#remote IT staff

[deorwineinfotech]

IT Staff Augmentation: How to Hire Remote Developers

In the fast-evolving landscape of tech, companies are always on the lookout for faster ways to grow their teams with flexible options that do not entail lengthy commitments. Widely known as a solution for organizations in need of tech talent to help fill project deadlines, meet the needs that skills gaps present, or bring on specialized expertise IT staff augmentation is particularly relatable. In this model, companies can hire highly experienced remote developers to work like an extension of their in-house team. So, how exactly does IT staff augmentation work and what are the steps to hire remote developers effectively?

What is IT Staff Augmentation?

IT staff augmentation is an outsourcing model that allows businesses to hire professionals from outside their work offices for a specific duration. It is time and cost-efficient than any traditional hiring model helping organizations in making their hands with the best talent minus all that overhead required for a full-time employee. Companies can easily scale up or down based on their project's demands by hiring remote developers for specific project requirements.

Deorwine Infotech as a leading provider of Staff Augmentation services has provided a thorough guide on how to hire remote developers for your company needs.

Benefits of Hiring Remote Developers Through Staff Augmentation

Access to a Global Talent Pool: With remote hiring, businesses can access a wider pool of skilled developers or better yet talent that may be hard to find locally.

Reduced Hiring and Onboarding Time: Staff augmentation allows companies to skip lengthy hiring processes, enabling them to onboard developers swiftly and start projects sooner.

Cost Savings: Remote developers also save businesses money on costs like office rent, paying full-time salaries to employees along benefits.

Increased Flexibility This kind of model is excellent since it allows for flexibility when scaling your team to match the current requirement — which makes a lot of sense in companies with varying project demands.

Enhanced Productivity: Remote developers can also help ensure that progress is maintained 24/7 especially if they live in other time zones because this allows the project to be developed faster.

Steps to Hire Remote Developers for IT Staff Augmentation

Define Project Requirements and Skills Needed

Start by identifying the skills and experience necessary for the project. List out specific technical requirements (such as JavaScript, Python, or mobile app development), as well as soft skills that align with your company culture.

2. Choose a Reliable Staff Augmentation Partner Partnering with a reputed IT outsourcing staff augmentation agency or partner can expedite your hiring process. Work with partners who have a broad network of pre-vetted, remote developers to get you access to the right talent in its own way.

Evaluate Developer Experience and Compatibility

Interview developers to evaluate their technical competencies, previous project experience, and fit for company culture Perform coding assessment or actual test to understand the proficiency in those technologies It is fundamental to the compatibility with your internal team for a good robust collaboration.

Define Clear Communication Channels

Communication is very important for remote work, have clear channels using tools like Slack, Zoom, or Trello Daily touchpoints and a progress tracker help ensure all team members are consistently grounded in their objectives, tasks, and status.

By collaborating with an expert IT staff augmentation and tech expert like Deorwine Infotech, you may prevent overpaying.

Onboard the Developers Efficiently

Make sure any new developers have the resources, project details, and tools they need to hit running. Provide a clear onboarding that gets them up to speed with how your team works and what you expect.

Monitor Performance and Project Milestones

Set measurable milestones and provide continuous feedback to ensure project success. Staff augmentation partners often offer ongoing support, allowing you to adjust the team as necessary based on performance and project needs.

7. Building a Team CultureIf your developers are remote, it is still important to foster a strong team culture. Celebrate their small wins, share feedback, and create channels for open communication. You could also have virtual game nights or coffee chats to build community. This leads to better productivity, as a happy team is an efficient team.

Conclusion

IT staff augmentation services allow businesses to respond dynamically when a project requires them by overnight recruiting skilled remote developers. As long as a company chooses the right agency to partner with and is fairly open about what they need in their projects, remote hiring can have significant value while maintaining productivity levels.

For more info visit us: https://deorwine.com/blog/it-staff-augmentation-hire-remote-developer/

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[sosadraws]

HI SOSA how about 1,8,11,18 for Charlie for the asks 👀?

LYNX!!! HI!

1)What was the original thought that led to the creation of this character?

Why tell you when I can show you~

However, the original execution of that idea was different to current canon. Originally, I visualized it as a short story of a Mynah (Charlie) asking this Schnapper for help finding her lost best friend. Turns out, the Schapper was the missing Mynah all along, and the dialogue from the tags happen.

8) What is the origin of their personality? And let's be honest - how much of it is projecting?

I was thinking of the type of personality the perfect worker and leader should have: loyal to her employers, dedicated to her job, always gives her best, good at managing people and looks outs for others. Basically the type of person that you would enjoy having as a coworker, because you know you can rely on her. However, I also wanted to give her that Eusan Idealization and Patriotism that makes it hard for her to see the issues The Nation has on a objective light and empathize with persona degraded replikas.

God, I wish I was projecting here. Maybe always trying to see the positive on things??? But yeah, sadly I don't think we share much...

11) Is there any existing character from other media that your character resembles? Was the resemblance intentional or was it a coincidence?

Not an specific character, as much as the fact that she generally has the "naive idealist character gets reality checked" and "character gets put in a new environment and has to learn to adapt and accept other's differences" tropes going on. There are probably a lot of characters that fit this vibe as well, but I don't have anyone in mind rn.

18) Does the character have other characters connected to them? Do you have a family tree and "offscreen" connections made up for them or do they exist in a vacuum purely for the purpose of the story?

Oh definitely~

There is Wolf, her ruthless boss. Wolf considers her to be a great asset in the way she manages to get a lot done while boosting team morale. Charlie serves as a kind of bridge between her and the rest of the workers, and she hopes that by getting on her good side, she can help improve the work and living quality of her peers.

There's also her team, you know, Echo (Charlie "adopted" her and she's kind of her baby in a way. She knows about the persona degradation and doesn't want her to be found out by Wolf or the others), Alpha (fellow friend, sometimes she worries about her clumsiness tho, she doesn't want her to get severely hurt!) and the rest of the MNHR crew. Out of the bunch, she's the one that is the most outgoing/with the most initiative to take decisions, so over time she started to be considered their unofficial leader. This is mostly a mynah thing, but sometimes others go to her for advice.

... Now, there's this character that I haven't introduced. A Falke who was supposed to be decommissioned as she became less and less effective during battle, got hit with the Identity Crisis Horrors and now really wants to die (there's way more to this). Charlie at first was angry and really disappointed at her after realizing that she was harassing Luchs, but currently they're kinda ?????, because 1) Charlie is still angry at her, but wants to believe that people can do better, and 2) in a way they kinda see part of each themselves in each other 3) She was a very important part in Charlie realizing that her company doesn't really care about her.

...And that's all. THANKS FOR ASKING!! ✨✨✨ and specifically, THANKS FOR ASKING ABOUT CHARLIE! I don't do her justice with how little I talk about her...

[hazel2468]

My bullshit job: Hey so I know we work entirely with disabled clients, and I know a bunch of you on staff are also disabled, but we're gonna go ahead and lift all masking and vaccine requirements.

Me, in the staff meeting: Hi yeah so those requirements made me feel safe coming into the office, something I already fucking hate because I started full time remote, and now you're putting us all at risk.

Head of HR, total cunt: WELL just wash your hands! You don't KNOW that everyone was vaccinated! I'm going to publicly blow you off and be super condescending and a complete cunt in front of everyone.

Two months later

Head of HR: Hi there! I'm sending out our SIXTH EMAIL SINCE THAT STAFF MEETING to let you know we had a COVID exposure at the office! This is the sixth time in two months, compared to the maybe three times in the last two years total before we got rid of masking and vax requirements! Fuck all of you cripples, I'm an abled person on staff and I don't give a damn about you!

---

Anyway. I need to test again now, and spend my own damn money on tests. Who else is applying for jobs that don't neglect and criminally underpay their employees? (Seriously I haven't had a raise in 3 years and I've been told not to expect one until next year at least)

[losttranslator]

well after watching rvb: restoration I have the exact same feelings about it I did when it was first announced: I'm completely okay with seasons 16-18 being tossed but I still feel that s15 for all its flaws had much, much superior post-Chorus characterization.

[septembermonologues]

i'll scream and cry and throw up i love droids!!!!!!!!

[uptownhags]

truly deeply raging bc my boss came to work with both strep and the flu (sidenote: what the fuck) in the last two weeks and today i had to leave work not feeling well. "oh no!" she said, shocked. "feel better!"

[dragons-and-yellow-roses]

Me: Could a mentally-ill person do this?? *Buys gas, eats two meals in the day, and does both of my jobs*

[catenary-chad]

Make Up My Heart but it’s about whether I prefer Red Caboose or Slick as a shit stirrer. Caboose is so iconic and a fun twist on the cutesy roles they play in train media. But man, oil REALLY needs demonized more on what a hazard it is to transport because people will handwave away the sheer damage fossil fuels cause vs nuclear for the same reasons they handwave away car vs plane related deaths

[live-laugh-lenney]

anyone wanna do the honours and phone in sick for me so i can stay home and stay in my fictional arthurtv world and not go to work?

[incarceratedcastiel]

okay well they’re gonna let me out in a few minutes so i’m gonna go wait patiently to be let out

[housedeaubemarle]

The Grand Hunt - Part 4: The Trophy

Part 1: The Call

Part 2: The Tracking

Part 3: The Hunt

(written with @escherstrange-ffxiv who keeps on being amazing and mindbogglingly strong - we did it! We finished it!)

~*~

“Excuse me sir, has something happened? Why does everyone look so worried?”

The airship port worker furrows his brow, scratching his head under his tweed cap. Considering how the questioner has just stepped off the ship, a thick cloak round her shoulders and luggage in hand, the question makes sense.

“Horde attack about two hours past, lady - terrible business. The guards are out there now, sweeping the grounds; Ishgard even sent the Knights, and no wonder - two blasts they threw and the ground shook like nothing else. Hear tell they’ve already sent word to Twinpools for the dragon hunters.” He grimaces. “Think there were some casualties, poor souls.”

The eyes of the lady before him widen visibly. “Fury have mercy.”

The worker shakes his head. “Once a dragon, always a dragon.”

“I beg to disagree,” is a sudden reply. It comes from an Elezen who steps up neatly beside the lady. He’s visibly taller than her, but also wears travel garb, with bags in both hands. “Nidhogg’s hordes don’t speak for those who seek peace with Ishgard.”

The dock worker is about to object, but sees the glint in the newcomer’s dark brown eyes, even as his posture is relaxed, and voice civilly smooth.

“Well, can’t blame a man when half the cliff is gone,” he says gruffly.

“No, perhaps not.” He looks sideways at the woman, whose brow is wrinkled in concern. “Come on, Dine. Sooner we get home, sooner you can get that look off your face.”

She nods, then looks back to the worker. “Thank you. Fury keep you,” she says kindly before moving away with her companion.

The worker bows shortly, still stinging a little from her companion’s remark. He turns back to his duties, not quite hearing a shocked “Cillien!” from behind him. 

Some way away from the airships, Cillien faces his employer, his face the very picture of surprise. “Lady Oudine?” His blue eyes dart to the person with her; the shock increases sharply. “Lord Remont! Wha- how-”

Remont tilts his head in some confusion. “That should be our question considering how we had planned this as a surprise.”

Cilien stares at him as if he were speaking Doman. “S-surprise?”

“Yes, Rem said he’d come home with me to visit Mamma,” says Oudine with no less bewilderment. “We took the first airship out of Tailfeather, and the wind was with us. But we just heard there was an attack-” She stops. “Why are you here?”

“I… ah…” Cillien looks back and forth between his masters, trying to find the right words. “Well-”

“Cillien, I found them!”

Everyone looks up to see a much shorter Hyur running towards them, panting from his efforts. “It took some doing but they’re-” He screeches to a halt, suddenly realising exactly who Cillien is standing with. “Milady! Milord!”

Oudine’s mouth opens again to see another familiar face, in a completely unexpected place. “Lamb?”

Remont’s eyes jump from the dismay on Cillien’s face, to the horror in Lamb’s, to the utter stupefaction of Oudine’s. He puts a hand on his sister’s shoulder bracingly, as he asks, “Who exactly have you found, Lamb?”

~*~

“Isillud…? Izzy.”

The exhaustion is too deeply set, so it takes a few more shakes before the grey Elezen can bring himself to bleary consciousness. Stiffness and aches begin clamouring for attention across his body, resulting in a heartfelt groan. The waking world is too cruel for someone who’s been through as much as he has in one morning. Eventually, very eventually, his eyes focus.

A very tall, rather tanned Elezen, with short chestnut hair and an undercut, vaguely familiar dark brown eyes and attractive cheekbones, looks back at him. He wears a small smile as he places a mug on the bedside table.

“It’s been a while, cousin.”

It is a familiar scene with a familiar feeling: The languid tone like silk in his ears, the aroma of coffee tickling his nose, and too-bright sunlight pushing through the thin curtains.

The only difference is that Isillud Losstarot isn't buck naked; he checked.

That's when he realises he's still in the present: He's at Falcon's Nest, he brought Rewelle here. He sits up but the room begins to spin and he falls back onto the pillow. "Rewelle, will she be alright…?"

That that should be Isillud’s first question makes Remont’s smile grow. 

“She’s been stabilised, the healer told us, but still not awake,” he says, putting the back of his hand against Isillud’s forehead, gently brushing his bangs aside, to check for a temperature. He puts it to the side of the patient’s face as well, for good measure. “We won’t move her home until she regains consciousness.”

Satisfied that there isn’t a fever, he settles a thin blanket back over Isillud, now a little paler from his exertions. Remont sits back in the wooden chair next to the bed.

Isillud leans into Remont's hand, reluctant enough to look a little pained when his cousin returns to his chair but awkward enough to not look him in the eyes. "I see," he simply says.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but the innkeeper said you’ve been out cold since you got them to see to Rewelle. Had to check if you were rational, in addition to being alive. Also to keep Dine from worrying herself to death over you.” The smile becomes rather rueful. “Her concern also involves your brother despite his absence. Do you wish us to let him know where you are?” The dark brown eyes take on a curious gleam. “Or are you expecting him shortly?”

Remont's question assures him that Joshua and Escher weren't around at least, though he silently prays they made it to Ishgard without rousing suspicion. "Just tell Joshua we are…well." His pretty face frowns a little, "...What are you doing here?"

The other man considers his response. Izzy looks like he's been crumpled up and thrown about like a - while still beautiful - scrap of paper despite the stoic message for his own brother. Whatever agreement they'd had in the past - when they’d found out exactly whose son each of them had been - doesn't preclude a little levity to try and ease the tension.

So he just says lightly, “Taking care of you, since it seems you can't be trusted to do it yourself.”

The tips of Isillud's ears flush slightly pink at Remont's answer. He's still your cousin, Izzy, he reminds himself. "I just do it differently," he retorts, sulking slightly. Remont might remember that he sleeps in and used to neglect regular meals but it doesn't mean he'll admit it. Not to family, anyway.

Remont chuckles. In culinary terms, it’d be a dark chocolate brownie of a laugh: delightful, warm, maybe just a little too rich for comfort. Just a touch.

“Very well, little cousin, though I’m not sure I agree with your methods.” He leans back in the chair, looking as comfortable as if it were the plushest armchair known to man. “I’m here to visit my dear old mother - a surprise from her darling boy whose new haircut I’m sure she will adore.” He turns his head left and right rather proudly.

Isillud can't help but smile at the cornrows in the side. "She will certainly have much to say about it. I don't think I fit the style, though I do see its appeal."

Remont almost asks whether his cousin sees the appeal in the haircut itself, or on him specifically, just to see if the smile will become a blush. 

Instead, he continues, “Also I wanted to see my celebrated cousins for myself. Dine says you’ve been acquitting yourselves well in high society.” 

Isillud twirls a lock of his hair, partly flustered and partly proud at Remont's compliment. "It's all Joshua, really. He has a knack for it I never had. And you? Are you still adventuring?"

“I'm flattered that you think me, a spoiled highborn son, an adventurer,” says Remont with a boyish grin. “Say rather I've not been travelling much, not since we’ve expanded the Ranch’s breeding facilities to keep up with demand. Even I’ve had to be on hand, getting up at odd hours to help feed the chicks and check on the nests. Yet I never thought I’d see orders coming from the likes of Doma, so it's worth it.”

"Never thought I'd see the day Remont de Aubemarle becomes a chocobo rancher instead of bounding off on the next adventure. Perhaps you might take up the mantle of Viscount too?" Isillud teases.

The other Elezen just smiles; he's not about to take easy bait like that. “Hardly. ‘Tis Dine’s good management, I believe, much like Joshua’s knack.” He gazes at Isillud for a short minute, as if looking for something. Then his smile seems to grow quite gentle. “Such reliable siblings we’ve been blessed with, Izzy. Strange, isn’t it, that they care so much for us in spite of our own opinions?” 

Isillud snuggles back into bed, loosening a button on his collar; he's not slept fully clothed in bed since childhood and it smothers him so. "As we do for them. It goes both ways."

Remont doesn't miss the flash of neck and collarbone, and also doesn't take such bait, sitting quite comfortably in his chair.

“Will you tell me what happened, if I ask nicely?” His tone would be more suited to asking whether Isillud prefers tea or coffee.

Isillud's beaming smile is half hidden by his pillow and the soft strands of white hair falling over his face. "Let me hear your best attempt first, cousin." Even if Remont is a cousin and older, he's not going to let him off easy.

Remont snorts in amusement, enjoying the look of angelic innocence radiating off the other Elezen. it's the white hair, he thinks - quite a halo-like appearance. He moves his chair, just so he can lean closer.

“If you wanted a bedtime story, you could've just asked.” And because Remont can't help himself, he reaches out to stroke Isillud's soft hair, like he's soothing a child to sleep.

“The innkeeper says a man carried the lass in, and said he'd been hired to escort her to her cousin's in the Nest. They'd gotten caught in the attacks and she'd gotten hurt terribly. Please get a healer at once, the man had said, and a clean, airy room. Don't bother about him; he would shift for himself. Of course that wouldn't do, so this most compassionate proprietor had one of his workers give the man a room while they hastened for help for the poor young lady.

“Cillien and Lamb, the reason we found you, say the innkeeper perhaps had misheard. Lord Isillud had merely been kind enough to offer his escort for Rewelle to her cousin's at the Nest, particularly since her ladyship the Viscountess requested for both the lords’ assistance. They are here because they'd heard of the attacks and became worried.”

Remont's fingers don't stop their slow, languorous movements, just like his calm, even voice.

“It is extremely curious why you didn't take the easier route of the airship, and somehow ended up just outside the Bridge where the cliff got destroyed.”

His touch reminds Isillud of when his mother used to put him to bed, her long fingers gently massaging his scalp as she told stories of illustrious and noble ancestors.

"Extremely curious indeed," he murmurs, hovering over the edge of sleep with such gentle ministrations. "Why, it almost seems like it was entirely orchestrated to get rid of some ne'er do wells who had attacked one of the Viscountess's staff…and perhaps as a warning sign to the ignoble who employed them."

Remont just hums in reply, saying nothing more. He watches his cousin's eyes close fully again, making sure to keep patting Isillud's head till the breathing is slow, and even-paced.

“You and your brother have done much for us, Izzy,” he whispers. “I wonder if you even knew the risks you undertook.” He drops a quick – and to his credit, quite fraternal – kiss on Isillud's brow then rises to quietly leave the room.

Outside, his sister stands, hands crossed, staring at the door of Rewelle's room as if it had committed a cardinal sin. 

Only when he calls her name and touches her shoulder does she look up. The glare softens at once. “Is he alright?”

Remont nods. “Come, we shouldn't talk here. Let’s take a walk outside.”

The siblings head downstairs, where Cillien is having an overdue bite to eat. He stands when he sees his masters appear, but Oudine waves him back down. 

“It’s alright, please carry on with your meal. I must confer with my brother on what to do next.”

“Yes, milady.”

Remont throws him a smile as he nods at Cillien's plate. “Any good?”

Cillien returns a helpless grin. “Aubemarle has spoilt me hopelessly, milord, but it will do. Cook would have an opinion or three, I shouldn't wonder.”

Remont chuckles, and even Oudine finally cracks a smile. “Good man.” He gives Cillien another nod and walks with his sister out of the inn. 

Instinctively, Oudine tucks her hand around Remont's elbow as they begin their aimless stroll. The streets bustle with activity - people are running back and forth, spreading news and rumours alike. Several armoured men move amongst the crowd.

“It seems we owe our cousins thanks,” says Remont in a low voice, unfazed by his surroundings. 

“How so?” 

“Izzy alluded to an attack on one of the staff, and an ‘ignoble’ whom the attackers worked for.”

Oudine stares out into the street, swiftly putting theories and possible pieces together. “Ajax.” Her brows meet in a fierce glare. “That bastard arranged an attack on Rewelle?”

Remont is probably the only person who wouldn't bat an eyelash at Oudine swearing. “I am unsurprised. Even Tramault can't make things disappear if Ajax is involved directly.” He narrows his eyes. “The Losstarots must have lured Rewelle's attackers out of the city. I assume they had plans to get rid of them somehow, but dragonfire would have changed everything. I can't quite account for Joshua, but then, it's best for the head of the Losstarots not to be seen.” 

Oudine’s mind races with this new information. “Then that means they used Rewelle as bait. Joshua and Isillud might have been discovered. They could have been killed.” Her grip around Remont's elbow tightens. “Idiots.”

Remont pats her tense hand. “Rewelle wouldn't have agreed if she didn't want to.”

She shakes her head. “She's a maid in our employ. There is something to be said for power imbalances.”

“Like the one between us and the Gaussains,” replies Remont calmly. “I think they had little choice.”

Oudine falls silent, but her hold on his elbow does loosen a little.

“Why?” She asks at last. “Why would they do so much for us? For Rewelle? They're finally starting to see progress within Ishgard - the name of Losstarot is becoming more known for their generosity amongst the lowborn and abilities to the high. Why risk all that for… for such distant kin as us?”

Remont looks at his sister. “I thought you liked them.”

“I do like them, hence I refuse to treat them as tools to be used when convenient and put away when not,” says Oudine with frustration. “Rewelle too is not an object for us to move as and when we please.”

“...Dine.” now he pauses, so he can look her in the eye. His voice is gentle.

“Have you considered, perhaps, they also like our family enough to help us? That when they heard Rewelle was in trouble, they helped because it was right to do so, Gaussains or no?”

Oudine stares up at her brother's serious expression. Then she looks down, shaking her head at herself. 

Remont pulls her into a tight hug. “I'm sorry I left you with those Ishgardian beasts for so long, Viscount. You seem to have forgotten that there are trustworthy men even here.”

She closes her eyes, leans her forehead against his shoulder. “Then stay longer this time, Rem. At least long enough to help me hunt down one of them.”

He smirks. “You're set on it then.”

“Yes.” She raises her head, and the expression on her face resembles the Dowager's when provoked. “Gaussain has overreached.”

Remont's smirk widens. “Understood, milord. First, we have to take care of our injured.”

She nods. “I have some ideas.”

~*~

Early the next morning, a carriage draws up to the Losstarot residence. While Remont remembers Isillud's tendency to sleep in, they also want to check on Rewelle and Lamb who's been tasked to watch over her while the Aubemarle party returned to Ishgard the evening before.

Remont jumps down to go knock on the front door. 

“Remont de Aubemarle,” says the Elezen to Ser Drouhont. “Apologies for such short notice, but we're here for Lord Joshua de Losstarot. We'd like to bring him to Falcon's Nest, if he would be so kind as to accompany me and Viscount Oudine.”

"Mine apologies, but the young lord was entertaining an eminent Sharlayan scholar until late last night and is now nursing a dreadful headache. He has given express orders to not be disturbed." Drouhont bows deeply. "May I have the honour of passing him a message when he wakes?"

Remont only just manages to bite back a laugh at this frank declaration. He knows of Joshua enough to conclude Isillud isn't the only one paying for their part in this scheme.

“I understand. Pass him my sympathies, and an invitation to the Polar Head inn, in Falcon's Nest. If he can't rise, please reassure him we will return his brother safely before the day is out.”

When he returns to the carriage alone, Oudine just raises her eyebrows inquiringly. 

He grins. “Joshua is indisposed, but I've left the message. I'm sure he'll come find us.” Or not, depending on how long his head keeps pounding.

Oudine casts a doubtful look at him. “I know it's early but isn't he worried about Isillud?”

Remont snickers as the carriage goes on its way to the airship port. “Don't fret, Dine - those brothers have their own way of taking care of each other.”

Meanwhile, Drouhont closes the manor doors with a quiet click then drifts to the drawing room where Joshua lies with an ice pack on his head, shoes kicked off haphazardly and resting at a table leg.

"Fuck you Izzy, you left me with a fucking madman," Joshua mutters, the few short years spent in Limsa showing in his colourful language. He doesn't even move his head to look at Drouhont. "Who was it?"

"Lord Remont de Aubemarle came to bring you to Falcon's Nest to see your brother. I told them you are unwell as per your orders and he said he will return Isillud safely before the day is out."

Joshua tenses. He moves his head but moans when the room spins, returning to his initial position on the pillow. "So he's well, and they've found out."

"That would seem to be so, milord. Shall I prepare a carriage?"

"What for, to yell at him? We all know what happened. I'll yell at him when he comes back." Joshua turns to the backrest - the patterns are more soothing to sore eyes - and curls up. "Keep telling people I'm sick, Drouhont."

"Very well, milord." Drouhont bows and drifts out the door. He wonders briefly if his ex-commanding officer is aware of it yet.

~*~

Ser Lucille sighs at the slightly wider gap between Black Iron Bridge. "Dragonfire, you say?"

"Well, there was a report of a Sharlayan scholar at The Pike doin' some research."

She rolls her eyes. If it's who it is, the dragons are less paperwork. "We'll find them if we have the time. For now focus on weeding out the dragons. They must be around somewhere."

~*~

Sydney takes a sip of Thavnairian chai - hot, burning, and creamy, just the way he likes it. A half-folded letter is tossed carelessly onto a side table. "Nasser."

A tall broad-shouldered Raen pokes his head out from the kitchen, wiping his spice-laden hands. "Sir?"

"Our guest should be reaching the airship landing soon. Could you pick him up and bring him straight to his destination?"

"You do not wish to meet him?"

"I don't want to hear a common thug's desires." He removes his pince-nez to wipe the lenses.

"Very well." Nasser hangs up his apron by the door and heads out.

~*~

Back at the Polar Head, there is a knock, then another, on the door of Isillud's room. 

Lamb the footman had also been tasked to see to Isillud's needs. While it might have been a chore some days ago, Lamb now would run to Dalmasca and back if Isillud wished it. Anything could be done for the one who saved Rewelle.

“Lord Isillud?” 

Isillud groans at the door. Not even when he was in exile was he subject to so many interruptions. Instead he throws the pillow over his head and sleeps some more.

Lamb can’t help grinning when he hears the groan from within. Instead of leaving, he opens the door quietly. Without another sound so as not to disturb the snoozing figure in the bed, he leaves a can of hot water, an enamel basin and a fresh towel on the bedside table. On the chair, he drapes a clean shirt and trousers - originally Cillien’s - since he’s fairly sure Lord Isillud would prefer a change of clothes when he wakes, even if it’s just humble cotton and linen. 

He leaves as silently as he entered, then moves onto another room. Its occupant doesn’t open her eyes until he hovers over her.

She blinks awake, focuses on his face, and offers a smile. “No luck then?” she asks in a hoarse, weak voice. It’s still music to Lamb’s ears after her entire ordeal. 

It is well after midnight, in some blessed hour, when Lamb is jolted awake from where he’s bent over, half sleeping on Rewelle’s bed. His lower back yells mutiny at him, but it is nothing since he’d just felt someone touch his hair.

The candles have gone out, but he can vaguely see her looking at him.

“Thank the Fury and all the gods,” says Lamb fervently, grasping her hand and pressing it to his lips without thinking. He gets up to see her face closer, still holding onto her hand. 

“Where…” she tries, but the sound is weak and creaky. She winces at a pain that shoots into her torso.

“Falcon’s Nest. Lord Isillud rescued you.” 

She breathes out, relieved. “Is he… safe?”

“Yes, he’s alright. He’s fine.” 

“Good…” Her eyes begin to close again, sleep regaining its hold. “Stay, please?”

The grip on her hand gets tighter. “I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”

Rewelle smiles, then drifts back to sleep.  

He shakes his head. “Think milord’s sleeping off the amount of heroics from yesterday.” 

Rewelle chuckles, though it aches to do so. “No armour, yet a knight.”

Lamb tucks a loose strand behind her ear. “For which I’ll be eternally grateful.”

She looks at him with her dark eyes, taking in his expression. “...thank you, Lamb.”

“Whatever for?”

The smile, even with lips as pale as hers, is rather like early summer: lovely and bright. “Everything.”

Lamb can’t say anything to that, so he just leans over to kiss her forehead. “Could you keep anything down, do you think?”

“Not yet. Maybe… maybe after her ladyship arrives.” Rewelle sighs. “She knows?”

Lamb smiles helplessly. “I think she and Lord Remont worked it out. She said she had a plan for you.”

“...am I going to lose my job?”

Lamb laughs the first hearty laugh he’s done in weeks. 

~*~

“I left him some things in case he woke up before you arrived, milord, but so far he hasn’t stirred.”

While a much-relieved Oudine has gone in to visit Rewelle, Remont laughs outside in the corridor. He holds a box in one hand. “I expected as much. I’ll take it from here, Lamb. Thank you.”

The footman bows with an amused smile, letting his master be. 

“Izzy, I’m coming in whether you're ready or not,” he says out loud. 

Within the room: "If you're not naked and down to fuck, I'm not accepting," Isillud mumbles softly into his pillow through gritted teeth. What does he need to do to get some proper sleep around here??

The door remains shut. From experience, Remont has to surmise he's being cussed at. 

“I've no idea what you're saying, but it can't be good,” he says with much amusement. “Do I have to eat all of these eclairs myself then?”

Oh, to be torn between sweets and sweet slumber, Isillud's eyes snap open but only to consider whether Remont meant literally or figuratively. "Urghhh," he groans, rolling out of bed (still in his previous clothes because he's lazy like that) and shuffling to the door, swinging it open.

To Remont, Isillud is, in a word, amusing: the messy hair, tired circles under his eyes, clouded green irises - no one would believe this was the absurdly beautiful Lord de Losstarot who visited the Viscountess just three days past even.

He takes about five seconds to absorb the details of this shambling husk of a noble, then grins.

“Dear cousin, if you're going to insist on being a hero, then you'll have to bear the consequences.” Remont holds up the box. “Half a dozen of ‘Lord Isillud's favourites’, with Cook's compliments, since ‘his lordship actually asked for it a while ago’.”

He ruffles Isillud's bedhead affectionately. “Have a few of those, then get dressed if you please. Rewelle and Dine would like to see you.”

"I didn't ask for it to turn out that way," Isillud mutters, scratching his hair and his crotch with the coordination of a seasoned pro before taking the box. "...give me half a bell."

After scarfing down three, he finally feels human enough to wash his face, wipe the grime and dirt from his body and change into the clean clothes laid out on a chair, though the gloves stay on. He claps his hands to dispel the dust as best he can, pockets the ear clasp, then heads out to meet everyone, prim and proper as he can look in the given circumstances.

In the corridor, Remont smiles approvingly at Isillud’s improvements. “This way, my lord.” He leads the way to Rewelle’s room, and opens the door.  

Inside, on the same kind of bed Isillud wishes he was still in, Rewelle lies under some blankets, covering her up to her shoulders. Her complexion has barely any colour in it, and the morning light shows scratches and bruises across one side of her face. But her eyes are open and clear, looking at Oudine who sits closely by her bedside.

When those same eyes catch sight of Isillud, Rewelle gives him the widest, warmest smile she can manage. She would have done the same even if he had been covered in slime and mould. 

“Lord Isillud,” she says hoarsely, but in a welcoming tone. 

Oudine glances up at him and though she doesn't really smile, she wordlessly vacates her chair, gesturing towards it. 

Thinking it a courtesy that should last no more than a few minutes (Rewelle needs her rest after all), Isillud stands at the foot of the bed, politely declining Oudine with a shake of his head and a raised palm. 

"How are you holding up?"

Oudine steps aside as her brother uses one hand to gently push him forward. “You won’t hear her from there,” says Remont.

Isillud is duly moved closer to where Rewelle’s head rests on the pillow. She can’t help a tiny laugh at the way the nobleman seems so hesitant, quite unlike any highborn she’s seen before. “Alright enough, milord.” Her eyes shine up at him despite the lack of strength in her voice. “More than I would be without your help. Thank you for saving my life.”

He is about to speak, but stops. What does he say?

You're welcome.

It was nothing.

'Tis your courage that saved you.

Nothing works. She must not know it didn't go to plan. Oudine will have our heads if she knows how much danger Rewelle was in. But they already know she was out where she shouldn't be, and he brought her back; the circumstances are too suspect; too timely.

Between the choice to tell all or to leave questions, he answers the only question that needs answering: He takes out the ruby clasp and gently places it on her blanket. "They will harass you no more, Rewelle. Breathe easy."

Remont sees the ruby glint under the light, and recalls years ago, when he was still regularly haunting all the smoky clubs and lounges highborn Ishgardian sons patronised, how often Ajax's older brothers had complained they couldn't wear other jewels in front of their father. That everything was about those ‘damned Thavnairian rubies’ they couldn't get rid of. Seems like the baby of the family was allowed to bend the rules, thinks Remont with some wry amusement.

His sister is reflecting on a different memory. He said that to me when he visited us the first time, thinks Oudine from where she stands. I wonder who gave him similar reassurances. Why it was needed.

That last question is answered as soon as it is asked. It had been five summers in exile, five summers of shame; five summers of having your family torn apart and scattered to the winds, not knowing if anyone had survived. Not knowing if you could survive without hope of regaining what you'd lost.

Breathing easily, concludes Oudine, would have been a luxury.

From where she lies, Rewelle looks down at the valuable earring. Her eyes widen at the implications. She tries to lift her hand but her body still feels too heavy. So she wiggles her fingers from out of the blankets at least, managing to pinch Isillud's loose sleeve (Cillien's shirt had been a few ilms wider in just about every measurement - a common occurrence when your frame is as rake-thin as Isillud's).

“Then… it's over?” She even glances at her masters, as if to seek confirmation. Remont smiles, Oudine nods. Rewelle looks back up at her rescuer, whose face is all kindness, and tears cannot help but spill over.  

Months of torment ended. Yisa avenged. There is hope again for the normalcy she had once enjoyed before all this. She could walk freely again, on her own, without fear.

Though it hurts to do so, Rewelle breathes in, so she can speak a little louder, with more emphasis. “I can never repay you, milord. Not in this lifetime. But you will be in my prayers every night. Thank you, truly.”

Isillud's sleeve slides a little off his shoulder, gooseflesh showing on his grey complexion. He simply nods. He doesn't deserve her gratitude, not when he's the reason she's in bed. He looks at Remont, silently pleading, ‘Can I go now?’

Without missing a beat, Remont steps forward. “Come, Rewelle. Lord Isillud is a rather shy individual,” he says, winking at her conspiratorially, and moving her hand gingerly back under the blankets. “And Lamb will turn us into porridge if we keep you up any longer. Do us a favour and rest; there’ll be time later.”

Rewelle smiles through the tears. “Yes, milord.”

Remont puts both hands on Isillud’s shoulders, not bothering to put the sleeve back. “Almost done, cousin. Courage now,” he murmurs as he steers Isillud out of the room, without letting him go. 

They wait outside, Isillud confused – more courage? Again? –  while Remont is poker-faced and keeps his hands on Isillud’s shoulders. Then Oudine emerges from the room a minute later, shutting the door behind her. 

She gazes at Isillud, more serious than he has ever seen her. Every time they have met before, whether in public or private, Oudine has always had a welcoming smile and a kind greeting for him and Joshua. This… is new.

“You risked so much more than your lives, do you know?” she says, low-voiced, her grey eyes directed straight at his green ones. “This is Gaussain we face. Gaussain, with direct line to Durendaire. Gaussain, with such wealth and power, Haillenarte had to be extra careful in rejecting their offers - Count Baurendouin himself would have capitulated, if not for Lord Stephanivien.”

Remont squeezes his shoulders; warmth goes through Isillud’s skin. Courage.

“Gaussain holds us Aubemarles in his hands, at least until recently. I was too young and desperate to understand when he offered to help after our father died, but that is Tramault’s way: find the weak, hold them by the neck until they go limp or die.” Her fists are clenched tight, white at the knuckles. “And Mamma decided it was fine to ask you to do this, to endanger yourselves for us, when you and Joshua have worked so hard…!”

In one swift movement, Isillud is yanked from Remont’s hold into a tight hug, Oudine’s fierce whisper beside his ear and her arms around his shoulders.

“Don’t you dare do this again, Isillud de Losstarot. We could have lost all of you…!”

She knocks the wind out of him with her sisterly embrace and the implications of his involvement begin to dawn on his groggy mind.

The rules have changed. They are no longer commoners where what the rich do have nothing to do with them, nor does getting rid of a spoilt brat's thugs simply stop at the thugs. In Ishgard, the chain is long, sometimes obscured by multiple links as it trails up, up the long ladder of command, winding and doubling back on rungs.

They have yanked the chain. Once Tramault de Gaussain cottons on to what he and Joshua are doing, there is no turning back.

But this is what Joshua wants. For noble House Losstarot to be where it was. Where we were. If it means knocking House Gaussain off its pedestal, it is the path we choose to walk.

A hand slowly, carefully creeps up Oudine's back and pats it. Once, then twice. 

We will rise, we will rise. And when we return then the reckoning begins.

"Thank you for your concern, cousin."

[May the Rood ever flourish.]

-

The End (for now).

[nobodybetterlookatme]

I've been working more events lately and I keep getting paired with one specific medic and some of my other coworkers told me that it's bc he's an asshole and everyone else hates working with him and apparently all his attempts at being a jerk to me have flown right over my head and I've therefore had no complaints so that's why my supervisor keeps partnering us up 😂😭

[techhy-simpson]

Smart Growth: Cost-Saving Expansion Tactics for Startups

For any growing startup, scaling up in a cost-effective way is a dream and a dilemma. These young businesses aim to boost their reach and operations. The big question is: Can they increase their team size without burning through their budget? This is where staff augmentation comes in. It's a practical, flexible method that lets startups grow without breaking the bank.

A Look at Startup Expansion Pitfalls

Take a fictional startup, ByteWave, as a case in point. Three university pals had a fantastic idea for a cloud-based service and ByteWave was born. After a year, their user base ballooned to 50,000. This explosive growth brought a heap of operational headaches. ByteWave's tiny 12-member team was swamped, battling to stay afloat amidst demands for customer support, software updates, and fresh feature rollouts.

Traditional hiring seemed the logical move. However, it's a costly option. The Society for Human Resource Management estimates the average cost of recruiting a new U.S. worker is $4,129, taking an average of 42 days. For a startup like ByteWave, this approach was simply out of reach in terms of time and budget.

The Benefits of Staff Augmentation

Staff augmentation is a far more efficient solution. It gives startups the flexibility to temporarily hire skilled personnel for key roles. ByteWave could quickly bring in specialist developers and customer service agents for specific projects. This gave the founders the ability to dynamically scale their team, tackling particular problems without the delays and costs of full-time recruitment.

A Smart Financial Move

Staff augmentation brings significant savings. Deloitte's research shows businesses can save as much as 30% in labor costs by adopting flexible staffing models. These cost cuts result from reduced essential overheads like benefits, office space, and training costs. Plus, it speeds up time-to-market. Deloitte's study also discovered projects are completed 20-25% quicker with staff augmentation, giving startups a crucial competitive edge.

Success Stories

Numerous real-world examples demonstrate how startups have used staff augmentation effectively:

Airbnb: To boost user appeal, Airbnb brought in freelance photographers to produce quality property listings, enhancing the platform's appeal without having to recruit full-time photographers.

Slack: During a critical period of rapid growth, Slack used remote contractors to provide 24/7 customer support, avoiding the costs of a large, permanent team.

Uber: Expanding into new locations, Uber used local contractors for tasks such as driver onboarding and market research, allowing fast growth without the long-term overheads of permanent local staffing.

Steps to Implement Staff Augmentation

If you're a startup considering staff augmentation, follow these practical steps:

Be Transparent: Define the needed skills and roles. This helps you find the right talent.

Choose Wisely: Partner with reliable staffing agencies or platforms that are familiar with your industry. They can quickly hook you up with vetted professionals.

Foster a Team Spirit: Treat augmented staff as integral team members. Make sure they attend meetings, have the necessary tools and keep communication lines open.

Be Clear: Set out the scope, deadlines, and deliverables for each project. This ensures all parties are on the same page and promotes effective collaboration.

Share Knowledge: Ensure the knowledge and experience that the temporary staff bring is shared with your permanent team.

Challenge Navigation

Staff augmentation, while beneficial, is not without its obstacles. Here's how to address them:

Building the Team: Temporary staff might not naturally fit into your company culture. To bridge this gap, include them in team activities and clearly communicate your values and aims.

Maintaining Standards: Keep high-quality work by setting clear quality benchmarks, and conducting regular work reviews.

Data Protection: Safeguard critical information with strict NDAs and limit access to crucial systems.

Employee Relations: Permanent team members might feel uneasy about temporary staff. Be clear about the roles of augmented staff and stress that they are an additional resource, not a threat to the core team.

The Way Forward

The move towards flexible work arrangements is increasing. An Upwork study predicts that by 2028, 73% of all teams will include remote workers. This factors make staff augmentation an appealing option for startups. Tools for remote project management and communication like Trello, Asana, and Slack are helping facilitate this shift, allowing efficient collaboration regardless of location.

Conclusion

Staff augmentation can be a lifesaver for startups trying to expand while preserving their budgets. It permits them to bring in specialized skills as needed, accelerate growth, and compete effectively without long-term financial commitments.

[tsubasaclones]

i just got fucking ccs jumpscared by this video

[osmiabee]

This isn't entirely true: It's not everyone who overwinters there, It's a requirement for doctors at Australian led stations because of the story above and another dangerous evacuation where the doctor didn't operate on himself.

Still a cool fact though!

TIL anyone who's going to overwinter in Antarctica has to have had their appendix out. Because removing an appendix that's not causing any trouble just as a precaution is way better than having one that's about to burst when you're on the ass-end of the planet with no way to be rushed to a hospital if shit gets real.

[likita123]

What are the basics of IT Staff Augmentation and its types?

Unlock the Power of IT Staff Augmentation for Your Mobile App Projects

When it comes to building successful digital products—especially mobile apps—having the right tech talent can make or break your project. But what if you don’t have the resources or time to build a full in-house team? That’s where IT staff augmentation services come in.

At SMTLabs, we specialize in helping businesses like yours scale faster by offering top-tier IT staff augmentation solutions. Whether you want to hire software developers, hire mobile app developers, or even hire React Native developers, we’ve got your back.

Let’s break down the basics of IT staff augmentation, the types available, and how SMTLabs can help you hire the right talent effortlessly.

What Is IT Staff Augmentation?

IT staff augmentation is a hiring model that allows companies to bring in external tech experts temporarily to bridge skill gaps and boost productivity. Unlike traditional outsourcing, staff augmentation gives you full control over your project while extending your team with the specific skills you need.

It’s an ideal solution for startups, enterprises, and digital agencies looking to hire remote developers or fill short-term technical needs without long-term commitments.

Types of IT Staff Augmentation

There are various types of IT staff augmentation, each tailored to meet specific business needs. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Short-Term Augmentation

Need to hire software programmers for a one-time project or to meet tight deadlines? Short-term augmentation is perfect when you need an extra pair of hands—fast.

2. Long-Term Augmentation

For ongoing projects or when you need consistent support, long-term augmentation helps you hire software developers who can become an extended part of your team.

3. Skill-Based Augmentation

If you’re looking to hire iOS app developers, React Native developers, or experts in other specific technologies, this model lets you plug in niche expertise exactly when and where you need it.

What We Offer at SMTLabs

At SMTLabs, we’re not just another IT staff augmentation company. We offer customized solutions tailored to your mobile app development goals.

Our Core Services Include:

Mobile App Development Support: Need to hire mobile app developers? We provide vetted professionals experienced in iOS, Android, Flutter, and React Native development.

Flexible Hiring Models: Whether you want to hire remote developers full-time, part-time, or on a project basis—we’ve got options.

Technology Expertise: From native to cross-platform development, our developers are skilled in Swift, Kotlin, React Native, Flutter, and more.

End-to-End Support: We handle the sourcing, vetting, and onboarding, so you can focus on building great products.

Our team works closely with clients across the globe, especially in the USA, making us a go-to provider of IT staff augmentation services in the USA.

Hiring Process Made Simple

Hiring through SMTLabs is easy and fast. Here’s how we do it:

Tell Us What You Need: Share your project goals, required tech stack, and team size.

Get Handpicked Talent: We match you with pre-vetted developers based on your criteria.

Interview & Select: You can interview and test candidates to ensure they’re the right fit.

Start Building: Once hired, your new team members are ready to integrate and contribute right away.

No long recruitment cycles. No overhead. Just top-quality tech talent at your fingertips.

Final Thoughts

With SMTLabs, hiring a software developer is no longer a painful, time-consuming process. Our IT staff augmentation services offer flexibility, speed, and access to top-tier tech talent—all at competitive rates.

So whether you want to hire iOS app developers, hire React Native developers, or simply scale your mobile dev team, SMTLabs is here to support your journey.

Ready to build your dream app? Let’s talk. 🔧📱