#WAN Optimization

[differenttimemachinecrusade]

WAN Optimization Market Landscape: Opportunities and Competitive Insights 2032

The WAN Optimization Market size was valued at USD 1.87 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.81 Billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 8.24% over the forecast period 2024-2032

The WAN optimization market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by increasing cloud adoption, rising data traffic, and the demand for seamless remote connectivity. Businesses worldwide are investing in WAN optimization technologies to enhance network performance and improve application delivery. As organizations shift to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, optimizing wide-area networks (WANs) has become a strategic necessity.

The WAN optimization market continues to grow as enterprises seek solutions to improve bandwidth efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance security. With the proliferation of SaaS applications, edge computing, and IoT, network infrastructures must adapt to ensure high-speed data transfer and uninterrupted connectivity. As a result, WAN optimization is evolving with advanced AI-driven analytics, SD-WAN integrations, and cloud-native architectures.

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Market Keyplayers:

Cisco Systems (Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco WAN Optimization (ACI, vManage))

Riverbed Technology (SteelHead (WAN Optimization), SteelConnect (SD-WAN), SteelFusion (Edge Infrastructure))

Huawei Technologies (Huawei CloudWAN, Huawei SD-WAN Solution)

Fortinet (FortiGate Secure SD-WAN, FortiWAN (WAN Optimization))

Juniper Networks (Juniper SRX Series, Contrail SD-WAN, Junos OS (WAN Optimization))

Silver Peak (Acquired by HPE) (Unity EdgeConnect (SD-WAN), Unity Orchestrator (SD-WAN and WAN Optimization), Unity Boost (WAN Optimization))

Peplink (SpeedFusion (WAN Optimization), SD-WAN Solution, Pepwave (WAN Management))

Arista Networks (Arista EOS, CloudVision (SD-WAN and WAN Optimization))

VeloCloud (Acquired by VMware) (VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud, VeloCloud (WAN Optimization))

Citrix Systems (Citrix SD-WAN, Citrix WAN Optimization, Citrix ADC)

Nokia (Nokia SD-WAN, Nokia IP/MPLS (WAN Optimization), Network Automation Solutions)

MPLS (MPLS-based WAN Solutions, WAN Optimization Services)

Kemp Technologies (LoadMaster (WAN Optimization), SD-WAN and Load Balancing Solutions)

CloudGenix (Acquired by Palo Alto Networks) (CloudGenix SD-WAN, CloudGenix (WAN Optimization and Automation))

Exinda (Acquired by GFI) (Exinda Network Optimization, SD-WAN Solutions, Exinda WAN Optimization for Cloud and On-premise Environments)

Infovista (Ipanema SD-WAN, Ipanema WAN Optimization, Cloud-First SD-WAN Solutions)

Aryaka (Aryaka SmartConnect (SD-WAN), SmartOptimize (WAN Optimization), Global SD-WAN Service)

NetScout Systems (nGeniusONE (WAN Optimization), WAN Optimization Solutions for Application and Network Performance Management)

Silver Peak (Acquired by HPE) (Unity EdgeConnect (SD-WAN), Unity Orchestrator (SD-WAN and WAN Optimization), Unity Boost (WAN Optimization))

Allot Communications (Allot Smart Business, Allot Network Intelligence (WAN Optimization, SD-WAN))

Market Trends Driving Growth

1. The Rise of SD-WAN and Cloud Integration

Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) have revolutionized network management by offering dynamic traffic routing and enhanced security features. With businesses increasingly adopting cloud-based applications, SD-WAN is complementing WAN optimization to ensure better connectivity between data centers, branch offices, and remote users.

2. AI-Powered Network Optimization

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing a crucial role in WAN optimization by enabling real-time network monitoring and predictive analytics. AI-driven solutions help optimize bandwidth allocation, detect anomalies, and enhance overall network efficiency.

3. Growing Demand for Secure WAN Solutions

Cybersecurity threats are rising as more enterprises move their operations online. Secure WAN optimization solutions with built-in encryption, firewalls, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) are in high demand to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.

4. Edge Computing and IoT Driving Network Traffic

The rapid expansion of IoT devices and edge computing applications is significantly increasing network traffic. WAN optimization solutions are being developed to handle real-time data processing, ensuring low-latency communication between distributed edge locations and cloud platforms.

5. Hybrid Work and Remote Connectivity

With remote and hybrid work models becoming the norm, enterprises need high-performance WAN solutions to support remote employees. WAN optimization technologies improve remote access to cloud-based applications, ensuring seamless collaboration and productivity.

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Market Segmentation:

By Component

Solution

Traditional WAN

SD-WAN

Services

Advisory Services

Implementation & Integration

Training & Support

 By Deployment Type

On-premises

Cloud

By Enterprise Size

Large Enterprise

Small and Medium Size Enterprise

By Industry Vertical

BFSI

Healthcare

IT & Telecom

Manufacturing

Retail

Media & Entertainment

Government & Defense

Education

Market Analysis and Current Landscape

Key industry players, including Cisco, Riverbed Technology, Citrix Systems, Silver Peak (HPE), and Aryaka Networks, are investing in AI-driven WAN optimization solutions to enhance network visibility, reduce packet loss, and improve data transmission speeds.

Despite the market’s rapid growth, challenges such as high deployment costs, network complexity, and interoperability issues between legacy systems and modern cloud platforms remain significant concerns. However, continued advancements in automation and AI-based network optimization are expected to address these challenges.

Regional Analysis

1. North America

North America dominates the WAN optimization market due to the high adoption of cloud computing, digital transformation initiatives, and strong enterprise IT infrastructure. The presence of key players and significant investments in SD-WAN solutions further drive market growth in this region.

2. Europe

Europe is witnessing steady growth in WAN optimization adoption, particularly in sectors like banking, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Stringent data privacy regulations such as GDPR are also pushing companies to invest in secure and optimized WAN solutions.

3. Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR due to the rapid expansion of digital businesses, increasing internet penetration, and government initiatives promoting smart cities and cloud adoption. Countries like China, India, and Japan are emerging as key markets for WAN optimization solutions.

4. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa

Although still in the early stages, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are experiencing increased investments in network infrastructure, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Growing mobile penetration and digital transformation initiatives are expected to drive WAN optimization demand in these regions.

Key Factors Driving Market Growth

Increasing Cloud Adoption: Enterprises are migrating to cloud-based applications, requiring optimized WAN solutions for seamless performance.

Rising Bandwidth Demand: The surge in video conferencing, remote work, and SaaS applications is driving the need for bandwidth-efficient networks.

AI and Automation in Network Management: AI-powered analytics and automation tools are improving network performance and reducing downtime.

Regulatory Compliance and Data Security: Enterprises are investing in secure WAN solutions to comply with data protection regulations and prevent cyber threats.

Cost Optimization and ROI: WAN optimization helps businesses reduce costs by optimizing bandwidth usage and improving network efficiency.

Future Prospects and Innovations

1. AI and Predictive Network Analytics

Future WAN optimization solutions will leverage AI to predict network traffic patterns, identify congestion points, and automatically adjust bandwidth allocation for maximum efficiency.

2. 5G-Enabled WAN Optimization

With the rollout of 5G networks, WAN optimization technologies will evolve to support ultra-fast data transmission, real-time IoT applications, and high-speed cloud connectivity.

3. Blockchain for Network Security

Blockchain technology is being explored for its potential in enhancing WAN security, ensuring transparent data transfers, and preventing unauthorized access.

4. Integration with Edge Computing

Edge computing is expected to play a significant role in WAN optimization by reducing data transfer bottlenecks and enhancing real-time processing capabilities.

5. Evolution of Cloud-Native WAN Solutions

The rise of cloud-native WAN optimization solutions will enable businesses to scale their network infrastructure more efficiently, providing seamless connectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

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Conclusion

The WAN optimization market is experiencing rapid growth as enterprises prioritize network efficiency, security, and cloud performance. With increasing investments in AI, SD-WAN, and edge computing, the industry is set to evolve further, providing businesses with innovative solutions for seamless and secure connectivity. As technology advances, WAN optimization will continue to play a critical role in ensuring high-speed, reliable, and scalable network performance across global enterprises.

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[internett1line]

CAPEX vs. OPEX: Understanding Telecom Expense Management

In the world of Telecom Expense Management (TEM), the distinction between Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX) plays a crucial role in optimizing infrastructure costs. What is CAPEX? CAPEX involves upfront investments in long-term telecom infrastructure, such as purchasing hardware or building private networks. These assets provide long-term value and are capitalized…

[thedbahub]

Common Issues with SQL Server Connections Over WAN vs. LAN: The Role of Compression

When applications connect to SQL Server over a Wide Area Network (WAN) instead of a Local Area Network (LAN), several challenges can arise. These challenges often revolve around latency, bandwidth limitations, and the overall reliability of the connection. Understanding these issues is crucial for database administrators and developers who aim to optimize application performance and reliability.…

[marketwire]

The WAN Optimization Market is estimated to reach $xx million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% from 2020 to 2025. Across the wide area networks the collection of techniques for increasing data transfer efficiencies is generally called WAN optimization.  Wan optimization helps the organizations to save costs on the various additional hardware, software and bandwidth. 

[noircheols]

⸺ NO ORDINARY LOVE. 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚

an anthology of love stories almost never told.

PREFACE. love has been far from perfect. you thought you would stumble upon prince charming organically. unfortunately, this is a big fat joke in the 21st century. reluctantly, you open the app store and download something you always believed were better off for finding potential enemies or friends with benefits... a dating app. it’s time to give your phone cupid’s bow and see who it hits!

PAIRINGS. svt x reader (seperate)

WARNINGS. suggestive, cursing, varies from fic to fic

SCHEDULE. every monday (i hope.)

TAGLIST. @jjjjeonww @shirebusking @shinwonderful @tokitosun @unlikelysublimekryptonite @wonkierideul @flwrshwa @syluslittlecrows @macapunoz @paradiseoflosers @seokmn @itsclda

open! please feel free to dm/reply/ask

STATUS. ONGOING!

AUTHOR'S NOTE. AAAAA i wanted to write something inspired by hinge's no ordinary love campaign. reading it was so lovely and i wanted to write something alongside the same premises. hinge if ur seeing this please dont sue me </3. THIS IDEA IS NOT MINE AT ALL simply something inspired by it. i hope you all enjoy!! peep the ugly header LMAO graphic design is my least fave thing ever as u can see. happy love month to all the losers (affectionate) who enjoy!! i hope you all find love in the people you adore, the music, food, and most importantly, yourself!!!!

NETWORKS. @kstrucknet

♡ ‎ kisses are always promises ── 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐋

a love story for people who deserve peace of mind and torment themselves for being unable to give others the same.

LIKES : popping boba, working out, my dog kkuma, giving gifts and making them feel special, confidence

DISLIKES : lack of effort, ghosts, fries (got doxxed for this)

♡ ‎ let your habits control you ── 𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍

a love story for people who want somebody they can be themselves without any qualms, flaws and all.

LIKES : somebody who keeps me on my toes, napping, taking photos of my pet rock, cashmere pajamas

DISLIKES : somebody who monitors my every behaviour, judgemental

♡ ‎ heaven knows i'm miserable now ── 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐎

a love story for people who are looking for the best in people (and always end up finding the worst).

LIKES : optimism, deer print, sunsets, big smiles, playing guitar, an open heart

DISLIKES : poor manners, gaming, isn't understanding, just don't be a horrible person lol

♡ ‎ swimming fool ── 𝐖𝐄𝐍 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐇𝐔𝐈

a love story for people looking to dive head first beyond the surface of dating to understand themselves and their partner.

LIKES : exploring new possibilities but having somebody to call home, cat cafes, matcha, hmu huzz 👅👅👅

DISLIKES : misunderstands me and my humour (or chooses to), isn't on the same wavelength

♡ ‎ i don't wanna watch tv anymore ── 𝐊𝐖𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆

a love story for people who are scared to pick up their broken hearts and close themselves off from being hurt again.

LIKES : TIGERS, going to the arcade just for the dance machine, somebody to share fun memories with but also can feel safe with

DISLIKES : spicy food, pent up emotions, lack of ambition

♡ ‎ focus ── 𝐉𝐄𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐖𝐎𝐎

a love story for people who know that seeing is believing, that to be loved is to be seen, and that to believe is to love.

LIKES : hoodies, gaming (league of legends, genshin, valorant), reading, somebody to sit in silence with after a long day

DISLIKES : obnoxious, believes things revolve around them

♡ ‎ chocolate strawberries ── 𝐋𝐄𝐄 𝐉𝐈𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍

a love story for people who put up walls and are waiting for the right person to knock them down.

LIKES : anime (jujutsu kaisen, naruto, kimi ni todoke), personal space, my personal space being invaded

DISLIKES : my personal space being invaded, physical touch

♡ ‎ keep you close ── 𝐊𝐈𝐌 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐘𝐔

a love story for people who know what they want, and knowing what you want makes you lonely.

LIKES : cooking, trying new cuisines and restaraunts, unboxing collectibles, being appreciated

DISLIKES : heights, avoidance, mess

♡ ‎ weather forecast ── 𝐋𝐄𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐊𝐌𝐈𝐍

a love story for people who worry about being too much or too little, but never enough.

LIKES : long walks at public parks, cupcake-scented things, visiting the dog shelter, rock music (fun fact i was in a band!!!)

DISLIKES : nothing!!! everybody is awesome and cool in their own way :D

♡ ‎ cloudburst ── 𝐗𝐔 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐎

a love story for people who don't appreciate what they have.

LIKES : art history, exhibitions, mala xianguo (or any other spicy food)

DISLIKES : being held back, long-term commitments, being deprived of choice, everything

♡ ‎ ‎stuck by the glue ── 𝐁𝐎𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐖𝐀𝐍

a love story for people who are chronic people pleasers and give to the point of exhaustion.

LIKES : ballads, family, when somebody is caring and affectionate, tangerine flavoured desserts, iced americano

DISLIKES : making somebody upset, being found annoying, chan

‎ ‎♡ ‎ ‎starshy ── 𝐂𝐇𝐖𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐋

a love story for people who deserve to be taken seriously.

LIKES : visiting record stores, charli xcx, cloudy days, making personalized spotify playlists for each other

DISLIKES : dismissive, puts me down

‎ ‎♡ ‎ ‎hot n cold ── 𝐋𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍

a love story for people who make up their mind and change it the next minute.

LIKES : somebody who loves having me around, doing everything together, somebody dynamic

DISLIKES : seungkwan (DNI!!!!)

@noircheols do not copy or translate

[frostbitebakery]

Part 1

Part 2

“We’re losing him!”

“Hold on, Obi-Wan. It’s not your time yet.”

“The infection is eating through the thyroid.”

“Stabilize him!”

“It’ll be alright, little one, don’t cry. Just squeeze my hand.”

“It’s attacking the mandible and sternum. Move, move!”

“It’s going to be alright.”

“Save what you can!”

“Hold on, Obi-Wan. Listen to the Force.”

The tears on Master Qui-Gon’s face looked strange. He had seen him cry before but never over him. It hurt to move his mouth, hurt even more to speak. Hurt— hurt a lot to speak. He wasn’t sure he was actually saying anything. But he tried because Master Qui-Gon looked devastated and Obi-Wan already had broken his heart by choosing to become a Shadow as soon as his return to the Temple was permanent. “The Force is with—“

Obi-Wan opens his eyes. Makes sure the mask is in place.

The rain still hasn’t ceased its steady downpour. He pulls Mace’s robe tight around himself. His own robe, seldom as he uses it, might have been lost on the battlefield where he had dropped it, but semantics. Mace’s spare robe squelches.

Obi-Wan will never be dry again.

Wings snap back into armored plates as the hyperjets power down, and Obi-Wan takes a bit of pleasure watching Cody land silently despite the mass of the clone armor.

“The siege is going well,” Cody says, tapping one of multiple antenna links on his helmet. Obi-Wan smiles under the mask. Quin and Bant have accused him many a times of having weird preferences, but the professionalism and calm control Cody so casually exudes is very, very attractive. The news makes him even more attractive. “Shouldn’t take longer than three months,” Cody continues, optimism apparent even with the vocoder.

Any kind of attraction spurning on Obi-Wan’s wet, frozen body drowns in the rain rather pityfully. “Three months,” he repeats in tap code where he’s gripping the robe.

The helmet turns to him fully. “Yes. It’s going really well.”

Obi-Wan strengthens his resolve to leech off any warmth Cody possesses when they crawl into bed after their shift.

.

“You can’t ever steal my voice,” Cody repeats in a murmur, fingertip stroking over the words on Obi-Wan’s forearm. He looks up to find blue eyes watching him over the mask. “Is that your sense of humor or your defiance speaking?”

The hand where he started tracing the letters moves back and forth, undecided. A little bit of both, then, Cody guesses.

The hand is retracted, flows so naturally into sign language. “Many tried.”

“Tried to steal your voice?” At Obi-Wan’s nod, Cody shuffles up the bed, re-categorizing the scars he’s seen. “No one was ever successful, I’m guessing.”

“Many broken bones on both sides,” is signed with a careless shrug before Obi-Wan turns serious, determination and the even more familiar defiance spinning Cody close. “I will only ever be silent of my own choosing.”

[ladybird-with-a-pen]

It really frustrates me when in Star Wars fanfiction, the writers use a Jedi (usually Obi-wan) to say that fighting in the Clone wars was pointless or useless, or some other thing. Like it was pointless for the Jedi to do their best in defending those who couldn’t fight for themselves.

Yeah, they were taking orders from a sith, but the Jedi fought in the war because to not fight in the war, even if it would allow them to keep their tenants, would make them into hypocrites because then it would be like them saying they only helped and defended people in certain circumstances that were optimal for them.

If the Jedi didn’t fight in the Clone Wars, then they would be what people call them, when they describe them as aloof, cold hearted, or cut off from reality.

But they weren’t aloof, or cut off, or anything like that, and they chose to fight in that war because they saw that they would be able to do the greatest good that way even if it meant laying down their lives, (which they would do anyways in any circumstance for another person if required) and guess what?

Through fighting in the Clone wars, you can see them advise rulers and senators they were working and fighting with, and ended up inspiring them to do and make the right decisions by their own people. They saved millions that way. And even though the entire Jedi Order was destroyed because of the sith, these same people were inspired to continue fighting for Justice against the empire,-

Through Hera whose father worked with the Jedi, Han Solo who admired them, Chuchi, Mothma, and the Organas who were friends with them, and who all worked with the Alliance to bring down the Empire. These were all people who knew the Jedi and because of the Jedi’s’ compassion for them, connected to the Jedi.

So in more ways then one, the Jedi touched many people in the Clone war by fighting for them, defending them, protecting them.

The Jedi fighting in the Clone Wars was not pointless.

[threepandas]

Counting Down: 3 [<-Prev][]

My eyes were getting worse. There was nothing the healers could really do. Because, ultimately? There was nothing actually wrong, with my eyes. They were working exactly as nature intended. Exactly as my genetics designed. It was just... badly designed. Poorly suited, unfortunate perhaps, ill optimized in every way, for my environment.

If I had been living alone? Or in a sparsely populated, low growth environment? Subterraneanly? Well, THEN my eyes would have been perfect. Perhaps a bit on the over sensitive side, but otherwise perfect. I would have been a Sage. Elevated to Pathfinder, for my ability to safely lead my tribe through the dark.

But here? On Coruscant? Amongst the constant flow of billions? It is AGONY. A disability of the worst sort. Like two ice picks, slamming light and information into my brain. At the rate I am developing...

At... At the rate I am developing?

I may eventually be as good as BLIND. Be forced to wear a glorifed blindfold. And... and when THAT, inevitably fails? As it WILL fail? There have been... been somber, serious, terrifying talks? On if I wish to first try removing myself to a remote Temple for seclusion (and risk the lack of medical care that comes with it.) or if? O-or if?

Medically, it would be better to just... replace my eyes.

T-They can't even guarantee? That it would work. There are species that see through the Force. My problem may BE that I am somehow one of them and simply not physically built for it. That I developed the needed mutation. I... I could lose my eyes for NOTHING.

Yet...?

The headaches. The LIGHT. I can not take missions anymore. Can not even help in the Crèches. Their unfiltered, unshielded Force presences? Are like staring into search lights. I can not even help with Initiate classes, having grown too fucking sensitive! How will I EVER find a Padawan?!

I... I wanted one. Someone to guide and teach. Someone to watch grow.

Maybe that grief, (that I might never have one, that I KNOW he can do better,) is what makes me so short with Qui-gon. Obi-Wan is a youngling, damn it! Not a crutch for you mental health! Something which? Of course leads me to chasing Yan's Padawan down. REPEATEDLY. (Stop running! Boy! I KNOW YOU CAN SEE ME, QUI-GON! You better STOP RUNNING!! Listen to your Aunty while she SCOLDS YOU!) Because SOMEONE needs to beat that into the stubborn, heart sick, fool's head!

Why not me? I'm stuck on medical leave! Possibly FOREVER.

(Have a treat, Obi-Wan. You're too skinny.)

It's not productive. I KNOW it's not productive. The harder I push, the more Qui-gon digs his heels in. Yan's old Padawan was many things, but weak willed? Even in the depth of his grief? Hardly one of them. The whole LINEAGE was stubbornness made manifest. Literal STONES we more agreeable and subject to change.

I just wished Padawan Kenobi wasn't the one paying for it.

So, I helped. Without judgment. No harrasing him about his weight or his injuries, no demands he explain this or that. Just... there, if he's ready. If he trusts me. Bacta and pain relief, a safe place to sleep, someone to guide a peaceful meditation. And of course, Food. Ration bars by the basket. Take and hoard as many as you need. Here, both rich and mild foods to choose from.

Hugs and safety, I could do that. Be that. Put my emotions aside, for the sake of a child. Did his mere presence hurt? Yes. A LOT. But I would sooner die then let him know that. Bright and beautiful as his soul was, young and growing as he is? There is no pain, that is merely the confusion of crude matter. I am FINE. This... is FINE.

(Dispite the drugs, the meditation, it still HURTS.)

Neither Yan or Sifo like it. In fact, Yan is? Both in turns, heart sick and furious. His old Padawan entirely too good at dodging him. Dispite Yan being on the HIGH COUNCIL. Dispite BOTH Yan and Sifo, being on the High Council. It's genuinely impressive. Alarming, yes, that he uses such skill to avoid any attempts at therapy... but, well....

I've SEEN what the Mind Healers here consider a job "well done", with Sifo. Their definition of "help". So... granted, I understand completely. But he could just as easily take his Padawan on a "healing retreat"! Sneak away to get ACTUAL help from one of the other Sects! Illum perhaps? The Whills?

He KNOWS I'm right. It's why he's avoiding me.

(The little SHIT.)

Breathing in filtered, earth rich air, I tried to breathe out my stress. The Thousand Gardens do not just extend upwards. They went down as well. And they will continue to go upwards if ever another Temple is built upon the current one. Just like the last gardens, in which I sit, the light requiring plants that can be moved will be brought upwards. Those that can't? Get solar lamp systems.

Tiny biodomes, here in the dark. We do not kill our ancient trees, after all. Our plant and gardens. They are precious heirlooms. Living, breathing, friends. And besides? In the places they abandon, for the light up above? NEW gardens can be made! Subterranean ones. Glowing lichen and mushrooms, cave shrubs and parasitic low light trees.

It is peaceful, down here. Glowing plant life and distant lamps, like so many stars in the dark. The sound of running water and quite murmurs of the few who prefer such low light meditations. There are more then a few knights napping, having found gardens that speak to them. Their various light sensitive visual organs, finally having found relief.

Somewhere above me, Sifo is pacing. Erratic. Another vision of death and despair, of clones marching upon us all. It is getting to him. Like the slow eroding of a cliff face. Death by a thousand cuts. Over and over and OVER. Despair. Won't you do something? DESPAIR. Don't you CARE? DESPAIR. I can offer the power to FIX things. Don't you want it? Don't you WANT it~??

The Dark Side is a cruel and insidious thing. A riptide. An undertow, which drags you out to sea, then drowns you. It offers sweetness, safety, freedom. Only to deliver oblivion and pain. Power without control, it corrodes you. Destroys all that you were. Giving voice to your worst impulses, silencing your better nature.

You become a mockery of yourself.

I... I am scared for him. For Yan. I can see the outline of their ends, beginning to line up before them. They are pulling away. Growing frustrated. Their discussions with me are growing less philosophical difference with the Order, and more... dangerously immoral. Heretical. Nothing actionable, of course, but... I wouldn't expect their to be.

Both are High Councilors. They, of all people, know how to toe the line.

What do I DO? I ask the Force. Meditation after meditation, seeking guidance. How can I help them? And yet... I get no reply. No insight. Only nudges towards Obi-Wan. Towards teaching and compassion. Slipping him lessons on how to help slaves cope with the trauma. Philosophical debates on the doctrine of attachments. And, of course? Showing him my completely personal project, that HE will in no way someday need, of creating lesson plans for my hypothetical future Padawn.

How VERY thoughtful of him! To help me get some of those data pads! To help me research and revise my plans. He'll make a great mentor one day~ Amused? Me? No, no, dear. I was just thinking of a funny joke. Have ever given thought to Form Three?

Also! Never trust the Senate intelligence, dear. They are full of shit and couldn't spot a slaver if the sale was happening right in front of them. Do your own research whenever possible and NEVER rush in. NEVER.

(Yan refused to rush the assignment. Was in the Process of contacting the Armorer of Little Keldab for information. A Team was sent behind his back. On the word of the Senate alone. They almost completely DIED and the rightful Ruler of the Mandalorian people? Enslaved. Force knows where. Are you HAPPY now? Was rushing WORTH it? Your "regrets" mean NOTHING to the dead.)

It's building. I can feel it. The darkness is growing, my friends drifting farther and farther from the light. All, while? I am stuck. Disabled by my eyes. By the pain my so call "blessing" gives me.

Giving up on another useless meditation, I rise. Head for the lifts. The hallways down here are... quite. The old temple towers a peace place. Filled with the ancient echos of long dead Masters. There are room down here. Apartments. They are unassigned, yes, but no one truely cares if they are used. Granted, I would have to dust them myself.

I consider it. The light, (or really, the lack there off) is much more comfortable down here. The quite, less stressful. If Sifo didn't have such traumatic associations with darkness? I would honestly suggest moving down here with me. It might do us both some good.

As the lift rises, I tap the side of my lenses. Momentarily blinding myself in preparation for the increasing light. Soon enough, vision returns. The cacophonous press of noise. Oh dear, it's mid-meal. I should have waited. No wonder it's so loud and bright. Gritting my teeth, I keep my expression calm and pleasant. My shoulders relaxed.

It is not the younglings fault, that it hurts to be near them. They should NOT have to carry that guilt nor knowledge. I walk calmly but swiftly. This is fine. This Is Fine. Ow, ow, ow, OW, OW! This Is Fine!

Relief. I get passed them. The healers are right. Damn it. It really IS not just my eyes that are growing more sensitive. I... I so badly wanted them to be wrong. But as days go by? As weeks pass? Everything has slowly gotten... gotten so LOUD. Sharp and shrill, grating and rumbling, barks and squeals. Just? Just ALL of it. Too much.

Loud.

At the rate i'm going? I'm going to end up in a Force damned helmet like some sort of Mandalorian! And... and yes, I know there is no shame in that. That each race has their own specific needs. That it is humanist to think certain traits are somehow BETTER then others. I just... just feel like I am slowly losing myself. My freedom.

I am scared.

My body feels like it's betraying me.

Somewhere, near the High Council's chambers, I can feel Yan seething. How long has it been? Since the three of us coexisted in simple peace? Before Sifo's accident? Their appointments to the Council? Or was it as recent as Xanatos and the disaster of his Fall? How... How long have I been a pillar? For the mental and spiritual strength of others?

It's grinding me to dust. I'm so tired. Just... just want to rest. For just a moment. Without the fear, that my moments weakness? Will condemn a good man. Will irreversibly harm, a growing child. I.. Force, I am so tired.

Sifo is waiting for me, in my apartments. My plan for a moments rest? A fleeting, impossible, dream. He is pacing, pacing, pacing. Lines of tension and darting eyes. Hands clenching and unclenching. Running through his already ruined hairdo, again and again. It was easy to see what someone might think him mad. He certainly looked it.

"I saw them again. Bastards! I don't-! What am I doing wrong?!" He gasped the second he laid eyes on me. Already ranting before the door even closed. "I vow not to step foot on Kamino? They still appear. Avoid Mandalorians? Still! They exsist! But, oh! What if I plan Temple defenses? Surely THEN, right?! No! They somehow get passed them! Is it me? Am I the problem!?"

"TELL ME!"

He spun, eyes wide and manic, arms spread. As though inviting a blow. Inviting his own destruction. Hair falling from his careful hairdo in mad whisps, clothes disheveled, hands faintly trembling... he did not look well. Looked near tears. Teetering on the edge of something ugly.

How long could he hold out? I wondered.

I didn't have a comforting answer for him. No sweet and gentle words. But I could offer a hug. A hand to hold, as he faced down the dark. Sometimes... sometimes there WAS no right answer, Sifo. Sometimes the pieces were all on the board yet. Or the very act of try to stop Fate, made it so. I don't know. Can't know. Neither of us can.

But I can be there WITH you, until the end. And we can do our best.

Have you eaten yet? Had any tea? When was the last time you slept? Terrible things do not become easier to bear, if you burn yourself up, trying to face them. You have to take care of yourself too. I stepped forward, into that desperate stance, and pulled him into my arms.

"You believe me. You BELIEVE me. It's just inevitabe, too you, isnt it? That's what your trying not to say, isn't it? That you've run out of options. " Sifo's arms wrapped around me in a desperate grip. Like a drowning man holding onto the only life raft at sea.

"You're just afraid. Don't want me to break myself, destroy myself, chasing something that can't happen. Because we're Jedi, and you know we have to try. Try and try and TRY! Until it destroys us. Destroys everything. Hoping against all hope that they'll just... just LISTEN! But they WON'T, will they? They won't listen. It's inevitable. A cleansing. Purging of the old, to give rise to something new. The will of the Force itself."

Cleansing? Purging?! Alarm bells started to ring in my head. Nothing good came of talks of "cleansings" or "purgings" of ANYTHING.. NOTHING. I opened my mouth to refute him. Never got the chance. Yan's Force presence slammed into ours. The equivalent of crashing open doors and stomping feet.

Startled and alarmed, I turned just in time to see him sweep into my apartment like a raging, high society, storm cloud. The expression on his face could peel paint.

"Apparently," he snarled, barely holding together. "my Grand-Padawan has SUPPOSEDLY left the Order! Despite showing no prior interest in doing so, sending no missives to friends or fellow Creche-mates, and? Of course? Let us not forget? SUPPOSEDLY doing so? For some TART in the midst of an ACTIVE WARZONE!"

Horrified, I felt the blood drain from my face. No. NO! I thought I had more TIME! Please! Dear FORCE! Tell me, Qui-gon did not LEAVE his Padawan on-!

"Oh yes! CLEARLY, this is but a childish desire to wet his-!" Yan visibly struggled to beat back the surge of incoherent WRATH and fear. The disappointment. They HORROR at a child, in such unimaginable danger. "The Council won't even HEAR that there could be anything amiss! Won't even CHECK. A supposed WASTE of RESOURCES, when already we are stretched too thin! A CHILD, potentially ABANDONED in a WARZONE! And they-!? THEY-!?"

My mind races as I pull away from Sifo's grip to face Yan. The Order won't authorize use of their ships to go check. But... But? Are we not Jedi? We serve the Force. Our mission is to PROTECT. Minimize suffering, bring Light to the universe. Take a sabbatical! NOW! In fact? We ALL will. It will be GOOD for me, to be away from Coruscant's crowded population.

Call your Family, Yan. We need a Serranian Ship. Ask if we can borrow the Senator's, since it's on planet. We aren't slaves. They can't stop us, if we simple decide to GO. Punish us? Perhaps. But not STOP us.

An almost roguish grin settles poorly, under the near manic glint in Yan's eyes. Too expressive. Too unhinged. He has never been anything but composed, he values it too highly. Sifo's answering grin is just as manic. Just as... slightly wrong. Too much. Fitting both too practiced and ill fitting on their faces.

Like they are feeding off each others madness... some part of me hisses in concern. A feedback loop, we aren't strong enough to stop.

I try to ignore it. Focus on the now. There is a child in danger. It's... it's fine. Probably. All I have to do, is keep them away from the Sith! They... they won't Fall. They WON'T.

R-Right?

Yet... watching them plan our trip? Calling in favors and gleefully plotting. Casually threatening. Feeding of each others energy, as they do. I... I am not so certain. Once again, that moment of dissonance strikes true. Like looking around and realizing I am an actor on the stage of a Tragedy, ready line after line, as we march onward to the inevitable End.

Attachments are going to condemn you. Seems to whisper the Force. Like chains that choke and squeeze.

I know, I whisper back. But I am foolish and still want to save them.

Please let me try.

Please.

Let me TRY.

[jedidruid]

Not as clumsy or random as a blaster; an elegant weapon for a more civilized age: Lightsabers and Blasters and the Jedi

If there's one concept I love to rotate around in my head, its the Jedi's use of lightsabers and how they rarely use blasters outside of very extreme or fringe situation.

Like, we know its a purposeful choice on their part. It's far far simpler to get good at shooting a gun than it would be to become a master sword fighter. Add the Force into the mix, and the Jedi would become even more deadly warriors in a galaxy where they're already among the best, if not the best.

Obi-wan's time undercover as Rako Hardeen shows that he's able to match the skill of someone know as the "Marksman of Concord Dawn" with little issue. Kanan and later Ezra show just how much of an edge the Force can give in a shoot-out. In the first episode of Rebels, we literally see Kanan drop three or four stormtroopers in rapid succession while driving a speeder bike. All when he's still actively disguising/holding back his connection to the Force. We even see examples of mixing blasters and lightsabers in the Jedi games, with Cere Junda using both at the end of Fallen Order and Cal developing his own style of it partway through Survivor.

Every time we've seen a Jedi pick up a blaster, they can easily match trained soldiers and experienced fighters.

It's easy, and that's arguably why we don't see more Jedi using them.

To be a Jedi, a blaster is a clumsy weapon not because it somehow inaccurate or unwieldy, but because it gives them too few options.

For a Jedi with just a blaster, the only way to defend themselves against other people with blasters is to shoot back. Sure they could try and shoot the weapons out of their opponents' hands, but even then they would have no way to defend themselves or others from numerous shooters, nor would it stop a disarmed enemy from grabbing another weapon and undoing the Jedi's progress.

For a Jedi with just a blaster, the best way, the safest way, to end the fight is always going to be to shoot to kill.

When a Jedi has a lightsaber, however, it gives them so much more flexibility. They can provide cover for their allies or those they are protecting, they can turn blaster bolts back on their aggressors to discourage them from attacking, they can more easily advance to nullify the main advantage of blasters or more easily retreat and escape from any pursers. That's not even mentioning all the practical uses a lightsaber has as a tool outside of combat.

And sure, it's not that blasters in and of themselves don't suit the Jedi way. Stun blasters or emp/electrial blasters could be useful if they suited the situation.

But again, it's not about whats optimal or easiest, its about what those options take away from the table.

If you see someone running towards you with a blaster, you might risk pulling out your own and shooting your way out, depending on how desperate you are. After all, if you are thinking your life could end at any moment on another's whim, it's becomes more enticing to take the initiate and put yourself on even ground.

But if you see someone with a lightsaber? Where the danger at range comes not from being shot, but from your own attacks being turned against you? It might make you hesitant to attack, more willing another way out of the situation, whether through surrender, fleeing, or talking things out.

Does it always work out this? No, of course not. Fear makes people act impulsively, recklessly. But at the very worst, it can make it easier for a Jedi to deescalated and take control of a fight, where a blaster might only escalate the situation beyond anyone's control.

All of this is not to mention how the use of blasters can affect a Jedi's mentality. Cere Junda and Cal Kestis both rely on blasters in their darkest moments, when Cere returns to the Fortress Inquisitorius and when Cal is pursuing someone who betrayed him and killed those he cared about. Ezra's switching to use a proper blaster instead of rebuilding his stunning blaster/saber combo marks a dangerous shift in his thinking.

After all, it's all so easy to shot and kill someone, you barely have to move or think. Aren't some enemies not worth the effort of using your lightsaber? Maybe they're so inconsequential they're not even worthy to die by the weapon of a Jedi... they're less than worthless, less than a real person, they need to get out of the way or be forced out of it, how dare they oppose you!?!?

... ... ...

A lightsaber is a Jedi's weapon because it reflects what a Jedi is.

A lightsaber can be as dangerous to its user as it can be to their opponents. It requires training, self discipline, a sense of purposefulness that a blaster simply doesn't. The Jedi know what happens when they seek a quick and easy path....

A self-imposed limitation. A defensive weapon. A purposeful weapon.

An elegant weapon for a more civilized age.

[meebles]

I don't have anything new to share currently, but @codywancomfort is such a cute event and I'd like to share a couple of my older comfort fics:

and the stars, like a loved one

Codywan / Rated T / One-shot / No warnings

Summary:

“These wings are your lives.” Cody watches with a keen eye, same as any other training exercise— the way Seventeen arranges and slots any wayward feathers back into place, carefully realigning the barbules, removing any molted feathers trapped between the various layers. “They will save your lives, but only if they’re properly maintained for optimal flight. And unlike a blaster, broken and useless ones cannot be tossed out and replaced… ” Alpha-17 turns and gives the lot of them one of his most severe looks. Cody looks up and meets it, unwavering. “Not without replacing the entire unit. So don’t give them a reason to.”

Or: Cody, his wings, and carving out comfort in the middle of a war.

Read on Ao3

--------

the harvest of a lifetime (real bad tea)

Codywan / Rated T / One-shot / No warnings

Summary:

“Well, how do you like it?” He sets the cup down, and turns to Kenobi. The look on his face is vaguely hopeful, but mostly one of genuine curiosity. Cody has no doubt in his mind that if he tells Kenobi he doesn’t like it, the other man won’t take any offense. It is, after all, just a drink. But Cody thinks of how passionate Kenobi was when discussing the tea, how entirely happy he seemed. A true moment of joy that Cody doesn’t know if he’s ever really seen from his General. It’s such thoughts, swirling in the back of his mind, that compel him to do something completely unnecessary and entirely stupid. They compel him to lie.

Or: Cody and Obi-Wan often share a cup of tea while they work. The fact that Cody hates tea is inconsequential.

Read on Ao3

[impossibleprincess35]

Asphodel | ch 60

[Excerpt:]

Obi-Wan rubbed at his jawline for a moment, grumbling awkwardly to himself as he tried to fight the affection he felt for the boy that wasn’t his own, and then he huffed as he outstretched his arms and embraced how foolish he must have looked.

Korkie blinked. “What are you doing?”

“I, well, I, uh, I just thought you might have wanted a hug,” he answered.

For a moment, in the Force, Korkie was clouded in hesitation. He was a young man, certainly tough enough to cavort around with Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls, and certainly smart enough to hold his own in a conversation about geo-galactic politics; but he was also a refugee, far from home, and a child that had recently lost a member of his family with Kal’s passing.

Hesitation quickly passed and the boy turned into Obi-Wan’s embrace.

“I’m sorry that your life has been upended as it has,” the Jedi murmured against a head of short, strawberry blond hair, as his arms enclosed around Korkie. “It cannot be easy, experiencing so much change in such a short period of time.”

Korkie’s eyes closed and he pretended for the duration of the embrace that Obi-Wan was his father and that he was finally being acknowledged as he had always wanted. He knew it was futile - that it was a fleeting childhood dream - but as the hug came to an end, he was glad he had indulged in it, even if it hadn’t been true.

“Thanks, Obi-Wan,” he said sheepishly.

Obi-Wan smiled and told him, “You’re doing a good job, Korkie. Your mother is very proud of you,” and then upon second thought, he added, “and it matters little, I’m sure, but I’m very proud of you, too. These are difficult times to weather, and at such a young age, nonetheless. You have your mother’s tenacity.”

“We’ll get through this somehow,” Korkie responded, taking a deep breath and centering himself as he smiled softly. “Mandalorians have fought through the worst of circumstances and these probably don’t even make the top five. There is always another sunrise, another battle, another opportunity to make great change. There’s peace in that, even if it’s not the peace my buir fought for.”

“If I didn’t know you weren’t mine, I’d swear that optimism came from me,” Obi-Wan said under his breath with a playful smirk.

Looking at him with admiring eyes, Obi-Wan noted all of the features that were strangely familiar yet foreign because they could not have come from either himself nor Satine; and although it was saddening, it was also magical, as though the Force, the manda, and all of the fates at play in the galaxy had somehow conspired together to create a child that could only be theirs.

As though Korkie had an ounce of Force sensitivity and could read his mind, the young man said to him, “I still wish you were my father.”

“And I wish you were my son,” Obi-Wan replied honestly, the admission escaping him without little thought or restraint, as he smiled.

--

Chapter 60 is up.

[lightwise]

I Never Gave Up On You

Optimism and Redemption: How Luke and Omega are the only people who could have reached Anakin/Vader and Crosshair in their darkest moments

Unfortunately, I don't feel like pulling a bunch of screenshots for this one, so bear with me.

There's a really beautiful parallel between Luke and Omega as the bright-eyed, young, slightly naive but endlessly optimistic characters who are the ones capable of reaching out to and believing in Vader and Crosshair enough to help bring them back to the light.

They see the best in people. They both have their moments of complaining or becoming impatient with their circumstances or surroundings, but when it comes to people, they are bottomless wells of patience and optimism. They don't ignore or overlook the bad things that Vader and Crosshair have done, even to them, but they don't hold those things against them and believe that they can change their ways.

They value family. While both of them would show compassion to anyone, there is a special bond to people they consider family that opens up even more of their tenderheartedness. And they capitalize on it.

They have distance from the worst things the other has done. Now what do I mean by this? I have often thought about how out of Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Padme, and Luke, the people who loved and knew Anakin the most, only Luke was able to actually save him. I believe it's partly because Luke wasn't actually there for Anakin's fall to the dark side, his crimes as Vader, the depths of his hatred and hurt that he leveraged against Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Padme numerous times. Those three had seen the worst of Anakin/Vader and been burned by it, and while Padme did hold out hope, even she couldn't reach him. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka eventually gave up, because they had been hurt too often and there was too much proverbial water under the bridge. Luke, however, while he did have ways in which he was hurt by Vader, could separate Vader from the Anakin he had been told about, and could see how that person was still inside the masked Sith who cut off his hand. He didn't have a lifetime of irreparable damage to overcome. And he kept choosing to call out to Anakin, his father, and ask him to make the right choice, even if it meant he (Luke) could die in the process. Similarly with Omega and Crosshair, while she was there when Crosshair was led away from them all and had his chip enhanced, and all the times that he shot at them and hunted them down and betrayed them, she didn't have a prior deep relationship with him that was ruptured by these incidents. She could see his true nature and the good in him, and was hurt by his choices but not wounded in the same ways that Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech were after watching the sibling they had grown up with turn into seemingly a different person. Hunter especially gave up hope, and Wrecker and Tech were willing to let Crosshair make his own decisions. But Omega knew that Crosshair was more than what he had chosen for himself, that he was her brother, and she never stopped reflecting the light she saw in him back to him until he was able to grasp onto it for himself. She refused to leave him behind, even at the risk of her own safety.

They succeeded. Where others had tried and failed (even with the same amount of loving and caring and persistence for a time), Luke and Omega never gave up hope. And they got to see the fruit of their efforts. Vader and Crosshair were so closed off, so thoroughly convinced that their choices had made them irredeemable, so hated themselves, that they refused any and all help until someone was willing to be that bridge for them one more time. And it's really beautiful to see the results.