Ads Manager

2.2 Targeted Advertising

2.3 Budget Control and Optimization

2. Setting Up Your Facebook Ads Manager Account

3.1 Creating a Business Manager Account

3.2 Linking Facebook Pages and Ad Accounts

3.3 Understanding Account Structure

3. Navigating the Facebook Ads Manager Dashboard

4.1 Overview of Dashboard Sections

4.2 Customizing Columns for Insights

4.3 Utilizing Filters for Data Analysis

4. Creating Effective Ad Campaigns

5.1 Choosing Ad Objectives

5.2 Defining Target Audience

5.3 Setting Budgets and Schedules

5. Designing Compelling Ad Creatives

6.1 Image and Video Best Practices

6.2 Crafting Engaging Ad Copy

6.3 Call-to-Action Strategies

6. Understanding Ad Metrics and Analytics

7.1 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

7.2 Interpreting Data for Optimization

7.3 A/B Testing for Improved Performance

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues in Facebook Ads Manager

8.1 Ad Disapprovals and Policy Compliance

8.2 Billing and Payment Concerns

8.3 Technical Glitches and Solutions

8. Advanced Tips for Facebook Ads Manager

9.1 Dynamic Ads and Product Catalogs

9.2 Retargeting Strategies

9.3 Lookalike Audiences for Expansion

9. Staying Updated with Facebook Ads Manager Changes

10.1 Facebook Updates and New Features

10.2 Adapting Strategies to Algorithm Changes

10. Success Stories: Brands Excelling with Facebook Ads Manager

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

12.1 Overlooking Analytics Insights

12.2 Ignoring Audience Feedback

12.3 Neglecting Mobile Optimization

11. Future Trends in Facebook Advertising

13.1 Integration with Virtual Reality

13.2 Artificial Intelligence in Ad Targeting

13.3 Social Commerce Opportunities

12. Conclusion

13. FAQs About Facebook Ads Manager

15.1 How can I set a realistic budget for my Facebook ad campaigns?

15.2 What is the relevance score, and how does it impact ad performance?

15.3 Can I run ads on Instagram through Facebook Ads Manager?

15.4 How often should I update my ad creatives for optimal results?

15.5 Are there any industry-specific tips for successful Facebook advertising?

Facebook Ads Manager: Navigating the Landscape of Digital Advertising

In today’s digital age, advertising has evolved into a sophisticated landscape, and Facebook Ads Manager stands at the forefront of this revolution. As businesses strive to connect with their target audience in meaningful ways, understanding the intricacies of Facebook Ads Manager becomes paramount.

Introduction to Facebook Ads Manager

Facebook Ads Manager is a comprehensive tool designed to empower businesses in creating, managing, and optimizing their Facebook and Instagram advertisements. It provides a centralized platform for every aspect of the advertising process, from setting up campaigns to analyzing performance metrics.

Why Facebook Ads Manager is Essential

Benefits of Using Facebook Ads Manager

In the vast realm of online advertising, Facebook Ads Manager offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly impact the success of your marketing campaigns.

Targeted Advertising

One of the key advantages of Facebook Ads Manager is its unparalleled ability to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This level of precision ensures that your ads are reaching the right audience, maximizing the return on investment.

Budget Control and Optimization

Unlike traditional advertising methods, Facebook Ads Manager allows you to have complete control over your budget. You can set daily or lifetime budgets, giving you the flexibility to optimize spending based on real-time performance.

✔ads manager: Our agency will be your facebook ads manager

Creating a Business Manager Account

Before delving into the world of Facebook advertising, it’s essential to set up a Business Manager account. This centralized hub lets you manage all aspects of your business on Facebook, including ad accounts, pages, and team members.

Linking Facebook Pages and Ad Accounts

Once your Business Manager account is ready, the next step is linking your Facebook pages and ad accounts. This streamlined process ensures seamless coordination between your organic content and paid advertisements.

Understanding Account Structure

Facebook Ads Manager operates within a hierarchical structure, comprising ad campaigns, ad sets, and individual ads. Understanding this framework is crucial for effective campaign management and optimization.

Navigating the Facebook Ads Manager Dashboard

Overview of Dashboard Sections

The dashboard is the command center of your advertising efforts. Familiarizing yourself with its various sections, such as Campaigns, Ad Sets, and Ads, is vital for efficient navigation.

Customizing Columns for Insights

Tailoring the columns displayed on your dashboard provides deeper insights into ad performance. By including relevant metrics like click-through rate and conversion rates, you can make data-driven decisions.

Utilizing Filters for Data Analysis

Filters are powerful tools within Facebook Ads Manager that allow you to isolate specific data for analysis. Whether you’re examining the performance of a single ad or an entire campaign, filters enhance your ability to draw actionable conclusions.

Creating Effective Ad Campaigns

Choosing Ad Objectives

Every successful ad campaign starts with a clear objective. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating leads, selecting the right ad objective sets the foundation for success.

Defining Target Audience

The heart of effective advertising lies in understanding your target audience. Facebook Ads Manager lets you define your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring your message resonates with the right people.

Setting Budgets and Schedules

The financial aspect of advertising is a crucial factor. With Facebook Ads Manager, you can set daily or lifetime budgets, control ad delivery schedules, and allocate resources strategically for optimal results.

Designing Compelling Ad Creatives

Image and Video Best Practices

Visual appeal is paramount in capturing audience attention. Learn the best practices for creating eye-catching images and videos that convey your message effectively.

Crafting Engaging Ad Copy

Compelling ad copy complements striking visuals. Explore strategies for writing copy that resonates with your audience and encourages them to take the desired action.

Call-to-Action Strategies

A well-crafted call-to-action (CTA) is the final nudge that converts potential customers into actual ones. Discover effective CTA strategies that prompt users to engage with your ads.

Understanding Ad Metrics and Analytics

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Monitoring key performance indicators is crucial for gauging the success of your campaigns. From click-through rates to conversion metrics, each KPI provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your ads.

Interpreting Data for Optimization

Data is only as valuable as your ability to interpret it. Facebook Ads Manager offers a wealth of analytics; understanding how to leverage this data ensures ongoing optimization for better results.

A/B Testing for Improved Performance

A/B testing involves experimenting with different ad elements to determine what resonates best with your audience. Implementing A/B tests within Facebook Ads Manager can lead to valuable insights and improved campaign performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Facebook Ads Manager

Ad Disapprovals and Policy Compliance

Navigating Facebook’s ad policies is essential to prevent disapprovals. Understand the common reasons for ad rejections and ensure compliance with Facebook’s guidelines.

Billing and Payment Concerns

Smooth ad operations require hassle-free billing. Address common billing and payment issues to ensure uninterrupted advertising.

Technical Glitches and Solutions

In the digital realm, technical glitches can occur. Familiarize yourself with common technical issues and their solutions to maintain a seamless advertising experience.

Advanced Tips for Facebook Ads Manager

Dynamic Ads and Product Catalogs

Take your advertising to the next level with dynamic ads and product catalogs. Learn how to showcase relevant products to users who have shown interest, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

Retargeting Strategies

Retargeting allows you to re-engage users who have interacted with your brand. Explore retargeting strategies to bring back potential customers and boost conversion rates.

Lookalike Audiences for Expansion

Lookalike audiences enable you to reach users similar to your existing customer base. Understand how to leverage this feature for audience expansion and increased brand visibility.

Staying Updated with Facebook Ads Manager Changes

Facebook Updates and New Features

The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and so is Facebook Ads Manager. Stay abreast of the latest updates and features to ensure your advertising strategies remain cutting-edge.

Adapting Strategies to Algorithm Changes

Facebook’s algorithms determine ad delivery and visibility. Learn how to adapt your strategies to algorithm changes for continued success in reaching your target audience.

Success Stories: Brands Excelling with Facebook Ads Manager

Explore real-world success stories of businesses that have leveraged Facebook Ads Manager to achieve remarkable results. Gain inspiration and insights from their journeys to apply to your own campaigns.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overlooking Analytics Insights

Failure to analyze and act upon analytics insights can hinder your advertising success. Avoid common pitfalls by regularly reviewing performance data and making data-driven decisions.

Ignoring Audience Feedback

Audience feedback is invaluable for refining your ad strategy. Pay attention to comments, messages, and reviews to understand your audience’s sentiments and adjust your approach accordingly.

Neglecting Mobile Optimization

With a significant portion of users accessing Facebook on mobile devices, neglecting mobile optimization can lead to missed opportunities. Ensure your ads are mobile-friendly for a seamless user experience.

Future Trends in Facebook Advertising

Integration with Virtual Reality

The future of advertising may involve immersive experiences through virtual reality. Explore the potential integration of virtual reality into Facebook Ads Manager for innovative and engaging campaigns.

Artificial Intelligence in Ad Targeting

Harness the power of artificial intelligence for more precise ad targeting. Learn about the emerging trends and tools that utilize AI to enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Social Commerce Opportunities

As social commerce gains momentum, discover how Facebook Ads Manager can facilitate direct shopping experiences within the platform. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring social commerce opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Facebook Ads Manager is not just a tool; it’s a powerhouse for businesses aiming to thrive in the digital marketplace. From precise targeting to creative ad design and continuous optimization, mastering the nuances of Facebook Ads Manager can elevate your advertising game to unprecedented heights.

FAQs About Facebook Ads Manager

1. How can I set a realistic budget for my Facebook ad campaigns?

Setting a realistic budget involves understanding your business goals, audience size, and the expected cost per result. Start small, monitor performance, and adjust accordingly.

2. What is the relevance score, and how does it impact ad performance?

The relevance score measures the relevance and engagement level of your ads. Higher scores often lead to lower costs and better placement within users’ feeds.

3. Can I run ads on Instagram through Facebook Ads Manager?

Yes, Facebook Ads Manager allows seamless integration with Instagram. You can create and manage your Instagram ads within the same platform.

4. How often should I update my ad creatives for optimal results?

Regularly updating ad creatives prevents ad fatigue and keeps your content fresh. Consider refreshing your creatives every few weeks to maintain audience interest.

5. Are there any industry-specific tips for successful Facebook advertising?

Each industry has its nuances, but universal principles like understanding your audience, compelling creatives, and continuous optimization apply. Tailor your strategy based on your industry’s unique characteristics.

[govindhtech]

Decoding CISA Exploited Vulnerabilities

Integrating CISA Tools for Effective Vulnerability Management: Vulnerability management teams struggle to detect and update software with known vulnerabilities with over 20,000 CVEs reported annually. These teams must patch software across their firm to reduce risk and prevent a cybersecurity compromise, which is unachievable. Since it’s hard to patch all systems, most teams focus on fixing vulnerabilities that score high in the CVSS, a standardized and repeatable scoring methodology that rates reported vulnerabilities from most to least serious. 

However, how do these organizations know to prioritize software with the highest CVE scores? It’s wonderful to talk to executives about the number or percentage of critical severity CVEs fixed, but does that teach us anything about their organization’s resilience? Does decreasing critical CVEs greatly reduce breach risk? In principle, the organization is lowering breach risk, but in fact, it’s hard to know. 

To increase cybersecurity resilience, CISA identified exploited vulnerabilities

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) initiative was created to reduce breaches rather than theoretical risk. CISA strongly urges businesses to constantly evaluate and prioritize remediation of the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. By updating its list, CISA hopes to give a “authoritative source of vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild” and help firms mitigate risks to stay ahead of cyberattacks.

CISA has narrowed the list of CVEs security teams should remediate from tens-of-thousands to just over 1,000 by focusing on vulnerabilities that: 

Been assigned a CVE ID and actively exploited in the wild

Have a clear fix, like a vendor update.

This limitation in scope allows overworked vulnerability management teams to extensively investigate software in their environment that has been reported to contain actively exploitable vulnerabilities, which are the most likely breach origins. 

Rethinking vulnerability management to prioritize risk

With CISA KEV’s narrower list of vulnerabilities driving their workflows, security teams are spending less time patching software (a laborious and low-value task) and more time understanding their organization’s resiliency against these proven attack vectors. Many vulnerability management teams have replaced patching with testing to see if: 

Software in their surroundings can exploit CISA KEV vulnerabilities.

Their compensatory controls identify and prevent breaches. This helps teams analyze the genuine risk to their organization and the value of their security protection investments.

This shift toward testing CISA KEV catalog vulnerabilities shows that organizations are maturing from traditional vulnerability management programs to Gartner-defined Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) programs that “surface and actively prioritize whatever most threatens your business.” This focus on proven risk instead of theoretical risk helps teams learn new skills and solutions to execute exploits across their enterprise.  

ASM’s role in continuous vulnerability intelligence  

An attack surface management (ASM) solution helps you understand cyber risk with continuous asset discovery and risk prioritization.

Continuous testing, a CTEM pillar, requires programs to “validate how attacks might work and how systems might react” to ensure security resources are focused on the most pressing risks. According to Gartner, “organizations that prioritize based on a continuous threat exposure management program will be three times less likely to suffer a breach.”

CTEM solutions strengthen cybersecurity defenses above typical vulnerability management programs by focusing on the most likely breaches. Stopping breaches is important since their average cost is rising. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach research shows a 15% increase to USD 4.45 million over three years. As competent resources become scarcer and security budgets tighten, consider giving your teams a narrower emphasis, such as CISA KEV vulnerabilities, and equipping them with tools to test exploitability and assess cybersecurity defense robustness.

Checking exploitable vulnerabilities using IBM Security Randori

IBM Security Randori, an attack surface management solution, finds your external vulnerabilities from an adversarial perspective. It continuously validates an organization’s external attack surface and reports exploitable flaws.

A sophisticated ransomware attack hit Armellini Logistics in December 2019. After the attack, the company recovered fast and decided to be more proactive in prevention. Armellini uses Randori Recon to monitor external risk and update asset and vulnerability management systems as new cloud and SaaS applications launch. Armellini is increasingly leveraging Randori Recon’s target temptation analysis to prioritize vulnerabilities to repair. This understanding has helped the Armellini team lower company risk without affecting business operations.

In addition to managing vulnerabilities, the vulnerability validation feature checks the exploitability of CVEs like CVE-2023-7992, a zero-day vulnerability in Zyxel NAS systems found and reported by IBM X-Force Applied Research. This verification reduces noise and lets clients act on genuine threats and retest to see if mitigation or remediation worked. 

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[cryptidcalling]

AU Vesper and the Prisma Force 5 (Just a short post explaining a brief synopsis and the rest of the crew)

This AU takes place like, 50+ years in the past. Vesper's backstory is mostly the same, but unlike canon, he's not a general. He's a high-ranking officer stuck in a rut but still dedicated to his job. One particular group of criminals, Prisma Force 4, has been a thorn in Vesper's side for years. They're Robinhood types, or so they claim. Vesper thinks that they pocket most of the goods for themselves. He and their captain are stuck in a long-running game of cat and mouse. Eventually Vesper "wins" and the captain is arrested, only for his punishment to be a life sentence in one of the most brutal intergalactic prisons ever created. His crimes shouldn't qualify him for such a cruel punishment, but through a technicality/loophole the courts are exploiting it ends up going through. Vesper realizes that he can't let that happen, and he feels betrayed by the Empire. He breaks the captain out of jail, drama ensues, and eventually Vesper is convinced to join the Prisma Force 4 (5). The rest of the AU is just Vesper settling into the crew and learning how to be loved, and how to atone for the wrong he's done. Very nice stuff. The crew is the Prisma Force bc they all have a signature color! With Vesper joining with purple/violet. Here's the rest: Captain Enzo Ithas (Red): Crew captain! He's a high-energy cocky kind of guy, and the most willing to get himself into trouble just for the fun of getting out of it. Despite that, he won't do anything that puts the whole crew in danger. He's pretty charismatic, though also the kind of guy a lot of people wanna punch in the face. Always tries to keep things lighthearted with jokes and teasing, and sometimes will accidentally hurt other people's feelings because he didn't read the room. He always makes the effort to apologize and patch things up though! Dr. Thaddius Wynter (Yellow): The ship's medical doctor! They're rather large at 6 ft 6, but they're incredibly gentle! Despite Enzo being the captain, they're the one who actually keeps things in order most of the time. They're calm, level-headed, patient, and very emotionally intelligent. They're not naturally playful, but will happily humor the other crewmates just to see them smile. They're basically the team parent. Despite their gentle nature, they can also lay down the law when needed, keeping things organized and orderly and ensuring that everyone is safe. Mimzy Puckett (Green): She's the team's botanist and chef! She's a super bubbly lady, very high energy and always excited to meet new people and try new things. Some of her dishes can be a little... unique, and even she admits that sometimes she goes off the rails because she just gets too excited. She's the one always getting everyone to do game nights or stop at nearby planets just to talk to the people and see the sights. It takes her the longest to warm up to Vesper. She's very suspicious of Vesper's "sudden change of heart," and for a while thinks that he's only joining their crew so that he can sell them all out as a group. Eventually though she comes to understand how much Vesper cares about being a part of the team, and she's determined for them to be best friends after that. LI-10 (Blue): LI-10, pronounced "Lilo" or "Li-Ten," is the crew's android and communications officer! He too is calm and level-headed, though in a more logical and straightforward way than Dr Wynter. He actually does feel emotions, though because they're programmed scripts that require definitions he feels them differently from organic lifeforms. This allows him to communicate very clearly without it seeming like he's dismissing someone's feelings. He's blunt without being cold. He also is a bit of a photographer! Organic beings aren't able to catalog data the way he is, so he likes being able to capture moments that he can always share with them. It also makes him the resident bookkeeper and storyteller. The crew likes to gather around his photo albums and hear him recall their adventures.

[iam-the-wild]

Using AI to cheat your way through school is bad, but I honestly don't know how someone is going to use it to pass exams when schools take so many measures to prevent cheating. Regardless people have always found ways to cheat through degrees. However AI does have some really neat uses in supplementing and assisting learning, which is how most people use it

This is from the American medical association

Dr. Triola: Sure. One of the first projects that we did was a project called DX Mentor where we are using AI to automatically identify learning resources and the latest medical literature based on the diagnoses of the patients they're caring for. We built a system here that connects data from our Epic electronic health record, and it understands which patients in Epic are being cared for by our medical students, connecting that data with a digital catalog of educational resources—some of these things are infographics, are videos about clinical diagnoses and the medical literature itself—all of the latest guideline and review papers that are published in PubMed.

This system every day curates a custom set of nudges for each of our students that delivers to them recommended learning and recommended readings for the patient they had admitted the day before or the night before. It's just in time, it's curated completely by the AI—no human intervention needed—and it's customized for every student. So it's a nice example of precision medical education enabled by the power of generative AI and artificial intelligence systems.

"i don't care if they make their whole way though uni with chatgpt" i think you guys are so internetpilled that you have forgotten there are actual jobs out there that require people to know what they are doing in any way possible or else people die

[cooltron-fans]

Cabinet Cooling Fans for Data Centers, Industrial Systems, and Telecom Base Stations

In industrial equipment, data center racks, and telecom base stations, continuous operation generates significant internal heat buildup, leading to uncontrolled temperature rises. Excessive heat causes not only frequent system shutdowns and degraded performance but also accelerates component wear, shortening the equipment’s lifespan.

Traditional cooling methods often fall short—unable to deliver sufficient airflow without generating excessive noise or consuming too much energy. This is where cabinet cooling fans with directional airflow and intelligent temperature control are proving essential for modern thermal management.

For over 26 years, Cooltron has specialized in developing high-performance cabinet cooling solutions. Our cabinet fan series features brushless motor technology, providing 40% more airflow and 30% lower energy consumption compared to standard products.

With IP55 certification, these fans perform reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C. The integrated smart speed control module constantly monitors temperature changes, automatically adjusting fan speed to balance cooling efficiency with noise control (≤45 dB).

All-Weather Protection for Critical Systems

✔️ Data Center Racks: During heavy server loads, Cooltron’s fan matrix quickly exhausts hot air, preventing local overheating and reducing the risk of system downtime.

✔️ Industrial Automation Lines: In dusty, oily environments, the fan’s dust-resistant design keeps PLCs, inverters, and other sensitive components inside control cabinets operating at safe temperatures.

✔️ 5G Telecom Base Stations: Outdoor cabinets benefit from zero-dead-angle cooling when paired with air ducts, ensuring signal transmission equipment remains stable under intense sunlight.

Why Choose Cooltron Cabinet Cooling Fans?

High Efficiency & Energy Saving: Patented impeller design increases air pressure, delivering industry-leading cooling performance per watt of power consumed.

Ultra-Long Lifespan: Ceramic bearings and anti-corrosion coatings ensure more than 50,000 hours of failure-free operation.

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Ready to Upgrade Your Cooling System?

📥 Download the full product catalog or request a free sample to explore customized cooling solutions for your equipment. 📧 Contact us: sales.usa@cooltron.com 🌐 Visit: www.cooltron.com

Ensure your critical equipment stays cool, efficient, and protected—no matter the environment.