#Scanning Utility Locating

[cnilocates]

Can Thermal Imaging Find Water Leaks?

Many people fail to use thermal imaging water leak detection services because they don’t know the benefits of thermal cameras. In this post, we will discuss thermal imaging and how it works for underground water leak detection. Read more: https://qr.ae/pYRwA8

[brokenbarnes]

Steady Mind

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Separate from Haunted Eyes, after being taken by Hydra, Bucky identifies you as his handler. You teach him that not all handlers inflict pain, bringing him back to the present.

Warnings: mentions of canon level violence

It had been one month, three days and twelve hours since they took Bucky.

A routine mission that turned out to be not so routine. An abandoned HYDRA base awakened like a sleeping giant, putting a bullet in your leg, dragging Bucky away after he had been knocked unconscious by two large goons. You screamed for him, they left you to bleed out in pool of your own blood.

You had to return to the compound without your partner in crime, sobbing until they put you under for surgery. The last thing you remember was Steve holding your arms down as they slid the needle in your arm, his eyes sad as you’ve ever seen them.

Despite the healing hole in your leg, you insisted on sitting in on every meeting about Bucky’s whereabouts, limping onto the Quinjet to accompany the team to scout out any possible locations.

You had barely slept in a month, lying awake in the bed you shared with the missing person. Every time you looked in the mirror, you could see the heartbreak and exhaustion clinging to you like a wet blanket. Shadows under your eyes that looked like bruises, shoulders slumped, your mind fuzzy; spinning a million different directions.

This time Steve didn’t protest as you limped onto the jet, it’s destination a newly discovered hidden HYDRA base. You slumped in the copilot seat, you were past getting your hopes up. At this point, it was just to check it off the list.

Steve steered the jet south, landing in the dense forest, somewhere in the Andes Mountains of South America. You saw on the computer screen, a hidden base carved into the steep mountain side.

The team left the Quinjet, armed with whatever they could think of. There was so much uncertainty, nobody knew what to expect.

You were left behind in the jet, sitting down in front of multiple monitors. Part of your agreement was staying behind was that you could be their eyes and ears on the ground. Your leg was not quite up to speed yet and you didn’t want to hold the team back. You got to work accessing any local cameras, finding those inside and outside the base.

The team worked silently, efficiently. You listened to them over the comms, there were no jokes, no laughing, only efficient communication. This was Bucky, it was different.

You monitored cameras as the team cleared the base, making sure there weren’t any surprises like last time. Surprises get people killed. This must have been an old base, because there were very few cameras inside. You had one of Tony’s robots take a scan of the building, at least you could monitor where the team was inside. An hour went by before Steve addressed you and the tone of his voice gave you chills.

“Y/N.”

“Go ahead, Steve,” you responded, legs going numb.

“We need you.”

You stood up abruptly, your nearly healed stitches screaming in protest. You grabbed your utility belt, clipping it around your waist with your weapons. With your heartbeat pounding in your ears, you hit the button that opened the ramp of the Quinjet.

It was a moderate hike to the base entrance, but you don’t remember much of it. Ignoring the pain in your leg, you stumbled over the rocky cliffs, damp soil catching on the back of your tactical pants as you ran.

Steve met you at the entrance of the base, his face pale and shaken. The intense sun doing little for his ashen complexion.

“Steve! Is he in there?” You gasped for air, slowing to a stop in front of him. “Is he alive?”

He dipped his head, nodding slowly. With his thumbs hooked in his belt loops and his shoulders hunched, he looked as small as he once had.

“What are we waiting for?” You went to push past him, into the entrance of the labyrinth like Theseus but without Ariadne’s string. “Let’s go get him out of there!”

“Y/N, wait,” his voice was hollow, grabbing you by the arm.

“What?”

He took a deep shuddering breath, looking you in the eye. “It’s not our Bucky.”

Realization settled in your chest, the only reason they would want him would be to activate him.

“I want to see him,” your voice was low.

“He’s dangerous.”

“He’s Bucky,” you insisted. “Take me to him.”

Steve became your string, leading you through the dark maze that was the HYDRA compound. The main hallway led you past a variety of rooms, some looked like a war room, some looked like an interrogation center, other’s a sterile doctor’s office.

His gait slowed in front of a heavily locked door, it’s appearance similar to a bank vault. Your stomach twisted.

“He’s in there?” You whispered, disgust lacing your tone.

Steve nodded, “it’s for everyone’s safety.”

“Let me in there,” you reached for the lock.

“Y/N, he could hurt you,” he grabbed your arm but you shook him off.

“I need to see that he’s alive!” Your voice turned raspy, ragged with the thought of being so close to him. “Please, Steve.

His resolve crumbled, he reached for the lock to the cell door. As the door opened, Steve moved in front of you, blocking your view into the cell. You weaved around him, attempting to catch a glimpse of your soldier.

When you did, your stomach dropped.

He stood in the far corner of the cement cell, his posture defensive, eyes empty. You breath caught in your throat, he had fading bruises around his eyes, blood dried down his chin and throat.

“Bucky,” you darted around the captain before he could stop you.

The Asset’s eyes flickered to you, then over to Steve quickly. As you approached, the muscles in his face tightened, as if he was anticipating a beating.

“Bucky,” you whispered, slowing your approach. “Are you hurt, Honey?”

He eyed you apprehensively, as if he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. You knew that this was not the man you last saw, defending you until the cattle prods had knocked him unconscious.

“Soldat?” You willed your voice to carry a different tone.

He nodded curtly, “handler.”

It felt as if all the air had been punched from your lungs, your boyfriend has just uttered the term that haunts his nightmares. The multiple people over the decades he was under the thumb of Hydra that have caused him inexcusable pain.

Now, he’s identified you as his handler. Eying Steve suspiciously, as if he wasn’t sure if he could trust him or not.

You tried against in English, Russian vocabulary lacking considerably. “Yes, I am your handler. And I am going to call you Bucky.”

He tilted his head at you, confused, but nodding eventually to agree with you. You were unsure about your role as his handler, making it up as you go.

“Bucky, are you hurt?” You tried again; your voice devoid of its usual warmth.

He shook his head, eyes focusing on the wall over your left shoulder. When you turned your head to follow his eye sight, you could see a drying brown stain, rolling down the wall and finishing in splatters on the floor.

You looked at Steve, who was trying hard to keep it together. “Cap, let’s get him outside. He could use some fresh air.”

Steve nodded, turning stiffly towards the door and leading you back into the maze. Bucky followed, a few paces behind. You let him follow the two of you, not wanting him to feel as if he was being chased.

He followed like an obedient servant, only a few paces behind you, foot steps completely silent. You had to turn your head over your shoulder to make sure he was still behind you.

Outside in the intense sunlight, Bucky was pale as a ghost. He was watching you with careful eyes, awaiting his next orders.

“Take a seat, Bucky,” you pointed to a downed Polylepis tree. The curled, twisted trunk, half rotted from age and weather.

Apprehension crossed Bucky’s face, but he sat. To you that was evidence your Bucky was still under there, the Winter Soldier had little emotion on his face.

“Do you know who I am?” You asked, squatting down in front of him.

His hands shook, clasped together in his lap. “You are my handler.”

Another stab to the heart, you wiped your face of any devastating emotion and nodded. “Status report for your handler. Are you injured?”

The gears were turning in his mind, his beautiful blue eyes flickered from side to side. He couldn’t come up with an answer.

“That’s alright,” you said gently. “We’ll get you checked out by medical when we get home.”

“Home?”

“Mhm,” you nodded, resisting the urge to reach out and sooth your hand over his arm. “I want you to understand something.”

He nodded obediently.

“When you are with me, nobody will hurt you,” you spoke softly, gesturing back to Steve. “You have to trust me.”

He hesitated, but nodded. “Yes, Handler.”

“Call me, Y/N.”

“Y/N.”

Bucky seemed better under the sunlight, instead of the harsh, florescent lights of the cell he abandoned in. Despite the blood and the bruises, he had some color back in his cheeks but the same hollow look in his eyes.

Back on the Quinjet, he flinched as the others moved around, getting ready to return home. Usually, after a successful mission there was never a silent moment in the jet. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

You told Bucky to sit on the bench seat as you fetched a first aid kit. He’s eyes flitted around to everyone nervous without you there, assessing them and diagnosing who would be the biggest threat.

The jet lifted off the rocky alpine surface as you returned to Bucky. You clocked the anxiety crawling into his eyes and called his name gently.

“Remember what I said? You’re safe with me, nobody will hurt you.”

He nodded, although you knew this Bucky would find that extremely hard to believe. He flinched as Steve dropped into a seat beside him, running a hand over his tired face.

You flipped open the latch of the first aid kit, trying to steady your mind. “Alright soldier, tell me what you need.”

“The asset is not hurt,” he spoke, almost robotically.

“Hm,” you hummed, tearing open an alcohol pad and turning toward him. “Let me clean you up, then.”

As you reached toward him, you watched him fight a knee-jerk reaction. Every muscle in his body stiffened, expecting a blow. You moved slowly, trying to give his body enough time to catch up with his mind.

Your hand smoothed along his cheek, getting him to turn his head toward you. The alcohol pad probably stung as you wiped around his mouth, down his chin, but Bucky showed no reaction. His piercing blue eyes focused intently on your face as you worked.

Wiping away the blood revealed no open wounds, what was there had probably long healed over with the serum pumping through his veins. Your hand cupped his cheek, the other wiped down his neck and swooping around his hairline.

As the rest of the team started to drop off, laying down across the benches for a much needed nap, curling up in the copilots chair with the jet on autopilot; silence had settled over everything like a coat of dust. Steve tipped his head back and shut his eyes, although you weren’t sure if he was asleep or not.

You took your time, taking his hand into yours and wiping away any evidence of the cruelty he faced. You noted his knuckles were covered in fading bruises, defensive wounds. It made you smile a little bit to know he didn’t go quietly.

Bucky was confused, he had told you many times that he was not injured, he did not need care. And this was definitely not the handlers job.

“Why?” He asked quietly, just heard over Sam’s snoring across the aisle.

“Why, what?” You replied, without looking up from where you were attempting to get grime off his knuckles.

“Why are you doing this?” His voice was fragile, almost scared to use it in fear of what might come next.

You looked up into his eyes, stilling your restless hands. Bucky had a hard time reading the emotion on your face, sadness, guilt, and something else that wasn’t familiar to him. Something warm, something kind.

“I don’t want you sitting in your own blood,” you spoke carefully. “It’ll make it easier for the medics to check you over.”

“I don’t… I don’t want…” his words died off, almost regretting starting to speak.

Your Bucky was also hesitant with doctors, his checkered past involved plenty of awful experiences with medical staff. 70 years of poking and prodding, little anesthesia and dubious consent.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” your thumb was sweeping gently over the inside of his wrist. “But I want to make sure you’re alright, even if you feel fine. You’ve been gone from us for a long time.”

He tilted his head in confusion, “how long have I been gone?”

“About a month,” you could feel how tired you were with that statement. It had been too long and now he was finally here, maybe not all in one piece but he was safe.

He squeezed his eyes shut, wincing in a way that made you sit up straighter. “You… You were hurt.”

“Yes, Bucky.”

“And I… And I…” he shook his head, his hand clenched in yours. “My head-“

“Don’t worry about it, Honey,” you could see the headache forming behind his eyes as he struggled to recall memories. “Why don’t you try and sleep?”

The stubborn man still somewhere inside him shook his head. But he let you tip your head down onto his shoulder and close your eyes for the duration of the flight.

When the Quinjet touched down at the compound, Bucky followed you off the jet and into the building. He refused to go to the infirmary, but agreed to follow you up to the residential floor to shower.

The bedroom you shared with Bucky was a safe haven, soft lighting, comfortable bed, books covering both nightstands; dogeared and annotated by the both of you. So many nights spend together in comfortable silence, sometimes reading aloud a line for the other to hear.

“Recognize this place?” You asked, setting down your duffel bag down beside the dresser. Unclipping your utility belt, setting it on top of the dresser where you usually left it.

You watched as Bucky turned in a slow circle, taking in each and every detail he laid his eyes on.

“Maybe,” his lips moved.

He seemed overwhelmed, frustrated with the unfamiliarity of the bedroom, probably the aches and pains that covered his body. You helped him make a decision.

“Bucky, why don’t you take a shower,” you suggested, heading toward the closet for a clean set of clothes. “I’ll get you something comfortable to wear.”

Not wanting to be away from him, you grabbed a bundle of clothes, tucked it under your arm with a clean towel and returned to lead him to the bathroom.

After setting the clothes and towels on the counter, you reached inside the shower and turned it to a comfortable temperature. Bucky watched you carefully, swaying slightly on his feet. You wondered when was the last time he slept.

“Come feel, does this temperature work for you?” You asked over the noise of the shower, gesturing him closer.

Bucky shuffled forward, sticking his flesh hand under the spray and nodding to approve the temperature.

“I’ll be just outside-“

“No!” Burst from his mouth before he could stop it. “Could you please… Could you please stay?”

“Of course,” your eyes stung with unshed tears. “I’ll stay.”

You turned around while he undressed to give him some much needed privacy. He undressed efficiently, leaving his clothes in a neat pile on the bathmat. The glass door opened and shut before you turned around.

Sitting cross legged on the counter, you thought about how many times you had done this for your Bucky. Showering together was intimate enough, but sharing the space, just knowing you were on the other side of the door was enough.

You let yourself relax for a moment as he showered, exhaustion settling into your aching bones and the healing pain returned to your leg. All you wanted was to shower off the nervous sweat you accumulated from the last 24 hours, pull on your favorite pajamas and curl up next to your Bucky in bed.

Bucky opened the glass door, you handed him a towel and he dried off quickly. He seemed to be relaxing a little now, in his own clothes and no longer smelling like he hadn’t showered in a week.

“This is what you do usually after you shower,” you reached for his hair brush, pressing it into his hands. You laid out his tooth brush, beard trimmer, deodorant and anything else you could think of.

It was probably muscle memory at this point, he brushed the tangles from his hair, brushed his teeth with his left hand and trimmed his unruly scruff short. Using his left hand told you there were still remnants of the Winter Soldier lingering around in his consciousness.

While he cleaned up, you took a quick shower and scrubbed the day’s worries from your body. Per your request, Bucky brought you a fresh towel and a pair of pajamas. His cheeks were pink as you got dressed, rubbing a towel through your hair.

“Your leg,” he murmured, eyes straying to the pink, raised scar on your leg.

“Mhm,” you nodded, hanging both towels up to dry. “I’m okay.”

Guilt crossed his features, you reached out and held out your hand, palm up. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”

Bucky fit his warm hand into yours, letting you lead him back out into the main room. He watched as you flipped open the covers, turning on the lamp beside the bed.

His mind felt fuzzy, watching you pad around the room, hair wet and in soft clothes. A headache like a lightning strike burst behind his eyes, making him press his hands to the bridge of his nose.

“My… my head.”

“I know, Sweetheart,” your voice was soft. Sweetheart, was that him? “Come to bed.”

He laid his aching body on the soft mattress, letting his handler – no, his love, cover him up with heavy blankets. His head felt like it was being squeezed in a vice, but somehow it didn’t matter because he was laying next to you.

He closed his heavy eyes, feeling his body relax for the time in a month. Next to you, sleep came easy.

The next morning, Bucky blinked slowly as the bedroom came into focus. The bedsheets were tangled around your legs, twisted up after a good night’s sleep. A heavy weight on his chest kept him anchored to the present, not reliving the past month, you were asleep on his chest.

He reached out and stroked your hair, enjoying the feeling of the silky tendrils running through his fingers. You stirred your sleep, pressing your face into his soft sleep shirt. You rubbed the fabric against your nose as you woke up, blinking up at him in the soft light.

“Heya Doll,” he murmured.

Your lips curled up in a smile, sliding your hand up the center of his chest. “Bucky,” you breathed.

He pressed his lips together in a way you knew meant he was struggling. “I’m sorry you had to see me as him.”

You sat up, turning around to face him. There were still shadows under your eyes in a way that made his stomach sick. He slid his heel up the mattress, letting you lean against his knee under the covers.

“What do you remember?” You asked.

“I remember thinking you were my handler,” he mumbled.

You nodded, reaching out for his hand. He enjoyed the way your hand felt in his, nothing had ever felt more right.

“Thank you for taking care of him,” he murmured. He had been working on this habit of separating himself from the Winter Soldier, it helped to refer to him like he was completing separate from his body.

“Of course, Honey,” you nodded.

“Nobody has ever taken care of him before,” he whispered, eyes turning wistful. “You are the nicest handler I’ve ever had.”

You tried to smile, lifting the corner of your mouth up but it fell short. He tugged you forward, until you were laying on top of him. He loved the feeling of your weight holding him down, keeping him in the present.

“I’ll always be here for you,” you whispered, pressing your face into his neck. He shivered at the feeling of your breath on his skin. “No matter who you are, no matter what happens.”

Bucky squeezed his eyes shut, feeling tears sting in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time.

If he had to choose anyone to be his handler, he would pick you in a heartbeat. Aside from Steve, you were the only one to never doubt him, to show him unconditional love in a way he hadn’t felt since the 40’s.

“No matter what,” he whispered quietly, letting his eyes close once more.

[greatkittencloud]

TW : Brief Mentions of Scars

Black Nova

Chapter 7

Location: RAF Base

Time: 1500 Hours

They were finally back on base , things had finally slowed down.The mission had been a rough one. Minimal injuries, all objectives cleared.

The med bay buzzed with quiet routine as the team got their post-op checks. Nova sat on the edge of the examination table in a private room ,stoic as ever, while the medic unwrapped the gauze along her side.

“You’ve been patched together more times than an old field tent.” the medic grunted. “No missions. No training. You're grounded for a full week, effective immediately.”

She didn’t argue just nodded once.

Orders were orders.

As the weekend settled over base, Soap bounced into the team room with his usual chaotic energy.

“Right,” he announced, clapping his hands together. “We’re going to the mall.”

Ghost, sitting quietly in the corner, looked up from the maintenance log he’d been reading. “Why?”

“Because I’m craving a burger the size of my head, and I want shoes that don’t smell like shit” He turned to the rest of the squad. “Gaz? Nova?”

Before Nova could argue Price cut in "Take her too , she could use some fresh air."

Gaz shrugged. “I’m in. I could use a hoodie."

Then, all eyes turned to Nova.

She just gave a small nod.

They gathered at the gate an hour later.

Soap was in black jeans and a t-shirt. Gaz wore a windbreaker and sneakers. Ghost had opted for a dark hoodie, blue jeans, and his signature mask.

Then Nova walked out.

Combat boots. Tactical black pants. Utility belt. And her balaclava snug over her face.

Soap choked on his water. “Bloody hell, Nova.”

Nova blinked "What?"

“Lass, we’re going shopping, not storming a compound.”

Even Ghost ,let out a subtle snort behind his mask.

Nova looked down at herself, then back up. “This is what I have.”

Ghost eyed her for a beat, then tilted his head. “You own zero civilian clothes?”

“…Yes.”

Soap grinned like he’d won the lottery. “Right. First stop? Clothes for the human terminator.”

Nova crossed her arms, unimpressed. “This seems unnecessary.”

“It’s called blending in, love,” Soap said, pulling a black surgical mask from his pocket. “At least swap the balaclava for this. You’ll look less like you’re about to rob the place.”

The balaclava had become a shield—more than protection, it was anonymity, control. Swapping it out left her uneasy.

Ghost noticed the hesitation, his gaze subtle but knowing.

Before the moment could stretch, Gaz stepped forward, holding out a pair of dark aviator shades and a simple black cap.

“Here,” he said gently. “Low profile. Still you.”

She took them slowly, went back to her room, slid the balaclava off with deliberate hands. Her face remained partially hidden as she pulled the cap low and settled the shades over her eyes. Then she put on the mask Soap handed her.

When she came, Soap gave her a thumbs-up. “Now you look like someone who listens to phonk and drinks overpriced coffee.”

“You look fine,” Ghost added, tone quieter, grounding.

Nova didn’t reply but something in her shoulders eased.

For the first time in a long time, she stepped out into the civilian world.

Not as a weapon.

But as a person.

The mall was busy.

Children darted between food stalls, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and every other store blasted pop music through open doors. It was a far cry from safehouses, concrete hallways, and battlefield silence.

Nova walked just a step behind the team, hood up, cap low, sunglasses firm. Her mask hid her jaw, but her eyes constantly scanned corners, exits, crowds. Her mind refused to shut off its tactical overlay.

“You can relax, y’know,” Soap said, glancing over as they passed a store window with mannequins in glittering dresses. “No hostiles. Just screaming toddlers.”

Nova ignored the comment but when a cluster of teens walked by too closely, she instinctively shifted her weight and reached for a knife that wasn’t there.

Gaz saw it and gently bumped her shoulder. “Hey. You’re off duty. That means no slicing civilians.”

“It feels exposed,” she admitted under her breath.

“You’re with us,” Gaz replied. "Chill"

At a clothing store

Soap stormed in like he owned the place, grabbing outfits left and right.

“Alright, Miss Nova what’s your style? Tactical goth? Sweet librarian? ‘I could kill you with a pen chic?”

Nova stood near the entrance like a statue.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I’ve never… picked clothes before.”

Gaz raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never shopped?”

“I was issued uniforms. For everything...everywhere.”

There was a beat of silence. Then Soap tossed her a dark blue hoodie. “We’re starting with this. With your height we probably need to go to men's section for jeans. Here ,try it on.”

Minutes later, Nova emerged in a hoodie and jeans—nothing flashy, just… simple.

Soap clapped. “Look at that! You’ve leveled up from ‘spec ops’ to ‘moody student.’”

She frowned at her reflection in the mirror. “It feels… light.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Gaz said, handing her a pair of sneakers. “You don’t always need armor to protect yourself.”

Ghost watched quietly. The tension in her frame was subtle, but he saw it. The stiffness in her shoulders. The darting eyes beneath the shades. Even in civilian clothes, Nova was always bracing for the next fight.

Still, she was here.

She was trying.

And for the team, that meant everything.

Thank you for reading!

Taglist: @hyperfixiation-station , @massivescissorsthingperson , @sweetybuzz25 , @kaoyamamegami , @sheepispink , @enfppuff , @warrior-xe.

[okasuka]

Damian wayne x Reader - Confession.

The night was sticky, the kind that clung to the skin like a second layer of clothing. The city lights flickered in the distance, casting an eerie glow on the deserted alleyway. Y/N leaned against the brick wall, arms crossed, eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement. They had been tipped off about a weapons exchange happening somewhere in the bowels of Gotham, and she wasn't about to let it go down without at least trying to disrupt it.

"Where the hell is he?" she muttered under her breath, referring to her unpredictable ally, Damian Wayne. He was never punctual, but this was pushing it, even for him. A bead of sweat trickled down her neck, and she resisted the urge to wipe it away, not wanting to disturb the mask that clung to her face like a second skin.

Suddenly, the sound of gravel crunching underfoot echoed through the narrow passageway. Y/N tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for the gadget-laden utility belt at her waist. A figure emerged from the darkness, and she let out a sigh of relief when she recognized the cocky swagger that could only belong to one person.

"Damian," she said, her voice flat. "Nice of you to show up."

The young man in question rolled his eyes behind his own mask, the crimson and black of his Robin costume stark against the grime of the alley. "You know, Y/N," he began, his tone as sharp as a knife's edge, "I don't have to be here."

"And yet, here you are," she shot back, pushing off the wall. "Let's get this over with."

The tension between them was palpable, thick as the humidity in the air. They had never gotten along, despite their shared history with Bruce Wayne. Damian was a constant thorn in her side, a reminder of the line she couldn't cross. But she had to admit, when it came to fighting crime, he was one of the best.

They moved through the shadows in silent agreement, each step calculated and precise. The alley grew narrower, the stench of rotting garbage more pronounced. Above them, the occasional flicker of a neon sign reflected off the wet pavement. The anticipation of the impending confrontation made her heart race, but she pushed it aside. Now wasn't the time for distractions.

As they approached the designated location, the sound of hushed voices grew louder. Y/N signaled for Damian to take the high ground, her eyes darting to the fire escape that zigzagged up the side of a dilapidated building. He nodded, and with a fluid grace that defied gravity, he began to climb, disappearing into the darkness.

Y/N took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. The alley opened up into a courtyard, illuminated by a single, flickering bulb. There, in the center, a group of shady characters were huddled around a table laden with an assortment of deadly weapons. She counted six of them, all heavily armed and looking ready for a fight.

Her grip tightened around the butt of her grappling gun. It was showtime. With a silent prayer to whatever deity watched over vigilantes, she stepped into the light.

"You know, guys," she called out, her voice echoing through the courtyard, "this whole 'selling illegal weapons' gig is really going out of style."

Their heads snapped up, six pairs of eyes narrowing into glares. One of them, a burly man with a scar running the length of his cheek, spat out a curse. "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Just a concerned citizen," she replied, her smile cold and hard. "And I'm pretty sure you know the drill. Drop the goods and get out of here, or things are going to get...complicated."

They didn't budge, instead raising their weapons with a collective snarl. Behind them, she heard the metallic sound of a blade unsheathing. Damian had made his presence known.

The air grew taut with the promise of violence, and she could almost taste the adrenaline. She knew this dance well, the thrill of the fight, the anticipation of victory. But something felt different tonight. Maybe it was the way Damian's eyes had searched hers before he took off into the shadows, or the way her heart had skipped a beat when she saw him.

Before the first shot could ring out, she launched herself forward, the grappling hook firing from her gun and embedding itself in the concrete above the thugs. She swung into action, knocking the weapons from their hands with swift, precise movements. They stumbled back, caught off-guard by the sudden onslaught.

Damian dropped down from his perch, the crimson cape billowing around him. He moved with a feral grace, his sword flashing in the dim light. The clang of steel on steel filled the air as he engaged the man with the scar in a duel that was as mesmerizing as it was lethal.

Y/N took on two more, her fists flying as she dodged bullets and kicks with a finesse that came from years of training. The sound of breaking bones and grunts of pain were a symphony to her ears. But she knew she couldn't let herself get lost in the battle. There was something she had to do, something she had been avoiding for far too long.

With a swift kick to the chest, she sent the last of her opponents sprawling. She turned to face the man with the scar, who had backed away from Damian's relentless onslaught. The rage in the young Wayne's eyes was unmistakable.

"Damian," she called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Take a breath."

He didn't stop, his sword slicing through the air with a deadly rhythm. She could see the fury in his movements, the frustration of a lifetime of being told what he could and couldn't do bubbling to the surface.

"Damian," she tried again, louder this time. "We're in this together."

This time, he paused, his chest heaving. She stepped closer, reaching out a hand to him. The thug took the opportunity to lunge at her, but she was ready. With a twist and a pivot, she avoided the attack and brought her elbow down on the back of his neck. He crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"You okay?" she asked, her eyes never leaving Damian's.

For a moment, he said nothing. Then, with a growl, he sheathed his sword. "Fine," he spat, his voice gruff. "But we're not done here."

Their eyes met, and in that split second, the weight of their unspoken confessions hung heavy in the air. They had both put themselves in danger, not just for the mission, but for each other. And she knew that when this was all over, there would be no more hiding the truth.

"Let's finish this," she said, her voice steady. "Then we'll talk."

Together, they turned to face the remaining thugs, who had realized their mistake and were now desperately trying to escape. But they weren't going anywhere. Not with Robin and Y/N on their tail. The night was far from over, and the city of Gotham had two more heroes to thank for keeping its streets safe. But as they took down the final member of the gang, she couldn't help but wonder what the morning would bring. Would their friendship survive the revelation of their true feelings? Or would it all crumble apart like the buildings around them?

They gathered the weapons and secured the perimeter, ensuring the scene was clear for the GCPD to arrive. The adrenaline of the fight slowly ebbed away, leaving a strange calm in its wake. The tension between them was no longer a storm waiting to break but a simmering ember, ready to ignite at the slightest touch.

Y/N looked over at Damian, his breaths still heavy, his eyes still blazing. "We need to talk," she said firmly, her voice a whisper in the quiet alley. "This... this can't go on."

Damian's gaze softened, the anger dissipating like the night's shadows. He nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. They had always been two sides of the same coin, both bound by a duty to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. But now, it seemed there was something more, something that could either strengthen their bond or shatter it completely.

They found a secluded rooftop, the city sprawling out before them like a neon quilt. The wind tugged at their masks, carrying with it the distant wail of sirens. Gotham was a city of secrets and pain, and they had just shared one of their own. Y/N took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

"Damian," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I know we've had our differences, but... I think I've been wrong about you."

He turned to her, his expression a mix of confusion and hope. "What do you mean?"

"I think... I think I like you," she admitted, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. "I mean, more than just as a partner."

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The only sound was the distant hum of the city and the pounding of their hearts. Then, with a suddenness that took her breath away, Damian closed the space between them, his hand reaching up to cradle her face.

"Y/N," he murmured, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I've liked you for a long time. I just didn't know how to show it without... without screwing everything up."

Their eyes searched each other's, a silent conversation passing between them. And then, with a gentle pressure, he leaned in and kissed her. It was a kiss filled with all the passion and frustration that had been building between them for years. A kiss that promised a future filled with both danger and love.

When they finally pulled apart, the world had shifted on its axis. They were no longer just allies, no longer just family friends. They were something more, something that neither of them had anticipated, but something they both desperately needed.

"We can figure this out," she whispered, her hand resting on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. "Together."

Damian nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Always."

And with that, they stood side by side, the wind whipping around them as they looked out over the city. Gotham was their battlefield, their home, and now, it was the backdrop for a love that could either be their greatest strength or their most dangerous distraction. Only time would tell.

[blueiscoool]

Rare 4th Century Roman Helmet and Chainmail Found in Denmark

Archaeologists have recently unearthed a massive stockpile of weapons near Hedensted, Denmark, buried 1,500 years ago by an ancient chief. In addition to many weapons and unique chainmail, fragments of a Roman helmet from the 4th century have also been found.

During recent archaeological excavations at Løsning Søndermark in Hedensted, Denmark, a significant discovery has been made that sheds light on the region’s Iron Age history, dating back 1,500 to 2,000 years. Archaeologists unearthed a burial site containing an extensive array of weapons, sufficient to equip a small army, alongside a remarkable chainmail shirt and other valuable artifacts. This find suggests that the site belonged to a powerful chieftain, and the manner of the burial indicates that these war implements may have been offered to higher powers.

The excavation was prompted by the Danish Road Directorate’s ongoing project to expand the motorway to three lanes, leading to the unearthing of these extraordinary artifacts just northwest of Hedensted, situated between Vejle and Horsens.

Some of the half-buried weapons found in Løsning

In addition to the extensive weapon deposits, archaeologists have discovered two unusual iron plates, each approximately the size of a human palm. Initially, the origins of these plates were uncertain. However, through the application of X-ray imaging technology, conservators and archaeologists were able to penetrate the thick layers of rust that obscured the objects.

The imaging results revealed an extraordinary and rare discovery: the remnants of a Roman helmet. The two plates identified consist of a neck guard and a intricately decorated cheek guard, which are components of a crest helmet—a type commonly utilized during the 4th century within the Roman Empire.

The illustrations show the placement of the neck and cheek guard on a Roman helmet. The top of the helmet has not been found, so its appearance remains purely speculative

Finds of Roman helmets from the Iron Age are exceptionally uncommon in southern Scandinavia, and this particular discovery lacks direct parallels within the region. The few comparable artifacts have been located at Thorsbjerg Moor in Schleswig, as well as in southern Sweden and Gotland, with no similar finds recorded in Denmark itself.

An X-ray scan shows the fragments of an ancient Roman helmet found in Løsning

In addition, a chainmail shirt was discovered at Løsning Søndermark. Only a very small number of chainmail shirts from the Iron Age have been found in the southern Scandinavian region. Notably, the chainmail unearthed at Løsning Søndermark is particularly remarkable as it is the first instance found in association with a settlement, rather than being recovered from a burial site or bog.

The production of chainmail required specialized expertise, access to resources, and a considerable, sustained effort. Consequently, these expensive pieces of armor were owned exclusively by the highest echelons of the warrior elite in society, underscoring their status and importance.

The ancient chainmail shirt found in Løsning

In addition to the extensive weapon sacrifice, archaeologists have uncovered fragments of two highly distinctive bronze neck rings at the Løsning Søndermark site. These rings exhibit striking similarities to imagery found on gold bracteates from the Vindelev Hoard, as well as other representations of Iron Age rulers.

The motif of a ring-bearer holding an oath ring in one hand, symbolizing power and influence, is a well-established theme in Nordic imitations of Roman gold medallions and gold bracteates. It is likely that the rings discovered at Løsning Søndermark served a similar function and may have been integral to the chieftain’s personal equipment, alongside the chainmail, sword, horse gear, and other military items that were part of the sacrificial offerings.

Two ring fragments found in Løsning

Notably, the ring-bearer depicted on the Vindelev bracteates is also adorned in a garment featuring an unusual pattern, which may represent chainmail akin to that found at Løsning Søndermark.

Starting Saturday, February 8, 2025, selected items from this remarkable find, including fragments of a Roman helmet, will be exhibited at the Cultural Museum in Vejle, providing the public with an opportunity to engage with Denmark’s rich archaeological heritage.

By Oguz Buyukyildirim.

Some of the swords and other weapons found in Denmark

[xthe-writing-vampirex]

In the Walls: Part 7

Word count: 1,128

Triggers: None

I'm sorry it took so long for me to continue this one....or write in general. I hope there are still a few of you out there that are somewhat excited to read this though.

••••••••••••

You feel Freddy shift his weight, as if turning towards someone, and hear him talking to what sounds like Monty gator. Your heart skips a beat. Him chasing you earlier hadn't helped your fear of the grumpy gator one bit and now you're trapped inside Freddy's stomach hatch while he talks to the oddly scared sounding gator. You step forward a bit, unable to really see much in the darkness inside of your protector but still able to feel around with your hand and make it to the metal casing that opened to let you in originally. Putting your ear up to the wall of sorts you start to hear Monty’s side of the conversation.

“I don't know how I got here! I lost consciousness in my room after you went out to find that little thing and woke up down in the utility tunnels.” The gator says, making your heart skip a beat. He seems to remember seeing and interacting with you and you wish he didn't. In his typical papa bear fashion, Freddy starts trying to comfort the gator.

“It's going to be okay Montgomery. We'll figure out what's going on.” He calms, still very aware of the feeling of the small borrower moving around. Monty is unfortunately having none of Freddy's attempts at calming him.

“I lost control of myself, Fazbear! This isn't a figure it out sort of situation. What the fuck happened?” He yells, clearly irritated and continuing to panic. Freddy flinches at the volume and fights the urge to scold the gator for cussing. Instead he sighs in response.

“I don't know Montgomery. I'm just as confused and concerned as you are.” He explains, making the rather stressed and irritated gator grumble in response and storm off, heading towards his room on rockstar row. Once he's finally out of earshot, Freddy opens his stomach hatch to let you out. Not realizing he was going to do this you start to fall forward, being caught by the ever vigilant bear. Thankfully his hands are oddly soft. “Careful superstar, are you alright?” He asks with concern, hoping you didn't land on your injured arm. Thankfully you hadn't.

“Y-Yes…..I'm fine…..is….is Monty okay? He seemed really scared.” You ask, voice a bit shaky. Freddy sighs at that.

“It seems he experienced something similar to what I did earlier…….did you happen to find anything odd while you were in there little one?” He asks, hoping at least something stood out to you. After a moment you nod and move towards his opened stomach hatch to try and go back inside. You didn't exactly enjoy the experience but wanted to help the bear how you could.

“There was an odd purple light on one of the parts on your endoskeleton. It didn't match anything else around it.” You explain, the bear helping you get back into his abdomen. Once inside you go back towards the purple light you'd mentioned to him. “Should I try to take it out?” You suggest, though you're not exactly keen on doing something like this. After all you don't exactly know much about these animatronics and borrowers don't have much experience with technology to begin with.

“Just a second superstar. Can you please touch where it is and let me scan my systems to make sure it actually is something abnormal? Our mechanics do switch parts between the four of us and Montgomery and Roxanne have purple parts.” The animatronic explains, feeling your unimaginably tiny hand touch the area shortly after. After a moment he scans his systems for anything important located in that area. He couldn't identify what this part might be and it just so happened to be right where the glitch he noticed in his system was. “I cannot find any information from the part you're touching. It is also in the same place as where I identified a glitch in my system earlier. If you can, try to remove it. But please be careful, superstar.”

Nodding in response to what he says, forgetting he can't actually see you currently, you begin looking around the part and feeling with your hands. You're not exactly comfortable doing this but if this really is what caused Freddy to almost kill you, you know you need to get it out before he loses himself again. Eventually you find where the part attached, using your full body weight to pull down on it to get it to detach, but to no avail. Freddy flinches at the pressure on his endoskeleton, feeling your attempts and eventual failure.

“F-Freddy….I can't get it to come out….it's lose but I'm not strong enough to get it to detach. I might have been able to if my arm wasn't broken but I'm not sure.” You explain, feeling defeated and irritated at the same time.

“That's alright superstar. You did your best and I'm proud of you for being so brave.” The bear replies, making you blush. “If you can guide my hand to where it is I could try to detach it myself?” He suggests.

“Okay……just try not to grab me.” You reply, the bear carefully bringing his hand down to his stomach hatch once you give him the go ahead. You carefully approach his hand, bringing an arm up and grabbing one of his fingers to try and start leading him over to the odd device. He lets you take the lead, eventually feeling you push one of his finger tips onto the device in question. He moves carefully, gripping it with his fingers and easily pulling out the device you'd struggled so much to try and get out. The bear brings his hand back out and looks at the device. It certainly doesn't match the scheme of him or any of the others. He scans his systems again to see if removing it did anything and finds that the glitch he'd noted before was now gone.

“I am unsure what this device is for but it was the cause of the glitch in my system. It's possible the others have one of these as well.” The bear explains. You walk towards the front of his stomach hatch to talk to him.

“I don't understand……who would want to control you guys like this?” You ask anxiously, still trying to wrap your head around the idea that you might end up having to climb into the other animatronics to get more of these things out of them. Hopefully they wouldn't be actively trying to attack you when you did. Regardless, even the thought of being seen by them to actually do this sends a chill down your spine.

“I do not know superstar……but I believe it best if we try and find out.”

[samaelzdraws]

Transmechanicus Xenologis Field Report

Study Log Entry: 961.M41

Subject: Planetary Survey of Nullius-57, Orkoid designation “Og”

By: Magos Xenologis Xanthor Vell (Excommunicated)

Location: Segmentum Obscurus, Uncharted Subsector

I. PLANETARY CLASSIFICATION

Imperial Registry: Nullius-57 (Unofficial)

Orkoid Designation: Og — interpreted as “Owned by / Property of” in local feral Ork dialect

Segmentum: Obscurus

Planetary Type: Oceanic-Terranic hybrid

Size: Approximately 108% of Terra’s equatorial diameter

Water Composition: ~80% of the planetary surface

Orbital Characteristics: One sun (G-class), two moons in stable orbit

(I gave up, I don’t know shit about how to draw ocean currents)

II. TIDAL AND CELESTIAL DYNAMICS

The gravitational interplay between Nullius-57’s two moons creates unusually complex tidal patterns across the planet’s oceanic surface. These include:

• Multi-directional tidal surges

• Semi-diurnal hyperwaves in coastal and archipelagic zones

• Periodic tidal inversions recorded every 31 standard cycles, potentially responsible for cyclic mass migrations among aquatic fauna.

The planet lies within an uncharted zone of Segmentum Obscurus, likely masked from long-range Imperial auspex by stellar anomalies and warp turbulence—an ideal breeding ground for unrecorded evolutionary branches.

III. ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS

Atmospheric Density: ~1.3 atm (approx. 30% denser than Terra)

Primary Composition:

• Oxygen: 25–27%

• Carbon Dioxide: 3–4%

• Nitrogen, argon, and trace exotic gases

The thick, oxygen-rich atmosphere contributes to:

• Enhanced metabolic efficiency among local xenos species

• Higher combustion rates and volatile respiration thresholds

• Amplified fungal spore propagation due to sustained humidity and pressure

IV. PLANETARY GRAVITY AND FAUNAL ADAPTATION

Gravity: Approx. 0.38g (similar to Mars)

Despite the low gravity, native organisms have adapted in ways that defy standard models:

• Most fauna exhibit eight-limbed arthropodal symmetry, maximizing traction and momentum in low gravity

• Chitinous exoskeletons are dense and layered, likely evolved to compensate for the reduced structural strain

• Muscle fibers in larger fauna (e.g., Gargantuan Hammerfist Champignat) are hypertrophied and heavily vascularized, allowing for sudden explosive bursts of movement uncommon in similar gravity environments

The most significant observation remains the presence of Orkoid species as the only vertebrates. Whether artificially introduced or the result of a rare fungal-vertebrate divergence is still unknown, but their survival and dominance suggest a biome unusually hospitable to Ork physiognomy.

V. GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

Tectonics: Mildly active. Continental plates are fragmented but remain in proximity, indicating a prior supercontinent stage reminiscent of Terra’s Permian Pangaea.

Seismic scans reveal:

• Major fault lines still align radially around a central continental cluster

• Shallow subduction zones suggest ongoing but non-catastrophic geological drift

• Volcanic vents support a thriving thermophilic fungal biome, primarily near the equator

VI. CLIMATIC ZONES

Overall Climate: Humid and warm with minimal axial tilt, resulting in very limited seasonal fluctuation

• Equatorial Regions: Tropical with intense fungal overgrowth, average temperatures exceeding 34°C

• Polar Regions: Only moderately cooler, sustaining dense fungal tundra variants

• Rainfall: Near-constant in some biomes due to atmospheric pressure and oceanic evaporation patterns

VII. PLANGUS FLORAL BIOME (FUNGAL-PLANT EQUIVALENT)

Termed “Plangus” by my own designation—a portmanteau of planta and fungus—this fungal flora fulfills all major ecological roles of photosynthetic plant life.

Photosynthesis-analog Process:

• Utilizes green and blue pigmentation in chlorophyll-analog proteins (tentatively classified as Mycophytochrome-X)

• Plangus spore sacs open during peak solar periods to engage in gas exchange and UV absorption

• Bioluminescent varieties assist in nocturnal photosynthesis via energy storage in phosphorescent organelles

Color Morphology by Region:

• Highlands: Deep green and violet Plangus carpets, heavily mossed

• Lowlands: Amber, red, and orange fungal caps with wide lamellae for water retention

• Equatorial Swamps: Translucent white and yellow luminescent fungal towers, growing up to 40 meters

These fungal flora are crucial to nutrient cycling, oxygen production, and even psychotropic symbiosis observed in some mollusk-xenos.

VIII. LOCAL FAUNA

The dominant faunal archetypes fall into two categories:

• Arachnid/Insectoid Xenos: Eight-legged, armored, ranging from micro-scale scavengers to titanic apex predators such as the Gargantuan Hammerfist Champignat

• Molluscoid Xenos: Ambulatory, highly adaptive, semi-amphibious; many exhibit Plangus symbiosis for healing and camouflage

Orks:

The only vertebrate genus present, suggesting:

• Exogenic seeding (possibly via crashed hulk or rogue Sporeship)

• Exceptional fungal adaptation due to their own mycoid origin

Local tribes of feral Orks claim sole ownership of the planet, hence the name Og. This linguistic possessiveness hints at a deep instinctual bond between Orks and this fungal-rich environment, perhaps even more intense than typically observed on Ork-held worlds.

CONCLUSION

Nullius-57, or Og, is a world defined by a dense atmosphere, low gravity, and a unique fungal biosphere whose adaptive extremity borders on the miraculous. Its faunal and floral life appear to have evolved in tight biological concert, and the complete lack of vertebrate diversity—barring the Orks—raises fascinating evolutionary and possibly technogenic questions.

I suspect the planet may have once served as an ancient fungal cradle world, or perhaps even a lost Ork spawning ground from millennia past. In either case, Og is not merely owned by the Orks—it thrives because of them, and perhaps they because of it.

End of Entry

Magos Biologis Xanthor Vell

In Defiance of the Omnissiah, In Pursuit of the Green Truth

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Act 4 Prologue (Azel Radwan)

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

At the same time, in Tanzanite--

The throne room located on the palace's top floor was filled with the joy and excitement of the people.

Amongst the clamor surrounding the night, the immense full moon enveloped the people as if protecting them.

Azel: "Silence."

With just one word from the deity atop the throne, the people immediately fell silent, looking up at the god with awe.

His mystical eyes, filled with stars that seemed to belong to the night sky rather than a human, scanned the people with compassion.

Azel: "The divinations have revealed your fate. Under the divine will, you need to formulate a policy as soon as possible."

Azel: "It's up to you whether you want to utilize or disregard the mercy of the gods. Just don't disappoint me, for the heavenly moon is always watching over you."

As the current deity rose, the people who seemed lost in a daydream all kneeled and bowed their heads simultaneously.

Among them was a man wearing a crown.

King of Tanzanite: "We've prepared a banquet for you. Please, do join us."

Azel: "I appreciate the offer, but with a God present, you may find it impossible to indulge in wine."

Azel: "I shall take my leave, so do not concern yourselves. Ah, and a farewell is unnecessary. I dislike unnecessary fuss."

Azel: "Well, then, have a good night. May the divine grace be upon all the people."

As the fervor waned, the natural tranquility of the night returned.

The deity, walking with resolute steps, suddenly halted when a woman, a dancer, blocked his path.

Woman: "Greetings, esteemed deity."

Azel: "I've just said that your concerns are unnecessary."

The woman held a variety of banquet dishes, their enticing aroma filling the hallway.

Woman: "I apologize for misunderstanding the divine will. However, I thought perhaps you might not attend the feast tonight."

Woman: "This is a modest offering from me. If you would be so kind, may I serve you?"

Azel: "I appreciate your dedication. However, it's unnecessary."

Azel: "I'm in a hurry, so could you please step aside?"

Woman: "Please don't say that. After the lengthy divination, I'm sure you must be hungry."

Azel: "No, it's fine."

A rumble suddenly came from his stomach, momentarily disrupting the sanctity.

Azel: "Anyway, it's okay. Leave me be and go to the feast."

Woman: "Please wait!"

The woman attempted to block his path again as he tried to move forward forcefully.

Azel: "Ah, these clueless folks who just don't get it, no matter what you tell them."

Unaware of his muttered words, the woman stumbled over his foot while trying to approach and fell to the floor along with the dishes.

He looked down at the scattered food and the groaning woman without even offering a hand.

Azel: "Poor thing."

Woman: "Esteemed deity?"

Azel: "I feel sorry for the food that was wasted."

Despite smiling gently, his mysterious eyes seemed completely unconcerned about the events that had taken place.

Azel: "Lick it up."

Woman: "Eh?"

Azel: "It would be a pity if the food went to waste, wouldn't it?"

Azel: "Look, this soup still looks edible."

Azel: "If you crawl like a dog and lick it up, it won't be wasted."

Woman: "What are you…?"

Azel: "Of course, I'm a kind god, so I won't force you to do anything."

Azel: "You're free to follow or defy God's will."

Woman: "........."

Her hesitation lasted only a moment.

She lowered her face to the floor and began licking the spilled soup with her tongue.

As she repeated this several times, something suddenly happened.

The woman's skin gradually flushed, emitting a scent suitable for the night, and her heated gaze met his impassive expression.

Azel: "So you really did slip in an aphrodisiac. Your fortune for today seems to be very unlucky, doesn't it?"

Azel: "Ah, no. Perhaps it's actually very fortunate."

Azel: "Since your beloved god didn't taste it."

Woman: "Please have mercy."

He turned his back, keeping his distance from the woman who reached out to him.

Azel: "Feel free to please yourself all you want. Well then, I'll take my leave."

Azel: "It's already past my working hours, and working overtime is just out of the question."

Woman: "I like you! I'd do anything for you!"

Woman: "Would it be a sin for me to love you?"

Azel: "Let me tell you one thing."

Azel: "Gods don't love people because love is worthless."

Azel: "If you are willing to give me a fortune equivalent to Prince Silvio's, then I might consider it."

Azel: "But if not, it's unpleasant to even have you in my sight."

Woman: "........."

Azel: "Since it looks like you're not getting what I'm saying, let me make it clear."

Azel: "It's time for you to disappear. Get out of my sight, slut."

Woman: "Eeek!"

As if it were all a dream, his face lost all compassion.

With a coldness rivaling that of the desert night, he stared at the woman as if she were a bug.

Azel: "Your feelings are neither love nor anything of the sort. It was just the prattle of a depraved slut drowning in filthy desires."

This time, there was no one to stop his stride.

The god laughed and smiled under the divine glow of the full moon, devoid of mercy or compassion.

Azel: "This nation under the protection of gods is still living in a happy dream."

Azel: "Even though the day when this eternal dream shatters is approaching, I wonder if I'll ever be able to laugh at it."

☆ Ikepri Masterlist

[canmom]

very brief torrent security primer

some brief comments on piracy safety for @goblin-thembo who has been asking a lot of questions in the notes of that post...

OK, so when you download a torrent, you are downloading some files. The BitTorrent protocol makes it almost impossible to substitute a different file than the one you request, but you have no way to be absolutely certain that the original file is 'safe' - that depends on the properties of the file, and what you do with it. Some types of file are safer than others.

Here's some jargon you may find useful.

torrent: a file that describes how to download some files through the BitTorrent protocol. we won't go into the technicalities, but when you load a torrent into your torrent client, you will connect to other people who have parts of the files, download the pieces, and reassemble the files you want.

seeding: providing a copy of the files in a torrent to other people.

ISP: Internet Service Provider, the company that connects you to the internet.

IP address: your computer's identity on a network, notably the public internet. When you connect to a website, they know your IP address. Your IP address is assigned by your ISP.

From an IP address, you can determine someone's broad geographical location (which country they're connected in) and which ISP they are using. You can contact the ISP, who will be able to associate it with a specific user.

swarm: the collection of users downloading or seeding a particular torrent.

VPN: Virtual Private Network, a relay service which hides your IP address from the public internet. People who connect to you will see the VPN's IP instead of your real IP. Your ISP will be able to know that you connected to a VPN, but not what you send through it. So they wouldn't be able to tell if you are using BitTorrent. VPNs usually cost a fairly small amount of money as a subscription service.

Threat model

In security we talk about a 'threat model', which is what you think you need to protect yourself from. There are two major threats when downloading files using BitTorrent.

copyright claims: your computer's IP is broadcast when you use BitTorrent. Copyright holders will often put 'sniffers' on the network which will monitor the IPs in the swarm of popular torrents. They will then send a takedown letter to your internet service provider (ISP), who will usually send you an email to stop sharing copyrighted media on their network, and then cut off your internet on multiple offences. This can easily be circumvented using a VPN. I strongly recommend using a VPN if you download any copyrighted content through BitTorrent.

attacks through the file you download: someone might upload a virus as a torrent, presenting it as a file you might be looking for (e.g. cracked software). So let's go over different types of file you might download and how they could be used to attack you.

Executable files, such as pirated software, are not safe. If you download a program and run it, you are potentially giving the author full control over your computer. So you should make damn sure the uploader is trustworthy. If you're downloading open source software from the maintainer's github release page, you're probably good. If you're downloading cracked art programs or games... good luck lol.

On a public torrent tracker, to which anyone can upload, there is no guarantee that any file is what anyone says. You have to make your own determination of which uploaders are trustworthy. I can't give you great advice on this, since I generally do not download cracked executables. For games, FitGirl Repacks is generally a pretty good source.

If you are on Windows, the default Windows Defender software should be used to scan any file you download. (Paid antivirus software is of somewhat dubious utility, often pushing ads and using CPU resources in its own right.) Fewer attackers will target desktop Linux or OSX, which doesn't mean you're guaranteed safe, but Windows is the biggest target as the most widely used operating system.

Videos, music and images are generally safe. I say 'generally' because it's possible, in theory, to create a video that exploits a vulnerability in your video player (e.g. mpv or VLC) and uses it to execute code. So far as I know this is largely theoretical, and known vulns have been patched, but make sure to keep your player up to date to mitigate against known vulnerabilities.

Any compressed archives (zip, rar, 7zip) can be used to create something called a 'zip bomb', which is a file which goes into an infinite loop when you try to decompress it, swallowing up more and more memory and hard drive space. I've never seen this actually be done, but it's possible. More subtle attacks would attempt to attack the program you use to decompress the file. Keep your software up to date to mitigate against known vulnerabilities.

Besides taking care about what you download, on Windows you should either not run your main account as an admin account, or make sure to set User Account Control to require a credentials check for admin operations, and also keep your operating system and software up to date. Make sure file extensions are visible so you don't get fooled by a file disguised as a different file type. And y'know, if the torrent tracker has comments, check to see if a lot of people are saying it's a virus.

What could happen if your computer gets infected? Well, they might use your computer to mine crypto at the cost of your CPU performance, they might encrypt and ransom your files, and they might steal your credentials for online services (including banking and the like). There are various measures you can take against this, such as making sure to encrypt sensitive data such as passwords, but the best defense is to not infect your computer in the first place.

The most likely time for people to upload viruses is when something is in high demand and there isn't a single authoritative high-quality source out yet.

Ultimately you get to decide what you consider an acceptable level of risk. There is no such thing as perfect safety. I would recommend using your own initiative to learn about computer security and not badger random tumblr users to explain it to you, but hopefully the above guidelines should help you avoid doing anything too dangerous.

[untoldreader]

The Mission Begins

Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff x Y/N

Summary

Bucky and Natasha are in a high-stake mission that puts all of their skills to the test to save y/n from their past lives. Will they save her, or will her life be the cost of them wanting a piece of a normal lifestyle?

Warnings

None?

Part 2

Chapter 3

Natasha's POV

As the video feed of Y/N being held captive in the warehouse flickered to life on the screen, a surge of adrenaline shot through me, my heart quickening with a mix of fear and determination. Bucky stood beside me, his jaw clenched in a silent display of resolve as we watched the chilling scene unfold before us.

The man's taunting words echoed through the room, his malicious intent palpable in every frame of the video. I could see the fear in Y/N's eyes, the shadows of despair that clung to her like a cloak, and a fierce protectiveness surged within me, a primal instinct to do whatever it took to ensure her safety.

Bucky's gaze never wavered from the screen, his expression a mask of steely determination as he processed the gravity of the situation. "We need to move fast," he said, his voice low yet resolute, a sense of urgency cutting through the tension that hung heavy in the air.

I nodded in agreement, my mind already racing with plans and strategies to rescue Y/N from the clutches of the dangerous individuals who held her captive. "We can't let them harm her," I replied, my voice firm and unwavering, a sense of fierce protectiveness welling up within me.

Bucky's eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us as we prepared to face the looming threat that now stood before us. "We'll get her out of there, no matter what it takes," he vowed, his voice laced with a quiet determination that fueled the fire of resolve burning within me.

Together, we set out to confront the darkness that lurked in the shadows to face the dangers that awaited us in the abandoned warehouse where Y/N's fate hung in the balance.

And as we embarked on this treacherous journey, I knew that our bond would be tested in ways we could never have imagined, that the true measure of our strength and loyalty would be revealed in the crucible of danger and despair that awaited us.

Natasha and Bucky exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes filled with determination as they set out to locate the warehouse where Y/N was being held captive. Utilizing their extensive spy skills and training, they knew they had to act swiftly and decisively to rescue their friend from the clutches of danger.

Natasha, with her keen eye for detail and analytical mind, meticulously analyzed the video feed for any clues that could lead them to the warehouse's location. "There," she pointed to a distinctive graffiti tag on the wall in the background of the video. "That could be a key marker to narrow down the area."

Bucky, with his sharp instincts and combat expertise, scanned the surroundings of the video for any recognizable landmarks or geographical features that could help pinpoint the warehouse's whereabouts. "I recognize that skyline in the distance," he noted, his voice firm and focused. "It's a few blocks away from the old train yard. That should help us narrow down the search area."

Working in tandem, Natasha and Bucky cross-referenced the graffiti tag and the skyline with their knowledge of the city's layout, using their spy connections to gather intel on known hideouts and criminal activity in the vicinity. "If we can track down recent reports of suspicious activity in that area, we might be able to pinpoint the warehouse's location," Natasha suggested, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Bucky nodded in agreement, his gaze unwavering as he coordinated with their network of informants to gather real-time data on the ground. "We need to move quickly. Time is of the essence," he emphasized, a steely resolve in his tone as they prepared to embark on the rescue mission.

As they pieced together the puzzle of Y/N's whereabouts, Natasha and Bucky exchanged brief yet meaningful words of reassurance and support. "We'll get her out of there, Nat," Bucky stated, his voice a quiet promise of unwavering loyalty. "We'll bring her home safely."

Natasha's eyes held a flicker of gratitude and determination as she responded, "We'll do whatever it takes, Buck. Y/N is counting on us, and we won't let her down."

With their resolve steeled and their plan of action in place, Natasha and Bucky set out into the night, their spy skills honed and their hearts set on one goal - to rescue Y/N from the clutches of danger and bring her back to safety, no matter the obstacles that stood in their way.

「Y/N's POV」

As I sat in the cold darkness of the abandoned warehouse, my heart heavy with fear and uncertainty, I could only hope that Natasha and Bucky were on their way to rescue me. The shadows seemed to close in around me, their icy fingers of despair tightening their grip with each passing moment.

Time ticked by slowly, the silence of the warehouse broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside. I felt the weight of my captivity pressing down on me, a sense of helplessness and vulnerability washing over me like a tide of despair.

But amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf me, a flicker of hope burned bright in my heart, a glimmer of faith in the unwavering determination of my friends to come to my rescue. I clung to that spark of hope like a lifeline, a beacon of light in the midst of the shadows that loomed over me.

As I waited, the minutes stretched into eternity, each second filled with a sense of anticipation and dread. I whispered silent prayers for Natasha and Bucky's safety, for their swift arrival to shatter the chains of my captivity and bring me back to the light of freedom.

And as I sat there, the echoes of my own heartbeat mingling with the distant sounds of the night, I knew that the true test of my courage and resilience was yet to come. But in the depths of my soul, I held onto the belief that my friends would not abandon me, that their bond of loyalty and love would be the key to unlocking the chains that bound me and leading me back to the safety and warmth of their embrace.

As Natasha and Bucky approached the abandoned warehouse where Y/N was being held captive, a tense silence hung heavy between them, the weight of the impending rescue mission pressing down on their shoulders. The night was alive with the whisper of danger, the shadows dancing around them like phantoms as they prepared to confront the darkness that lurked within.

With their spy skills honed and their resolve unwavering, Natasha and Bucky moved with practiced ease, their movements precise and calculated as they closed in on the warehouse. The faint glow of the city lights illuminated their determined faces, a silent promise of unwavering loyalty and unwavering resolve shining in their eyes.

As they breached the threshold of the warehouse, the scene before them unfolded like a nightmare. Y/N, bound and helpless, the cruel shadows of her captors looming over her like a malevolent storm. Natasha and Bucky sprang into action, their movements a blur of precision and skill as they engaged the enemy with lethal efficiency.

The air crackled with the sound of combat, the echoes of fists and bullets mingling with the cries of the vanquished as Natasha and Bucky fought with a ferocity born of desperation and love. The warehouse became a battlefield of shadows and steel, the clash of wills and weapons, a symphony of chaos and defiance.

In the midst of the chaos, Natasha and Bucky reached Y/N's side, their hands swift and sure as they untied her restraints and pulled her into the safety of their embrace. The relief that washed over Y/N was palpable, a wave of gratitude and joy flooding her heart as she clung to her friends, their presence a beacon of light in the darkness that had threatened to consume her.

As the last of the enemy fell, defeated by the combined strength and skill of Natasha and Bucky, a sense of triumph and relief filled the air. Together, they stood amidst the wreckage of the warehouse, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of gratitude and understanding.

"We've got you, Y/N," Natasha whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the chaos that surrounded them. "You're safe now."

Bucky's gaze softened as he looked at Y/N, a flicker of concern and devotion shining in his eyes. "We'll always have your back," he vowed, his voice a quiet promise that echoed in the stillness of the night.

And as they stood together in the aftermath of the rescue, the bond between Natasha, Bucky, and Y/N strengthened.

≡-----------------------------------------≡

Previous Chapter-> Next Chapter-> Nat's Masterlist-> Bucky's Masterlist-> Main Masterlist->

≡-----------------------------------------≡

[safescannersblog]

Avoid Costly Delays: How Scanning Utility Locating Saves You Time and Money

In today's fast-paced construction and infrastructure development landscape, time is money. Any unforeseen delays can significantly inflate costs and disrupt project timelines. One of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks is by employing advanced scanning utility locating techniques. Safe Scanners, a leader in this field, offers state-of-the-art GPR Services, GPR Scanning, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Concrete Scanning Services. These services ensure that projects proceed smoothly, without the costly interruptions caused by unforeseen utility line strikes or structural issues.

The Importance of Utility Locating Services

Before any excavation, drilling, or construction work begins, it's crucial to know what lies beneath the surface. Utility locating services help identify the presence of underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications infrastructure. Unintended strikes on these utilities can cause severe delays, legal liabilities, safety hazards, and increased costs.

Safe Scanners' Utility Locating Services use advanced technology to provide accurate and reliable subsurface information. This proactive approach not only prevents damage but also enhances project planning and efficiency.

How Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Works

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. GPR Scanning involves transmitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground. When these waves encounter a buried object or a boundary between different materials, they reflect back to the surface, where they are detected by a receiver. The time it takes for the radar waves to return is used to create a detailed image of the subsurface.

GPR Services provided by Safe Scanners are invaluable in detecting utilities, voids, rebar, and other structural components. This technology is highly effective in a variety of materials, including soil, rock, concrete, and asphalt, making it versatile for different construction needs.

Benefits of GPR Scanning and Concrete Scanning Services

Accuracy and Precision: GPR Scanning delivers highly accurate results, allowing construction teams to pinpoint the exact location and depth of utilities and other subsurface features. This precision reduces the risk of damaging existing infrastructure and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

Cost Savings: By identifying and avoiding utilities and other subsurface hazards, Safe Scanners' GPR Services prevent costly repairs, project delays, and potential legal issues. The upfront investment in scanning services can save significant amounts of money in the long run.

Safety Enhancement: Excavating without proper knowledge of underground utilities can lead to dangerous situations, including gas leaks, electrical hazards, and water main breaks. Using Ground Penetrating Radar and Concrete Scanning Services minimizes these risks, protecting workers and the public.

Non-Destructive Testing: GPR is a non-invasive method that does not disturb the surveyed area. This means that the site remains intact, avoiding the mess and potential damage associated with exploratory digging.

Versatility: GPR Scanning can be used in various environments and for multiple applications, from large-scale construction projects to smaller residential renovations. Safe Scanners' expertise ensures that each project benefits from tailored solutions.

Case Studies: Real-World Applications of GPR

Case Study 1: Urban Infrastructure Development

In a major city development project, Safe Scanners was enlisted to perform GPR Scanning before the installation of new utilities. The dense urban environment posed a challenge due to the existing network of underground utilities. Using advanced Ground Penetrating Radar, Safe Scanners successfully mapped out the complex subsurface layout, allowing the construction team to proceed without incident. This avoided potential delays and saved the city significant costs in rerouting and repairs.

Case Study 2: Historic Building Renovation

A historic building undergoing renovation required Concrete Scanning Services to locate rebar and voids within its foundation. Safe Scanners deployed its GPR technology to scan the concrete structure, providing detailed imagery of the rebar patterns and any hidden voids. This information was crucial in planning the renovation work, ensuring structural integrity and preserving the building's historical value. The project was completed on time and within budget, thanks to the accurate data provided by Safe Scanners.

Future Trends in Utility Locating and GPR Technology

As technology advances, the capabilities of GPR and utility locating services continue to expand. Innovations such as 3D GPR imaging and real-time data processing are enhancing the accuracy and speed of subsurface investigations. Safe Scanners is at the forefront of adopting these new technologies, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest advancements in the field.

Moreover, the integration of GPR data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows for more comprehensive and accessible mapping of subsurface utilities. This integration provides a holistic view of the project site, further reducing risks and improving planning efficiency.

In the realm of construction and infrastructure development, avoiding costly delays is paramount. Safe Scanners' GPR Services, including GPR Scanning, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Concrete Scanning Services, offer a reliable and effective solution to this challenge. By accurately locating subsurface utilities and other features, these services save time, reduce costs, and enhance safety on job sites.

Investing in advanced utility locating services is a proactive step that pays off in both the short and long term. With Safe Scanners' expertise and cutting-edge technology, you can ensure your projects proceed without unexpected interruptions, keeping your timelines and budgets intact.

For more information on how Safe Scanners can assist with your next project, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can build a safer, more efficient future.

[cnilocates]

Common Myths About Underground Water Leaks Busted

Most property damage occurs when there are leaks from underground pipes. Delays in such repairs can often be due to deprivation of the hard fallacy of rumours. Let's bust the most common myths about underground leaks and equip you to deal with them better.

Myth 1: Underground Water Leaks Are Always Visible.

Most people have the misconception that underground water becomes visible when leaks occur. They usually consider surface puddles or wet spots as the first signs. Nevertheless, many water leaks go unnoticed from week to month because they are deep under the surface, or even a concrete layer lies on it. Therefore, it becomes very important to hire the service of an underground water leak detection company. It uses the latest technology to detect underground water leakages and minimize their damage.

Myth 2: DIY Detection is Just as Effective

Most homeowners believe their basic tools can easily detect leakages in their houses or simply rely on observing water-by-be-water usage. However, spotting these simple leakages in water bills does not mean you can isolate them accurately. Accurate detection leaves this to your leak detection experts. Professional underground water leak detection services employ equipment such as acoustic listening devices, ground-penetrating radar, and thermal imaging for detecting even the smallest leak without unnecessary digging.

Myth 3: Underground Leaks Don't Require Urgent Attention

The above myth is another critical one. Underground leaks can wait indefinitely before they become severe. The consequences can damage structures like the foundation and cause sinkholes and an inflated water bill. Early detection and repair will save you from costly repairs and ensure your property's safety.

Myth 4: All Detection Services Are the Same

The truth is that not all detection companies are the same. Some still have old modalities, which means doing unnecessary digging and destruction within your property. Use new, non-invasive techniques for underground water leak detection to minimize property damage and accurate results.

Myth 5: Underground Storage Tanks Aren't Prone to Leaks

Most property owners with underground storage tanks think these tanks are all leak-proof. But in reality, corrosion, wear and tear, and improper installation can even lead to leakages with soil and water quality contamination. An underground storage tank locate service will help you identify potential problems with your tank and even help to prevent leaks long before they happen.

Myth 6: Repairs are Generally Expensive.

Fixing underground leaks may seem like a hefty expense, but the costs are far less than the damage they may accrue if left unattended. Proactive professional services save you costs from future larger problems regarding either structural damage or environmental contamination.

Summary

Addressing underground leaks in homes early and constructively is important when protecting your property and wallet. This myth-busting exercise can play such a role in helping you make informed choices. So do not hesitate to seek help from experts who offer reliable underground water leak detection services and underground storage tank locate services for this case if you think there might be a leak.

Insurance coverage with C-N-I locates assures maximum coverage, and while professionals do their best in such incidences, your property will be safe from all possible unanticipated damages. The combination of professional help with insurance coverage will ensure your home and assets are safe from any potential underground leak risks.

[immedealwithit9855]

I Cannot Lose You

I've had this in mind for the mech in charge. Call me crazy, but this massive tub of well utilized metal is a sight for sore optics. This takes places during the camp out scene in AOE. It had been a hectic day. Optimus along with the remaining autobots are being hunted. Cade, Tessa, and now Shane have been roped into a war. Century Wind hot in pursuit. Hope seems lost and Optimus Spark is wavering from the loss of his comrades and his love. Until a bomb is dropped.

Warning: Transformers AOE scene, fingering, heated moments, altercations, smut

"So, There's been no sign of any others?" Optimus asked.

"Nada" Hound gruffs.

"No. We are all thats left!" Drift added.

"They're pickin' us off, one by one!" CrossHairs shakes his head.

"We're the Pathetic Dirty Foursome! And you make 5!" Hound grumbled.

As the autobots conversed, Cade, Tessa, and Shane were having their brief chat.

"So that's out best case scenario? AutoBot Witness Protection?" Shane asks, with attitude.

"Hey Speed Racer! You're welcome to leave anytime!" Cade clapped back, Tessa glaring at him.

"Well, for the record, Super Dad. I'm not hiding with you. I'm hiding out with that big guy!" Shane responds pointing at Optimus.

"Sensei, with your fate unknown, Bumblebee has held command." Drift trails off. "Despite his complete and total lack of anything resembling warrior discipline! He's like a child!" He continues to insult Bumblebee while Cade, Tessa, and Shane watch from the side.

"This Child-is about to-kick your ***" Bee's radio buzzing with anger. That ain't stopping Drift's barrage of insults. "He brings us shame!" Without another word the 2 autobots began fighting, causing the humans to scatter away. "Cage Fight!" Hound teases, not helping anything.

"Whats the matter with them?" Tessa quietly asks.

Drift holding Bee's neck by his blades,"Am I the lone sage who could see pass these puppy dog eyes act! It's beneath you!"

"You know better than that, Drift! Release Him, Now!" A feminine voice rang out from the behind the fallen craters.

Drift reluctantly obeyed, putting his blades back in their sheaths. He heard the voice and knew it was you. Optimus' spark nearly short circuited when he heard the voice. He turned his body, watching as the human female came out from her spot, joining the group, giving Drift the eye. "It's hard enough already, let's not make it harder by killing each other." You scolded, earning a defeated look from Drift, while giving Bee a reassuring nod.

Optimus optics were kicking into gear as he scanned your entire frame. 'How is this possible? She was.....I thought!'

"Excuse me, lady. But, who are you?" Shane catching her attention. "I am Y/N. A while ago, I was apart of NEST. Soldiers that partnered with the autobots to help solve human affairs while protecting Earth from any serious threat that came from the stars."

You were warm and inviting, making the others feel at ease to trust you. As you got to know the troubled group, Optimus couldn't take his optics off of you. He clenched his servos recalling the last time he saw you. Lying on the ground after an explosion went off, killing many, injuring others. He had to get away, his spark shattering at your supposed death. Before he knew it, his body moved.

Cade and the others backed away as Optimus began to slowly circle Y/N. Studying every inch of you, the scars on your neck and arms, your long split thigh crisscross skirt showing the mark he left behind on your left leg. A symbol of your devotion to one another. "I watched you die!" His engine hisses as he stops in front of you. "I know. I'm so sorry you had to witness that. Somehow, I came to and was met by Ratchet. He patched me up and we went on the run. Until......" You paused, as you recalled the last known events.

The autobots sighed.

"My Love! What happened to Ratchet!?" Optimus pressed. You swallowed hard,"I'm not sure. We were discovered and fled. He told me to go ahead, locate the others. I didn't wanna leave him for fear of him being captured. I had no choice." Tears ran down your face as you finished. Optimus kneeled down to your level, placing a gentle knuckle under your chin. You gazed into his optics searching for forgiveness.

"You're here now. We will end this war." His voice of inspiration calmed your troubled mind. He stood up and faced his comrades. "Autobots. Lockdown is hunting us and humans are helping! We need to know why."

"Well listen, I don't know why but I have an idea about who." Cade cut in, wanting to help in any way he can.

Cade showed them footage of an AutoBot raid. He began to explain how they tear them apart and take them away for some sort of experiment. As you all watched, your throat ached at the sight of Ratchet. The fear in his eyes as Lockdown along with Century Wind demolished him. You became sick, turning away and sobbing into Optimus' servo.

"That's LeadFoot!" Hound pointed out. "Savages!" Removing his helmet, placing it across his spark. Cade suggested they help the remaining autobots with this situation, otherwise they'll never get their lives back. You became sick at the images of Ratchet, LeadFoot, and the others being slaughtered, shoving Optimus' servo to the side running away to a far crater and vomited.

Optimus looked on in concern, turned back to the others,"AutoBots, I have sworn to never kill humans." He announced. "Big mistake." Hound pouted. "But, when I find out whose behind this.....he's going to die!"

Drift and Bumblebee glared at each other, as the leader went to check on you.

"Mind if I ask what her relationship is with the big man in charge?" Shane asked, trying to decrease the tension.

BumbleBee, Hound, and Drift smirked, while CrossHairs rolled his optics. "Isn't it* obvious?" Bees radio responded. Cade and Tessa looked at each other. "Didn't he call her his 'Love?' Tessa joined in with a hint of curiosity. Drift gave her a look to which she seemed to understand.

"What do ya think that mark on her leg means? It ain't just a tat." CrossHairs adds.

"Looked like a ring. Like a wedding ring only for the leg." Cade mumbled.

Optimus came to you as you finished relieving your sickness, he had too many questions. For now, he wanted to make sure you were alright. "It pains me as well. They too were my friends. My family." He says. You could barely fathom the world you're in already, now the ones who have once trusted the autobots have decided to hunt, destroy, and pass them off as equipment. It devastated you. You watched as Optimus used mass displacement to put himself at your level, an appropriate level. He walked towards you, grabbed you, and brought you into a heart-felt embrace. "I've thought of you so much. I was scared I would never see you again. Now here you are. There is hope!" You whispered, caressing his bicep. Optimus gently massaged your cheek,"Thoughts of you ran through my processors. Knowing you're alive, gives me strength." You smiled at his words, he was always a great motivational speaker. To his comrades and to you. It's what caused you to fall so deeply in love with him. He in turned adored your spirit. Your strength through the good times and the bad. Even when the Decepticons were terrorizing the city, you were ready to go in and put your life on the line.

"I'm so sorry about Ratchet and the others. I thought you were....." Optimus planted a kiss to your forehead. You looked up at him and kissed him slowly. He reciprocated the gesture, cradling you into his frame, caressing your body up and down. He laid you on the ground, his scanners picking up your heart rate. It raced just as his spark. You gently placed your hand on his faceplate,"You know, I look upon the tatted band you left around my left leg. Reminds me of a wedding band." You say this as he massages your legs, focusing more on the leg he marked. The autobot's symbol was the center piece of the tatted mark, as he ran his servo over it, you let out breathy moans and whimpers. Your voice was so cute, he wanted to hear more.

"That day, I've decided to make us officially one. That is why I marked you." He confesses. Your eyes twitched, you recalled his behavior being off and wondered why. Now you know. He was proposing! "I cannot guarantee normality. However, I can guarantee my love for you will never wither. Will you accept me?" The seriousness in his voice made your body sweat. With everything that has happened, he still harbored strong feelings towards you. Not wanting to wait, you willingly spread your legs wide for the Prime,"Yes, Optimus. Please. Have all of me!" You cooed, making the Prime's Spark skip a beat. He happily obliged.

He spent the entire time fingering you, working his digit in and out of your heated core, nipping your neck as your back arched to his masculinity. Really you shouldn't be doing this now, but it felt so good having him back. Just as he is glad to know you're alive and well. "My darling. I've missed you tremendously." He whispers into your ear. He curled his digit while pressing your clit. He knew you were close. "Optimus.....Wait. It's too good! I'm....."

"Let go, my Love. Let it All Go!" His other servo cradling your head as you came. You wailed as he trailed kisses and nips on your neck. You twitched as he slowly removed his digit. As you caught your breath, he removed his crotch plate and grasped his spike. You stared at his spike, he was large. "Be mine!" He whispered. Granted, you knew this wasn't like him. He knew it as well. These were dark times, a roller coaster of emotions running its course. You feared for him as he for you. Removing your underwear, shifting the piece from your skirt to the side, you reached for his faceplate,"Go ahead. Make me yours." He planted his servo on the side of your head, while the other guided his spike to your core. It was slow, a bit painful, a lot of give and take. After what felt like forever, you became one. You had to hold back your screeches as he bottomed out.

The heat reverberated off of his chest, his fans had to work hard to cool him down. "You can..... move now. Prime." You breathed out, memorizing the feeling of a Prime's strength. His optics studied your body, before he could respond you squeezed your walls around him, making him move. The way he moved his hips made you wanna scream out in ecstasy. He buried his helm in your neck as you cradled him closer. He grunted as his tip kissed your cervix, causing you to whimper into his audio processors. You made love for a good while, exchanging promises and words of adoration. Sneaking a few grabs to your bouncing breasts.

"Optimus......Please." You begged.

"Y/N! Y/N!" He grunts, embracing you lightly, snaking his servo down to grab the leg he marked, lifting it up to his shoulder, sinking deeper into your heat. His engine reeved from amount of thrusting you both shared. Ready for him to overload.

"Optimus! Optimus! Fill Me!" You whined at the top of your lungs. He growled as he pumped his thickness harder into you.

You wrap your legs around his trim waist, held him tight as you reached your ends. The intensity could make any mech blush. Prime calmed himself just as you were catching your breath. You felt so full you could be pregnant! He placed a servo on your stomach, gently rubbing it. "That time will come." He groaned releasing his grasp, allowing you to recover. The very earth beneath you couldn't be anymore comfy as you lay there basking in the glow of his shiney frame. You couldn't help but admire his fresh form. His broad shoulders, trimmed waist, muscular thighs. His whole new look made you leak your combined juices all over the desert floor. It didn't help the recovering Prime was watching.

"When we get to the city. I want you to flee. Flee, I will find you when this is over." He says, breaking the moment. "You should know as well as I do, that I cannot do that. You need as much help as you can get." The Prime sighed, knowing how stubborn you can be. "It is not up for discussion. I've lost you once. I cannot lose you again!" He slightly raised his voice. You sat up, crawled over to him and placed a hand upon his servo,"You won't. I'm going!"

He studies you. Not saying a word. Your lips met again, embracing each other.

Meanwhile, the other autobots were with the humans keeping watch. Bumblebee's radio started wheezing like he was laughing,"Lucky." Cade turned to him in confusion. However, Shane and Tessa knew very well what was up as they snickered away.

It was going to be a wild and hectic ride. With you by his side, there is hope.

[polo-drone-084]

Searching for C.C. Continued

PDU-084 was given a task by its host. Find more info on the C.C. that had been plaguing him.

It was to utilize top secret Golden Army tech. The tech was housed under the Golden Army stadium and very few knew about it, even less had clearance to access it.

As 084 swiped the keycard to gain access a mechanical voice chimed:

Grayden

Designation: PDU-084

Clearance Level: 4

Access Granted

Suddenly the door mechanism whirred and PDU-084 entered, the door shutting behind him loudly so no one could sneak in behind him.

084 followed the dimly lit corridor before reaching the underground lab. A lab full of high tech gadgets that felt out of place for a sports team and more for a mad scientist. 084 had come here to complete one goal though.

084 was trying to hone its skills in its drone form to locate any information. The Golden library had failed to be resourceful, but maybe Grayden's distracted mind had missed something.

As 084 typed into the Golden supercomputer, it still was not returning any valuable results. Scanning over results twice and still nothing of value.

084 could not feel anger in its drone form, but it knew this mission was a failure. As it stood it also noticed a conversion chamber, Gold was testing out.

084 issued the conversion and continued its search. Its focus on C.C. and not the muffled screams of the three men being covered in Golden conversion goo in tubes.

After two hours,

Each man would exit their tubes covered head to toe in Gold. The gold forming a cocoon like suit over them. Analysis stated in 12 hours the facial part of the cocoon would crack off allowing the men the ability to speak. If successful, this would be the time for 084 to help the men and introduce them to the team. Also ensuring they had proper nourishment.

It had completed one unintentional mission, but still was no closer to finding C.C.

-----------

If you're interested in joining the Golden Army or maybe experiencing the conversion tubes yourself, contact one of our recruiters

@goldenherc9 or @brodygold

[robobrainrot]

What’s Past is Prologue

An Earthspark Post-S1, Pre-S2 summary fic

If you were left unsatisfied by the jarring time gap and tone shift between S1 and S2, here's a mini fic to help fill the void. I'm going to write out the full version on Ao3. But this is the short and sweet summary~

It had been a month since The Battle of Witwicky. The Maltos are still picking up the pieces, both literally and figuratively. While they succeeded in their goal of defeating Mandroid, saving all Transformers on Earth, and quite possibly, the world as a whole, some things were left shattered. Most notably, Quintus Prime’s Emberstone. The pieces were scattered across the globe and, for a moment, Team Prime feared they would be lost forever.

However, Quintus Prime would never leave his chosen stranded. Prime Power or not, the kids did not give up hope. The shards of the Emberstone dispersed, but they were not lost forever. Starting right in their backyard, The Maltos found their first shard in the cow pasture… With the help of Fluffy-Ears, of course. Less than a week later, another was found by Breakdown while racing across the countryside with Bumblebee.

At first, the alliance between Autobots and Decepticons had been tense. Both sides were anxious that the other might sell them out or deceive them. But with the help of the newly declared “Malto-bots,” tensions eased. It was hard not to enjoy their company. It had been centuries since any of them had interacted with bots so young. It was refreshing to have such young and enthusiastic faces around.

Every day, the Maltos searched for more ways to find the missing shards. Some they stumbled across accidentally. Some ended up in museums- dazzling archeologists. Schloder and Optimus Prime had to be the ones to get those. Nightshade created a way of scanning for the shards, but their device’s range was limited so the scouting parties had to travel the world to identify possible locations. Did someone say road trip? The Trine were quick to point out that they were much better suited for the job thanks to the help of Skywarp’s powers.

Starscream had to admit, he was fascinated by these ancient Cybertronian artifacts. His volunteering to help the Maltos was not entirely altruistic. It was an opportunity to show off the superiority of himself and his fellow Seekers and gain knowledge about these strange crystal shards. That’s what he told himself at least. The fact that he often hoovered around the Malto residents when Hashtag was around, and Megatron was not, was purely so he could gather intel.

As for the Malto-bots, they enjoyed the month of relative peace. While not all the Decepticons were eager to become ‘friends’, the ones that stuck around would do their best to teach the kids something while they were there.

Breakdown was the first. Never one to turn down a chance to show off, he was happy to oblige Thrash when he asked for racing tips. He showed the young bot a few flashy new moves, including one that Robby insisted was called “The Akira Slide.” Breakdown maintained that it was a Stunticon specialty, and certainly not inspired by a cartoon.

Swindle tried to teach the kids how to override security locks at the junkyard, but was quickly shut down by Elita-One. He complained to Hardtop about what a wasted opportunity it was for three days straight.

Skullcrusher, Grimlock, and Jawbreaker formed a special alliance that Jawbreaker dubbed “The Beastie Boys.” They spent their down time sparing and seeing who could leave the biggest dent in scrap metal pieces.

Soundwave and his casseticons taught Hashtag how to utilize her radio to scramble comm frequencies. In return, she taught them about the wonders of the internet. This was a terrible decision, as Frenzy quickly became engrossed by internet subcultures. Soundwave had to step in with what Mo would call his “Mad Dad Voice.” On the bright side, the discovery of Kandi culture led to a group friendship bracelet making party.

Even Shockwave took some time to mentor the bots. Well. Realistically it was just Nightshade in the lab, but The Great Shockwave was cool enough that the other Maltos pretended to pay attention for half of his science monolouge.

The Decepticons started creating their own home base in between Emberstone shard scouting missions. Led by Starscream, with Shockwave as his Second, they found a suitable location far enough away from the former-GHOST base, but not so far away that it would be impossible to reach the Terrans if needed.

This was one area that walked the line of the treaty. The Decepticons were entitled to make a home on Earth. Optimus Prime respected their wishes on this matter. He instructed the other Autobots and Maltos to stay out as well. If there was going to be a chance at lasting peace, they needed to build trust. Many of the Decepticons had been imprisoned by GHOST for years. They deserved a safe space without surveillance as much as anyone. Freedom was the right of all sentient beings, and Prime would sooner go offline than go back on that principle.

There was still much they didn’t know. With every new answer about the emberstones came more questions. Between chaos and confusion, there was also stillness and affection. For these precious moments, both Autobots, Decepticons and Maltobots could enjoy the time of respite.

However, nothing really lasts forever.