#asset cloud solution | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jcmarchi · 7 months ago

Text

Pankit Desai, Co-Founder and CEO, Sequretek – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/pankit-desai-co-founder-and-ceo-sequretek-interview-series/

Pankit Desai, Co-Founder and CEO, Sequretek – Interview Series

Pankit Desai is the co-founder and CEO of Sequretek, a company specializing in cybersecurity and cloud security products and services. In 2013, he co-founded Sequretek with Anand Naik and has played a key role in developing the company into a prominent provider of cybersecurity and cloud security solutions. Prior to Sequretek, Pankit held various leadership and management positions in the IT industry at companies including NTT Data, Intelligroup, and Wipro Technologies. He holds a degree in computer engineering and brings a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship to his role.

Sequretek’s cybersecurity expertise, strengthened by cloud-based solutions with real-time, AI-driven threat detection and response, enables businesses to confidently take control, grow, and safeguard their digital assets while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What inspired you to co-found Sequretek, and how has the company evolved since its inception?

The cybersecurity landscape has long been marked by disparity, where the top 10% of companies have access to comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions, while the rest struggle with limited resources and expertise. This industry, which often caters to the elite, leaves many organizations navigating a maze of 90+ technology categories and thousands of vendors, resulting in fragmented approaches that complicate security decisions. At Sequretek, we saw this as an opportunity to change the narrative. When we founded the company in 2013, our mission was clear, to make cybersecurity simple and accessible for all, not just the few who could afford it.

Our approach has always been about consolidation and simplification. Instead of adding to the complexity with more niche solutions, we set out to build an integrated platform that addresses the key pillars of cybersecurity—endpoint security, identity governance, and threat detection—under one roof. We envisioned a world where businesses could focus on growth without the fear of cyber threats disrupting their journey. By combining AI-driven automation with a holistic strategy, we’ve empowered our clients to stay secure in the face of evolving risks, making cybersecurity a growth enabler rather than a roadblock.

What were the initial challenges you faced when starting Sequretek, and how did these shape the company’s strategy in cybersecurity?

Starting Sequretek in 2013, we encountered several challenges that significantly influenced our approach to cybersecurity. The most pressing issue was the steep fragmentation of the industry—there were too many niche solutions addressing specific security problems without an integrated approach. It was clear that if we wanted to make a meaningful impact, we needed to consolidate security capabilities and deliver a unified solution that was easy to implement and manage. This insight drove us to develop our integrated Percept platform, which covers endpoint security, identity governance, and threat detection in one place.

Another challenge was the prevailing perception that cybersecurity was a luxury reserved for large enterprises with substantial budgets. This mindset left a significant portion of the market underserved, exposing smaller companies to considerable risks. As a result, our strategy has always been focused on simplifying security by automating routine tasks, reducing the need for specialized security teams, and lowering the cost of ownership.

Could you tell us about the core philosophy behind Sequretek’s product suite and how it aligns with your original vision?

The core philosophy behind Sequretek’s product suite is rooted in the belief that cybersecurity should not be a luxury, but a fundamental right for all businesses, regardless of their size. From the outset, our vision has been to simplify security by consolidating complex technologies into a single, cohesive platform. We observed how companies were struggling with a fragmented security landscape, where they needed multiple tools to manage different aspects of cybersecurity. This created inefficiencies and increased the risk of vulnerabilities going undetected.

This philosophy is reflected in our Percept platform, which was designed to eliminate silos and provide a unified view of an organization’s security posture. By leveraging AI and automation, Percept streamlines security operations, allowing companies to detect and respond to threats with greater speed and accuracy. Our focus on automation not only reduces the burden on security teams but also lowers the cost of ownership, making enterprise-grade security accessible to businesses that may not have large IT budgets.

What distinguishes Sequretek from other players in the AI-driven cybersecurity field?

Sequretek stands out by simplifying cybersecurity through an integrated approach. While many competitors offer isolated solutions, we consolidated endpoint security, identity governance, and threat detection into our unified Percept platform. This reduces the complexity that overwhelms many organizations using multiple tools.

Our use of AI goes beyond just detecting threats—it automates responses to free up security teams and even includes natural language processing to make interacting with security data user-friendly.

How has AI revolutionized threat prediction and response at Sequretek, and what specific benefits does it offer your clients?

AI has been a game-changer for Sequretek in revolutionizing threat prediction and response. At its core, our AI-driven platform, Percept, doesn’t just spot threats—it anticipates them. By continuously analyzing vast data streams, our algorithms identify potential risks early on, allowing businesses to react before a situation escalates. This proactive stance significantly cuts down on response times, ensuring threats are addressed in seconds.

The benefits for our clients are clear- fewer distractions from false alarms, less manual work for security teams, and more time to focus on strategic priorities. For instance, when Percept detects a phishing attempt, it can immediately isolate the threat, notify the team, and even initiate a response, all without human intervention. This automation isn’t just about speed; it’s about making security accessible for companies that can’t afford large, specialized teams. We’re essentially leveling the playing field, empowering businesses to stay resilient in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

What are some of the most critical AI advancements in Sequretek’s Percept platform for managing evolving cyber threats?

The Percept platform’s AI advancements are geared toward staying ahead of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. One of the standout features is its ability to use predictive analytics for threat anticipation. This shift from reactive to proactive threat management is crucial in today’s cybersecurity environment. Another critical advancement is in automation. Percept automates the detection and also response processes, such as isolating compromised devices or blocking suspicious network traffic in real time. This automation dramatically reduces response times, allowing businesses to mitigate threats instantly while reducing the burden on security teams. Moreover, with integrated natural language processing (NLP), users can interact with the platform conversationally, simplifying complex tasks like querying threat intelligence data.

These advancements transform cybersecurity from a traditionally resource-intensive activity into a more streamlined and accessible process, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from cutting-edge defenses without needing extensive security teams.

Can you share an example of how Sequretek uses AI to streamline threat detection and automate responses?

At Sequretek, AI is at the heart of streamlining threat detection and automating responses. For instance, Percept XDR and NG SIEM provide AI-powered extended detection and response combined with next-generation security information and event management. This setup detects threats and takes automated actions, such as isolating compromised systems and notifying security teams in real time, reducing manual intervention and speeding up containment.

Similarly, Percept EDR leverages on-agent AI for real-time endpoint detection and response. When it detects a next-gen threat, like ransomware, it can immediately isolate the affected device, preventing lateral movement across the network while ensuring business operations continue uninterrupted.

Additionally, Percept Compliance Manager brings AI to governance, risk, and compliance by conducting real-time vulnerability scans and configuration audits within a single console, helping organizations maintain a strong security posture without extensive manual oversight.

How is AI changing the tactics of cybercriminals, and what innovations is Sequretek using to counteract these new AI-driven threats?

AI is reshaping the landscape of cybercrime, enabling attackers to launch more sophisticated and convincing campaigns. Cybercriminals are using AI to enhance phishing and social engineering tactics, creating highly personalized and realistic fake messages, voice, or video content to deceive individuals and organizations. The scale and speed at which these AI-driven attacks can be executed have made them a significant concern in today’s threat environment.

At Sequretek, we counteract these AI-driven threats with our own AI innovations integrated into the Percept platform. We employ advanced machine learning techniques to detect anomalies that indicate potential AI-generated attacks, such as deepfakes or sophisticated phishing attempts. Our platform uses behavioral analysis to identify unusual patterns in user activity, helping to catch threats that traditional rule-based systems might miss. The goal is to stay one step ahead in this AI arms race, using AI to outsmart cybercriminals by making our defenses smarter, faster, and more adaptive.

How do you see AI’s role in cybersecurity evolving over the next five years, and what does this mean for businesses?

As AI becomes more mature, we see its potential to fundamentally reshape cybersecurity. One major advancement will be how effectively AI systems can differentiate real threats from false positives. Today, cybersecurity teams often face an overwhelming volume of alerts, many of which are not genuine risks. With smarter AI, we’ll be able to identify true threats with much greater accuracy, which will allow teams to focus their efforts where it truly matters, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary noise. Additionally, AI will help reduce the grey areas we encounter—those ambiguous situations that aren’t harmful or safe—by making distinctions clearer and cutting down on manual oversight.

Incident response will also see transformative gains. Currently, even when threats are detected in real time, the response can still be time-consuming due to manual processes. AI-enabled automation will allow for much faster, more seamless responses, reducing reliance on human intervention and significantly speeding up the process. Finally, we’re also looking forward to advancements in natural language processing, which will simplify how teams interact with complex security data, making it accessible without specialized queries or technical hurdles. This combination of capabilities will be essential as cyber threats evolve, enabling businesses to stay resilient in a rapidly shifting landscape.

What advice would you give organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture with AI today?

Organizations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity with AI should remember that AI is a powerful enabler, not a complete solution. It’s essential to approach AI as part of an integrated security framework built on the fundamentals—people, processes, and technology. Just because AI offers new capabilities doesn’t mean you should replace established strategies or think it’s a silver bullet. Instead, think of AI as a tool to enhance your team’s capabilities, not replace them. For example, AI can play a valuable role in understanding user behavior and enhancing security awareness through gamified learning, which can help reduce human vulnerabilities to attacks.

Another critical area is identifying where AI can address inefficiencies in your current tools and processes. AI and machine learning can help you respond faster and with greater precision, particularly in areas traditionally slowed down by human dependency. However, it’s important to remember that no AI tool alone will ensure complete security. It should work alongside strong, well-trained teams and established protocols to build a resilient security posture that adapts to new threats.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Sequretek.

0 notes

ezaccesscommunications · 1 year ago

Text

Website: https://www.ezaccesscommunications.com/

EZ ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS is a reputable telecom expense management specialist, offering a range of services including expense management, network solutions, IT solutions, mobility solutions, voice solutions, and security solutions. With over 50 years of experience, the company is known for its efficient, honest, and professional approach. EZ ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS provides unbiased consultations and strives to deliver the best in-class telecommunications services, ensuring customer satisfaction through open communication and expert support.

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/savacom-palm-coast

Keywords: telecom expense management collaboration tools for business voip solutions for small business sip trunking services it infrastructure solutions cybersecurity solutions for small businesses business collaboration tools telecom expense management companies telecom expense management services voip solutions for business it infrastructure management solutions small business collaboration tools online collaboration tools for business telecom invoice audit outsourced telecom expense management telecom expense management audit telecom expense management consulting telecom expense management system sip trunk service provider siem solutions for small business best business collaboration tools remote collaboration tools for business best voip solution for small business best telecom expense management global telecom expense management mobile telecom expense management telecom expense management outsourcing telecom expense management solution top telecom expense management service provider it infrastructure monitoring solution it infrastructure solutions and services cybersecurity solutions for businesses social business collaboration tools it infrastructure security solution it infrastructure solutions provider cloud computing for organizations voip solutions for large business voip solutions for medium business best ucaas systems for enterprise business ucaas for enterprise telecom expense management auditing invoice processing telecom and it expense management services telecom expense management asset and service telecom expense management service costs best sip trunk service global sip trunking connect service good sip trunk service hybrid it infrastructure solutions infrastructure it solution it infrastructure solution provider near me dedicated internet access solutions cost-effective cybersecurity solutions for small businesses cloud computing for healthcare organizations standard organizations for cloud computing best small business collaboration tools

#telecom and it expense management services #telecom expense management asset and service #telecom expense management service costs #best sip trunk service #global sip trunking connect service #good sip trunk service #hybrid it infrastructure solutions #infrastructure it solution #it infrastructure solution provider near me #dedicated internet access solutions #cost-effective cybersecurity solutions for small businesses #cloud computing for healthcare organizations #standard organizations for cloud computing #best small business collaboration tools

1 note · View note

terotam · 2 years ago

Text

#Asset Lifecycle Management #Cloud-Based Solution #CMMS Software #CMMS Software Solutions #Comprehensive Asset Management #Limited Automation #Maintenance Management System #Optimizing Maintenance #Preventive Maintenance #Streamlines Communication #Task Automation #TeroTAM #Work Order Management #Workflow Management

0 notes

scentedanchorcollective · 3 months ago

Text

DeepSeek: Ignite a new engine for China's technological innovation

On the morning of February 27, the "Sanming Youth Talk" jointly organized by the Sanming Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League, the Sanming Branch of Industrial Bank, the Sanming Branch of Industrial Securities, etc. was held at the Sanming Branch of Industrial Bank. The theme of this event was "Learning and exploring DeepSeek technology to empower youth technological innovation". It attracted more than 60 people from the Municipal Youth League Committee, young entrepreneurs, the Municipal Youth League Working Committee, and some league members and youth representatives to participate in the event.

At the beginning of the event, Zhou Luyun, a senior researcher of the overseas TMT industry at the Industrial Securities Economic and Financial Research Institute, delivered a keynote speech entitled "Revaluation of China's Technology Assets - DeepSeek's Reshaping of China's Cloud Service Ecosystem". He made an in-depth analysis of the current situation and future trends of China's cloud market, and vividly explained how DeepSeek technology can reshape China's cloud service ecosystem. He interpreted industry trends through detailed data and cases, and actively interacted with young people on site, patiently answering questions raised by everyone on talent training and how to make full use of deepseek to improve efficiency.

In the financial product introduction session of the event, Qin Hong, a financial commissioner of the Industrial Bank Sanming Branch, introduced a number of featured financial products in detail, including "Industrial Bank Inclusive Loan", "Small and Micro Online Financing Products", "Personal Business Loan" and "Personal Xingshan Loan". She combined specific cases and explained in depth the advantages of these products in supporting small and micro enterprises, optimizing personal business financing and improving the efficiency of financial services, providing more practical financial solutions and investment references for participants.

It is reported that "Sanming Youth Talk", as a youth learning and exchange brand activity created by the Sanming Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League, has successfully held 14 sessions since its launch, covering multiple fields such as ideological guidance, practical innovation, red cultural inheritance, and youth growth and development planning, providing a high-quality platform for learning, communication and growth for the youth of Sanming.

In the future, the Industrial Bank Sanming Branch will continue to work with all sectors of society to actively promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of youth scientific and technological innovation, provide more opportunities for young people to learn and practice, and contribute to the construction of a strong country.

301 notes · View notes

perfectsweetssoul · 3 months ago

Text

DeepSeek: Ignite a new engine for China's technological innovation

301 notes · View notes

magnificenthottubtriumph · 3 months ago

Text

DeepSeek: Ignite a new engine for China's technological innovation

302 notes · View notes

famousgardenpoetry · 3 months ago

Text

DeepSeek: Ignite a new engine for China's technological innovation

301 notes · View notes

iyrthdfvdfsfeasd · 3 months ago

Text

DeepSeek: Ignite a new engine for China's technological innovation

301 notes · View notes

chuubian · 4 months ago

Text

Angel of small death

Tags demon Chuuya x fem reader, religious symbolism, cruel Chuuya, loss of virginity, drinking and smoking, no protection, light bondage, is this considered monsterfucking, rough sex, degradation, breeding kink, mirror sex, religious guilt yummm, MDNI

Summary Being a virgin at your age isn’t cute anymore, it’s depressing. You decide to go out and do something about it, but there’s something just a little bit off about the man you met.

A/N hehehe for Valentine's Day I wanted to do something a little bit darker. Chuuya being an angel or demon is always on my mind.

Enough is enough. You have to get this over and done with. No more naively waiting for love, it's time. At this point it was getting embarrassing— being a virgin at 20. Since it didn't happen naturally, you have to take matters into your own hands.

It's agonizing listening to your friends talk about all the things they do and experience. The random hookups, the fruitful relationships, the crazy nights spent just having fun. They actually live life. Why can't you have that? Envy and resentment fills your entire body when they treat it as if it's not a big deal. Your head feels like it's about to explode from bottled up dissatisfaction. There's only one solution.

Growing up evangelical, there was still a sense of dread at the thought of going to a bar. It's a place filled with drinking and sex— filled with sin. Even after leaving the faith, lingering guilt dictates your entire life. Having never been to a bar, you don't know what to expect. Staring at yourself in the mirror, you debate whether you should really wear this. Is it too much?

White lace stockings adorn your thighs. Silk fabric hugs your waist— draping elegantly and accentuating all your best assets. You spent hours agonizing over your hair. It leaves your arms shaking, aching from tedious styling. Glitter is dabbed onto the thin skin of your eyelids, lined with dark charcoal and mascara layered over your eyelashes. This is the best you've ever looked, but self doubt is creeping in. Stalking the dark recesses of your mind. Hunting and butchering any confidence you may have.

Pushing down all your apprehension, you grab your jacket and call a cab. Unfortunately, none of your friends are joining you tonight. If they were, maybe it'd be easier to ignore the giant pit of anxiety forming in the bottom of your stomach. Are you really going to do this? There's still time to stop.

You prepared early. The bottle of tequila in your freezer had been left untouched until this moment. Taking it out, you unsteadily pour yourself a shot. Hopefully this helps your panicking heart— beating away rapidly in your ribcage. Alcohol isn't something you have often. As you throw the drink back, your throat constricts and burns despite it being chilled for several hours, heat pooling in your belly. It tastes bitter and disgusting. Your tummy clenches, attempting to send the drink back up— rejecting it completely.

The taxi is waiting outside when you're done. It takes a few minutes before the tequila affects your cognition, so you get in easily, relaxing into the backseat. It's weird. Being alone, all dressed up. Just to go to a sleazy bar. Tugging at the edges of your clothes— discomfort sinks into your bones. Even your own skin feels foreign. Wrong. And the quietude within the car makes your brain whirl.

The cab arrives quickly. There's a thick cloud of smoke fogging your vision, and plaguing your lungs once you walk inside. It's filled with middle aged, unkempt men. Hardly any women are in sight, and the few that are, have a scowl permanently etched onto their foreheads. You take a seat at the bar, away from any people. It's hard to start up a conversation with anyone.

Nervously, you order yourself a martini. You need something strong. It's salty and horribly bitter, but the drink you had previously— and this one— work together to relax the muscles that were so terribly tense before. Sighing, you look around. Everyone is caught up in their own little world. The determination you had before suddenly vanishes and your only wish is to go home. Despite the warmth blazing through your figure, a cold sweat breaks out over your skin. Shivers seem to attack you, leaving you a pile of terrified bones. You shouldn't have come here. Maybe you were just meant to die a virgin. It's fine, you could live with that. Probably.

“You scared?”

A gruff voice speaks up behind you. You whip your head around. The man is ginger with clearly expensive clothing and an intimidating aura. Something about him makes a shiver run down your spine. Your lips pop open dumbly— forming an ‘O’ shape.

The ginger man's gloved hand comes up to grab your chin, dragging you closer and leaning in— quietly observing every little detail of your face. Although the man is not necessarily large, he’s muscular. Well built. It feels as if he’s towering over you. Like goliath standing over you, squashing any chance of escape or survival.

“Relax, I won't bite… unless you like that.”

Ignoring your instincts screaming at you to run, to run back home and never look back, you feel drawn to the strange man. Something keeps you planted in your stool. His cool minty breath wafts into your face— suffocating you. You take a deep breath, but it does nothing to ease the nerves pulsing beneath your sinew and tissue. He smiles at the sight of your unease.

“I'll get you a drink.”

It's not a question. He wraps an arm around your waist and the intoxicating scent of his cologne smothers you and drowns all your senses. You can't move. The man is strangely cold, and from the corner of your eye you swear you can see a shadow that looks like wings. Maybe it's just your imagination. You shake your head, clearing your mind, and suddenly they're gone.

A disorienting ring echoes through your ears while he orders for you. The rest of the encounter is a blur. Drink after drink appears in front of you, and you down them without a second thought. Your initial apprehension is forgotten as the charming man pulls you closer and closer, until you're almost straddling his lap. You don't seem to notice— or mind— how his hands roam down your waist and teasingly play with the hem of your stockings.

“It’s getting kind of crowded… Why don't we go somewhere more private?”

Veins throbbing with a disgusting mix of alcohol and blood rushing through them, you nod without hesitation. A hollow feeling spreads over your chest and ribcage. Sudden guilt weighs heavy on your shoulders. Are you really doing this?

“To yours?”

It's a question of safety. You may be about to sleep with a man you barely know, but under no circumstances should he know where you live. A wide grin spreads over his features. His teeth are blinding and sharp, like fangs.

“Not exactly.”

He wraps his thin fingers around your wrist, helping you up into your feet. The sudden movement has your head spinning and your stomach churning. God, it feels like you're going to throw up. A silent prayer plays in your mind. Part of you regrets ever even thinking of coming here. This goes against everything you've ever believed in. Against every oath you've ever taken.

The devil themselves must be laughing at you now. Wrapping their slender snake-like tail around your throat and squeezing as hard as they can. You can't protest even if you wanted to. Silently, with shaking legs, you let Chuuya— whose name is the only thing you can truly remember from your conversation— lead you out of the bar and into the cold night air.

“Where are we going?”

He doesn't answer. Did he not hear you? The burnt rubber and tar scent of the street follows you everywhere. Your eyes dart around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. In the shadows, you can faintly make out the silhouette of smiling figures— laughing and mocking you. Alcohol has rendered your legs practically useless as they quiver with every step, the only thing holding your weaker body up is Chuuya’s strong arms.

Your blurred vision watches his handsome stoic appearance. Is it really possible a man like this is interested in you? Streetlights illuminate his face. He almost looks like an angel. Like something to be worshipped. You can finally see his eyes clearly, without the dark veil his hat leaves in the way.

Wheezing, the small amount of air left in your lungs evaporates. They're stunning. Bright, breathtaking blue. Like nothing you had ever seen before.

Your heart almost stops at the sight.

The dark pupil in the middle of his iris is insanely dark. Oddly shaped. Almost elongated. Is that normal? Nothing about him seems real.

Broken, fluorescent neon lights flicker at you— calling out to you, ridiculing you. Every object surrounding you seems to know who you are and what you're up to. You've never done this, and they know. Everyone does. They can tell from the look on your face. You're not meant to be here.

Barely any cars are parked at the motel’s lot. It's completely empty except for a few shady people hanging around and the bored front desk employee. If something were to happen, no one would hear you scream. Maybe that's why he chose this place.

The flight up the stairs to the room feels like a death march. The man's grip does nothing to relieve the nervous, cold thrill that seems to freeze your blood over. If anything he's making it worse. His skin— even through the layers of clothing— feels like ice. Your hairs are standing on end, prickling you painfully.

“Here we are.”

He takes a small key card out of his pocket, quickly unlocking the door and pulling you inside the room.

It's dirty. The walls are covered in what you can only assume is solidified cigarette smoke. It smells faintly of urine and gasoline. Only scarlet sheets and flat pillows are on the bed— no comforter. Mirrors cover the ceiling above the bed and there's red ambient lighting instead of regular bulbs.

Chuuya does not bother locking the room. He opts to lightly urge you deeper into the room, sitting on the bed, helping you onto his lap with your legs on either side of his. Fear grips your heart. It pounds away in your sternum laboriously, struggling to break free of the restraints this man — no— this thing has it in.

“Wait I.. I have to tell you something.”

“Hm?”

Freezing cold gloved hands caress your legs. Goosebumps rise up your thighs and arms. Your hands apprehensively clutch the lapels of his jacket. The blue in his iris has darkened to nearly pitch black— swallowing any radiance into its depths. He's too close. It's oppressive. You're not sure this is something you'll survive. At least, not with your sanity.

“I've never done anything like this…”

“Oh honey…”

Voice dripping with arrogance, a cheap snicker finds its way onto his smug face. He toys with the lace band of your stockings, pulling and then letting the garter strap snap back against your thigh.

“I know. Anyone with eyes can tell.”

Scorching hot shame burns across your face. Your back seems to absorb it all, spreading it through your entire system and dampening your skin with sweat. Chuuya presses your front completely against his, taking off his gloves and revealing his pale, scarred hands. When he grabs your waist again, you tense up. Sharp claws press against your skin, threatening to rip your flesh apart.

What…?

A dumbfounded gasp rips itself from your lungs. Your mind screams at you to run, but your body won't listen. This is payback. Retribution straight from the lord himself for daring to stray from his teachings. You deserve the hell this devil will put you through.

Chuuya can tell you're afraid, but he won't let go so easily. His sharpened talons dig into the fat surrounding your hips.

“No no no… this is what you wanted. You can't leave that soon.”

His rough lips press against the tender skin of your neck, hot tongue dragging over the veins and arteries beneath your skin— flames engulf you as searing, fervent lust takes over your alcohol infused brain. Your mouth goes dry and your fingertips tingle, going numb.

You never realized how much you need this.

Scratches and bite marks will surely cover your entire body by tomorrow, but you don't really pay it much mind. He’s like a ravenous animal, getting a small taste of food for the first time in a millenia. His huge claws shred through the snowy white silk fabric adorning your figure.

“I can't wait. When I see a sweet thing like you, I can't resist.”

Chuuya bites into the supple flesh of your throat harshly with his pointed, needle-like fangs. Your hands rest on his chest, bracing yourself for the sharp pain that washes over your neck. The soft thump of a heart isn't there, just uneasy stillness.

Your bottom lip trembles, futilely trying to hold back the terror and desperate cries of pain asphyxiating you. A low growl rumbles through his chest. He pushes you down onto your back, eyes wide and staring up at him. Chuuya wastes no time in starting to undress. Nimbly, his flexible, clawed fingers undo the tie loosely knotted around his neck. Jagged nails dig into your wrists, holding them above your head and fastening them down with his tie. If you even tried to get out— which you wouldn't dream of doing— he'd overpower you easily. A lowly sinner is reduced to a devotee in the face of temptation.

With your hands out of the way, the thing can finally have his way with you. He pushes the tattered fabric off your frame. A rush of cold air sweeps over your newly exposed skin. It feels weird. Like being put on display to be assessed and lambasted. Your eyes dart around, desperate for any way to fix the predicament you've gotten yourself in, but there's no way out.

Wrists aching and nagging for freedom, your body tenses as Chuuyas talons trace the lump over your esophagus. Threatening to rip your throat out.

“Cute… Are you scared?”

Smirking, he gets a vicious glint in his eyes— It's a bizarre change from his previously lifeless gaze. A snake wraps itself around your neck, trapping any words that threaten to bubble up. He hovers over you and rids himself of all the layers keeping you two apart.

Chuuya’s skin glistens under the cheap motel lights. It looks plastic-y, unnaturally shiny. Your eyes follow the angelic lines of his strong, muscled chest. It left you breathless— lungs wrung dry. Tears well up in your eyes, obscuring your view, but somehow your corneas can make out vague shadows sticking out of his back, right by his shoulder blades.

“Are those-?”

Rough lips cut you off. Your mind is filled in a hazy cloud of exhilaration and thirst. He tastes like whiskey and cigarettes— a disgusting combination that you can't help being lured by. You let out a surprised squeak as a forked tongue glides over your bottom lip. Chuuya takes that as an opportunity, taking advantage of your bewilderment, to slip his tongue inside, deepening the kiss. It's like he's trying to devour you whole. As if he wants to possess you.

Without thinking, your hands attempt to reach out for the shadows only to be pulled back over your head by the fabric ensnared around your wrists. He lazily drags his lips away from yours. A shameful, loud smack resonates across the otherwise quiet room. Your eyelids flutter open, immediately noticing the inky black feathers behind him— shiny and strong.

A knot of panic expands in your chest. Little glimpses of memories you thought you'd buried down deep bob back up to the surface. Dreading the eventual Armageddon. Fearing not only for yourself, but your family and friends who could be sent to the deepest circle in hell for the simplest of transgressions. There's a reason for those seemingly arbitrary rules in your congregation. You knew what was at stake, but somehow you managed to convince yourself none of it was real. That it wasn't a big deal if you indulged for once.

“You're staring.”

“A demon...?”

You're speechless. Staring at the spread out wings in front of you, Chuuya sits back up straight, leaning away from you and letting you breathe. They're massive. Large enough to cover you entirely, shielding you from the prying eyes of God. A heavy feeling settles in the pit of your stomach and a wave of nausea flushes over you.

“Oh, look at that.”

Chuuya’s voice is lower. Dark and rough— he's enjoying this. His thumb runs over your puffy bottom lip, toying with it. Toying with you. His other hand travels down over your throat, then down to your chest, pinching your nipple meanly, twisting. He relishes in your choked up whine.

“Don't tell me you don't enjoy that, I know it's a lie.”

“I can’t- You're a demon!”

Cackling, he lets go.

“I know, kind of obvious isn't it? Besides… by the way you’re reacting, you clearly like it.”

“But-”

“Shhh. Be quiet.”

Your mouth snaps shut, teeth clanking together bitterly. Leaning down, his lips close around the little nub, fangs attaching themselves onto it and scraping cruelly. A euphoric sensation courses through you, his name tumbling from your lips uncontrollably as your hands clench, arching up into his touch.

“Fuck… C-Chuuya..!”

Tugging harshly, his teeth scrape over your nipple— making your cunt throb. You should not feel this way at the hands of a monster like him. It's wrong.

But it feels so right.

Goosebumps rise up across your skin. Your eyebrows knit together meanwhile his large hands grip onto your waist, claws stinging. Chuuya’s lips pop as he finally lets up, and you finally resign yourself to your fate. Looking up at the ceiling, your body jolts at the sight of his wings reflected on the mirror. They look heavy— held up by his strong back muscles.

His wings sway gently and glitter under the soft red lights, trapping your bodies underneath. Then, Chuuya flips you over onto your tummy— his coarse lips trailing little kisses down your spine. Every time his skin makes contact with yours, little sparks of arousal bounce over your ribs and out to your limbs. His rapid breath tickled you and it was hard to stay still.

Your hands were stretched far above your head, with your elbows and head resting on the cheap, lumpy pillow. He forces your hips up, with your knees planted firmly on the bed and your face embedded in the abrasive cushion below you. Freezing air conditioning chills you to the bone. You're a lab experiment, a scrap of prey— spread open and ready to be dissected.

“Don't move, angel.”

He pushes your back down, forcing it into a painful arch.

“There you go, stay just like that.”

Pointed talons wander past your vertebrae and down to the supple flesh of your ass, leaving dark red scratches etched onto your skin. Your insides are roaring, begging you to fight back. To leave while you can. But your heart wants otherwise. He's so handsome. His smell surrounds you— it's hypnotizing. And although his touch burns, you can't help craving more. He's like a drug you can't get enough of.

Your body easily obeys, trying its hardest to maintain the unpleasant bend in your spine. A strangled cry forces itself past your lips as your legs shake with the effort to hold their own weight up.

“Are you seriously struggling with something so simple?”

Hefty, cold hands land between your shoulder blades, grinding you into the scratchy sheets. A shiver works itself through you. You arduously unclench all your muscles, sucking in lungfuls of sleazy motel air and Chuuya’s heady scent.

“I–I’m trying…”

“It's not enough. Try harder.”

You hear some shuffling behind you, the bed creaks and the heat from Chuuya’s figure is temporarily gone before you feel him looming over you— his thighs pressed against the backs of yours. He leans down, crushing your body underneath his wings encircling you. Nosing at your throat, he presses his hips against your backside, letting you feel how hard he is.

A calloused hand ruthlessly tangles itself in your hair, pulling. His other hand snakes underneath you, leaving behind flashes of heat. You feel feverish as his hand unexpectedly pinches your inner thigh— delighting in the sound you make— before his fingers part your soaked, messy folds. Your form tenses when a finger easily slips in, embarrassing squelching sounds fill the air as he pumps it into you.

The intrusion feels foreign, not good or bad, just different. You let out a sigh of relief, glad that it's not as painful as you feared. Chuuya's thumb gets to work on your clit, rubbing it in tight little circles. Your body moves as if it's been electrocuted, letting out a garbled moan.

“Chuuya…”

“Feels good huh?”

Another finger joins the first, curling against your sweet spot. It doesn't take long for you to be reduced to a puddle of tears and snot— fat globs of salty teardrops soaking the pillow beneath you. Your lower belly aches, an empty craving spreading and shrouding you. An angelic plea falls from your lips, with his name distorted and muffled.

Your weeping only encourages him more— his pace getting faster and rougher. His claws, despite being sharp enough to cut your ribcage open, don't hurt. Your mind is solely focused on the sensation of his flexible fingers inside your dripping cunt. It's not surprising that a demon would be so well versed in matters of depravity.

Just as the pool of heat in your tummy seems like it's going to erupt, when it feels like your figure is floating— ascending to a new heaven, Chuuya’s movements halt. The blood rushes within your ear canal loudly and your tissue is shuddering underneath your skin. It takes everything in you to hold back your sobs. His surprisingly gentle hand cards through your hair, shushing you sweetly.

“Shhh dont cry, angel. I didn't even hurt you, you should've known I wouldn't let you cum that fast. It's, honestly, all on you.”

He stays like that— with his entire mass weighing you down. Carefully, his fingers withdraw and your body fights to keep him in place, squeezing around nothing. You feel too empty. Now that you've had a taste of the forbidden fruit, you can't fathom a world without it.

There's a pulsing lump in your throat from the built up frustration, drawing a shaky sigh from your belly. Your ears barely manage to pick up the noise of his thick, feathery wings flapping and the low growl that vibrates in his chest. Thankfully the stinging in your eyes has finally stopped at this point, but it's not enough for Chuuya. He needs more.

He doesn't make you wait much longer, pushing into the sloppy mess of your pussy. The air is shoved out of your lungs. Your body tightens, denying him entry, floundering. Every cell of your being stings.

“Fuck.. w-wait..”

Chuuyas hips still. One hand comes up to rest on your thigh, leaving a trail of your arousal cooling on the surface of your skin. His thumb traces gentle circles onto the soft flesh of your hips. The hand in your hair tugs at the locks sternly, turning your entire head to face the side wall.

“Watch.”

The back of your neck strains to angle itself the way he wants— it feels like your head is about to snap off. Your eyes drift over to the mirror veiling the wall. You can see everything from here— the flexing of his muscles, how his wings hang low and heavy, the way his stronger body easily molds and manipulates your own. His figure glows under the cheap lighting, the red hair surrounding his face looks like a crimson halo— the former golden glow now tainted by the depravity he surrounds himself with regularly.

“Chuuya please!”

He doesn't wait for you to relax before completely sheathing himself inside of you, groaning when his pelvis crashes with your backside, forcing your walls to make way for him. It's too sudden. Too big. Is he a fucking monster?? The curve of your spine, your knees, and your wrists all sting— pushed to their limits and more. There's no way you can handle more, but Chuuya does not exactly grant you the freedom of choice.

Your scalp tingles as his grip in your hair tightens. His hips start rocking up into you, forcing you to adjust. You choke on your own spit as he savagely pounds against your sweet spot, spearing you open and holding you down.

“Oh God…”

“Don't call him, he's not here, I am.”

The mirrored image is hard to make out through the wave of tears building in your waterline, but you can faintly make out the image of his flushing skin and aggressive movements. You don't even want to look at yourself. The image of you bent to a demon's will is far too humiliating to take.

“Even your God can't help you now.”

Beads of moisture slide between your bodies, sticking your hair to your overheated forehead. Pitchy wails get trapped in the hollow of your chest. Chuuyas defined muscles overextend themselves as they pick up the pace, slamming his cock into your sensitive cunt without faltering. Every nerve ending in your body is lit on fire, frayed and hyper-sensitive. Through the reflection, you swear you see his eyes go fully dark— like black holes, sucking in any life that they can.

“Agh… f-fuck…”

Unconsciously, your hips roll back against him. There's something so delicious about being split open like this. It hurts like hell. Every single muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone in your figure is going to be screaming at you tomorrow. But through the intense torture youre being put through, your neurons can still find bliss in the afterglow.

There is no pleasure without pain. No light without darkness.

“Fucking slut.”

You let out a mortified, wounded cry wail beneath him, squirming. Eyebrows and nose scrunching, your protests come out in distorted groans. Your hands clench, digging your nails into the palm of your hand as your elbows struggle to stabilize themselves. Every time you attempt to get back up, Chuuya speeds up— brutally whacking his hips into the plush tissue of your ass, fucking you dumb.

The choir of salacious noises between the two of you sound inhuman. Your throat feels like it's being torn open with a knife. Your eyes shut tight, toes curling, as your entire body tenses and shudders. Lava seems to form in your lower tummy, boiling you from the inside out.

“This is all you’re good for, isn't it? Say it”

“Nghh N-no!”

Your brain is spinning, obliged to accept the overloading sensations and transgressions Chuuya is committing against you. Every movement in your body is dulled and slowed— it's like your nervous system would rather focus on the vicious slam of his hips into your cunt, than to help you have any form of mobility.

“Fucking say it.”

Your mouth forms the words before you have a chance to deny them.

“That's all I’m g-good for…”

A puddle forms on the dirty motel sheets made of your arousal, sweat, and your melting figure. Chuuyas arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer, wings encapsulating both your bodies and hiding the mirror from view. It's almost romantic how sweetly he holds you.

Almost.

“ ‘m gonna fucking breed you. You're mine.”

The puddle of lava in your tummy gets more and more restless— bubbling angrily and threatening to erupt. With one last ruthless thrust into the spongy little spot inside you, the lava surges out, burning everything around it. Your orgasm seems to go on forever, scorching you but also dunking you in arctic waters. Chuuyas hips still against you, releasing hot spurts of cum into you. You can't really think about what that could mean for you in the future.

The apocalypse feels like it has finally come for you. Destroying everything in its way and leaving the earth a blazing wasteland. Only this time, you aren't worthy of salvation. You will be left alone to the mercy of the devil before you. Revolting bile is pushed against your teeth and you're forced to swallow it back.

Remorseful, your body trembles with effort as you attempt to sit up— to get Chuuya out of you and away from you as soon as possible. Only, it's impossible to move. Chuuya’s chuckle is devious and low, sending a chill through your bones.

“Oh no… I'm not done with you yet, angel.”

#bsd chuuya #bungou stray dogs #bungou stray dogs fanfic #bungou stray dogs x reader #chuuya smut #bsd smut #demon Chuuya #fanfic #religious guilt #religious imagery #tw religious themes #mean Chuuya #Demon chuuya x reader #Demon chuuya x you

173 notes · View notes

sirfrogsworth · 10 days ago

Text

Soooooo...

Don't attribute to malice what can be explained by Photoshop incompetence.

This is a story of two staffers who knew just enough about Photoshop to be dangerous.

First, Zohran had someone do a basic cutout for his campaign materials. He uses this for his avatar and his website.

They did a bad job.

Maybe they had an old version of Photoshop or used the wrong selection tool, but the cutout is... rough.

I mean, it's fine.

It's a small grassroots campaign. They probably had to delegate to someone who took a single graphic design course in college.

You do what you gotta do.

I'm not hating.

I'm just saying they didn't have the experience to do this task properly.

Okay, now some dipshit at the Cuomo SuperPAC is like, "We need to make an attack ad! Make sure to mention he's a socialist! And add a monkey!"

So they task someone even worse at Photoshop to slap this together.

This is mostly a template. The template was designed by an actual artist, but the person who used the template is very much not.

You can tell by the addition of a monkey that does not fit the aesthetic.

With these templates, you just add in your assets and type words that seem negative and scary, but are actually all good things.

It's graphic design on a budget.

But there was a problem...

Oh no!

They used the magic wand tool and the previous bad selection caused things to get worse.

There are many ways to deal with this. Contract the selection. Feathering. A soft eraser. Remove the white matte. Basic masking. Refine hair. A stronger tolerance on the magic wand. Remove background. Select subject using the cloud.

You could even download a brush that emulates beard hair and carefully paint over the white edge.

SO MANY OPTIONS!

But for some reason, they chose the clone stamp tool with a large soft brush. They chose to paint over his beard using another part of his beard.

This is like a 1997 solution to this problem.

I tried it myself just to make sure my suspicions were correct.

Yep, that's what they did.

The darkening of the beard is a side effect of the template they used. It's a halftone effect meant to emulate old printers.

The effect increased the contrast which makes the whites brighter and the blacks darker. I doubt the person even realized.

I'm pretty sure people supporting Cuomo are a bunch of racists. But I don't know if this horrible beard cloning was an intentional act.

I think they used a template, did a bad selection of a bad cutout, and then use Mr. Bean-esque methods to fix their mistake.

In any case, if Zohran needs any help from a selection specialist, I'm happy to help.

70 notes · View notes

sharon-ai · 6 months ago

Text

Revolutionizing Infrastructure Management with Cloud Computing and AI

How organizations manage their IT resources, has changed with cloud computing infrastructure. By using it with the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), businesses can automate tasks, improve decision-making, and optimize operations. This blog will discuss how cloud computing is changing the face of infrastructure asset management.

Cloud Computing Infrastructure is the aggregate of virtual resources companies store, process, and manage data. It encompasses servers, storage, and networking and can be accessed over the internet instead of having physical hardware. Thus, the approach provides business enterprises with computing resources without maintaining expensive physical servers.

How Does Cloud Infrastructure Management Benefit Business Organizations?

The management process of cloud infrastructure includes overseeing those virtual resources to ensure they run efficiently. Managing cloud infrastructure includes observing performance, scaling up resources based on demand, and security. Since cloud-based systems can remove the hassle of having to manually manage physical servers, they allow businesses to focus solely on their core operations.

With cloud infrastructure solutions companies can scale their operations easily. Whether a company needs more storage space or computing power, cloud services make it simple to adjust based on usage.

The Role of AI in Cloud Computing

The integration of artificial intelligence in cloud computing has greatly improved the way cloud systems work. AI-powered cloud solutions help businesses optimize performance by automating routine tasks, predicting potential issues, and improving resource allocation.

AI uses machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data and provide real-time insights. It can forecast demand, prevent potential downtime, and ensure resources are used most efficiently.

Benefits of AI in Cloud Computing

Some of the key benefits of AI-powered cloud solutions are as follows:

1. Cost Savings: AI optimizes the use of cloud resources, thereby allowing businesses to pay for only what they need.

2. Improved Efficiency: The use of AI in business means faster processes and reduced human error.

3. Better Decision Making: AI offers data-driven insights that help businesses make better decisions.

4. Proactive Problem Solving: AI can predict issues before they become problems, thus minimizing downtime.

How Sharon AI Improves Cloud Computing

We are one of the excellent ways AI can improve cloud computing. We were created to optimize large-scale energy infrastructure and asset management. With expert knowledge in USA energy markets and infrastructure, Sharon AI improves energy system management by applying AI as well as cloud computing.

With the integration of Sharon AI with cloud infrastructure, energy companies can better understand their assets, predict failures, and automate maintenance tasks. This leads to better resource management, reduced downtime, and more sustainable energy use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Integrating AI and Cloud Solutions

Here's a simple guide to implementing cloud infrastructure solutions and AI in your business:

1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure: Take stock of your existing IT systems to determine which parts can be moved to the cloud.

2. Select a Cloud Service Provider: Choose a provider that offers the features and scalability your business needs.

3. Integrate AI: Implement AI-powered cloud solutions to optimize resource allocation and automate processes.

4. Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor cloud performance to ensure it meets your business’s needs.

5. Analyze Data: Use AI to draw insights from cloud data, and thus make informed decisions.

6. Plan for the Future: As your business grows, ensure that your cloud solutions and AI scale with it.

In a nutshell, cloud computing infrastructure and AI are changing the way business enterprises manage their resources. With the integration of these technologies, companies can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize operations. Sharon AI is an excellent example of how AI can improve infrastructure asset management, particularly in energy sectors. With AI-powered cloud solutions, any business can remain ahead in this fast-changing technological world.

With the right tools and strategies, businesses can effectively manage their infrastructure and make smarter, data-driven decisions. Be it energy, finance, or any other industry, the key to long-term success lies in the combination of cloud infrastructure management with AI.

#cloud computing infrastructure #infrastructure asset management #Cloud Computing Infrastructure #Cloud Infrastructure Solutions #Cloud Infrastructure Management #Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Computing #AI-Powered Cloud Solutions #AI Cloud Computing Benefits #sharonai

0 notes

jcmarchi · 9 months ago

Text

AI-powered underwater vehicle transforms offshore wind inspections

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ai-powered-underwater-vehicle-transforms-offshore-wind-inspections/

AI-powered underwater vehicle transforms offshore wind inspections

.pp-multiple-authors-boxes-wrapper display:none; img width:100%;

Beam has deployed the world’s first AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle for offshore wind farm inspections. The technology has already proved its mettle by inspecting jacket structures at Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm, Seagreen—a joint venture between SSE Renewables, TotalEnergies, and PTTEP.

The AI-powered vehicle represents a significant leap forward in marine technology and underwater robotics. Capable of conducting complex underwater inspections without human intervention, it promises to dramatically enhance efficiency and slash costs associated with underwater surveys and inspections.

Traditionally, offshore wind site inspections have been manual, labour-intensive processes. Beam’s autonomous solution offers a radical departure from this approach, enabling data to be streamed directly back to shore. This shift allows offshore workers to concentrate on more intricate tasks while reducing inspection timelines by up to 50%, resulting in substantial operational cost savings.

Brian Allen, CEO of Beam, said: “We are very proud to have succeeded in deploying the world’s first autonomous underwater vehicle driven by AI. Automation can revolutionise how we carry out inspection and maintenance of offshore wind farms, helping to reduce both costs and timelines.”

Beyond improved efficiency, Beam’s technology elevates the quality of inspection data and facilitates the creation of 3D reconstructions of assets alongside visual data. This deployment marks a crucial step in Beam’s roadmap for autonomous technology, with plans to extend this AI-driven solution across its fleet of DP2 vessels, ROVs, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) throughout 2025 and 2026.

“Looking ahead to the future, the potential of this technology is huge for the industry, and success in these initial projects is vital for us to progress and realise this vision. This wouldn’t be possible without forward-thinking customers like SSE Renewables who are willing to go on the journey with us,” explained Allen.

The Seagreen wind farm, operational since October 2023, is the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm. Beam’s project at Seagreen has provided crucial insights into the potential of autonomous technology for large offshore wind superstructures. The data collected by the AI-driven vehicle will support ongoing operational reliability at the site, offering valuable information on areas such as marine growth and potential erosion at the foundations.

[embedded content]

Matthew Henderson, Technical Asset Manager – Substructure and Asset Lifecycle at SSE Renewables, commented: “At SSE, we have a mantra that ‘if it’s not safe, we don’t do it.’ Beam’s technology demonstrates that autonomous inspections can reduce the personnel we need to send offshore for planned inspections, while speeding up planned works and collecting rich data-sets to inform asset integrity planning.

“As we move further offshore, and into deeper waters, the ability to collect high-quality inspection data in a low-risk manner is imperative to us delivering our Net Zero Acceleration Programme.”

As Beam prepares to roll out its AI-driven inspection technology across its fleet in 2025 and 2026, this deployment aligns with the company’s mission to revolutionise offshore wind operations by making them more efficient and cost-effective—further supporting the global energy transition.

The success of this AI-powered underwater vehicle at Seagreen wind farm not only demonstrates the potential of autonomous technology in offshore wind inspections but also sets a new standard for safety, efficiency, and data quality in the industry. Such innovations will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of offshore wind energy.

See also: Hugging Face is launching an open robotics project

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle, beam, energy, environment, offshore wind, robotics, seagreen, sustainability, wind farm

0 notes

poedays · 7 months ago

Text

I think James has kind of psychology reversed the ‘creator is a god to their creation’ by worshiping Asset?

His relationship with them can be seen as flirting, or as father and child. It teeters on the edge of both - he cares for the Asset. He’s become so dependant on their success that anything but that is completely unacceptable, he needs to know that what he’s devoted his life to hasn’t all been for nothing.

He rushes their recovery, it’s unlike him to be this careless with safety procedures - and so uncaring of Asset’s near death. He has to know if it’ll work. The more time he spends wondering if they can’t connect with the meridian, the more time he has for doubt to cloud his head. This robot, this person, is the solution to his assumably life long research. Everything that he’s ever given up has been for the Asset. He needs them. He needs their success.

It’s not necessarily viewing them as a god, but it is somewhat putting them on a pedestal in terms of the outcome of project meridian and their overall ability to achieve the unachievable.

#the conclusion is that I need fanart of Asset and James in a biblically symbolic situation #Like James feasting on Asset like a lamb but them praying to its corpse #it’s the power balance you know?#redacted audio #redacted james #redacted asset

47 notes · View notes

anonymousewrites · 4 months ago

Text

Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter One

TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader

Chapter One: Emergency Request

Summary: Spock and (Y/N), enjoying their married life, get a request from Starfleet that reunites them with their crew.

Mouse Note: Welcome back to Logos and Pathos! I'm so excited to bring this series back, even if it's for the last book of the series! Let me know your thoughts, I love talking to readers, and let's get on with the stories!

“Sir, the alien object is continuing to approach the planet,” reported a Starfleet officer to their commander.

So far, it was three days and several hours out from Earth, but it was approaching quickly. It was a danger to everyone—as seen by what it had done to the Klingons. Starfleet needed to handle it quickly, but the strange machine-like alien was like a cloud of destructive power. They needed plenty of people on deck to work on a solution, here and in space. The question, however, was how to attempt to reason with a being of electricity? They needed real experts.

“The Enterprise is being called out to investigate,” said the commander. “Kirk and his officers are all on their way.”

“Can they handle this on their own?” asked the officer worriedly.

“They may be a different generation than you,” said the commander. “But they’re all well-known for a reason. They’re experts in all their fields.” He frowned. “However…”

“What?” asked the officer.

“There are still two experts in alien technology and cultures that I want to call in,” said the commander.

“Who?” asked the officer.

“Two of the Enterprise’s most valuable assets,” said the commander. “And, indeed, Starfleet’s.”

“Wait, are you talking about the Science Officer and Negotiations Officer?” said the younger officer excitedly. “They’re legends, just like Kirk!”

“I suppose they are,” said the commander.

“Where are they now?” asked the officer.

“Researching. Working as Starfleet ambassadors,” said the commander.

“Together?” said the officer.

“Don’t you know?” The commander chuckled in amusement. “They’re married.”

“T’hy’la?”

(Y/N) rolled over in bed. Opening their eyes, they smiled as they found Spock sitting on the bed next to them. He had put a tray of food beside the bed, and, despite the early hours, he was fully dressed for the day.

“Good morning, dear,” said (Y/N), sitting up. “Don’t tell me it’s already time to work.”

“Starfleet sent a message. They want to talk to us,” said Spock. “But there is still some time.”

“Good,” said (Y/N), smiling and stretching. “After so long off a Starship, I’ve been learning to enjoy my mornings.”

“Indeed,” said Spock.

“You need to learn to enjoy them with me,” said (Y/N), smiling and leaning in.

Spock leaned in and kissed them. “I am content to watch you relax, T’hy’la.”

“That’s sweet,” said (Y/N), taking the tray. “Do you know what Starfleet is contacting us about?”

“The message didn’t say. It was quite vague but requested urgent contact,” said Spock.

“Hm.” (Y/N) frowned and stood. “I’ll eat and get ready then.”

“Apologies for having to wake you,” said Spock as (Y/N) pulled out clothes.

“Don’t worry, Spock,” said (Y/N) as they changed. “I’d rather know what’s going on.”

“As would I,” said Spock. “Though I prefer spending time with you.”

(Y/N) chuckled, knowing Spock was watching them. “I know.” They turned around. “But let’s see what’s wrong before we do anything else.”

Spock nodded. “Yes.” That was the appropriate plan of action.

“And whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll handle it. We’re together, after all,” said (Y/N).

It was the quite the illogical statement because it was based on pure faith, but Spock nodded all the same. He believed (Y/N). And over all the years they’d been married, he had become quite accustomed to a bit of heart. It was, after all, one of the things he loved about them.

A few days later…

“Signal from a Federation-registered long-range shuttle, sir,” said Uhura across the comms.

She had no idea she was interrupting a disagreement between Bones and Kirk about him taking command of the Enterprise again instead of leaving it to the younger generation and Kirk saying he was doing the responsible thing, but Kirk was grateful for the break in the conflict.

“She wishes to come alongside and dock on,” said Uhura.

“For what purpose?” asked Kirk.

“My security scan shows a Grade 1 priority, Captain,” reported Chekov. “Non-belligerency confirmed. I suspect it is a courier of some kind.”

“Very well, Mr. Chekov, see to it,” said Kirk. “We’ll be right up.”

(Y/N) and Spock stepped onto the Enterprise Bridge. Uhura gaped, and Chekov’s eyes widened. Sulu grinned, and Bones nodded with a small smile.

“Well I’ll be,” said Bones.

“Spock! (L/N)!” Kirk smiled as he saw them. To know that two more of his friends were present was so relieving at a time of stress.

“Hello, everyone,” said (Y/N), smiling. Uhura hugged them, and they hugged back. “We weren’t going to miss the reunion, were we?”

“Can we have a reunion on a planet instead of in space, next time?” said Bones.

“This is not a reunion, it is a mission,” said Spock.

“Good to see you haven’t changed,” said Kirk, smiling. “How have you been?”

“Busy,” said (Y/N). “But when aren’t we?”

“We’re here to offer our services as Science Officer and Negotiations Officer,” said Spock.

“Would I ever say no?” said Kirk.

Spock raised a brow.

“That means yes, you formal goblin,” said Bones, but he was glad to see them both, too.

“You haven’t changed, either,” said (Y/N), smiling.

“Yeah, yeah,” said Bones, waving a hand. “How are you? Is he treating you well?”

“He’s the best husband I could ask for,” said (Y/N).

“Good, you deserve it,” said Bones, smiling at the person that had become like a sibling over the years.

(Y/N) smiled. Then, they looked at Kirk. “So. What is our current situation?”

“We need to fix the engines before we can continue in pursuit of the machine,” said Kirk.

“I will assist,” said Spock, nodding.

“Scotty is already at work in Engineering,” said Kirk. “After you’re done, we’ll continue our travels.”

Spock nodded and left the room. (Y/N) looked at Kirk.

“Fill me in on the all the information about this ‘cloud’ we have,” said (Y/N). “Starfleet is worried. I want to make sure there’s no reason to.”

Kirk nodded. “Sit down. There’s not a lot, but it’s complicated.”

“Well, we have time until the engines are fixed.” (Y/N) sat down. “Go ahead.”

Kirk smiled. He was glad to have his crew back with him.

“What do you think?” said Kirk after he explained everything.

(Y/N) paused and considered. “Hm.”

Kirk noticed with amusement that they steepled their fingers. Apparently, the years with Spock had caused them to pick up one another’s habits.

“I think until we know whether or not we can communicate with this cloud defines whether or not it’s a large threat,” said (Y/N). “If we can reason with the super-intelligence, then we can find a peaceful solution of some sort. If we cannot, then it does become a question of stopping it by force. That would be a problem…”

Kirk nodded. “Yes. We want to avoid casualties as much as possible.”

(Y/N) felt the worry swirl around him and the dark clouds settling on everyone’s shoulders. “That’s always a danger in our work. But if we arrive at the cloud soon enough, we’re more likely to find a solution. We have people with talents in all parts of life—technology and interpersonal—and not just Spock and I. We just have to keep clear heads.”

“Always the voice of reason,” said Kirk, again glad to have them back.

“They are an expert in negotiations,” said Spock, reentering the room.

Now, he was properly dressed in a Starfleet uniform. (Y/N) had also put their Starfleet pin onto their new, crisp white uniform. They were truly back on the Enterprise as crew members. In a way, they were home.

“Is everything ready?” said Kirk.

“Engines are operational,” said Spock.

Kirk pressed the comms. “Bridge to Engineering. Take us away, Scotty.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” said Scotty.

The Enterprise crew was off on an adventure once again.

“Captain, visual contact on the cloud in five minutes,” said Uhura.

“Thank you, Uhura,” said Kirk, nodding.

“Red Alert! Red Alert!” A moment later, the lights flashed red, and a computer voice blared through the Enterprise.

Of course, nothing is simple, thought (Y/N).

“Red Alert! Red Alert!”

Young officers raced to their places on the Bridge, but (Y/N), Spock, and the original crew remained calm. (Y/N) felt the familiar buzz of anxiety and looked at the viewscreen.

“Standard light, Engineer,” said Kirk. “Full mag on viewer.”

“Full mag, sir,” said Sulu.

The strange, blue, electrical cloud floated in the space before them as the Enterprise flew closer.

“Linguacode?” said Kirk.

“Continuing to send friendship messages on all frequencies,” reported (Y/N).

“All decks and divisions confirmed. Status Red,” said Chekov.

“Captain, we are being scanned,” said Spock.

“Do not return scan, Spock,” said Kirk. “It could be misinterpreted as hostility.”

“Intruder scans emanating from the exact center of the cloud,” reported Spock. “Energy of a type never before encountered.”

“Captain, there’s no response to friendship messages,” said Uhura, frowning.

“Shall I go to battle stations, sir?” asked Chekov.

“Negative. We’ll take no provocative action,” said Kirk.

“Recommend defensive posture, Captain,” said Decker, a younger officer that had almost been captain before Kirk arrived. “Screens and shields.”

“No, Mr. Decker,” said Kirk. “That could also be misinterpreted as hostile.”

“We want to preserve the possibility of negotiations,” said (Y/N).

“Cloud composition, Mr. Spock?” said Kirk.

“Twelfth power energy field,” said Spock.

“Twelfth power?” exclaimed Sulu.

(Y/N) frowned. That was powerful. If things went sideways…

“Captain, we’ve seen what their weapons can do!” said Decker. “Why shouldn’t we take every precaution?”

“Mr. Decker,” sighed Kirk.

“Captain,” said Spock. “I suspect there’s an object at the heart of the cloud.”

Kirk frowned before addressing Decker first. “Mr. Decker, I will not provoke an attack. If that order isn’t clear enough for you—”

“Captain, as your exec, it’s my duty to point out alternatives,” said Decker.

Kirk took a deep breath, composed himself, and nodded. “Yes, it is. I stand corrected.”

(Y/N) smiled to themself.

“Five minutes to cloud boundary,” said Ilia, another officer.

“Navigator, lay in a conic section flight path to the cloud center,” said Kirk. “Bring us parallel to whatever we find in there. Mr. Sulu, tactical plot on viewer.”

“Tactical on view, sir,” said Sulu.

The Enterprise drifted closer, and everyone tensed in anticipation. How would the cloud react?

And then confusion entered (Y/N)’s senses. They frowned and rose from their seat.

“(Y/N)?” said Uhura.

“What is it?” said Kirk, seeing them.

“I feel puzzlement,” said (Y/N). “There’s a consciousness in that cloud.” They blinked and looked at Kirk and then Spock. “I think it’s tried to contact us.”

“It’s confused as to why we have not replied,” said Spock, nodding.

“Contacted? How?” asked Kirk.

The alarm blared, cutting off further discussion. Spock and (Y/N) got into their seats, and Kirk whirled to the viewscreen.

“Standard on viewer,” said Kirk, getting into his chair. “Forcefields up full! Deflectors, now!”

“Mark zero. Incoming fire ahead,” announced the computer readout.

“Forcefields and deflectors up full, Captain,” said Chekov.

A crackling bit of light flashed towards the Enterprise, and everyone braced for impact.

“Analysis, Mr. Spock,” said Kirk.

“Alien weapon is a form of plasma energy, Captain,” reported Spock. “Exact composition, unknown. Guidance system, unknown.”

“All decks brace for impact,” said Kirk.

Spock instantly looked over to (Y/N), and they held onto their chair as the plasma hit the Enterprise. The energy crackled loudly, piercing (Y/N)’s senses as light and sound attacked them.

“Registering power loss on forcefields,” warned Chekov.

“Engineering, what’s happening to forcefields?” said Kirk.

“Systems overloading, Captain!” said Scotty.

Chekov cried out as electricity overloaded his computer and the energy burned his hands. (Y/N)’s display came to life, and Spock grabbed (Y/N)’s arms to pull them to safety.

“Medic,” said Kirk so that Chekov got treatment, and he received a nod from Spock that (Y/N) was alright.

The crackling electricity stopped, and everyone looked at the viewscreen warily.

“The new screens held,” said Sulu in relief.

“Engineering to Bridge!” radioed Scotty. “Cannot hold full power on forcefields! Deflector power is down 70%!”

“Divert auxiliary power to deflectors,” said Kirk.

“Captain,” said Spock. “The intruder has been attempting to communicate. Our previous transition mode was too primitive to be received.”

“Ah. Computers?” said (Y/N).

Spock nodded. “I am programming our computer to transmit linguacode at their frequency and rate of speed.”

“You may want to hurry, there’s more plasma fire coming,” said (Y/N), seeing a new bolt of energy appear in the distance.

“Engineering, status report,” said Kirk, grimacing.

“Our shields cannot handle another attack,” said Scotty.

“Mr. Spock!” said Kirk. “You hear him.”

“Impact in twenty seconds,” said Ilia.

“Spock,” said Kirk.

“Spock, dear,” said (Y/N), holding onto the back of his chair.

“Fifteen seconds!” said Ilia.

“Transmit now!” said Kirk.

“Ten seconds,” said Ilia.

Spock hit the button.

“Transmitting,” said (Y/N).

Everyone whirled to the viewscreen. The plasma ball abruptly disappeared.

“It would seem our friendship messages have been received and understood,” said Kirk with a sigh of relief.

Spock nodded. He wanted to make proper contact with the strange cloud, but, more importantly, he wanted to protect (Y/N) from any harm, and the message had done that.

Taglist:

@a-ofzest

@grippleback-galaxy

@genderfluid-anime-goth

@groovy-lady

@im-making-an-effort

@unending-screaming

@h-l-vlovesvintage

@neenieweenie

@keylimeconstellation

@wormwig

@technikerin23

@ilyatan

@nthdarkqueen

@kyalov

@starlit-cass

@rookietrek

@gingertimelord

@snowy-violet

@jaguarthecat

44 notes · View notes

amethystunarmed · 6 months ago

Text

How the Story Goes

Word Count: 1,182 AO3 Thank you to my beta, @snarky-wallflower!

The thing is… None of this makes any sense.

Tadius knows Putrice Ashmore cannot be the starlit woman from the ball. The Prince may have been too intoxicated to remember, but Tadius recalls how her introduction had interrupted the Prince's debate over the two Ashmore girls. He had been so relieved that a new shiny object had caught the Prince's eye, not yet knowing just how enchanting the mysterious woman would be.

He has played the conversation with her over and over in his mind, trying to recall any detail that would lead him to her identity. He remembers the fear in her voice when he mentioned the Ashmore girls. He had thought she had been talking about the Old King but... Now he realizes it was talk of the Ashmores that had initially filled her with terror and determination for a better future.

And now Putrice Ashmore wears her slipper.

Something is going on here, deep beneath the surface. He just hopes he can uncover it before whatever monster lurking in the deep swallows them whole.

That night, Tadius tries to broach the topic with the Prince.

The Prince has had his head in the clouds since Putrice was announced as his fiancée. He has been composing all day, song after song praising Putrice's finest... Assets.

Tadius is glad to have a reason to interrupt this.

"My prince," Tadius says over the lyre. "I hate to dampen such... Musical brilliance." He lays the compliment on thick, letting it soothe the lines of annoyance on the Prince's face. "But I had some concerns about your fiancé…”

The Prince sets his lyre to the side, and lets out a loud and boisterous laugh. “Fear not, Tadius! I have never failed to satisfy a partner, even one as magnificent as the fair Ashmore girl! I will be sure to-”

“I don’t doubt my highness’s prowess,” Tadius says, as quickly as he possibly can. He knows the Prince could talk about his own virility for hours if Tadius didn’t stop him. “But I do question the identity of the maiden herself!”

The Prince squints at Tadius, as though somewhere in the sentence he had stopped speaking in the common tongue. “But the shoe doesn’t burn her.”

Tadius sighs. “Yes, she passed the test, but-”

“Then she must be the woman I danced with!” The Prince says triumphantly, sounding as if he just figured out the solution for realm-wide hunger.

“We don’t fully understand how the magic of the slippers works,” Tadius points out. He can feel himself growing more desperate. His voice raises as he continues. “I just think that perhaps more considerations should be taken before a total stranger is allowed into your bedchambers! She will be next in line for the throne, this could affect the whole kingdom! Does that not matter to you at all?” Putrice Ashmore, running the kingdom… Tadius had said that he thought that would be better than the Prince himself but now… Now, he isn’t so sure.

His outburst leaves his chest heaving, and the Prince looking at him like a beloved dog gone rabid. Tadius fights the blush that is rising to his cheeks. He can’t remember the last time he lost his composure like this.

Suddenly, a look of recognition dawns on the Prince’s face. “Ohhhhhh,” he says, “I see what is happening here.”

Until he says that, Tadius hadn’t realized that he didn’t really think the Prince would take his concerns to heart. It eases something frantic and clawing in his chest. “You… you do?”

The Prince stands, sauntering over to Tadius with something that is… almost caring. “I suppose it was foolish of me to think even you are immune to such beauty; it seems even the stoic Tadius can fall for a woman as radiant as stardust!”

Tadius freezes. “What?”

“I am an expert in all things love and loins, I am certain that it be true!” The Prince says brightly. Tadius cringes at the phrasing. “I saw how you clung to the slipper! I thought it was just dedication to your station, but now I see your true motivations!”

Tadius shakes his head, “My Prince, that’s not-”

But the Prince talks right over him.

"Tadius, I understand the allure, but you have to know it isn’t meant to be... Servants don't get happily ever afters."

The words aren't cruel. The Prince is many things: vapid, crude, even petty... But never cruel. Instead, he is genuine, as though stating the obvious.

Tadius thinks it hurts worse than if he had said out of spite.

“I…” Tadius feels as though the breath has been stolen from his lungs. “I wasn't…”

The Prince pats his shoulder. “It’s perfectly natural to be swayed by such a beautiful woman,” he assures him. “I know she had me standing at attention from a mere glance! Feelings like these can’t be helped.”

His touch makes Tadius’s skin crawl. The idea of Tadius only caring only out of lust, out of jealousy? It is ludicrous!

Isn’t it?

“But it’s important to remember how these things end,” the Prince continues. “A woman like that belongs with royalty. That is how the story goes!” He squeezes Tadius’s shoulder, as though in comfort. “But don’t worry! There is no one else I would ever have as my manservant! You will get to witness our happily ever after for the rest of our days. Everyone wins!”

Tadius can see it so clearly; his future laid out before him. He can imagine all too well a life of service to the Prince and Putrice Ashmore, for the rest of his days. Years of blunt innuendo and cruel barbs; Putrice may hide it well, but he saw the way she looked at him when he questioned her. He has no doubts she would take her revenge once she is seated on the throne. Tadius doubts the Prince would even notice.

He can picture years of raising an heir in the place of their parents, and hoping his influence would be enough to hold back the tides of callous corruption so soaked into the walls of the Old King’s castle. Tadius had been raised in these walls himself, had watched as the Prince warped from the boy he knew into this slave of lust and loafing. Dread creeps along his skin, a slow, oozing thing. It is icy and all-encompassing. Tadius stumbles a step, as he feels the walls closing in.

Had he truly let himself think the woman at the ball could save the kingdom? Could save him? He had heard her words about servants, and seen the clear disdain she had for him. Even she had been quick to threaten him with torture on some hidden whim. Is Putrice Ashmore really so different?

The Prince is right. Nobles like that don’t exist, not really.

There is no way out. There never has been.

“Of course, your highness,” he says distantly. The facade falls easily back into place as the silly delusion he had allowed himself withers and dies. “There is nothing I would like more.”

#cinderella's castle #tadius #cc tadius #cc the prince #ella ashmore #cinderellas castle spoilers #cinderellas castle #putrice ashmore #ella ashmore x tadius #angst #my writing #my fanfic #my cinderella's castle fanfic

34 notes · View notes