#Remote Backup Management

[bytetechnosys]

Choosing between cloud and on-premise IT infrastructure is a crucial decision for businesses. This guide explores the benefits and challenges of both options, helping you determine which solution aligns best with your company's needs. Whether you're looking for scalability, cost-efficiency, security, or control, understanding the key differences between cloud and on-premise setups will enable you to make an informed decision for your business’s future growth and technological requirements.

[jcmarchi]

Unveiling the Power of YoloBox Ultra: A Comprehensive Review - Videoguys

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/unveiling-the-power-of-yolobox-ultra-a-comprehensive-review-videoguys/

Unveiling the Power of YoloBox Ultra: A Comprehensive Review - Videoguys

Explore the myriad features and functionalities of the YoloBox Ultra in this review. Discover how this versatile tool enhances live streams with ISO recording, NDI integration, network bonding, and more!

In the fast-evolving world of live streaming and content creation, the right tools can elevate your productions to new heights. YoloBox Ultra stands out as a versatile powerhouse, offering a plethora of features designed to revolutionize your streaming experience.

Unveiling the YoloBox Ultra Upon powering on the YoloBox Ultra, users are introduced to a sleek interface offering three distinct modes: live streaming, monitor mode, and the newly added vertical streaming mode. This enhancement provides unparalleled flexibility in streaming endeavors.

Feature Highlights:

ISO Recording Capability: Record individual camera streams alongside the program stream for post-production editing or backup recordings.

Expanding Camera Options with NDI: Seamlessly integrate NDI devices for versatile camera options, enabling stable connections via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Network Bonding for Reliable Connectivity: Ensure a stable internet connection by combining multiple internet connections, including SIM cards, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.

Versatile Audio Options: Mix and adjust audio levels from multiple sources, providing enhanced flexibility for capturing high-quality audio.

Advanced Settings and Customization: Fine-tune your streaming experience with a wide range of advanced settings and customization options.

Auto-Switching: Effortlessly transition between multiple camera angles for smooth, professional-looking productions.

Multi-Platform Streaming: Reach a wider audience across various social media platforms simultaneously.

Guest Caller Integration: Bring in live guest callers during streams, opening up endless possibilities for interactive content.

Vertical Live Streaming: Support for vertical live streaming, catering to the preferences of modern audiences.

Image Overlays and Multimedia Integration: Enhance live streams with dynamic visuals, branding elements, and multimedia content.

App Control and Remote Management: Remotely manage streams and switch between camera angles using a smartphone or tablet.

Wrap up In conclusion, the YoloBox Ultra is the ultimate live-streaming solution, combining versatility, functionality, and ease of use. Elevate your live streams to the next level with its extensive feature set and intuitive design. Experience the power of YoloBox Ultra today!

Read the full blog post by Ellie Hua for YoloLiv HERE

[electronalytics]

AMF Generator Set Controllers Market Overview Outlook, Analysis, Trends, Demand, Opportunity, Forecast by 2032

Market Overview:

The AMF (Auto Mains Failure) generator set controllers market refers to the segment of the power generation industry that deals with controlling and monitoring backup generator sets in the event of a mains power failure. These controllers automatically start and synchronize the generator sets, ensuring a seamless transfer of power during outages.

Key Factors Driving the AMF Generator Set Controllers Market:

1. Growing Need for Reliable Backup Power: The AMF generator set controllers market is primarily driven by the need for continuous power supply across a variety of industries, including commercial, industrial, and residential. When the mains power goes out, these controllers automatically and effectively transfer power, guaranteeing ongoing operations.

2. Expansion of vital Infrastructure: Reliable backup power solutions are necessary for the growth of vital infrastructure, including data centres, hospitals, and telecommunication networks. During power outages, AMF generator set controllers are essential for managing the backup power systems and ensuring smooth power transmission.

3. Severe Regulations on electricity Quality and Reliability: Authorities are enforcing severe regulations on electricity quality and dependability. The provision of AMF generator set controllers aids in upholding the necessary power standards.

4. An increase in the frequency of natural catastrophes: As the frequency of natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and storms has increased, so has the demand for dependable backup power systems. AMF generator set controllers make sure that backup generators synchronise and start automatically, supplying power right away in emergency situations.

5. Growing Adoption of backup Generators: The need for AMF generator set controllers is being driven by the growing installation of backup generator sets in a variety of industries, including commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing facilities. During power outages, these controls allow standby generators to run without a hitch.

6. Technological Advances in Controller Functionality: Remote monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance capabilities are just a few of the functional improvements being made to AMF generator set controllers. These characteristics improve the effectiveness and dependability of backup power systems, driving their adoption.

7. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability are a Priority: Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are now major factors in the production of electricity. AMF generator set controllers provide functions like load management and optimised power transfer, which save energy and have a smaller negative impact on the environment.

8. Integration with Smart Grid Systems: The AMF generator set controllers' integration with smart grid systems allows for effective load balancing and power management. By ensuring appropriate backup power resource utilisation, this integration also improves the grid's overall stability.

9. There is a rising need for hybrid power systems: which combine backup generators and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. In order to manage the synchronisation and power transfer between various energy sources and create hybrid systems, AMF generator set controllers are crucial.

10. Market expansion for rental electricity: is being driven by demand from building sites, special events, and temporary power requirements. In rental power systems, AMF generator set controllers are essential for automatic power transfer and stable backup power.

Trends :

IoT and cloud computing integration: AMF generator set controllers are being connected with IoT devices and cloud-based platforms to enable remote monitoring, data analytics, and preventative maintenance. This pattern increases operational effectiveness, lowers downtime, and increases system reliability.

Improved User Interface and User Experience: Manufacturers are putting more effort into creating graphical displays, touchscreens, and user-friendly interfaces for AMF generator set controllers. This tendency makes things easier to use and improves the user experience as a whole.

Demand:

Wireless communication in AMF generator set controllers is becoming more and more necessary. Wireless communication makes it possible for controllers, remote monitoring devices, and control centres to exchange data in real-time, increasing system accessibility and flexibility.

Referrals to our Stringent datalytics company, trade journals, and websites that focus on market reports are encouraged. These sources frequently include thorough research, market trends, growth projections, competition analysis, and other insightful information about this market.

You can investigate the availability of particular reports linked to this market by going to our website or getting in touch with us directly. We offer thorough and in-depth information that might be helpful for firms, investors, and individuals interested in this industry, but these reports frequently need to be purchased or subscribed to.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

Click Here, To Get Free Sample Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/sample-request/amf-generator-set-controllers-market/10332/

Market Segmentations:

Global AMF Generator Set Controllers Market: By Company

• CRE TECHNOLOGY

• Kutai Electronics Industry Co., Ltd.

• S.I.C.E.S.

• bernini design srl

• Emko Elektronik A.Ş.

• Kadimendium

• DATAKOM ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING A.S

• Deep Sea Electronics

• ComAp

Global AMF Generator Set Controllers Market: By Type

• Automatic

• Manual

Global AMF Generator Set Controllers Market: By Application

• Power Industry

• Government and Utilities

Global AMF Generator Set Controllers Market: Regional Analysis

North America: The North America region includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest market for Muscle Wire in this region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the presence of key market players and the increasing demand for the product.

Europe: The Europe region includes Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe. Germany is the largest market for Muscle Wire in this region, followed by the U.K. and France. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is the largest market for Muscle Wire in this region, followed by Japan and India. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing adoption of the product in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region includes Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace and defense sectors.

South America: The South America region includes Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America. Brazil is the largest market for Muscle Wire in this region, followed by Argentina. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive sector.

Visit Report Page for More Details: https://stringentdatalytics.com/reports/amf-generator-set-controllers-market/10332/

Reasons to Purchase AMF Generator Set Controllers Market Report:

• To gain insights into market trends and dynamics: this reports provide valuable insights into industry trends and dynamics, including market size, growth rates, and key drivers and challenges.

• To identify key players and competitors: this research reports can help businesses identify key players and competitors in their industry, including their market share, strategies, and strengths and weaknesses.

• To understand consumer behavior: this research reports can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, including their preferences, purchasing habits, and demographics.

• To evaluate market opportunities: this research reports can help businesses evaluate market opportunities, including potential new products or services, new markets, and emerging trends.

About US:

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[ms-demeanor]

For those who are not aware: Bitlocker is encryption software, it encrypts your computer and makes it impossible to access the information on the computer unless you have the key.

It should be standard practice for IT companies to document the bitlocker keys as they are configuring bitlocker on a computer; generally you would do this by creating a record in your client management software for that specific device and putting the key in the record. Sometimes software can be used to extract that information in the event that it's necessary, but even if there's theoretically a way to extract the key, it should be documented somewhere *other* than on the encrypted computer.

This is something that a lot of IT people fuck up on kind of a lot (we've definitely had problems with missing bitlocker keys and I'm quite happy that the people who didn't document those keys aren't my coworkers anymore).

So what do you do if you want to use encryption software and you're NOT an IT company using a remote management tool that might be able to snag the keys?

When you are setting up encryption, put the encryption key in your password manager. Put it in your password manager. Document the important information that you cannot lose in your password manager. Your password manager is a good place to keep important things like your device encryption key, which you do not want lost or stolen. (If you run your password manager locally on an encrypted computer, export the data every once in a while, save it as an encrypted file, and put the file on your backup drive; you are going to have a bad time if your computer that hosts the only copies of your passwords shits the bed so *make a backup*)

This is my tip for home users for any kind of important recovery codes or software product keys: Print out the key and put it in your underwear drawer. Keep it there with your backup drive. That way you've got your important (small) computer shit in one place that is NOT your computer and is not likely to get shifted around and lost (the way that papers in desks often get shifted around and lost).

[gottencents]

Seoul City - Jennie Kim

love hangover masterlist. main masterlist

pairing. katseye!oc x jennie kim

synopsis. after getting stranded in Korea, Tatum gets rescued by her frustrated girlfriend Jennie, leading to a heated scolding

Tatum had no idea how things had gone so wrong.

One minute, she was laughing with Manon and Daniella, casually browsing through a lively Seoul street market, and the next—poof—they were gone.

Completely and utterly gone.

She had been distracted for only a second, stopping at a stall that had an impressive spread of street food. The moment she turned back around, ready to show Manon and Daniella what she had just bought—nothing. No sign of her members. No familiar voices teasing her about being too easily distracted.

Just the bustling crowd of strangers moving in all directions, completely unaware that she had just been abandoned.

Tatum groaned, tugging the strings of her hoodie tighter. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she mumbled under her breath, pulling out her phone.

She tapped out a quick message.

Tatum: yo where did y’all go???

Daniella: LMAOO UR NOT WITH US??

Manon: Tatum pls don’t tell me u got lost again 😭

Tatum: OKAY BUT YALL WALK TOO FAST WTF

Tatum rolled her eyes. Great. Just great.

She checked her surroundings, trying to see if anything looked remotely familiar. It didn’t. At all. She had no clue where she was or which direction her members had gone.

It wasn’t her fault, really. Daniella and Manon were just too fast, and the market was too crowded. Seoul was a big city, okay?

With a sigh, she switched chats, sending a message to her manager.

Tatum: u got time to pick me up?? I lost them 💀

Manager: With Yoonchae rn, gonna take a while

Tatum let her head fall back against the lamppost she had been leaning on.

“Awesome,” she muttered to herself. “Stranded in a foreign country. Alone. No backup. This is fine.”

She had two options: wander around and hope she magically ran into Manon and Daniella again, or—gulp—call someone else for help.

There weren’t a lot of people she could call without being absolutely roasted for this. But one person did come to mind.

…She was going to get scolded for this.

With a deep breath, she pulled up the contact and hit call.

It rang twice before Jennie picked up.

“Tatum?” Jennie’s voice came through, soft but with an edge of confusion. “Why are you calling me? Shouldn’t you be with your members?”

Tatum winced. “Uh… about that.”

There was a pause, then a sigh. “Oh my god. You got lost again?”

Tatum scratched her cheek, looking away as if Jennie could somehow see her embarrassment. “Maybe?”

Jennie groaned. “Tat—”

“In my defense, Daniella and Manon ditched me.”

“They didn’t ditch you, Tatum.”

“They walked off without me. That’s literally ditching.”

“Tatum.”

She bit her lip. “Okay, maybe it’s, like, half my fault, but I stopped for one second, and they vanished.”

Jennie exhaled slowly, as if trying to stay patient. “…Where are you?”

“No clue.”

“Tatum.”

“I’m sending you my location right now!” Tatum quickly tapped the screen, sending a pin. “…Sooo, my lovely, beautiful, wonderful girlfriend—who just happens to be in Seoul—could totally come save me?”

Jennie was silent for a beat before muttering, “You’re so lucky I love you.”

Tatum grinned. “So you’ll come?”

“Stay put. Don’t move.”

Tatum obeyed, staying right where she was while occasionally checking her texts. Manon and Daniella were still making fun of her, and honestly? She deserved it.

Twenty minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb.

Tatum barely had time to react before the passenger-side window rolled down, revealing one very unimpressed Jennie Kim.

Jennie was wearing a simple outfit—black top, sunglasses perched on her head—but her expression was anything but casual.

Tatum swallowed. Oh, I’m so dead.

She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat, trying to act normal. “Hey, baby.”

Jennie didn’t even start driving. She just turned and looked at Tatum.

“…You’re mad,” Tatum realized, voice quieter now.

Jennie took off her sunglasses and put the car in park before facing her fully. “Mad? Oh, I’m furious,” she said, voice dangerously calm. “Do you know how worried I was?”

Tatum shrunk into her seat. “In my defense—”

“There is no defense,” Jennie cut in sharply. “How do you always manage to lose yourself? And in Seoul, of all places? Do you even know how unsafe that is?”

Tatum bit her lip, feeling very small. “Well, when you put it like that…”

Jennie sighed, shaking her head. “You are so lucky I was free. What if I hadn’t been? What if something had happened to you?”

Tatum hesitated before reaching over, her fingers lightly brushing against Jennie’s wrist. “I knew you’d come.”

Jennie’s glare softened just slightly.

“I called you first,” Tatum continued, voice softer now.

Jennie exhaled, lips pressed together as she studied Tatum’s face.

Tatum barely had time to react before Jennie’s fingers curled into her hoodie, pulling her in with a force that made her breath catch. And then—Jennie’s lips crashed into hers.

It was intense, heated, and left no room for argument.

Tatum barely had a second to process before she melted into it, her hands instinctively reaching out—one gripping Jennie’s thigh while the other slid up to cup her jaw. Jennie sighed against her lips, her hands still fisted in Tatum’s hoodie like she needed her closer, needed to feel her right there.

Jennie kissed her like she was proving a point, like she was punishing her for scaring her, like she was relieved but too frustrated to say it out loud. Her lips were warm, soft, but demanding—pulling a quiet whimper from Tatum that Jennie definitely caught.

Tatum tried to keep up, tilting her head as Jennie deepened the kiss. Her fingers brushed up Jennie’s neck, threading into her hair, tugging just enough to earn a low hum of satisfaction from her girlfriend.

Jennie didn’t let up.

She nipped at Tatum’s bottom lip, tugging it between her teeth before soothing the sting with a slow, lingering kiss.

Tatum felt herself sinking further into the seat, her back pressing into the car door as Jennie shifted closer. Her perfume filled Tatum’s senses—warm, familiar, and dizzying.

Jennie kissed her again, slower this time but just as deep, her hands finally leaving Tatum’s hoodie to slide up her arms, then to her jaw, holding her in place.

Tatum’s pulse roared.

Jennie’s nails lightly scratched the base of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

Tatum barely had a moment to breathe before Jennie’s lips trailed down, pressing teasingly slow kisses along her jawline, down to the curve of her neck.

“Jen,” Tatum exhaled, her fingers tightening in Jennie’s hair.

Jennie didn’t stop. She brushed her lips over the spot where Tatum’s pulse was racing, letting her teeth scrape just enough to make Tatum tense. Then, she kissed over it again, her breath hot against Tatum’s skin.

Tatum let her head fall back against the headrest, her own hands wandering—brushing up Jennie’s arms, gripping her waist.

“You drive me crazy,” Jennie muttered, her lips still ghosting over Tatum’s neck before she pulled back slightly, her eyes dark, pupils blown wide.

Tatum smirked, despite how breathless she was. “Good crazy?”

Jennie exhaled sharply, then leaned in again—kissing her harder this time, making Tatum’s smirk completely disappear.

It was dizzying, the way Jennie kissed—possessive, slow but insistent, her hands roaming, nails scratching lightly over Tatum’s skin before gripping onto her waist. Tatum gasped into her mouth, and Jennie took full advantage of it, deepening the kiss again, stealing every bit of air Tatum had left.

Tatum couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe—and she never wanted it to stop.

Jennie finally broke away, her forehead resting against Tatum’s, both of them catching their breath.

Tatum blinked up at her, lips swollen, cheeks flushed. “Still mad at me?” she murmured, voice slightly hoarse.

Jennie let out a short, breathy laugh, her thumb brushing over Tatum’s cheek. “Oh, so mad.”

Tatum grinned. “Wanna yell at me some more?”

Jennie rolled her eyes, then kissed her again—this time, slow, lazy, like she had all the time in the world.

And honestly? Tatum wouldn’t mind if they stayed like this forever.

@multiliker @goofymickeyr @yuyuy90 @hydrardz @wtfisthisnoclueman @reiiaokii @somedaydream @yjiminswallet @inejghafawifesblog @jaythegirlkisser @xochitlisbest @1800hotnfunn @awkwardtoafault

[wandasslut3000]

Are you desperate for me?

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Smut 18+, car sex, sub!reader, thigh riding, fingering, sex pollen, breast play, marking, praise, cum play, semi clothed sex, mentions of drug trafficking and death.

WC: 2.24k

               ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

You and Wanda are currently in Bari, Italy, on a mission to find locate and arrest a dangerous drug dealer that is rumored to be heading towards London for an important deal.

Your goal is to find his base of operations and destroy his current supply. The suspect in question, Cecil Adams, otherwise known as 'The Count', has been injecting his victims with his test products.

Almost all of them ended up dead within minutes.

"Oh come on."

"It's for the good of the people" Tony said and you rolled your eyes.

"So me and Wanda have to cancel our honeymoon just to find some wack ass Peter Piper? Why can't the police just deal with it?" 

"They've tried, but every officer they sent has come back in a casket. You know we wouldn't have asked you if we didn't need to, but the rest of the team is already assigned elsewhere." Steve informed, crossing his arms and expressing a look of sympathy.

You groaned as you buried your face in your hands in annoyance. Wanda grabbed your hand, stroking the back of it her thumb as an attempt to help you calm down.

"A week in Italy wouldn't really be so bad, just think of it as a last minute change of venue." She whispered and you brought your head up to look at her and her bright green eyes.

"I... alright, fine." You couldn't bring yourself to argue with her, turning back to look back at Tony and Steve.

"You owe us two weeks off after this." Both men nodded in agreement.

Four days into your stay, you and Wanda had found his headquarters, an abandoned wear-house at the edge of the city.

You and your wife are rigging the place to blow. Members of S.H.E.L.D waiting just outside of the property as backup.

Wanda had used her magic to knock out the guards surrounding the area, putting handcuffs onto each of them, and with a snap of her fingers, she'd sent them straight into the secured van.

"You done, baby?" You ask Wanda through your earpiece.

"Everything's all set over here"

"Alright then, just make sure you're safe ok?"

You back away from the building with the remote trigger in your hand, your backpack filled with product in the other, you'd managed to sneak in prior and retrieve some per S.H.E.L.D's instructions.

"I will be detka, are you?"

"I'm safe" You assure her as you take small steps backward and away from the building.

Suddenly you feel a cool piece of metal brace itself against your throat, strong muscular arms wrapping themselves around you.

You sigh, reaching for the man's wrists and throwing him on the ground, the knife in his hand flying into the distance.

You hear him groan before you flip him on his back, grabbing a pair of handcuffs from your bag and putting his hands behind his back, locking him in place.

"For someone who's created such a hassle, you really need better fighting skills." You mutter, Wanda picking everything through the mic.

You cuff him and grab him by his hair, holding his head up. Pulling a chloroform-laced cloth from your pocket, you knock him unconscious.

"Luybov? What happened?"

"We've caught our culprit." You chuckle as you picked the man up, throwing him over your shoulder and heading towards the front of the warehouse.

You set Adams down, his body limp against the cemented ground.

"Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"5... 4... 3... 2... 1..."

Boom.

The warehouse erupts into a riot of flames, painting the area in orange and red.

You notice a puff of smoke head in your direction but it's unlike anything you've seen before, it was... pink?

You tried your best to avoid it but you couldn't, the cloud reaching you and the moment you inhaled it, you cough heavily.

Wanda uses her powers to contain the fire and puts it out, red wisps of her magic encasing the remaining smoke, clearing it into thin air.

Once you can finally breathe, you turn to pick Adams up and hand him into S.H.E.I.L.D's custody. A group of agents taking him into the back of the van along with rest of his henchmen.

You hand one agent your bag of evidence, receiving a nod in thanks before they get inside and drive off.

"You alright?" You feel Wanda's hand grab your shoulder from behind you, her voice is laced with so much love and a hint of worry that makes you fall even deeper for this woman.

You nod, turning to face her and wrapping your arms around her neck, pulling her in for a desperately lustful kiss.

The moment your lips make contact you can't help the moan you let out at the sensation. When you pull apart, she noticed how of how your pupils have dilated drastically.

"I think it's time we go back to the hotel, don't you agree?" Your fingers playing with the pendant of her necklace, Wanda smiles back at you and nods, giving you another peck that makes your heart skip a beat.

You'd never felt this needy before.

She brushes her hand past your ear making your breath hitch, disappoint running though you when you realize she was only trying to grab your earpiece, taking her's out right after and putting them in her pocket.

Hand in hand, you both head to car that Tony had lent you for your time here. Wanda opens the door for you, a blush painting your cheeks at her chivalry.

She then heads into her spot in the drivers seat, starting up the car and putting the hotels address in the built-in GPS system.

Once on your way, you feel Wanda's hand on your thigh, giving it a light squeeze. You were starting to lose your composure, though the act was innocent, the heat in your pants was becoming unbearable.

"Oh my poor baby," she coos, "I can read your thoughts; they're quite loud."

"Are you desperate for me?"

You feel your eyes shut for a moment at her accent slipping into her words, your thighs clenching at the rasp in her voice.

You grab her hand, bringing it down to your clothed pussy, making her feel how your wetness had already stained through your uniform.

Wanda bites her lip, making a sudden turn, slowing down, and coming to a complete stop in an empty lot. You look at the screen on the dashboard, your hotel a fifteen-minute drive away.

You awkwardly shift towards her, straddling her lap, and reaching to the side for the lever of the seat, pushing it downwards.

She cups your cheeks and kisses you deeply, your tongues meshing together in a familiar dance.

Wanda unzips your suit from the front, smiling at your lack of bra. You pull apart so you can slip it off and throw it somewhere into the backseat, leaving you in just your panties.

You gasp when she sucks different marks onto your neck and collarbone, teasing you.

She's looking at you with innocent eyes, batting her lashes and pressing kisses against your skin, she then takes your nipple into her mouth, her free hand toying with your other breast, making you throw your head back in pleasure.

You move your hands to the back of her head, moaning lightly whilst treading your fingers through her silky strands. "You want me to touch you detka?" She mumbles against you and your breathing gets heavier. 

"Please."

You buck your hips against her, grinding on her thigh pathetically, the friction of your panties brushing against your clit in the just the right way, little gasps and moans escaping your throat without permission.

Wanda releases your nipple, a string of saliva being the only thing connecting her to your chest, the sight making you whimper.

You look down at her with dewy eyes, the ache in between your legs becoming unbearable. Your breath shudders when you feel her fingers slip your underwear off, making contact with your wet folds, and you bite your lip at the feeling.

"So wet for me." She whispers, your eyes shutting when her slim digits make contact with your clit, and you can't help the noises that escape your lips. "You like when I touch you like this princessa?"

"Yes- fuck." You moan when she starts to tease your entrance, spreading your wetness thought your folds. When her fingers finally enter you, your eyes roll to the back of your head as she starts to pump them in and out of you.

"Such a pretty girl." Wanda coos, placing hot open mouthed kisses on your neck and jawline, her fingers curling ever so slightly on every pull out driving you insane, a familiar hot coil building up in your stomach.

Wanda repositions her hand, placing her two fingers on her pubic bone, using her free hand to help guide you into riding her.

"You make such pretty noises my darling, make some more." she smiles sweetly at you, making you groan at her words.

Your hands fly to her shoulders to help hold you up, your nails digging into the fabric of her suit, her lips back going to suck onto your nipples, your hips bucking frantically in your effort to chase you upcoming climax.

"Mm- mhmm, yes- Wanda, right- right there!" You squeal when she moves her thumb to put pressure on your neglected bundle of nerves.

"You're so beautiful" she murmurs against you before she pulls away, moving her other hand towards your ass, squeezing it gently.

"I'm gonna cum... fuck, baby I'm gonna cum! " Your eyes roll as you let the pleasure faze through you, you hide your face into her neck though your orgasm, pressing a light kiss there as your body trembles around her.

"You did so good detka, such a good girl." You hear her praise, rubbing up and down your back soothingly, as you slowly start to come down from you high.

When you lean back and open your eyes, they land on a lust ridden Sokovian, her pupils completely enlarged as she pulls her digits out of you.

Wanda brings her fingers towards her lips before slipping them both into her mouth, You feel another surge of wetness flow through you, slightly coating Wanda's thighs with my you slick.

She hums, "So sweet." She says as the swipes her fingers through your folds again, your head falling onto her shoulder as you shudder at the feeling.

You feel Wanda hold you up slightly, digits coated with your cum, you moan when she starts to pull at your nipples. "You like that, don't you?" She smiles before pulling you into another kiss.

She moves her lips downwards towards your chest, taking each bud into her mouth, tasting your juices as she swirls her tongue around them.

"Do you think you can do one more for me?" You nod, and she positions you onto her left thigh, guiding you hips as you start to grind onto her.

You whimper as your clit comes into contact with her skin each time you move your hips, Wanda pulls you into another lip lock, grabbing you by the back of your neck with one hand while her other one helps your movements.

"God- you feel so good..."

Wanda smirks against your lips before moving her hand from my hips towards your overstimulated clit, rubbing tight circles around it before pinching it, sending you into a deeper state of pleasure.

You scream her name and a string of curses, trying to steady your breathing. "So perfect for me." She whispers as she kisses your forehead.

"I love you" You say as you kiss her nose, watching how it scrunches adorably.

"I love you too" She returns, pecking your lips and hugging you close. Both of you sighing in content at the skin on skin contact.

[alchemistc]

for the intimacy prompts, it's buck & tommy so of course gotta go with #7 kissing scars or #50 patching up a wound or whichever other prompt sparks joy for u <3

Buck's late. Holy shit he is so late. He'd promised Maddie he'd be at the house like, half an hour ago, but he'd gotten caught up in a conversation with Jana from B shift on his way out the door and it'd been just enough time to cause an extra half hour backup on the highway that had clogged up all his usual back road routes, too.

With this in mind, he's rushing as he parks the Jeep, barely paying any attention as he shoves his door closed and practically sprints up the walkway.

And of course, of course, he's jittery, rushing, so it takes him three tries to get the key in the lock, and by the time he swings the door open with apologies on his lips, he sort of wants the floor to just swallow him up.

There's no Maddie. There's no Maddie or Chim, who would definitely be standing in the entryway giving him shit for somehow ending their shifts at the same time and still managing to be late.

All there is is the faint sound of voices coming from down the hallway, so he follows those until he catches the light leaking out from the open door of the bathroom.

As he nears, the voices become a little clearer. Jee says something, too soft for Buck to catch, a little strain in her voice he's vaguely concerned about until the other voice responds, in a familiar cadence that has Buck stopping dead in his tracks for half a heartbeat before he remembers - crap, he'd invited Tommy over, too, when it became clear it was the only 'free' night they'd have for like, six days, and now not only is he late to babysit his own niece but he's left Tommy the task of sending Maddie and Chim off on their date.

Buck ignores the little skip of his heartbeat at the idea that Maddie and Chim had felt comfortable just ... leaving Jee in Tommy's hands. That's a dumb train of thought - Chim knows Tommy, and Maddie hasn't made a secret of how much she likes Tommy, too, there's no reason to get gooey about it.

"...and viola!" comes Tommy's exclamation, and in the bathroom, Jee giggles. He must be making a face, or doing some gesturing. Jee's a little obsessed with Tommy, still, just as enchanted as Buck by the way his focus is always so intent when she's telling him something, by the way he's always got a follow up question, by the way he's not remotely afraid to dissolve into giggles with her.

"Now you!" Jee exclaims, and Buck knocks on the doorframe, tilts his head in to get the scope of things. Jee's up on the counter, legs kicking, a bright orange bandage on her knee and the box in her hand being brandished in Tommy's face where he's kneeling on the bathroom floor. There's a tube of Neosporin open next to her, and some bloody paper towels in the trash, but Tommy and Jee both glance up at him with smiles on their faces.

"Hi Jee," Buck says, and Jee waves, in that weird age where she'll be talking a mile a minute and then go completely mute for like twenty minutes until she's had time to process something. She kicks at the cabinet below her and shakes the box of Band-Aids at Tommy's head, and Buck gets the message. "Hi, Tommy."

Something soft and quiet passes between them. Buck's trying to be cool about this relationship, but there are times where the comparisons start to rattle around in his brain, a bit, and he's - it's never felt like this. He can't imagine Chim and Maddie even feeling comfortable enough to leave Jee alone with Natalia or Taylor, let alone actually asking them to join him for an evening of Bluey and hotdog Mac and Cheese. And it's - maybe he's just older, more settled in his bones. Maybe the secret sauce is those relationships not working out, so that Buck knew exactly what he was looking for, and what he wasn't. He's grateful for that, but mostly he thinks it's just Tommy - how steady he is, how grounded, how one look from Tommy can ease a days worth of worries crawling under Buck's skin.

"Sixty words a minute for the last forty-five and suddenly you don't wanna talk to your Uncle Buck?" Tommy teases, massive hand curling around the bottom of Jee's foot to shake her leg, and Jee giggles and ducks, arms crossing and head shaking 'no' as she presses her heel into Tommy's palm and nearly launches herself into the mirror behind her. Buck slides a hand behind her head to steady her - clearly she's a little accident prone today, and he's not particularly in the mood for a visit to the hospital this evening.

The movement brings him close enough for Tommy to touch, and he wraps his free hand around Buck's calf, squeezing for a moment before he uses it as leverage to lift himself off the bathroom floor. This bathroom isn't nearly large enough for two grown ass men standing shoulder to shoulder, they barely fit toe to toe.

"Hi," Buck says, when Tommy comes level with him, chests brushing and a familiar fond look in his eye.

"Hi," he repeats, grin going wide, and next to them Jee squirms and grabs at both their arms.

"No kiss!"

Buck tilts his head, and Tommy mirrors it, brow raised. "You heard the lady," he admonishes in a wry tone when Buck's gaze darts immediately for his lips.

This doesn't seem to satisfy Jee-Yun, who leans forward to smack at Tommy's wrist. "No, kiss!"

The change in tone is enough for both of them to glance down at her. She's pointing at her bandaged knee, which makes a lot more sense. Shed spent the last 118 barbeque demanding every couple in her immediate eyeline kiss for her entertainment, like an extremely cute fork against a champagne glass.

Buck's not thinking about weddings, though. He's not.

(He absolutely is, but at least he and Tommy have, like, talked about it. In vague hypotheticals, but... still.)

Jee slaps her knee for emphasis.

Clearly whatever she did hadn't injured her too badly, but there is a rule. You bandage something, you gotta kiss it better.

Tommy eyes the distance back to the floor like he's eighty years old, not a fit forty, so Buck makes it easier on all of them by squeezing in and swinging Jee over his shoulders, her legs fucking pinwheeling enough to force Tommy to duck as her breathless giggles fill the echoing tiles of the bathroom. Settled onto Buck's shoulders, Jee digs her fingers into Buck's hair, and Tommy leans in and makes an exaggerated smacking noise as he presses his lips to her bandage.

She shifts her weight, pleased, and tugs hard on Buck's ear. "Okay, now kiss," she demands, and Tommy snorts with laughter as he leans in.

[voidcrystalline]

ARTMS Profiles

Subject Name: Choerry

Acquisition: MODHAUS disbanded ARTMS in response to the announcement of Loossemble's final sale values. Subject did not object to nor resist capture.

Containment: Subject has been presented with extremely simple and complex escape options on many occasions, and has not expressed interest in escape. Subject has, however, wandered out of unlocked containment for seemingly no logical reason, but no attempt at escape was ever truly attempted, and even approaching undisguised personnel. If anything, simple locks are recommended for subject's own safety.

Features: Exceptionally pleasant demeanor, uncommonly accepting nature, noted exhibitionist tendencies.

Modifications: Standard preservative modifications made post-acquisition, mild bulking, very mild breast and glute augmentation, no designer (see comments).

Specialties: Seemingly endless knowledge of kink and fetish play

Designer Comments: Subject is a model slave, and eager to please. On some rare occasions, she may express defiance, but this has always been either a joke, or as a result of some minor discomfort, which, simple remedies for which bring her back to full obedience. Subject derives great joy from displaying herself in a sexual manner and sexual performances, and she encourages others to do the same. Current cosmetic modifications are only the most reasonable of her own personal requests up to this point (she wanted additional breast and glute augmentation, but it is our policy to retain the approximate size that our slaves were well known for). Subject has made a variety of unusual modification requests which have been denied, some of which include a fur covered tail, butterfly wings, the ability to produce honey, additional sets of breasts, x-ray vision, and “octopus hair,” which she insisted had nothing to do with tentacles. Oddities and sexual prowess aside, I would happily recommend the subject to anybody who would like a little amusement in their life.

☆☆☆

Subject Name: Heejin

Acquisition: MODHAUS disbanded ARTMS in response to the announcement of Loossemble's final sale values. Subject presented numerous challenges to acquisition. An addendum will be provided once related paperwork has been finished.

Containment: Subject requires intensive containment procedures, ideally with automated backup systems. Personnel interactions with subject should be minimal, and full automation of containment is highly recommended. Subject should not be allowed outside of containment. Buyer's interactions with subject should also be limited, monitored by trusted personnel, and subject should be heavily restrained.

Features: Uncommonly muscular physique, devious demeanor

Modifications: Standard preservative modifications made post-acquisition, bulking to counteract muscular atrophy related to containment, jaw locking mechanism, remote tracker

Specialties: Partner manipulation (caution), irrumatio

Designer Comments: Subject should only be purchased by buyers who are looking for an “unbreakable” slave, and who are well-prepared for the challenge. Subject made weekly (with varying frequency) attempts at escape, using a surprising array of skills to do so, and several full recaptures were necessary. Subject is unusually strong for a former idol, capable of psychological analysis even under duress, and quick to learn skills which may contribute to novel escape attempts. She was once fitted with a subdermal tranquilizer delivery system, but managed to remove it with improvised surgical tools and proceeded to cause irreparable injury to the personnel assigned to her training. The next day I commissioned her jaw locking mechanism, which has been the only personal device which she has yet to be able to remove or damage to uselessness. Though her wit is quite entertaining in short bursts, I strongly recommend not allowing the subject to converse or even speak for more than a few minutes at a time. Please exercise great caution if considering this purchase.

☆☆☆

Subject Name: Haseul

Acquisition: MODHAUS disbanded ARTMS in response to the announcement of Loossemble's final sale values. Subject expressed some mild sorrow, but willingly complied with all personnel commands without further complaint.

Containment: No special containment procedures necessary. It is recommended to treat subject quite well to take advantage of her unique capabilities.

Features: Calm demeanor, uncommonly wide hips

Modifications: Standard preservative modifications made post-acquisition, very mild breast augmentation, enhanced lactation

Specialties: Gentle, intercrural

Designer Comments: Subject has been a delight for the entire duration of her captivity. Though our protocol is to separate former idols from their groups, I was tempted to put her into classes with her former group-mates to act as a calming influence. It is quite rare for any subject, including those who have clearly accepted their fates, to participate in the pacification of their fellow slaves. This subject is the exception to that rule, and has kindly offered guidance to fellow slaves, and intelligence to personnel. While subject is indeed an ideal slave on her own, I strongly recommend her to buyers who have, or are considering, other unruly slaves and wish for them to be made more passive. Subject's social proclivities are very well-suited to fixing such behavioral issues.

☆☆☆

Subject Name: Kim Lip

Acquisition: MODHAUS disbanded ARTMS in response to the announcement of Loossemble's final sale values. Subject made some poor attempts at escape, but they were stopped with little effort.

Containment: Subject sporadically attempts to escape containment, but has not shown great capability while doing so. Electrified barriers have proven to be the most efficient deterrent, but simple locks should suffice if such facilities are not yet prepared.

Features: Mildly exotic appearance, quick recovery from wounds

Modifications: Standard preservative modifications made post-acquisition, very mild breast augmentation, no designer

Specialties: Masochism, orgasm denial

Designer Comments: Subject seems to be especially suited for our subselection of pain sluts. She responds quite well to spanking, whipping, flogging, caning, slapping, clamps, and pinching. Specifically, the subject acts as expected when exposed to painful stimuli such as those listed above (begging, crying, etc), but will invariably achieve orgasm within ten to twenty minutes of continuous exposure. Subject also has a rapid recovery time as noted in features, with heavy bruising tending to heal completely in two to three days and minor cuts in four to six, though she is prone to scarring. Subject is fairly quick to orgasm in sexual encounters too, and it was while testing this we discovered she becomes particularly upset when not allowed to achieve orgasm. By alternating between pleasure and pain, the subject can be kept on the brink of climax for extremely long periods of time with little to no need to wait between cool down periods, all of which feeds into her frustration.

☆☆☆

Subject Name: Jinsoul

Acquisition: MODHAUS disbanded ARTMS in response to the announcement of Loossemble's final sale values. Subject was difficult to apprehend, and caused major injury to three personnel whose medical fees are rolled into subject's starting sale price.

Containment: Subject no longer requires any containment procedures for safety or to reduce chance of escape. Depending on personal preference, simple locks may be useful for preventing unexpected advances. Alternatively, sex toys or other slaves may be provided to the subject for the same reason, though these should not be provided for more than a few hours at a time for the subject's bodily integrity.

Features: Uncommonly curvaceous silhouette, classically ideal figure, large mouth

Modifications: Standard preservative modifications made post-acquisition, mild breast augmentation to balance with hip size, pleasure sensitivity enhancement, plasticity increase.

Specialties: Overstimulation, self-humiliation

Designer Comments: Subject was violently resistant to slavery during early post-acquisition and had to be restrained at all times for the safety of personnel.  Introductory evaluation sessions yielded a hint that the subject had high potential for susceptibility to submission to sexual pleasure, even without the aid of aphrodisiacs. I was particularly proud to document the first instance of the subject requesting “more.” Unfortunately, violent outbursts were still intermittent and time was running short, so we did resort to artificial sexual stimulants, shortly thereafter replaced by general pleasure sensitivity increase modification. At time of writing, the subject has not given a single indication of desire to escape or violent thought in fifty-five days. fMRI and EEG neuroimaging scans show that stimuli which once triggered the subject's violent behavior now trigger uncontrollable sexual desire. During these periods, subject will attempt to pleasure herself even in the most inappropriate situations. If prevented from doing so, threatened with harm, or if any sort of authority figure is nearby, she will instead attempt to initiate sexual activity and will debase herself viciously to do so.

☆☆☆

Additional Designer Comments: The base prices of these former members of ARTMS are being reduced to 50% of what we normally sell our slaves for. The owner of MODHAUS entertainment reached out to us after we sold the former members of Loossemble. He seemed far more eager to sell ARTMS to us than any normal seller, and made a variety of comments about how much rich he would be after their sales were finalized. He unfortunately passed away during the negotiation process, and we are therefore selling these five at a steep discount to pass on our savings to you, our beloved clients. We hope that this outcome reminds our clients that, although we are not in the business of negotiating the absolute best prices all the time, we care deeply for you.

[plantsjustwannahavefun]

On Ed and Izzy's relationship

I see the "Izzy was the cunning mastermind manipulator in their relationship while Ed was his helpless innocent victim" take is doing the rounds again...

I honestly just feel sorry for anyone who can't comprehend and appreciate their relationship with its full complexity and nuance. Because it was simply magnificent. S01E04 alone is a masterpiece in character study that encapsulated their mutually toxic dynamic at its peak, and switching the character whose perspective you're watching it from completely switches what it looks like and who seems to be in the wrong. That episode was pure, beautiful, fucked up tragedy. They're both talking past each other. They both refuse to listen. Ed is crying out for help, but Izzy shuts him down. Ed wants to enjoy all those new fun original things on the ship that make him appreciate life again, but Izzy keeps nagging him. Clearly he's just an annoying, mean, insensitive buzzkill, right?

Except the whole time Izzy's terrified they are going to die because they're about to be attacked by the Spanish - something Ed brought upon them with his decision - and Ed seems completely disinterested in doing anything about it. Of course he's not going to indulge Edward playing with a toy ship or have a heart-to-heart in those circumstances. He doesn't insult or mock Ed for being suicidal, he simply points out that they're literally going to die if he doesn't come up with a plan right now. Meanwhile Ed's deliberately withholding crucial information from his own first mate and the rest of the crew, either (less charitable interpretation) for his own entertainment or to flex his skills or (slightly more charitable interpretation) to make a point to Stede.

The rest of it was so masterfully balanced out too. Right up until the point where Izzy betrayed them to the Navy, he didn't actually do anything wrong. Yes, he was still wrong - but so was Ed. Izzy was the "lawful evil". He was the one playing by the rules, while Ed was trying to cheat his way out of having to make a decision. Trying to run away from his problems instead of confronting them head-on (or just crashing into the opposite extreme and trying to violence his way out of his feelings) was literally the major theme of Ed's character. So was his inability to form meaningful relationships without bolting or lashing out the moment he encounters an obstacle. Completely removing this from the equation while putting all the blame on Izzy simply destroys Ed's agency and character depth.

We were literally given a glimpse of his childhood abuse to see where his trauma originated. It wasn't Izzy. Nor was it Izzy who appeared as the embodiment of Ed's self-hatred in the gravy basket. Izzy didn't somehow singlehandedly isolate Ed from forming meaningful relationships with people. He never had this much power over Ed. Their relationship was mutually toxic and codependent, but neither of them was each other's slave, they still had their own mind. We saw Ed constantly ignoring Izzy's advice and his judgment. We literally only saw it work when Izzy had the backup of other crew members and got overruled, and when he struck out at Ed when he was at his weakest and most vulnerable. And Ed wasted no time reestablishing the power dynamic in his favour, where it stayed until they managed to symbolically-and-almost-literally kill each in S02E02. That's what it took. That's how powerful their fucked up toxic relationship was.

That's exactly what I don't get about Ed fans who are Izzy haters (or misunderstanders). They claim to love Ed... and then they strip him of all the darkness and complexity and anything even remotely "unpalatable" that makes him such a richly realised character, and turn him into a cardboard cutout who's so indefensible as a character that the only way they can prevent people from criticising him is by pulling out the racism card. Which is so ironic and absurd because OFMD is amazing at diversity and writing characters equally well no matter what their gender, sexuality or skin colour is. It's also literally a show about one of history's most famous pirates. If someone doesn't want to see PoC characters portrayed behaving violently (even when that violence is shown to be caused by trauma and general pirate lifestyle and not indicative of their moral worth as a person), then OFMD probably isn't for them.

[njpctechz]

[erik-even-wordier]

Yes....it is happening here in Iowa. This was copied from a friend's page

posted on Facebook by Mike Beranek on February 21

Yes....it is happening here in Iowa. This was copied from a friend's page.

The costs to Elon Musk’s actions in DC are being paid by Iowans here at home. In Ames, the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) performs many important duties, like assuring the safety of veterinary products, checking tissue samples for rabies, Bird Flu and other animal diseases. The USDA NCAH is an important cog in our state’s agricultural machine, which accounts for almost a quarter of our economic production.

Today I had a conversation with a friend of mine who works in Ames. I was given permission to share the information by this friend,, but I have anonymized as much as I can to protect them from a spiteful government. Therefore, you will see them sometimes referred to as “Friend”.

Last month, employees were getting increasingly confrontational, unprofessional emails from OPM (United States Office of Personnel Management), telling the employees that “The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.” The employees followed their training and reported these messages as spam/phishing, but were told that these were legitimate emails from the OPM. Government Union Reps relayed to employees that this was the same tactic Elon Musk used at Twitter after his takeover there.

On Valentine’s Day, dozens of employees were unceremoniously removed from employment at the Ames USDA office Many of these employees had no idea that they were being terminated. There apparently was supposed to be an email that went out to all employees being removed and their supervisors - but that didn’t happen. There were instances of the supervisor getting an email, but not the terminated employee, so the supervisor was forced to tell them. There were also instances of the terminated employee receiving the email, but not their supervisor. In those instances there was no ability to make plans for the terminated employee; only walk them out the door and wish them well and give condolences. And then go back and try to figure out how things were going to get done without these employees. Friend told me that some of the terminated employees there were special needs and permanently categorized as Probationary Employees. These employees were removed from their positions, unable to fully understand why they were being told to leave and not come back.

The ARS (Agricultural Research Service) had many employees who watched over the thousands of animals there. Bison, pigs, cows, sheep, horses, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, chickens, rats, turkeys, deer, and more are being left without caretakers to ensure they’re fed, watered and healthy. At least half of the animal caretakers, who were already understaffed, were removed without a backup plan, leaving the rest to do what they could. Other employees asked their managers if they could volunteer their time to help feed these animals or otherwise care for them. This was met with resistance. There are animals in Ames starving and receiving substandard care because of someone making very broad strokes with pink sheets 1000 miles away.

For the employees who still remain, morale is the lowest it’s been since after Sept 11. Anything remotely resembling LBGTQ support in their cubicles was removed with threat of termination. There was a group where employees would meet to discuss how the animals there could be better treated, this was shut down. All email signatures were deleted and employees were forced to utilize a standardized, pronoun free signature. Same-sex employees who had pictures of their partners at their desk removed the pictures and all evidence of being LBGTQ members in fear of disciplinary action or targeting. There were bathrooms that were labeled “All Gender”. Those signs were ripped off and what is left in its place are the ugly marks of previous coats of paint, as the top coats left with the signs. The lunchrooms are all void of any signs or positivity as well. It’s as if the government is doing what they can to force the employees out through attrition.

Employees are being advised to back up their performance reviews and appraisals to their personal computers after some employees were erroneously fired for “Unsatisfactory performance”. The mandatory training module was taken offline to “review for compliance to current Executive Orders”, or to remove all levels of diversity. When the training modules were put back in place, many noted that their whistleblower training was already completed, though they hadn’t actually gone through it yet.

The USDA Ames office had employees who were deployed out into the field to track, test and combat the Bird Flu. Many of these people were recalled and terminated. We have an ongoing zoological epidemic and Elon Musk - an unappointed, unconfirmed billionaire - is making it worse by trying to treat the United States government like a Silicon Valley startup.

Friend is doing alright for now, but all of the employees working with the USDA in Ames are losing sleep, not knowing if they are next to be cut, or who among their coworkers will be removed. They are frustrated at what is happening and the lack of support from their friends and neighbors, who don’t believe the things Friend and Friend’s coworkers say about what is happening. My friend can’t speak openly right now, but I hope their friends, neighbors, and fellow Iowans will hear the truth in their words.

[lazycats-stuff]

Chapter 12

Okay, I know, it's been long, but I had a busy end of the school year. Please, have fun reading this.

Word count: 1.7k

Warnings: backstory of Elias' mom, Elias is an anxious boy,

Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11

Elias dreaded this meeting. Meeting with Ra's and Talia, his... Well, he couldn't really call them his dad and sister just yet. Just a thought about it made his mind swirl. After talking to his now brothers (Yes, (Y/N) saw them as siblings that he never had), (Y/N) has decided to meet with his dad and sister. After making sure that it wouldn't be a betrayal of sorts. And it's been weeks after Theo moved away and the hurt and sadness was still there...

Bruce assured him that they wouldn't feel betrayed. Ra's agreed to take it at Elias' pace and tempo. Elias is the one in control. Not the other way around. It eased Elias a tiny bit, however, it didn't fully erase the nervousness and anxiety he felt still.

From the moment he woke up until now.

Ra's was coming to the manor with Talia. Bruce outright refused to let Elias be somewhere alone with him and public places are not an option. I think the reason why doesn't need to be said. Elias was walking around the manor, not being able to even sit for 5 minutes. Everyone was a bit anxious, not really used to one of their coming over.

But they weren't that worried. They are on their own turf. They know the manor inside out and know what to do. They have been trained after all. Damian and the rest watched as Elias couldn't keep still. At all. He already walked 3 laps around the manor, Titus following him happily along, giving Elias some sort of relief.

At the moment, Elias was on the couch, Titus on top of him, giving him some comfort.

" Bruce? " Elias called out to Bruce who was sitting in his armchair, watching TV.

" Yes? "

" Can I get a weighted blanket? It's very comforting. " Elias explained to Bruce and Bruce nodded, smiling knowingly.

" Of course. I see that Titus' weight is rather comforting. You've been restless this entire morning. " Bruce noted and Elias nodded.

" How could I not? Meeting my... Father and older sister who are assassins is not an everyday experience... Oh my God... " Elias grumbled as he gently patted Titus, who let out a huff of happiness from being cuddled.

" I know. Just remember, if anything happens, scream as loudly as you can. We'll be near by anyway. " Bruce said, making Elias chuckle.

" I doubt he would kidnap me from here. Especially with Alfred, knowing that man wouldn't hesitate to simply blow his head of with whatever he has in his arsenal. " Elias stated and Bruce shrugged his shoulders.

" Look. " Bruce said as he put the TV remote on the glass coffee table. " You never know what he might try to pull. Is he a man of his words, although twisted? Yes. But can all people simply twist sides and do the unexpected? Also yes. I simply don't want anything bad to happen to you. " Bruce said, leaning back into his chair as he glanced at the clock on the wall.

" I've never been so tense in my entire life, " Elias muttered, rubbing his face.

" I know, but you got your backup. Us, " Bruce said and his eyes moved to the entrance of the living room, hearing familiar footsteps. Elias also managed to hear the footsteps as well, managing to remember the footsteps of... Well, he does consider them brothers. But should he call them that?

Either way, he knows everyone's footsteps.

Elias tensed up as he heard the doorbell and Bruce gave him a sympathetic smile.

" It's go time. " Bruce stood up and Titus moved away, but not before licking his face, seeming to understand that there was tension in the air. Elias sat up, taking a deep breath and stood up. He glanced at the hall, where he could hear the familiar voices. Bruce squeezed his shoulder, smiling at him. Elias felt a little bit calmer, but still anxious and nervous.

Soon enough, Ra's and Talia came into view. Ra's wearing a green suit, dark, emerald green and it was clearly tailored to him. Talia was was dressed in all black, although a bit more casually. It seems that she was ready for a thought.

" Elias, always nice to meet you. " Ra's extended his hand to Elias, who shook is, hoping that Ra's wouldn't notice the tremor in them. He shook hands with Talia and Alfred brought some drinks and snacks, putting them on the coffee table.

" Alright, we'll leave you 3 alone. Elias, if something's wrong, we'll be nearby. " Bruce already ushered the boys out, who really wanted to listen in, but they knew that this is something private and big for Elias. So, for his sake, they'll not listen in, but will ask Elias later.

Elias glanced back at his... Dad and sister, who were sitting across from him and Elias thanked whoever put this coffee table here.

Elias didn't know what to say. What the hell do you say to Ra's Al Ghul? How's your day? No.

" How is school going? I heard you are still doing online school. " Ra's crossed his legs, right over the left.

" I am... But I was thinking of going back to do it physically rather than being couped up here. " Elias put his hands in his lap, trying to relax and not be so tense. Ra's can't really do anything here. Bruce is nearby and he'll be here within second if Ra's, tried anything.

" That's good. It's not good to be couped up in the manor, " Talia jumped in and Elias nodded, seemingly agreeing with her. But there was something more he needed to know. And he didn't know how to breach it.

" I... " Elias started, clearly hesitant to even talk, but Ra's remained patient, Talia as well. " I want to know everything about my mother. From the moment she joined the League until the day she disappeared, " Elias said, voice shaky and clearly showing his anxiety.

Ra's eyes darkened for a few moments, before he looked Elias dead in the eyes.

" I have to warn you... It will change your perception of her. I don't want to tarnish your memories off her, " Ra's explained and I chuckled. I already know she is, well, was an assassin.

" My perception has changed since I learned she was an assassin. Ever since my uncle disappeared as well. I don't know who she is anymore and... I've been told that you speak the truth. Although twisting his words, as I've been told, " Elias stated and Ra's smirked.

Talia chuckled, nodding. " I guess that you are right. If you knew our mother was an assassin after the disappearance, since I'm sure that the detective did a little digging. " She took some snacks into her hand, popping them into her mouth.

" So Ra's. Tell me everything, " Elias stated, trying to portray some sort of confidence. Deep down inside? He's shaking and trembling.

Elias knew that Ra's saw right through that fake confidence, but thankfully didn't comment on it.

" Alright. I'll tell you what you want to know. Your mother came in her 20s, if I recall correctly, she was 25 at the time, fresh out of college. I was a bit dismissive of her at first, but soon enough she proved herself. She had a real talent for fighting, " Ra's said softly, a soft smile on his face. " Soon, I took her under my wing and trained her myself. A few years later, we got married and she gave me Talia. " Ra's took a sip of the red wine provided by Alfred.

He put the glass down and continued. " I was happy with her, I have to be honest. When Talia was around 20, she changed. At first, I couldn't tell why she changed. Soon enough, she was gone. To this day, I don't know how she pulled it off. But later, I found out she was pregnant with you. " Ra's sipped more of the wine.

" She was a good assassin too. Efficient, quick... She is... Or was, truly one of a kind. She was born to fight. She had that gift for fighting, that much I have to say... " Ra's leaned back into the couch, eyes softer as he remembered the good times.

Elias couldn't muster up words to even talk. He felt out of his depth. How does he respond to all of this?

" We know that this is too much for you, " Talia started, voice gentle, which has never happened with Talia, " But if you are willing, we would want to have a relationship with you. I would like to know my little brother, " She said and Elias blinked a few times.

" How do I know that this isn't some sort of manipulation? " Elias wondered and Ra's chuckled.

" I know that my name is not spoken positively here, but I can promise you there is no manipulation and deception. And I'm a man of my words, " Ra's said in a serious tone and Elias could see the pure honesty in his words.

Which is oddly surprising.

" So... Are we giving this a shot? " Elias mumbled, looking at the two.

" We would love nothing more than to get to know you better. I would like to know my little brother more. " Talia clasped her hands together and Elias nodded.

He always wanted siblings. But Talia is also Damian's mother and that makes him his uncle, which is already weird as it is. And Bruce made it clear that if he wanted to bond more with Ra's, they would not mind it. He would not betraying the family.

" I would like that, but slowly... It's still weird to think I have a nephew. " Elias reached for his glass of water, sipping it to ease his dry throat.

Both of Talia and Ra's chuckled at that.

" It must be weird, but I'm sure that you see Damian as a brother, no? " Talia asked and Elias nodded. He did consider them all as brothers. Even Damian, who was biologically speaking his nephew. Which is still weird to think about it.

[lonethetraveler]

I'm plagued by having too many fic ideas and not being even remotely finished with my current work.

Not even sure if I'll ever wrote any of them, but I'll do a little elaboration below the cut for a few of them (Yes they're almost all Dottolone, lol)

1. The topmost idea that I mentioned like a month ago was having Pantalone kill Dottore. Deeming him too much of a liability with him being too loyal to Pierro. As soon as the power to take down gods is in Pantalone's hands, he turns against Dottore, ending him swiftly by removing the power source for his mechanical body. But...not successfully. Unknown to him, Dottore's consciousness is still online as he can do a low-power run from a backup cell he's now very grateful he never disclosed. Unfortunately, it is quite limited though and in a twist of events, Dottore and the Traveler end up working together, albeit begrudgingly. Even in the end, though, Dottore can't bring himself to kill Pantalone, and instead opts to leave him powerless and penniless. With nothing to his name.

2. The one that's been invading my mubd most recently. Basically the Harbinger boss fight against Dottore and Pantalone. Dottore is the one in combat, Pantalone is more a component for the divine will they've created, but need time to infuse. Paimon conveniently narrates to Lumine about how they need to stop the process, before it's too late! Struggling to fight Dottore, the Traveler does manage to get in a lucky hit and successfully interrupts the divinity process. But, uh oh. It pretty immediately kills Pantalone. Uncharacteristically distraught, Dottore immediately runs over to mourn his fallen partner and curses the Traveler to leave. His partner is dead, plans ruined. And the machine they stopped looks pretty messed up, so they decide to leave. As soon as the doors shut, Dottore relaxes. All according to plan.

Prior to the fight, they'd discussed the possibility of Pantalone's death if the process fails either from interruption or a collapse pf his body--he is still only mortal, after all. They've already got a contingency plan in the form of a puppet body to transfer Pantalone's mind and consciousness to. A new version of himself. Of course, the transfer is successful and Dottore gets to yap about how it's incredibly sturdy and able to interface with the larger mechanical creation directly, how Pantalone has the capacity to extract and dissipate divine power in this new form. Meanwhile Pantalone is having some mixed feelings simply because his body is new and now has odd visible joints. Until Dottore very genuinely admits that this new form for Pantalone is his finest work.

Honestly I'd probably let them win in the end. Sorry Traveler, dear.

3. The idea that's been lurking around for a while. Beidou and Ningguang getting my obligatory fantasy AU setting for pairings I like. Having Ningguang as a powerful, untouchable dragon, and Beidou as the human who accidentally steals her heart. Nothing too concrete on plot for this one, I've mostly been enjoying exploring their relationship and how Beidou appears quite callous on the outside, but that it's one of Ningguang's favorite things about her. The brashness with which this human acts, but how her words aren't hollow. That she knows when to be serious, that she cares for her crew. Actually, it might do well as a situation where Beidou initially meant to take advantage of Ningguang, but immediately found that she couldn't because "no one told me the dragon woman would be so pretty". And Ningguang already being aware of the situation, only waiting to see how the human will act. She's thrown for a complete loop when said human abandons her original intentions and...flirts with her? How intriguing...

[sonic-shadow-daily]

Sonic is having a bad day. In a very surprising turn of events, Tails was briefly kidnapped by Eggman (somehow??) and nobody had a clue where he was. The first step in fixing this problem was obviously to sprint across the continent for any sign of him, which didn’t work. The second, backup step was trying to figure out how to use the tech Tails left at his lab and trying to get it to find him. This did work, with some help from the Chaotix, and they got his location down to vaguely somewhere nearby Soleanna. Sonic, Amy and Tangle (who was thoroughly bummed about not being there last time they went to go kick Eggman’s butt) all stormed the place, only to find that there was actually, apparently, nothing amiss. Eggman did, in fact, kidnap Tails. But not for any remotely nefarious reason. No, he simply ran into a conundrum while trying to code something for Sage (that little ghost girl, he remembers), and thought a second opinion would help. He swore on his daughter’s (since when?) life that he meant no harm to Tails, whom then confirms that he really was just here to get this figured out. Everyone else has left, while Sonic patiently sits and pouts in the corner of the room, glaring daggers into the back of Eggman’s bald head, communicator at the ready for calling backup. Not like he wouldn’t be able to handle it on his own.

Shadow is still dealing with the mission he was put on. He refuses to dwell on much that’s happened so far unless it concerns the current moment, he needs to keep his head clear. Suffice to say though, his assigned team is being uncooperative, and honestly moronic. Almost three times he’s narrowly managed to keep them from catastrophe. Next time, something he always tells himself, if he’s not placed with Rouge or Omega at the very least, he’s not agreeing to it.