#Military Sensor

[amrutmnm]

The increasing demand for battlespace awareness is driving the growth of military sensor systems, as defense forces require advanced tools to track enemy movements and detect threats in complex environments. Electro-Optics/Infrared (EO/IR) systems are critical for providing real-time, panoramic battlefield surveillance, enabling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These systems, enhanced by technological advancements in imaging sensors, are essential for modern military operations. The rise of next-generation air and missile threats, such as hypersonic and nuclear-capable missiles, is fueling demand for advanced military navigation and sensor systems to enhance defense capabilities.

Military Sensors Market Size & Growth

[256 Pages Report] The Global Military Sensors Market Size was valued at USD 9.9 Billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 13.2 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The Military Sensors Industry is growing at a significant rate across the world, and a similar trend is expected to be observed during the forecast period. Increasing demand for battlespace awareness among defense forces, ongoing advancements in MEMS technology, increasing use of UAVs in modern warfare and increasing focus on weapon system reliability are fueling the growth of the military sensors market.

[doolallymagpie]

bobbie: everyone grunts over the radio, am i the only mechwarrior around here who knows proper comm etiquette? fucking hell

[vmantras]

Infinix Note 50s 5G: A Game-Changer in Mid-Range Smartphones

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[telektron-india]

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[creativeera]

Electro Optical Targeting System Market Set for Rapid Growth Due to Increased Military Modernization Programs

The electro optical targeting system market comprises precision electro optic and infrared technologies that provide day and night targeting capabilities across air, land and naval platforms. EOTS offer enhanced situational awareness and precision strike abilities to armed forces worldwide. The growing emphasis on network centric warfare, target tracking and engagement has led to a surge in EOTS integration across fighter aircraft, helicopters, battle tanks and warships.

Global electro optical targeting system market is estimated to be valued at USD 13.96 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.18 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways Key players operating in the electro optical targeting system market include BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, FLIR Systems, General Atomics, Harris Corporation, Hensoldt, Leonardo S.p.A., L3 Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon Technologies. These market leaders have strong footholds across geographies and possess comprehensive EOTS capabilities from sensors to fully integrated targeting pods. The Electro Optical Targeting System Market Growth  offers significant opportunities owing to integration across emerging platforms such as unmanned combat vehicles, loitering munitions and space assets. Add-on considerations such as augmented reality overlays, targeting algorithms and deep learning are widening EOTS functional scopes. Furthermore, the demand for mobile and transportable EOTS from security forces and special operations is on the rise. The global expansion of EOTS suppliers and original equipment manufacturers is being driven by burgeoning defense budgets and military modernization programs across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Partnerships with local defense firms are enabling international EOTS players to participate in co-development and offset programs. Market drivers The key driver for the Electro Optical Targeting System Companies growth is increased military modernization programs by major armed forces globally. Leading countries are aggressively procuring new generation aircraft, helicopters, Armored Vehicles and warships equipped with advanced EOTS. Furthermore, continuous upgradation of existing military hardware and platforms with improved targeting and sensor suites is propelling aftermarket revenues. Rising global threats, border conflicts and expansion of strategic deterrence roles have strengthened the business case for sophisticated EOTS among defense organizations.

PEST Analysis Political: The electro optical targeting system market is influenced by defense budgets and spending allocated by governments. Changes in defense priorities and geopolitical risks affects procurement of these systems. Economic: Economic growth impacts defense modernization plans of armed forces. Defense expenditure is dependent on macroeconomic conditions of nations. Social: Rising threats relating to security and terrorism drives demand for advanced targeting solutions for precision strikes. Growing awareness regarding national security concerns influences investments. Technological: The market is witnessing integration of computer vision, AI and connectivity features in electro optical targeting systems. Advanced sensors and technologies enable improved detection, tracking and engagement capabilities. Geographical Regions of Concentration North America holds the major share of the electro optical targeting system market in terms of value. This can be attributed to large defense budgets and ongoing modernization initiatives of US, Canada and Mexico. Significant expenditure on military hardware supports demand from regional armed forces and allied nations. Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific is poised to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid defense capability enhancement of China, India, Japan, South Korea and other nations is a key factor driving the market. Initiatives to develop indigenous manufacturing capacities along with import of advanced technologies will propel the APAC electro optical targeting system market.

Get more insights on Electro Optical Targeting System Market

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.

(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )

[trendtrackershq]

Military Aviation Sensors & Switches Market: A Comprehensive Overview

The global defense industry is witnessing a transformative era driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving security challenges. Within this landscape, military aviation stands at the forefront, demanding sophisticated sensor and switch technologies to ensure operational superiority and mission success. According to a study by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Military Aviation Sensors & Switches Market size is predicted to reach USD 268.61 million with a CAGR of 3.6% by 2030. This comprehensive overview explores the critical role of sensors and switches in military aviation, their evolving technologies, market trends, challenges, and future prospects.

Request for a sample, here: https://www.nextmsc.com/military-aviation-sensors-switches-market/request-sample

Evolution of Military Aviation Sensors and Switches

The evolution of military aviation sensors and switches is deeply intertwined with the development of aerial warfare. From the early days of aviation, sensors such as altimeters, airspeed indicators, and compasses were fundamental to pilot navigation and aircraft control. As aircraft technology advanced, sensors evolved to include radar systems for air defense, electronic warfare sensors for threat detection, and infrared sensors for targeting and navigation in low-visibility conditions.

Switches, on the other hand, have been pivotal in enabling pilots to control various aircraft systems. Mechanical switches have given way to more advanced digital interfaces, allowing for precise and rapid adjustments to flight controls, weapon systems, and communication devices. The integration of fly-by-wire technology further revolutionized cockpit interfaces, relying heavily on electronic switches for flight control inputs.

Key Technologies in Military Aviation Sensors

Radar Systems: Radars are essential for detecting and tracking objects in the air, on the ground, and at sea. Military aircraft employ radar systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting purposes, enabling pilots to identify threats and navigate through complex airspace.

Infrared Sensors: Infrared sensors detect heat signatures emitted by objects, making them invaluable for targeting enemy aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel. Infrared technology also aids in night vision and enhances situational awareness in challenging environments.

Electronic Warfare Systems: Military aircraft use electronic warfare systems to detect, identify, and counter hostile radar and communications signals. These systems include electronic support measures (ESM) for passive threat detection and electronic countermeasures (ECM) for active jamming and deception.

Navigation Systems: Modern navigation systems combine GPS technology with inertial measurement units (IMUs) and other sensors to provide accurate position, velocity, and attitude information. These systems are critical for precision strike missions and safe navigation in all weather conditions.

Market Trends and Growth Drivers

The military aviation sensors and switches market is experiencing significant growth propelled by several key factors:

Increased UAV Adoption: The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across military operations has fueled demand for miniaturized sensors and switches capable of supporting autonomous flight and mission execution.

Defense Modernization Programs: Countries worldwide are investing heavily in defense modernization, focusing on upgrading existing fleets and acquiring advanced aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art sensor and switch technologies.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in materials science, miniaturization, and data processing have led to the development of more robust, efficient, and reliable sensor and switch solutions for military applications.

Geopolitical Tensions: Rising geopolitical tensions and evolving security threats are prompting nations to bolster their military capabilities, driving demand for cutting-edge aviation technologies.

Interoperability and Integration: The push for greater interoperability and network-centric warfare capabilities is spurring investments in sensors and switches that can seamlessly integrate with other defense systems.

Inquire before buying, here: https://www.nextmsc.com/military-aviation-sensors-switches-market/inquire-before-buying 

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising outlook, the military aviation sensors and switches market faces several challenges:

Regulatory Compliance: Strict regulatory frameworks govern the development and deployment of defense technologies, requiring manufacturers to adhere to stringent quality and safety standards.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Connected aircraft systems are susceptible to cyber threats, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and ensure mission integrity.

Complex Supply Chain: The integration of multiple sensors and switches within sophisticated avionics systems demands a complex and reliable supply chain to meet production and maintenance requirements.

Cost Pressures: Budget constraints and cost considerations pose challenges for defense organizations seeking to procure advanced sensor and switch technologies without compromising quality or performance.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the military aviation sensors and switches market is poised for continued growth and innovation:

Emerging Technologies: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and sensor fusion will enhance the capabilities of military aviation systems, enabling autonomous operations and real-time decision-making.

Focus on Sustainability: Defense contractors are exploring sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact and ensure the longevity of sensor and switch technologies.

Global Collaboration: Increased collaboration between defense agencies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions will drive cross-border innovation and knowledge-sharing in sensor and switch development.

Human-Machine Interface: The evolution of human-machine interface technologies will redefine cockpit design, optimizing pilot interaction with sensor and switch interfaces for enhanced mission effectiveness.

Data Integration and Analytics: As sensor technology continues to advance, there will be a growing emphasis on data integration and analytics capabilities. Military aviation systems will leverage big data analytics and cloud computing to process vast amounts of sensor data in real-time, extracting actionable insights to support mission planning, decision-making, and post-mission analysis.

Autonomous Systems: The integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies will enable the development of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) equipped with sophisticated sensor and switch systems. These autonomous platforms will revolutionize aerial warfare, offering enhanced situational awareness, agility, and mission flexibility while reducing the risk to human pilots.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Management: With the proliferation of electronic warfare threats, there will be a growing focus on electromagnetic spectrum management. Military aviation sensors and switches will incorporate advanced spectrum monitoring and management capabilities to counter jamming, interference, and cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of communications and sensor systems.

Environmental Adaptability: Military aviation operations often take place in harsh and unpredictable environments, from extreme temperatures to high-altitude conditions. Future sensor and switch technologies will prioritize environmental adaptability, incorporating ruggedized designs, temperature-resistant materials, and advanced cooling systems to ensure reliable performance in any operational scenario.

In conclusion, the military aviation sensors and switches market is characterized by continuous innovation, driven by the imperative to enhance operational capabilities and maintain strategic advantage in an increasingly complex security environment. By harnessing the power of advanced sensor and switch technologies, defense organizations can optimize mission outcomes and ensure the safety and effectiveness of military aviation operations.

[aerospace-and-defence]

The Military Sensors Market is estimated at USD 9.9 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 Billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2026.

[raqi-marr]

mech pilot who got separated from their mecha when their civilisation was domestication and their military got dissolved. despite all attempts to help them, they still have persistent phantom sensation from the limbs that they used to have but no longer do; constantly missing the feeling of a rifle in hands that don't feel the right size, feeling blind and deaf without all of the enhanced feedback from sensors capable of a hundred times greater acuity than their own body

eventually, however, one particular affini reads their medical file and comes up with an idea. she files a notice of intent on the pilot, then swiftly heads over to their hab and whisks them away the next morning. they don't even bother resisting; having long since given up hope that things will get better, and unable to imagine any way they could get worse

the affini takes them home and lays them down on a surgery table, promising them that soon, everything is going to feel right again. they expect nothing, presuming her to be lying to them, but they feel a great weight behind their eyes, and a moment later, they fall closed.

it feels like they've only blinked, but when they reopen them, everything is different. every sense that was missing is suddenly there again. they look down at their arms to find them just the right size; their body no longer one of flesh, but of gleaming white metal plates, pulsating with thin green lines of a material they don't recognise. it takes them a moment to realise what it is: under their metal skin are muscles and tendons made out of vines, their former optical sensors replaced with sight blossoms, and their rifle woven back together from a mixture of bark, chambered with rounds made of amber

most of all, they are no longer alone. they could feel their mech before, but it's different this time; as if the sensation surrounding them isn't quite their own, but a body that is both theirs and not. a faint, slow pulsing that shifts in time with every movement, guiding them to know exactly where to look, and what to do. moments later, they hear a voice whispering- not into their ear, but directly into their mind, just like their onboard AI used to:

"Good morning, my precious little Pilot."

[amrutmnm]

Airborne Optronics Market Share Analysis: Leading Players & Regional Insights

The Airborne Optronics Market is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by increasing demand for advanced electro-optical systems in military, commercial, and urban air mobility applications. The market, valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2020, is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.7%. As defense forces, security agencies, and commercial aviation sectors adopt cutting-edge imaging and surveillance technologies, airborne optronics is becoming an integral part of modern aircraft and UAV systems.

Technological advancements, rising investments in defense modernization, and the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance are among the key factors driving the market forward. Additionally, the expansion of urban air mobility (UAM) platforms, including air taxis and autonomous cargo drones, is expected to increase the demand for advanced airborne imaging and detection systems.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airborne Optronics Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on the Airborne Optronics Market, leading to disruptions in supply chains and temporary slowdowns in aircraft production. In 2020, aircraft orders and deliveries declined, affecting demand for airborne optronics. Industry experts estimated that the pandemic resulted in a 7–10% impact on production and services worldwide.

Despite these challenges, recovery began in early 2021 as aerospace manufacturers resumed operations. The increased reliance on UAVs for autonomous surveillance, border security, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions contributed to the resurgence of demand for airborne optronics. Post-pandemic, investments in next-generation imaging sensors and AI-driven surveillance systems are expected to accelerate market growth.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=45924401

Technological Innovations Reshaping the Airborne Optronics Market

Modern airborne optronics systems are evolving with advancements in multispectral imaging, AI-based analytics, and high-resolution electro-optical sensors. These innovations are enhancing the capabilities of aircraft, UAVs, and airborne platforms for defense and commercial applications. The development of miniaturized electro-optical systems through nanotechnology is allowing for integration into small drones and lightweight aerial vehicles, improving efficiency without compromising performance.

Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging technologies are also advancing, allowing airborne systems to detect and analyze objects with greater precision across multiple wavelengths. This enhanced imaging capability is crucial for applications in border security, environmental monitoring, and military reconnaissance. As a result, the multispectral segment is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period due to its affordability and adaptability in UAV-based applications.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in airborne optronics is transforming the way data is processed and analyzed. AI-powered imaging systems can automatically detect, classify, and track objects, providing real-time intelligence for military and commercial operators. These advancements are making airborne surveillance more efficient and reducing human intervention in complex decision-making scenarios.

Opportunities Driving the Airborne Optronics Market

The rapid development of urban air mobility (UAM) platforms presents a significant growth opportunity for the Airborne Optronics Market. The demand for autonomous aerial transportation, including air taxis, air ambulances, and cargo drones, is rising. The urban air mobility market is projected to expand from USD 2.5 billion to USD 4.9 billion by 2025, creating a strong demand for highly advanced airborne sensor technologies. Ensuring safe navigation, obstacle detection, and precise landing in urban environments will require state-of-the-art electro-optical systems, further boosting market demand.

Another major opportunity lies in the increasing deployment of UAVs in the military sector. UAVs are being integrated with high-resolution electro-optics and infrared (EO/IR) sensors to conduct surveillance operations, border security, and battlefield intelligence missions. The growing need for autonomous surveillance solutions and drone-based reconnaissance is expected to drive continued investments in airborne optronics technologies.

As the market for commercial drones expands, various industries are exploring applications beyond surveillance, such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Drones equipped with airborne optronics are increasingly being used in commercial settings to provide real-time imaging, terrain mapping, and asset monitoring, further widening the scope of market opportunities.

Challenges in the Airborne Optronics Market

Despite its growth potential, the Airborne Optronics Market faces several challenges, particularly regarding weather-related inefficiencies in electro-optical sensors. Airborne electro-optics systems are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as fog, haze, smoke, and dust, which can obscure visibility and limit the accuracy of imaging and targeting systems.

In battlefield scenarios, airborne optronics systems must operate in unpredictable environments where visibility conditions change rapidly. Factors such as smoke from explosions, dust clouds, and atmospheric interference can reduce the effectiveness of EO/IR sensors, making it challenging to maintain consistent surveillance. Addressing these limitations through enhanced sensor technology, adaptive imaging algorithms, and multi-sensor integration is essential for improving system performance in extreme conditions.

Another challenge is the increasing threat of cybersecurity risks associated with airborne optronics systems. As military and commercial aircraft become more dependent on digital imaging and real-time data processing, the potential for cyber attacks, hacking, and electronic warfare interference is rising. Ensuring the security of real-time surveillance data and sensor networks is a critical concern for both defense agencies and commercial operators.

Regional Market Insights: North America Leading Growth

North America is currently the largest regional market for airborne optronics, driven by strong defense spending, technological leadership, and a growing fleet of commercial and military aircraft. The United States remains a dominant player, with major defense contractors and aerospace companies actively investing in next-generation electro-optical systems. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, and Collins Aerospace are at the forefront of innovation in the airborne optronics sector.

In Europe, nations such as France, Germany, and the UK are focusing on modernizing their defense and surveillance capabilities. The presence of leading European companies, including Thales SA and Safran, is contributing to the region’s market expansion. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing growing demand for airborne optronics, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, where investments in UAV technology and military surveillance systems are rising.

The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are emerging markets for airborne optronics, with increasing investments in border security, counter-terrorism, and urban surveillance applications. These regions are expected to witness steady growth as governments and private sector players explore new airborne imaging and reconnaissance solutions.

Ask for Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=45924401

Future Outlook for the Airborne Optronics Market

The Airborne Optronics Market is expected to witness strong growth, driven by advancements in imaging technology, increasing defense budgets, and the rising demand for UAV-based surveillance. The integration of AI, multispectral imaging, and adaptive sensor technologies will continue to shape the future of airborne surveillance and reconnaissance.

As defense agencies, security forces, and commercial operators seek highly efficient and reliable airborne imaging solutions, companies investing in next-generation electro-optical systems will remain at the forefront of market growth. The continued expansion of urban air mobility and autonomous aircraft systems is expected to open new opportunities for airborne optronics technology, ensuring its relevance in the evolving aerospace industry.

[brotherblaze]

the big freeze — jason todd

summary: Jason appears at your door in the middle of the night. Who are you to turn him away?

cw: implied claustrophobia

wc: 1,5k

note: you ever get stuck in an elevator and realize 'oh this is a closed metal box hanging in the air on the 13th floor' and then it takes the combined efforts of 3 people on different floors to get you out bc the wrong elevator keeps opening?

The TV switches to a commercial break featuring an ad for a late night hotline just as your phone buzzes. You reach for the remote to mute it and bring your phone to your ear. No sane person calls you at this hour. Which only leaves…

“Yes?”

“Can you…” there’s a pause on Jason’s end, and you use the moment to glance at the time. 1:38 AM. Yeah, not a sane time, arguably not a completely sane person, if judging by what his family gets up to back in Gotham. “I’m downstairs.”

“I gave you a keycard and the code for the security system.”

He sighs and the sound rattles in your ear. “I know, I—I’ve been waiting for someone to come by for like 20 minutes.”

“Well, in their defense, it’s way past 1AM.” You slide your feet into your slippers and stand, turning the TV off as you go. “Normal people are usually asleep at these times. On Tuesdays, no less.”

“Yeah? And what’s your excuse?”

“I’m an occasional insomniac.” You press the phone between your shoulder and cheek as you grab the black sweater draped over the back of your couch.

Still, the hallway is cold, all exposed brick and bright overhead lights. The chill bites at your cheeks and invades through the soft wool of your sweater. Jason’s sweater? It’s hard to tell anymore; so many of his things are at your place and so many of your things are at his place. The elevator arrives with a quiet ding. Goosebumps rise on your skin as you step inside, avoiding the large wet patch on the red carpet.

You don’t let the call drop, but neither of you are speaking anymore, either. The numbers on the small screen on the elevator wall count down.

Jason is standing by the large automatic doors at the entrance of the building. He has his leather jacket slung over his arm. You can faintly make out droplets from the rain still clinging to the surface of the leather. There—just as he spots you—a smile blooms on his face, almost boyish, as he cuts across the empty foyer in long, near-silent footsteps. He wraps his arms around your waist, presses his face into the crook of your neck. His hair is damp and you feel the water slide under your collar. The tip of his nose is cold, resting over your pulse. His wet jacket presses against your side, soaking your sweater.

Instead of the chill from the fall rain, there’s a steady warmth simmering beneath Jason’s skin. It spurs from his chest and spreads to his extremities, arms wound tightly around your body, to his fingertips pressing under your sweater and into your skin.

You nearly yelp at how cold his fingers are.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“We gotta take two steps to the left — my left,” you clarify. Jason does not unwind himself from around you, but he does take a step to the side and then another until you can reach the elevator keypad. You tap your keycard against the sensor and hit the button for your floor. The elevator doors drag closed and it begins its ascent.

Jason’s pulse jumps and his grip around you tightens. You don’t say anything, don’t pry him off or tell him to get his shit together—instead, you place a hand on the back of his head, curl the rain-damp strands of hair around your fingers. Jason’s lips part involuntarily in a silent sigh.

“Need a haircut, eh, bub?”

He chuckles, barely audible over the jingle playing from the elevator speakers. “What if I buzz it all off? Military style.”

You make a disgusted sound in the back of your throat.

The elevator slides to a stop, the lock mechanism clicks into place, and the doors open.

“We’re here,” you say, voice soft and light.

Jason takes a long breath in, inhaling your strawberry-scented body lotion. He’s the one that got it for you as one of your many gifts last Christmas (thank you, Babs, for being his sniff-tester) and it makes him giddy to know you still use it. He untangles himself from you, not fully, though, and guides you towards your apartment, an arm around your waist.

He toes off his boots and hangs his jacket in its usual place as you re-arm the security system.

“You should really start arming that thing even if you go down for pizza or something,” he says and bends over to pick up the black ball of fur rubbing against his leg. “Hi, hi, hi, yes, hi to you, too,” he tells your cat, nuzzling his face into her fur. He looks up at you, raises a brow when you open your mouth to say ‘this is Metropolis, nothing bad happens here,’ because you’ve had this exchange twice now. “Just saying, if I was 9 again and I knew someone left their apartment full of stuff you could easily pawn unlocked…”

You sigh. “Okay. I’ll remember to do that.” 

Because for Jason, it isn’t about the things in your apartment, not really.

“Thank you.”

You retreat into your bedroom and Jason carries your cat around like she’s a baby as he laps around your apartment. He stops at the tall windows in the living room and starts pointing out Metropolis landmarks as if said cat hasn’t been living in Metropolis longer than he has.

When you return, a pair of gray sweatpants and one of his shirts in hand, he’s telling your cat about how ‘Aunt Lois deserved that Pulitzer prize so much more than uncle Clark’. 

“Sorry if I’m interrupting something…”

“Oh, no, no, just reinstating how Clark got a Pulitzer before Lois even though she’s a much better writer than he is.”

“Right.” You hold out the change of clothes to him. “I got you a new toothbrush; the other one was getting old.”

“Thank you.” Jason accepts the change of clothes and beelines it towards the bathroom to change, your cat still in his arms.

Once he emerges (after quite loudly announcing to your cat how one should brush their teeth), his damp clothes left in the dryer to run first thing in the morning, you’re already nestled between the sheets. There’s an extra pillow and duvet spread out next to you. Jason releases your cat, who skitters to her bed on the windowsill to watch the rain droplets race down the glass, and climbs into bed, pats his pillow until it’s of satisfactory height.

You turn off the bedside lamp on your nightstand, turn on the cat-shaped nightlight and shimmy between the sheets. Then you pause, grab your phone and unlock it.

Jason’s eyes roam your face, the curve of your nose and lips, the heaviness in your tired eyes as you slowly blink at your phone screen. He’s made an effort to commit your features to his memory so he can see your face every time he closes his eyes. So he can keep you with him everywhere. Always. So, once again, he takes his time, going over every one of your features until you lock your phone and place it back on the nightstand.

“I love you,” he says, low and soft, though with all the clarity he can inject into his words.

You stare at him for a moment, then pull your duvet up to your chin, rest your head on your pillow and close your eyes. “I love you, too.”

“Forever.”

“Forever is such a vague concept,” you tell him with a scrunch in your brow. He can barely make it out in the dim red glow of the bedroom but he knows it's there. “Until the end of the universe. And even then you’ll be stuck with me. Like glitter.”

“Yeah? When’s that?”

“We’ll reincarnate an infinite amount of times between now and then,” you say with the certainty of someone who’s gazed far into the future, gazed at the very death of the universe itself. Maybe you have. Maybe you’re a meta—a true meta—unlike him, something that crawled out of his grave in Gotham.

Jason blinks, allows your statement to settle into the marrow of his bones, into his very being. His blood thrums in his veins. He balls his hands into fists to stop them from shaking. “I don’t know; sounds a lot like forever.”

You make a sound at the back of your throat again. It is not a sound of displeasure, nor a sound of agreement, either. “Again; vague. The eventual death of the universe is all but guaranteed; it’ll expand too much and become too cold to inhabit. Probably. There’s like… six different big theories on how the universe will end. Take your pick.”

“But we’ll find each other every time.” It is not a question. Still, you nod.

“Yes. Every lifetime.”

“Promise?”

You open your eyes, take him in—you can barely make out his features in the dark but you can—the mass of dark hair splayed out across his (your) pillow, the curve of his nose and that of his cupid’s bow, the almost milky whiteness of his eyes. This is where your heart has settled. This is home.

“I promise.”

part 2

dividers by @/cafekitsune

[elaineiswithyou-blog]

Hacker Reader x 141 Poly

TW: Stalking, Theft, Pervy Soap (but reader is kind of into it)

Credit to @beloveds-embrace for the inspo

I also tried to write gender neutral, many feedback would be much appreciated. 

Being recruited was the easy part. You had been caught up in all kinds of social justice from exposing corporations to government cover ups, however, you could only evade for so long.  Laswell had been looking for a hacker and given that your punishment was either jail or working for the military, it was a bit of an easy choice. 

The hard part was dealing with the team. Laswell and her wife were nice, welcoming even but you couldn’t quite say the same for the others. Price didn’t want a new team member, content with the three underlings who caused him enough trouble, and he didn’t want to admit that he wasn’t the best with technology. Ghost didn’t trust you. They were never supposed to physically meet you, a demand you had in your work contract to be remote and never seen, a silent player behind the camera. It made him burn with distrust and worry. Soap was, well, conflicted? He was excited to be getting a new team member, but never getting to see them did make his invisible dog ears and tail droop with a big pout on his face. Gaz was also conflicted but for different reasons. He thought it was nice to have a new coworker, especially one that could cover their digital tracks in the age of the internet, but the lack of contact and warmth from you made him feel slightly off put

So they did what any team would, work together to find you. It was hard and it took them a couple weeks, not wanting to trip any of your sensors or alarms given that you were already on high alert working with the military. Unfortunately for you, once these men put their minds on something it was too late. What they hadn’t expected to find was you. You were cute? A lot softer than what they were expecting given what little information Laswell and Price had given them. And thus began their little game, basically stalking you. Once they found you and figured a way into your system, they began watching you all the time. Little did they know you wanted them to. After figuring out what they were doing a week or two into knowing them, it was obvious they wanted your attention so you let them have it, slowly leading them right into the path you wanted. After letting them watch you, which you had to admit was more of a turn on then you expected, you set your next clue. A small security camera outside your flat. All your other cameras were inside but this one gave the boys just enough information to find out where you would be.

You weren’t surprised the next time you went out on your regularly scheduled grocery run to find that your underwear was gone, mostly like Johnny’s doing given the search history he hadn’t even bothered to try and hide. The next part was even easier, cut the video feeds and the boys would come fleeing, almost too predictably. “Hello boys,”

[389]

In November 2021, it was announced that Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek’s investment company Prima Materia had invested €100 million ($114 million USD) in Helsing, an artificial intelligence company based out of Europe that assists in military technological ventures. Helsing’s AI technology is reported to assist with battlefield operations, helping to identify and assess multiple collected forms of data via sensors in order to assemble a picturesque viewpoint which military agents could then use at their discretion.

[thisisntmyrightera]

Together - CHO HYUN-JU x Fem Reader Part 5

Summary: Reader is scammed and abandoned by her boyfriend, leaving her alone in South Korea to her fate, so in desperate search of a solution to return to her home country she decides to join the squid games to get money, within the game she meets a couple of people who become her friends and could possibly be something more.

Warning: Violence, homophobia mention of attempted rape and sexist language

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''Get on the floor, I'll be on top of you, don't open your eyes or make any noise, no matter what happens or what you hear, don't move, do you understand?''

Those words from Hyun-Ju repeated themselves in my head as we slowly descended the stairs from the beds without making a sound.

She was in front of me, holding my hand, no one made a single noise as everyone went down to their respective hiding place.

Once down in the darkness, I could feel her hand take my shoulder, indicating that I should crouch down, with my chest on the floor, I slid under the bed, crossing my arms against the floor, hiding my face between them as I closed my eyes.

I could feel Hyun-Ju's weight on me, her chest pressed against my back as she breathed heavily without making a sound, her arms around my head and her legs around mine, making it impossible for me to move a single centimeter.

From one second to the next the screams of people being killed and those who killed them was the only sound around as some cursed each other, structures falling and bodies crashing against the floor.

Shh… I'm here - Hyun-Ju whispered in my ear placing her hands on my ears trying to silence the chaos around me, but I could still notice it, it was impossible not to notice the hatred in that room

''When the lights turn on and the soldiers intervene, they will control the situation''

That made sense when the door alarm sounded.

Now - Hyun-Ju said whispering getting off of me pulling my arm to leave me in sight of the soldiers, carefully I took some blood from the floor placing it on my clothes, Hyun-Ju barely managed to stain her hands and lay down next to me both pretending to be dead in that pitched battle.

''They're going to be busy stopping those who fight and they're not going to pay attention to the dead, they're going to start scanning the fallen to verify their identity then…we attack them''

Gi-Hun was the first to attack and when I felt the cold sensor of a guard on my neck to scan my pulse, it was my turn.

My legs pushed up, surrounding the guard's neck as well as his arms allowing Hyun-Ju to take the gun from his belt and shoot him in the head.

STAND BEHIND ME - She screamed pushing me quickly while shooting at the guards, one after another fell but out of nowhere others appeared

It was when I was able to reach one of the many fallen soldiers taking the gun from his belt aiming at one of the guards who was approaching from the bed shelves, hitting him in the chest making him fall to the floor

Another shot, towards another soldier, one who was approaching from behind us hitting him in the forehead.

What are you doing? - Hyun-Ju looked at me as she changed her weapon to a machine gun

Shut up - I pointed at her firing over her shoulder, shooting at the guard who was approaching from behind - shoot and stop looking at me

Yes ma'am - she loaded her weapon firing around, with military precision that made one soldier after another fall with one shot

''Attention, retreat'' the speaker talk

All the soldiers ran towards the door making it easier to target the shots, only a few were able to get out, one more stayed inside and surrendered dropping his weapons.

STOP FIRE! DO NOT SHOOT ANYMORE - Gi-Hun shouted making us lower our weapons looking around looking for someone who was still alive and was about to attack

Is… Is there something else you do that I don't know? - Hyun-Ju looked at me breathing heavily

I'll show you later - I smiled at her climbing onto the bed platform shooting at the camera, then at the other while Hyun-Ju shot at the rest until finishing off all the ones surrounding the room - are you okay? - I looked at Dae-Ho hiding behind an overturned bed covering his ears - Dae-Ho?…- I lightly touched his shoulder making him jump screaming and look at me scared

YN… are you… are you…- he looked at me upset smiling as he stood up

Are you okay?…- I looked at him curiously as I noticed how he rubbed his hands and quickly arranged his hair behind his ears

Yes I… everything… everything okay, how are you? - she smiled without stopping moving

Okay.. - i told him

YN..come with me - Hyun-Ju called me making my attention return to her while she went to where 246 organized the ammunition and weapons he found - is something wrong? - she looked at me curiously while I directed my gaze back to Dae-Ho

I don't know… didn't Dae-Ho say he was a marine? - I looked at her curiously while I left my weapon on the mattress with the rest

I don't know, listen to me we're going out and I want you to stay here understood? - she looked at me adjusting her weapon on her shoulder

No…but Hyun-Ju I want to go with you…

No, I'm not going to let you go out and it's not something to discuss, you're going to stay here understood? - her hand slowly and carefully arranged my hair behind my ear mockingly while i rolled my eyes annoyed- you're going to wait for me here and when I come back we'll leave ok?

And what happens if you don't come back?…- I looked at her crossing my arms annoyed of following her decisions - then you'll go from here and live your life understood? you'll be very happy and you'll never accept proposals from strangers again - she smiled at me bringing her hands to her neck opening her necklace and then placing it around my neck and tying it - as long as you wear this necklace I'll be with you and I already know that you're not afraid of anything, but even so I'll always take care of you okay?

Please come back okay? - I hugged her tightly, surrounding her body with my arms while she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and took a deep breath trying not to show fear

I'll be back, I promise - she smiled against my hair, barely kissing my forehead as she moved away from me a little and smiled - I think you can do something to help

What is it? - I looked at her, following her to where the rest of the men were holding a gun. She took a machine gun from the mattress and looked at me, offering it to me - do you want to learn how to use it?

Yes..- I smiled at her nodding as I took it and she adjusted the one hanging from her shoulder between her hands watching as some of the men had difficulty using it, including Dae-Ho

Hyun-Ju sounded so natural explaining how to use the weapon, as she removed the magazine and put it back in explaining how to take off the safety, reload and how to adjust the number of bullets to fire, everyone paying attention to her following her orders

Gi-Hun - Hyun-Ju called him nervously with some respect in her voice- Y/N will stay here, she…she will take care of whoever stays in this room

That's fine…thanks - Gi-Hun looked at me smiling a little nodding approving Hyun-Ju's decision

After that, everyone left taking the guard as a hostage, I could barely look at them turning quickly heading to where Geum-Ja and Yong-Sik were sitting next to them while taking a breath trying to stop my tears from falling

She will come back baby, trust me - Geum-Ja hugged me rubbing my back - don't worry

Y/N… you are… very brave - Yong-Sik looked at me nervously adjusting his glasses- I didn't know you could shoot

Thanks Yong-Sik - I smiled shyly as I felt everyone's gazes on me

Too brave, you are a woman after all and we will always be the strongest - Geum-Ja smiled at me looking around with the many gazes of the men on me- all of you should feel ashamed for not going out to defend your people, damn cowards, let me be an example of how a woman will take care of her asses

Mom… stop.. - Yong-Sik looked at her nervously sitting down while trying to calm his mother - why don' you... tell us Y/N how do you know how to shoot, you too Are you a soldier or something like Hyun-Ju?

No..I'm not, I have two older brothers and where I come from hunting is common, I learned to use a gun when I was a child and when my older brother enlisted in the army he…helped me perfect my shooting, he said it was just in case - I smiled shyly looking at the floor while holding the gun tightly

Ah..I see - he smiled curiously - I see why you are so brave it's…nice how you and Hyun-Ju found each other and both take care of each other, I wish I could find someone like that

Geum-Ja patted his back giving her just a few words when we all stayed silent listening to the shots in the distance, there was no pause, one shot after another came out of the weapons

Afterwards they stopped for a couple of minutes, everything was silent, not even the echo of the shots could be distinguished from the silence around making the pressure in the environment still felt Worse

You know…what's the best of all? - Yong-Sik looked at me breathing nervously and slowly - when Hyun-Ju and you have babies…and they ask you what their mother taught you, you'll tell them that she taught you to use a machine gun and not something boring at home.

Oh Yong-Sik - Geum-Ja sighed covering her face while I couldn't control a small laughter making Yong-Sik look at us disoriented not knowing if he had said something offensive but clearly he had made the atmosphere lighter

That would be nice Yong-Sik..- I smiled at him pushing him a little making him smile

Afterwards…again the shots, one after another without pause, not even giving the echo a chance to resonate in the place, each time, it diminished a little more, one weapon after another was silenced and in my mind, I only prayed that the weapon that kept firing was Hyun-Ju's

Calm down..-Geum-Ja took my hand - let's trust her

Magazine…magazine in the suits - Dae-Ho ran in nervously stumbling

Dae-Ho?…-I got up quickly going to him while running from one side to the other - Dae-Ho what are you doing?

I came for this..-he looked at me nervously showing me the magazines - the guards have ammunition in their suits I need all that they have

Okay, I'll help you - I dropped my weapon on my shoulder searching through all the soldiers' suits and leaving them on a bloody sweater - these are all I found, are they enough?

Yes…yes - he looked at me nodding nervously trying to leave quickly while hugging the ammunition in his arms

Dae-Ho..Hyun-Ju is okay? - I stopped him, watching as his face changed rapidly, his gaze no longer seemed innocent or nervous, his hands stopped shaking and tightened the green cloth that surrounded the ammunition and his lips pursed, making his jaw stand out

I don't know… she separated from the group..- he looked at me, leaving quickly, almost running, leaving me static in place

A couple of seconds later, he returned with a lost look dragging his feet without saying a single word

Dae-Ho?..- we all followed him with our eyes while he walked aimlessly - Dae-Ho where are the others?…where is Hyun-Ju?..- I reached him taking him by the arm making him look at me in silence- WHAT HAPPENED TO HYUN-JU- I held him moving him trying to get him to tell me something but he only looked at me in silence and shook his head getting out of my hand heading towards a dark place..

Fuck - I took the gun and a charger running towards the door feeling a tug on my arm that made me stop

where are you going? Hyun-Ju told you not to go out there..- Geum-Ja looked at me with wet eyes - don't go

She needs me and I'm not going to let her die like that, hide and if something happens don't come out of where you hid okay? - I took her hand for the last time before running away looking around

I went up and down one staircase after another following the sound of the shots pointing the gun forward hoping to find a soldier in a pink uniform and shoot him, but I only found their bodies lying around.

I continued my way until I turned right and found a purple, long and lonely hallway that led to a dark door, with no one in it, no bodies or armed people

I went up slowly, pointing forward looking around looking for cameras that could interfere with my alibi, but it seemed like everything was clean.

A couple of steps separated me from that door, I was so close when I felt cold on my head, something firm and icy that made me stop breathing while I froze

Drop the gun… - I could hear the distorted voice behind the mask, without thinking I slowly took out the gun while I slowly crouched down leaving it on the floor and raised my hands getting up again - walk… - this time the cold object moved from my head to the center of my back pushing me to go back the way I had taken before, again I returned to the room where all the other players were…

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Hyun-Ju POV

DAE-HO…Dae-ho…where are you? - My eyes moved around the room looking for him while everyone looked at me and Geum-Ja pointed with her trembling hand to one side of the room between the darkness and piled up mattresses - Dae-Ho, did something happen? Are you okay?

His gaze was lost while his body trembled and he stammered incoherently

Dae-Ho… - I took him by the shoulders slowly making him jump scared covering his face shouting - Where is the ammunition?

He looked at me but didn't answer, he just trembled and stammered

Hyun-Ju…- I heard Geum-Ja's voice calling me while she took the chargers from between Dae-Ho's legs that were still on a bloody sweater - Hyun…Hyun-Ju…

Her hand took my arm, making me turn to look at her with wet eyes and trembling hands while she held on tightly to the fabric of my sweater, her voice seemed to say something but no words came out

Where is Y/N..? - I looked at her understanding her concern - where…where is she?

Geum-Ja just covered her face sobbing while Yong-Sik took her arms to hold her

She… left when Dae-Ho could no longer get out… she said she would go help you because you would need her…- Yong-Sik looked at me with his wet eyes

No… NO, WHY DID THEY LET HER GO - I looked at them feeling my heart jump uncontrollably while my trembling hands grabbed the magazines I could to run out to look for her

''Come in'' sounded on the speaker making the doors open at the same time letting in the soldiers who were shooting into the air making me stop and hiding between the beds so I could change the magazine and shoot them one by one to get out again

No..- A warm hand took my hand stopping me making me turn around looking at Geum-Ja while tears ran down her face - not like that… you must not die like that….

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Alexa play a sad song cause the next episode is the last one..

With the next episode I will end this story, it will have two alternative endings which will be tagged at the end and everyone will decide which one you want to read, if you are team ANGST or team FLUFF you decide.

Thank you all for reading, I really appreciate you, your messages and comments make me feel very happy and complete.

Thanks for reading, I'll be back soon!

Tag List!

@kuureii @sann1e @sunflowers-are-heaven @bridellashiper @etta-huracan @cupiid1 @alianacelinecolux @juliexz @duchcess @stvrdustalexx @styles-weasley @cupiid1 @babyzzlove @captainlunaxmen @lobotomyrealness @mariaxman @s-riddle16 @flowersbloom8787 @danisika @learninglinesintherainn @sl33pycaaat @mikuley @estelaig @swxggriffinsworld @anxietyspacestart

[8lyme]

Why do I have to lose you?

Logan Howlett x reader (gender unspecified)

Part 2

SUMMARY: You and Logan are being chased down by the military after a group of mutants attempted to set fire to the White House. The school instantly became a target. While trying to protect the school in a damaged X-jet, Logan decides your fate for you.

WARNINGS: Sad and a little graphic.

a/n: I am fr gonna do a pt 2 i just didnt want to make this super long like it will probably end up being also again pls give me a break i just gotta free this shit from the straight jacket it's in inside my brain

Within seconds of news footage airing, the whirring of chopper blades surrounded the school.

Since jet takeoff, Storm and Jean had jumped out to help on the ground. Both diverted most of the attacks away from the jet. You and Logan had flown over the masses of machinery that were crawling toward the school. Tanks and trucks filled with armoured soldiers and explosives gathered just outside the tree line. The explosives packed under the jet had long-since run out, hardly making a dent in the wall of troops.

The sensors in the X-jet are whirring, alarms flashing red and blaring. Almost as loud as tornado sirens. You're gripping at the controls, straining at keeping the jet level while a thruster sputters out. A lurch knocks the cabin as another sensor drums on. You pull on a lever to the side of the console in front of you as a hasty attempt to divert power back to the fizzling thruster.

"I think the jet took a hit," Logan calls out loudly over the screech of the alarms.

"No fucking shit!" You call back shakily, head pounding and heart hammering. The windshield is fogged from smoke damage and beginning to crack on the left side.

"You need to fly out of here!" Logan calls again, his voice near monotone.

"Again, no fucking shit!" You whip around to face him and use the opportunity to flip off the interior electricity. The cabin is only illuminated by the windshield, but you can't see Logan.

"We need to land" you say to the shadows of the bay. You glance around, still white-knuckling the controls before calling out "Logan?"

"Let me out" he responds, walking out from the base of the hangar. "Drop the hangar and let me jump out. I can get past the front line and set off the explosives in the trucks"

"Are you stupid? You'll plaster to the ground on impact" you tell him, turning back to the windshield in time to pull away from a stray rocket.

He comes behind you and grips onto your shoulder, forcing you to look his way again.

"Open the hanger and let me jump out" He says firmly. "And then get the hell out of here."

"I don't think you understand how physics works, Logan! I can't bring this jet more than fifteen hundred feet above the ground. You will literally splatter to the ground if you jump from that high."

His grip on your shoulder tightens, saying "I'll survive."

You pull away from him to face the console. "Have you survived a fall from this high before?" You ask over the roar of the thrusters.

"Will you listen to me?" He yells to you, taking your face in his hands. "You need to get out of here. I'll regenerate, you won't! My bones are indestructible -" And you cut him off.

"Your tendons aren't adamantium!" You yell to him, smacking his chest with the side of your hand for emphasis. "Your muscles aren't adamantium and your organs aren't adamantium! The second you jump out of this jet you will get shot out of the sky. How do you know you'll survive getting literally blown up?"

You try not to cry, sucking in a breath in an attempt to stop the stinging behind your eyes. His face is firm. He pulls the straps of your harness so you face him fully.

"You won't survive if this jet gets shot out of the fucking sky!" Logan shouts. "Open the hangar and get the hell out of here!"

"There is no reason for you to jump out of this jet, you self-sacrificial piece of shit!" You're trying to yell firmly, but your breath is shaky and your vision starts to blur. Suddenly, the spring of the chair unlocks and Logan clicks on the jet's autopilot and pushes your chair away from the console, locking it feet away from the controls.

"Logan!" You go to unlock the clasps of your harness as he pulls away from you. He must've crushed the buckles while you were fighting, because you can't unclasp yourself. Panicking, you whip around to try and face him while yanking at the harness as hard as you can.

He's walking toward the hangar while the door loudly begins to unlatch.

"Stop it!" you beg. "I am not going to scour these woods for your metal bones to put you back together and hope that you regenerate!" You begin to sob, pulling at your straps fruitlessly.

He marches back toward you, shouting "And I am not going to watch your empty casket go into the ground!" over the wind. You can see the hurt and panic on his face. He looks furious, but you know how terrified he feels. "I am not going to lose you."

The hangar is wide open now. Crackles of explosions sound off in the background.

"Why do I have to lose you?"

The furrow in his brow softens a little. He moves closer to bend and cup your cheek with his hand. You grip tightly onto his uniform as he kisses you, hoping in vain that you're strong enough to stop him.

Logan pulls away to the sound of the hangar beginning to close. He pries your fingers off him, turns away, and jogs to the lip of the closing door. You watch him leap out as the groan of the door comes to a stop.

Part 2 will be linked here!

[niqhtlord01]

Humans are weird: Human Warfare

( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)

“Do you deny it?”

The war council chamber was quiet. Only the commanders of the different races of the alliance were present for this meeting leaving the chamber eerily silent save for the handful gathered. What they had gathered to discuss could not be heard openly lest it sends shockwaves through the fragile conglomeration of cooperation the alliance had been able to forge through the horrors of the Praxis war.  

Terran Commander Mya Barton sat opposite Matriarch Jan’el, leader of the Xenari forces and her current interrogator by the sound of her tone. Unlike Mya who wore a standard dress uniform adorned with her medals and pins of rank, Jan’el had chosen to wear her people’s combat armor to the meeting. Ceiling lights bounced off the reflective surface as the Matriarch stood under them giving her the appearance of a proto-star as she aggrandized her questions with theatrical gestures and posturing.

“Please clarify what you are asking of me.” Mya replied dryly as she took a sip from her waiting cup. It was not that she was attempting to be disrespectful, but her disinterest with this gathering was surfacing as she had been called away from the middle of the Barka Offensive planning to address the other leaders over recent developments.

They had failed to elaborate on what these developments had been and no sooner had the doors closed was Jan’el trying to put the screws to her.

Jan’el’s skin blushed a deep purple of rage and was about to no doubt unleash a barrage of remarks when she was cut off by General Darmaxi of the Creek people.

“We are referring to the recent explosion that killed the enemy commander Gorthrax and much of his command staff.”

Darmaxi entered several keys into a console near them and a projector in the center of the room spun to life showing a holographic image of their enemy’s command bunker. The feed was a recording from a stealth drone that had been able to fly beneath their sensor sweeps and perch itself across from the entrance to the bunker. It’d been the closest any in the alliance had been able to get as security for the complex was an ever shifting enigma that left few openings open for long.

The projection showed the entrance on what appeared to be a normal day. Enemy guards stood at attention while senior commanders went in and out of the complex through thick reinforced doors when suddenly the feed shook.

A massive explosion erupted from the center of the complex and spread outward with such speed that the drone had only been able to record five seconds before it was obliterated in the blast. The projection then shifted to an orbital scan showing a massive crater easily a mile wide and just as much deep into the dirt of the world. The base of the crater was already beginning to fill up with rainwater and no doubt it would soon form a lake in the heart of what had once been the most secure military installation on the planet.

“Oh, that.” Mya replied as all eyes turned towards her. “Yes that was us; no need for gratitude.”

“Gratitude?!”  Jan’el snarled. “Do you have any idea what you have done?!?!”

Mya indifferent shrug only further enraged the animal Matriarch.

“If I recall the operation killed several high ranking military targets and crippled their command staff for weeks if not months as they reorganize replacements.” Mya responded crisply. “Leaving their current military operations at a standstill as no clear line of command can be established.”

The meeting erupted into several outbursts as the leaders questioned, reproached, and even cursed the actions taken by the humans.

“I know you are new to the stars,” Magistrate Kempop calmly addressed through the bustling noise, “but we do not conduct wars in this manner.”

Mya’s expression took on a stern look as her patience was waning under the bombardment of reprimands. This was not the response she had expected when news of this operation broke.

“There is nothing more dangerous here than an army without leaders.” Jan’el spoke slowly as if to a child. “Without order, they will lash out wildly and can do more harm than they would have while under the command of their leaders.”

“I will rebuke you on that point.” Mya touted. “Right now Terran Intelligence is coordinating with ground forces to bisect and dismantle our enemies bit by bit as their cohesion has been shattered.”

Mya entered several keys into her terminal and the projector displayed a territorial map of the warfront. Enemy territory in red, and alliance territory in blue.

“As we speak we have breached their front across no less than fourteen different points.” Mya began as the map began to shift showing several blue streaks carving their way through once solid red territory. Strongpoints that could not be breached were isolated in a ring of blue as alliance forces put them to siege while other tendrils continued to push deeper and deeper into enemy lands.

“Our estimates show a complete collapse of organized resistance within the next month, and a total subjugation of the planet within two weeks after that.”

The alliance leaders remained silent at this. None could speak against the rapid gains made since the human operation concluded, yet none were still happy with the outcome. Least of all was Jan’el and Darmaxi, who both made clear their displeasure for being kept out of the loop.

“You were not ordered to commence such an unsanctioned attack.” Jan’el snarled.

“Ordered?”

The word dripped from Mya’s mouth like sludge as now it was the human’s turn to express scorn.

“I was not made aware that you were made supreme commander of this alliance.”

“A poor choice of words,” Darmaxi cut in to defuse the situation, “but you still did not inform us of it until after the matter; it displays a certain degree of lacking trust.”

“That is because I don’t.”

The babble of the meeting instantly evaporated and those gathered looked at Mya as she rose from her chair.

Running her hands across her face, Mya desperately tried to compose herself as a mixture of anger and blind disgust swelled inside her as she looked upon her so called “allies”.

“You all say this is a war that you are fighting yet you have done everything in your power to avoid finishing it.”

“Outrageous!”  Jan’el all but shouted.

“No?”

Mya left her chair and walked over to the Matriarch. She had to tilt her head up to look at the Amazonian warlord yet her scorn for Jan’el cut deep.

“Our operation alone has done more for this war effort than the lot of you have done in months!”

Rounding on the rest of those gathered Mya continued berating all of them.

“You act more like diplomats than commanders! You sit here and deliberate, formulate, plan, negotiate, and discuss by committee. Your behavior is more akin to preventing a war than winning it but I have news for all of you! The war is here and it will not stop until you end it!”

She pointed at the projection of the crater that had once been the enemy command nerve center.

“This is what my people know, and this is what my people are good at. We find our enemies, we study them, and then we crush them without a moment’s hesitation. Brutally and utterly; leaving them no chance for recovery and ensuring an end to hostilities.”

A silence descended on the gathering as a blanket of shame smothered everyone. Even the Matriarch had finally ceased her insults and simply glared down at Mya with a gaze so cold it made Pluto feel warm.  

“Regardless of your feelings or people’s history,” Darmaxi finally spoke up, “you are part of this alliance and you will abide by the rules you so willfully mock.”

Mya turned to the general and let them speak.

“War by its very nature is an affront to nature and thus should be resolved with as little bloodshed as necessary. That is why we deliberate; to find the path forward we can still walk away from.”

 “A noble notion, but how many of your soldiers must die for you to realize it?”

Mya’s cold response came from a place she doubted many here had never known. To be led into battle by idealistic fools spouting love and peace while her friends were butchered and maimed without remorse.

“Stay then and conduct your deliberations. I shall take my leave and win this war for you.”

Without another word Mya turned and began striding out of the room.

“You cannot win this war alone.” Jan’el touted as Mya reached the door.

The human stopped halfway in the doorway.

“Don’t bother contacting us when we’ve won you this war, we’ll know where to find you.”