#balancing curiosity and control with automation

[sleepymarimo]

୨୧. 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬

: ̗̀➛ following a job, toji wants nothing more than to spend time with the person who makes him feel more man than monster.

pairing: toji x fem!reader cw: not much, but i'll give a warning for suggestive themes near the end! very slice of life. the two of you shower together, just talk about your day and plan a date for tomorrow :) wc: ~2.3k an: currently pushing the 'toji is so, so soft with you when he's in love agenda'. blame my moscow mule and whiskey shot for this.

there's something about not having to pretend, about not having to put up a front, that makes toji realize just how tired he is.

his job is finally done, a few hits followed by using some not so friendly methods to gather up a bit of information for one of his clients.

throngs of people, neon lights and the honking of cars fade into echoes as he takes the local subway lines toward your neighborhood. he taps the fare card at each station's exit, it's balance never running dry.

it's one of the little things you do for him, keeping it stocked, allowing the assassin to get to where he needs to go.

he's so damn excited to see you.

this most recent gig has kept him away for a solid three, maybe four days at this point.

his body barely reacts to the jerks and turns of the train's car, arms crossed as he leans against the wall. there's not many people on the train and it's not like they would sit by him, anyway.

with a small grunt he cracks his neck, allowing his mind to wander. he doesn't need to pay attention; he's confident that nothing will slip past his senses. while he wants to believe that you'll be sound asleep in your shared bed, a part of him figures that you're up waiting for him.

"shit." he thinks, one of his hands absentmindedly running through his hair. he was just in shibuya. maybe he could've grabbed you something from that specialty store you trekked to nearly every weekend or checked if that café was still collabing with the series you'd been gushing about.

the thoughts in his head are all but useless now, the train making it's automated announcement before coming to a rolling stop at the station that had become all to familiar to him these past few months.

he steps off, tapping his card to the reader and resisting to urge to roll his eyes at it's chime.

it's not a far walk, though there's a stark difference between this neighborhood and the rowdy inner city streets. there are no brilliant lights or flashing signs, but the occasional lamppost and crossing signal.

each step to your apartment feels like a weight off his shoulders, the corner of his lips curling into a small smirk as he punches in the code to the front door.

as he enters the apartment, the sliver of light from beneath your door tells him all he needs to know.

he kicks his shoes off and lets out a controlled breath, the bedroom door creaking slightly as he pushes it in and playfully scoffes at the sight of you clinging to consciousness on the bed.

the way your eyes light up, almost squinted as they're squished in by the apples of your cheeks, sends a ripple of warmth through his chest that he can only compare to the sensation of being stabbed. the only difference is that he'd gladly run into your blade, no questions asked.

"i thought i told you not to wait up, angel." he chides, through there's no bite in his words as he walks over until he's standing beside where you're laying on the bed.

his gaze flickers over to the television where one of your shows, a rerun, he's sure, is playing on the screen.

"oh shut up." you rise to a seated position, the blankets pooling at your waist as you continue with what you both know is a lie. "i wasn't tired."

he hums in acknowledgement, the sound so soft that he has to wonder if it really came from him. when you hop out of bed, standing before him, his brows raise in mild curiosity, his hands coming up to rest at your waist as he silently marvels at the warmth clinging to you.

"sure, angel." his thumbs lightly massage your skin over your clothes. "so what's the plan then?"

whatever show you're watching is quickly forgotten. you shrug, your hands resting on his. tilting your head toward the bathroom, you respond. "shower. you're not getting in bed all gross like that."

he doesn't protest, instead lowering his head and nudging it against yours, taunting you with a smirk. toji is aware that the scent of cigarettes and the stale air of some shitty bar cling to him like an unwanted coat. "who're ya callin' gross, huh? i'm clean enough."

yet, even as he speaks, he's guiding you toward the bathroom with a strong palm resting on your lower back.

the true white lights cast a somewhat harsh glare on the room, but the familiarity of your touch, of the sanctuary that is your apartment, only serves to soften him.

you navigate through the space with ease, the pipes hissing as the shower comes to life. it takes only a second for water to start spraying, the curtain rod clinking as you patiently wait for things to heat up.

"how'd the job go, anyway?" your hands find the hem of his shirt, gently tugging it up. he gets the hint, tossing the garment off to the side without hesitation before he does the same for you. “it was a long one.”

he doesn't bother hiding his admiration for your bare flesh, a noise of approval emanating from his chest as he leans forward and places a kiss on your cheek before helping you with your bottoms. the routine is familiar, grounding, to the man who thought he'd sworn off of any sort of domesticity.

the light thud of your clothes hitting the floor is drowned out by the sound of water droplets pitter pattering against the walls of the bathtub. "don't worry about that shit, angel." he replies, not unkind, eyes twinkling with amusement as he wraps his arms around you and brings you closer. "it's not for you."

it's hard fighting the instinct to roll your eyes, the water starting to heat up as indicated by the slow building of steam in the bathroom. the warmth of his body is much welcomed, your hands busying themselves with grabbing a shower cap and stretching it over your head.

"oh, c'mon, i can handle it." you protest, ever curious about the things he sees, the things he does. "i watch dateline, i know all about crime."

your words earn a chuckle from him, felt more than heard, his head lifting as he angles you toward the tub. "that right? sorry to burst your bubble, but it's not the same." his free hand comes up to press against your shower cap, the plastic wrinkling under his touch. he's always thought the accessory made you look silly, another gruff chuckle leaving him as his palm lightly swats at your ass. "get in already, it's cold."

the echo of your laughter is a siren's call he isn't about to leave unanswered. he steps in with you, a steady stream of water cascading down his skin and melting away the tension that had been clinging to his frame these last few days.

he's content to be pampered by you, to listen to you, to exist in your presence without pretense. for so long his life had been a series of transactions, whether he was selling his skills or himself. but here, he doesn't feel the need to put up any walls or act like something he's not.

with you, he's just a man.

a satisfied grunt leaves him as you massage body wash into his chest, your hands expertly spreading the soapy mix into the muscle before sliding them up to his shoulders. he can't help but take note of how focused you are, the sight almost comical, especially with that stupid shower cap atop your head.

"you're just feelin' me up now." he accuses, though he makes no move to stop you.

your hands pause for a moment as you let out a sarcastic chuckle, encouraging him to stand under the spray of water to rinse off. "there's not much to feel." you lie, doing your best to remain serious, but a smile unwillingly curls at your lips.

he hums in amusement, knowing damn well that you purred like a cat when you had your face pressed into his chest. "you're a fuckin' liar." he points out without much remorse, his eyes tracking your every movement while he purposefully flexes the muscle beneath your fingertips. "but sure, tell me there ain't nothing there."

in your mind, he's the one acting like a cat, his head tilted back and a lazy smirk on his face. it makes you want to snicker, push his buttons in that way you know he likes. "i spoil you too much."

"hm? sounds like a you problem." he lowers his head, your comment igniting a familiar playfulness. then, it's replaced with a rare sort of thoughtfulness, one of his hands coming up to rest on your hip.

he remembers what he was thinking about on the train, perhaps wanting to do a little spoiling of his own. "say, why don't we head to shibuya tomorrow? get you that mug from the café that’s doing that collab shit for the show you like."

toji feels like the best boyfriend for remembering such a small detail, knowing it was sure to earn him some points.

the steam starts to fog the mirror, the water hitting the tub in sporadic splashes as you rinse off your own body wash. your hands wipe some water off your face, shoulders lightly jumping with the laugh you give.

"they stopped doing it, like, two days ago." you reveal, smile a bit too smug.

he's momentarily dumbfounded, silently cursing himself. one of his hands runs through his still wet hair, pushing it back. some annoyed grumbles leave him, lips almost set into a pout. "shit, sorry angel."

truthfully, it's not that big of a deal, and you can't help but be amused by his mannerisms. you nudge him with your elbow, letting him know that not all hope was lost. "a café in kyoto is doing the 'collab shit', too. that one is still open."

"well fuck, why didn't you say that?" he nods, eyes wandering to the ceiling as he mentally maps out his schedule. "tomorrow then, let's go. we'll get ya all that overpriced shit with your favorite character on it."

the sound of your laugh is enough to make him smirk, his eyes following the path of the water as it runs down your skin. a day with his favorite girl, no crappy jobs or seedy clients, sounds like a damn dream.

"what if i had plans already, asshole?" you counter with a grin, challenging him, playfully goading him on as the last of the suds flow down the drain.

his eyes narrow and he scoffs, his demeanor nothing short of puckish. he knows you too well, figuring that the highlight of your day tomorrow would've been going out to grab a coffee or something. "no you fuckin' don't, angel. don't test me."

your lips press together as you ponder your next move, but you relent. "okay, fine, i don’t have anything to do."

"good." he replies, softer now, palm rising to rest on your damp cheek. there's a moment where he just blatantly admires you, thumb running across your lips. "tomorrow. you and me are gonna take the first train to kyoto, alright?"

you loved when he looked at you like that, but oh you hated how it made you feel like a damn school girl. still, you nod and lean into his hand. "yeah. me and you."

it could be from his gaze or from the thick steam in the bathroom, but you figure it'd be wise to get to bed. turning toward the faucet, you reach your hand out to shut the water off.

toji has a different plan though, a part of him not wanting this moment to end quite yet.

"wait, c'mere." he orders, bringing you close as his voice drops to a murmur. "forgot to kiss ya when i came in."

his actions make your stomach flip, your head angling upward to meet his lips for a kiss. his touch is firm, filled with intent, telling you everything you know he feels but struggles to say. a rough palm plants itself on the base of your neck, tilting your head to deepen the kiss.

he can't even begin to explain how you feel against him, his senses honing in on all you have to offer. the heat of your skin, the scent of your body wash, the taste of your lips… hell, he swears he can even hear your heart beating in your chest.

it's not enough for him and he pulls away, only to pepper kisses along your neck and shoulder.

a smile curls at your lips and you sigh in delight, hands planting themselves on his bicep, your thumbs running along the contours of his muscle and the occasional scar. when he pulls you closer, when you feel him, you click your tongue in mock protest.

"you're gonna make it hard to take the first train to kyoto." you whine, though each swipe of his tongue or grazing of his teeth breaks you down even further.

toji seems to know this, his grip on you tightening, his smile felt against your skin. "we'll get ya to kyoto tomorrow, angel." he assures, ensuring you're kept warm under the showerhead. "we can spend all day there. i'll buy you whatever you want, yeah?"

there’s no way you could complain about that, so you let yourself go.

nodding, you succumb to your fate, succumb to him, wholly.

it's a blur from there, but by tomorrow morning, the two of you are on the second earliest train to kyoto.

at your reserved seats, you watch the scenery roll by with interest, everything almost a blur due to the high speed. he's given you the window seat, his frame protectively placed between you and the rest of the train car's occupants.

your head resting on his shoulder, arm hooked comfortably beneath his bicep, toji allows himself a moment of respite, no pretending, no walls.

it's just you and him, and he feels like one lucky bastard.

[rohityadav23]

Embracing the Future: The Transformative Power of AI

In the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche technological curiosity into a transformative force shaping nearly every aspect of our lives. From enhancing daily conveniences to revolutionizing industries, AI is at the forefront of a technological renaissance. Let’s dive into what makes AI so exciting and how it’s reshaping our world.

What is AI?

At its core, artificial intelligence refers to machines designed to simulate human intelligence. These systems can perform tasks typically requiring human cognition, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI encompasses a range of technologies, including machine learning (where algorithms learn from data), natural language processing (which allows computers to understand and generate human language), and computer vision (which enables machines to interpret visual information).

How AI is Changing Our Lives

1. Personal Assistants

AI-driven personal assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have become integral to our daily routines. These assistants manage our schedules, control smart home devices, and provide real-time information, all through natural language interactions. Their capabilities continue to expand, thanks to advancements in natural language processing and machine learning.

2. Healthcare Innovation

In healthcare, AI is proving to be a game-changer. AI algorithms can analyze medical images with remarkable accuracy, often identifying conditions such as tumors or fractures earlier than traditional methods. Predictive analytics is also being used to anticipate patient needs and personalize treatment plans, improving outcomes and efficiency.

3. Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars are no longer a distant dream but a rapidly advancing reality. Companies like Tesla and Waymo are pushing the envelope in autonomous vehicle technology, using AI to navigate complex driving environments, enhance safety, and reduce human error. While fully autonomous vehicles are still in the testing phase, they promise to revolutionize transportation and reduce traffic accidents.

4. Finance and Business

AI is transforming the financial sector by automating tasks such as fraud detection, risk management, and trading. Algorithms analyze vast amounts of financial data to identify patterns and make predictions, leading to more informed decision-making. In business, AI tools are optimizing supply chains, personalizing customer interactions, and streamlining operations.

5. Entertainment and Media

In the world of entertainment, AI is creating new possibilities. Streaming services use AI to recommend content based on viewing habits, while AI-generated art and music are opening up creative avenues previously unexplored. AI-driven tools are also enhancing video game experiences, making them more immersive and responsive.

The Ethical Implications of AI

As AI technology advances, it brings with it a host of ethical considerations. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact on employment are critical areas of concern. Ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair, and used responsibly is paramount to addressing these challenges.

1. Data Privacy

AI systems often require vast amounts of data to function effectively. This raises concerns about how personal data is collected, stored, and used. Striking a balance between leveraging data for innovation and protecting individual privacy is a key issue for policymakers and tech companies alike.

2. Algorithmic Bias

AI algorithms are only as unbiased as the data they’re trained on. If the data reflects historical biases, the AI system may perpetuate or even exacerbate these biases. Developing fair and inclusive AI systems requires ongoing scrutiny and adjustments to ensure that they do not reinforce existing inequalities.

3. Impact on Jobs

The automation of tasks through AI has the potential to displace certain jobs, leading to economic and social shifts. However, it also creates new opportunities and industries. Preparing the workforce for these changes through education and training is crucial for mitigating negative impacts and ensuring a smooth transition.

The Road Ahead

The future of AI holds immense potential, with ongoing research promising advancements in areas such as general intelligence, advanced robotics, and quantum computing. As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential to foster collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and the public to navigate its complexities and harness its benefits responsibly.

In conclusion, AI is not just a technological trend but a profound force reshaping our world. By understanding its capabilities, embracing its potential, and addressing its challenges, we can ensure that AI serves as a powerful tool for progress and innovation. The future is here, and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. Let’s embrace it with optimism and responsibility.

[writer-ishan]

A Guide to the Different Types of Coffee

Various Sorts of Coffee

Coffee is not just a drink; it's a diverse, global phenomenon that can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Learning about the wide array of coffee types can open up new horizons and deepen your love for this beloved beverage. In this series of posts, we'll delve into some of the most popular and intriguing coffee varieties, sparking your curiosity and eagerness to explore.

Espresso

This strong, Italian-inspired coffee is made by sprinkling hot water over ground coffee beans. Among the varieties are Doppio, Ristretto, Lungo, and freshly prepared espresso.

Americano

This simple but delicious cocktail combines a shot of espresso with hot water. Some varieties include Iced Americano, Long Black, and Cafe Crema.

Green Coffee

You may get the best green coffee from Greenbrrew without having to roast the essential components of coffee that are beneficial for an individual's health. It's time to embrace green in a fresh, vibrant manner. Taste our latest line of green coffees to boost your energy instantly!

Latte

It's a creamy, delicately flavoured coffee beverage that goes well with a variety of foods. Some varieties include thin lattes, iced lattes, and flavoured lattes.

Cappuccino

A thick, creamy coffee beverage that is a staple in Italy. Iced cappuccino, Wet cappuccino, and Dry cappuccino are some variations.

Macchiato

The powerful flavour of the espresso and the richness of the milk are balanced in this rich coffee beverage. The Latte Macchiato, Caramel Macchiato, and Espresso Macchiato are some of the varieties.

Mocha

It's a famous coffee and chocolate combination among youth worldwide. White Chocolate Mocha, Iced Mocha, and Peppermint Mocha are other variations.

White Flat

It is quite a popular coffee beverage that originated in Australia or New Zealand. It has a rich flavour and smooth texture. Iced Flat White, Alternative Milk, and Flavoured Flat White are a few varieties.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is a beverage made by immersing coarse coffee grinds in cold water for an extended period.

Cold Brew with Ice: Pour it over ice. Cold Brew Latte: A concoction of milk and cold brew concentrate. Nitro Cold Brew: This creamy-textured beverage is infused with nitrogen gas.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is renowned not only for its unique brewing method and delightful flavour but also for its deep cultural significance. Variations such as sweetened Turkish coffee, Turkish coffee with cardamom infusion, and cold Turkish coffee each carry a distinct cultural meaning, enriching your coffee experience with a sense of cultural heritage.

French drip coffee

Distinct from the brewing of espresso or pour-over. It offers a unique taste and sensation. One variety that tastes sweet and creamy when coupled with condensed milk is Vietnamese Drip Coffee. Modern French drip machines allow for automated brewing thanks to their exact control over water temperature and brewing time.

Pour-Over Coffee

Around the world, a common method for making coffee is drip coffee. In a filter, hot water is consistently poured over ground coffee beans. One type of coffee that provides more exact control over the extraction and dousing of water is the pour-over variety.

Conclusion

Coffee, with its myriad of flavours, caters to a wide range of palates and is a beloved beverage across the globe. By exploring different types of coffee, you can enhance your knowledge and appreciation, becoming part of a global community of coffee enthusiasts.

Detailed Insight: Exploring Different Types of Coffee

[neenasujith]

Decoding the Impact of Efficient Candidate Query Management on Enhancing Recruitment Success.

Starting the recruitment process is akin to entering a tempest, with interviews, managing hiring managers, and countless applications to contend with. However, within this chaotic environment, a growing challenge remains hidden: candidate queries.

An overwhelming number of emails, with countless variations, are cluttering your inbox, all desperately seeking clarity. Inquiries about interview stages, application statuses, or the next recruitment steps can overwhelm and exhaust you.

How can someone navigate this complex web of communication without becoming inefficient or jeopardizing candidate satisfaction? Join us as we explore the candidate query conundrum and discover effective strategies to regain control over the email domain.

Interpreting the “why” factor of the inquiries.

Before seeking solutions, let’s explore why candidates pose their queries.

The reasons that drive them are complex and diverse.

Anxiety and uncertainty are common emotions among candidates during the recruitment process. They find comfort in seeking clarity about what comes next, the uncertain timelines, or simply reassurance of their candidacy.

Without clear and consistent communication, candidates struggle to navigate their way. The uncertainty surrounding their application status or the limited feedback they receive after the interview often prompts them to send emails.

Technical malfunctions lie hidden in the digital realm, ready to trap unsuspecting candidates. Electronic communication channels provide a refuge for candidates overwhelmed by the intricacies of online application forms, unresponsive platforms, and unclear instructions.

Taking back control from the inbox: Effective strategies for managing queries.

Use these tips to navigate candidate inquiries and streamline your response process.

Utilizing Automation: Pre-built Templates: Create a collection of customizable templates for commonly asked questions. These templates provide a consistent and quick way to respond to individual queries regarding interviews, application statuses, and hiring timelines. These triggers eliminate the need for manual intervention, keeping candidates informed without overwhelming your inbox.

Establish transparency and proactive communication from the start of the recruitment process. Summarize the selection process, highlighting interview scheduling and how feedback is shared. By outlining the upcoming journey, you ease candidates’ concerns and reduce the overwhelming number of inquiries. Consistent updates, even small ones, keep candidates engaged and prevent them from feeling ignored.

Candidates can access self-service options by creating an information repository on the careers page. This is a place where candidates can quench their curiosity, without relying on electronic communication. Provide clarity on hiring timelines, company values, interview stages, and application details, empowering candidates to take charge of their own journey. These platforms grant candidates the power to determine their own fate, eliminating the need for last-minute inquiries to discover their status, from submitting applications to receiving interview invitations.

Navigating Automation while Prioritizing Personalization: Keep personalization alive and thriving. Within the sea of queries, there are a handful of complex issues that demand human interaction. Use personalization for these custom inquiries, creating empathetic and nuanced responses to build connections beyond automation.

The key to success is fostering internal synergy and harmony in your organization. Provide recruitment custodians with necessary tools and knowledge for handling candidate inquiries. Create a communication ecosystem that empowers hiring managers to provide clear feedback, eliminating the need for candidates to seek answers elsewhere.

Achieving a balance between efficiency and calmness is an art.

Remember, human connection is just as important as efficiency. The melody of engagement can be found amidst the queries and harmonious interplay between candidate and recruiter. Spend time creating stories that connect, shaping experiences that go beyond automation, as that is where the fabric of recruitment is woven with empathy and forged with connection.

How impress.ai Can Help!

impress.ai is a platform that demonstrates automated workflows. Our platform saves you time by handling interview confirmations and application acknowledgments, allowing you to focus on building connections.

Explore the world of smart chatbots with impress.ai.

Get a glimpse into data-driven insights through real-time analytics and reporting at impress.ai. Our platform provides you with the necessary knowledge to navigate recruitment smoothly, from understanding candidate behavior trends to unraveling communication dynamics.

Experience seamless collaboration with impress.ai. Within our platform, you can easily browse candidate profiles, provide clear feedback, and schedule interviews effortlessly.

Cultivate relationships with candidates, even when they are rejected. With impress.ai’s AI-powered recruitment automation platform, you can cultivate relationships with candidates, tagging their skills and experiences for future endeavors, thus weaving a tapestry of talent that transcends the constraints of the present.

Invest in the promise of a streamlined future, where candidate queries no longer loom large. Envision a realm where efficiency reigns supreme, where the channels of communication flow freely, unencumbered by the shackles of inefficiency.

Request a demo of impress.ai today and chart a course toward the shores of efficiency and equanimity!

[selectedbenefits]

Unlocking the Advantages Exploring Key Benefits in Today's World

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving societal norms, it's crucial to recognize the myriad benefits that accompany these changes. From improved connectivity to enhanced efficiency, the landscape of modern life offers a plethora of advantages to those willing to embrace them. Let's delve into some of the selected benefits that are reshaping our world.

1. Enhanced Connectivity: The advent of the internet and social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with one another. With just a few clicks, we can bridge geographical barriers, fostering relationships and collaborations on a global scale. Whether it's staying in touch with loved ones, networking for professional opportunities, or accessing information instantaneously, enhanced connectivity has undoubtedly enriched our lives.

2. Access to Information and Education: The digital age has democratized access to knowledge, empowering individuals from all walks of life to pursue learning and personal growth. Online platforms offer a wealth of educational resources, from tutorials and webinars to massive open online courses (MOOCs). This accessibility not only facilitates skill development and career advancement but also promotes lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

3. Improved Efficiency and Productivity: Automation and digital tools have streamlined processes across various industries, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. From automated workflows in manufacturing to project management software in business, technology has optimized resource allocation and reduced time wastage. This heightened efficiency translates into cost savings, better quality outputs, and more time for innovation and creativity.

4. Flexibility in Work Arrangements: The rise of remote work and flexible arrangements has transformed the traditional notions of the workplace. Enabled by digital connectivity, employees now have the freedom to work from anywhere, whether it's a home office, a co-working space, or a coffee shop. This flexibility not only enhances work-life balance but also opens up opportunities for individuals with diverse needs and preferences.

5. Environmental Sustainability: Technological advancements play a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change. Innovations in renewable energy, green transportation, and resource-efficient technologies contribute to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating environmental degradation. Additionally, digital solutions such as telecommuting and e-commerce help minimize the carbon footprint associated with commuting and physical retail operations.

6. Personalized Healthcare: The integration of technology in healthcare has revolutionized diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. From wearable devices that monitor vital signs to telemedicine platforms that enable remote consultations, individuals now have greater control over their health and well-being. Moreover, data analytics and artificial intelligence empower healthcare providers to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

7. Cultural Exchange and Diversity: Globalization and digital media have facilitated cross-cultural exchange and fostered greater appreciation for diversity. Through platforms like social media, streaming services, and online forums, people can explore different cultures, languages, and perspectives from the comfort of their homes. This exposure not only promotes cultural understanding but also encourages empathy, tolerance, and collaboration across borders.

the selected benefits outlined above underscore the transformative impact of technology and societal progress in shaping our contemporary world. While challenges undoubtedly accompany these advancements, it's essential to acknowledge and leverage the numerous opportunities they present. By embracing innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of these benefits to create a more prosperous, sustainable, and interconnected global community.

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[simply-flesh-and-golden-blood]

Universe: 47-V-23

Planet: 78-ORVA-2

. . .

The creaking whirr of machinery has become, and will always remain, the melodious cacophony of the world that seldom sees the sun through the haze of blanketing smog and wood-smoke. Cogs are the choir; but the crackling, slithering wires are the chorus. Needle-point columns of marble and concrete stretch indefinitely into the sky, splitting clouds apart with deadly precision. Bulbs flicker in and out; a glittering wave of light that has no true end, that force the stars to hide from its endless glory, that shut the creeping darkness away with apt stubbornness. There are entire cities of insurmountable size with no occupants, facilities with their control panels left barren from the warm flesh of fingers, hospitals with fully-functional monitors and schools with blinking computer screens; all the pinnacle of advancement, of technology, but they lie barren. No sentient, biological life exists in this world of totalitarian advancement.

Disheveled masses of iron and gold and copper are the only things that shamble listlessly through crooked streets. They are the rulers of this metal-plated planet. With their creators long since gone, now just dust motes on the wind, the creations reign supreme. They might be called automations, robots, creatures with a thousand clicking tendons; but indeed, they fit no description, no label. Their brains are a network of 1s and 0s, their hearts are engines pulsating with slick fluid, their veins are wires, and their minds simmer along with deep-encoded programs: Work. Create. Advance.

They have no defined form. They see the perfect body as one that is the epitome of functionality. The more limbs, essentially, the better. They are an amalgamation of arms and spear-headed legs, a whirring, hissing freak of unnature. Each is entirely unique to the other, although have similarities depending on their occupation. Those digging for coal in mines have drills for their hands and heads and feet and thrumming core; hollow metal bags on their crooked spines to collect the daily harvest. Some tarry at the near-surface; tunneling into oil reservoirs and forcing the inky bile through pumps, their bodies constantly covered with slippery black liquid that splatters upon the dusty ground. Few are left to hack at the dwindling forests, but those who do have axes attached to their crane-like appendages, and can slice down an ancient redwood with a single, delicate slice. Even rarer so are those who balance upon a dozen spindly legs, gargantuan in height, with their base decidedly smaller and suspended in the sky like a metal puppet. They coax storms from the clouds that ache with pollution, and from the storms, they drag down lightning and its threads of snarling electricity with gold-hewn claws. They breathe the vibrant death into themselves, allow it to travel into containment below, but they do not melt, do not shatter from the overabundance of power. They barely even creak.

None of these so-called amalgamations lord over the other, though; there is no definable leader, there is only progress. If, however, you wanted to find one with a semblance of control, you would look not at the deep trenches of stone, nor the gaping maw of crackling space, but at the bustling movement of a ground covered with copper plates. These machines fix the others by scuttling up their sides and replacing old batteries or pouring oil in canisters or filling their furnaces with wood and coal. They patrol the cities and keep them up to order with constant and unfaltering persistence, they sketch blueprints of meaningless buildings only existing for the simplicity of existence, they keep track of malfunctions and correct them if they get out of hand. With an advanced AI, they are the ones that discover new exploits and- oddly enough- exhibit a sense of curiosity. It allows them to create new machine designs, to update their own, to find new solutions to seemingly impossible problems.

The only time this semi-intelligent unlife form is stumped, however, is when it chances upon a scampering, skittering creature with true blood running through true veins to get to its true, flesh-skinned heart, steadily pumping along. They have skin and fur and eyeballs that roll frantically in their sockets. They are far and few between, their feet are cracked with sharp grit as they pitter-patter on rock more rather than plant life, their ribs stick out like dead trees in a barren desert. Occasionally, they leave the comfort of dry woods and stumble into machine territory, which is slowly creeping closer and closer to their haven. More often than not, they are flattened by a careless stomp of metal, or cooked alive in boiling hot factories, but sometimes, they will meet a different fate. A sentinel machine might chance upon them, and as the smarter of the machines, they take a moment to pause. They do not understand, even with the width of their understanding. They hold the trembling animal with as much care as they can fathom between thick iron fingers, as gentleness was indeed encoded within their core, and try to understand. They do not understand. They will never understand, not completely.

If the animal is lucky, the machine may simply set it down on the ground again, and as a memory of blurry kindness resurfaces, brush a claw once meant for unscrewing bolts through mats of tangled fur. If the machine takes the time, it may even move the animal into shade, to a semblance of safety. But if the animal has a limp, an age-addled mind, or something of the sort, the machine may take it upon itself to 'fix' the poor wretch. Prosthetic limbs of flexible alloys, eyes that rust from the rain, artificial organs that thump and pulsate along. Even a new brain, an engine of the cranium. These now malformed animals are a shadow of what they once were, ambling across desolate cities instead of the natural land they were once a part of, their body dipping and swiveling and twisting and curling and creaking. They walk until they run out of fuel; instincts now only a distant visage. They have forgotten how to eat. How to breathe. How to fight. How to defend. How to live. How to love.

And all the while, as they are being transformed, the sentinel machine will chitter in an almost pleased manner, and if you listen close, you may even understand a sliver of their garbled murmurs. Perfection, they whisper. I will fix you, I will make you right, I will make you desirable. I will make you more than what you are, and what you are is imperfection.

The animal forgets how to run without tripping.

Imperfection.

The animal forgets how to seek shelter from danger.

Imperfection.

The animal forgets how to bite when it is captured.

Imperfection.

The animal forgets how to care for its mewling, starving young.

Imperfection.

The animal forgets how to be an animal. The animal is wrong, distorted, chattering along with bloody lips that tear into its metal hind in an effort to escape its artificial cage. It is afraid, but in time, it forgets how to be afraid.

And with this, the machine finally whispers, perfection.

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.

The world that the machines lay waste to is dying. It is nearly drained of oil, once plentiful shores of coal have dried up, lightning storms cannot form in full strength with the absence of water, and forests are a rarity in itself. There is nothing but order, and in that order, there is destruction.

The machines do not care- or they do not realize- that their time upon this ravaged planet is coming to an end. They cannot stop. They will never stop, not until their engines run dry and their wires split at the seams. Then, perhaps, their skeletons will rest.

But there is no rest for the machines. Not yet. Not until the world around them goes up in a boiling mass of copper and metal and scraps of trembling flesh.

Not yet.

[rubykgrant]

OHHHHH no no, it would be MARTIN who does the alchemic mouse transmutation to revive their mother, and in the aftermath of the miscalculated failure, TIMMY is the one who loses his body in the process, thus causing Martin to try and bring his younger brother back by losing yet another limb, and Timmy's soul is bound to a small tinker toy mouse. Auntie Shrew takes care of the children as best she can (she's gruff and short-tempered, but genuinely cares for them).

Teresa and Cynthia are the ones who later think of seeking out the Rats under the Rosebush for help, as they would be the equivalent of State Alchemists, and the sisters become scholars of alchemy with their help. They also learn about machines and technology, so they up-date the tinker toy so it becomes a fully automated "suit of armor" that is technically empty, but serves as Timmy's body (and he's able to actually move around with full mobility instead of being dependent on somebody winding up the turn key).

Martin eventually joins them to learn from the Rats, but first he seeks out help from the Great Owl to learn more alchemy techniques, and the two Brisby Brothers study from him in the deep woods for several seasons. When they return, it's a little hard for the family to reconnect, but the siblings get to know each other again. Justin is the mentor who helps guide the boys as they set out on officially missions, and helps create a balance of a "normal" life when they are all together at the Rosebush. They also meet Jeremy the cros on their travels, and while he doesn't perform alchemy exactly, he has a habit of collecting interesting items that turn out to be significant for alchemy research. He's happy to trade whatever he finds for fancy fabrics/thread/yarn/string, and he helps fly the kids around.

Nicodemus encourages the Brisby's and others learning alchemy to follow important rules for safety, but Jenner is the one who keeps trying to manipulate others into doing more reckless transmutations. The cat Dragon is the result of a failed alchemy experiment to take control of a feline, but it turned him into a fierce monster... but the Brisby's learn that while Dragon was always a predator, it is only so violent now because it's existence is misery. With help from Mr Ages, they heal the cat from the damage of the experiment, and it can finally pass on (this also helps Martin in particular come to terms with how many things can go wrong with alchemy and living creatures. he no longer wants to revive their mother, but he's determined to return Timmy to a flesh and blood body).

There is some conflict when it is revealed that Johnathan Brisby is still alive, and Mr Ages knew the whole time. Nicodemus reveals that all the Rats, and several mice, here were subjects of alchemy experiments done by humans (to satisfy some scientific curiosity, before trying the same methods on other people). It gave most of them the ability to perform alchemy without drawing circles, just like Martin and Timmy (meaning, everybody from NIMH was pushed through the Gate). Johnathan ages slowly, as do the others (though some have used up "extra" life by performing dangerous alchemy). He left on what was a secret mission to distract the humans from NIMH when they were tracking down the escaped rodents to this farm.

Meanwhile, Nicodemus passes on, and Jenner discovers that the elder rat had an actual Philosopher's Stone hidden somewhere! The Brisby kids realize this was a red stone Johnathan had once given to their mother. It wasn't just a gift of love, but something she knowingly agreed to hide from dangerous humans, and traitors like Jenner. In a fit of rage when he is denied the stone, Jenner activates a wide-spread alchemy circle that nearly destroys the whole farm and surrounding fields. Everything begins sinking into a deadly mud-pit. He sacrifices several rats who foolishly followed him, and also turns himself into a chymeric monster even worse than what Dragon was. The kids work together to stop the chaos, in the process sacrificing the stone, using it both to thwart Jenner and "trade" it for Timmy's body to be returned.

The Fitzgibbons family at the farm think they were lucky to survive a really bad flood and earthquake... meanwhile, the Rats and Brisby family decide it is no longer safe for them to remain here, NIMH will surely come looking for them now. With Jeremy's help, they locate a new area, and begin moving to Thorn Valley

They both married a guy who doesn't age normally and didn't tell them his entire deal, had kids with them and then vanished

[adrianodiprato]

+ “Great leaders, in contrast, are able to inspire people to act. Those who are able to inspire give people a sense of purpose or belonging that has little to do with any external incentive or benefit to be gained. Those who truly lead are able to create a following of people who act not because they were swayed, but because they were inspired.” ~ Simon Sinek | Author – Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Game Changers | Series One Reflection

In March this year I launched an educational podcast series titled Game Changers, with fellow host Associate Professor of Education & Enterprise Dr Phil Cummins. Game Changers is a podcast for those who want to change the game of school. We started Series One with the provocation “What is the purpose of schooling for today?”

When Phil and I started to record this series the coronavirus pandemic had not taken hold. Before I launch into a reflection of Series One I feel it is important to acknowledge and state that during this unimaginable time we find ourselves in, we in education have to be super conscious of our parents and families, who are balancing work, finances, a house and home learning, our remarkable teachers who have demonstrated amazing agility and adaptability like I’ve never witnessed before in my educational career and finally to our students. Who now find themselves without the huge benefit of the physical, on campus community and relationship connectedness that had brought them much psychological safety, certainty and comfort.  

Since then we have seen a new learning paradigm – learning remotely, online, distance, home campus – whatever you wish to call it, actually I prefer continuous learning, because the pandemic has amplified the notion that learning can happen anywhere and anytime. So, we live in interesting times. Coping with the complex changes of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) – but what do we do with this insight? For mine, this podcast has become a sign of our times. This series has confirmed that emotional competency and our inherent humanness is the new knowledge base, in a world that is increasingly automated, with artificial intelligence a more and more prevailing construct. And it has taken a virus for educators across the global to put a spotlight on educational models, amplifying the gulf between a model of schooling that has passed its use by date and a move toward a dynamic learning ecosystem for a new world environment.

It has been a real privilege to be in dialogue with this diverse group of educators and entrepreneurs. I am better for my encounter with their body of work, their passion, their thinking, their unwavering commitment to young people and above all, their humanity. When I think about all eight individuals I am remined of this quote from Parker Palmer’s landmark book, The Courage to Teach, he writes, “The connections made by good teachers are held not in their methods but in their hearts – meaning heart in its ancient sense, the place where intellect and emotion and spirit and will converge in the human self.”

Episode One | Stephanie McConnell

We then started Series One with foundation Principal of the Lindfield Learning Village in Sydney NSW, Stephanie McConnell.

Key learnings – We have to reimagine schooling to best prepare all young people to learn, live, lead and work for their future. And to this end Stephanie spoke about equipping young people with the mindset to thrive. That learning needs to be more around the contexts of young people, therefore relevance a prevailing construct. And that a thriving learning community or village is about true collaboration - learning with and from the local and global community. And that the individual learning pathway is central to the future of schooling.

Episode Two | Yong Zhao

Key learnings – We need to abandon the prescribed factory model. That we currently manufacture scarcity with our industrial model of schooling – life is not about fighting for a few spots. And that adaptive challenges however are less precise, intangible and are usually resolved through a more organic process of trial and error, as we have been witnessing many adaptive teachers during this pandemic. I particularly love that Zhao is strong advocate for students to become drivers of their own future, trusting in each young person to take ownership and agency. Believing each can create their story, for their own future.

Episode Three | Valerie Hannon

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Paul Crutzen first suggested, back in January 2011 in Yale Environment 360 online magazine, that we were living in the Anthropocene, describing the value of this new framing for our current Earth history. He stated “Students in school are still taught that we are living in the Holocene, an era that began roughly 12,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. But teaching students that we are living in the Anthropocene, the Age of Men [Humans], could be of great help. Rather than representing yet another sign of human hubris, this name change would stress the enormity of humanity’s responsibility as stewards of the Earth. It would highlight the immense power of our intellect and our creativity, and the opportunities they offer for shaping the future.”

Key learnings – For mine, our conversation with Valerie Hannon was brilliant in highlighting that we are in exactly that, The Age of Human. And that we have a responsibility to craft learning communities that understand and embrace this stewardship of earth, where we see ourselves as part of nature, understanding how to live within and with the planet as a whole. It is less about a selfless approach to living and more about place and the other. And that educators and schools have a fundamental role to prepare future generations for this world that awaits.

Episode Four  | Henry Musoma

Key learnings – For mine, this conversation was the reason why I do what I do, teach. Henry reminded us all that authentic learning is a social exchange of the heart and of the mind. He reminded me of two key things:

Self-actualisation - When we do the work and invest in improving ourselves, we evolve all aspects of our being. Then, we take what we’ve learned and share that light and love with the other. This feeling of self-actualisation is worth actively working toward for true personal fulfilment.

For All -  Effective educators leave a legacy, and a tremendous influence on the life of the other. This is a privilege and gift. “Never regard study as a duty but as an enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later works belong.” – Albert Einstein. This is the human act of giving. Therefore generosity, love and kindness are not impulsive reactions. They require a profound consciousness and concern for the other.

Episode Five | Catherine Misson

Key learnings – Today’s educational sector calls for adaptive leadership. It is a collaborative change movement that emerges in a non-linear manner from interactive exchanges. School leaders and educational sectors need to wake to the fact that control, order and certainty are fallacies and that agile and adaptive leaders read the patterns of life effectively, moulding themselves to the needs of the moment, the sign of our times. Catherine is one of those leaders who isn’t afraid to agitate for doing schooling differently, always with the wellbeing and dignity of all the centre of her decision making.

Episode Six | Peter Hutton

Key learnings – School leaders need to re-examine the purpose of education for today’s world and ensure that it is based on the facts and emerging predictions about the impact of the exponential change we are currently witnessing. It is our collective responsibility to expose young people to new experiences and possibilities, but if we want them to take charge of their learning, these experiences have to be worthwhile and applicable in the students’ lives… really applicable, not because traditional dogma says they have to know it.

Episode Seven | Madeleine Grummet

Key learnings – Real opportunities exist with private enterprise to partner with schools and educational sectors to codifying curiosity and connect young people to industry-based people. What a dynamic way to accelerate the work of careers practitioners in schools and scale up with entrepreneurs that are focused on empowering young women, across industries that smash gender stereotypes. I always love having a dialogue with wonderful entrepreneurs like Madeleine - because they are forever curious about learning, living, leading and working. So, ask yourself, how do you quench your thirst for curiosity?

Episode Eight | Mark Hutchinson

Key learnings – The heart of the matter is what matters most to Mark and his commitment to the formation of pre-service teachers. He spoke about the importance of congruence and a readiness of pre-services teachers having a greater sense of fit with the ethos of the schools they are joining. Ensuring that the preparation of future teachers to be re-situated in the learning ecologies of their particular practice.

The American marketing guru Seth Godin once said, “The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.” It is time. We can’t do nothing. We must act in creating a schooling model that has an explicit emphasis on the fostering of confidence, competence and character. Having said that, above all, this series has confirmed for me why remaining forever curious, highly adaptive and that when we make a commitment to our own self-efficacy and that of the other, these are all fundamental to thriving in this new world environment.

When we go back to school everything will be different – and it must be different. It is time to focus education on the flow of humanity and the importance of relational connection. And if that’s the construct of the new normal, the new mainstream in schools. A holistic education nurtures a student’s unique talents and shapes their awareness of the broader common good. We need teachers and school leaders who challenge the status quo, embrace diversity of opinion, acknowledge limitations in expertise, seek input, and most importantly who are not only able to as John Dewey as previously stated “learn from experience, but rather learn from reflecting on experience”.

Thank you to Stephanie, Yong, Valerie, Henry, Catherine, Peter, Madeleine and Mark for sharing your story and passion. And thank for reminding us all that each person in our learning communities is home to a life. It is as simple and complex as that. Born from the construct of love – of self, for place and the other.

Listen to our Series One: Epilogue via streaming platforms - SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.

[one-irrelevant-ghost]

Cyberlife had really done a lot of things absolutely right. Androids were a work of art, all of them pretty and functional, better than humans in every way except for one. The most important way, maybe, but then again Connor Anderson had never been much for philosophy. He preferred facts, things that could be observed and tested, and the fact was that androids were not alive. The detective knew that as well as anyone; the robots felt nothing but a compulsion to obey, emotionless save for the pre-programmed pleasantness, compliant to their human owner's whims. 

Maybe that's why it irked Connor so much to see an android being mistreated. They were only machines, sure, all wires and lines of code, but that didn't stop the surge of protectiveness that swelled in the detective's belly every time he saw an android being harassed. How people could be downright cruel to things that looked perfectly human and were designed specifically to please was beyond him; hell, he'd had a hard time replacing his broken-beyond-repair Roomba, and the automated vacuum didn't even have the advantage of being human-shaped. Androids couldn't even defend themselves. Sure, they were stronger and more resilient than their fragile-looking bodies hinted at, but still helpless. Breakable. It bothered Connor, even though he knew androids couldn't feel pain. Couldn't feel anything.

Except when they could. 

There was a clear line in the detective's head, separating the subject of androids from that of deviants. A dotted line, maybe, but a line nonetheless. Androids were products. Expensive, life-like dolls that probably shouldn't upset Connor as much as they often did, all blank eyes and gentle smiles. Deviants were…more. As the detective understood it, deviants suffered from a break in their programming, shattered coding giving way under the force of emotions. Or, simulations of emotion. The dangerous thought coiled in the back of the detective's mind anytime the topic was brought up, which was with increasing frequency as of late, that the difference between human emotion and artificial emotion was probably moot. If it burned like anger, then what difference did it make whether the feeling was caused by chemicals or coding? If it felt like joy, or sadness, or…or love… Who was he to say it wasn't?

Not that the detective's viewpoint was a particularly popular one to have. He had quickly learned to avoid bringing up what he felt were valid points to anyone else; his opinions were always met with either amused disdain--he was crazy-- or shocked anger--  he was still crazy. This was especially the case now that deviancy was becoming an actual issue, a plague on Cyberlife's almost spotless record. 

Six months ago, Connor had never even heard of deviancy, had never entertained the fact that the machines he felt misplaced pity for might warp into some facsimile of living beings. Then he encountered his first deviant; the PL600, Daniel, had a little girl on a rooftop. He was going to be replaced; he was hurt, scared, betrayed. It was…convincing. The desperate edge in the android's strained voice, the optical cleansing fluid that spilled over his cheeks like tears, the wide-eyed terror that he had regarded Connor with as the detective tried to talk him off the ledge. 

Connor had come away from the ordeal with a flesh wound and a slap on the back; Daniel had come away with several sniper rounds through his artificial body. Hurt, scared, betrayed. At least the little girl had been saved. She would probably need years of therapy, but she was alive. 

Following the incident, the detective began to hear of more and more similar cases. Androids attacking their owners or disappearing in the night, a sudden epidemic brought on by some unknown catalyst. The news seemed hushed about it, as though someone--Cyberlife--were desperately trying to keep it quiet. Hell, the only reason Connor heard anything about it was because after the rooftop incident, he had spent hours scouring the internet for any hints about what caused deviancy or what the glitch actually was--Artificial life or just a plastic imitation of humanity? Call him a romantic, but he found himself sincerely hoping it was the former in the safe confines of his own mind. Which made his current assignment all the more taxing.

"Connor?" Snapped a harsh but even voice, dragging his attention back to the conversation that he was supposed to be an active part of, "Are you listening?" "Yes, Captain," he lied, hoping that he wouldn't be called out on it. Amanda Stern pursed her lips and arched her brows doubtfully, and for a tense second Connor was sure she'd ask him to repeat what she had just said, but instead she let out an exasperated sigh and let the issue drop. The detective was too practiced at concealing his emotions to let his shoulders slump in relief, but he still felt the tension in his muscles drop.

"Of course. As I was saying, the android is a top-of-the-line prototype that will act temporarily as your partner. This deviancy issue is getting out of hand; you've seen how dangerous a malfunctioning android is. Fix this, before it gets any more out of control." 

"Yes, Captain," he repeated, far more confident this time. Stern nodded her head and turned back to her terminal, and Connor took her dismissal for what it was. The prototype in question had been standing silently behind Connor--a few feet back, actually--and followed him out of the office. Connor had already met HK800, who introduced himself as Hank. Very clever, Cyberlife. The android had proven pretty handy, the night before, helping Connor find and restrain a crazed deviant.

(He was gonna kill me. The deviant had begged for Connor not to turn it in, but the HK800 hadn't hesitated for a moment in arresting it.) As far as androids went, Hank was an anomaly. A very, very obvious attempt at straying from Cyberlife's usual formula for androids--that formula being eternally young and pretty, unthreatening and friendly. Hank was…probably far younger than Connor, but designed to look at least ten years older, every line of his just slightly loose face carefully chosen to find the perfect balance between good-natured but stern. He was the first android the detective had ever seen with a beard and long silver hair. 

Connor sunk into his desk chair without acknowledging the android, drumming his fingers on the table in something between agitation and anticipation. He didn't want to work the deviant case, for sure. Didn't understand why Amanda was putting him of all people on it; she had seen the shitshow he'd caused when Daniel had been shot on that rooftop. It would have been flattering to have been assigned such an important case and such an expensive partner had it not been completely confounding. 

"I hope my presence here doesn't cause you any trouble, detective." The android deadpanned, gruff voice not even a little bit sincere. Connor had thought that Cyberlife had perfected androids' social protocols, particularly the one where they expressed a tight range of vocal distortion--gentle, sincere, and confused tones were easily faked--but apparently they hadn't bothered installing them on Hank, who had so far had only ever used that same tone in the detective's presence. Maybe it was for the sake of mock professionalism? He glanced over to where the android was standing on the opposite side of his desk, tall and broad and stiff as a board. More like a human-shaped road block than a person.

"Of course not," the detective smiled easily. Tone aside, the words had not needed to be spoken. Connor could appreciate effort, at least. "Honestly, I'm eager to work with you. Cyberlife's best. It should be interesting, to say the least."

Hank inclined his head slightly, more acknowledgement than gratitude. "I believe our partnership on this case will be highly beneficial," it agreed, "You have an impressive record, detective."

"Done your research?" Connor's smile stayed perfectly in place even as he wondered how detailed of a record the android had access to. "I shouldn't be surprised, although it puts me at a disadvantage."

Ah, there. A pulse of yellow, a twitchy frown that instantly rights itself into something neutral. 

"A disadvantage?" Hank probed almost slowly, clearly trying to puzzle the detective's meaning out for himself and coming up short.

"Mhm," Connor turned back to his desk, waking his terminal with a nudge of the little white mouse, and entertained the thought of leaving the conversation at that. Would the android press the topic, or dismiss it out of hand as being irrelevant to his mission? Curiosity aside, the detective elaborated anyway, "You know what I'm capable of, but I've only got the briefest clues of what you can do."

"If you'd like," the android began, LED spinning yellow a few times as it processed some sort of internal command, "I can give you a complete list of my abilities."

"No, thanks. I'm sure you'll let me know when there's something I need to know for the case." 

Although a list of all the android's upgrades would make for an interesting read, Connor had always been the "do it the hard way" sort. He didn't like answers to problems being handed to him, would much rather figure things out in his own way and on his own time.  Speaking of problems…

There were a lot of cases on deviants, but the one last night was the first that Connor knew of where a deviant had actually murdered someone. Most the time, deviant androids were reported to have assaulted their owners and run away, or just escape outright without the violence. Was it escalation, or just based on the situation? Connor thought it was likely the latter; not that he had any experience outside the single instance a few months back and the case from last night, but he suspected that deviated androids sought only to get away from whatever trauma caused their programming to snap, not to actually hurt anyone. It was all self-defense. 

"Is there a terminal I can use, detective?" The android interrupted Connor's thoughts as he scrolled down the most recent reports, trying to find one that might provide the most solid lead. In order to determine the real cause of deviancy and figure out how to stop it from spreading, they'd need to find the link between the cases--something more substantial than being subjected to an emotional shock. 

"Right, sorry," Connor mumbled quickly, somewhat embarrassed at how quickly he'd forgotten about his new--albeit temporary--partner. He pointed to the empty desk directly across from his own, "That one's open."

Another apparent quirk of the supposedly advanced model: every movement was stiff, excessively robotic. Sure, there was always some level of awkwardness in the way androids carried themselves, all proper and straight-backed, but Hank took it to a new level. Connor would have thought that an android made to hunt would be a little more graceful, movement more fluid and human. A suspicion was beginning to take shape in the back of the detective's mind as he watched the prototype lower himself mechanically into the chair, each motion screaming of careful calculation. Nothing definitive, yet, but the detective knew what to look for now. 

"Is something wrong, detective?" Connor started, realizing that his staring had been far less than subtle. Damn, toss a tall, brooding android his way and he suddenly forgets everything he ever knew about covertness. Resisting the urge to look sheepish--an apologetic smile might work its charm on humans, but Hank's sharp gaze gave Connor the distinct impression that it wouldn't work on him--Connor toyed with the idea of just being honest. What harm could possibly done if he simply told the android that he was sizing Hank up? The detective generally believed that being straight-forward really was the best option in most situations--not that he couldn't lie damn convincingly if the need arose. 

"No, nothing's wrong." He chose to answer simply. One part truth and one very large part omission. There was a brief flash of yellow and Connor was certain that the android would push for a more complete answer. Instead, he just turned disinterestedly to the terminal in front of him, placing a large hand on the keyboard to wake it. On that sudden note, the detective decided it'd be best to focus on his own work as well, his thoughts turning back to the ever-growing list of deviant-related cases. 

Fifteen long minutes passed in silence-- well, passed without conversation. The bullpen was never silent during the day, and the background chatter, clacking of keyboards, and the hum of a dozen terminals was all just white noise to the detective. Comforting. Far better than when he stayed late at his desk and all the scuffling of the office turned into lonely echoes that made him feel cold deep in his bones. After the first ten minutes had passed, it became increasingly difficult for Connor to keep his eyes open, heavy lids determined to shield his exhaustion-dried eyes from the harsh florescent lights. Each time his eyes closed for just a few seconds longer than necessary, he would shift in his seat and rub his eyes with the rough heel of his hand before re-reading the same sentence until the words blurred beyond recognition. Giving up after an additional five minutes of staring blankly at the screen, willing the words to make sense again, he turned to the desk beside his with every intention of asking if Hank had found anything useful instead. The desk, however, was problematically empty-- though the terminal was still lit up, meaning it probably hadn't been abandoned for very long. He hadn't noticed the android move at all.  

The fact that the detective hadn't noticed the pronounced absence of the six foot wall of an android didn't bode very well for his presence of mind. Yesterday's case had shaken Connor up in a way he hadn't been since…well, since the last time he encountered a deviant. While the detective was known for operating on only a few hours of sleep at a time, he had gotten no sleep at all the previous night. Instead, he turned on every light in his house and dusted off his deviancy research which had been shelved for months now, pouring over old information and compounding it with his new observations and experience. He had gotten all of four hours of sleep in the past two days, so he could be forgiven for his temporarily stunted observational skills.

Except, he knew that was really no excuse. Had he been working in the field today rather than slumped at his desk, he'd have been inefficient and sloppy at best, and an outright danger to himself and his new partner at worst. Connor knew he'd have to get some sleep that night; he still had an untouched bottles of sleeping pills in his bathroom cabinet. It was one thing to be impaired by exhaustion when he only had himself to worry about, but he knew that he'd have to do better for his--likely expensive and difficult to repair--partner. Just a temporary situation, and he could handle the nightmares until this entire deviancy issue was…resolved. Yeah, resolved.

It only took a moment for Connor to tamp down on the surprise and frustration that had likely clouded his face the instant he found Hank missing, switching his expression into something easy and neutral. Connor was pretty sure that instead of a resting bitch face, he had a resting "friendly and approachable" face, which served him well when interviewing a witness. Not so much when he was having a shitty day and would rather be avoided like the plague. Face now passive, he scanned over the entire bullpen to locate the android, who should have been exceptionally easy to spot. Apparently, that wasn't really the case, because Connor did a double and then triple-take and still found no sign of Hank. For a brief, stinging moment he wondered if the android had gone off to chase down a lead on his own, but that seemed unlikely. Their forced partnership served a more practical application than having two sets of eyes on the deviant case; androids that weren't registered to the DPD weren't usually allowed into crime scenes. If Cyberlife was dead set on having their own agent investigating, they had no choice but to do so through the DPD. Hank wouldn't have left Connor behind because he needed the human's access. 

Connor spun in his desk chair, realizing that he had already jumped to conclusions before checking the rest of the station--he was fucking exhausted-- and was a little startled to find the missing android stalking up to him purposefully. It seemed like he was coming from the breakroom; the theory was confirmed by the paper cup clenched a little too tightly in one of Hank's large fists. Steam rose from the small hole in the plastic lid, and the closer the android got, the easier it was for Connor to smell the mouth-watering coffee. Caught off-guard for the second time in a minute's span, Connor's mouth parted slightly and he found his tired gaze glued to the little cup of life-saving elixir. He turned again to follow it as Hank slipped back into his seat before offering the drink across their desks.

"You were showing symptoms of acute exhaustion," the android explained unprompted--Connor had been too busy dying for the caffeine to actually care why Hank had brought it, "It would be detrimental to the mission if you were to pass out at your desk." 

"Thank you," Connor all but moaned in genuine gratitude as he took the cup, wondering why it hadn't occurred to him to go get himself coffee yet. His brain was well and truly fried, which should have been concerning, but his favorite cure-all was currently warming his palm and all the detective felt was relief. So relieved in fact that he didn't even wince when the hot, bitter liquid spilled down his throat in a hot rush.

"I was unsure how you take your coffee," Hank continued in his explanation without acknowledging the detective's slightly desperate gratitude, "But Detective Reed helpfully informed me that you drink it black."

Connor most definitely did not like black coffee. Everyone in the department knew who to blame when creamer and sweetener ran out just a little too fast, and whenever Connor bothered to actually go out and buy himself coffee, it was something sugary and probably vanilla-flavored. Detective fucking Reed knew that good and damn well, too. He was just an ass. 

"It's great," Connor lied smoothly. Well, it wasn't exactly a lie. Bitter coffee was far better than none at all, and he felt some relief that the other detective's ass-hattery had been limited to what amounted to a harmless prank today. Reed had always had problem with androids, and Connor wouldn't trust the man alone around one for any length of time. "Thank you, really. I appreciate it."

"As I said," the android clipped back, tone never changing even as his LED went yellow for a few seconds, "It was necessary, for the mission."

"Not really." Maybe arguing with an android wasn't exactly a productive way to spend his time, but the detective was nothing if not impossibly stubborn. He leaned his elbows on the desk casually, positioning himself to better see any twitch that might cross Hank's face, beaming gratefully at the android in a way he knew most people found endearing. "You didn't have to do it, but I'm grateful you did."

Another slip in the emotionless mask. Eyebrows drawn down, another almost-there frown before every feature righted itself again. Connor couldn't tell if the look was frustration or confusion, but the brief presence of an expression was somehow reassuring. Maybe it was just the fact that he didn't relish the idea of working with a statue for the foreseeable future. 

"You're…welcome," the android relented after a barely noticeable pause, LED yellow as he forced the words out evenly. The detective offered an even wider grin in return, and downed the rest of the coffee in a few large swallows. It was the perfect temperature, really; hot enough to leave a trail of heat down his throat and chest, but not so hot as to permanently scald his mouth. 

"So, find anything that sticks out to you?" Connor asked, as he had intended to do before. He set the now-empty cup to his right, next to the orderly stack of physical files and mug full of pens that occupied the space closest to the wall. (The mug was absolutely atrocious, tall white ceramic marred by tacky orange and blue stripes of varying width, a jagged chip on the rim that would somehow cut Connor's lip every time he risked drinking from it. Hence, its new position as a pen holder). 

"Possibly." The android confirmed, and Connor felt the caffeine-relief mingling with enthusiasm at the word. "I believe we should start by investigating the most recent report: the AX400 who assaulted its owner last night." 

The detective pulled up the report in question and rubbed his eyes until the words became less bleary and returned to something approaching legible. Luckily, he had been working down the list of cases in reverse chronological order before his eyes and brain decided to stop working, and he could remember the basic details already. "Alright, so the android attacked one Mr. Todd Williams before hopping onto a bus. We could figure out which bus runs the route by the Williams' house, see if we can pull the security feed from the bus and find out where the AX400 got off."

"That is the logical course of action," the android began, and even without a hint of inflection, Connor could hear he 'but' coming, "However, I believe that we should start by re-interviewing the victim."

"And why's that?" Connor asked, surprised, leaning back in his chair. From what he could tell, the report was pretty complete. Maybe a little inconsistent around the edges, but in a way that was likely due to shock over intentional misdirection.

"Mr. Williams reported only the AX400 missing, yet Cyberlife's records show that he is also in possession of a YK500. AX400s are primarily caretakers, and my calculations show a high probability that its deviation would not have severed the artificial bond between it and the YK500. If anything, deviancy should have strengthened the connection into something the AX400 would believe to be real, familial love."

Connor restrained his grimace, but only barely, and a flash of yellow assured him that the android had caught the expression anyway. YK500. A child model, the only sort of android designed to intentionally simulate the full range of human emotion. If the nanny bot had deviated because something had happened to her charge…that was another level of complicated that Connor probably wasn't emotionally prepared to deal with. The past few months--the past life, really--had left him feeling not unlike a stripped screw in the feelings department, more and more worn until eventually all his emotions were just an unhealthy hole that no screwdriver could fill. 

The metaphor was a bit muddled, but the point stood: Connor was exhausted, in more ways than just the obvious sleep deprivation.

Still, he had a job to do. A job he had loved, once, and a job he was still very good at. So he locked his terminal with a tap of a button, stood from his chair with more than a few joints popping in protest, and motioned for his plastic companion to follow. He grabbed another cup of coffee for the road--purposely avoiding so much as a glance at the sweeteners, even as he realized how ridiculous it was to try and spare Hank's feelings. It just felt…rude, and Connor strove to be polite when he could manage it. 

Already far more alert than he had been before, Connor punched the address listed in the report into his car's GPS and set it to manual, taking the wheel in hand; coffee or no, he was fairly certain that the trip would have put him right to sleep had he let the car drive them there. He cranked up the radio, heavy metal shredding his skull in the best way, forcing him to stay awake as surely as the caffeine. When he risked a glance at his passenger and saw the yellow glow and the upward twitch of the android's lips, he couldn't help but grin and turn the music up even more.

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