#professional data entry assistant

[professionalvirtualassistant]

https://croxassist77.hashnode.dev/professional-data-entry-assistant-enhancing-accuracy-and-efficiency-for-your-business

A professional data entry assistant is a trained individual responsible for inputting, updating, organizing, and maintaining data accurately in digital systems. These assistants can work either in-house or remotely, depending on the business’s structure and requirements.

[societyfolklore]

Open Up Baby

Title: Open Up Baby Pairing: Tony Stark  x Female Reader

Summary: Tony Stark straps you into a StarkTech-compatible bench for a private demonstration of his newest toys- complete with biometric feedback,

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings:  / Explicit Content /18+, Minors DNI, SMUT… BDSM/Restraints/Bondage, custom tech ball gag, toys (Egg vibe, anal beads, dildo)  Overstimulation, Toy fucking/Machine-assisted thrusting, Filthy talk (Tony can't shut up), AI assists with data tracking, clinical observation, forced openness, Sensory overload

A/N: my entry for  @avengers-assemble-bingo  for April Kinky Bingo… Well this one turned into a whole thing.. Square: B2- Open Up Baby  Card Number: KB003

You were already strapped to the bench- back arched, thighs spread wide in glossy chrome stirrups, wrists bound snug in Stark-grade cuffs that didn’t budge an inch. The synthetic leather beneath you was cool against your skin, but your body was already starting to heat with anticipation. The bench itself shifted slightly with every movement, like it was reading your tension, calibrating every twitch of your muscles into data Tony could access later.

You could hear the soft hum of the room’s ambient systems, the low mechanical whirrs, the faint electric pulse of tech running in standby, and underneath it all, Tony’s voice. He hummed absently as he moved around you, flicking through translucent holoscreens that floated in the air, readable only to him. Light glinted off his arc reactor through the thin black shirt he wore, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, veins flexing with every subtle flick of his fingers.

He looked like a scientist. Or a surgeon. No, a goddamn artist.

“You look tense,” he murmured, stepping in close, his fingers grazing your jaw with a feather-light touch. “That won’t do. We need to get a clean read. No clenched teeth, no locked jaws. Just you- open and…relaxed.”

He held up a sleek piece of tech. A mix of leather and metal. To you it looked like a ball gag. That wasn’t just a gag. It was his gag. Something custom. Personal. Laced with Stark Industry Tech.

“Open up, baby. Gotta install the biometric reader. It’s not science without a baseline.”

You hesitated, lips twitching. Just for a second. But he didn’t push. He just waited you out, smirk deepening, one brow arched like he had all the time in the world. That cocky, knowing gaze made you squirm even before anything touched you. Your breath hitched. And then you parted your lips.

“There we go,” he said, tone thick with approval as he slid the gag into place. It clicked against your teeth, snug and firm. A soft vibration flickered across your tongue as it locked in pushing the muscle down.

Friday’s voice chimed in overhead, calm and clinical.

“Gag calibration complete. Biometric sync active. Tracking vocal response, saliva levels, and tongue pressure.”

Tony leaned down, brushing his lips across your cheek in a whisper of a kiss. “Good girl. Now let’s get to work.”

He started with the egg.

Sleek. Silver. Pulsing faintly in his hand like it had a heartbeat of its own. The metal shimmered under the clinical lights, smooth and polished, shaped with the kind of precision that only Stark could deliver. He turned it over once, twice, like he was admiring a prized gadget- one that he was particularly proud of.

He showed it to you like a doctor unveiling a revolutionary new tool- calm, confident, deeply amused. Except this wasn’t a sterile exam room, and the look in his eyes wasn’t professional. His smirk told you he already knew what kind of mess this thing would reduce you to.

"This is your warm-up," he said, voice low and playful. "Phase One. Internal warming protocol. Testing receptivity. Calibration through heat and pulse response."

You whimpered into the gag. Of course you were excited- he’d been teasing you with this little 'demonstration' all week. Whispering promises in your ear, tapping out reminders on your thigh, dropping technical jargon laced with filth that left your core throbbing before he’d even touched you. Now that it was finally happening, your whole body was buzzing with need.

He didn't wait. He moved closer, one gloved hand parting your thighs a little further, the other settling between them. The bench adjusted beneath you, lifting your hips another inch to meet his touch perfectly. His fingers dipped between your folds- testing your wetness, teasing you just enough to make your body jerk in its bonds.

"Already responsive," he muttered, half to himself, half to Friday. "She’s going to be a dream to log."

He slid the egg in with two fingers, slow and deliberate. The cool metal kissed your entrance, making you flinch slightly- it was colder than you expected, stark contrast against your heated skin. Your walls instinctively tried to resist, clenching down, but his fingers were patient, coaxing you open, parting you around the sleek, unyielding toy.

The egg slid upward, heavy and smooth. As it moved deeper, your body yielded to it, the slow stretch making your breath catch. Its contours were designed to press into every sensitive spot, and you could feel your muscles fluttering around it, trying to accommodate the sudden fullness. As he pushed it deeper, you could feel every inch of it being swallowed by your body, your slick muscles tightening, fluttering around the intrusion.

He pushed the egg up high inside you, then paused, his finger still inside you too. "Squeeze for me," he ordered. You did, instinctively, your walls closing down as you used your pelvic floor, and Tony gave the platic string attached a soft tug.

The stretch, the resistance- it was delicious. The egg stayed locked in place. You couldn’t push it out if you tried. He smiled, clearly pleased.

"Perfect. Secure fit," he murmured. "Wouldn’t want it popping out mid-test."

It settled deep inside you, a sinful throb blooming in your core. Then it pulsed- just once, a quick flutter that made you jolt.

"There we go," he breathed, watching the screen light up with new data. "Didn’t even turn it on yet and she’s already going. Fuck, I love this job."

You were barely processing the first toy when he reached for the second.

Beads. Tapered, growing in size, each one gleamed under the soft blue lighting like tiny pieces of futuristic art. You squirmed, thighs pressing together, but it was no use- Stark had seen your reaction.

Tony laughed- low and delighted.

"Didn’t know we were going there, huh?" He nudged your knees apart again, voice dipping to a darker octave. "Come on, baby. I want you to open up for me. Let’s see what this one does..."

You shook your head slightly. Whimpered into the gag. Wide eyes watching him as you tried to protest around the ball gag in your mouth. 

Tony turned to the tray beside him, selecting a small, frost-blue tube of gel. "Wouldn't be very considerate to skip prep," he muttered, more to himself than to you. He uncapped the tube and squeezed a slow, deliberate line of the slick, glistening substance along the length of the beads. The gel shimmered faintly under the light, warming as it reacted with the ambient temperature.

He coated each bead carefully, fingers moving with methodical ease, making sure the entire string was evenly slicked. "Lubricated. Body-safe. Custom formula," he said with a wink. "Slippery enough to slide in smooth- sticky enough to stay in place until I say otherwise."

Then he held the beads up for you to see, the string dangling between his fingers. You tensed instinctively.

"Oh no. You’re freezing up. Can’t test properly if you don’t behave. Legs. Open."

You didn’t.

Tony tsked, clicking his tongue in mock disappointment. Then he grabbed your chin, firm and steady, tilting your head so your eyes locked with his.

"Don't think so much. That’s not what good test subjects do."

Click.

The bench tilted beneath you without warning. Your hips rolled upward, knees falling further apart as the restraints auto-adjusted. You were fully exposed now- helpless. Wide open.

"You know I can override those restraints, right? I built them. Now be a good girl and show me everything."

He dipped his finger back into the gel and brought it to your ass, pressing a cool dollop directly to your tight, puckered entrance. The sudden chill made you flinch, but it was followed by the warm glide of his fingertip as he gently teased the gel in slow circles.

"You tense here, too," he said, amused. "Don't worry. This formula warms up just like you do."

He rubbed it in carefully, working the gel into your rim with delicate, coaxing pressure. The sensation tingled- both from the temperature shift and the way his finger circled and pressed until your body finally began to relent.

Then he lowered the beads between your cheeks and began to press them in- one at a time. The first slid in easily, the gel working its magic, cool and slick. The second made your breath stutter. The third had your whole body tensing as your hole stretched just enough to accommodate the new pressure.

Each one pulled a different, desperate noise from you- somewhere between a gasp and a whimper, caught in the back of your throat and forced through the gag in broken fragments.

By the time the third bead settled inside you, you felt full. Stretched in ways that left you panting, your back arching hard off the bench. Everything was working together- the deep pressure of the egg nestled high in your core, the hum beginning to buzz through your clit like a phantom, and now the slow, firm intrusion of the beads pressing against nerves that had you seeing stars. You struggled to catch your breath, the gag forcing each inhale to be short and choppy. Air hissed through your nose while your mouth flooded with saliva, spit slipping from the corners of your lips in thick strands that slid down your neck and onto your chest. The overwhelming heat of arousal and frustration tangled in your gut, building like steam with nowhere to escape. The restraint of it made the fire inside you burn hotter.

Your muscles clenched involuntarily, your hips rocking against the air, chasing friction that didn’t come. You couldn’t speak, couldn’t beg. Just drool, tremble, and take everything he gave you.

"Mmm. That moan? That was bead three. She likes that one, Friday."

"Confirmed," the AI replied. "Pelvic floor tension rising. Heart rate increasing."

"Good. Means it’s working."

The egg began to heat. The beads hummed in sync, and you felt everything shift- internally and externally- as pleasure bled into pressure, and pressure into overload. You were trembling now, thighs twitching again, trying to close- but the bench held you wide, utterly exposed.

"Heart rate’s spiking..." Tony’s voice was pure, filthy glee. "Oh, she’s gonna break soon. Look at her squirm."

You rutted against the air, clit untouched and screaming for attention. Your walls fluttered around the egg, your ass clenching down against the beads as the different pulses overlapped and collided. It was all too much and somehow not enough. You needed more and needed it to stop, all at once.

You tried to breathe, but the gag made it impossible to take anything but shallow, panting gasps. Each exhale was laced with a moan. Drool spilled freely down your chin, dripping warm across your face and neck. You were flushed, messy, wrecked- and he hadn’t even touched your clit.

Your back arched violently off the bench, cords of heat coiling through your belly and thighs. It felt like your body was unraveling, muscles tight and desperate, nerve endings screaming with pleasure.

Tony leaned in again, voice dark and syrup-smooth. "We’ve got her plugged, egged, and ready to combust. Think she can handle the next phase?"

Friday answered, "Orgasm build-up at 87%."

"Perfect." He tapped a command into the air. "Now let’s push her."

The egg pulsed deeper. The beads vibrated sharper. You cried out- moaning, writhing, the gag muffling it into raw, incoherent noise. You couldn’t form words. Couldn’t beg. Just sob through the pressure building to a breaking point.

"Baby, this is science. Filthy, beautiful science."

It hit you like a wave- white-hot and all-consuming. Your legs shook violently in the stirrups, muscles spasming as your body locked around the egg and beads pulsing inside you. Every nerve ending fired in chaotic pleasure, overwhelming your senses. You tried to scream, to sob, but the gag reduced it to a shattered, strangled cry that vibrated through the tech, each desperate noise dutifully logged.

Drool spilled in long, wet strands down your chin as your back bowed hard off the bench, your whole body trembling under the assault of pleasure. Your cunt clenched tight around the egg, milking it involuntarily, while your ass throbbed with each hum of the vibrating beads. Everything inside you was pulsing, moving, grinding you down into submission.

Tony watched, transfixed, his gaze locked on your ruined, shaking form. “There she goes - God, I should patent that moan.”

Your eyes rolled back. You could barely breathe. You could only tremble and leak and convulse as the orgasm tore through you. The bench beneath you vibrated subtly with your body’s response.

Friday: "Orgasm confirmed."

Tony waited until you were trembling, your breathing uneven, your thighs still twitching with aftershocks that rippled through your overstimulated body. Sweat slicked your skin in a thin, glistening sheen, catching the light as your chest heaved with broken gasps around the gag. Your limbs strained weakly against the restraints.

Then- slowly, methodically- he reached between your cheeks and took hold of the first bead. He didn’t rush. He eased it out one at a time, each slick orb dragging along your inner walls with a sticky, stretching glide. You shuddered at the sensation- the unbearable emptiness that bloomed in the wake of each removal. Your ass clenched reflexively around the loss, trying to hold onto what had filled you so completely. But he kept going.

The final bead popped free with a slick, obscene sound. Your hips jolted involuntarily, your back arching once more as your body spasmed again, clinging to the ghost of sensation.

Friday's voice crackled overhead. "Anal pressure reduced. Sphincter still contracting. She’s experiencing post-orgasmic muscle spasms."

Then came the egg.

He curled his fingers inside you, tugging the retrieval loop with a firm, practiced motion. The egg slipped free, wet and shiny,  your cunt fluttering uselessly around the sudden void. The stretch, the drag, the warmth- it all left you aching. You cried into the gag, overwhelmed by the emptiness and the continued tremors in your muscles. Your thighs kicked slightly, your knees drawing in as far as the restraints would allow.

"Vaginal walls contracting. Core temperature still elevated. She's not done trembling yet," Friday observed, calm as ever.

Tony held both toys in one hand now- wet, warm, shining. He looked down at you with naked satisfaction.

"That’s some damn good tech," he said. "But we’re not done."

From the tray, he lifted his final piece.

A dildo- sleek, deep grey, Stark-stamped at the base. Modeled after him, and you knew it. Maybe a little bigger. Slightly wider at the base, with delicate ridges along the underside that hinted at something extra. Your breath caught just looking at it.

“This one’s special, baby. Built it from memory- well, from yours,” Tony said, rolling it in his hand. “Temperature regulated, pressure-sensitive, and the best part? The internal sensors sync to your contractions. It responds to you. The more you clench, the deeper it drives. A perfect loop.”

You whimpered around the gag, heart fluttering.

He moved between your spread legs and lined it up against your soaked, fluttering entrance. You were already sensitive- still trembling from the last orgasm- and when the wide tip pressed in, you nearly cried. It stretched you slowly, steadily, a little more than you were used to. Your slick walls resisted at first, clenching down instinctively, but Tony was patient, guiding it with precise control.

“There you go,” he coaxed, voice smooth but sharp-edged with amusement. “That’s it. Take all of it. Come on, baby- I know you can..”

His tone dipped into a purr. “There you go. Taking it like you need it. Bet you love being filled up with Stark-grade tech, huh?”

Your back bowed off the bench as he pushed it in, inch by inch, your pussy yielding to every contour, forced to accommodate the full shape of it. The fullness was delious, your body stretched taut around it. Your eyes rolled back as the final ridge slipped inside, the toy settling deep.

“There,” he said, watching your reactions with fascination. “Fills you out just right. And now... we see what she can really do.”

The base clicked into a pulse pattern, and the toy began to move inside you- slow at first, deliberate, like it was learning your shape. You could feel every textured ridge of the shaft as it rubbed against your inner walls, dragging across oversensitive flesh, sparking little detonations of pleasure with every pass.

Then it pulsed- long and low, a rhythmic thrum that radiated from base to tip, sending heat spiraling through your belly. With every thrust, the toy seemed to stretch you deeper, nudging a spot that made your toes curl and your thighs twitch against the restraints. Your pussy clenched around it reflexively, triggering the internal sensors Tony had mentioned. And just like that, the toy responded- pressing harder, thrusting deeper, faster.

It wasn’t just fucking you- it was reading you, syncing to the wild flutter of your muscles, pulsing in tandem with your arousal.

“Look at her,” Tony murmured, grinning as he watched the toy disappear again and again between your legs. “Every little squeeze makes it work harder. You’re doing this to yourself, baby. And I haven’t even touched your clit yet.”

You’d been so consumed by the thrusting inside you, by the stretch and pulse of the toy, that you hadn’t even noticed Tony move. But suddenly, he was there- looming over you, and the egg was pressed directly to your clit.

The sensation was immediate and brutal.

Your entire body jolted. The contact felt almost painful, your nerves raw and exposed, the stimulation electric. You tried to buck away, hips arching, thighs trembling, but you had nowhere to go.

Tony caught you effortlessly. One hand shoved the egg against your swollen clit, refusing to relent, while the other pressed down on your thigh to keep your knees from closing.

“Uh uh. None of that,” he said smoothly. “You don’t get to hide from this, baby. You earned it.”

You sobbed into the gag, thrashing your hips side to side, but the bench and Tony’s hands made escape impossible. Every attempt to squirm just sent the dildo thrusting deeper inside you, and the egg grinding cruelly over your clit.

“You’re not gonna break,” he whispered, teasing. “You’re gonna burn for me.”

"Don’t you dare run from it. look at me."

He was holding you still- one hand clamped over your thigh to keep your legs spread, the other pressing the egg mercilessly to your clit. You were trembling in his grasp, utterly helpless against the merciless pairing of his tech and his control.

"You’re gonna come again for me, sweetheart. Real data’s in the repeat response," he said, eyes locked on yours, voice both commanding and hungry.

The dildo thrust deep, the ridges grinding against your most sensitive spots as your walls clamped down. The egg buzzed brutally against your swollen clit, so overstimulated you couldn’t tell whether you were trying to run from it or chase it. Every jolt of pleasure lit your nerves like lightning- white-hot and impossible to hold back.

Your body jerked, hips spasming, thighs trembling violently as the sensations overloaded you. Your entire body was working against you- every clench, every twitch, every gasp just triggered the toy to go deeper, harder, faster. You weren’t riding it anymore- it was riding you, and Tony just watched with that devilish smirk, keeping you wide open.

“That's it. Shake for me. Scream into that gag. Show me what science can do.”

The climax tore through you without mercy- harder, deeper, a violent unraveling of every nerve as your body convulsed around the relentless rhythm of the tech inside you. You didn’t just come; you shattered, splintering open in a release so intense it blurred your vision, your mind, your ability to distinguish pleasure from pain. Your vision shattered into sparks, your scream muffled into a raw, hoarse noise behind the gag. Your body thrashed in the restraints, muscles locking as the orgasm ripped through you, longer and sharper than the last.

Friday: "Second orgasm confirmed. Neural spike significant. Subject approaching physical limit."

He slowed the toy, letting it ease to a stop deep inside you before withdrawing it carefully, letting you feel every last ridge dragging along your raw, overstimulated walls. Then, with a gentleness that almost contrasted the torment he’d just put you through, he removed the egg from your clit. The instant the contact broke, your whole body sagged in the restraints with relief and exhaustion. You were shaking, barely breathing- every inch of you buzzing, nerves fried and twitching from the overload.

You could taste salt on your lips- your own tears and spit, your jaw aching from clenching around the gag. You were drenched, body glistening with sweat, your skin flushed and hypersensitive to the air.

He removed the gag last. Your jaw fell slack with a wet, trembling gasp, strands of spit clinging to the corners of your mouth. You blinked up at him, vision hazy, lips wet and parted.

Tony gazed down at you, eyes gleaming with wicked satisfaction, his mouth tugging into a crooked grin that said told you so. He looked like a man admiring his finest creation- smug, yes, but also thoroughly entertained by the glorious, twitching mess sprawled out beneath him.

“You did good, baby. Fucking beautiful. But next time?”

He leaned close, brushing a kiss to your temple- slow, deliberate, his breath warm against your damp skin.

“Think I’ll need to design something that gets you to squirt. Can’t let a variable like that go untested. Wouldn’t be very Stark of me to stop now, would it?”

He turned with a little flourish, tapping the screen with a flick of his fingers, not bothering to look back.

“Friday, save this session. Label it: Successful. Prepare files for Phase Two.”

[steddiehyperfixation]

run away with me

@steddiebingo prompts: ocean + childhood friends (if like 16-19 counts as childhood, which i say it does !) | 2.6k words | T | mild cw for depression and alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism

Steve stares numbly out the office window, his view an ocean of concrete and the few sad, sparse trees that were planted in the median between this building’s parking lot and the neighboring one in a very weak attempt to give an illusion that anything natural or organic goes on here. As if there’s anything more than stiff, soulless buildings filled with stiff, soulless men in stiff, soulless suits who have dull conversations about money and more empathy for a credit card or an expensive car than for any human being. 

Every second is hours long, everything is so important and nothing matters at all, and everyone’s always in a rush but they never seem to go anywhere. It used to make his skin crawl, the slow monotony behind the urgent droning. He used to feel like he couldn’t breathe here, trapped at a desk and a computer, squirming under the constant presence of his boss and father, every eternal second oozing by and settling over him as if it had physical weight. He felt stuck and still, like a fly caught in amber, movements leaden and pointless as he sinks and suffocates slowly in a syrupy prison. But after a year of working here, Steve no longer cares. He’s sunk in deep enough that it’s all dulled out and he’s become just as detached and hollow as the rest of them. He tells himself it’s only temporary anyways.

The phone rings at his desk, dragging his attention away from the window and pulling him out of his stupor. 

“Richard Harrington’s office,” Steve answers mechanically. “This is his assistant, Steve. How may I help you?” 

It's a client, a long-time one who's been around for business meetings and dinners since he was a kid, and she coos over how mature and professional he sounds now. He gets that a lot, old clients and business partners of his dad’s calling or coming into the office and lavishing him with compliments on his role and responsibility. It’s funny; they never thought so highly of him before, but they sure do now. And despite it all, Steve can’t help but preen under the praise, feeling all grown up and just like a child. 

He lets this lady gush for a little while longer before he takes her message for Richard and hangs up the phone. That brief moment of emotion flickers out and the dullness returns. The day drags on. 

“Thank god it’s Friday, huh?” Tommy Hagan leans against the counter in the break room when Steve goes to get a coffee refill. “I had to file so many reports today, I’m about ready to kill myself.” 

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Steve mutters, punching the button to start the coffee machine.

“You’re still coming out with us tonight, right?” Tommy asks. “My cousin’s in town - you know, the one I told you about, the model. I think you two are really gonna get along.” He says it with this gross smirk, double meaning abundantly clear, and Steve rolls his eyes. 

“Dude, stop trying to pimp your cousin out to me, man. You talk her up so much I’m starting to think maybe you want her.”

“But you’ll be there, yeah?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Steve says. Of course he’ll be there. It’s routine. It’s all routine. They commiserate in the break room like a couple of wizened old world-weary businessmen on workdays and then party like teenagers on the weekend. Dulled out from the week, they buy back their missing emotion in the form of alcohol and drugs. A good buzz makes a decent substitute for a feeling, in a pinch. It’s just enough to survive on week after week. 

“Good.” Tommy grins, clapping Steve on the shoulder on his way out. 

Steve grabs his coffee and returns to his desk, to phone calls and faxes and data entry until the clock finally hits 5:00 and releases everyone into the illusion of freedom. He breathes an empty sigh of relief along with everyone else, shutting off the computer and shoving files back into folders, packing up to leave. “Tell your mother I’ll be working late tonight,” Richard tells him, and Steve nods. Nothing ever changes. 

It's quite a shock to the normal routine of things, then, when he pulls up to his driveway to find an extra car parked out front. Which wouldn't be unusual on its own - his mom sometimes has friends over on Fridays - except for the fact that this car is a total piece of shit, which rules out any friend of his parents, and there's a wild-haired man leaning against it. It's the sight of that old once familiar face that's so jarring to him, has him hitting the brakes too hard and parking jerkily.  

Steve gets out of his car and stares in disbelief. “Eddie Munson.” 

“So it's true.” Eddie looks him over, eyes carefully cataloguing Steve's stuffy business suit and tie. “You've gone corporate.” 

Steve swallows. His body seems to have forgotten how to breathe. “What the hell are you doing here?” 

“What the hell am I doing here? Man, what the hell are you doing here?” Eddie counters, pushing himself off the side of his car and walking closer, one arm swept out to gesture at everything around them: the big house, the rich neighborhood, the expensive car, Steve and the very town itself. “You were gonna get away from all this. You were gonna follow Robin to college and live by the ocean and teach middle school. Now I find out you’re back here living with your parents and working for your dad?” 

“Yeah, I tried- we tried,” Steve says, tensing at the judgement in Eddie’s tone. “We moved to the coast, made it work the best we could for a little while but it didn't last. Working minimum wage jobs just wasn't paying the rent and the money ran out and we both had to move back home. But this- this is just temporary.” 

“Temporary,” Eddie repeats, like he doesn’t believe him. “You’ve been here a year.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Robin says you guys hardly talk anymore.” 

Steve’s chest feels tight. “Yeah, um, we just sort of drifted apart.” He shrugs, doesn’t want to get into it. There’s not much more to say anyways - and that was the whole problem, really. Steve’s life had gotten so boring and mundane he didn’t have a whole lot to talk about anymore. His humor dried up, their conversations fell flat, and eventually Robin stopped reaching out. “It happens.” 

(You would know, he almost adds. After all, he and Eddie had drifted apart too, a lot longer ago.)

“Right…” Eddie frowns. Steve doesn’t like the way he’s looking at him, searching his face like he’s trying to see behind his eyes. He looks away. 

“Look, it’s nice to see you again, but I don’t have time to keep chatting right now. I have plans,” he says, short and dismissive. It’s a lie of course, or half of one; Steve has plenty of time before he’s supposed to meet up with Tommy, he just doesn’t want to stay in this conversation. “I’m grabbing a drink with a friend in a minute.” 

“‘A friend’,” Eddie continues to question him, either not taking the hint or blatantly ignoring it, “but not Robin?” 

Steve sighs. “A coworker,” he elaborates. “Tommy.” 

“Hagan?” Eddie scoffs, predictably incredulous and unsupportive. He shakes his head. “Jesus, man, what the fuck happened to you? This isn’t you, Steve, none of this is. I know you, and this is all wrong. You can’t seriously be happy like this.” 

“You don’t know me,” Steve snaps, defensive mostly because he knows Eddie’s right. 

Because Eddie does know him, better than just about anyone except maybe Robin. They were close once, years ago, the better part of their late teens filled with nights spent laying together on the roof of Eddie’s trailer under the stars, trading secrets in hushed voices, all their fears and hopes and dreams, sometimes passing a joint back and forth but other times high on nothing more than simply the other’s presence so close beside them, the brush of their hands and the press of their shoulders. It was a deep and intimate friendship, one that teetered on the edge of becoming something more but never got the chance to, because Eddie was the one who ran away first. By the time Steve made it to the ocean, Eddie had already crossed it and they fell out of touch.

So Eddie knows him, and he’s right, but he has no right to make such a claim after leaving Steve high and dry for years. He has no right to come all the way here just to shit on Steve’s life, no matter how correctly, after so long of not being a part of it.

“You knew me as a teenager,” Steve continues harshly, bitterly. “You knew me as a stupid, hopeful, naive kid. I’ve grown up since then, Eddie. That’s what the fuck happened to me. I grew up.” 

“No, you haven’t grown up,” Eddie sneers. “If anything, you’ve gone backwards. Look at you, it’s like you’re 16 all over again. All hail King Steve - popular pointless rich kid, partying with Tommy Hagan, desperate for approval from all the wrong people.” 

Steve clenches his jaw. “I think you should leave.” 

“It breaks my heart to see you like this, Stevie.” 

“Then don’t see me. Just go. Run away again, it’s what you’re best at.” 

Eddie doesn’t seem to have a comeback for that. He deflates, starts taking a few steps back. “Your Majesty,” he relents with a mocking bow that would’ve come across as derisive if he didn’t look so goddamn sad. He turns around and so does Steve, walking off in opposite directions. 

Steve feels almost dizzy, ill. There are too many emotions swirling beneath the numbness he’d gotten so used to, emotions so long forgotten he can no longer recognize them, can no longer remember how to feel them properly, and so they gather like nausea in his stomach instead. He can smell his mother’s cooking when he enters the house, but declines her offer to make him up a plate. His appetite is gone, and besides, skipping dinner just means he’ll get drunker faster later, which sounds like a pretty good deal to him. He can’t wait to drink away all thoughts of Eddie and their conversation. 

And that’s exactly what he does. He goes out and he gets drunk. Drunk enough to hook up with Tommy’s cousin; drunk enough to convince himself he’s not thinking of anybody else when he tangles his hands in her dark curly hair. 

It does give him a start the next morning though, when he wakes up to wild curls splayed out on the pillow beside him. He sits up with a jolt, his mind slow and hungover and his eyes still blurry with sleep and for a second he thinks-- But then he blinks, his eyes adjust, and that's clearly a woman in his bed. 

She stirs at his movement, lifting a hand to her forehead and groaning. Steve sympathizes. 

“Hell of a hangover, huh?” he says. 

“Yeah.” She glances over at him and smirks. “Totally worth it though,” she adds as she props herself up. “I had fun last night.” 

“Yeah, me too.” He can't remember her name. Tabitha or Tanya or something like that. 

“Well.” She stands, starts collecting her clothes off the floor and getting dressed. “I should get home.” She tosses her hair out of the jacket she's just shrugged on. “I’ll see you around, Steve.” 

“Yeah, see you around,” he echoes, watching her leave. 

Then she's gone, and Steve sags back against the headboard. His stomach is churning and not just from the hangover. Emotions again, ugly ones. He's just beginning to be able to recall what they are now. Guilt, shame. He should've remembered her name. He should've offered her a ride home. How long has it been since he's cared about these things? 

He closes his eyes, an attempt to disconnect for a second, but these feelings won't go away. So he sighs, drags himself out of bed, and tries to go about his day like normal, tries to ignore the fact that he can fucking feel again. 

He’s doing pretty well, same old routine, until night falls and the normalcy is broken by the sound of a rock bouncing off his bedroom window. Two more follow after he ignores the first one, so he grudgingly marches over and flings open his curtains to see what’s going on. He blinks at the sight before him, but his eyes aren’t playing tricks on him this time. Eddie Munson is outside throwing pebbles at his window. As if he hasn’t already done enough damage.

Steve huffs irritably, turning on his heel and storming downstairs to meet him. “Listen, if you’ve just come back to tell me more about how shit my life is, I don’t want to hear it-” 

“Run away with me,” Eddie says instead, and Steve stops short. 

“Are you crazy?” 

“Yeah.” Eddie grins, that wild grin of his that gave him the reputation of insane and reckless when they were younger, but the gleam in his eye falls short of manic. Nervous, excited, desperate, hopeful, maybe; but not crazy. He takes a step closer and speaks like he means it. “You were right, running away is what I’m best at. But I don’t want to run from you, not again, so come with me this time.” His hands reach out as if to touch him, but then change course, gesturing widely. “We can head towards the sea, or wherever you want. What do you say?” 

“I already tried that.” Steve shakes his head. “I told you, Robin and I already tried that and it didn’t work.” 

“So you’re just never gonna try again? Come on,” Eddie urges, “Robin can come too. Call her up, apologize for being a neglectful fucking friend, and let’s all get the hell out of here. Together.” 

“Together…” Steve repeats. The three of them, like it used to be. 

“Yeah.” Eddie’s smile is so full of confidence, full of hope. “I really think we can make it this time.” 

His brightness is contagious, seeping through the edges of Steve’s doubt. That, too, is like it used to be. A self-proclaimed cynic as a teenager, but Eddie had never once come across that way to Steve. To him, Eddie had only ever seemed an endless blaze of optimism. His hope was his defiance, his way of saying, This world sucks, but not to me; I refuse. Steve had forgotten just how inspiring that is.

He's divided now. Torn between Eddie's infectious energy, the hope and want that form an ache in his chest, and the part of his mind that's still clinging to its programming, the part that feels duty bound to remain responsible, practical. The good kid, the perfect worker, the devil on his shoulder masquerading as an angel. It has one more protest to make. “But I can’t just leave. My life is here, my job…” 

“This life is killing you. You know that as well as I do.” Eddie does touch him now, taking Steve’s face in both hands. “The light’s all gone from your pretty eyes. Please let me see if I can help you bring it back.” 

The warmth of Eddie’s hands on his face spreads through his entire body, and Steve’s choice is made. Maybe it’s crazy, maybe they’re just as doomed now as they were all those years ago, but Steve has been woken up from his numbness, made to remember emotion again, all the good and the bad, and he thinks maybe with Eddie he can start to relearn to feel a bit more of the good. “Okay,” he says finally. “I’ll pack a bag. I’ll call Robin.” 

Eddie grins brighter than ever then and kisses him, and Steve knows he’s made the right decision.

[dragonnarrative-writes]

Part 2 - Work Introductions

Autumn Embers Masterlist

CW: Mentions of child loss, mentions of medical neglect/abuse, mentions of reproductive abuse, mentions of pregnancy complications and death, mentions of racism, sexism (in an omegaverse way), Brandon (unfortunately living), real world references

Data entry and analysis isn’t the most exciting job in the world, no matter what kind of fancy title you’re given, but it pays the bills. Working on a military base isn’t ideal, but the benefits are nothing to sneeze at. And most days, you get to sit alone and uninterrupted, in your own office, instead of in a cramped cubicle.

On Tuesday, you’re startled out of your audiobook by a gentle knock on your desk. Sherry, your immediate superior, gives an awkward little wave and waits for you to finish your line and mute your music.

“Hey, I’m so sorry about this,” she says, as soon as your headphones are clear. “You remember those port reports from Honduras? Some of the senior analysts have some questions for you? They’re currently in a meeting and requested some clarification…?”

You wait, but she doesn’t say anything else. “…what do they want to know?”

“Oh, they didn’t tell me, I’m sorry,” Sherry says. “They asked if you could… Well, they need you to attend the meeting. Right now.”

“Do I even have the clearance for that kind of meeting?” You stand without waiting for an answer and disconnect your laptop from the dock. With it tucked under your arm, you grab a notebook and pen, as well as your water bottle.

Sherry leads the way out of the office. “I know you submitted these reports two weeks ago, and your notations are excellent. I think the problem is with one of the flagged ship manifests, but they wouldn’t clarify why they were concerned. Couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”

Her apologetic air suddenly makes sense. “Brandon’s in there, isn’t he?”

Sherry grimaces. “I’m so, so sorry. It’s him and a few alphas. There’s an American CIA agent as well.”

“So I absolutely don’t have the clearance for this meeting,” you sigh. “Great.”

A short elevator ride and two halls away, you take a fortifying breath before you step into an occupied meeting room. Brandon’s is the first face you see, and when he sees you the corners of his lips turn up in an infuriating smile. Next to him, another senior analyst’s eyebrows pop up, but Andrew actually looks happy to see you.

Before the door can close behind you, a blonde, American alpha stands and offers her hand in a no-nonsense shake. “Kate Laswell. We appreciate you being so prompt.”

“Of course,” you answer. Unfortunately, your attention is a little torn. All four members of the 141 are sitting at the table, looking at you curiously. Sergent MacTavish grins like a wolf. Captain Price tips his chin up just enough that you know he’s scenting you. Lieutenant Riley, face covered from the nose down in a black neck gaiter, gives you a quick once over that makes you want to shiver. But you’re a professional, so instead of fleeing you take the nearest seat, across from a smiling Sergent Garrick. You fold both of your hands on top of the table, the very picture of accommodating and helpful, “What can I assist you with?”

“Why’d you flag this shipping manifest,” Brandon asks. The projector at the front of the room switches to a document that would be barely legible, even without the distortion of zoom.

“You’re going to have to be more specific,” you tell him, flipping your laptop open. “What’s the file name?”

“Honduras,” Brandon says, Port Cortez.”

“Puerto Cortes,” you correct. And seeing as it’s the largest seaport in Central America, I’ve combed through literally hundreds of manifests, you think, but don’t say. “I’m going to have to ask you to be a bit more specific. The projector isn’t easy to read.”

“You flagged this manifest for a Korean ship.”

You jump when Sergent Garrick says, “Christ, mate, just give her the file name.”

Lieutenant Riley gives a cough that sounds suspiciously like a laugh. You think you see MacTavish still grinning at you out of the corner of your eye. Laswell rattles off the document name without looking.

As soon as the document loads, you know exactly why Brandon and Andrew are confused. And you know that the following conversation is going to be so unpleasant that you shoot off a quick email to take the rest of the day off once this meeting ends.

You take a deep breath, let it out slowly. “The manifest is inconsistent with previous patterns from that particular port and that particular captain and crew. As I noted, the four containers from Venusian Pharmaceuticals wouldn’t have made it on the ship do to political and economic pressures.”

Brandon doesn’t bother to look at you when he asks, “What pressures?”

Laswell interjects before you can answer, “Leaked internal communications provided evidence that Cloudstone Pharm was selling tampered heat suppressants and birth control in various black markets. The 4B movement in South Korea had been calling for an investigation for years by that point. A lot of omegas were killed because of mis-labeled medications. Pregnancy and birth related complications.”

“I remember that. It was, what, five, more years ago?” Lieutenant Riley asks. “Had an entire re-brand. Cloudstone to Venusian. Everything went from blues and whites to greens and yellows.”

“Okay, so the containers had a bit of extra security to get onto the ship,” Brandon says, before you can get over the shock of two alphas in a room who know anything about even the broad strokes of omega health care. “There’s protesters at every major port for one thing or another.”

“Even if they’d gotten on the ship, they wouldn’t have made it to Puerto Cortes,” you counter. “The captain lost two of his kids because of their medications. He’s had his crew dump the containers and alter manifests before. He was investigated for it, but his crew wouldn’t speak against him.”

Brandon frowns. “How do we know he didn’t get paid off?”

How do we know the omegas weren’t worth less than a cash payment? Your throat feels like closing in on itself. You keep your voice as steady as you can. “He wouldn’t have been.”

“How do you know?”

Andrew, eyes darting between you and Brandon, tries to interrupt. “Well-”

“Because he made the autopsy reports for both of his sons public,” you answer. You have to force your jaw to unclench. “Along with pictures and videos of how sick they were before they passed, before anyone knew what was really wrong with them. And the executives of Cloudstone, an American company, laughed. Called them slurs and ignorant animals in emails and meeting memos that were later leaked to the public.”

Across from you, Garrick is not smiling anymore. “That’s… disgusting.”

“Cloudstone struggled to recover in eastern Asian markets, even with the re-brand,” you continue, then take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “And all of this was in my report.”

“Your job isn’t to provide those kinds of references. You’re not trained for it. There were a couple of links to articles,” Brandon dismisses. “Not enough to-”

“One of his sons experienced total organ failure,” you interrupt, closing your laptop. You know your scent must be all over the place, but the subject matter was already touchy. Now he’s questioning your work and misrepresenting your job duties? Oh, fuck him. “Because he was on incorrectly administered fertility treatments that were disguised as birth control, he had a high-risk pregnancy with multiples. And then his medications were switched with heat inducers. His other son had rapid onset neuropathy and multiple strokes within a week. Neither of his sons wanted to have children. One of them couldn’t, biologically, because it would have killed him anyways. And their partners decided that they didn’t care.”

Brandon wrinkles his nose at you. “No need to get so worked up.”

You practically feel the way your scent goes hot and acrid. Where most omegas have a distress scent that is sickly sweet, yours is much closer to an alpha’s shock scent. Your parents used to call you “Wildfire” because of it. You watch the hairs on Garrik’s arms stand up.

You can barely smell Andrew’s nervous distress over your rage. “Okay, yeah, that’s plenty. The captain wouldn’t have taken the containers.”

“Is there a reason you didn’t consult the references I added into the report?” You know the sudden calm in your voice, the relaxing of your posture, is at odds with the way your anger scent gets stronger. You’ve been told it’s a sensory nightmare, so you only do it when someone tells you you’re not calm enough. You fold your hands on the table again. “Because I included original and translated sources, according to the standards of the department.”

The room is silent. All seven alphas are agitated. You can only pick out MacTavish’s scent, muddled and frustrated. Andrew opens his mouth, closes it. Finally says, “I didn’t receive the references.”

“Senior analyst Lawrence received the full report directly,” you say, holding eye contact with Brandon. “But I know how emails can get lost. I would be happy to send them again. I’ll CC you, and request that your access to the full drive be confirmed. Sir. Is there anything else I can assist the team with?”

Laswell scrawls something on a sticky note and passes it over to you. “Please also include me on those emails.”

You give her your most demure smile. “Unfortunately, Agent Laswell, I don’t have the clearance to send reports outside of the department. I would be happy to help you coordinate that with senior analysts Lawrence and Bennett.”

You pluck the sticky note from her hand, stand, and gather up your laptop, notebook, and water bottle. When you have everything, you pass behind her to where Brandon and Andrew are sitting. Deliberately putting yourself at Brandon’s back, you hand the note to Andrew with a placid smile. “Agent Laswell requests that you provide her with the full report.”

Brandon smells disconcerted, trapped in his seat with your scent roaring as you stand just inside of his blind spot. Andrew, for his part, only hesitates for a moment before taking the offered sticky note, looking from you to Laswell to Brandon and back. “Thank you.”

“Of course, sir.” Butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth. “Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

“I… believe that will be all…?”

“Of course, sir. Thank you, sir.” You cement your little performance with a perfectly deferential partial curtsy to Andrew, then to the rest of the room. “Please do not hesitate to let me know if there’s anything else I can do the support the team.”

As the door shuts behind you, you hear Captain Price’s voice for the first time. “Goddamn. That is a woman capable of murder.”

[therocketeer0501]

Emptiness Machine

Starscream X Reader (mech pilot AU)

Warnings/TW: blood, weapons, mention of torture, robot gore, human experimentation (shockwave is shockwave), language, and peril. (I’ll add more as I post)

(Author note: Before I get started I wanted to get a few things out of the way. This is my own AU and doesn’t really lend itself to much existing media. Gonna mash a few continuities together. This is in no way a professional writing by any means. I am not running it past a beta or anything so it’s going to be rough. I wanted to write this for myself and share it with y’all! This is my silly nonsense. That being said if I don’t clarify something or if something doesn’t make sense please submit an ask and I will promptly explain! Now without further ado. Here is the anticipated first chapter of Emptiness machine! Thank you all for waiting.)

Read first

Data log entry #857

Date: 003029 Time: 0700

Time since first contact: 2 years, 4 months, 7 days

What began as a national defense strategy became one of the most complex military operations in the history of the world. Project Archangel, founded by Dr. Zinovy Antonov, began under the pretense of creating the world’s first mechanized army. He started his research long before we found out we weren’t alone out here among the stars. With the arrival of the Cybertronian visitors came the fear that humanity was not only vastly outgunned, but also grossly unprepared to deal with any threat from deep space. Dr. Antonov pleaded with the government to allow him near the deactivated body of one of the Cybertronians, who was discovered after a battle had broken out between factions.

He studied their biology and created what he dubbed the perfect exoskeleton. Fueled by chemical X, also known as Energon, and operated by none other than the human soul itself. There weren’t many volunteers to undergo the rigorous training and testing that these pilots had to go through. But with the help of Cybertronian Autobot scientists, Project Archangel was finally given the green light to move forward. Only three pilots made it through the initial testing.

Pilot: Seraphim, Pilot: Uriel, and Pilot: Michael.

With their functioning mecha, these pilots were meant to assist the Autobot Cybertronians in keeping earth from being terraformed by the opposing Cybertronian facton, the Decepticons.

Which brings us to the present. We have had zero contact with the other faction known as the Decepticons until two months ago. The Autobots insisted we keep our distance and only deploy Project Archangel as a last resort. Keeping the humans out of the conflict was essential if they wanted to stay neutral in the eyes of the Decepticons. As far as we know, no Decepticon has ventured down to the planet’s surface from their airship Nemesis to interact with the population. Only sending drones to wreak havoc on areas rich in Chemical X.

However, in recent months, there have been sightings of Decepticon officers and scientists (identified by Autobot command) on the planet’s surface. It was decided that we bring Project Archangel out of the shadows and deploy them on a scouting mission alongside several Autobots. We only hope that we haven’t made a grave mistake.

Chapter 1

You let yourself be pulled through the spiral of light emanating from the ground bridge. Traveling via the alien tech was a feeling that no one could describe. The closest thing to it was like having a magnet in your chest be pulled faster than your brain could register before spitting you back out on the other side. It had taken many practice runs for you to not throw off your stabilizers and stick the landing. Though it still made you dizzy and a bit sick.

After landing behind Bee in a heavily wooded area, you quickly scan the trees for energy signatures. Your scanners were only programmed to detect the Decepticon drones and of course the energy signatures of your comrades. Bumblebee signaled for you to fall in behind him and you promptly obeyed. You could feel the way your heart pounded against your ribcage where your body rested snug inside the metal chest of your mech. Your consciousness flawlessly divided between the two bodies. One living metal, and one flesh. Energon flowed steady through your lines as you tried to calm the slight tremor of your hand that came with the rush of adrenaline.

Ahead you could see the energon mine in the waning light. A clearing with a large metal structure in the center. The two huge metal doors at the entrance had been blown wide open to reveal the tunnel that went deep inside the earth to extract the precious ore. The human sentries, once posted outside, were nowhere to be found. Vehicles were overturned and some still smoldered where they had been hit with plasma bolts. You switch to internal comms so you can communicate with Bee without anyone on the outside hearing.

“Second wave in twenty. Nineteen….”

You slowly count down the seconds until the others arrive so you can rush the structure together. Adjusting your grip on your rifle you study entrance trying to imagine just what awaited you inside. Clearly a monster. Looking to your left you see Bumblebee gripping his null ray, an uncharacteristically stoic look on his face. You had some form of friendship with all the autobots, but you were closest to the little yellow scout. Perhaps it was shared interest or the fact that he seemed more your age. Whatever the case, you had shared so many things with each other over the two ish years that you had been a part of Project Archangel. Only once did you ask him about his home.

He looked saddened at the question and at first you thought he wouldn’t answer you. But he did. You spent the better part of a day listening to how he didn’t know Cybertron before it had been nearly obliterated by the war. It had been a planet filled with culture, music, and arts. No factions to speak of. A united Cybertron. But then came the slow divide of the classes. The divide grew until there were only the obscenely wealthy, and those who had nothing. That’s when, from the pits of Kaon, came the leader of the Decepticon faction.

Megatron.

Bumblebee described him as charismatic and well spoken. Someone bots wanted to rally behind. Many of the Autobots started out as Decepticons in the early days of the war. Taking down the government brick by brick until nothing remained. When it came time to build a new government, Megatron wasn’t satisfied. He wanted all the bots and their families who dared oppress him gone. Obliterated until nothing was left. He ended up doing exactly that. This cost him many followers and eventually after many thousands of years, his home. He didn’t stop. Blaming the Autobots for the lack of energon and destruction on Cybertron.

With a dead world and nowhere to go, the Autobots turned to the libraries in what was left of Iacon. There they found records of worlds seeded with energon by the 13 original Primes. A failsafe in case something were to happen to Cybertron. Optimus Prime lead the remaining Autobots off world to look for a suitable new home. Of course Megatron followed. They tore their way through 11 uninhabited worlds while trying to find one that suited them best. Stripping the worlds of their energon before moving on to the next. Earth was the first seeded world to have intelligent life. Optimus made it his sole mission to keep that intelligent life from having to endure the horrors of the war they brought with them.

It was nearly impossible due to the ever present evil that lurked in the sky. The Nemesis, like a dark cloud, hung overhead when you looked up. What kind of monsters would tear apart their home just to make a point? You were about to find out. A ground bridge portal appeared nearly blinding her as she adjusted her optics to its harsh blue light. Four bots landed and immediately began sprinting towards the entrance. Your peds began to automatically move. The yellow scout close on your heels as the two of you followed your comrades inside. Drones swarmed around you the instant you broke the entrance. Inside you could see Cliffjumper, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and one of your brothers in arms Michael. His mech was a heavy class. Not very good at maneuvering but excellent at breaking things. Throwing a drone into a wall with the butt of your rifle, you turn to Bee and chuckle over comms.

“I was expecting more of a fight. This is a fairly average number of drones.”

He didn’t reply right away as he tried to pull a drone off of one of the lambo twins. You couldn’t tell which one because of the sheer number of bodies trying to suffocate the bot. Using your jump jets you propel yourself forward and into the pile sending a good number of the drones flying. They broke easily, not filled with much energon either. It made you wonder just how the Decepticons managed to manufacture so many drones while the Autobots controlled the energon. With the last of the drones dispatched, you look around and regroup with the others. Slowly you start moving further into the mine. Eventually it would open up into a huge cavern. It would be beautiful if not for the dread that had settled over the group like a thick fog. Suddenly your comm crackled to life as Sideswipe replied to your earlier comment in Bumblebee’s stead.

“We’ll get a good fight eventually. These tin cans are just the appetizer for the main course. It’s confirmed, Shockwave is here. I’ve been itching to dig my fist into that lone optic of his.”

He emphasized his excitement by sending his fist into the shoulder of his brother. The golden bot gave him a sour look but didn’t retort like he normally would have. The energy of the Autobots had been stoic ever since it was confirmed that the first Decepticon on scene was Shockwave. You had no idea what to expect. You knew Shockwave was a scientist and known for his cruel and unusual experiments during the war on Cybertron. He created the most horrific weapons used in the Great War, so he must be someone to fear at the very least.

As you make your way down, you begin to hear a long drawn out noise. Almost like a squeaky door hinge but amplified, bouncing off the walls of the mine shaft. Then there was the screaming. You had wondered what happened to the sentries who were stationed outside. Now you knew. A deep voice rumbled from up ahead. It was cold, unfeeling, and filled you with dread.

“Test 8 unsuccessful. Most illogical. Send another.”

There was that horrible sound like metal rending and then another shriek cut short. Before a sigh of resignation came from nearby. It wasn’t Shockwave who made the noise of dissatisfaction. Another Decepticon. Your heart pounded as you look over at your fellow bots to see if they heard the same thing you did. If their wide optics were any indication, they had. Two Decepticons. Not just one. You listened closely as the other bot seemed to pace back and forth in front of the opening to the cavern. You and your companions were split on either side of the entrance, listening but not yet entering the space.

The other Decepticon doesn’t speak and suddenly he goes eerily silent. It made your hair stand on end and you almost felt like you were being watched. Could Decepticons see through reinforced steel? You shook your helm at the thought. No way. But after a heartbeat he said something that had your heart in your throat.

“Shockwave wrap it up. We aren’t alone.”

Cliffjumper growled into his comm in recognition of the voice.

“Spinster. He’s going to be trouble.”

[diamondwerewolf]

A Quick Chat About AZ

Which won't be quick at all.

I've talked for a little about coming to understand Lysandre, and now I'd like to talk about AZ, who is still somewhat of a mystery to me. We know of his backstory, but what I'm missing is what defines his personality. We don't speak with him enough in game to know it, so I had to do some digging around so I can form some assumptions. Most of this post will be me using Canon and Non-Canon [But still official] sources to get a grasp on what kind of man AZ is, just in case we don't get more information about him in Legends ZA.

-I want to know what he's like, because I want to make more artwork with him. ^^'-

Before I get into what I've found, I want to first talk about a character who I think is clearly defined, by his sheer simplicity. That's right,

It's Larry.

Larry, for example, has very clear likes and dislikes. He's an overworked, professional, brooding, middle aged man, who has respect for rules and simplicity. He dresses plainly, and uses relatively ordinary or normal type pokemon. He's vocal and assertive of his preferred lifestyle, to the point of stubbornness [ of which is only thwarted by his desire for his paycheck]. He also loves food and the pursuit of an extraordinary meal. Despite his introvert-like demeanor, he's shown to be friendly, deeply contemplative, and hiding a quirky, dad joke-like sense of humor.

With all of this, I can extrapolate what kind of decisions Larry would make if I were to put him in a new non-canonical situation. And, I can also define where I'd like to bend or add on to his personality in my own form of fandom play.

--

Now, back to the main topic. All of this to digest with a grain of salt. I also apologize in advance if I hop around a little between sources.

AZ, I can only assume is underutilized because of his grand age. 3,000 years old, means 3,000 years of knowledge or a direct eye witness of history. He wondered in search of his best friend, gradually witnessing the world transition from ancient to modern. Chances are, he can answer regional mysteries that gamefreak wouldn't want to touch upon. So, he's here one moment, and then gone the next after serving his key purpose in the game narrative.

Which brings me to all of the other official items I looked into and some thoughts on his intelligence. I watched his appearance in the Pokemon Generations Episode 18: The Redemption. [ no one asked but i think i prefer the japanese voice much more ] And I also was given a data bank to look through Pokemon XY game script.

AZ build the ultimate weapon. Though, if he had any assistance with it, it's unspecified. IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, in the recent XY development leaks, Sycamore, Lysandre, and AZ were all the same character, before the role was properly divided into three. Still, I'm under the impression, that AZ wasn't just a king, but a well respected researcher.

There’s research material on the bookshelf [In Lysandre Labs] “The king was proud of the technology he had used to bring Kalos prosperity, but he couldn’t help but use it in a way that had never been intended... AZ, the man who was king, disappeared.”

I think, AZ being keenly intelligent, is an easy assertion to make. He could build and operate complicated machinery, and probably still can. There are even more side notes I can make about his more complex understanding of pokemon. I don't think I have the clarity of mind to pull out even more examples, so I'll use just this one:

AZ does have a Golurk of unspecified age on his small team. I wonder...is it possible he built his Golurk himself? There are many pokadex entries stating the creation of, and ancient use of pokemon in these old cities. AZ appears to understand the infinite energy that dwells within pokemon well enough to contribute to the society he ruled over. I don't think 'artificial' pokemon construction is beyond his understanding, if he knew well enough that he could bring one back to life.

---

Moving along.

After building the weapon to revive his friend:

"...his rage still had not subsided."

I absolutely love this flashback sequence. I love how they portrayed the rawness of AZ's emotions. The unnerving look in his eye as his horrific choice forms. You get the sense that he truly did just...snap.

Which Makes Me Wonder: How tethered is AZ to his emotions? Is he like Lysandre, who appears to allow himself to freely feel his own anger and frustration, letting it drive him to obssession. Does he have a slight sense of entitlement, too? Entitled to take the world's problems and other lives in his hands. If so, did he leave that wicked part of himself behind?

AZ is royalty. He's a former -literal- king during a time of war, unlike Lysandre who's a more metaphorical king during a time of general peace. That may be an excuse for him easily taking on, beyond important, harrowing decisions. I wonder if this was the most difficult point in his reign. That aside, AZ doesn't seem to be concerned with that title living in modern day.

He doesn't demand that he should be treated like his former title. I'm going to make another assumption that he has let that go a long time ago. He struggles with being forgiven, maybe even struggles with caring about himself. He's traded his old royal regalia, a robe, golden arm cuffs, and golden neck piece, for old, worn, patchy clothes. He doesn't care about his royalty, or his clothes, and AZ never makes any mention that I can remember about his own height.

None of it appears to matter to him. Only "where is she?"

---

Speaking of.

AZ's ability to hold on to hope is...something.

When yeh know for certain sure yeh ain’t never gonna meet again... Well, yeh can give in and accept it. But if yeh think there might be a chance, and yeh wander the world for 3,000 years tortured by that flicker of hope... I tell yeh, sprout. I couldn’t have stood it.

I don't think I could have stood it either. To not give up on his Floette for 3,000 years, to muscle through that torture until finally you meet again. What would you call the kind of 'grit' that would make you endure something like this? In the XY manga, he's plagued by nightmares of his past. He described his ordeal officially in the game as 'endless suffering'. Is it a certain kind of stubbornness? A kind of unconditional love? I'm not sure... AZ, in another one of my opinions, has got to be one of the series' most strong willed characters. You can't survive 3,000 years with weak resolve. He can't die of old age, but..well...

...

Despite the horrors he's capable of, he's got a gentle quality to him. I like the contrast, between a giant and a pokemon so delicate and tiny. I'm sure the juxtaposition of AZ and his Floette is purposeful, and in itself helps inform of his character.

This is from the Pokemon Adventure XY Manga, and isn't canonical, but...look at him. I found him greeting Trevor's Flabebe so sweet. He's respectful to the children also, and doesn't belittle them in the slightest.

His smile. He calls her beautiful, and she is! He has some stony expressions, but also some very softened ones in Anime, Game, and Manga. He hasn't lost his ability to smile after all this time. Which is nice...

OOF, I've been writing this for a long while, so I'll wrap things up. I can't trust myself to write a comprehensive summary, like Larry, at this time, but I hope to have one later. Again, I'm hoping Legends ZA will provide more before I start my true 'blorbo madness'.

Here are all of my assumptions in a list AZ is:

Extraordinarily Intelligent, capable of making and operating dangerous technology. I believe he wasn't just a King, but a contributing engineer/ researcher.

Deeply emotional, allowing himself to openly cry, feel anger, and sorrow. Despite his intelligence, his emotions can cloud his judgement. THOUGH, he may have much more emotional maturity now. [ i find it interesting both he and lysandre are allowed to shed tears ]

Strong of will, or is a person of unwavering conviction.

Stern, somewhat of a languisher, but gentle.

That's all I have for now. Let me know if anyone else has thoughts!

[transmutationisms]

can u talk a bit more about working as a bibliographer? like what does that actually entail?

so the bibliography i worked at was affiliated with the major academic professional society of my subfield, and the society sponsors the bibliography as a kind of sister publication to their journal. this means 1) we were almost exclusively grant-funded, and 2) the staff positions at the bibliography go to grad students. there are jobs in bibliography and related information sciences that are not exclusive to academics/grad students, but i can't really tell you anything about them personally; i had this job as a graduate research assistant (ie this was what i did to get my paycheck for two years instead of TAing).

anyway the purpose of a bibliography like this that's affiliated with a journal or subfield is usually to aggregate data on what's published in that journal or subfield. ours was aimed at capturing the whole subfield. so, the bulk of the staff job is to comb through recent academic publications (journal articles & books) and pull anything that's topically relevant. we add the abstract and metadata to the bibliography (meaning basically a searchable database) and then we do subject tagging. this is the most fun part because you have to think about how knowledge is categorised and what's most useful to a user and whatnot.

so like let's say i'm entering an article from the journal of the history of psychiatry. i already pulled the metadata from the online journal listing and put it through zotero, which then talks to the bibliography's back end. i do the authority control (link it with the author's other publications in our bibliography, and with some external identity profile like viaf or orcid). i link it to the journal in our database and make sure it has the right date, page numbers, etc. this article is about philippe pinel, so its main category tag is probably 'psychiatry - 19th century'. then i aim for 5–10 additional subject tags, maybe 'france, metropolitan', 'psychiatric hospitals and institutions', 'therapy and therapeutic methods', 'philosophy of medicine', 'nosology and diagnosis', 'pitié-salpetrière hospice', etc.

once this is all entered, the article is searchable by any of its metadata, by going to the author's profile in our database, or by those subject and category tags. institutions (universities, libraries, hospitals, etc) all have their own authority controls too. you can browse the database by data, by subject tag, by searching keywords, etc; it also has a few visualisation tools that show strongly associated subject tags, histograms of a person's or publisher's history of publication, etc. this all means that things are more easily discoverable than they might be, and once you've found them you can also browse related things easily, or look at some provisional info on the state of publications in the field.

because this bibliography was affiliated with a journal, we also used to publish a yearly print edition with the entries published in the last year (this was satisfying to hold but honestly way less functional than the online database version lol) and we also published a special edition of bibliographic / historiographic essays on pandemics that i worked as managing editor for. idk how common this would be at other kinds of bibliographic job positions; we used the same publisher as the sister journal, so mostly all i had to do was correspond with people and deal with typesetting. anyway once that was published we also added those articles to the bibliography itself too.

anyway super fun job tbh, like a lot of it is data entry but haggling over subject tags was honestly enjoyable if you like that kind of thing. i lost the battle to add "total institutions" as a subject tag but won when i said we needed to revamp our system for entries dealing with weight management; as a result those subject tags are now clearer and more useful, and capture scientific discourses about both 'underweight' and 'overweight'. our best tag imo was "controversies and disputes", which was like a catch-all for any time there was some kind of haterism in the literature. it kind of changed how i view knowledge categorisation (like, the process; philosophy-of) and because we spent so much time reading abstracts to tag them, we would basically have walking encyclopedic knowledge of recent publishing in the field.

some of this functionality can ofc be replicated in library catalogues or google scholar or whatever, but the real value-add is the subject tagging and the relationships between those terms; this is where the bibliography is useful both for finding things and for showing an additional layer of information about the field and publishing in it. lots of academic fields have some equivalent of this, although i will say that our database was generally better (in the sense of more data and useful detail) than others i've used; it was a well-funded project run by a very dedicated prof who's been doing this for over 20 years now, and that continuity and institutional memory is really paying off for it.

but yeah if this is generally something that interests you, like i said, this is really just one specific form of bibliographic work. definitely look into what else is out there (i dunno how much of this would require a degree like an mlis even) and see what you think :)

[garessta8]

The comfort acolyte.

The lack of sleep made me come up with a new tag gaaaame~~

I also tag @tumbgert and @fenlirias to do it and share the game with the Rogue Trader fandom while I'm hopelessly stuck doing moony eyes at Anton. Of course, anyone else can join if they want to.

Your couple (ship) and how they sleep (when together and not) questionnaire!

How often do they sleep together?

Whenever their duties allow, which is usually whenever Raltia isn’t on a field mission, since Anton leaves the Bastion Serpentis much more rarely.

Where do they sleep?

In Anton’s bedroom, on his luxurious inquisitorial bed. The secrecy isn’t a concern–in his private part of the Bastion, he can allow guards and servants that definitely won’t snitch.

How do they prepare to sleep?

Before going to bed, Anton usually has to take off his power armor, which is a process in itself and requires assistance from a tech-adept.

Raltia meditates in the evenings a little to sort her thoughts and bring peace of mind.

Anton often works on his data-slate even in bed, late in night, just to wear himself out. In this case, Raltia also writes her diary entries in her own data-slate or reads something on it or out of solidarity until Anton stops. Even if he tells her not to. Which actually makes Anton put his work aside and at least try to sleep so Raltia would do the same.

What do they wear to sleep?

Anton just sleeps in his underwear.

Raltia also puts on some old shirt, but not out of modesty, but because her back chills (regardless of temperature in the room) without it.

Do they cuddle?

So she wouldn’t make it even harder for Anton to fall asleep, Raltia goes to sleep on her own side of the bed.

Then Anton pulls Raltia closer and uses her as a comfort toy. This never wakes her up, but often ends with Anton being drooled at.

What are their preferred sleep positions?

Anton usually sleeps on his back with his hands to the sides.

Raltia falls asleep on her back in the “corpse pose” (with her hands folded over her stomach), but then usually turns to the side.

How easy do they fall asleep?

Anton has light insomnia caused by professional paranoia–he has a hard time falling asleep unless very tired and wakes up from any sound.

After her service in the Guard, Raltia can sleep anywhere, in any position, almost instantly.

Do they toss and turn a lot?

Anton tosses and turns plenty, especially if something wakes him up.

Raltia barely moves at all.

Do they snore?

Anton snores a little if he sleeps on the back.

Raltia doesn’t snore, but if she sleeps on the side, she often drools.

Who hogs the blanket?

Like reasonable people, Anton and Raltia have their own blankets. Then Raltia inevitably gets too warm from Anton’s cuddling and throws her blanket aside, sometimes to the point where she ends up accidentally pulling Anton’s over her anyway...

What do they dream about?

Anton has a lot of old nightmares, which he had long learned to ignore and mostly forget in the morning.

Raltia rarely remembers her dreams at all, but when she does, they are usually prophetic or pretend to be (a side-effect of her divination abilities). She does her best to ignore them, believing that trying to predict the future is a way to madness.

How easily do they wake up?

Anton wakes up from any sound, whether he wants it or not.

Raltia wakes up immediately and with a start whenever her brain registers an important signal nearby: her name being called, gunshots, a drill sergeant’s shouts (even from two dozen meters away), a sound of a field ration being unpacked... Otherwise, she’s a deep sleeper.

How awake they are afterwards?

Anton only needs a mug of recaf to be ready for work–not because he’s a morning person, but because he's an equally-tired-all-day person.

Raltia works at her 60-80% capacity for about two hours after being awake, no matter how much stimulants she might use, or how awake she actually looks.

[hqresumebuilder]

Entry-Level Certifications to Kickstart Your Career

Entering the job market without much experience can be challenging, but there is a way to stand out — by earning certifications that demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Certifications are especially beneficial for freshers because they offer a quick way to build credibility and gain essential skills that employers value. Whether you’re aiming for a career in IT, marketing, or healthcare, entry-level certifications can help you get your foot in the door and kickstart your career.

In this article, we will explore certifications ideal for those with little to no experience, affordable and beginner-friendly options, and how to effectively use these certifications on resume.

What Certifications Are Ideal for Freshers and Those With No Experience?

When starting your career, it’s important to choose certifications that are recognized and valued by employers, yet accessible enough for someone without prior experience. Here are some entry-level certifications across various industries that can help you kickstart your career:

1. Information Technology (IT)

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Ideal for beginners, this certification covers basic IT knowledge such as network security, software development, and data management. It’s a great starting point if you’re looking to build a career in IT without prior technical experience.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Developed by Google, this certification is designed for those looking to enter the IT support field. It covers fundamental IT concepts and troubleshooting techniques, making it an excellent choice for freshers.

2. Marketing

Google Analytics for Beginners

This free certification from Google provides foundational knowledge in using Google Analytics to track website traffic and understand audience behavior. It’s a great starting point for those interested in digital marketing.

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

This certification teaches you the basics of inbound marketing, including content creation, social media promotion, and lead nurturing. It’s ideal for freshers looking to enter the world of digital marketing and start building their online presence.

3. Healthcare

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

For those interested in a healthcare career, becoming a CNA is one of the fastest and most accessible ways to enter the field. This certification prepares you to assist patients with daily tasks under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

BLS certification is essential for healthcare professionals, especially for those working in emergency care settings. It teaches the fundamentals of CPR and emergency response, making it valuable for anyone starting a healthcare career.

4. Project Management

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

This entry-level certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is ideal for freshers who want to build a career in project management. It provides foundational knowledge of project management concepts, tools, and techniques.

Google Project Management: Professional Certificate

This certification is designed to prepare you for a career in project management, even without prior experience. It covers the fundamentals of managing projects and teams, making it a great option for those interested in leadership roles.

These certifications are accessible for freshers, providing a solid foundation of knowledge that can be leveraged to build a successful career.

Affordable and Beginner-Friendly Certifications

For those just starting out, affordability is often a key consideration. Luckily, many beginner-friendly certifications won’t break the bank but still provide significant value. Here are some affordable options:

1. Google Analytics for Beginners (Free)

This free certification is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning about digital analytics. It provides practical skills in using Google Analytics to track and analyze website traffic.

2. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification (Free)

HubSpot offers a range of free certifications, including inbound marketing, that are valuable for freshers looking to start a career in marketing. The courses are beginner-friendly and can be completed at your own pace.

3. LinkedIn Learning Certifications (Varies)

LinkedIn Learning offers various certifications in fields such as marketing, IT, and business. With a subscription fee, you can access a wide range of beginner-level courses and earn certificates to display on your LinkedIn profile.

4. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) ($126)

This certification provides a broad understanding of essential IT concepts and is relatively affordable compared to more advanced certifications. It’s a great choice for freshers interested in breaking into the IT field.

5. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid, $39/month without)

This program, offered through Coursera, provides a comprehensive introduction to IT support. It’s accessible to beginners, and financial aid is available to make it even more affordable.

These certifications are not only budget-friendly but also designed to be beginner-friendly, making them excellent options for anyone looking to gain essential skills without a large financial investment.

How to Leverage Entry-Level Certifications on Your Resume?

Earning a certification is just the first step; leveraging it effectively on your resume is equally important. Here are some tips for showcasing your entry-level certifications:

1. Create a Dedicated “Certifications” Section

Place your certifications in a dedicated section on your resume, typically after your education and work experience sections. This makes it easy for employers to spot your qualifications at a glance.

2. Highlight Certifications in Your Resume Summary

Mention your most relevant certifications in your resume summary or objective statement. For example, “Recent graduate with a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, seeking an entry-level IT support role.”

3. Pair Certifications with Relevant Skills

If your certification has taught you specific skills (e.g., troubleshooting for IT support or lead generation for marketing), include these skills in your “Skills” section and indicate how they were developed through your certification.

4. Tailor Certifications to the Job Description

Ensure that the certifications you feature are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires project management skills, highlight your CAPM or Google Project Management certification.

5. Include Completion Date

Including the date you earned your certification demonstrates that your skills are up-to-date. For certifications that require renewal, this also shows that you’re actively maintaining your qualifications.

By strategically placing and highlighting your certifications, you can show employers that, even without much experience, you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the role.

Conclusion

For freshers entering the job market, certifications are a powerful way to gain credibility and improve your chances of landing a job. From IT and healthcare to marketing and project management, numerous affordable, beginner-friendly certifications can kickstart your career. By earning certifications and effectively leveraging them on your resume, you demonstrate to employers that you’re proactive, knowledgeable, and ready to contribute.

For more guidance on how to include certifications on your resume, check out our complete guide here: Certifications on Resume.

[breelandwalker]

Conversations I Have Had With Grown-Ass Adults Today:

-"While I can sympathize with your situation, and I do, the payroll department is not going to accept a note that says Hot Girl Tummy Issues an excuse for lateness. Just put in for a half day's worth of sick time, no explanation needed."

-"Yes, if you're going to be absent from work unexpectedly, you DO need to let your manager or teammates know. .....Yes, even if you're hungover. .....Yes, even if you've been here for twenty years. .....Yes, I'm serious. .....Yes, a text message would be fine."

-"With all due respect, sir, our office suite is consistently quiet because the team members here are usually either working on data entry for incoming donations or talking on the phone with donors. Walking into the suite and loudly calling, 'WHY IS IT SO QUIET IN HERE?' every day is causing disruption to our workflow and does not sound professional to callers. .....Yes, they can hear you. The entire wing can hear you. .....No, they don't find it amusing and unfortunately neither do we."

-"I'm very sorry ma'am, but spending money at the outlet malls in the same city as our museum does not count as a charitable donation to the organization. .....Because those funds were used to purchase items from shops, not donated to the museum. .....No, we don't get a cut of area sales from private businesses. .....No, shopping and staying in the area do not grant you a say in our programming. .....Ma'am, that's not remotely how any of this works. I've been shopping at the local pharmacy for years and it hasn't given me shares in Walgreens. If you would like to make a donation directly to our organization, I can assist you- .....You don't support our programming so you don't wish to donate, you just wanted to know if you could get a free hotel stay for shopping at [unaffiliated outlet shops]. I see. The answer is no. .....I'm glad I could answer your questions. Have a nice day, ma'am." (She told me to go fuck myself.)

-"The benefits associated with your membership are listed in the letter that arrived with your membership card. .....The card at the bottom of the letter. It should have your name and membership level and expiration date- .....What letter? I'm sorry, sir, at the beginning of our conversation, I thought you had mentioned that you called because you'd received a letter- .....Another solicitation? It's possible. What does the text of the letter say? .....Okay, could you please open the letter and let me know what the first sentence says? .....Okay, that's your acknowledgement letter, your membership card should be attached at the bottom. .....The benefits associated with your membership are listed in the letter you just received. .....Yes I'm sure. .....Yes it's a thank-you letter, but it also explains your benefits. .....Sir, perhaps it would be better if you read the letter and called back with any further questions you might have at that time."

-"Sir, the terms listed at the bottom of the invoice we sent you indicate that payment must be received within the allotted time or the order will be cancelled. We did not receive payment and you did not respond to our attempts to contact you, so the order was cancelled. .....Sir, net7 means seven DAYS, not seven WEEKS."

[kbcca]

Accounting Firms in India: Enabling Financial Growth for Modern Businesses

The Essential Role of Accounting Firms in India

In today’s competitive business environment, accounting firms in India have become indispensable to companies aiming for financial transparency, legal compliance, and sustained growth. These firms are not only handling traditional tasks like bookkeeping and tax filing but are also offering strategic support in areas such as auditing, payroll management, and financial consulting. As India’s economy continues to evolve, the role of accounting professionals is becoming more crucial than ever.

With the increasing complexity of tax laws and financial regulations, businesses are turning to professional accounting firms to manage their financial responsibilities accurately and efficiently. The right firm can help reduce financial risks, ensure compliance with Indian accounting standards, and support the overall decision-making process.

Why Businesses Choose Professional Accounting Firms

Managing finances internally can be overwhelming, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. That’s why many organizations choose to outsource accounting functions to expert firms. Here’s why this trend is growing:

Regulatory Compliance: Accounting firms keep up with evolving tax laws, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with GST, income tax, and MCA regulations.

Cost Savings: Outsourcing is often more affordable than hiring an in-house accounting team, reducing operational costs.

Efficiency and Accuracy: Professional firms use advanced software and tools to ensure accurate record-keeping and timely financial reporting.

Scalable Solutions: Services can be adjusted to meet the needs of growing businesses, from startups to established enterprises.

Services Offered by Accounting Firms in India

Accounting firms in India offer a wide range of services tailored to different types of businesses. These include:

1. Bookkeeping and Financial Reporting

Maintaining organized financial records is the foundation of sound business practices. Firms handle daily transaction tracking, journal entries, ledger management, and monthly financial statement preparation.

2. Tax Planning and Filing

Navigating India’s tax system can be challenging. Accounting firms assist with GST returns, income tax filings, TDS calculations, and tax audits, while also advising on effective tax-saving strategies.

3. Audit and Assurance Services

Internal audits, statutory audits, and compliance audits help identify risks and inefficiencies. These services enhance transparency and build trust with stakeholders and investors.

4. Payroll and Compliance Management

From salary processing to PF, ESI, and professional tax deductions, accounting firms handle every aspect of payroll while ensuring compliance with labor laws and statutory requirements.

5. Business Advisory and Financial Consulting

Many firms also provide financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting services. This helps business owners make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

Qualities to Look for in an Accounting Firm

Choosing the right accounting partner is a strategic business decision. When evaluating potential firms, consider the following:

Certification and Experience: Ensure the firm is registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and has experience in your industry.

Technological Capability: Look for firms that use modern accounting tools such as Tally, Zoho Books, QuickBooks, or Xero.

Transparent Communication: A reliable firm provides regular updates, clear reports, and prompt support.

Customizable Services: Every business has unique needs. Choose a firm that offers tailored solutions instead of one-size-fits-all packages.

The Advantages of Hiring Indian Accounting Firms

India’s accounting sector is recognized for its high standards of professionalism and affordability. Some of the key benefits include:

Skilled Workforce: India produces thousands of qualified CAs and finance professionals each year.

Language Proficiency: English-speaking professionals make communication seamless for both domestic and international clients.

Competitive Pricing: Indian firms offer world-class services at cost-effective rates, making them attractive for global outsourcing.

The Evolving Future of Accounting in India

The accounting industry in India is rapidly adapting to technological innovation. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing are transforming how firms deliver services. Clients now benefit from real-time financial data, predictive analytics, and paperless operations.

Additionally, government initiatives such as faceless assessments, e-invoicing, and digital compliance are pushing accounting firms to adopt smarter workflows and enhance client service quality.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, accounting firms are expected to play an even bigger role—not just as compliance experts, but as strategic financial advisors.

Conclusion

In a fast-changing economic landscape, accounting firms in India have emerged as trusted partners for businesses that want to operate with confidence and clarity. Their expertise, combined with advanced technology and deep regulatory knowledge, allows companies to focus on their core activities while leaving the complexities of finance and compliance to the professionals.

Whether you're launching a startup, managing a growing enterprise, or expanding internationally, working with a reliable accounting firm can drive efficiency, reduce risk, and support long-term success.

[attorneysinphuket]

Thailand Board of Investment

1. Institutional Framework and Historical Context

1.1 Legal Foundations

Established under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977)

Amended by Act No. 4 B.E. 2560 (2017) to accommodate Industry 4.0

Operates under the Office of the Prime Minister with quasi-ministerial authority

1.2 Governance Structure

BOI Board: Chaired by the Prime Minister

Investment Committee: 12-member expert panel

Secretariat: Professional staff of 300+ specialists across 8 divisions

1.3 Historical Evolution

Phase 1 (1960-1990): Import substitution industrialization

Phase 2 (1991-2015): Export-oriented manufacturing

Phase 3 (2016-present): Technology-driven "Thailand 4.0" initiative

2. Investment Promotion Strategy

2.1 Geographic Prioritization

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Enhanced incentives

Southern Border Provinces: Special security concessions

20 Provinces: Tiered incentive structures

3. Incentive Architecture

3.1 Tax Privileges

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Holidays:

5-8 years exemption

50% reduction for 5 subsequent years

Import Duty Exemptions:

Machinery: 100% relief

Raw materials: Partial relief based on local content

3.2 Non-Tax Incentives

Land Ownership Rights: Foreign freehold permitted

Work Permit Facilitation: Fast-track processing (7 days)

Foreign Expert Visa: Multiple-entry 4-year SMART Visa

3.3 Special Incentive Packages

EEC+ Package:

15-year CIT exemption

Personal income tax cap at 17%

Digital Park Thailand:

10-year tax holiday

Data center infrastructure subsidies

4. Application and Approval Process

4.1 Pre-Application Phase

Eligibility Assessment (30-day diagnostic)

Project Feasibility Study requirements:

Minimum 3-year financial projections

Technology transfer plan

Environmental impact assessment (for Category 3 projects)

4.2 Formal Submission

Documentation Requirements:

Corporate structure diagrams

Shareholder background checks

Detailed investment timeline

Filing Channels:

Online BOI e-Service portal

In-person at BOI One Start One Stop center

5. Compliance and Operational Requirements

5.1 Investment Implementation

Capital Deployment Schedule:

25% within 12 months

100% within 36 months (extensions possible)

Employment Ratios:

Minimum 1 Thai employee per THB 1M investment

Technology transfer obligations

5.2 Reporting Obligations

Annual Progress Reports: Detailed project updates

Tax Privilege Utilization Statements: Certified by auditor

Foreign Expert Tracking: Monthly work permit updates

6. Sector-Specific Considerations

6.1 Manufacturing Sector

Local Content Requirements: 40-60% depending on sector

Environmental Standards: Tiered compliance levels

6.2 Digital Economy

Data Localization Rules: Conditional exemptions

IP Protection: Enhanced safeguards for BOI projects

6.3 Renewable Energy

Feed-in Tariff Eligibility: BOI+EGAT coordination

Carbon Credit Monetization: Special provisions

7. Dispute Resolution and Appeals

7.1 Privilege Revocation Process

Grounds for Cancellation:

Failure to meet investment timelines

Violation of environmental regulations

Fraudulent application information

Appeal Mechanism: 60-day window to petition

7.2 Arbitration Framework

THAC-administered proceedings

Expedited process for BOI disputes

8. Emerging Trends and Future Directions

9.1 Policy Developments

Draft Amendment Act (2025): Proposed R&D requirements

Green Industry Incentives: Carbon neutrality targets

9.2 Technological Integration

Blockchain Verification: For document authentication

AI-assisted Application Processing: Pilot program

9.3 Global Value Chain Positioning

ASEAN+3 Supply Chain Initiatives

EU-Thailand FTA Preparations

9. Strategic Implementation Guide

10.1 For Multinational Corporations

Regional HQ Strategy: Leverage RHQ privileges

Tiered Investment Approach: Phased capital deployment

10.2 For SMEs

Cluster Development: Co-location benefits

Technology Partner Matching: BOI-facilitated pairings

10.3 Risk Management

Compliance Calendar: Critical date tracking

Contingency Planning: Alternative incentive structures

Key Resources:

BOI Official Website: www.boi.go.th

Investment Privileges Database: privilege.boi.go.th

EEC Special Regulations: eeco.or.th

[assitsbay]

The Role of Technology in Outsourcing Bookkeeping: How Assist Bay Uses Modern Tools for Seamless Integration

In today’s globalized economy, outsourcing bookkeeping services has become a strategic solution for businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and improve efficiency. Particularly in the UK and the Caribbean, companies are increasingly outsourcing their accounting needs to offshore experts in India. At the heart of this transformation lies the role of technology, which has revolutionized the way businesses integrate with outsourced bookkeeping services. Assist Bay, a leader in providing outsourced bookkeeping solutions, is harnessing modern tools to make this process seamless, efficient, and transparent.

The Growing Trend of Bookkeeping Outsourcing

Outsourcing bookkeeping services is a growing trend, especially in the UK and the Caribbean, where businesses are constantly seeking ways to reduce operational costs while maintaining high-quality financial management. Many businesses in these regions, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are turning to offshore solutions like those provided by Assist Bay, which is based in India. Outsourcing bookkeeping not only allows companies to access skilled accounting professionals at a fraction of the cost but also ensures that businesses can focus on their core activities while maintaining financial accuracy and compliance with local tax laws.

Why India for Outsourcing Bookkeeping?

India has long been a go-to destination for outsourcing services due to its large pool of skilled professionals, a robust IT infrastructure, and cost-efficiency. Indian bookkeeping experts are well-versed in international accounting standards, including UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and Caribbean tax laws, making them a perfect fit for businesses in the UK and the Caribbean.

The Role of Technology in Bookkeeping Outsourcing

As the landscape of outsourcing evolves, so does the technology that supports it. At Assist Bay, modern tools play a crucial role in making bookkeeping outsourcing seamless. Here’s how technology is transforming the process.

Cloud-Based Bookkeeping Software

One of the biggest advancements in the bookkeeping industry has been the shift to cloud-based platforms. Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books allow real-time access to financial data from anywhere in the world. This enables business owners in the UK and the Caribbean to collaborate effectively with their offshore bookkeeping teams in India. Cloud-based software ensures that all financial data is stored securely, and updates can be made in real-time, reducing the risk of errors. Whether it’s invoicing, payroll, or tax filing, cloud-based bookkeeping tools ensure that everything is up-to-date and accurate.

2. Automation of Repetitive Tasks

Another significant way technology has improved bookkeeping outsourcing is through automation. At Assist Bay, advanced automation tools are used to manage repetitive tasks such as data entry, transaction categorization, and reconciliation. This reduces human error, saves time, and ensures that the team can focus on more strategic tasks, like financial analysis and forecasting. By automating these routine tasks, businesses in the UK and Caribbean can rely on fast, accurate, and consistent bookkeeping services without the worry of manual errors creeping in.

3. Integration with Financial Systems

One of the key benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping to India is the seamless integration with a company’s existing financial systems. Modern tools allow for smooth integration with platforms like ERP systems, CRMs, and other financial applications. Assist Bay leverages APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to connect various software tools, ensuring that data flows effortlessly between systems. This integration ensures that businesses don’t have to deal with fragmented information. They can access consolidated financial data, reports, and analytics from one central location, making decision-making more efficient and informed.

4. Data Security and Compliance

Data security and compliance are top concerns for businesses when outsourcing their bookkeeping. In the UK and the Caribbean, businesses need to ensure that their financial data is protected and compliant with local regulations. Assist Bay employs the latest encryption technologies to safeguard sensitive financial information, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access. Moreover, Assist Bay stays up-to-date with changes in tax laws and accounting standards, ensuring that all bookkeeping practices meet local regulatory requirements. For businesses in the UK, this means adhering to HMRC standards, while for companies in the Caribbean, it involves compliance with local tax laws, which can differ from one island to another.

5. Real-Time Collaboration and Communication Tools

Technology has also improved communication between outsourced bookkeeping teams and businesses. Assist Bay uses collaborative tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom to ensure constant communication and immediate resolution of any issues. This ensures that clients in the UK and the Caribbean are always in the loop and can easily discuss any concerns with their bookkeeping team. Real-time communication tools also allow for faster decision-making and better collaboration on financial reports and business strategies. As a result, businesses can stay agile and responsive in today’s competitive environment.

6. Data Analytics and Reporting

Gone are the days of manual ledger entry and paper-based reporting. With the help of modern tools, Assist Bay provides businesses in the UK and Caribbean with detailed financial analytics and real-time reports. By analysing financial data with AI-powered tools, Assist Bay helps businesses gain valuable insights into their spending habits, cash flow, and profitability. These reports can be customized to suit the specific needs of a business, giving stakeholders the information they need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s forecasting revenue, tracking expenses, or assessing tax liabilities, data-driven insights are now more accessible than ever before.

The Future of Bookkeeping Outsourcing

The future of bookkeeping outsourcing lies in the continued evolution of technology. As cloud computing, automation, and AI become more advanced, the role of technology in outsourcing will only grow. Assist Bay is at the forefront of this change, helping businesses in the UK and the Caribbean seamlessly integrate outsourced bookkeeping services with modern technology. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and maintaining a focus on security, accuracy, and compliance, Assist Bay ensures that businesses can confidently rely on outsourced bookkeeping services without compromising on quality. As the demand for outsourcing grows, businesses in the UK, Caribbean, and beyond will continue to benefit from the efficiency, cost savings, and strategic insights that modern technology offers. Outsourcing bookkeeping services to India is no longer just about saving costs — it’s about gaining a competitive advantage by leveraging the power of technology for smarter, more efficient financial management.

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Against the backdrop of an administration enforcing tighter immigration policies, her uncertain residency status in the United States feels like facing death for Maria, a 54-year-old Filipino caregiver. She has attended multiple seminars conducted by a migrants’ group on what to do if confronted by law enforcement and always keeps her legal documents on hand. “They have given all the help they could to prepare you for the situation. [But] you know, it’s kind of like death—you don’t really know when it will happen, and you can’t fully prepare for it. Even if you’re aware, fear can still get the better of you,” Maria, not her real name, told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

“I’m ready,” she told herself as she went to a grocery store recently, reassuring herself with her identification card, license and marriage contract that she carried with her. But as she entered the shop, she saw what appeared to be an immigration raid.

Panicked, she immediately left the place. She locked herself in her room during the following two days that she was off from work. That had never happened to her before, she said. She called her children in the Philippines. “I told them, just in case something happens, they should be ready. I don’t know. No one knows … That’s when people start getting arrested,” she recalled.

Filipinos working in the United States, especially those who are undocumented, are gripped by fear and anxiety amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The stricter policies, an immigration lawyer warned, could even disrupt health-care delivery, which has a large immigrant labor force. According to an October 2024 report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, immigrants comprise 16 percent of the total US workforce. They make up 31 percent of home care workers, 22 percent of residential care aides, and 22 percent of nursing assistants in nursing homes, according to the document prepared by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Based on data from the Department of Migrant Workers, nearly half—47.55 percent, or 921—of overseas Filipino workers deployed to the United States last year were health-care professionals.

[...]

Maria, part of the broader health-care workforce as a caregiver, is now considering leaving her current employer due to safety concerns. She first visited the United States in 2016 with plans to settle permanently with her children from her first marriage. But she had to frequently fly between the United States and the Philippines because her children’s births were not registered. Her last entry in the United States was in December 2019. She tried to return home multiple times in 2020 but was unable to due to the pandemic travel restrictions. Stranded in the United States, she met her second husband and has been working as a caregiver since then. Her second husband is a Filipino US citizen who later abandoned her. She has since filed for divorce, which is still pending, and plans to pursue a Violence Against Women Act (Vawa) case. However, she remains uncertain about her status, especially with stricter immigration policies affecting others like her in similar situations.

Currently employed by a Trump supporter, she laments the daily stress of watching news about the president and being asked for her opinion on political issues. “I have told my agency that I want to stop taking care of my patient because I get scared every time they ask me something. I feel like I’m lying to them, even though we haven’t really talked about (my status). But I have no choice because I fear for my safety,” she said.

The anxiety Maria faces, however, is not unique to undocumented immigrants or those with uncertain status because even Filipinos with legal status are experiencing similar fears.

-- From "US immigration raids keep Pinoys on edge" by Jane Bautista for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, 9 Mar 2025

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Deep Dive into Wi-Fi Hacking: How Ethical Hackers Secure Your Wireless Networks

With our hyper-connected world, Wi-Fi is the unseen lifeline keeping us online today. From streaming your favorite shows to managing your smart home devices, Wi-Fi is everywhere. But have you ever stopped to think about just how secure your wireless network really is? What if someone could sneak into your network, steal your data, or even hijack your devices? Scary, right? That’s where ethical hackers come in—the unsung heroes of the digital age who use their skills to protect, not exploit. If you’ve ever been curious about how they do it, or if you’re considering a cybersecurity and ethical hacking course, this blog is for you.

The Dark Side of Wi-Fi: Why It’s a Hacker’s Playground

Well, face it: Wi-Fi networks are a goldmine for cybercriminals. Why? Because they are usually the easiest weakness in our digital defense. It has weak passwords, outdated encryption, and misconfigured routers. That's not to mention stealing your Netflix login. Hackers can use it as an open gateway to access more of your digital life.

Here's your scenario: You're having your favorite coffee at a quaint little café while making use of their free Wi-Fi. Well, a hacker within some tables from you is running Aircrack-ng or Wireshark for quite a bit on your data that's going by. Before you realize it, they have gotten your login credentials, credit card information, or even obtained access to your corporate emails. How scary does that sound?

Enter Ethical Hackers: The Good Guys of Wi-Fi Security

That is when the ethical hackers come in. Cybersecurity professionals use the same hacking tools and techniques as evil hackers, with one difference though: they work for you. Their job is to find a hole before a hacker does so that they may fix it before hackers can gain entry into your network.

How do they go about it? Let's dissect this:

Reconnaissance: Ethical hackers first gather information about the target network. They use tools such as Kismet or NetStumbler to identify the network's SSID, encryption type, and connected devices.

Exploitation: Once they have identified potential weaknesses, they try to exploit them. For example, if the network uses outdated WEP encryption (which is notoriously weak), they might use tools like Aircrack-ng to crack the password.

Post-Exploitation: Having obtained access, the ethical hacker calculates the potential damage that can be done. Could they have accessed sensitive files? Could they have launched a man-in-the-middle attack? This step will give them a sense of real-world impact from the vulnerability.

Reporting and Patching: They finally document their findings and collaborate with the owner of the network to fix the issues. It may involve updating firmware, changing passwords, or enabling stronger encryption like WPA3.

Why You Should Care About Wi-Fi Security

You may be thinking: "I am an average user, so why would somebody even bother with me?" The thing is, hackers don't discriminate. Whether you are just an individual, a small business owner, or part of a large corporation, your Wi-Fi network is a potential target. And with the emergence of IoT devices, such as smart thermostats, security cameras, and voice assistants, the risk is much bigger than ever.

Here's the good news: You don't need to be a tech genius to protect yourself. By learning the basics of Wi-Fi security or even enrolling in a cybersecurity and ethical hacking course, you can take control of your digital safety.

How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Tips from the Pros

Want to make your Wi-Fi network hacker-proof? Here are some practical tips inspired by ethical hackers:

Use Strong Passwords: Avoid using common passwords, such as "admin" or "password123." Instead, use long complex phrase with letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enable WPA3 Encryption: The latest Wi-Fi encryption protocol is WPA3; if your router supports it, switch to WPA3.

Update Your Router's Firmware: Manufacturers in their official websites may have coming updates that address security vulnerabilities. Check and update the firmware on your router to a newer edition.

WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup is convenient but highly insecure. Just turn it off to minimize brute-force attacks.

Check Connected Devices: You would be surprised to know which device is connected to your network if you don't check it periodically. If something looks suspicious, investigate immediately.

Ready to Be a Wi-Fi Warrior?

If this deep dive into Wi-Fi hacking has piqued your interest, why not take it further? A cybersecurity and ethical hacking course can teach you the skills you need to protect yourself—and maybe even turn your passion for tech into a rewarding career. Imagine being the person who uncovers vulnerabilities, thwarts cyberattacks, and keeps the digital world safe. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Ethical hacking is not the art of hacking into systems, but understanding how they work so that such knowledge can be applied to strengthen their defenses. In a world that is ever changing with threats through cyber, it has never been a better time to learn.

Final Thoughts

It sounds like something out of a spy movie, but the truth is that Wi-Fi hacking is an everyday threat in your life. The good news is that with the right information and tools you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming cybercrime victims. However, whether you are a tech enthusiast or a complete beginner, a course in cybersecurity and ethical hacking will empower you to take the lead in digital security.

Remember the next time you connect to a Wi-Fi network: those invisible waves keeping you online can be the doors for hackers. Stay informed and vigilant, and maybe you will end up being that ethical hacker who saves the day.

So, stay safe and happy ethical hacking!

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Success Tips for Interpreting Global Health Organization Recruitment Outcomes

 Global fitness agencies play a pivotal function in addressing vital fitness challenges internationally. These businesses depend upon a skilled and diverse body of workers to supply applications, studies, and interventions that enhance health outcomes. Recruitment effects for such organizations are crucial for assessing their capacity to draw and preserve the expertise required to achieve their venture. This file outlines the recruitment outcomes, traits, and challenges faced with the aid of international fitness agencies in their hiring approaches during the last 12 months.

How to check global health organization job results online

Overview of Recruitment Efforts

During the beyond 12 months, worldwide fitness organizations collectively intensified their recruitment efforts to fill key roles. These efforts had been pushed through the growing call for for health offerings, particularly in response to ongoing worldwide health demanding situations including the COVID-19 pandemic, weather-related health dangers, and chronic gaps in healthcare get right of entry to in low- and middle-earnings countries. Recruitment campaigns targeted on hiring experts across diverse domain names, such as public fitness, epidemiology, healthcare control, nursing, and research.

Organizations inclusive of the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), the Global Fund, and PATH stated an growth within the variety of applications as compared to the previous 12 months. The availability of faraway paintings alternatives and digital recruitment equipment additionally contributed to a much broader attain in attracting skills.

Recruitment Statistics

Number of Positions Filled:

WHO mentioned filling 1,2 hundred positions globally, spanning roles in health policy, emergency response, and information analytics.

Doctors Without Borders onboarded 1,800 field staff, specializing in emergency healthcare and struggle-sector assist.

The Global Fund recruited four hundred experts for furnish control, research, and monetary oversight.

PATH effectively crammed 350 roles, emphasizing fitness innovation and vaccine development.

Applicant Pool Diversity:

Applicants hailed from over one hundred fifty nations, showcasing a vast global interest in contributing to health equity.

Female representation in applications improved by using 18%, with organizations actively promoting gender fairness.

Underrepresented corporations, which includes people from low-earnings countries, made up 32% of the applicant pool.

Top Roles in Demand:

Epidemiologists

Public health specialists

Data analysts

Health economists

Supply chain managers

Recruitment Trends

Increased Use of Technology:

Recruitment approaches more and more leveraged era to streamline hiring. Virtual activity festivals, AI-driven applicant tracking systems, and remote interviews have become general practices. This shift enabled organizations to get admission to a broader skills pool without geographical constraints.

Focus on Local Talent:

Many international fitness businesses prioritized hiring neighborhood professionals in areas wherein packages have been carried out. This strategy now not handiest decreased charges however also reinforced nearby capability and ensured culturally applicable interventions.

Emphasis on Flexibility:

Flexible operating arrangements, inclusive of remote and hybrid roles, had been emphasised to attract candidates. This flexibility turned into specifically appealing to mid-career professionals looking for work-existence stability.

Skill-Based Hiring:

A developing focus on abilties as opposed to traditional qualifications emerged. For example, information technology and era talents became notably valued in roles addressing health informatics and virtual fitness interventions.

Challenges in Recruitment

High Competition for Talent:

The demand for skilled fitness professionals passed deliver, leading to severe competition amongst agencies. Many applicants had a couple of offers, prolonging hiring timelines.

Resource Constraints:

Limited budgets for salaries and recruitment activities, mainly for smaller groups, restrained their potential to compete with larger establishments.

Retention Issues:

High turnover fees remained a project, specially in roles based totally in warfare zones or faraway regions. Burnout and absence of lengthy-term career possibilities contributed to this issue.

Barriers for Underrepresented Groups:

Despite efforts to sell variety, systemic boundaries together with lack of get right of entry to to better training and professional networks for underrepresented organizations confined their participation inside the staff.

Success Stories

Capacity Building in Africa:

The African CDC efficaciously recruited over 200 experts, with 70% being nearby skills. Their attention on capacity constructing thru schooling programs ensured a sustainable team of workers.

Diversity Initiatives:

WHO’s Gender Equity Program resulted in a 40% boom in lady hires for leadership roles. This development marked a sizable step toward attaining gender parity.

Rapid Deployment Teams:

Doctors Without Borders carried out a streamlined recruitment method for emergency deployments, reducing hiring times by 30% and ensuring faster responses to crises.

Recommendations for Improvement

Enhance Outreach Efforts:

Partnering with universities, professional institutions, and nearby businesses can enhance get right of entry to to numerous talent swimming pools.

Invest in Training Programs:

Offering fellowships, internships, and ability improvement applications can assist bridge the distance for underrepresented corporations and create a pipeline for destiny hires.

Strengthen Retention Strategies:

Providing career improvement possibilities, mental health assist, and competitive advantages can reduce turnover rates.

Leverage Data-Driven Recruitment:

Using records analytics to song recruitment metrics and pick out bottlenecks can assist optimize hiring techniques.