#bot detection tool

[mfilterit]

What Should Marketers Look for in a Bot Detection Tools?

In today’s digital marketing landscape, bots impacting your campaigns, website analytics, and overall performance is becoming an enormous issue with all the organizations running any kind of advertising campaign. To put a stop on the ad fraud that is caused by bots, having bot detection tools is vital.  After all, how can you put a stop to bots if you can’t detect.  

Unfortunately, many firms struggle to detect bot traffic, and the methods they employ are not all created equal. Choosing the right bot detection tool is essential for safeguarding your marketing efforts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the best tool for your needs.

What Is Invalid Traffic and How Does It Relate to Bots? 

Bot fraud in digital advertising generally falls in the category of invalid traffic by the marketers no matter good or bad since the bots are not the target audience and cannot be converted into a protentional lead.  

Types of Invalid Traffic:   

General Invalid Traffic (GIVT) – It is one of the simplest bots that can be detected easily, and a lot of good bots traffic comes under GIVT as they are not meant to fool the bot detection tool. But some fraudsters may also deploy GIVT as they are easy to make and work against some of their targets.  

Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT) – SIVT detection is the bots that one should look out for as these are more capable and are often designed to target to bypass cybersecurity and fraud prevention tools. For Example – sophisticated bots might imitate how a human would use a website so it would be difficult to identify between a human and bot. SIVT is common in ad fraud schemes.

Bot detection in USA, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia

Click here to read more: What should marketers look for in a Bot Detection Tool

[zerogpt11]

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[4mrplumi]

01. spiderwocky ── 'spidey' bot

platonic | spiderverse x spiderman!reader x batfamily | ms. list

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤdisclaimers on masterlist!

index. prologue , chapter one , chapter two , chapter three ... to be continued. based on this

“there are more advisable ways to source materials, (name),” a robotic voice ushers in your ear, “i could run a route for the nearest hardware store, safe enough for you to reach”.

you wave her out of your head, murmuring around your breath as you examine the multimeter in your hand. “‘s alright, spidey… they won’t mind me borrowing.”

you’re cooped up behind a large cargo box in the batcave, looking for throwaway tools to use, hoping to be able to fix the sp//dr suit before returning to queens. you’ve known bruce’s tech since you first came around, piecing out the fact he was batman soon after. batman and his batplane, his batmobile, his batgrapple… hell, maybe even a batGPT? he won’t notice if you snatch a little something.

“they’re out, can’t be too bothered to roam out in gotham when there’s perfectly available gizmos here, can i?” you chew on a fruit candy you nicked from the kitchen earlier, it might be damian’s, you’re not sure, “won’t be back till… eleven, tops?”

sp//dr crawls down your arm, her metallic legs causing a pin-prickly sensation, and making you shiver. “rather still, (name), i do not like advocating for such behaviour. what would your father think of you stealing?”

you stiffen for a second, pressing your lips into a thin line. “yeah, what would he?” you manage to scoff, shutting the lid of the box you were scouring through. “run a scan on the tech in here, would you? maybe there’s a micro-comm i can slip out-”

a shooting sensation of anxiety fills you, and you’re suddenly skittering to the nearest wall, sp//dr following close in suit. the water-curtain in the batcave parts to make way for a jet, the engines whirring so, so quietly, you think you’re hallucinating it. 

the hatch starts to open, and sp//dr whispers at you to climb up the wall, hide in the dark before you can run off. batman and the littlest robin hop out, their conversation to far away to eavesdrop on… for a regular person.

you narrow your eyes at them. super-hearing isn’t something you’ve experimented with, but you know it’s there, recalling the way your ears nearly exploded the first time your spidey-sense kicked in. maybe if you really concentrate? you squint at them, and the quiet becomes clear.

“perhaps it’s an installment… such work has become very popular as of late.” the little robin says, crossing his arms as batman types away on the long, long keyboard at his computer. “i doubt it,” he replies, his voice always sounds like gravel being rubbed against cement when he puts that cowl on, you think, “witnesses say it ‘showed up out of nowhere’, and the footage glitches out before the structure came in.” the screen in front of them switches to a recording, in black and white, crunchy even with the computer’s high data compatibility. 

you don’t stick around, scampering up the wall to the shaft you came in through, quiet as a bug as you stalk out from behind the grandfather clock that decorates the opening. the batman can figure out weird happenings in his city, you just need to be capable enough to help yours.

spider crawls onto your wrist, her metal parts rearranging themselves to turn into a bracelet. her voice hums out from a little blue dot on it, forever monotone. “please now, (name), return to your room without detection, fixing the suit can wait for tomorrow.”

you can’t help but smile a little at her instruction, slipping your new tools into the pockets of your jacket. “maybe it can,” you mutter back, under your breath, swiftly making distance from bruce’s office after you leave it, “but it’s not going to, is it?”

(name), duke notes glancing at the kid, who seems thoroughly submerged in schoolwork at the dining table, is more quiet that he’s accustomed to.

now- that’s not to say he’s used to (name) at all, having barely spoken to them last year, and missing them the year before that when they went off on some trip over the summer.

but it had been impossible to ignore the atmosphere of supreme awkwardness that followed the kid like a ghost, when they shifted on their heels, wanting to ask dick if they could hang out, or tim if he could look at some “cool question” they got as homework. now, that awkwardness had just been replaced with something… quiet. something still, and simpler. it was a drastic change, making him purse his lips into a thin line each time he saw them run back to their room the second everyone got back home from patrol. 

he wants to ask if anything's wrong, but… how? what would he even say? duke isn’t close to (name) at all, and it’s not like anyone else is either. heck, he’s barely even seen the kid. the house is decorated with pictures, relics from everyone (but... you) that bruce keeps up. in comparison, you drop in to the manor for a few months, haunting the place, before leaving just as quickly as you came. he didn’t even time to acknowledge you existed the first time he met you, too tired from patrol to be able to entertain any of your questions. wouldn’t it be weird to just… bluntly ask what in the world’s wrong with them, when he doesn’t know what’s supposed to be right?

duke looks away sheepishly when (name) glances back, seemingly aware of his staring. he’ll ask, he will. he just needs to figure out how… and when. when tim creeps into the living room, still in his suit, (name) crawls away up the stairs without acknowledging him, quiet as a bug. before… everyone just chose to excuse the noise (name) made. 

tim turns his head to where duke’s looking, the space now empty, and shrugs in dismissal. (name)’s not sitting there anymore.

you haven’t blinked in ten minutes, the thought drifting idly at the back of your head. you’re camped out in the dingy stairwell of some building, sp//dr’s little inbuilt projector painting a slideshow on the wall in front of you. her voice buzzes out from microscopic speakers.

“everything i could compile in the given time,” she speaks, “the information was protected quite fiercely… barely existed at all.” 

“so- what? like this doesn’t have a lot of notes or something?” you ask, scribbling down the words you see onto sticky notes, pasting them on the pages in your journal. sp//dr pings in acknowledgement on your wrist, switching to the next slide.

the batwing suit, one of the most high tech wearables you’ve ever had the opportunity to look at. call it inspiration, you’d murmured to sp//dr when she inquired about why you wanted the files on it, it’d be both a development in your knowledge and good for the sp//dr suit.

really, it was. the interior skin had similar properties to the hypothesized “nanotechnology” a guy at school had talked about, and the extra features would have genuinely enamored any mecha-geek.

your notes were simple. the “system” acted similar to sp//dr, and she already had a compartment in your suit, so it wouldn’t be too important. gyroscopic assist… that’d be interesting. most of your time’s spent swinging around, and the motion control on your suit is pretty good already, consider it an upgrade?

what’s most interesting about the suit is the toxikinesis, and energy negation. now, so to speak, you’re aware of the batman’s cautions against metas. apart from the signal, you’re not too well aware of anyone with any kind of powers in gotham (apart from yourself right now).

but hell, releasing poison mist? nullifying energy? that’s got to be cheating! even with all the other things the illustrious spiderman can do, it’s too cool of a thing to let up. before having to move into the manor with bruce wayne and his entourage of coloured birds, you’d lived with your father’s files taking up all the room on his desk, leaving only the stuffed drawers for the pictures you made for him. 

he’d been illustrious in his own right, taking out the little time he had to spend time with you. but not really be with you. still, in his interest, you took to technology too, tinkering with little robot kits your father’s friends gifted you. and it stuck. even after you were pulled out of school one day, the teacher’s expression looking unfathomably sad. the remorseful hunch of the officer’s back who’d eased you into telling you about your father’s accident was the only thing you looked at, your little kiddish throat feeling dry. 

it had stuck with you after you were put into bruce wayne’s house, as per your late mother’s wishes. it stuck with you after you were sent away from the manor to boarding school for most of the year. it stuck with you even after the sharp pinch of the spider that bit you a few months ago, changing the trajectory of your life in a way you couldn’t complain about.

in the midst of your “studies”, you hear a doom slam, and shouting ensue. in regular gotham fashion, it’s vulgar, filthy and loud. spiderman responds to conflict with fight. (name) prefers flight. you shove everything into your bag, scuttling down the steps as the shouting gets louder, something about hogging the elevator before it starts making your head feel hot and dizzy from anxiety.

the suit’s going to need work. the batwing suit’s fairly slimmer than your bulky mecha, making the components proportionate would take time.

maybe you could ask… no, he’d be too busy anyway. your tongue feels like lead when you lie to sp//dr. she asks; “what are you thinking about?”, you say, “a lot of things.”. you're not thinking of anything at all.

in your silence, sp//dr’s monotonous company is like a soothing balm. so soothing in fact, you don't see a stray sticky-note glitch in red and blue, and then; disappear entirely.

₊˚⊹ a/n : was this bit kind of a nothingburger... maybe. next entry sometime soon,, we'll get to see the society there. thanks for reading!!

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[impyssadobsessions]

DpxDC Prompt: Danny Overshadows the Batmobile

... Danny while visiting Gotham saves Batman by possessing the batmobile- unfortunately he gets stuck.

Imma copy and paste my thoughts on how I would take this from discord LOL

Bruce knows there is something wrong with the batmobile and runs test to see if he got hack. But same time conflicted because whoever hacked his vehicle just saved his life.

Also can see Fenton driving skills put to use plus with Danny's ability to phase through. Definitely makes car chases easier if Bruce can jack the runaway vans from the inside.

But Danny freaking out- using the radio or gps to try and speak after he realizes he needs help to get out of the car… and that Batman wont be As upset as he thinks.

Oo meanwhile Fentons are all over Gotham looking for their missing son… having no idea Danny overshadowed a car.

Danny figuring out how to send tuck a message to send to jazz…ends up being tracked by the bats who go investigate thinking tuck's the hacker.

Tucker trying to cover for Danny

Ooo imagine if they try to chase down Fentons because of them driving crazy(and maybe they're attacking batmobile because they can detect a ghost) and its the only car Danny cant phase through and even getting damaged by.

So he tries to plead in the radio to batman.

And then Bruce wonders if it actually was the Fentons but things still dont make sense… until the team that investigating Tuck brings in more evidence and probably Tuck.

Then it clicks.. Danny isnt ai/bot used to hack the car but Danny Fenton the missing child.

Tuck still the key to figure out how Danny got stuck. Apparently a certain part is made from materials similar to the thermos.

But catch is they need tools from Fentons to get him out so they have to bait them and have Tuck and another bat probably Tim help gather the materials.

Maybe batman confronts them, raising his arms as Fentons accuse batman being a filthy ghost that stole their child. While the others steal what they need.

When it looks like the Fentons are not going to cooperate and blast batman (batman ready to go on offensive ) Danny uses a shield to send blasts back at his parents beeping for batman to get back in.

They go on another chase where Danny drives the batmobile off a cliff and into water only to safely fly them back to the cave. Exhausted and powering down as soon as they're on land letting Bruce take the wheel again.

When Tim n Tuck finally get Danny free they all jump for joy then quickly reminded Danny is still in the batcave. And like oh right shit… they know what i am >>'

But Danny already impressed the bats so i can see them offering to help Danny out further.

Tim n tuck become friends and soon Danny gets a support of heroes. He goes back to his family whose so happy to see him safe… Danny putting in a good word about batman but it falls on deaf ears.

Pfft be funny this is the catalyst to have Fentons moving to Gotham to hunt down batman.

Bruce investing in the Fentons just so he can work on their tech and modify them to not work on Danny- and then Danny haunting the car every now and them for old time sake.

Thought this was just fun idea XD

[loop-hole-319]

Post war cybertronian game where you play as a delivery mech.

You have a human companion who hangs out on your shoulder and in their little human carrier backpack. Throughout the game you can collect collectibles to decorate and customize your human's outfit, their carrier and little nesting spot in your apartment. Very cute slice of Life.

The deliveries start out cute and wholesome. Delivering ingredients Energon goodies shop, some Crystal flowers and courting gift or two.

There is even a side quest where you deliver a prank gift to some bot.

Then you start delivering to increasingly more shady looking areas and even your human companion takes notice of the suspicious locations.

Until one cycle there is only one delivery on your entire schedule, something completely out of the ordinary. When you begin approach the drop-off zone your human companion gets onto your shoulder and clings on to your avatar's audio fin, a part of your frame they have never been on. They start rapidly venting through their nose and scanning the doorway. Just before you enter the door you are put into a small cutscene where your human companion says their first full length of dialogue.

"Wait! Somethings wrong"

*sniff sniff*

"It smells like there's a lot of spilled Energon (blood) behind that door"

It then gives you the option to enter the room, drop off or turn around and leave the hallway.

If you choose to leave, you get jumped on the way out and knocked out.

If you choose to enter you are greeted to a mafia meeting where several mechs have been put down due to mafia related businesses. You are then knocked out.

You wake up locked in a cell with your human companion completely trapped. You are able to tear off a vent cover in your cell and lift your human to the entrance.

This is when you switch control to your human companion. You must now as a human traverse the mafia's secret lair via the vents, air ducts and through the wall. All while collecting keys, data points and sabotaging as much as possible while you find a way to free your bot companion.

Several of the customizable decorative pieces actually double as tools for your human companion during this segment of the gameplay. Those little shoes that you unlocked at the beginning of the game and then kept finding different textures for are actually insulation boots that humans use to work on high voltage machinery. Having found them will allow your human companion to pull certain electrified switches safely. One or two of these story items like the boots would only be customizable, while the rest of the tools and equipment you would have found throughout the delivery portion of the game. If equipped, some of these can be used to make the game play of this section easier. But some of them have negative consequences. Like If you choose to equip lights on their suit it makes them more detectable while sneaking. Or if you add the squeakers to the boots it completely turns off your sneaking ability forcing your character to take the long routes.

Eventually you escape and you are forced to relinquish control of the human companion. The next cycle you go back to your normal schedule of delivering packages, except you have an additional package addressed to the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agency building.

The game ends with you arriving at your apartment to discover that the information that you had delivered to the agency helped find and arrest the mafia. They give you a huge Shanix prize for your combined efforts. You get to retire with your human companion to a selection of places. End game

[xichilie]

Two sides of a Gem (part 2)

Part1

Aventurine x (stoneheart)reader

---

Aventurine ropes Ruby into helping him with a "high-stakes retrieval mission." There’s something valuable (a rare artifact, a piece of technology, or critical intel) locked away in an unstable area—like an abandoned research facility on an asteroid or a drifting IPC cargo ship that’s been overrun by rogue security bots.

The Shattered Abyss—an abandoned IPC cargo ship drifting along the asteroid belt—loomed before them.

like a decaying giant, its hull fractured and blackened against the cold backdrop of space. Faint glimmers of light flickered from deep within the derelict cargo ship, like a distant heartbeat struggling to keep pace.

Inside their IPC shuttle, Ruby stood unmoving. His gloved hands were folded neatly behind his back, his red eyes reflecting the damaged hull outside. His face, pale and smooth, held no expression as the soft hum of the ship’s engines filled the silence.

In contrast, Aventurine leaned back in the pilot’s seat, boots propped on the console, twirling a chrome coin between his fingers. His sandy-blond hair fell loosely over his mismatched cyan and magenta eyes, which glinted with excitement.

“Ah, Ruby, take a look out there.” Aventurine gestured with the coin towards the looming wreckage. “The Shattered Abyss. Doesn’t it just scream adventure? Danger? Treasure?”

Ruby’s head tilted slightly, his voice flat and calm. ��Hull breaches detected. Oxygen levels critical. Security protocols likely still active. Survival odds remain—”

Aventurine cut him off with a grin. “Now, now, don’t ruin the mood with your statistics. I prefer to think of it as... high-risk, high-reward.”

Ruby’s eyes briefly flickered to Aventurine before returning to the viewport. “Proceeding without adequate preparation is inadvisable.”

Aventurine smirked and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Relax, friend. Diamond said you’re here to keep me alive, and I trust you’ll do your job.”

There was a brief silence before Ruby turned his head slightly. “Initiating docking procedures.”

The shuttle clamped onto the docking bay with a metallic thunk, and the airlock hissed open, revealing the shadowed interior of the derelict ship. Cold air rushed into the shuttle, carrying with it the faint scent of rust, ozone, and decay.

Aventurine stepped inside first, flashlight in hand, as his boots crunched softly against scattered debris. “Feels like walking into a haunted house, doesn’t it? Do you believe in ghosts, Ruby?”

“Supernatural entities remain unproven by IPC scientific standards,” Ruby replied, following closely behind, his steps silent and precise.

“Of course, you’d say that.” Aventurine chuckled and glanced over his shoulder.

As they navigated the maze of broken crates and debris, Aventurine casually picked up a dusty helmet and placed it on Ruby’s head.

“There! Now you look almost approachable,” Aventurine teased.

Ruby stopped walking. With a single gloved hand, he removed the helmet and set it aside neatly on a crate.

“Focus,” Ruby said flatly.

“Alright, alright,” Aventurine laughed. “You’re no fun, you know that?”

They advanced through the dim corridors, their flashlights cutting narrow beams through the darkness. The walls creaked faintly as the ship settled under its own weight, and the occasional spark from exposed wires illuminated the gloom.

Aventurine stopped suddenly and held up a hand. “Wait. Did you hear that?”

Ruby paused, sensors scanning the area. “No hostile activity detected.”

Aventurine turned dramatically to face Ruby. “Well, my gut tells me something’s watching us.”

“Your digestive system is not a reliable detection tool,” Ruby stated flatly.

Aventurine stared at him for a beat before laughing and clapping Ruby on the shoulder. “Oh, you kill me, Ruby. Come on—crate’s this way.”

The unstable flicker of the power core overhead painted the cargo hold in erratic flashes of blue and white light. Rusted metal groaned somewhere deep within the ship as if the derelict vessel was exhaling one final breath.

Ruby knelt by the reinforced IPC crate, his gloved fingers dancing across the holographic interface as rows of alien symbols flickered and shifted under his precision movements.

Aventurine crouched beside him, peeking nervously over the edge of the crate toward the rebooting turrets overhead. His mismatched cyan and magenta eyes were wide, and the faint glow of the energy cores reflected against them.

“Uh, Ruby? I don’t want to rush a guy with perfect posture and nerves of steel, but those turrets are looking awfully alive again.”

“Decryption is at 75%,” Ruby said evenly, not sparing him a glance.

“Yeah, well, we might not have 75% left!” Aventurine hissed, ducking lower as one turret made a faint whirring noise, its red targeting light blinking to life.

Ruby remained focused, his red eyes locked onto the data stream unraveling before him. Aventurine’s foot tapped against the grated floor, his breath coming in quick bursts.

Then, with a sharp ping, the crate’s lock disengaged.

“Decryption complete.”

Ruby pulled the crate lid open, revealing the glowing data core nestled safely within. The core emitted a soft golden light, intricate lines of energy swirling across its polished surface.

Aventurine let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Oh, finally. All this stress is going to add years to my already flawless face.”

But the moment was short-lived. The sound of energy capacitors charging filled the air as the turrets overhead fully powered on.

Ruby swiftly tucked the data core inside his coat, standing in one fluid motion. “Hostile systems active. Evasion required.”

“Translation: RUN!” Aventurine shouted as the turrets opened fire.

Energy bolts streaked through the air, scorching the ground and sending sparks flying in every direction. Ruby moved with the grace of a machine—his steps precise, his silhouette barely illuminated by the chaos around him. Aventurine, however, ran like a man whose life depended on it—because it did.

“I swear,” Aventurine huffed as he stumbled over a fallen crate, “I am not built for this kind of cardio!”

Ruby sprinted ahead, his coat flowing behind him. He reached the edge of the cargo hold and skidded to a stop in front of a sealed bulkhead. With sharp movements, he pulled a control tablet from his belt and began overriding the door.

Behind him, Aventurine ducked behind another crate as bolts slammed into the metal around him. One bolt struck uncomfortably close to his head, and he let out an unmanly yelp.

“Ruby, buddy, pal! Now would be a great time to use those magic fingers of yours!”

“The door requires 15 seconds to disengage.”

“Do I look like I have 15 seconds?!” Aventurine shrieked as another bolt singed the edge of his coat.

Ruby’s crimson eyes flicked briefly towards Aventurine before he made an unexpected decision. With calculated precision, he pivoted, raised his arm, and fired a wrist-mounted EMP dart at the nearest turret. The dart struck home, causing the turret to sputter and deactivate briefly.

“Move now,” Ruby ordered.

Aventurine didn’t need to be told twice. He bolted towards Ruby, practically diving behind him just as the bulkhead hissed and slid open.

The corridor beyond was narrow and bathed in flickering emergency lights. Ruby stepped through first, and Aventurine followed, clutching his chest as he bent over to catch his breath.

“Okay… okay… Let’s never do that again. Agreed?” Aventurine wheezed.

Ruby turned briefly, scanning Aventurine with a sharp red gaze. “Your physical stamina is inadequate for high-risk operations.”

Aventurine pointed a shaky finger at him. “You know, Ruby, sometimes I wonder if you enjoy these little moments where I almost die.”

“No enjoyment detected,” Ruby replied flatly.

Aventurine let out a breathless laugh. “You’re killing me, friend.”

But the sound of clanging metal echoed down the corridor behind them—something heavy, mechanical, and very much awake.

“Something is approaching,” Ruby stated, turning his head towards the sound.

“Yeah, I heard it too, thanks,” Aventurine said, backing up instinctively. “Please tell me there’s another door or exit somewhere around here.”

Ruby scanned their surroundings and located a maintenance hatch just above them. Without a word, he turned and crouched slightly. “Climb.”

Aventurine blinked. “Wait, what?”

Ruby turned his head slightly upward. “Climb.”

“Oh no, I am not climbing onto—”

Before Aventurine could finish, Ruby grabbed him by the waist, effortlessly lifted him, and shoved him up into the maintenance hatch.

“Hey! Watch the coat!” Aventurine protested as he scrambled awkwardly into the hatch.

Ruby leapt up after him with inhuman precision, pulling the hatch shut just as the corridor below them filled with the heavy stomping of mechanical sentries.

The narrow metal shaft was dimly lit and barely large enough for the two men to crawl through. Aventurine shuffled forward on his elbows, muttering under his breath.

“You know, for a supposed ‘elite IPC agent,’ you’ve got the bedside manner of a toaster oven.”

Ruby followed close behind, his movements completely silent. “Proceed quietly. Hostiles remain below.”

Aventurine froze and turned slightly, looking back at Ruby with a sly grin. “You know, Ruby, if we survive this, I’m buying you a drink. And by ‘drink,’ I mean I’m buying myself one, and you’ll stand there stoically watching me.”

“Unnecessary,” Ruby replied.

They continued through the shaft until they reached a secondary access point. Ruby gave Aventurine a small nudge, gesturing for him to move ahead.

As Aventurine clambered down into the secondary airlock bay, he let out an exaggerated groan as his boots hit solid ground.

“Finally! Freedom!”

Ruby followed gracefully, landing silently beside him. “The shuttle is located 50 meters from this access point.”

The sound of heavy mechanical stomps echoed from behind—a lumbering security drone, larger and far deadlier than the turrets they'd faced earlier. Its steps made the grated floor tremble, and the faint glow of its targeting sensors bathed the walls in crimson light.

“Okay, Ruby,” Aventurine said breathlessly as he sprinted forward, “tell me we’re almost there!”

“Twenty meters to the shuttle bay,” Ruby replied evenly, his crimson eyes glinting in the dim light.

“Fantastic. Wonderful. Just a brisk jog under enemy fire. Love it.” Aventurine let out a nervous laugh as a loud metallic clang sounded from behind them.

The drone was gaining.

Ruby’s eyes flickered to the side, noticing an overhead catwalk that stretched across the corridor—a narrow, rusted thing suspended above by fragile chains. His voice cut through the chaos like a knife.

“Change of route. Ascend the catwalk.”

Aventurine followed Ruby’s gaze upward and let out a groan. “Seriously? That thing looks like it’ll collapse if I breathe on it!”

But there wasn’t time for hesitation. Ruby reached up and gripped the exposed ladder rung, pulling himself upward in one fluid motion. Aventurine followed, scrambling up after him with far less grace.

Below them, the security drone stomped into view—a hulking mass of reinforced alloy with multi-barrel turrets mounted on each arm. Its red optical sensor scanned the corridor before locking onto them with a shrill beep.

“Hey, Ruby?” Aventurine said, voice trembling slightly as he looked down. “I think it sees us.”

Ruby didn’t respond. He was already halfway across the catwalk, moving with inhuman precision despite the unstable metal groaning beneath his boots. Aventurine hurried after him, gripping the rusted railings tightly as the drone aimed upward.

The barrels began to spin.

“Run!” Ruby’s voice came sharp and clear.

The drone fired. Bullets ripped through the catwalk, shredding metal and sending sparks cascading like falling stars. Aventurine flinched as a bullet whizzed past his face, slicing a thin cut across his cheek.

“Holy—Ruby!”

The section of catwalk Aventurine was on groaned loudly before the supports gave way.

Time seemed to slow.

Aventurine’s mismatched eyes went wide as the metal beneath him snapped with a loud CRACK! His arms flailed as he reached out, desperately grasping for something—anything—to stop his fall.

But gravity was cruel.

The catwalk collapsed, and Aventurine plummeted towards the drone below, which was already aiming its weapons at him mid-fall.

“No!” Ruby’s voice rang out—not loud, not panicked, but sharp and commanding.

With impossible speed, Ruby lunged forward and launched himself off the remaining catwalk, diving headfirst towards Aventurine. His coat flared behind him like a crimson streak as he closed the distance.

In a fraction of a second, Ruby’s gloved hand shot out and caught Aventurine’s wrist.

The drone fired just as Ruby twisted mid-air, pulling Aventurine close to his chest as they fell. Energy rounds screamed past them, scorching the air inches from their bodies.

Ruby’s other hand shot out, grabbing a loose steel cable hanging from the ceiling. The force of their momentum yanked them hard, and Ruby grunted as his arm absorbed the weight of both their bodies. The cable swung wildly, carrying them across the corridor like a pendulum.

Below, the drone recalibrated its aim, targeting them again as they swung past.

“Ruby, I think I’m gonna be sick!” Aventurine shouted, clutching Ruby’s arm with both hands as they dangled above death.

“Hold on,” Ruby said flatly, his crimson eyes fixed on a maintenance hatch protruding from the wall nearby.

With one powerful swing, Ruby released the cable at the peak of their arc. They sailed through the air and crashed into the hatch, tumbling inside with a heavy thud.

The hatch slammed shut behind them, and the drone’s angry targeting lasers flickered harmlessly across the sealed metal door.

Aventurine lay sprawled on his back, gasping for air as sweat dripped down his face. His hands trembled as he wiped at the thin cut on his cheek.

“Okay,” he wheezed, staring up at the cramped steel ceiling. “Okay, let’s… let’s never do that again.”

Ruby knelt nearby, straightening his coat with smooth, practiced movements. His expression remained unreadable, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

“You are unharmed,” Ruby stated, his voice low and even.

Aventurine sat up, staring at Ruby with wide eyes. “You… You caught me. You jumped for me! Do you have any idea how insane that was?!”

Ruby’s head tilted slightly. “You were in critical danger. Intervention was required.”

Aventurine let out a sharp laugh—half relief, half disbelief. “Critical danger?! Ruby, you pulled off some kind of action holovid stunt! I should be dead. We both should be dead.”

Ruby simply stared at him, unblinking.

For a moment, the two men sat in silence—the sound of their uneven breathing filling the confined space. Aventurine rubbed at his face before glancing back at Ruby.

“Thanks… for saving me,” Aventurine said quietly. His mismatched eyes softened, and his usual grin faltered just slightly. “I mean it.”

Ruby stared at him for a moment before responding. “Gratitude is unnecessary.”

“Yeah, well, you’re getting it anyway.” Aventurine chuckled softly, leaning his head back against the wall. “Remind me to buy you something shiny after this mission. Maybe… a nice coat. Or nice shoes...do u need a new wardrobe?”

Ruby blinked slowly. “No.”

Aventurine laughed again, the tension in his shoulders finally starting to fade.

Ruby shifted slightly, peeking through a grated vent in the hatch. “The shuttle bay is directly ahead. Hostiles remain below. Evasion route is clear.”

Aventurine sighed and pushed himself to his feet. “Alright, alright. Back into the frying pan, huh?”

Ruby turned back towards him, offering a gloved hand. Aventurine stared at it for a brief second before smirking and clasping it firmly.

“Lead the way, friend.”

With a faint nod, Ruby turned and began crawling through the maintenance shaft again, Aventurine following close behind.

The mission wasn’t over yet—but for now, both men carried the weight of a near-death experience in the silence between them.

------------------

The sleek silhouette of the IPC shuttle touched down on the designated landing pad with a faint hiss of hydraulics and pressurized air. The vessel’s polished surface reflected the harsh overhead lights of the IPC Headquarters hangar, a sprawling structure alive with the hum of distant machinery and the distant chatter of personnel moving about their business.

The shuttle hatch opened with a sharp hiss, and Ruby stepped out first, his coat pristine despite the chaos they’d endured. Aventurine followed closely behind, adjusting his slightly singed coat with a dramatic flourish.

“Ah, solid ground. You know, Ruby, I missed this cold, unyielding floor more than I ever thought possible.” Aventurine stretched his arms above his head and let out an exaggerated sigh. “I think I’m going to frame these boots and hang them on my wall after today.”

Ruby walked ahead, ignoring the dramatics, his red eyes glowing faintly in the hangar’s sterile light. Aventurine jogged to catch up, falling into step beside him as they made their way through the bustling corridors of IPC Headquarters.

Opal’s office was a stark contrast to the bustling hangar—a small, clinical space filled with neatly organized data terminals and softly glowing holographic screens. Despite its compact size, it commanded a certain authority, a reflection of the man who resided within.

Behind a polished desk sat Opal, his small Pepeshi-like frame perched on an elevated chair. His large, inquisitive eyes flickered toward the two men as they entered. Standing nearby, Jade leaned casually against a console, arms crossed and sharp emerald eyes glinting with curiosity.

“You’re back in one piece,” Jade said smoothly, her gaze sweeping over the two arrivals. “I’ll admit, I had a bet running on whether Aventurine would be carried in over Ruby’s shoulder.”

“Hey!” Aventurine protested, clutching his chest theatrically. “Jade, I’m wounded. Both physically and emotionally.”

Opal let out a tired sigh, one small hand rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Enough. Do you have it?”

Without hesitation, Ruby stepped forward, producing the glowing data core from the inner pocket of his coat. He placed it gently on Opal’s desk, the golden lines swirling across its surface reflecting in the small man’s eyes.

Opal reached out with his gloved hands, carefully pulling the data core closer. His expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze—relief, perhaps, or satisfaction.

“Well done,” Opal said softly, his voice carrying a weight that made both Aventurine and Ruby pause.

Jade stepped closer, her sharp heels clicking against the polished floor. She tapped one of the holographic displays on Opal’s desk, verifying the core’s integrity.

“It’s intact,” she confirmed with a nod. “This data… It’s going to change a lot of things.”

Aventurine leaned casually against a nearby console, his usual grin plastered across his face. “You know, I’d love to say it was easy, but—”

“—it wasn’t,” Ruby cut in flatly.

Aventurine threw his hands up. “See? Even Ruby agrees. We earned our paychecks today.”

Opal ignored the banter, his large eyes narrowing as he looked between the two men. “You’ve done well, both of you. But this success comes with increased scrutiny. We can’t afford missteps moving forward.”

Jade’s emerald eyes flicked towards Ruby, sharp and calculating. “Ruby, you’ve proven yourself time and time again. But Aventurine…” She smirked faintly. “I’m surprised you’re still breathing.”

“Luck favors the bold, my dear Jade,” Aventurine said with a cocky grin, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder.

“Enough,” Opal said again, his small voice cutting through their exchange. He carefully placed the data core into a secure containment box, which sealed shut with a metallic clink. “Your mission is complete. Go. Rest, recover. You’ll be briefed on your next assignments soon.”

Ruby gave a small nod, turning sharply on his heel and exiting the office without another word. Aventurine lingered just a moment longer, giving Jade a playful wink before following Ruby out.

The corridors of IPC Headquarters stretched before them, sterile and quiet compared to the chaos they had left behind on the derelict ship. Ruby walked with his usual precision, his movements silent and deliberate. Aventurine walked beside him, hands stuffed in his coat pockets as his mismatched eyes flicked toward Ruby.

“You know, friend, you really saved my ass back there,” Aventurine said, his tone softer than usual. “That whole mid-air cable swing stunt? I’ll be telling that story for years.”

Ruby didn’t respond immediately, his crimson gaze fixed forward. Finally, he spoke.

“You would not have survived without intervention.”

Aventurine let out a low chuckle. “Yeah, well, I’m glad you intervened. For someone who doesn’t crack jokes or smile, you’re… dependable, Ruby. That counts for something.”

Ruby’s head tilted slightly, but he didn’t reply.

They reached a fork in the corridor. Aventurine paused, giving Ruby a small, genuine smile—one without the usual smirk or bravado.

“Alright, friend. I’m heading this way. You… do whatever it is you do when no one’s watching.”

Ruby gave a faint nod in response before turning and walking in the opposite direction.

----------------

Ruby entered a private, secured chamber—a quiet space dimly lit by soft, ambient lighting. In the center of the room sat Y/N, her posture relaxed as she leaned back in a chair with a small data pad in her hand.

She looked up as Ruby entered, her lips curling into a warm smile.

“Welcome back, Ruby.”

Ruby walked over and stopped in front of her, standing straight and composed. “Mission complete. The data core was delivered without compromise.”

Y/N’s smile grew softer. “You did well. Aventurine too, I assume?”

Ruby hesitated for a fraction of a second. “He required… assistance. But he performed adequately.”

Y/N let out a quiet laugh. “That sounds about right.”

She stood up and walked closer, reaching out to gently place her hand on Ruby’s gloved arm.

“You did great today. I’m proud of you.”

For a brief moment, Ruby’s stoic mask seemed to waver. A faint flicker of something—relief, perhaps—passed through his crimson eyes.

Y/N gave his arm a gentle squeeze before turning back towards her desk.

“Go rest, Ruby. You’ve earned it.”

Ruby gave a faint nod and turned towards the exit. But just as he was about to leave, he noticed something small placed neatly on a nearby table—a sleek, polished crimson gemstone set into a black cufflink, reflecting the faint light of the room.

A note sat beside it in Y/N’s delicate handwriting:

“For Ruby. A little something to remind you that even the strongest stone deserves a little shine.”

Ruby paused, picking up the cufflink with careful precision. For the faintest moment, a small, nearly imperceptible smile crossed his lips before vanishing just as quickly.

Without another word, he turned and walked out, the gemstone catching the light as he disappeared into the shadows of the corridor.

[kenyatta]

AkiraBot is a program that fills website comments sections and customer service chat bots with AI-generated spam messages. Its goal is simple: it wants you to sign up for an SEO scheme that costs about $30 a month. For that low price it swears it can enchant Google’s algorithms to get you on the frontpage. But it’s a scam. A new report from researchers at cybersecurity firm SentinelOne documented how scammers deployed AkiraBot, the tool’s use of OpenAI generated messages, and how it avoided multiple CAPTCHA systems and network detection techniques. According to the report, the bot targeted 420,000 unique domains and successfully spammed 80,000.

Whoever runs AkirBot operates their SEO company under a bunch of different names, but they all tend to use the words “Akira” or “ServiceWrap.” SentinelOne says the tool finds websites crafted by third party software like Wix or Squarespace and spams comments sections and automated chatbots with a promise to get the site on the frontpage of various search engines. If you have a small business that exists on the web or have run a WordPress-based website in the last 15 years, you’ve likely seen messages like those AkiraBot crafts. 

[mfilterit]

How Bot Detection Enhances Marketing Campaign Accuracy and Safeguards Ad Spends

Bots make up about a third of all web traffic, and shockingly, 65% of those bots are classified as “bad bots”. These malicious bots indiscriminately destroy marketing campaigns by inflating impressions and clicks; thus, they financially devastate marketing campaigns. So, ironically, although companies do not intend to, they spend a percentage of their ad budget on fraudulent traffic, making every campaign less effective than it could have been. Ad fraud is rising; therefore, the detection of invalid traffic across all digital campaigns has become necessary for businesses’ success in the digital space.   

There is a need for a full-funnel ad fraud detection tool to provide omnichannel protection against general and sophisticated invalid traffic i.e. GIVT & SIVT. An additional brand safety layer of protection helps to boost campaign performance. To guarantee the success of digital marketing efforts, the traffic validation tools should provide coverage across app, web, OTT, and CTV ecosystems.  

Click here to read more about the Bot detection.

Best bot detection in South East Asia.

[sztupy]

Cloudflare thinks this stuff is also a useful tool to detect bot activity.

“No real human would go four links deep into a maze of AI-generated nonsense,” Cloudflare’s trio wrote. “Any visitor that does is very likely to be a bot, so this gives us a brand-new tool to identify and fingerprint bad bots, which we add to our list of known bad actors.”

[zomdoc]

Just wanted to let y'all know that comments like these are bots. Don't worry if you've been vaguely accused of using AI, because if they had actual proof (other than using an AI detection tool to see if something was made with AI) they would point it out.

Don't pay any mind to the weirdly vague guest hate/accusations you might get in your inbox. :)

[multibodied]

9 times of 10 I see AI hate it is misaddressed from the actual problem, which isn't the fucking learning algorithms but the capitalistic desire to squeeze as much money with as little effort as possible from everything and anything that promises a prospect of Any financial gain and prioritises it over quality and whether it actually makes someone's life better, because the measure of "value" is entirely linked to financial gain. It doesn't matter if it makes our world a better place, it doesn't matter whether it makes our world a significantly worse place, what matters is whether it sells. And THIS is the problem.

AI voice assistants, chats and other machine learning tools are not the enemy to hate on. The system surrounding their use that prioritises the interests of CEOs over the interests of general public as well as Requires people to do stupid useless things for money to survive is the actual problem. Ironically, the people who could benefit from AI tools the most, those whose life could literally be turned around for the better (people with various disabilities) are the LAST people who are considered in this ai race. Because the system dictates that it'll rather focus on cheap production of shitty pictures to cut costs and eliminate the need for the rich to pay those of us who may actually enjoy their job rather than make accessibility tools actually accessible, despite being able to do so if only it was the priority.

We have chatbots who speak in natural voices, we have face and object recognition features integrated into our phones. But we don't have screen-readers that don't suck, we don't have accessible tools for translating in real time what the camera sees into accurate descriptions to help visually impaired people. We have algorithms to generate pictures, social medias integrate various bots to put them on their platforms for god knows why, but what they don't have is algorithms that could automatically generate text descriptions of pictures and videos posted on them. What they don't have is AI tools for detecting flashing in videos and gifs and a way to filter them. They have algorithms searching for porn and copyrighted materials tho even if it's just a few seconds of music created by a world famous artist who has been dead for decades.

Granted, we have really good automated subtitles and translators, but at the same time there are no automated descriptions of other sounds while the tools for GENERATING various sounds exist. And subtitles themselves do nothing to convey intonation even though just adding some cursive words when a speaker makes an emphasis on them would already greatly improve the experience.

Whenever I think of the current state of AI, I remember that project that through implants gave blind people the ability to see. The one that got shut down and left all the people who used it blind again. Because it wasn't profitable.

[mistermalaprop]

@deadangelcat alright here is Crosshairs and RID Drift- have fun :,)

(Crosshairs Stranded AU Oneshot; Based on S1 E12 of RID15. This was written back in mid 2024.)

—

“Still can’t believe ya’ got energy signatures,” Crosshairs grumbled, leaning against the command center’s consoles, yet not touching anything. In the corner of his optics, he could witness the two humans having a discussion. Primus, those two reminded him too much of those Yeagers he hung around with before. He hated that he kind of missed Cade’s snarky attitude.

“Quite frankly, I’m surprised you were unaware of them.” Fixit replied, his servos tapping along the holo screen as he did so, “It’s an extremely useful tool for all Cybertronains. It’s how we track each other or find energon.” 

From what Crosshairs understood, over his days of observing, is that Fixit worked as a medic yet also the group’s higher intelligence. A commander yet not actually in charge. Crosshairs still believed he was the best choice for leadership.

“Hmph. Whatever…” Crosshairs crossed his arms, leaving the bare-bones conversation like that as he turned his helm away from the minibot. Something was wrong, he didn’t like it. He felt metaphorical goosebumps.

Apparently, that sense was right, as not even thirty seconds later, Crosshairs’ helm immediately whips around again as the command center sets off an alarm. “What now?!” The paratrooper growled out, but Other-Bumblebee took Fixit’s attention.

“What’s the story, Fixit?” Crosshairs turned around and got off the console, he kept his optics on the holoscreen as Fixit explained. He also saw the other three Autobots crowd around too, having heard the alarm. Other-Sideswipe, Strongarm, and Other-Grimlock. He hated all three.

“Sensors detect two Cybertronian ships landing in the forest west of Crown City.” The screen enlarged and flipped, allowing Other-Bumblebee and the rest of the team to get a good look at the digital map. “Scans are inconclusive.”

Other-Bumblebee’s optics widened for a moment before narrowing, “We should prepare for hostels, just in case.” 

Other-Grimlock looked to be about to comment, but he was interrupted.

“Why don’t we just not go.” Crosshairs interjected, drawing the attention of the rest of the group. They stared at him like he was the crazy one. Ugh. After a beat of silence, he propped his servos on his hips and continued, “Seriously? We’re just gonna go check it out? When we know nothin’? No wonder.”

“It’s our job, Crosshairs.” Other-Bumblebee stepped forward, his optics locking with Crosshairs, “Whatever it is, it’s too close to the humans for comfort. We need to investigate. Besides, there’s a hunting lodge in that area.”

Crosshairs rolled his optics and climbed out of the command center, landing on the dirt. He dusted off his metal coat, “Well, I’m not goin’ then. Ya’ got death wishes and I ain’t a part of them.”

“I’m ready!” Other-Grimlock finally spoke, his sharp teeth gleaming as he grinned excitedly. That little moment of happiness was stripped away when Other-Bumblebee shook his helm.

“No can do, Grim’... like I said, there’s a hunting lodge nearby.” Other-Bumblebee patted Other-Grimlock’s upper arm with a servo, seeming only slightly apologetic. “If we run into any locals, It might be tough to explain a big metal… you.”

Crosshairs watched as Grimlock just frowned at Other-Bumblebee. What a strangely adorable expression. Either way, this was none of his business, so he was gonna go and sneak on out–

“Which is exactly why we need our other, less suspicious green bot on the job.” Damnit.

Crosshairs groaned, knowing that now that Other-Grimlock was kept out of the mission that Other-Bumblebee was going to be really adamant on his involvement. He stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around. Faintly, the paratrooper could hear Other-Sideswipe snicker at his reaction.

Other-Bumblebee, ignoring Crosshairs’ obvious disinterest in the assignment, leaned down to the humans to talk to them. 

Primus… he hated every one of these Autobots. 

Aside from Fixit. He was fine.

—

It would be a couple minutes later when Crosshairs, Strongarm, Other-Sideswipe, and Other Bumblebee would arrive at the lodge. The three Autobots skidded to a stop at the same time, while Crosshairs lagged behind.

“No sign of humans.” Bumblebee commented after a moment.

Denny, climbing out of Strongarm’s alt-mode, hummed in faint surprise. “Maybe it’s not hunting season?”

Right after Denny stepped out, yet before the Autobots could transform, Crosshairs finally arrived. The paratrooper didn’t even stop his alt-mode before he swiftly transformed into root-mode and landed pede-first on the ground before the others. He held his blasters locked and loaded, aiming at the lodges and the trees.

Dust kicked up from the ground when Crosshairs’ landed, coating the other three Autobots and the human. 

“Be careful!” Strongarm yelled, stepping out of the dust radius.

“Gah! Hey! Watch the landing!” Other-Sideswipe quickly tried to brush off the dirt as the human, Denny, wiped the dust from his face.

After taking a moment to observe their surroundings, and ignoring the others, “Denny. Take cover.” Other-Bumblebee ordered strictly to the human, in which the human– surprisingly– did exactly as told. Crosshairs scoffed as the human ran off with a salute.

“Suck-up.”

The group’s attention was focused, once again, when the sound of a revving engine filled the air. Other-Bumblebee narrowed his optics toward the treeline just behind one of the lodges. Noticing the location of Other-Bumblebee’s interest, Crosshairs quickly snuck away from the trio. Staying in a crowd only caused more problems; he’s moving away to a better spot.

Turns out, like everything Crosshairs did, that moving away was the best choice– as when he reached the farside, a brooding purple motorcycle flew out of the woods and transformed mid-air into an even more brooding Decepticon– wait, no. He looked like he was wearing a shit-eating grin.

Purple, purple, purple. So much purple. Crosshairs was going to get a headache from the edge. 

The paratrooper took cover behind one of the smaller, off the side lodges. He was green and black, so he had a better chance of camouflaging than the rest of his… What did Tessa call them? Oh, yeah, Power Rangers. Seriously, why was everyone so brightly colored–

“There’s my prize.”

Oh, damn, that’s a voice if he’s ever heard one. 

Crosshairs turned his helm back to the group, only to be met by the sound of yet another engine filling the air. Right, two spaceships. Two Cybertronians. Another vehicle skidded from behind the lodges on the other side of the yard, this time an orange and yellow sports car, before also transforming. 

… a samurai. Crosshairs felt his optic twitch. He’s going to bloody murder this universe’s maker for this if this bot turns out to be who he’s thinking–

He was not allowed to linger on the orange Autobot’s frame, as the Decepticon started to yell as he launched fragging missiles out of his arms, “Airazor, Divebomb: bring him down!”

It seems that the two new bots have just ignored Crosshairs and his rag-tag team, as now they’re just attacking each other.

“Jetstorm, Slipstream: Go.” The Autobot commanded, sending off two beyblade-looking bots from his arms. All four projectiles transformed into little Minibots and Cons. Primus, these little guys reminded him of hatchlings. Does this universe do those, too? Who knows–

Oh wait, nevermind, turns out the hatchlings were near-sprinting towards Other-Bumblebee and the two. The Decepticon said something about a prize. Primus, he hated this…

Crosshairs was about to leave his spot from behind the lodge, before he witnessed the Minibots and Cons just attack each other instead. Well, this was interesting–

“I have him, Master Drift!” A little red-black Minibot cried out.

What.

“Never gloat, pupil.” Replied the orange mech.

He’s going to murder someone. Primus, it was him. Crosshairs hid behind the lodge once again, his servos holding the sides of his helm tightly as the loud sounds of battle rang out from behind. Images that Crosshairs shoved down began to flicker in his processor; He’s survived many vorns of death, betrayal, and spark break without many issues, but it’s when he’s come face-to-face with another version of his friend that triggers a break.

Flashbacks of Lockdown and Drift filled his processor. No matter how much he tried, he just could not shove the thoughts of Drift’s cold and empty, gray body laying on the ground, Lockdown standing above him with spark in-servo.

“Pull it together, Cross–” The paratrooper muttered to himself, optics shuttering as he attempted to calm himself, “It’s fine. It’s not him. Just… just like Bumblebee… it’s a name–”

Crosshairs’ optics blinked when his audials heard a particular grunt from Other-Drift. And just like that, it was like his processor went quiet. Crosshairs’ servos left his helm slowly, lowering to the ground to push himself off his ass and back to his pedals. Crosshairs stepped out from behind the lodge and back into the open. He felt weightless– he could not hear nor care to pick up the sounds of anyone else but Other-Drift and this Decepticon.

“It’s always been your weakness, Drift,” The Decepticon laughed. Finally able to see the position, Crosshairs’ processor envisioned his Drift and Lockdown. The Decepticon perched on top of a downed Other-Drift. It looked too similar. Crosshairs did not register the shifting of his arm as he rose a blaster, aiming at the Decepticon’s frame, “You fight fair–”

“Wait, Crosshairs–!” 

“Aagh!” The Decepticon– Lockdown– cried out in pain as Crosshairs fired off his cannon, the bullet slamming right into his back. “Who–” Crosshairs fired off another two bullets, sending Lockdown flying off Drift and to the dirt. The bounty hunter grunted and moaned in pain, sprawled on the ground and attempted to crawl out of Crosshairs’ reach. “Who are you?!”

The paratrooper did not respond, not even registering that the hunter spoke at all. He bore a blank expression as he crouched on top of Lockdown, using his free servo to grab the hunter’s wrists and keep him bound, unable to move. Crosshairs pressed his cannon right up against Lockdown’s spark chamber, his blue optics locking with Lockdown’s red ones. 

Red?

The paratrooper wasn’t able to quite figure out what was wrong before his frame was body-slammed off the other. He grunted softly when his faceplate hit the ground, dirt clouding his sight as his processor started to fill again. The sounds of other bots finally processed and the hallucination of Lockdown disappeared–

“What were you thinking?!” Crosshairs heard the voice of Strongarm in his audials, her frame restraining him, “We don’t kill them! We capture them! That’s a crime!” 

Crosshairs stayed silent, optics wide and wild, focusing on many things at once. He watched as Other-Bumblebee helped Other-Drift up as the severely wounded Decepticon ran off into the woods again with his Minicons following. Other-Sideswipe and fired off his blaster in the Decepticon’s general area but did not hit his targets. The two Minibots from Other-Drift crowded their Master.

Fuck… He was going to have to answer so many questions.

—

“... what.” Crosshairs blinked upward at Other-Drift.

“Although your methods are questionable, you’ve saved me from Fracture.” Other-Drift repeated, his expression stoic and his words even more so, “I now owe you a life debt, which must be repaid in kind.” Other-Drift bowed toward Crosshairs, who still looked a bit confused. “Life… debt?” Crosshairs glanced over at Other-Bumblebee, but he was distracted talking with the rest of the Autobots and the humans. Wow, how helpful.

Drift lifted his head from the bow and straightened up once again, “Fracture will not give up easily. To repay the life debt, I will protect you from the attack he doubtless plans even now, and I shall not move from your side until that is done.”

Like most times when Crosshairs is confused, and also standing face-to-face with a mech with similar mannerisms and name to a previous ally yet is clearly not that ally, he lashed out.

Crosshairs glared up at Other-Drift and, without really thinking, he pressed a servo against the samurai’s chassis and nudged the mech away. “Frag off, go and die for all I care–” Crosshairs attempted to walk away, but Other-Drift seemed very adamant about sticking by his side, even ignoring the physical attempts of pushing the other away.

Other-Drift's resolve remained unwavering as he kept pace with Crosshairs, matching his every step with determination in his optics. "I understand your skepticism, but I stand by my oath," Other-Drift insisted, his tone firm yet oddly reassuring.

Crosshairs felt a mix of frustration and a flicker of something else he couldn't quite place. This alternate version of Drift was a constant reminder of past wounds, yet here he was, pledging to protect him. It was a strange twist of fate that Crosshairs wasn't sure how to process.

[witchofthesouls]

Hey! I saw an earlier post you had about the boys in the grocery store and it got me wondering about how they would react to hunting. I’m a hunter, have been all my life. I hunt deer, boars, ducks, coyotes, turkeys, quails, pheasants, wild Burmese pythons, and I fish locally too (strictly a vermin exterminator and food hunter, I find sports hunting to be distasteful and I strictly use a bow and arrow, no traps or guns as I take issues with those too). I can picture the absolute horror of the TFP or Lost Light bots seeing their/a human skinning and processing an animal that they just hunted for food, they see the modern convinces that are grocery stores so it’s easy to forget where human food actually comes from 😂

Weirdly enough, IDW/MTMTE does have Cybertronian edibles like cesium salami and rust sticks.

But then again, there's a big percentage of the crew members who were produced by the war, so there's a great chance that they didn't get a crash course on things that were deemed "unnecessary," like Cybertronian cuisine and fauna to forage and hunt.

TFP Cybertronians, on the other hand, have Questions.

Get ready to pull up diagrams, manuals, videos, and live demonstrations via YouTube or your own hands because they got the curiosity of two-year-old with the capacity to keep you in their palm for no escape.

Ratchet absolutely hates it. It's too messy and squishy and completely unalike the organized and relatively clean method of converting crystals to fuel. Horrified over the mysteries of hotdogs and how everything can and will kill humans without specific preparations to negate the toxins. Ratchet is boggled over spice challenges and how the hell humanity hadn't died in its infancy over culinary explorations. Someone told him to look up Hákarl.

He takes great displeasure when the kids sass him over Cybertronians eating their own blood. Different. Absolutely different. He clucks over the base kitchen and is not above making things disappear. He argues with June and Agent Fowler over the groceries and fast food bags. Ratchet's crunchy.

Bulkhead actually enjoys fishing. He's more catch and release rather than for keeping and gutting. He likes soaking up the heat of the sun, the sound of running water, birdsong, and insects buzzing, the gear setup and picking out the right lure and bait. It's a different kind of downtime, but it's nice. All he's missing is engex, but he's able to throw a line farther out than anyone else and has the capability to detect motion far greater than an average human. He still wants an engex cube.

Arcee has mixed feelings. She enjoys hunting. Patience, tracking, stealth, and the sense of accomplishment with a clean catch. She likes less the process of handling carcasses, but really hates waste anything that could have been useful. Meat, leather, tools, jewelry, and raw ingredients that could be sold or traded. Arcee just doesn't like sharing something with Airachnid's methods.

Bumblebee's a scout. People expected him to like foraging or the wilds. He prefers domesticated stock. In particular, beekeeping. To him, it represents a more equivalent partnership: he provides accessible resources and safe quarters and the bees yield honey, comb, and wax in return. If the hive don't like him or the area, then they can leave elsewhere.

Optimus is deeply fascinated by how Earth's biodiversity is so immense and how ecosystems are so diverse and complex, yet so fragile. He quietly wishes for Alpha Trion's presence because Optimus is seeing familiar similarities of Cybertronian long gone biomes: wetlands, woodlands, and reefs. The Sea of Rust once was a massive ocean of mineral-laden Energon. It has long since disappeared by the consensus of heavy, unregulated industrialization, but if Earth has the water cycle, ocean currents and belts, and complex system of thermoregulation that replenishes itself, then Cybertron had to have something similar at one point, no?

[driedpeanuts69]

GENIUS , PETER PARKER

pairing: peter parker x reader

summary: spidey has been struggling to get into certain buildings when on the hunt for criminals, so you cook something up for him

(inspired by the spider-man games!)

warnings: fluff, cute, sweet, i imagine it as andrew garfield but you can imagine it as any spiderman you want, also set in the mcu world (you work in a lab with stark and banner)

“What’chu up to?”

You looked over your shoulder with a small smile. You dealt with authority fine, but when the authority is a man with 7 PhD’s and another who is a world renowned billionaire, authority gets a bit overwhelming.

“I’m making something.”

Tony puffed out his cheeks with a roll of his eyes. “Yeah, what?”

You spun in your chair to show off your workbench, a small bundle of red and black with eight metal legs. “Is that a spider?” Bruce asked. His glasses were pushed onto his head with a pen levelled on his ear.

“Mhm. It’s- It’s a prototype that you control through a mask, oh! Like Iron Man’s mask—“

“Thanks, kid.” He smirked.

You rolled your eyes and carried on. “Automated by electroactive polymer and equipped with plasma deconstruction and reconstruction tools.” You grinned like a madman. “There’s four eyes with infrared lasers designed to create 3D scans of the environment, which will be super helpful detecting heat signals from people—“

“Y’know, this sounds perfect for a certain friendly neighbourhood Spider-man.”

You chuckled and nodded along with Tony’s word. You thought it would be a nice surprise for Peter since you knew it was hard for him sometimes. The worry and panic of not being able to save someone in time, or even find them — it was heartbreaking.

“Why do you think it’s a spider?”

“I don’t know,” Bruce said. “Wouldn’t it be better as a… uh…”

“Mini Iron Man figurine floating about?”

You snorted as a half-assed laugh and went back to tinkering with the Spider-Bot. “No. It has jets on the belly so it can hover certain heights, and it has legs… so it sticks. Like a spider.”

“It’s very innovative,” Bruce admitted while he lingered around you. His eyes were stuck on the small spider — fully electronic and metal.

“Mhm, it’s great. Can you do Iron Man next?” Tony crossed his arms with a teasing grin on his face. “Pep would love one of these.”

“No, you’d love to have it to annoy her.” You chuckled. “I’m not putting her through that.”

“Fine, I’ll just steal the blueprints when you’re sleeping.”

“Woah, you’re gonna rob a high school student?” You faked a frown. “I can’t believe Mr. Multi-Billionaire would do that to an innocent child!”

“Oh, save it.”

Bruce was just laughing through it all as his finger dragged along the bony metal exterior. “How strong are the plasma shots?”

“Strong enough to knock someone unconscious, not strong enough to severely maim or kill. Just like Spidey’s motto.”

“Pretty sure that’s not his motto—“

“Do you ever stop?”

Bruce huffed dramatically before checking the intricate designs along the back. “Is it to match his suit?”

You shrugged. At first, you tried to, until you realised bright red spiders aren’t exactly a norm. “I’ve made it mostly black and then red… maybe it’ll pass as a black widow.”

“Don’t tell Nat about that—“

“I obviously meant the spider!” You groaned. “God, you’re infuriating.”

“You love me really.” Tony said with a grin.

“Yeah, only ‘cause you’re paying me.”

“I love you too, kid.”

You blinked hard and prayed maybe that would get him to shut up, but then the best thing ever happened and Pepper called him through FRIDAY. He rambled something about how his lady wants him, and left with a stupid goodbye (he flicked your forehead and took Bruce’s pen).

“When is Pete coming?” Bruce asked. “Don’t you guys go to the same school? You finish together—“

“He’s on the maths team, remember? You came in on us doing flashcards in here.”

“Right, when he was using his webs to cover his own eyes—“

“And then you had to make the serum to melt it. Yup, he sure learnt his lesson from that.”

Bruce chuckled before stretching his back, a low groan spilling from his lips before he pressed a hand to your shoulder. “He’ll love it, kiddo.”

“You think?”

He hummed. “Definitely. I’m sure he’ll be jealous.”

“Oh, Peters not really the jealous kind—“

“God, you two…” He drawled on before leaving the lab, the doors closing automatically once he was gone.

With Bruce and Tony leaving the lab to yourself (which was only allowed to happen after Tony removed the temporary ban after you and Peter created a cocktail molotov because you ‘didn’t believe it actually worked’) you spun back around to focus on your workbench.

You’ve only created one Spider-Bot, a carved initial on its stomach that belonged to you. It was perfect. You tested out previous prototypes and they all had one missing factor — the shape. A smaller spider that had a high boiling and melting point metal was amazing.

“Hi.”

You jumped a mile, eyes bulging in your skull as you lifted your head to stare at the new figure. Stupid Peter. “Pete!” You groaned. “You scared the shit out of me!”

His eyes widened and he dropped his skateboard on the floor before rushing over. “I’m sorry- really sorry—“ You just blinked, and he sheepishly smiled. “Sorry…”

You brushed him off with a short sweet smile and stood up from your chair. He rushed over and took your spot before placing his long fingers on your hips. He gave a slight squeeze and you sat down on his lap.

“I got you a present,” you said as you brushed away any remaining parts or tools so it at least looked nice. “Y’know how you’ve always said there’s certain places you can’t get into?”

He hummed and rested his chin on your shoulder, eyes closed as he swayed to himself. You just chuckled and took his hand into yours before laying it over your stomach.

“Well, Ive found a solution.”

He opened his eyes. “You have?” He quickly looked down at your workbench and although you couldn’t see him, you could feel his jaw stretch and a smile to take place on his lips. “Holy shit.”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s a spider.”

You rolled your eyes playfully and twisted your torso to look at him. “It’s not just a spider, Pete. Did you bring your suit?” Before he could answer, you pulled down the neckline of his shirt and saw the familiar red hue. “You wear it to maths club?”

“I’m Spider-Man.”

You giggle. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“You’re pretty?”

“I don’t think my boyfriend will appreciate that,” You teased.

“Yeah, but I’m Spider-Man.”

You laughed and pressed a quick kiss to his lips before pulling back with excitement. “Okay, okay, back on track. Inspect it.”

“Inspect it? Like- like I’m a doctor?”

“Sure. Just have a look please!”

He chuckled at your impatience before moving his hands from your hips to hold the spider in his palms. It stretched alive, the metal legs strangely silent as it moved in circles around his hands.

“Is that electroactive polymer?”

You hummed excitedly.

“And are those— are those jets?”

“It can fly!”

“It has its own webshooters—and plasma! Holy… wow.” The spider stopped moving as its head twisted up to look at Peter. “What can it do?”

“Get into vents, or cracks in the walls, or even doors. Stuff like that. Basically anything a Spider-Man can’t get through.” You say. “It sends location alerts to the EMT’s, destroy walls, and scans the environment to help you find people. Or find entryways.”

“This is… you’re so cool.” He mumbled sweetly, starstruck and probably a bit excited. “How long did this take?”

“I’m not telling you, but now I have the blueprints for it, if one ever gets destroyed then give me a call and I’ll fix you up a new one in seconds.”

Peter dragged the tip of his finger along the spine of the spider before looking into your eyes. He was blushing violently, maybe because you knew him so well or maybe because you was just so fucking smart, before his large hands took you captive.

“I love you,” He mumbled before smashing his lips to yours, a sweet yet passionate kiss where his hold on your jaw tightened and his other rolled down to the side of your neck. “You’re so hot.”

“‘cause I created a Spider-Bot?”

“Because you’re so smart.” He answered back truthfully, pressing another kiss to your lips. “I would’ve just suffered… but you-“

“I didn’t want you to suffer.”

“Exactly!” He pressed one more kiss to your lips before pulling back. “I love you.”

Relishing in his happiness, you raked your fingers through his hair and smiled. “I love you too.”

[glittercake]

all this AI stuff is upsetting but being really honest, i did used the AI detection tool for some work i know is 100% human (trust the author or it was written pre-2019, which was def before chatgpt)...and chapters or the first 15k characters of the text come out between 0% (great!) to 30% AI (okay, time to look at the text more closely) generated. for works that are are not or could not possibly be AI generated.

i dunno, the two that were 70% to 80% AI generated were easier to clock. but people's hard work being called AI because some random website decided that the sentence "yes, yes, yes" was probably generated by AI is also disheartening. AI fucking sucks but the idea that some random tool known for constantly scraping the web to improve its models (and realistically, AO3 can't stop it, only "discourage" it but the scraper has to choose to respect that, i think) gets to be the one to determine what's human is just as discouraging.

i think you're right to call this out and it's not dramatic at all, maybe im being down in the dumps because now i'm looking at any fic published after 2021 sideways (esp before people knew what chatgpt actually did in the early days). but the state of fandom recently makes me think "why bother trying? im up against the computer or people who think im using a computer" because there's no way to prove i am the human who wrote it without being like 'here, actually this computer says im the human.'

Idk if you saw the recent post i made about this whole thing but it might bring you some comfort as to why we're getting these kinds of results on things we didn't expect.

Just know those detectors aren't always accurate. We should look at this from all angles and consider all possibilities. Ai text detection is but one element of it.

Fics from 2019-ish showing a positive ai result is likely due to reasons i discussed in that post and not because someone slopped it together.

I'm going to continue enjoying fandom the way i always have. I think we all should. We've been at it for too long to let the bots win.

These fuckers will eventually expose themselves because it's never about the joy of writing/sharing for them. It is about instant validation and attention.

[mariacallous]

Christopher Ren does a solid Elon Musk impression.

Ren is a product manager at Reality Defender, a company that makes tools to combat AI disinformation. During a video call last week, I watched him use some viral GitHub code and a single photo to generate a simplistic deepfake of Elon Musk that maps onto his own face. This digital impersonation was to demonstrate how the startup’s new AI detection tool could work. As Ren masqueraded as Musk on our video chat, still frames from the call were actively sent over to Reality Defender’s custom model for analysis, and the company’s widget on the screen alerted me to the fact that I was likely looking at an AI-generated deepfake and not the real Elon.

Sure, I never really thought we were on a video call with Musk, and the demonstration was built specifically to make Reality Defender's early-stage tech look impressive, but the problem is entirely genuine. Real-time video deepfakes are a growing threat for governments, businesses, and individuals. Recently, the chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations mistakenly took a video call with someone pretending to be a Ukrainian official. An international engineering company lost millions of dollars earlier in 2024 when one employee was tricked by a deepfake video call. Also, romance scams targeting everyday individuals have employed similar techniques.

“It's probably only a matter of months before we're going to start seeing an explosion of deepfake video, face-to-face fraud,” says Ben Colman, CEO and cofounder at Reality Defender. When it comes to video calls, especially in high-stakes situations, seeing should not be believing.

The startup is laser-focused on partnering with business and government clients to help thwart AI-powered deepfakes. Even with this core mission, Colman doesn’t want his company to be seen as more broadly standing against artificial intelligence developments. “We're very pro-AI,” he says. “We think that 99.999 percent of use cases are transformational—for medicine, for productivity, for creativity—but in these kinds of very, very small edge cases the risks are disproportionately bad.”

Reality Defender’s plan for the real-time detector is to start with a plug-in for Zoom that can make active predictions about whether others on a video call are real or AI-powered impersonations. The company is currently working on benchmarking the tool to determine how accurately it discerns real video participants from fake ones. Unfortunately, it’s not something you’ll likely be able to try out soon. The new software feature will only be available in beta for some of the startup’s clients.

This announcement is not the first time a tech company has shared plans to help spot real-time deepfakes. In 2022, Intel debuted its FakeCatcher tool for deepfake detection. The FakeCatcher is designed to analyze changes in a face’s blood flow to determine whether a video participant is real. Intel’s tool is also not publicly available.

Academic researchers are also looking into different approaches to address this specific kind of deepfake threat. “These systems are becoming so sophisticated to create deepfakes. We need even less data now,” says Govind Mittal, a computer science PhD candidate at New York University. “If I have 10 pictures of me on Instagram, somebody can take that. They can target normal people.”

Real-time deepfakes are no longer limited to billionaires, public figures, or those who have extensive online presences. Mittal’s research at NYU, with professors Chinmay Hegde and Nasir Memon, proposes a potential challenge-based approach to blocking AI-bots from video calls, where participants would have to pass a kind of video CAPTCHA test before joining.

As Reality Defender works to improve the detection accuracy of its models, Colman says that access to more data is a critical challenge to overcome—a common refrain from the current batch of AI-focused startups. He’s hopeful more partnerships will fill in these gaps, and without specifics, hints at multiple new deals likely coming next year. After ElevenLabs was tied to a deepfake voice call of US president Joe Biden, the AI-audio startup struck a deal with Reality Defender to mitigate potential misuse.

What can you do right now to protect yourself from video call scams? Just like WIRED’s core advice about avoiding fraud from AI voice calls, not getting cocky about whether you can spot video deepfakes is critical to avoid being scammed. The technology in this space continues to evolve rapidly, and any telltale signs you rely on now to spot AI deepfakes may not be as dependable with the next upgrades to underlying models.

“We don't ask my 80-year-old mother to flag ransomware in an email,” says Colman. “Because she's not a computer science expert.” In the future, it’s possible real-time video authentication, if AI detection continues to improve and shows to be reliably accurate, will be as taken for granted as that malware scanner quietly humming along in the background of your email inbox.