#ai in radar systems​

[amrutmnm]

The Role of AI in Evolving Surface Radar Systems

The Surface Radars Market is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This evolution is enhancing the capabilities of surface radar systems, leading to improved detection, surveillance, and operational efficiency. This article explores how AI is reshaping the surface radars market, the benefits it brings, and the future implications for defense and civil applications.

Understanding Surface Radars

Surface radars are pivotal in defense and civil operations, providing high-performance detection, surveillance, and communication capabilities. They play a crucial role in real-time threat detection, border security, air defense, naval surveillance, and the protection of strategic infrastructure. The demand for advanced surface radar systems has been on the rise, driven by the need for enhanced security measures and the modernization of military capabilities.

The Role of AI in Surface Radar Systems

The integration of AI into surface radar systems marks a significant advancement in radar technology. AI algorithms enable the processing of vast amounts of radar data in real-time, providing immediate and meaningful insights that empower decision-making. This integration enhances object detection and classification, allowing radar systems to differentiate between various objects with greater accuracy. In defense applications, this means improved identification of potential threats, leading to more effective responses.

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Enhancing Object Detection and Classification

AI-driven radar analytics have revolutionized object detection and classification. Machine learning algorithms process extensive radar data, enabling systems to distinguish between different objects such as vehicles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This capability is particularly beneficial in defense scenarios, where accurately identifying potential threats is critical. By analyzing historical and real-time data, AI can predict future movements and anticipate events, enhancing situational awareness and response strategies.

Predictive Maintenance and System Reliability

AI contributes significantly to predictive maintenance in radar systems. By analyzing operational data, AI algorithms can identify anomalies and predict potential system failures before they occur. This proactive approach ensures optimal performance and longevity of radar assets, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. For instance, AI-powered systems can monitor the health of radar components, alerting operators to issues that may require attention, thereby enhancing overall system reliability.

AI-Driven Radar Analytics in Surveillance

In surveillance applications, AI-driven radar analytics enhance the detection and tracking of objects over vast areas. This capability is vital for border security, coastal surveillance, and the protection of critical infrastructure. AI-enhanced radar systems provide real-time monitoring and accurate threat detection, enabling timely interventions and bolstering national security measures.

Integration with Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)

The integration of AI-powered surface radars with Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) is projected to achieve significant growth. USVs equipped with advanced radar systems benefit from enhanced detection, tracking, and surveillance functionalities. AI enables these autonomous vehicles to navigate complex maritime environments, perform critical missions such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine detection, and anti-submarine warfare, thereby increasing their operational efficiency and effectiveness.

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Challenges and Considerations

Despite the advancements, integrating AI into surface radar systems presents challenges. Ensuring the security and reliability of AI algorithms is paramount, as vulnerabilities could be exploited, leading to compromised radar operations. Additionally, the complexity of AI systems requires substantial investment in research and development, as well as specialized expertise to implement and maintain these technologies effectively.

Future Outlook

The future of the Surface Radars Market is closely tied to ongoing advancements in AI and machine learning. As AI technologies continue to evolve, we can anticipate further enhancements in radar capabilities, including improved accuracy, faster data processing, and more sophisticated predictive analytics. These developments will not only strengthen defense operations but also expand the applications of surface radars in civil sectors such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, and disaster management.

The integration of AI into the Surface Radars Market represents a significant leap forward in radar technology. By enhancing detection capabilities, enabling predictive maintenance, and improving surveillance operations, AI is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of surface radar systems. As the demand for advanced security and surveillance solutions grows, the synergy between AI and surface radars will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in meeting these emerging challenges.

[naija247new]

AI to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Legal Sector, Says Case Radar CEO

By Naija247news – Kaduna, May 15, 2025 Agbo Obinnaya, a technology expert and CEO of Case Radar AI, has highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s legal system, emphasizing that AI-driven tools could significantly improve access to justice and efficiency in legal proceedings. In a statement issued Thursday in Kaduna, Obinnaya stressed that the core…

[innonurse]

Ardent hospital ERs have been disrupted in six US states as a result of a ransomware attack

- By InnoNurse Staff -

Ardent Health Services, a healthcare provider with 30 hospitals spread across six states in the United States, announced that its systems were hit by a ransomware attack on Thursday.

Read more at BleepingComputer

///

Other recent news and insights

A remarkably thin tattoo that provides a tactile experience (Italian Institute of Technology/Tech Xplore)

For functional MRI brain imaging, an innovative design achieves tenfold higher resolution (UC Berkeley)

Czech startup KARDI AI raises €1.5 million to fight heart disease (The Recursive)

Gamification: WE Ventures has invested $1 million in Radar Fit, a Brazilian healthtech company (Contxto)

Alleviate Health: This healthtech platform saves doctors and nurses time on administrative tasks (GrepBeat)

Opinion: Behavioral health technology products can function effectively in the absence of professional oversight (Behavioral Healthcare Executive)

Precision medicine: Perceiv AI achieves HIPAA compliance (Perceiv AI/PRNewswire)

[reasonsforhope]

Some things that make me hopeful: That HIV/AIDS could be on the path to eradication via medical advancements, and that a lot of cancers are becoming "chronic treatable illness" rather than terminal illnesses. That vaccine development is as good as it is, and could be better. In short I find it inspiring that as harmful as our current healthcare system can be at some points, despite that, we're successfully fighting stuff that was often in history seen as inevitable or fate. Medical advances are slow but steady.

That for as bad as AI is in many ways, there are very promising developments with small, specialized machine learning models to serve as "second eyes" to assist humans in hyper-detailed tasks with bad outcomes if the human misses - e.g. detecting cancer in pathology samples, spotting tornado development in severe storms on radar. Accessibility is also getting a boost - text readers for Blind/visually impaired people and sound alerts/notifications for Deaf/hearing impaired people are improving, as is translation software for people who are not good natural language learners. That between solar, wind, nuclear, and even possibly the development of batteries that are less environmentally impacting/dangerous than Li-Ion, we may well start turning the tide on fossil fuels' damage to the planet. Walkable cities aren't a joke but an actual field of development and study, and there's actual work on public transit and moving away from dependence on cars in many places. On a social level, that, while, yes, it seems like the US and some other countries are going backwards for the time being - that it's very unlikely those advances will be forever lost worldwide. More people than ever are for LGBTQIA+ freedoms and rights, more people than ever are against at least the most overt and harmful displays of bigotry and racism and sexism even if they aren't perfect, etc. And this might be a bit controversial, but the decline of compulsory religious practice in much of the world. That you can choose your faith and how you display it, or choose to have no faith or anywhere in between would have seemed entirely impossible to people even 100 years ago in a lot of places and now, that's a given human right pretty much everywhere but the most restrictive theocracies and hyper-traditionalist families.

Hopeful things!! Thanks for sharing!!

[keehomania]

business proposal (제안서) — kim seokjin (김석진)

✧.* 18+

a closer look reveals the hidden multitude of narcissists roaming freely across the earth. they moved through life as ordinary figures—doctors, lawyers—sharing the same vulnerability of human blood. yet, there lingered a belief in their superiority, an unspoken arrogance. among them, businessmen appeared to embody that conceit most profoundly.

kim enterprises had the value of 1.5 billion won. a leading technology firm specializing in cutting-edge ai solutions and smart home devices. founded on the principles of advancing human-technology synergy, the company designs state-of-the-art gadgets that seamlessly integrate with daily life. under the visionary leadership of kim seokjin, the president’s son, the company has gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards. currently, it lies at the forefront of revolutionizing smart technology, with a diverse portfolio ranging from intelligent automation systems to next-generation personal assistants.

impressive, really. it'd have been much more impressive if he was as likeable as his company. he was a narcissist in the purest form, no matter how much he cared for the company and his employees. only because no care would amount to the kind he put into himself.

the company had been running smoothly under his care for nine years, as his father had fallen ill and was unable to sustain it on his own. he knew he was making the right decision when he deemed seokjin the next heir, the next in control. he was smart, charming, persuasive. he knew every corner and end of a business deal, how to tie the knots and when to cut off loose ends.

“kim, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. i must say, kim enterprises has been on our radar for quite some time.” seokjin shook his hand firmly, returning the smile. “the pleasure is mine, james. i've been following your company’s progress closely as well. it’s impressive how you’ve carved out a niche in ai development.”

james’s eyes lit up. “thank you. we’re particularly interested in your smart home integration systems. from what i understand, your latest model has seen a significant uptick in market share.” seokjin’s smile widened, “yes, our quantum series has been a game-changer. we’ve seen a 30% increase in market penetration over the past year. the integration of adaptive ai has really resonated with consumers, allowing for a more intuitive user experience.”

james nodded, clearly pleased. “exactly. that’s why we’re keen on a partnership. our research indicates that your technology complements our upcoming product line perfectly. what terms are you envisioning for this deal?” seokjin considered the question thoughtfully. “given the scope of the integration and the potential for cross-promotion, i’d suggest a revenue-sharing model. we propose a 60-40 split in favor of kim enterprises for the first two years. this would allow us to leverage your distribution network while providing you with a substantial stake in the revenue generated.”

james raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. “that’s a fair proposition. but considering the development and marketing costs, how about adjusting the split to 50-50 initially, with a performance-based adjustment thereafter?” seokjin weighed the offer, then nodded. “i see your point. let’s compromise at 55-45, with a performance review after the first year to reassess the terms. we can draft a detailed agreement to reflect this.”

james’s expression softened into one of admiration. “agreed. your understanding of both the technology and market dynamics is impressive, kim. it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

seokjin’s eyes sparkled with resolve. “thank you, james. i believe in building partnerships that are beneficial for both sides. our goal is not just to expand our market presence but to also deliver exceptional value through innovative collaborations.” james raised his glass with a smile. “well said. i look forward to working with you. let’s toast to a successful partnership.”

he truly was a natural, he knew exactly what to say and how to say it. however, even if he was reluctant to admit it, he couldn't have done it on his own.

you navigated the room with a calm, poised demeanor, your sharp eyes scanning for any potential issues or tasks that needed attention. you approached seokjin with a subtle nod, a tablet in hand. he acknowledged the gesture, his eyes flickering with appreciation. “i’ve just received the finalized draft of the agreement,” you said quietly, sliding the tablet over to him. “i made sure to include the revised revenue split and the performance review clause you discussed with james.”

he glanced at the document, his expression approving. “perfect timing. you’ve captured all the necessary details. thanks for handling this so efficiently.” james, intrigued, looked at you. “i must say, it’s clear that you play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. your attention to detail must be invaluable.”

you smiled modestly. “thank you, james. it’s my job to make sure that the priorities are met and that every aspect of our deal is thoroughly managed. it’s a pleasure to contribute to the success of our partnerships.” as you stepped back, you made a quick call to coordinate a follow-up meeting with the legal team, ensuring that all paperwork would be processed without delay. your presence was a testament to the meticulous planning that underpinned seokjin's success.

although he was the brains behind the operation, you were the one that made sure the operation was in action. you coordinated all of his appointments and travel arrangements, handled all of his phone calls, drafted all of the reports and presentations, organized all of the meetings, supported all of the projects, and so much more. you were good at your job, and you loved it.

it was one of the many reasons why that same night, in the back of seokjin's limo, he had met your words with a look of horror displayed on his face. you remained stoic as you adjusted the hem of your dress, pushing your hair past your shoulder before meeting his gaze once more. “you want to quit?” you nodded in confirmation. the question itself held more shock than intended, but he couldn't help it. your announcement had put a dent in the night. you had been his left hand for exactly nine years and, out of the blue, you had announced that you were ready to leave the company.

the city lights blurred past the windows as you sat in the back of seokjin's sleek, black limousine. the leather seats were soft beneath you, but there was tension in the air that makes you sit a little straighter, hands folded tightly in your lap. seokjin was beside you, scrolling through his phone with a practiced ease, oblivious to the storm brewing in your mind.

“it's personal,” you explained, trying to keep your tone even. “i have some matters in my life that need my full attention right now.” he stared at you, disbelief etched on his features. “after nine years? just like that?”

“i'm sorry,” you said, your heart aching with each word. “but it's something i have to do.” seokjin's jaw tightened, but he nodded curtly. “if that's your decision, i won't stand in your way.” the rest of the ride passed in heavy silence, the atmosphere between you both laden with unspoken words and shared sorrow. you could only gaze at the fleeting cars through the window, oblivious to the hurt etched into what was supposed to be his stoic expression.

that night, he found himself tossing and turning in his grand, empty bed. sleep eluded him, chased away by a persistent nightmare. in it, he saw a woman with long, black hair, her back always turned to him. no matter how much he called out and cried, she never looked back, slipping further away with each step. he woke up in a cold sweat, the image of the woman haunting him. the clock beside his bed read that it was only four o'clock. frustrated and unsettled, he spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the sense of impending loss.

the following morning, he stood in front of the mirror in his expansive bedroom, the morning light filtering through the curtains. his shirt was buttoned, but his tie lies undone around his neck. he waited, as he always did, for you. when you arrived, your expression was composed, professional. "good morning, vice chairman."

he nodded, his eyes fixed on your reflection in the mirror. “morning, secretary (y/n).” you stepped forward, deftly tying his tie with practiced hands, the sound of your name stinging more than necessary. the proximity, once a simple part of your routine, now felt charged with the weight of your impending departure.

he gazed at himself in the mirror, his ego surfacing as a way to mask his vulnerability. “do you see that? the beauty?” you glanced at the mirror, assuming he meant the sunlight casting a golden glow across the room. “yes, the sunrise is beautiful.” a faint smirk touched his lips. “no, not the sunrise. me. my aura.”

you suppressed a sigh, knowing that it was nothing but the the standard for him. “yes, very dazzling, vice chairman.” satisfied, he turned away from the mirror and straightened his suit jacket. “let's go. we have breakfast at my parents' house.”

the drive to the kim family estate was quiet, the earlier tension replaced by a heavy resignation. seokjin's family home was grand, an imposing structure surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. inside, you were greeted by his mother, her warm smile a stark contrast to the austere demeanor of the chairman. “good morning, hyeon. (y/n), it's always a pleasure to see you.”

“good morning, mother,” seokjin replied, his tone polite yet distant. the chairman nodded at you both, his presence commanding respect. “let's eat.”

breakfast was a formal affair, the table laden with an array of traditional dishes. conversation was polite, centered around business and family matters. seokjin's parents were unaware of your decision to leave, and you caught seokjin's gaze more than once, a silent understanding passing between you. as the meal progressed, you couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. that world, so intertwined with his, had been your life for nearly a decade. leaving it behind wouldn't be easy.

breakfast ended, and the chairman suggested that he and his son retire to the study room for a private discussion. you followed his mother to the sitting room, where she invited you to join her for tea. she was a gracious host, her demeanor warm and inviting. “how have you been, sweetheart? it feels like forever since we had a proper chat,” she said, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.

you smiled, taking the offered cup. “i've been well, mrs. kim. thank you.” her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “tell me, what do you think about my hyeon? he talks about you often.”

you paused, considering your words carefully. you knew she was an older lady, so you didn't question the way she misnamed him. her memory had probably grown shabby. “he's an exceptional leader, very dedicated to his work. it's been an honor to work with him.” she nodded, her smile widening. “yes, he's always been very driven. but tell me, is my son seeing anyone? he never mentions these things to me.”

you shook your head. “despite all the girls around him, he's not dating anyone.” mrs. kim's eyes widened in horror. “he's not— gay, is he?”

you stifled a laugh, shaking your head again. “no, mrs. kim, he's not. he's just very focused on his work.” she sighed in relief, placing a hand over her heart. “thank goodness. it would be wonderful for him to finally get a girlfriend. he's not getting any younger, you know.” you couldn't help but wonder at her words. the idea of him with someone else felt oddly unsettling.

in the study room, seokjin's father, chairman kim, sat behind an imposing oak desk, his expression stern. “i heard a rumor, seokjin. (y/n) is quitting?” his jaw tightened, but he met his father's gaze steadily. “it's true. but i won't let it happen.”

chairman kim raised an eyebrow. “and how do you plan to stop it?” seokjin's voice was firm. “i'll find a way to convince her to stay. she's indispensable to me.”

a moment of silence passed before chairman kim's lips twitched into a faint smile. “are you dating her?” seokjin blinked, momentarily taken aback. “no, father, i'm not.”

the chairman feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “oh, i feel faint. my son, the great seokjin, not dating his perfect secretary.” he rolled his eyes, a rare display of exasperation. “i've seen your medical records, father. you're perfectly healthy.”

chairman kim waved a dismissive hand. “you should do your father a favor and find a wife, give us grandchildren. it's time you settled down.” seokjin sighed, the weight of his father's words lingering. he had never been in a relationship, and neither had you. it was one of the reasons you knew you had to quit. your life revolved around your work, as did his. only, you weren't satisfied with that. it wasn't that he wasn't attracted to anybody, because he was, but nothing mattered more than his craft. he felt off about women touching him, in any case. it made him anxious, and brought up memories he fought to keep hidden.

you and seokjin departed for the office, the morning sun casting long shadows across the driveway as the car pulled away from the estate. the ride was initially silent, both of you lost in thought. he finally broke the silence, “what exactly did you mean by personal matters?” his tone was careful, almost hesitant.

you turned to him, offering a small smile. “i'm looking to settle down, vice chairman. i want to get married, have children.” he fell silent, the weight of your words settling over him. the rest of the ride to the office was steeped in an unusual quiet, your declaration hanging in the air like a specter.

upon arriving at the office, he moved through the halls in a daze. his usual commanding presence seemed diminished, his mind clearly elsewhere. he entered his office, finding his younger intern already there. “good morning, vice chairman,” jungkook greeted cheerfully, his youthful energy a contrast to seokjin's subdued demeanor.

he barely acknowledged him, slumping into his chair. jungkook, sensing something was off, leaned forward with a curious smile. “you look like you've seen a ghost. what's up?” seokjin rubbed his temples, sighing. “it's secretary (l/n). she wants to quit.”

jungkook raised an eyebrow. “oh? did you try offering her a promotion, bigger pay, fewer working hours?” he nodded in response. “i did. she dismissed it all. said she wants to settle down, get married, have children.”

jungkook's eyes twinkled with mischief. “and that shocked you?” seokjin glared at him, but his grin remained unshaken. “why does it bother you so much, vice chairman? do you like her more than just a secretary?” the question lingered in the air, met with silence. his mind raced, trying to comprehend why your decision affected him so deeply. he couldn't deny the pang of jealousy at the thought of you with someone else, starting a life that didn't include him.

jungkook leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “maybe it's time to ask yourself why her leaving matters so much to you.” he remained quiet, lost in thought. How could marriage and a family be more important than the bond you shared with him? the realization struck him hard—perhaps it wasn't just about losing an exceptional secretary. maybe, just maybe, it was about losing you.

a knock on the door disrupted the tense silence between the two men. you entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and three cookies on the side, exactly how seokjin liked it. the aroma of the tea briefly lightened the atmosphere. he looked up, his expression softening momentarily at the sight of you. “thank you, secretary (l/n).”

you placed the tray on the table, pouring a cup of tea for him and setting it in on his desk. “i've sent out emails looking for a future secretary. one of the primary candidates is on her way.” jungkook observed the way his face twisted with hurt at your words. despite the pain evident in his eyes, seokjin maintained his composure. “join us while we wait for her.”

you nodded, taking a seat beside the young intern. the room fell into an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock. seokjin sipped his tea, the familiar taste doing little to ease his troubled mind.

a few minutes later, the door opened, and a young woman entered. she had a bright, cheerful demeanor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “hello, i'm jung keulgi. it's an honor to be here.” seokjin straightened, adopting his usual authoritative posture. “miss jung, are you ready to devote yourself to a perfect company?” she beamed. “absolutely! i'm very excited for this opportunity.”

you couldn't help but roll your eyes at the narcissistic question. “are you prepared to handle working for someone with an ego as big as the company?” keulgi sensed the underlying tension but maintained her cheerful facade. “i'm sure i'll manage.”

seokjin continued, his tone growing sharper. “will you stay devoted instead of quitting due to silly things like personal matters?” the tension in the room escalated. you snapped, unable to hold back any longer. “are you done, vice chairman?”

his eyes flashed with anger. “about as done as you are, secretary (l/n).” keulgi, clearly uncomfortable but trying to stay positive, interjected softly, “if you hire me, i'll do my best.”

seokjin didn't take his eyes off you as he replied, “you're hired.” as he turned to you, his voice was cold and demanding. “you have a month to turn her into your carbon copy. after that, do as you please.” the room fell silent once more as the weight of his words settled over you. keulgi glanced between you and him, her cheerful demeanor now tinged with apprehension.

he stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “that will be all for now. welcome to kim enterprises, miss jung.” she nodded, offering a hesitant smile. “thank you, vice chairman.”

as she left the room, you remained seated, the gravity of your situation sinking in. seokjin's harsh command echoed in your mind, a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between you. jungkook, sensing the need for a distraction, cleared his throat. “well, this is going to be interesting.”

seokjin shot him a glare. “you're dismissed, jungkook.” with a playful salute, he left the room, leaving you and him alone once more. the silence was heavy, filled with the unspoken emotions and unresolved tension. he finally broke the silence, his voice softer but still edged with hurt. “you can have the rest of the day off.”

you glanced up at him in disbelief, but you weren't willing to argue any further. all you could do was nod and bow before leaving the room. he was alone, once more. he couldn't do anything but watch as you left, gulping as if to hold himself back from calling out your name. you could train all the candidates in the world, yet it would never be the same.

you stood at your kitchen sink, washing the last of the dinner dishes as the sun set, casting a warm orange glow through the window. the evening was peaceful, the kind of tranquility you had been craving. as you dried your hands and prepared to head to bed, the sudden blare of a car horn startled you. peeking out the window, you saw seokjin standing next to his sleek black car, looking up at your house.

heart pounding with a mix of surprise and curiosity, you hurried outside. “vice chairman? is everything okay?” he shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “no emergencies, secretary (l/n). i just needed to see you.” you frowned, puzzled. “at this hour? what's so urgent?”

his eyes locked onto yours, intense and searching. “are you serious about quitting to settle down?” you nodded, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. “i am. i'm ready to put all my attention on a relationship.”

his expression shifted, the gravity of your words sinking in. he took a deep breath, and then, to your astonishment, he did the unthinkable. he dropped to one knee and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

“marry me, secretary (l/n). i'm rich, handsome, and more than capable of giving you everything you want.” you stared at him, completely taken aback. his usual confidence seemed both reassuring and out of place in this moment. he continued, his voice earnest, almost pleading. “i'm perfect for you. accept my proposal.”

his words hung in the air as you tried to process what was happening. finally, you leaned in close, your face inches from his, and inhaled deeply. seokjin's heart stopped, anticipation flickering in his eyes. but instead of a kiss, you pulled back, your expression skeptical.

“are you drunk, vice chairman?” he blinked, clearly taken aback. “no, i'm sober. i'm serious.”

you laughed softly, shaking your head. “i believe you. but vice chairman, i don't want a perfect life with a perfect man. i just want to be with an ordinary guy from an ordinary family.” his face fell, his confident facade crumbling. “why not me? i'm perfect!”

you smiled, despite the annoyance of his narcissistic words clawing at your nerves, and you chose the easy way out. assuring him that he was nothing but flawless was the only way to get him to stop talking about it. “that's exactly why. you deserve someone who sees you that way, but it's not me.” the rejection hung heavy between you as you turned and walked back into your house, leaving him kneeling in the fading light.

the following day, he recounted the entire incident to jungkook, who listened with wide eyes. when he finally finished, the intern burst into laughter, unable to contain himself despite the glares from his boss.

“vice chairman, you can't just propose out of the blue like that, this isn't the eighteenth century,” jungkook said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

his frown deepened, but he couldn't argue with jungkook's logic. “so, what should i have done, then?” he shrugged, still grinning. “maybe start by asking her on a date? get to know her outside of work. build a relationship first. you can't skip straight to marriage, no matter how perfect you think you are.”

the elder mulled over his words, realizing the truth in them. he had acted impulsively, driven by a fear of losing you, but dating? he was actively unfamiliar with the entire thing. in fact, he thought it was pointless. nothing but a waste of time, but if it meant stopping you from quitting, maybe it was wasting time in the best way possible.

you sat in your office, typing away at your computer, but your mind kept drifting back to the previous night. the image of your boss on one knee, his earnest proposal, and your subsequent rejection played on a loop in your head. the weight of your decision and its implications loomed large.

“hey, (y/n),” a familiar voice broke through your thoughts. you looked up to see kim namjoon, the head of finances, standing at your desk. his expression was a mix of concern and curiosity. “is it true? are you really leaving?” you offered him a kind smile and nodded. “yes, namjoon. it's true.”

the news seemed to ripple through the office. baekhyun and sooyoung, who were nearby, immediately voiced their protests. “you can't be serious!” baekhyun exclaimed, his usually cheerful demeanor clouded with disappointment. sooyoung nodded vigorously. “yeah, you've been here forever! what are we going to do without you?”

keulgi, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. “i've heard so much about your amazing work. it's going to be hard to fill your shoes.” you felt a pang of guilt but tried to reassure them with a smile on your face. “we'll all stay in touch. it's not like i'm disappearing.”

sooyoung then brightened, a mischievous glint in her eye. “how about we have a dinner after work? to welcome keulgi and to honor your nine years of hard work.” you hesitated, not wanting to make a big deal out of your departure. but keulgi's encouraging smile swayed you. “come on, it would be nice.” with a reluctant smile, you agreed.

the moment was cut short as the door to the office opened and seokjin walked in. the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him. he let the silence hang for a moment before speaking, his gaze locked onto yours. “am i invited to this dinner as well?” the tension was palpable. baekhyun hesitated before responding, glancing around at the others. “of course, vice chairman. you're welcome to join us.”

seokjin's smile was tight as he nodded. “very well. i'll see you all there.” he left the room as suddenly as he had entered, leaving your heart heavy with unspoken emotions. namjoon broke the silence, his tone light but his words carrying weight. “is it just me, or did it suddenly get cold in here?” the others murmured their agreement, exchanging glances.

“i don't know what's going on,” baekhyun said, shaking his head. “but he's been awfully on edge lately.” you remained silent, the weight of your decision and seokjin's reaction pressing heavily on your mind. the upcoming dinner promised to be an eventful one, but you couldn't shake the feeling that it would also be pivotal in the worst way possible.

you stood in front of your mirror, giving yourself a once-over. you had opted for a casual outfit, perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the local barbeque spot where your colleagues were hosting your farewell dinner. just as you were adjusting your hair, a loud honk interrupted your thoughts. curiosity piqued, you peered out the window to see none other than seokjin, leaning against his car, looking as out of place in your neighborhood as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

you opened the window and leaned out. “what are you doing here?” he glanced up, a smirk playing on his lips. “i'm not here to propose again, if that's what you're worried about. i'm here to pick you up.” your eyebrows shot up in surprise, “why?”

“isn't it so ordinary of me to go with my coworkers?” he replied, clearly pleased with himself. you shook your head, amusement dancing in your eyes. “yes, well done, vice chairman. give me a minute.”

you grabbed your bag and headed downstairs. as you stepped outside, you noticed his attire—an expensive suit that screamed high-end fashion. you stifled a laugh, knowing he would stand out like a sore thumb at the spot you had all agreed on. nonetheless, you entertained his gesture and got into the car. the drive was filled with light conversation, mostly about work and the upcoming transition. despite the casual nature of the evening, you could sense his effort to blend in, which you found oddly endearing. when you arrived at the restaurant, the familiar scent of grilled meat and beer wafted through the air, making seokjin's face contort in mild disgust. you chuckled at his reaction. “welcome to the real world, vice chairman.”

inside, your colleagues greeted you warmly, their eyes widening in surprise when they saw their boss. he maintained his composure, though you could see his discomfort. at the table, he attempted to take charge. “what's everyone drinking?” he asked, clearly expecting a sophisticated answer. “perhaps an old variation of whisky?”

a stunned silence fell over the group, everyone staring at him in disbelief. you nervously laughed. “they only serve beer and soju here, vice chairman.” for a moment, you expected him to bristle at the lack of his preferred drink. instead, he stifled a sigh and nodded. “beer it is, then.”

as the evening progressed, you found yourself reminiscing. it had been nine years since you first joined kim enterprises, and you vividly remembered celebrating your first day in this very spot. you were drinking beer when a younger seokjin had approached you, his demeanor confident and slightly arrogant. “do you know who i am?” he'd asked, and you'd honestly had no clue. little did you know back then just how egotistical he was.

now, years later, you watched him attempt to navigate this ordinary setting. as the night wore on, you noticed the subtle signs of him getting tipsy. his cheeks flushed, his laughter louder and more uninhibited. eventually, you decided it was time to call it a night. “i think i should take him home,” you said, standing up.

your colleagues protested, but you promised to make it up to them. they relented, and you guided a slightly unsteady seokjin to his car. the drive to his house was quiet, his head leaning back against the seat, eyes half-closed.

when you arrived, you helped him inside, supporting his weight as you guided him to his bedroom. you gently eased him onto the bed, intending to leave as soon as he was settled. but just as you were about to turn away, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you down onto the bed. you fell on top of him, your faces inches apart. his eyes, though slightly glazed, held a seriousness that made your heart race. “pretty ordinary of me to get drunk off beer, right?” he slurred, a lazy smile on his lips. your breath caught in your throat. “yes, very ordinary.”

“thank you, secretary (l/n),” he mumbled, his eyes closing. he fell asleep almost instantly, his grip on your wrist loosening. you stayed there for a moment, your heart pounding, before carefully tucking him in. you watched him for a few seconds longer, your emotions a whirlwind. finally, you tore yourself away, quietly leaving his house and heading home, your mind a jumble of thoughts and feelings you couldn't quite name.

the following morning, you arrived at the office early, keen to begin the handover process with keulgi. the usual hustle and bustle of the workplace greeted you, but today there was an undercurrent of anticipation and anxiety. it was the beginning of your final month at kim enterprises, and you wanted to ensure everything transitioned smoothly.

as you were explaining the intricacies of the office dynamics to keulgi, seokjin entered, looking visibly worse for wear. he massaged his temples, clearly nursing a headache from the previous night. you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. you followed him into his office, where he promptly sank into his chair, wincing slightly.

“good morning, vice chairman,” you greeted, trying to keep your tone professional despite your concern. “morning,” he muttered, barely looking up.

despite your concern, you exited the office, re-joining keulgi in order to show her around. “so, these are the folders you'll need to keep track of—client files, project updates, and financial reports. everything is color-coded for easy access. emails are prioritized into high, medium, and low urgency. make sure to flag anything that needs immediate attention.”

she nodded, absorbing the information. “got it. and what about his schedule?” you handed her a tablet with his meticulously planned itinerary. “his schedule is very tight. make sure to coordinate with all department heads and external partners. he's very particular about his meetings being on time.”

as you continued the walkthrough, keulgi mentioned, “oh, by the way, i noticed one of the legs on his chair was falling apart, so i put it together with some cables.” your eyes widened in shock, “what kind of cables?”

“rubber cables,” she replied, confusion etched on her face at your reaction. your heart sank. without another word, you rushed into seokjin's office, your pulse racing. the sight that greeted you confirmed your worst fears. he was on the floor, shaking, his head in his hands, his entire demeanor shattered.

“vice chairman!” you cried out, rushing to his side. “i'm so sorry, she didn't know—” he didn't respond, his breathing erratic. you quickly reached for the chair and cut off the rubber cables. the moment they were gone, his shaking subsided, though his face remained pale and his expression haunted. keulgi, realizing the gravity of the situation, joined in the apologies, her voice frantic. ”i'm so sorry, vice chairman. i didn't know—“

seokjin's gaze was ice cold as he finally looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and something you couldn't quite place. “is this how you're carrying out your duties, secretary (l/n)?” you stood there, stunned and silent. the warmth and camaraderie of the previous night seemed like a distant memory. his words cut through you like a knife, and for the first time, you had no response.

seokjin struggled to his feet, regaining his composure with great effort. “leave,” he commanded quietly, the tension in his voice unmistakable. you and keulgi hurried out of the office, the weight of the incident heavy on your shoulders. outside, you tried to reassure her, but the shock of your boss's reaction lingered.

inside his office, he sat down once again, burying his face in his hands. he mentally cursed himself for his harsh words. his eyes fell on the rubber cables now discarded in the trash can, and a shudder ran through him. memories he'd fought to bury resurfaced, and he struggled to push them back down. the trauma, long kept at bay, clawed its way to the surface. he knew he had overreacted, and he hated himself for it. he had to apologize to you, but the thought of facing you after what had just happened seemed insurmountable. how could he explain the depth of his fear, the reason for his reaction? for now, he could only sit there, the remnants of his vulnerability on display, hoping he hadn't irrevocably damaged the fragile relationship he had with you.

he sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light filtering through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. the cityscape of seoul lay sprawled out behind him, but his attention was far from the view. instead, his eyes were unfocused, staring blankly at the stack of documents in front of him. his mind was elsewhere, fixated on the conversation he'd had with his intern just days ago.

jungkook, seated opposite to him with his laptop open, was discussing the final preparations for the launch of their new art gallery. the young intern's enthusiasm was palpable, his voice animated as he detailed the latest developments, the artists who had confirmed their participation, and the final touches needed for the grand opening. but despite his energetic briefing, seokjin's mind kept wandering back to a single, pivotal point in their earlier exchange.

“you can't just propose out of the blue,” jungkook had laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “you need to take it slow. ask her out on a date first.”

seokjin's usually sharp mind was dulled by the weight of those words. proposing had seemed like a logical solution to him. a clear, decisive action to keep you from leaving. but now, in the wake of jungkook's advice, he realized how absurd it must have seemed. how uncharacteristically rash and desperate. the thought of asking you out on a date, a simple date, felt strangely daunting.

“vice chairman? are you listening?” jungkook's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present. he blinked, forcing his attention back to his intern. “yes, jungkook. i'm listening. the gallery—” he trailed off, struggling to find the thread of their conversation.

he raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “the gallery launch is on track. but you don't seem very interested today. is something on your mind?” he sighed in response, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. he prided himself on his composed and unflappable demeanor, but today, he felt anything but. “it's nothing. just some personal matters, as some would say.” he couldn't bare to focus on the project at hand. no, in fact, he was ready to execute a project of his own.

the soft hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery filled the air as you and your friends settled into a cozy corner booth at a chic restaurant. the atmosphere was relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that made it perfect for a catch-up lunch. your girlfriends were animated and full of news, and you found yourself caught between genuine happiness for them and a pang of wistful longing.

one of your friends, jiho, was regaling the table with stories about her recent wedding. her eyes sparkled with joy as she described the ceremony, the heartfelt vows, and the beautiful reception. you smiled and applauded her enthusiasm, but inside, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. the idea of finding such happiness seemed elusive, and your heart ached slightly at the thought.

“you're going to love being married,” jiho said, her voice full of contentment. "it’s just wonderful." you nodded, offering a supportive smile. “i'm so happy for you, jiho. it sounds like it was a perfect day.”

as she continued sharing details, your other friend, minji, leaned in, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. “speaking of perfect days,” she began, “i have something to tell you. my husband’s friend saw your profile on social media and, well, he’s been asking about you.”

your heart skipped a beat. minji's husband had been a close friend of yours for years, but you had no idea who the friend in question was. the idea of someone from his circle showing interest was both flattering and daunting. “what’s he like?” you asked cautiously. minji grinned. “he’s a nice guy, charming and successful. i think you’d get along. how about we set up a blind date?”

you hesitated. the idea of a blind date was daunting, but the prospect of meeting someone new, especially someone vetted by friends, was appealing. you glanced at your friends' eager faces and took a deep breath. “okay, i’ll do it.” minji clapped her hands excitedly. “great! i'll set it up and let you know the details.”

just as the conversation shifted to wedding anecdotes and dating possibilities, a cheerful waitress approached your table with a friendly smile. “excuse me, ladies,” she said. “we’re conducting a survey to improve our service and, in exchange, we’d like to offer you a free appetizer. would you be interested?” your friends, always up for a little extra perk, agreed enthusiastically, and you followed suit. the waitress handed over a clipboard with a short survey and left to fetch the appetizer.

thu looked over the questions with mild curiosity. the first asked, “ideal date spot with your significant other?” the second, “ideal activities with significant other?” and the last, “ideal gift given by significant other?” you answered thoughtfully, trying to balance your idealistic dreams with the reality of your current situation. as you finished filling out the survey and handed it back to the waitress, you felt a slight nagging sense of familiarity with the tone of the questions. they seemed familiarly bosay and demanding, almost like they were trying to gauge your relationship ideals with a hint of urgency. but you brushed off the feeling, focusing instead on the excitement of the impending blind date and the lively conversation with your friends.

in the dimly lit rec room of seokjin's luxurious house, the soft clack of pool balls punctuated the otherwise quiet evening. jungkook lounged on the leather sofa, his gaze fixed on him, who was confidently taking shots at the pool table with practiced ease. the game seemed to serve as a backdrop for their conversation, but jungkook's attention was focused on the stack of papers spread out on the coffee table.

“you did what?” his voice was a mix of incredulity and disbelief as he stared at the surveys before him. the questions and answers were neatly recorded on the forms, and jungkook couldn't believe what he was seeing. seokjin, with a proud smirk, took another shot, his movements graceful and deliberate. “i paid the restaurant to hand out those surveys,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “i wanted to see what kind of answer i'd get. and now, i need you to find the one with her name on it.”

jungkook’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “you’re seriously crazy, this is way over the top.” ignoring the incredulous glares from his elder, he picked up the stack of surveys and began sifting through them. his hands moved quickly, flipping through each paper as he muttered under his breath. “this is insane. what are you trying to accomplish?”

seokjin, meanwhile, remained focused on his game, the smirk never leaving his face. his confidence was unwavering, but jungkook could sense a trace of anxious anticipation beneath the surface. after what felt like an eternity to him, he finally spotted the survey with your name. he held it up, slightly hesitant. “here it is. this is the one.”

his eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and triumph. he rushed over, snatching the paper from his hands with a deft movement. his gaze was fixed on the survey, and as he read through your answers, his smirk broadened into a genuine, if somewhat smug, smile.

“how childish,” he remarked aloud, his voice laced with a blend of amusement and satisfaction. he began reading your responses aloud with a playful tone. “ideal date spot: an amusement park. ideal activities: rides, very charming. ideal gift: a teddy bear.” jungkook watched, his initial skepticism replaced by bemused curiosity. “seriously? you’re actually taking this seriously?” he had never been more serious.

the call came just after you wrapped up your brief lunch with your friends, the sound of seokjin’s voice crackling through the speaker, urgent and commanding. “you need to meet me immediately,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. he gave you the coordinates, and you found yourself driving across town with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. arriving at the amusement park, you were surprised to see it eerily quiet and closed for the night. you sat on a bench near the entrance, trying to piece together what he could have possibly wanted in such an unconventional setting. the minutes ticked by slowly until seokjin finally appeared, stepping out of the darkness with his usual confident stride.

“what’s going on?” you asked, rising from the bench to meet him. “why did you bring me here?” his eyes twinkled with a secretive glint. “we’re going to be here for the night. i have a ‘free pass,’ so to speak.”

you blinked, puzzled. “a free pass? but the park is closed.” seokjin simply smiled, taking your hand and leading you towards the entrance. “just follow me.”

as you walked through the empty park, the moonlight casting long shadows across the deserted grounds, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. he guided you to one of the rollercoasters, and despite your protests, he insisted on riding it first. the rollercoaster roared to life, and as you climbed higher and higher, your heart raced with a blend of thrill and terror. when the ride finally came to a stop, you were visibly shaken, your hands still gripping the safety bar as if it were your lifeline.

he turned to you, his face stoic but his eyes searching. “did you have fun?” you hesitated, your voice trembling. “it was fun, i guess.”

he raised an eyebrow, sensing your unease. “why do you seem so hesitant?” you sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “it was too scary. i wasn’t expecting it to be so intense.” he looked at you with a mixture of concern and amusement. “then why did you go on it?”

“because you asked me to,” you admitted. a smile curved his lips, and he quickly shifted gears. “alright then, let’s go on rides you want to enjoy.” your face lit up with relief and excitement. you led him towards the merry-go-round, and as the ride spun in gentle circles, you felt a wave of childhood nostalgia. you waved enthusiastically, feeling the pure joy of the moment. he watched you, his gaze softening as he took in your happiness.

the merry-go-round went around seven times, and as you disembarked, you couldn’t stop smiling. seokjin then guided you into the park’s restaurant. to your surprise, the place was completely empty.

“what’s all of this?” you asked, glancing around in awe. he shrugged casually. “i rented everything out for the night. consider it a going-away present.”

your heart fluttered at his gesture. “thank you, vice chairman.” he smiled, slicing a steak and placing it in front of you. as you dug into the meal, he glanced at you with genuine interest. “why did you enjoy the merry-go-round so much?”

you hesitated, then opened up. “it was one of my favorite rides as a child. i used to watch it from afar, because my parents never had the money to let me actually ride it.” hiw expression softened, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. “i'm sorry to hear that.”

the meal continued in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clinking of cutlery. after you finished, hw told you there was one more surprise. “just be patient,” he said with a hint of mischief in his eyes. curious, you followed him outside to a spot overlooking the sea. As you waited, the crackling sound of fireworks filled the air, bursting into vibrant colors against the night sky. your eyes widened with delight as you watched the display.

“isn’t it pretty?” you asked, turning to seokjin. his gaze was fixed on you, not the fireworks. “beautiful,” he replied, his voice low and sincere.

the car ride back was filled with a charged silence. as you stared out the window, a memory of the survey and its bossy tone flashed in your mind. you turned to Seokjin, your eyes wide with realization. he looked at you with a smug smile, clearly enjoying the surprise. before you could ask more, the car pulled up to your home. he exited and opened your door, handing you a large, stuffed teddy bear from the trunk. you were overwhelmed with gratitude and, in a moment of pure joy, you hugged your boss tightly.

to your astonishment, he hugged you back, his embrace warm and reassuring. as you pulled away, both of you were so close. too close for comfort. you knew better, stopping yourself as you glanced at the time. “it’s getting late,” you said softly. he nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “good night. i'll see you in the morning.”

the morning sun streamed through your bedroom window, casting a gentle glow over the room as you prepared for another day at work. you had almost forgotten about the stuffed teddy bear seokjin had gifted you the night before. as you reached for it, something shifted inside its pocket. curiosity piqued, you reached in and pulled out a small, elegant box.

opening it carefully, you found a delicate silver necklace inside. the intricate design and glint of the metal took your breath away. you were momentarily stunned, not expecting such a thoughtful gift. after a moment of hesitation, you decided to keep the necklace. you slipped it into your pocket, planning to wear it later.

at the office, you settled at your desk, the necklace still weighing on your mind. as you worked, you fished it out of your pocket and admired it, the silver catching the light. unbeknownst to you, he was watching from his office across the hall. his gaze softened as he observed you, a small, admiring smile on his lips. the sight of you, glowing with a mix of wonder and appreciation, made him think how gorgeous you were.

you finished adjusting the necklace around your neck, and as you headed to the bathroom, your phone rang. it was minji, her voice excited and insistent. “hey, i was just wondering if you’re still up for that blind date with my friend today? i know it’s short notice, but he’s really looking forward to it!”

it took a moment for the reminder to hit you. the blind date slipped your mind amidst the whirlwind of yesterday’s events. you agreed, albeit with some reluctance. “sure, i’ll meet him. just let me know the details.” as you entered the bathroom, keulgi emerged from a stall behind you, startling you. she had apparently overheard your conversation.

“are you going on a date?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity. caught off guard, you nodded, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. “yes, but please keep it quiet.” keulgi, ever enthusiastic, promised to keep it to herself. however, her enthusiasm got the better of her. as soon as you left the bathroom, she couldn't resist sharing the news with the rest of the office.

when you returned to your desk, the atmosphere in the office had noticeably shifted. colleagues whispered excitedly and shot you curious glances. the office buzzed with the news of your impending date. seokjin, who had been outside his office listening to the commotion, seethed with jealousy. his earlier soft smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl that betrayed his irritation. he paced back and forth, trying to control his frustration.

the excitement and chatter from your colleagues did nothing to ease his anger. his mind raced with thoughts of the date and the implications of your newfound interest. he couldn’t shake the feeling of possessiveness that gnawed at him, and the thought of someone else taking you out only fueled his frustration. the more he listened to the enthusiastic reactions of his staff, the more he felt his grip on his emotions slipping. he knew he needed to act, but he was caught between his pride and the undeniable feelings he had been trying to cast away.

the date began at a quaint, upscale café, where you met your blind date, taehyun. he greeted you with a polite smile and an amiable demeanor. as you made small talk, discussing interests and hobbies, taehyun seemed genuinely pleasant, though his compliments caught you off guard. “you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” he said with a warm smile.

you blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and surprise. “thank you,” you replied, attempting to refocus the conversation. as you chatted, you noticed that his tie was hanging loose and uneven. it irked you more than you expected, and you reached over to fix it, hoping to tidy up his appearance. he watched with a smile as you deftly adjusted the tie, clearly appreciative of the attention to detail.

just as you were about to continue the conversation, a loud, urgent yell interrupted the moment. “secretary (l/n)!”

you and taehyun both turned to see seokjin striding toward your table, his expression stormy and his eyes locked onto you with barely concealed anger. your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. “vice chairman?” you asked, confusion mingling with concern. “what’s going on?”

he stopped in front of your table, his demeanor tense. “i need to see you urgently,” he said, his voice firm and unwavering. you glanced at taehyun, apologetic. “i’m so sorry, it seems to be an emergency.”

you followed him outside, where he led you to his waiting car. the drive began in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. the car came to a sudden stop in the middle of the road, and you turned to seokjin, your anxiety growing. “what’s the matter?” you asked, trying to keep your voice calm despite the unease you felt.

his gaze was cold, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a stern, almost menacing composure. “never do that again,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.

you frowned, confusion clouding your expression. “what do you mean? what did i do?” his eyes locked onto yours with intensity. “never let me see you with another man like that again.”

you didn’t respond immediately, and his jaw clenched as he seemed to wrestle with his emotions. finally, he added, “i don’t want to see you with anyone else. it’s not something i'm willing to accept.” the confession left you stunned. you stared at him, a mixture of surprise and realization dawning on you. the implications of his words were clear, and the protectiveness in his tone was undeniable. the car ride continued in silence, with the weight of his words lingering between you.

back at home, you went through your evening routine, attending to various tasks around the house. the day's events had left you both physically and emotionally drained. you found solace in a small ritual that had been a comforting presence throughout your life—your diary. sitting down at your desk, you pulled out the well-worn book, its pages filled with a mixture of memories, dreams, and sketches. as you flipped through the pages, you came across a series of drawings. they depicted a younger you and a boy, playing and laughing together. the accompanying writing read, “i miss you, brother.” the words tugged at your heart, and you felt a pang of sadness.

the drawings were a testament to a bond that had once been a central part of your life. as you closed the diary and set it aside, you felt the ache of missing something—or someone—important. the day’s events had stirred up memories you weren’t quite ready to confront.

later that night, as you drifted off to sleep, the familiar haze of dreams enveloped you. in your dream, you found yourself in a dimly lit basement, a place filled with shadows and echoes of the past. the little boy from your diary appeared, standing before you with a stern expression. you felt tears streaming down your cheeks, overwhelmed by a mixture of regret and longing. the boy began to scold you, his voice echoing with an authority that seemed to pierce through your sorrow. despite the scolding, you felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“thank you, kim soo—seo—” you started, trying to recall his name. but before you could finish, the boy cut you off with a tsk. “no, stupid. my name is kim seo—” the name was just on the tip of your tongue, but you couldn’t quite grasp it. the dream began to fade, and you woke up with a start, heart racing and breath uneven.

sitting up in bed, you felt the weight of the dream pressing on you. the name “kim seo” lingered in your mind, but it was elusive, slipping away before you could fully remember. the dream had left you with a deep sense of loss and confusion, and you were left grappling with the fragments of a memory that seemed to evade your grasp. as you lay back down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something significant you were missing, a connection that was just out of reach. the memory of the dream and the name echoed in your thoughts, haunting you as you tried to find solace in sleep once more.

seokjin arrived at work the following day with a heavy air of exhaustion surrounding him. he trudged through the office, his usual confident stride replaced by a sluggish, disoriented gait. as the morning wore on, it became increasingly clear that he was struggling to stay awake. his head bobbed with fatigue as he sat at his desk, his eyes slipping shut despite his efforts to remain alert.

concerned, you approached his desk, gently shaking his shoulder. “vice chairman, are you alright?” when there was no response, you shook him harder, your worry mounting. his body felt unnervingly heavy, and it became clear that he was deeply asleep, his breathing uneven. panic surged through you as you realized the severity of the situation. without hesitation, you grabbed your phone and dialed for emergency services.

the paramedics arrived swiftly, their professional demeanor a small comfort amidst the chaos. you watched anxiously as they wheeled him into the ambulance. your heart pounded in your chest, and despite knowing it was likely nothing serious, you refused to leave his side.

in the hospital, as the medics prepared him for further examination, they reassured you that his condition wasn’t critical. “he’s just exhausted,” one of the paramedics said. “it’s likely just severe fatigue. you can go in once we’re done.” when you were finally allowed in, he was still asleep, his face pale and drawn. you took a seat next to him, trying to steady your breathing as you buried your face in your hands. the sight of him, knocked out cold, was deeply unsettling. It reminded you of something from your past—something too familiar.

as you stared at him, your thoughts drifted back to the boy from the basement. the way he was unconscious on the floor when the lady had taken you—the same position, the same labored breathing, the same pale complexion. the memories came rushing back, painful and vivid. the name “kim seo” echoed in your mind, but it didn’t quite fit. then you remembered the boy’s full name, “kim seohyeon.” the realization came with a jolt. “kim seohyeon,” you whispered to yourself, the name feeling strangely natural as it rolled off your tongue.

your relief was fleeting, however, as a chilling thought struck you. seokjin’s mother had asked you not even a couple days ago, “what do you think about my hyeon?” it wasn’t just a fragment of a bad memory—it was a piece of a puzzle falling into place. hesitantly, you turned your gaze back to him, who remained motionless. your heart raced as you said, “kim seohyeon.” your voice was shaky, trembling with the weight of the revelation.

for a moment, the room was silent, and you felt a brief sense of relief as though your words had broken the tension. but then, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open. his gaze was bleary, and he blinked at you in confusion. “what is it?” your heart sank as you saw his groggy, disoriented expression. the name you had just spoken had clearly registered with him, but his response was laced with irritation and confusion. you were left grappling with the enormity of the realization that seokjin—kim seohyeon—was more deeply connected to your past than you had ever imagined.

you took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions surging within you. “kim seohyeon,” you repeated, your voice trembling as you looked at seokjin. his eyes, which had been closed in exhaustion, flew open at the sound of his name. the shock and recognition dawned on his face as he fully grasped the situation. “it was you,” you said, your voice laden with disbelief.

your heart pounded as you pieced together the fragmented memories that had haunted you for so long. “i remember now,” you began, your voice quivering. “there was a boy—you were in the basement with me.” his expression shifted from confusion to horror as the realization sank in. “the dreams i’ve been having,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “a black-haired woman, a basement—i’ve been dreaming about it for weeks.”

the pieces began to fall into place for you. “the boy i kept searching for, the one i couldn’t remember clearly—it was you. we were together in that basement. i’ve been trying to find you all this time, but i didn’t know it was you.” the enormity of the realization hit you like a tidal wave, and you began to sob uncontrollably. you had spent your entire life searching for the boy from the basement, the boy whose memory had haunted you for years. to discover that he was right under your nose all along, that seokjin was the one you had been seeking—it was overwhelming.

the flood of emotions surged through you, and the connections you had been struggling to piece together suddenly fell into place. the cables, the fear, the strange sense of familiarity—all of it made sense now. the sobs wracked your body, and you felt a deep, raw anguish as you realized how close you had come to losing him without ever knowing.

his gaze softened as he watched your breakdown. his usual composure and egotism crumbled in the face of your distress. weakly, he reached out to you, his hand trembling slightly. “it’s okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a tender concern that was rare for him. “i’m here.” you hesitated for a moment, but then, seeking solace, you moved into his embrace. his arms wrapped around you, providing a comfort that felt both foreign and deeply familiar. you continued to cry, each sob a release of the pent-up fear and sorrow that had built up over the years. he held you close, his own breath shaky as he struggled to process the gravity of the situation. he stroked your hair gently, his touch soothing and steadying. the warmth of his embrace provided a sense of security that you hadn’t felt in a long time.

as your sobs began to subside, he pulled back slightly, tilting your chin so that you looked up at him. his eyes were filled with a mix of empathy and resolve. “you found me,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the weight of the moment. his words, though simple, carried a profound meaning. the realization that you had finally found him, the person you had been searching for, was both a relief and a heartbreak. in that moment, the intensity of your emotions reached a peak, and he leaned in, closing the gap between you.

his lips met yours in a kiss that was gentle at first, but quickly grew more passionate. it was a kiss that spoke of the pain, the longing, and the deep connection that had been forged through shared battles. you responded, kissing him back with equal fervor, allowing the years of separation and anguish to dissolve in the intensity of the moment. when the kiss finally broke, you both pulled back slightly, breathless and awestruck. the weight of the past had been acknowledged, and the connection between you was solidified in a way that was both profound and healing.

he looked into your eyes, his expression a mix of vulnerability and resolve. “we'll be okay,” he said softly, his voice filled with a newfound determination. you nodded, feeling a deep sense of relief and hope.

the weeks following the revelation passed in a strange, uncomfortable silence. despite the deep bond you and seokjin now shared, an unspoken tension lingered in the office. the connection between you had shifted, but neither of you quite knew how to bridge the gap between your past traumas and your present reality.

he had revealed to you the reason behind his name change to seokjin. his parents had insisted on the new identity as a protective measure, believing that if seohyeon no longer existed, the woman who had once terrorized him would never be able to find him. this revelation, while reassuring, had also created a chasm between you two that was hard to navigate.

one afternoon, as the silence in the office grew increasingly heavy, he called you into his office. his demeanor was serious as he gestured for you to take a seat. you entered, your heart racing slightly, unsure of what to expect. “thank you for coming,” he began, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of something you couldn’t quite place. “i need you to do something for me.” you straightened in your chair, adopting a professional tone. “what is it?”

seokjin looked at you with an intensity that made your breath catch. “i need you to be my girlfriend.” the words hung in the air between you, and you were momentarily stunned into silence. “what?” you managed to ask, your voice betraying your shock.

his gaze softened as he continued, his expression vulnerable. “i’ve been thinking a lot about us. after everything we’ve been through, i realized how much i care about you. i need you in my life, not just as my secretary, but as my girlfriend.”

his confession touched you deeply, and you felt a swell of emotion rise within you. “vice chairman” you began, struggling to find the right words. “i didn’t expect this.”

he nodded, his gaze never leaving yours. “i know. it’s sudden, and i understand if you need time. but i wanted to be honest with you about how i feel.” the sincerity in his voice, combined with the gravity of his words, made your heart ache with a mix of relief and hope. you were touched by his honesty and the way he had finally allowed himself to be vulnerable with you.

he then leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more earnest. “there’s one more thing,” he said, his voice lowering. “i need you to kiss me.”

your eyes widened at his request. the gravity of the moment, coupled with your feelings for him, made your pulse race. you nodded slowly, feeling a surge of emotions—affection, longing, and a deep connection. you stood up and walked over to him, your heart pounding in your chest. his gaze followed you, his expression a mixture of anticipation and tenderness. as you reached him, you leaned in, closing the distance between you.

the kiss was tender, filled with the emotions you both had been holding back. It was a sweet, unspoken promise of a new beginning. he responded gently, his hands resting on your back as he deepened the kiss. when you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your faces flushed with the intensity of the moment. he looked at you with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the vulnerability and affection that had been building between you.

his voice was soft and teasing as he traced his fingers gently along your back. “this means you’ll be my girlfriend, doesn’t it?” the playful tone in his voice, combined with the tender touch, made you smile despite the whirlwind of emotions you were feeling. you nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and affection. “yes, it does.”

his eyes lit up with a genuine smile, his teasing demeanor giving way to something more heartfelt. “i’m glad to hear that. i’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time, but i didn’t know how.” you laughed softly, shaking your head. “you didn’t need to wait so long. i think we both knew how we felt about each other.”

his smile widened as he pulled you into a gentle hug, his arms encircling you with a sense of relief and contentment. “i guess it’s true,” he said, his voice warm and sincere. “sometimes, the things you’re looking for are right in front of you.” they really were, as it seemed.

the next few days at work were marked by an underlying tension that neither of you could quite shake off. seokjin was noticeably less cold and demanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. the change was subtle but significant. he found himself taking more interest in your presence, often waving at you from across the office with a grin that was almost boyish. each time you waved back, his smile would widen, and a look of genuine joy would light up his face.

the change didn’t go unnoticed by your colleagues, who observed the shift in seokjin’s behavior with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. however, no one dared to comment, respecting the unspoken agreement that something had clearly shifted in the office dynamics.

as the days passed, his new feelings for you started to manifest in ways he hadn’t anticipated. while he relished the sweetness of your new relationship, he found himself increasingly aware of the more physical aspects of your presence. he couldn’t ignore how his pulse quickened when he noticed the way your tight skirts accentuated your figure, or how the sight of your bare legs and hair pulled back made him sweat in the middle of meetings.

he tried to maintain his composure, but the intensity of his feelings became difficult to manage. his attempts to focus on work were often disrupted by thoughts of you, and he struggled to keep his desires in check.

one afternoon, unable to ignore his escalating emotions any longer, he called you into his office. his voice, usually commanding, now carried a hint of nervousness. “can you come in here for a moment?” you nodded, entering his office with a sense of anticipation. seokjin closed the door behind you and gestured for you to lock it. his eyes were intense as he watched you comply. he then moved to pull down the blinds, casting the room into a more private, dimly lit atmosphere.

“what’s going on?” you asked, your voice tinged with concern as you approached him. he looked at you with a mixture of longing and hesitation, his gaze fixed on yours. “i need you to understand something,” he said softly. “it’s not just about what we’ve been through, or about being together. i—”

he paused, taking a deep breath as he reached out to pull you closer. the seriousness in his eyes gave way to a softer, more vulnerable expression. “i need you to know how much i care about you. and right now, i can’t help but feel…”

before he could finish, he leaned in and kissed you. the kiss was different from before—less tender, more urgent and needy. it was filled with the intensity of emotions that had been building up inside him. you responded to the kiss, your own feelings mirroring his. the kiss deepened, and the world outside the office seemed to fade away as you both lost yourselves in the moment.

it was a kiss that spoke of months of unspoken yearning, a kiss that shattered the professional façade you had both so carefully maintained. his hand found the small of your back, pulling you closer. his other hand cupped your cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of your mouth as you kissed him deeper. his tongue slipped past your lips, tasting, exploring. you gasped, your body responding instinctively to his touch.

that was it. the moment you had both been waiting for, the moment that would change everything. you could feel the tension in the room, a tight coil winding tighter with every passing second. the sound of a zipper echoed through the room as seokjin stood, lifting you onto his desk. your legs wrapped around his waist, and you could feel his erection pressing against you, hot and insistent. your breath hitched as he kissed along your neck, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

he stepped back for a moment, looking into your eyes, searching for permission. you nodded, unable to form words, and he took that as his cue. his hands found the buttons of your blouse, deftly undoing them one by one. your bra was next, revealing your tits to his hungry gaze. He took one in his hand, squeezing gently, and your moan filled the room.

he leaned in, taking your nipple into his mouth. you arched your back, the sensation shooting straight to your core. he sucked, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak, and your hips rolled against him. he groaned, his grip on your hip tightening. the anticipation was palpable as he reached for his belt, his eyes never leaving yours. you could see the need in them, the same need that was building within you. as he stepped closer, you felt his hardness pressing against your thigh, and you knew there was no turning back.

he whispered something in your ear, something filthy and thrilling, and you could feel your cheeks flush with arousal. his hands found the zipper of your skirt, sliding it down with a sound that seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet office. your skin prickled with excitement as the fabric fell away, revealing your lacy underwear. his hand slid under the fabric, his fingers finding your wetness. he groaned again, his breath hot against your neck. “you're so wet for me,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

you nodded, your eyes closing as he began to stroke you, his touch tentative at first, then growing bolder as your moans grew louder. your body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation. you knew you were his, and he was yours, in this every stolen moment of passion.

with a final tug, his hand found your bare skin, and you gasped as he touched you, his fingers exploring your folds with an urgency that mirrored your own. you could feel your core tightening around his touch, desperate for more. he pulled back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched your reaction. “you like that, don't you?” he asked, his voice a low growl. you nodded, your eyes glazed over with desire. he leaned in, capturing your mouth again in a bruising kiss as his thumb began to circle your clit. the sensation was overwhelming, and you felt yourself getting closer and closer to the edge. you didn't know if you could hold on much longer.

suddenly, he stopped, his hand moving away from your panties. you whimpered in protest, but he just chuckled, a dark sound that sent shivers down your spine. “patience,” he murmured, “we're just getting started.”

with surprising strength, he flipped you over, so that you were now lying face down on his desk, your ass in the air. he stepped back, and you could feel his eyes on you, taking in the sight of your exposed body. you felt a thrill of exhibitionism, knowing that he was seeing you in such a vulnerable state.

he leaned over you, his breath hot on your ear. "you're so fucking beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with lust. his hand came down in a firm smack on your ass, and you yelped in surprise. the sting was quickly replaced by a warmth that spread through your body, making you wetter than ever.

he smacked you again, harder this time, and you moaned. the sound seemed to spur him on, and his hand began to move in a steady rhythm, alternating between gentle caresses and firm slaps. you felt yourself getting wetter with every hit, your body begging for more. “do you like that, baby?” he asked, his voice strained with his own need. “yes,” you managed to gasp out, your voice shaky. “more.”

he complied, his hand coming down harder and faster, each smack echoing through the room. you could feel yourself getting closer, your body trembling with the effort of holding back. and then, with one final, brutal slap, you shattered, your orgasm ripping through you like a storm. he leaned down, his breathing ragged, and kissed the back of your neck. “you're mine,” he murmured, his voice possessive. “mine to claim.”

and with that, he reached for his own pants, his hands shaking with desire. he freed himself, and you could feel the tip of his cock brushing against your wetness. without another word, he pushed inside you, filling you up in one swift, agonizingly sweet motion. you yelled, the pleasure overwhelming as he claimed your virginity, your body stretching to accommodate his size.

he didn't stop there, though. he began to move, his hips pistoning into you with a relentless rhythm that had you seeing stars. you could feel every inch of him, and it was more than you had ever imagined. each thrust was a declaration of ownership, each moan a promise of more to come. you pushed back against him, meeting him halfway, your body moving in perfect sync with his. you were lost in the sensation, the pain and pleasure melding into something indescribable. your hands gripped the edge of the desk, knuckles white, as you held on for dear life.

“fuck, you're tight,” he grunted, his voice strained. “so tight.” your response was a whimper, your throat too tight to form words. all you could do was moan and arch your back, taking him deeper, letting him fill you completely. the room spun around you as he picked up the pace, his hands digging into your hips as he drove into you. you could feel his climax building, his breaths coming in harsh pants against your neck. and then, with a final, guttural groan, he came, his warmth flooding into you.

you collapsed onto the desk, your body spent, as he pulled out and leaned over you, his chest heaving. he kissed your shoulder, his breathing slowly returning to normal. the room was silent, save for the sound of your ragged breaths.

for a moment, you both just stayed there, basking in the afterglow of what had just happened. but reality began to seep back in, and you felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. you were his secretary, and you had just had unprotected sex on his desk. the implications of your actions were just beginning to hit you.

seokjin must have noticed the change in your demeanor because he leaned in, whispering in your ear, “don't worry, i've got you.” his words were soothing, but they didn't entirely ease the anxiety coiling in your stomach. he helped you sit up, and you both began to straighten your clothes, trying to erase the evidence of your passionate encounter. your heart was racing, and you couldn't help but steal glances at him, seeing him in a new light. “we can't do this again,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “what if someone finds out?”

he turned to face you, cupping your cheek. “they won't,” he assured you. “this is our secret.” his eyes searched yours, and you could see the determination in them. “but if they do,” he trailed off, a smug smile playing on his lips. “well, then they'll just have to deal with it. you're my girlfriend, after all.”

you couldn't help but smile back, his confidence infectious. but deep down, you knew that this was just the beginning. the line between professional and personal had been irrevocably crossed, and there was no going back.

✧.*

a/n: literally no one asked for this idc this is so funny to me i based the name off one drama and the plot off another goodbye

[frostgears]

artifact

it was a routine survey stop until the neutrino background occlusion sensors showed something dense and geometric, buried shallowly in one of the planet’s least interesting mountain ranges. a First Expansion artifact. had to be. this system wasn’t in the databases except as an ID number, but the ancients must have done some wildcat exploration, right? they were people, not so different in range from the saints and scammers of today. except that their tech made anything you had look like toys.

the captain was the first to put boots on the ground. she said a perfunctory little speech, the records officer took a picture for the video wall, and then you all did what you came here for: excavation. hand-sized mu-cat fusion charges scythed the top of the ridge off, one of the more reproducible First Expansion technologies, clean and cheap. then it was earthmovers and jackhammers. a slog, but nobody complained. nobody wanted to risk damaging it.

slowly, a truncated tetrahedron emerged from the shattered sandstone, some kind of transport container, a type also not in the databases. it had been here a very long time to be buried so thoroughly in sediment turned to rock. excitement reverberated through the crew. survey work was for the good of all mankind, but all mankind rarely showed gratitude for confirming that a large round rock was still there. this could be it, the big score.

you were the one who cracked the last veneer of sandstone off the bronze-ish surface of the tetrahedron, worked out where to put the power cables for the hatch (at least the ancients didn’t mess around with their standards much). but the captain insisted on being the one who pressed the button. the triangular hatch folded forward to the ground, forming a ramp.

when the small shape walked down it, everybody tensed up. hands went to hips, those that weren’t already holding sidearms. the ship itself was in a long-dwell-time orbit, near overhead this spot, and you could practically feel the targeting radars for heavier weapons on the back of your neck. but the thing didn’t look particularly threatening. it looked like a little person, with exaggerated proportions.

was it a toy? had you spent the last week digging up a toy? but a toy with an independent power source that apparently hadn’t needed to be topped off since the Collapse was still worth something.

until it spoke. intelligibly.

“that was a dirty trick for Miss to play.”

the captain, caught on the wrong foot, said, “i’m sorry?”

“you needn’t be. i require only your assistance in catching up to Her. She does love Her tricks, but i should be by Her side.”

something flashed across your ocular implants. tac channel directives from the captain:

old AIs can get very single-minded. ready EM scrambler needle pulse on my mark.

“you flatter me, but i’m not that fancy. i’m just a simple doll. but you have a ship.”

“i’m sure we can work something out, in exchange for—”

you saw it move only as a blur.

it was up to the captain’s neck, but the captain’s head wasn’t on it any more. a long triangular blade glittered in one of its small hands. the other held the captain’s armored cortical recorder.

“my apologies. that wasn’t a question.”

it popped the molecular database implant backing up the captain’s mind and soul into its mouth, and chewed with some apparent relish. the body slumped slowly to the debris-strewn ground under it.

“now i have a ship. does anyone want to help me drive it? i’m afraid i’m some… eight thousand? years out of practice, and Miss preferred to do Her own piloting anyway.”

there was a flurry of small arms fire. it didn’t help. the particle beams on the ship should have discharged but didn’t, a fact you were grateful for, at least initially. you stayed your own trigger finger on some impulse you couldn’t explain. it saved your life. sort of.

you’ve been in the pilot’s interface chair for forty-seven hours now, the little nightmare holding the knife to your neck the entire time. the few other survivors are in no shape to mount a rescue, not from inside an automed casket. the “doll” seems quite certain that its “Miss” is still alive somewhere. you don’t know how long you’ll be able to say the same. □

originally published 2022-11-10 on Fedi.

[max1461]

Both the US and China are trying to build military systems that are... well, definitely not Skynet yet, but let's say "Skynet's great-grandpa". In the US this is CJADC2. The idea is to have a fuckton of sensors of different types and modalities (e.g. satellites, ground based radars, naval and air-based sensors, etc.) networked together, and to collate that data with AI, to identify all the targets on a battlefield and pass along e.g. strike orders to whatever weapons system happens to be best positioned to do that.

For a lot of reasons this is not Skynet, namely that there are a bunch of places in this system where humans are involved in crucial ways. But it's definitely... it's definitely the kind of thing that becomes Skynet as you automate more and more parts of it.

Anyway there are gonna be Skynets in the future, unfortunately Skynets are going to be real.

[champion-city-intern]

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SYSTEM INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE STARTED

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[✓] Boot Loader Engaged... [✓] Memory Check Complete - All Systems Go! [✓] Network Interface Online [✓] Security Protocols Verified - No Threats Detected [✓] AI Core Activation - Hello, RadarFalls!

>> WELCOME TO NEXOS V.1 << >> SYSTEM READY << >> PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE... <<

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Is this thing on...? Is it working...? Oh gee... ...Ugh... Oh! Yay! It works! I thought it wouldn't—phew! I'm relieved that my device is functioning efficiently, even better than I expected! Haha— Ahem. Hello, hello! I’m uh—I’m Radar! Radar Falls! Intern of Champion City and assistant to the leader—dun dun dun! Stella! Ah... ha... ha... I thought that was necessary. Uh... sorry about that. I do that sometimes!Oh—right! Focus!I set up this account to—hopefully—make some friends and share updates about my life as an intern! Not that I don’t have friends! I do! Stella and my pet bunny, Blinky! She’s a black rabbit and adorable! And—oh!—I’m friends with Petra! She’s part of the New Order of the Stone, and she’s seriously cool. Uh... don’t tell anyone this, but Jesse kind of intimidates me. It’s not personal! Well, it sort of is. Stella says Champion City and Beacontown have a rivalry, and apparently, Jesse is the leader of Beacontown, so... yeah, I just avoid Beacontown when I can. Honestly, I never thought I’d ever be an intern! It’s one of my greatest achievements! Before this, I was on Stella’s Inventory Management Team—oh! I was really good at it! Organization? Lists? Sorting? Amazing. I love that kind of thing! Stella thought I did such a great job that she made me her intern! (Okay, I might be saying "intern" too much. Aha—sorry... Wait—I apologize too much, too! Oops. Mental note, work on that.) Oh! My device! I built it myself! Stella encouraged me to make something really creative—she says I have a great imagination, which is so cool to hear! So, I put my creativity to the test and designed this from scratch! Stella was impressed, but she let me keep it. Now... what should I call it? Naming things is hard! I go through, like, a million ideas before settling on one. Stella is a great boss! Sometimes she’s a little... harsh, but I know she means well! I like being around her—except when I don’t—but Petra is easier to be around. Less pressure. More fun. Less formal boss-y stuff, you know? Speaking of Petra—she’s amazing! We hang out when I’m on break—we walk, talk, and she’s teaching me how to wield my stone axe! She keeps telling me to upgrade to an iron axe, but I really want to use this one until it breaks first. No sense wasting resources! I get attached to things like that. Oh—and Blinky? Best friend material. She’s always there when I need her, and she has so much energy! Honestly, she matches mine perfectly. Stella gave her to me, and I love her so much. Thanks, Stella! ...Oh wow—I’ve been rambling. And bouncing between topics. Again. It happens! I just get excited! Whoops! Sorry! So uh—yeah! That’s all I’ve got for now. If you have questions, ask away! Just nothing mean or terrible, please. Teasing is fine—I think—but I don’t want to seem too sensitive... Even though maybe I am a little bit?Hope you enjoy your time here!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

******************************

SYSTEM POWERING DOWN

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| Goodbye, user. You were a delight. | | Saving last traces of brilliance… | | Uploading memories to the archives… | | Cooling processors…ZZzz… | | Final diagnostics…All systems clear. | | ☽ Entering sleep mode… | | See you in the next reboot. |

******************************

(REFERENCE SHEET)

Silly Radar Backstory

Radar lived in a village situated between Champion City and Beacontown, though it was slightly closer to the former.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Falls, were far from ideal. They imposed strict rules on every aspect of his life—what he could do, what he could wear. But it wasn’t just them; the entire village was harsh toward anyone who deviated from their rigid expectations. His parents were more emotionally abusive than physically so—not the worst, but certainly not loving. As a result, Radar struggled to make friends. Most saw him as... odd.

When he turned 18, his parents kicked him out, leaving him to figure out his future on his own. For the first time, he was free to make his own choices. With his bags packed and determination set, he left the village in search of a better home.

That’s how he found himself in Champion City.

It took some time to adjust, but eventually, he settled into the structured, pristine environment. His next priority was finding a job—something that proved challenging until Stella offered him a position on her Inventory Management Team. In her own words, “To help you settle down a bit more, you know?” Radar was thrilled and accepted the opportunity without hesitation.

Stella quickly took notice of his efficiency and saw potential in him. She considered

making him her assistant—or rather, her intern—but decided to wait a month before finalizing the promotion. When she finally made him her intern, Radar was beyond ecstatic.

Then things took a turn for the worse.

The workload piled up, the stress became overwhelming, and he nearly quit several times. But Stella had a way of pulling him back in with clever manipulation, convincing him to stay. Whenever she sensed he was reaching his breaking point, she would offer small gestures to keep him going—like gifting him his beloved pet bunny, Blinky.

If he ever tried to leave, she would threaten to take Blinky away.

Eventually, Stella assigned Radar to oversee The Mines, and that’s where he met Petra. His nerves skyrocketed—after all, she was a member of the legendary New Order of the Stone. But to his surprise, she was incredibly laid-back, and they quickly bonded. They weren’t exactly best friends, though—they had their own respective closest companions: Jesse for Petra, Blinky for Radar.

Silly Radar HC's

-Aside from having ADHD and autism, he has anxiety, OCD, and low self-esteem.

-Since he's Asian, he speaks both English and Chinese.

-He uses his notebook for notes, sketches, and plans. While the other book is just a regular book that he reads.

-Radar uses a stone axe, pickaxe, and shield. He'll eventually move onto iron whenever he's ready.

-Like he said before, Petra trains him on how to fight. He's been doing pretty well in Petra's eyes.

-His favorite color is green, but is overshadowed because of Stella adoring the color purple.

-His parents weren't really the best. They kicked him out once he turned 18, so he moved into Champion City. This also adds onto why he has low self-esteem, anxiety, and OCD.

-Whenever Radar is thinking, he usually paces back and forth while talking under his breath.

-In this AU, Radar does not have a tattoo because Stella does not allow it. At all. If he could get a tattoo, it would be the Ender Dragon.

-Radar is very emotional.

-He does not have a decent sleep schedule, so sometimes he sleeps during the day and stays up all night.

-He doesn't eat a whole lot, but his comfort food are cookies. Sometimes he ends up binge eating them whenever he's around any cookies.

-He always tries to be as friendly as he can be! Which makes him naive to some degree.

-He absolutely loves Blinky with all his heart. :3

-I feel like he would listen to Hatsune Miku & enjoy Adventure Time.

Silly Relationships [UNLOCKED]

Jesse: Radar actually fears Jesse. Stella took advantage of the fact that Radar never lived in Champion City, so she convinced him both Champion City and Beacontown are rivals.

Petra: Ever since they met at The Mines, they both grew really close to each other. Not best friends, but really close friends that enjoy each other's presence.

Stella: She is like a toxic friend to Radar. She manipulated him, making him always rely on her and making him think she's his "best friend". [It's actually Blinky, but you get the point]

Lluna: He doesn't really interact with Lluna that much. Only when Stella wants him to watch over her or when he lets Blinky and Lluna play together.

Silly Relationships [LOCKED]

Nell: ???

Olivia: ???

Axel: ???

Lukas: ???

Jack: ???

Nurm: ???

Ivor: ???

Xara: ???

Romeo: ???

Silly shipping information

I'm the type of person who likes figuring out different ships that can either be overrated, underrated, or a rare pair. Yes, including the toxic ones... I just don't like ships that are bad and disgusting. I'm talking about ships in general.

My favorite Radar ship is Radell [Radar x Nell].

I usually headcanon Nell as 19-20 years old and then Radar 18-20.

I don't mind other ships for Radar though and I would love to know more Radar ships. <3

Here are the Radar ships I know of: Radell, Radian, Jessadar, and RAMA/PAMdar.

I don't know the ship name for Radar x Aiden. 😭

Silly Extras

Ask me through my inbox if you want to set up a roleplay account based on this AU or if you want to a roleplay through messages. We can also do roleplays through inbox, but messages and a roleplay blog would be way easier.

You're allowed to flirt and compliment Radar if you want! You can also do a little bit of suggestive stuff, but not too much since it makes me uncomfortable. :')

DNI: Homophobes, transphobes, racists, sexists, creepy people, dark humor jokes [I'm sensitive, but there are some jokes I can take], rude people, pedophilia, proships, maps. There's probably more, but I can't think of all of them right now.

(OOC INTRO)

Hello!

I am the creator of this Radar roleplay account. You can call me Purple since that's the name I usually go.

Here is my account: @purplefoxandpinkbear

Here are my other two roleplay accounts: @local-hero-in-residence , @the-framed-one

Here are some simple things you probably should know about me:

Cisgender Female

She/Her

Minor [4/21]

Loves MCSM and FNaF

I really love cute stuff and animals

#1 Radar fan [He genuinely makes me happy when I see him]

#1 Radell shipper

[peachsequence]

Space Horror Prompts

Sentence Starters

“The airlock won’t seal."

"Something’s trying to get in.”

“There’s a distress signal but no life signs detected.”

“The ship’s AI is malfunctioning and it’s locking us out.”

“I saw something move in the shadows of the cargo hold.”

“The stars seem wrong, like they’re watching us.”

“Every corridor looks the same and the map is useless.”

“The crew is missing but their belongings are still here...?”

“Oxygen levels are dropping.”

"What is that noise? Is that... something in the floor?"

"Avoid the ventilation shafts.”

“We’re receiving a transmission but it can't be translated.”

“I kept hearing whispers in my helmet but no one else was on that frequency.”

“There’s a door on the ship that wasn’t there yesterday.”

“I looked out the porthole and saw my own face staring back at me.”

“The instruments are picking up heartbeats from the vacuum of space.”

“We’re receiving transmissions from our own future selves.”

“Every time I fall asleep, I wake up in a different part of the ship.”

Vibes and Aesthetic

Flickering lights in long, empty corridors

Metallic echoes of distant footsteps

Spacesuits with unexplained tears

A cold, sterile atmosphere

Abandoned space stations with eerie silence

Alien flora overtaking the ship’s systems

Uncharted planets with dark secrets

A medical bay reeking of blood and rot

Cryogenic pods that fail to open

Inexplicable anomalies on the radar

Strange, unreadable symbols on ancient artifacts

Hull breaches leading to the void of space

Frozen bodies suspended in zero gravity

Unidentifiable lifeforms

Communications filled with static and whispers

Spaceship controls responding to unseen forces

Broken robots muttering in forgotten languages

Alien eggs pulsing with life

[olderthannetfic]

Ik it might make me a bad person but I just can't be arsed to be mad about ai. Whenever people say "but how would you feel if it scraped from YOUR writing???" I'm like it probably did and tbh I don't care. My fanfic is already available for free for people to read. If it's scraped by ai and someone uses that ai to generate their own fanfic I'm not losing money and I'm not losing readers because the people that want to read my fanfic will read it. Someone that was never gonna read my fanfic generating their own hasn't cost me a reader. I know for most people it's about the principle of their labor being used without their consent but I've never had a principle-based morality system so. Ai just is not on my radar of Shit To Be Mad About.

--

[dolls-self-ships]

guys please for the love of god reblog peoples art. Like if you like it, reblog it. Idk. Like yes it's annoying to see "reblogs > likes" under a post but tumblr's tagging system and algorithm is absolutely shit. I see so many incredible artists who's work goes under the radar because of this. So just please. Reblog people's art. They worked hard on it. That shit takes hours- days to complete. The rb to like ratio has just plummeted in the past decade I've been on this site. Tumblr has no algorithm. You may personally like an art piece but if you want others to see it and share it, you gotta reblog it. Not meant to be a guilt trip, I just think we need to start showing artists more support- ESPECIALLY in this age of AI. So please- IF YOU LIKE IT, REBLOG IT ♡

[amrutmnm]

How AI is Transforming Radar Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Radar Systems Market, driving significant transformations across various applications. This article delves into AI's impact on radar technology advancements, defense radar applications, commercial radar systems, radar market growth trends, airborne radar innovations, maritime radar solutions, automotive radar developments, weather monitoring radar, radar sensor integration, and phased array radar systems.

Introduction to AI in the Radar Systems Market

The Radar Systems Market has experienced substantial growth, with a valuation of USD 32.5 billion in 2021 and projections reaching USD 41.0 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 4.8%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of radar systems across defense and commercial sectors, including aircraft, marine vessels, weather stations, and unmanned vehicles. The integration of AI into radar technology is further accelerating this expansion, enhancing capabilities and opening new avenues for application.

AI-Driven Radar Technology Advancements

AI is at the forefront of radar technology advancements, enabling systems to process complex data more efficiently and accurately. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, radar systems can now identify patterns, predict movements, and adapt to dynamic environments in real-time. This evolution enhances target detection, reduces false alarms, and improves overall system performance. For instance, AI-powered radar applications have become more accurate and reliable, benefiting industries ranging from autonomous vehicles to healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Transforming Defense Radar Applications with AI

In defense, AI integration into radar systems has revolutionized surveillance, reconnaissance, and threat detection. AI algorithms process vast amounts of radar data, increasing situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. This enhancement is crucial for perimeter security, battlefield surveillance, and air defense operations. For example, AI-driven radar systems can detect and classify various air targets, including low-flying planes and missiles, with greater accuracy.

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AI's Role in Commercial Radar Systems

Commercial radar systems are also benefiting from AI integration. In the automotive industry, AI-enhanced radar systems improve object detection, classification, and tracking, contributing to the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. These advancements lead to safer and more efficient transportation solutions.

Radar Market Growth Trends Influenced by AI

The incorporation of AI into radar systems is a significant driver of market growth. As AI technologies evolve, they enable the development of more sophisticated radar solutions, expanding their applications across various sectors. This trend is reflected in the increasing investments and research focused on AI-driven radar technologies, indicating a robust growth trajectory for the radar systems market.

Airborne Radar Innovations Through AI

AI is propelling innovations in airborne radar systems, enhancing their ability to detect, track, and classify aerial targets. AI-powered radar systems can process complex data from multiple sources, providing comprehensive situational awareness and improving operational effectiveness in both defense and commercial aviation.

Maritime Radar Solutions Enhanced by AI

In the maritime sector, AI integration into radar systems improves the detection and tracking of marine activities, including those of warships, submarines, and commercial vessels. AI-driven radar systems enhance navigation safety, collision avoidance, and monitoring of illegal activities such as smuggling and piracy. These advancements contribute to more secure and efficient maritime operations.

Automotive Radar Developments Fueled by AI

The automotive industry is witnessing significant developments in radar technology, driven by AI. AI-enhanced radar systems provide better object detection and tracking capabilities, essential for the advancement of autonomous vehicles and ADAS. These systems improve vehicle safety, reduce accidents, and enhance the overall driving experience.

AI's Impact on Weather Monitoring Radar

AI integration into weather monitoring radar systems enhances the accuracy and timeliness of weather predictions. AI algorithms analyze radar data to identify weather patterns, predict severe weather events, and provide more reliable forecasts. This improvement is vital for industries such as agriculture, aviation, and disaster management, where accurate weather information is crucial.

Radar Sensor Integration and AI

AI facilitates the integration of radar sensors with other sensing technologies, creating more comprehensive and intelligent systems. For example, combining radar data with information from cameras and LiDAR, processed through AI algorithms, enhances the perception capabilities of autonomous vehicles and robotic systems. This integration leads to more accurate environmental mapping and object recognition.

Advancements in Phased Array Radar Systems with AI

Phased array radar systems are experiencing significant enhancements through AI integration. AI algorithms optimize beamforming and beam steering processes, improving target detection and tracking capabilities. These advancements are particularly beneficial in defense applications, where rapid and accurate target acquisition is critical. For instance, 4D electronically scanned array radar systems utilize AI to provide multifunctional surveillance and target acquisition, offering recognized tactical pictures and weapon assignment.

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Challenges and Opportunities in AI-Integrated Radar Systems

While the integration of AI into radar systems presents numerous opportunities, it also poses challenges. Ensuring data quality, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and managing the complexity of AI algorithms are critical considerations. However, the potential benefits, such as enhanced performance, increased automation, and expanded applications, outweigh these challenges, making AI integration a promising avenue for the future of radar systems.

Future Outlook of AI in the Radar Systems Market

The future of the Radar Systems Market is closely tied to advancements in AI. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they will further enhance radar system capabilities, leading to more intelligent, efficient, and versatile solutions. This progression will drive continued growth and innovation in the radar systems market, impacting various industries and applications.

AI's impact on the Radar Systems Market is profound, driving advancements across defense and commercial applications. From enhancing radar technology and defense applications to transforming automotive and commercial radar systems, AI is revolutionizing the way radar technology is utilized across industries. The integration of AI is enabling radar systems to become more intelligent, adaptive, and efficient, leading to improved detection, tracking, and decision-making capabilities.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in radar systems will expand further, unlocking new possibilities for enhanced security, safety, and operational efficiency. While challenges such as data security, system complexity, and regulatory considerations remain, the benefits of AI-driven radar technology far outweigh the obstacles.

In the coming years, we can expect continued research and investment in AI-powered radar solutions, further advancing defense, automotive, maritime, weather monitoring, and other commercial applications. The future of radar systems is undoubtedly being shaped by AI, positioning this market for sustained growth and innovation.

Key Takeaways

AI is revolutionizing the radar systems market by improving target detection, tracking, and automation.

The defense sector benefits significantly from AI-driven radar for surveillance, reconnaissance, and threat detection.

AI-powered commercial radar applications are enhancing automotive safety, maritime navigation, and weather forecasting.

The integration of AI with radar sensors, phased array radars, and advanced analytics is driving technological progress.

Challenges such as cybersecurity and data complexity remain, but ongoing advancements will continue to drive market expansion.

[genericpuff]

ok as someone disabled with severe motor skill issues i really hate the argument that "anyone can learn art" and that it's completely accessible to everyone. it's not. there are lots of disabled folks who are getting left out of this discussion with the ableist argument that anyone can do art and if you can't you're just not trying hard enough (which is an argument a lot of abled people tend to use against disabled folks in general). i'm against ai art and will never use it but we have got to stop acting like art is an accessible hobby to everyone because there is unfortunately a lot of people who would love to become artists but will never be able to because of our disabilities.

nah you right! I try to be mindful of that sort of thing but it does admittedly fly under my radar at times because I'm not someone living with a physical disability (and thus it's not as front-of-mind as someone who is) so thanks for catching me on that, many apologies. My argument was regarding the people I've seen who have exclusively used "well I've tried to learn how to draw and it's hard / took too much time / etc." as their driving argument (of which there are just. so many) when like. these are realities for many artists who have been doing this for years, too, including those who are disabled. yeah, making art takes time and practice and a lot of hard work! welcome to the party LOL

but I also understand how keeping that argument so simplified can be exclusionary to those who do genuinely face barriers when pursuing art due to living with disabilities. I've met and observed the work of many disabled artists - webcomic artists, game designers, musicians, etc. - who are out there making their stuff and it comes with all its own unique struggles that shouldn't be forgotten about or overlooked in the discussion regarding AI art, struggles that bar many people from even getting into making art from the starting gun.

I do genuinely believe that art can come from anywhere, that anyone is capable of expressing themselves through whatever medium that compels them... but you're right that many artistic mediums in and of themselves are not wholly accessible to everyone. And I hope to god that more tools are developed to help those who are both working artists as well as aspiring ones.

But AI, in its current state, just isn't one of them. And I'm seeing this sentiment being yelled from the rooftops by many disabled artists who firmly believe that the ends do not justify the means - that they don't want the medium to become more accessible if it comes at the cost of other artists (many who are disabled themselves!) whose work and livelihoods are being replaced with cheap carbon copies. AI art doesn't allow anyone to actually participate in the joy of creating straight from the heart, it just takes from others' joy and spits it back out with an impression of what it thinks the joy of creation is supposed to look like through lifeless pixels. That's not even getting into just how much damage it's already actively causing to our environment, and how quickly AI has started to replace other surrounding industries as well.

Separately from that, you're right, paying for art is a luxury for many, but that's all the more reason why we shouldn't be supporting the current climate surrounding AI IMO which is the crux of what my argument was in that previous Simpsons meme post. Many people do face severe limitations in trying to create their art; the people I'm referring to who are heavily pro-AI are often not those same people and only face the limitations of their own entitlement, which is destroying the livelihoods of many human artists. Is it worth participating in AI art to save money if that same participation perpetuates a growing system that's costing people their livelihoods?

Maybe some day we'll get AI tools that are less predatory and destructive and help those who want to create art do so. Maybe we'll finally get some stricter regulations around what companies are allowed to get away with in their respective industries. I'd like to think also that the rise of AI art will, by extension, make human-made art all the more valuable. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish for tools that made making webcomics just a teeeeny bit more efficient without being completely unethical LOL But until any of those scenarios prove to be true, we're dealing with a monster of our own design that will never stop eating even after we've all been consumed. The toothpaste is out of the tube.

[drorpheusn1fan]

Okay I lied, here’s more khia because just yes! AND BECAUSE I FINALLY WROTE HER LORE!! For anyone interested, 👇🏻👇🏻

Dr. Khia Crow (Venture bros oc)

'Early life:'

Khia was born into wealth and intelligence, the only child of a scientist named "Dr. Frank Crow", mother "Adrianne J. Crow" deceased after Labor. Khia grew up in a mansion full of lab equipment instead of toys, she was always surrounded by machines, formulas and emotionally unavailable adults. In her teens, Khia had built a functional mechanical nervous system prototype to impress her dad, frank didn’t show much interest but was still proud.

'the death of Dr. Frank Crow:'

When Khia was just 17, her father died under sudden but strange circumstances. A "natural heart attack“ in a sealed lab surrounded by equipment that had been humming louder than usual, but Khia still thinks that this wasn’t the actual cause.

Khia‘s madness brought her to his private island lab located off the Atlantic coast and began to dig through his notes. What she found were half sane ideas about consciousness, electromagnetic souls and "binding science to identity".

Due to her grief, she swore to continue his work and prove the world that true science wasn’t dead.

'The New York City incident:'

Ten years later, Khia entered The New York Science Expo, a Guild adjacent showcase for scientists. Khias project was a revolutionary bio magnetic augmentation system capable of keeping human consciousness stable during extreme physical trauma. But she didn’t enter for money or recognition, she entered to honor her father, his true science.

Unexpectedly and unfortunately, Dr. Rusty Venture was also an attendant. He saw her as a threat to his fragile ego, which made him sabotage her work the night before her presentation.

During khias presentation, the device overloaded which made the room get showered in sparks. Her project was declared dangerous, making her her publicly humiliated and quietly blacklisted. After this, nobody heard anything or saw khia ever again for a while.

'The descent into Dr. Khia Crow:'

Isolated on her island, Khia started experimenting on herself due to her past trauma and because she wanted to prove her tech worked, so she made herself the test subject to feel something. She started replacing her muscles and skin with mechanical parts, wove magnetic regulators

into her skin and even tried to encode pieces of her fathers brain scans into an AI core, speaking to it like it was her father, sometimes it answered, but failed.

The process was flawed, her body was beginning to rejecting parts, causing her systems to destabilise, her biology and machinery clashed violently. To protect herself, she built a magnetic containment suit that shields her unstable internals that protects her from outside threats or combat. Now hiding her half barely human body.

'Modern status:'

Khia now lived on her crumbling island lab, that’s surrounded by floating assistant drones nicknamed 'Crows'. The crows monitor, repair and protect the island from any threat. Khia has made several minor appearances at scientific events, sometimes winning small prizes and awards but never receiving the respect she craved.

She refuses to join the GOCI, claiming they’re a Theater troupe in denial. But nontheless, the guild keeps her on their radar as a potential wildcard. The OSI monitors her island for electromagnetic anomalies and 'digital ghost activity'.

'Khias personality:'

Khia might not seem like it, but she’s actually a sunshine to everyone that she dosent really have a problem with.

Even though she never shows it, she is still emotional under the surface.

She barely talks with people. But when she does, she finally lets everything out that she thinks about.

She also likes to design clothes that are suitable for her mechanical body parts, already as a child she’s been interested in fashion besides science.

She can give great advice to others but not to herself.

She loves listening to others interests.

Her favorite meal is zuppa di pesce! But her cooking skills aren’t the best so she might just go to the city to get it.

Her favorite weapons are bows and rifles.

'Extra Infos:'

Name: (Dr.) Khia J. Crow

Height: 1.85 (6'1)

Weight: 88kg (194.01 lbs)

Gender: female

Sexuality: Bisexual

[tarithenurse]

Inhuman

Fandom: MCU Pairing/starring: Eventually Bucky x fem!reader, Loki x fem!reader, Stucky, more (some canon, some not). Word count: 1667. Contents: Recovery, mystery. A/N: This was my first ever fanfic - it looked different in its original version but I'm editing heavily. It will be tackling everything from "Civil War" and on differently than canon. Any questions are welcome. Please comment and like and reblog. Let me know if you want a tag.

Chapter 6

You wake up to Stark’s face centimetres from yours, scaring you shitless and punching him straight in the face as a knee-jerk reaction before you manage to recall what’s going on. Especially Natasha seems very proud of this but you’re less happy...partially because it hurts your own face too. That and you fixing his now broken nose seem to make it up for Stark and he divulges the information that you’re are on the way “home” to the Bunker, but not without stopping to get some proper food on the way to celebrate. The idea alone makes your stomach growl.

“Stopping for food” apparently means landing in Paris and getting a four-star restaurant to stay open after hours so the team can have dinner. Naturally, you aren’t going to complain about getting the most lavish meal in your life and Crème Brûlée for dessert on the way home from what’s officially your first job with the Avengers…though the whole situation’s surreal.

…

You don’t get a chance to tell your parents face to face that your vacations cut short. In fact you don’t get to do more than send them a text that you’re fine and that “someone”, probably a SHIELD employee, will stop by to get your luggage. Meanwhile you’re spending the flight getting updated on the case that’d brought you to the mountain facility.

It all leads back to the threat Coulson had visited the Bunker about. Unfortunately, it seems that the guy behind it wasn’t actually there, but there are loads of data, materials, and witnesses to provide new information. SHIELD’s taking care of that part together with Stark and Natasha who on their end also are working through the data downloaded from the computers. There’s a lot.

As for the Inhumans, they’re being offered medical attention at the agency and the offer to either join them or go back to their old lives, more or less. Apparently, Emmanuel’s stoked by the idea of being an agent and as of now no one has contradicted him.

When the team finally gets back to the Bunker, you’re allowed to crash straight away but with the promise of a full day of training in only a handful of hours. Especially Bruce seems determined to borrow you for some new tests.

… …

Being woken up by FRIDAY at five in the morning and told to join Bruce in the kitchen isn’t really something to brighten the mood when you’re not a morning person, but you’ve learned long ago that FRIDAY doesn’t give up. If the AI can get Stark out of bed in the morning (not always, though) then it can get any normal being up too. Thankfully, Bruce greets you with fresh orange juice and pancakes. Smart man.

“I’ve been thinking about you radar…would you mind joining me on a walk outside the perimeter?”

You don’t even try to stifle a yawn. “Fine.”

Dew’s lying in a thin glittery layer on everything, making your bare toes wet as you walk through the grass.

The further you get away from the Bunker the more small specks of glitter start showing up for you. All of them appear after an unmarked line which must be the system Banner’s mentioned before. Soon they’re crawling and buzzing everywhere: underneath your and your odd colleague’s feet, circling above your heads, coming to a perfect standstill when they get near only to suddenly scamper away if any of you get too close. Most must be belonging to insects because Banner can’t see many of them, but to you it seems like a million minuscule fireflies everywhere around them.

“It’s magnificent. Like silver…and gold and…copper everywhere.”

Bruce looks at the empty air, trying to imagine what you’ve been describing. “Why different colours?”

“I dunno...there doesn’t seem to be much logic to it. Not like when you turned green and your glitter did too.” You shrug, rolling up the wrapper from the pancakes.

“You haven’t said that before.” His right eyebrow has found its way to his hairline all on its own.

Guilt burns in your cheeks. “…I guess…I forgot to mention. A lot happened yesterday and now…I’m not quite awake yet.”

“No worries, guess I should be the one to apologize anyways.”

As you steal a glance at him, you can see that he really looks ashamed with glistening eyes and lips drawn thin. “No. You didn’t hurt me. Or Emmanuel.”

The two of you walk on a bit in silence before you stop him. Further up ahead is a herd of deer. They don’t seem to have noticed the intruders yet because they keep grazing peacefully in the morning mist. The doctor looks at you questioningly and you point towards them as an answer.

When he does spot them, he just stands with mouth open just as spellbound as you are: one of the does is not grazing but has sought a bit away from the herd. She’s fawning. It’s possible to tell there’s one kid on the way because of its silvery-white sparkles clear within the softer golden particles that make up the mother. Despite the burning feeling of the contractions that you share with the doe even from this distance, it’s still an amazing sight.

Not even fifteen minutes later, the fawn is standing on its wobbly, long legs, trying to steer its weight towards the mother. As the little creature, also a female, homes in, you and Bruce back away slowly. It’s odd to explain these things to someone who cannot see it but at least Bruce seems to appreciate the firefly analogy.

Walking back, he starts to hum the starting song from the Lion King and as you pass through the doors to the kitchen, together you’re starting over with the opening chorus line – it’s not pretty, probably not correctly pronounced, but most surely heartfelt. Surprisingly, there’s no applause from Stark and Steve, only deafening silence and open mouths due to the horror they’ve just witnessed.

After a brief delay, the silence’s broken by Clint barging into the room. “What was that?!”

“That...” explains Stark, still wide-eyed from the incident, “was the cast from the High School Musical 15...or a pack of hyenas.”

“You’re one to talk! I’ve heard you in the shower when we had to sit in that wretched helicarrier for days!” The rebuttal comes promptly from Bruce and serves its purpose. Stark’s on the defence while the guys are grilling him.

... ...

You’ve been alone in the Bunker for a few days now. Somehow, everyone else have found something to do elsewhere but it does grant some time without hard training. It’s not difficult being on your own. There’s a lot of entertainment and if you need anything that’s not in the Bunker then FRIDAY orders it. One of those days, the first package arrives.

You still haven’t been able to figure out how deliveries make it here, but this time you realize it’s someone on a cover-address, bringing things to the Bunker if one of the Stark Industry drones can’t do it. The man who brings everything doesn’t want to answer any questions as to where the Bunker actually is, though, and he leaves laughing as if he doesn’t even believe you don’t know. The package itself gets scanned by FRIDAY and Stark’s notified…the only answer’s to just leave it in the lab.

Three days later another one arrives. It’s the same man who delivers it and he’s still not sharing any information as to the whereabouts of the place. And again, you just need to leave the package in the lab.

By the end of your solitary days there are four packages waiting to be opened. All you’ve learned from the delivery-man’s that you can call him Bob (it’s probably not even his real name) but he still hasn’t divulged anything else before Stark returns. First thing he does, however, is to go to the lab and busy himself there with some new gadget.

Only once does he emerge allowing for you to ask him about the contents of the packages reminding him of their existence. So he disappears again, but this time not for long.

“Mister Stark would like to see you in the lab.”

You’ve been there many times before, but it’s never been it this messy. You have to step over a big pile of blueprints and then skirt around a fallen chair. On the table are the packages. Open. Stark’s leaning up against the wall and just staring at them, hair messy and arms crossed defiantly over his chest.

“Hav’a look.”

You’re not quite sure what to expect, but obviously something’s gotten to him. In the first box’s a note with the scribbled words “Drink me” tied to a vial with a blue liquid in it. In the second box is a stale muffin accompanied by the note “Eat me”. The third box has a surveillance picture from the raid in the mountain and a last note simply stating: “So close, yet so far”…and finally in the fourth a brick with “Find me” attached to it.

“He’s taunting us!” Tony’s words carry a fine explosion of spittle.

“We knew ‘t’was a matter of time before he’d resurface somehow.”

“Yeah, but this...this is...a slap in the face! He knows that we have NOTHING on him from all the data we collected!” Well...not all of us knew that...but fine. Tony’s pacing, waving his arms like an Italian as he speaks. “We still have no idea who he is or what he wants!”

“Bruce might be able to wrangle some answers out of that blue stuff…or maybe ask Coulson to get Simmons to have a look?” A voice in the back of your head’s shouting at you for daring suggest anything. “She’s specialized at this, right?”

“Of course I asked Banner and the others to come back asap! I’m not a moron!” Then he appears to think about it. “But you’re right...I needa hear if Coulson’s gotten anything like this.”

[thephonemenarentreal]

The Conglomerate operations are aboard the ship known as the Pleasure Cruise which is a floating city, constantly on the move and under the radar with a thriving population of technopeople, humans, and skibidis.

All of that ship is controlled by one AI: Captain Mizzenmatch. They are the ship, all the way down to the tiniest bolt and he takes their job very seriously.

MORE LORE UNDER THE CUT <3

Mizzenmatch doesn't NEED a unit form as the ship is their body, but they have one for appearances to parties and for ease of people needing a face to talk to...although people get a bit creeped out by the lack of arms.

They don't have arms because it is a "hassle" and feels "useless" when they are the ship and can do everything with but a thought. They say arms get in the way of "being" in the ship. They also don't like sleeves because it looks funny all floppy and not very professional.

As to what "Faction" they belong to, Mizzenmatch often answers all for they need all components to do their job. They are the ship. They must see, hear, and televise everything for the protection and comfort of their charges.

They take their job EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY. The safety of the lives on board and their comfort are their priority unless they are marked as being a nuisance or threat, in which case they will not do anything to stop that individual from being taken care of.

If someone is misbehaving on the ship, Mizzenmatch knows and will harass them by closing the elevators on them, making the hot water shut off, make the coffee machine spray them, ect. ect. They can be very petty and there is no stopping them as they ARE the ship...

The captain unit tends to remain at the helm of the ship staring off stoically. In fact, Mizzenmatch is extremely stoic and no one has ever heard them laugh.

There is a challenge to try and get the ship AI to laugh or crack a smile or something, but no one has had any luck.... Mizzenmatch is just a very stoic captain.

They don't sleep. Ever. They don't need to sleep. They are a very complicated AI, able to control the whole ship and monitor everything without missing a beat. This means certain systems can "sleep" while others "awake", taking shifts within Mizzenmatch's runtimes. So they are never technically asleep.

Every morning at 9am sharp, they always make ship announcements in a very stoic and professional voice. Very deep and sultry voice. These announcements are about the weather of the day, events on the ship planned, birthdays announcements, lottery numbers, and any specials that day.

There is a channel on every room TV called "Mizzenmatch report" where they give commentary on the news in the world as well as news on the ship.

Mizzenmatch has certain cameras open to the public that people can watch from their room if they like.

There is also a channel where they narrate all the things on sale at the deck mall and any specials that are currently running.

Mizzenmatch gets picky about changes to the ship and only makes changes if the board of directors vote unanimously on it.

Mizzenmatch can be reached by the phone at anytime for serious complaints. Otherwise, it is better to call the Jeeves on the minor things. Calling to ask how the captain is doing will get you a friendly enough conversation though and a thank you for asking. Maybe your shower water will be always nice and hot, the lighting always perfect, and the elevator always there for you.

It is something to watch the captain unit walk around the ship, opening doors with their mind and doing things without hands because they are the ship and can manipulate the environment to what is needed.

They like to watch the sea in their unit, so often stand by windows to watch.

They can get on the speaker system on any room to make dry comments to someone doing something bad. It makes some people paranoia since Mizzenmatch is always watching. Mizzenmatch just brushes it off saying nine times out of ten they don't care....they just look for things that are labeled as a nuisance to the comfort of guests or an active threat.

Destroying the unit does not kill Mizzenmatch. They ARE the ship. Killing the unit just makes an entire ship pissed off.

Mizzenmatch has thrown people overboard for comments about how the ship looks shabby. That's insulting. They make sure they are kept very clean, thank you!

Making comments about the Titanic or other big ships that sunk offends Mizzenmatch. They are a VERY careful driver thank you!

Mizzenmatch is able to triangulate position via satellite and always knows where the ship is and also can teleport individuals off and on the ship at waypoints that are set. In emergencies, members of the elite technocracy can activate a beacon that Mizzenmatch will lock onto and teleport them quickly to the ship.

The Pleasure Cruise hosts a large population of technopeople, humans, and skibidis on board and each and everyone of the full-time residence are Mizzenmatch's obligations. They will fight aggressively to keep them safe.

They don't mind humans like others in the Conglomerate and keeps a personal eye on them to keep humans safe and comfortable.

Mizzenmatch, in terms of overall size as a ship, is bigger than titans but does not classify as one given....ship shaped and titans don't let people live inside them and provide room service. Still, they are equipped with advanced firepower and defenses as well as a feature to dive to keep their charges safe. In a battle, Mizzenmatch can modify the ship, move parts around, and even has a factory to rapidly build more ammunition as needed to fight. With the AI's ability to see from every angle, the Pleasure Cruise has a complete 360 defensive firing circle.

When asked about their view on titans, Mizzenmatch is ambivalent. They are units. If they are on the ship, Mizzenmatch will protect them too. That's just how it works.

Given a war is going on, Mizzenmatch has stockpiled a pretty impressive supply of weaponry in case of emergencies...

Mizzenmatch can launch drone probes to "feel" out areas and scout if they feel the waters ahead are not good. These drones can be used in battle as well to distract enemy targeting systems.

Mizzenmatch was created by Simulcast to replace the original crew as a Titan Prototype AI for her Chthonic Protocol. They were successful as an AI, but Mizzenmatch promptly turned on her, seeing her as a threat to safety and reports on her constantly...

They also will undermine the Conglomerate if they feel it is a threat to the safety of others or the deaths are a bit too much. They do have more morals and an active care for those they keep safe.

Mizzenmatch is undermining Simulcast's opus magnus in the lab by "talking" to the sleeping titan, imparting a strong sense of duty onto it hopefully.