#strategic project execution

[modernmarketingmethods]

Project Management Consulting Services Aren’t Optional - They’re Essential

In today’s fast-evolving business world, success is determined not only by strategy but by execution. You might have the right idea, the right market, and the right timing — but without expert project execution, even the best business plans can fail. This is why project management consulting services are no longer optional. They are essential.

As projects grow in complexity, involve cross-functional teams, and operate under tight deadlines and budget constraints, organizations can no longer afford to take a trial-and-error approach. Professional project management consultancy services offer structure, efficiency, and expertise that lead to predictable outcomes. From startups to large enterprises, businesses that integrate expert consulting into their project delivery model experience better success rates, improved ROI, and stronger internal capabilities.

Here’s why these services have become mission-critical for organizations across industries.

1. Turning Ideas Into Actionable Plans

Many projects fail because they are built on loose plans or vague deliverables. Project management consulting services specialize in transforming ideas into structured, actionable project plans. Consultants use established methodologies to define scope, break down objectives, assign responsibilities, and establish timelines.

This level of planning ensures that all team members know their roles and that leadership can track progress with clarity.

2. Ensuring Strategic Alignment

Projects that are misaligned with overall business goals often waste valuable time and resources. Project management consultancy services ensure that each project aligns with long-term business objectives. They assess how the outcomes of the project will contribute to growth, operational efficiency, innovation, or customer satisfaction.

Strategic alignment keeps projects relevant, timely, and impactful.

3. Enabling Predictable and Efficient Delivery

In today’s competitive markets, delivering late or over budget can cause irreparable harm. Project management consulting services bring the discipline needed to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with high quality. Through proactive scheduling, milestone tracking, and dependency management, they ensure seamless execution from start to finish.

This predictability builds stakeholder trust and strengthens your company’s market reputation.

4. Enhancing Risk Management Capabilities

Every project carries a certain degree of risk. These could include shifting market demands, unexpected cost increases, or technical failures. Project management consultancy services bring robust risk management frameworks that help identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats before they impact the project.

Having a plan B — and sometimes even a plan C — reduces vulnerability and increases confidence in the project’s success.

5. Optimizing Resources and Reducing Waste

Inefficient resource allocation leads to burnout, bottlenecks, and budget issues. Consultants from project management consulting services help organizations use their human, technological, and financial resources more effectively. They analyze capacity, assign appropriate workloads, and balance competing demands so nothing gets wasted or overlooked.

This results in better productivity and a healthier bottom line.

6. Providing Unbiased Oversight

Sometimes internal project managers may be too close to a situation or lack the authority to make tough decisions. Project management consultancy services provide an objective, external viewpoint. They bring unbiased decision-making, resolve conflicts impartially, and offer honest progress assessments based on data and experience.

This kind of oversight helps businesses stay grounded in reality, even when things get complex.

7. Improving Stakeholder Communication

Transparent and consistent communication is essential to keep stakeholders informed and engaged. Project management consulting services establish communication protocols, reporting structures, and meeting cadences that keep everyone in the loop. This includes leadership teams, department heads, vendors, and clients.

Good communication leads to better collaboration, quicker approvals, and smoother project delivery.

8. Introducing Best Practices and Proven Frameworks

Experienced consultants bring with them a wealth of knowledge, tools, and frameworks such as Agile, Waterfall, Lean, or hybrid models. These aren’t just buzzwords — they are carefully selected practices tailored to fit your specific industry and project needs. Project management consultancy services implement these frameworks to improve project efficiency and scalability.

This helps teams adapt quickly, resolve issues faster, and deliver results more consistently.

9. Empowering Internal Teams for the Future

The benefits of project management consulting services do not stop at project completion. Many consultants coach internal teams, transfer knowledge, and help businesses build their own project management competencies. This creates long-term value by enhancing the organization’s ability to manage future initiatives independently and successfully.

10. Delivering Competitive Advantage

In today’s market, being able to execute better than your competitors is a significant advantage. Whether you're launching a product faster, integrating new technology, or expanding into new markets, project management consultancy services give you the tools, experience, and support to stay ahead.

They allow your business to move with confidence, supported by proven systems and expert guidance.

Final Thoughts

Successful execution is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. Companies that consistently deliver high-impact projects with precision and clarity gain trust, market share, and long-term profitability. Those that rely on informal systems, outdated tools, or inexperienced teams face delays, losses, and reputational damage.

Project management consulting services and project management consultancy services are no longer optional enhancements. They are essential components of a high-performing organization. Whether you’re facing a high-stakes transformation or running a portfolio of strategic initiatives, investing in expert guidance is the smartest move you can make.

[insert-witty-user-name-here]

Quick reminder as we head into Trump’s first week in office. We are about to see an onslaught of executive actions designed to strip of us our rights. We’ve seen this before.

Many of them won’t be legal, many of them won’t take effect immediately, and some of them will be just plain nonsense. Trump alone can’t change the law (yet anyway- that’s Congress) and there is an official government process for enacting most executive actions that works slowly.*

There will be time to fight against these orders—either by stopping them entirely, weakening them, or at least slowing them down.

The purpose of doing so many terrible things at once is to scare us. Is to intimidate us to cede more ground than we need to. Don’t let them.

Stay engaged, stay angry, stay hopeful (or spiteful- me tbh), and—most importantly—stay strategic. Find an organization you trust, follow them, and take action when they ask you to.

(Side note- pick just a few issues to care deeply about and only follow a few organizations you trust. Don’t try to solve everything all the time or consume every piece of news. You WILL burn yourself out and that’s not helpful for anyone. Trust me, speaking from experience. Staying 15% engaged is better than 120% for three months and then 0%).

What we’re seeing right now is a backlash to decades of progress—a dying (and by extension dangerous I’m not gonna lie) breath of those in power desperate to maintain control. They wouldn’t be trying to squash us if there wasn’t something to squash.

TL;DR- there’s gonna be a lot of bad stuff in the news today. Don’t give into panic. There will be time to fight most of it. Stay engaged.

*Unfortunately, there will be some actions the President can control on his own and will take effect immediately. ICE Raids being one of them. Here’s a Know Your Rights factsheet. To learn more and stay informed on this issue, recommend following National Immigration Law Center, CASA, Immigrant Defense Project.

[envirotechaccelerator]

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is officially on Amazon

by Envirotech Accelerator

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is a revolutionary book that exposes CEOs and top-level executives to a fresh lens of leadership. This insightful book draws you into the intricate world of game theory and shows how you can leverage it to create power, influence, and a distinct strategic advantage in the boardroom and beyond.

Here is what you’ll learn from this groundbreaking book:

An In-depth Understanding of Game Theory: Unearth the fundamentals of game theory, its principles, and how they can be a game-changer in executive leadership.

The Power of Strategic Interactions: Discover how game theory shapes decision-making processes, and how you can use this knowledge to drive your organization’s strategic objectives.

Predicting Stakeholder Actions: Master the art of using game theory to anticipate the moves of your stakeholders, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.

Building Strategic Alliances: Learn how game theory can facilitate the formation of beneficial partnerships, boosting your influence and reach in the industry.

Game Theory in Policy Influence: Understand how you can use game theory to shape policies that work in your favor, enhancing your organization’s operational landscape.

Negotiation Tactics: Harness the power of game theory to craft successful negotiation strategies that yield advantageous results.

Resource Allocation Strategies: Grasp how game theory can optimize resource allocation, improving efficiency and productivity.

Risk Mitigation: Explore how game theory can be leveraged for effective risk management, ensuring organizational stability and resilience.

Cooperative and Non-Cooperative Games: Delve into the realms of cooperative and competitive scenarios, and understand how to navigate each for optimal results.

Future Trends in Game Theory: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends in game theory and how you can use them to sustain your leadership position.

In “Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory,” you will explore a new world where science and leadership meet. It is a guide for those who aim to disrupt the status quo, fostering innovation and transformative leadership. By integrating the powerful tools of game theory into your strategy, you will not only amplify your influence but also carve out a path of excellence for your organization. Get ready to master the game of leadership and take your influence to unprecedented heights with this must-read guide.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Grab your book now on Amazon!

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Game-Executive-Directors-Amplifying-ebook/dp/B0CCK5Z8CX/ref=sr_1_38?crid=174WY9867E5EA&keywords=Game+theory+in+everyday+life&qid=1692991910&s=books&sprefix=game+theory+in+everyday+life%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C325&sr=1-38

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Game-Executive-Directors-Amplifying/dp/B0CCCX6987/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1692991910&sr=1-38

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

For more books, please visit James Scott on Amazon.

You may also visit Embassy Row Project.

[emancip8projectonline]

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is officially on Amazon

by Emancip8 Project

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is a revolutionary book that exposes CEOs and top-level executives to a fresh lens of leadership. This insightful book draws you into the intricate world of game theory and shows how you can leverage it to create power, influence, and a distinct strategic advantage in the boardroom and beyond.

Here is what you’ll learn from this groundbreaking book:

-An In-depth Understanding of Game Theory: Unearth the fundamentals of game theory, its principles, and how they can be a game-changer in executive leadership. -The Power of Strategic Interactions: Discover how game theory shapes decision-making processes, and how you can use this knowledge to drive your organization’s strategic objectives. -Predicting Stakeholder Actions: Master the art of using game theory to anticipate the moves of your stakeholders, ensuring you’re always one step ahead. -Building Strategic Alliances: Learn how game theory can facilitate the formation of beneficial partnerships, boosting your influence and reach in the industry. -Game Theory in Policy Influence: Understand how you can use game theory to shape policies that work in your favor, enhancing your organization’s operational landscape. -Negotiation Tactics: Harness the power of game theory to craft successful negotiation strategies that yield advantageous results. -Resource Allocation Strategies: Grasp how game theory can optimize resource allocation, improving efficiency and productivity. -Risk Mitigation: Explore how game theory can be leveraged for effective risk management, ensuring organizational stability and resilience. -Cooperative and Non-Cooperative Games: Delve into the realms of cooperative and competitive scenarios, and understand how to navigate each for optimal results. -Future Trends in Game Theory: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends in game theory and how you can use them to sustain your leadership position.

In “Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory,” you will explore a new world where science and leadership meet. It is a guide for those who aim to disrupt the status quo, fostering innovation and transformative leadership. By integrating the powerful tools of game theory into your strategy, you will not only amplify your influence but also carve out a path of excellence for your organization. Get ready to master the game of leadership and take your influence to unprecedented heights with this must-read guide.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Now Available on Amazon

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCK5Z8CX

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCX6987

[embassyrowprojectonline]

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is officially on Amazon

by Embassy Row Project

“Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory” is a revolutionary book that exposes CEOs and top-level executives to a fresh lens of leadership. This insightful book draws you into the intricate world of game theory and shows how you can leverage it to create power, influence, and a distinct strategic advantage in the boardroom and beyond.

Here is what you’ll learn from this groundbreaking book:

-An In-depth Understanding of Game Theory: Unearth the fundamentals of game theory, its principles, and how they can be a game-changer in executive leadership. -The Power of Strategic Interactions: Discover how game theory shapes decision-making processes, and how you can use this knowledge to drive your organization’s strategic objectives. -Predicting Stakeholder Actions: Master the art of using game theory to anticipate the moves of your stakeholders, ensuring you’re always one step ahead. -Building Strategic Alliances: Learn how game theory can facilitate the formation of beneficial partnerships, boosting your influence and reach in the industry. -Game Theory in Policy Influence: Understand how you can use game theory to shape policies that work in your favor, enhancing your organization’s operational landscape. -Negotiation Tactics: Harness the power of game theory to craft successful negotiation strategies that yield advantageous results. -Resource Allocation Strategies: Grasp how game theory can optimize resource allocation, improving efficiency and productivity. -Risk Mitigation: Explore how game theory can be leveraged for effective risk management, ensuring organizational stability and resilience. -Cooperative and Non-Cooperative Games: Delve into the realms of cooperative and competitive scenarios, and understand how to navigate each for optimal results. -Future Trends in Game Theory: Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the emerging trends in game theory and how you can use them to sustain your leadership position.

In “Mastering the Game: An Executive Director’s Guide to Amplifying Influence Through Strategic Game Theory,” you will explore a new world where science and leadership meet. It is a guide for those who aim to disrupt the status quo, fostering innovation and transformative leadership. By integrating the powerful tools of game theory into your strategy, you will not only amplify your influence but also carve out a path of excellence for your organization. Get ready to master the game of leadership and take your influence to unprecedented heights with this must-read guide.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Now Available on Amazon

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCK5Z8CX

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCX6987

[felassan]

IGN: "Key Dragon Age developers have announced they are leaving BioWare after the developer restructured to focus on the next Mass Effect." Michael Douse, publishing director of Larian Studios: "*laid off I wrote more but then deleted it because I’m not about to ruin a long weekend. Something something $30 billion corporation operating for decades unable to provide the necessary economic foundation from which to support a big RPG. But again, I deleted it. It is possible not to layoff large parts of your development teams between or after projects. Critically, retaining that institutional knowledge is key for the next. It’s often used as an excuse to ‘trim fat’ and to an extent I understand that under financial pressure, but doesn’t that just highlight how needless the aggressive efficiency of giant corporations is? I’d understand it if they were pumping out hit after hit - perhaps you could argue it’s working - but clearly the aggressive streamlining (layoffs) aren’t. It’s *nothing but cost cutting* in the most brutal sense. It’s *always* people lower down the food chain that suffer, when it’s *clearly* strategy higher up the food chain that’s causing the problem. On a pirate ship, they’d toss the captain overboard. Video games companies should be run like pirate ships. The delta between VC and unemployed game developer is fascinating because where one falls upwards the other in parallel velocity tumbles downwards. You can tank an entire multi-billion dollar initiative and head upwards, while an incredibly talented artist, engineer, QA, etc can head into poverty. I don’t have LinkedIn btw 😬 Just in case any of this annoys you, just imagine I meant the exact opposite of it and you’re the best. Have a great weekend ✌️ "[source]

Michael Douse: "To make it absolutely clear, what I hate about the way layoffs are carried out is that they are done *before* decision makers know what do do with a studio, and not as a result of figuring out a direction. This is consistently true. It is a short term cost saving measure at a huge human expense that doesn’t solve a long term problem. (A lack of a viable strategic direction defined at an executive level). You can probably figure it out if you trust your developers instead of firing them. On a positive note, I’m seeing a slight shift in this direction. In the low-stakes arena of remasters and remakes, but they are the foundation of something bigger." [source]

[rachels-memories]

20th April 2025 is almost upon us and this is part of Project 2025!

Heads up! A dangerous window is opening before April 20

Trump’s executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border may be more than political theater, but a strategic move pulled straight from the Project 2025 playbook, and it may be laying the groundwork for martial law in the United States.

The order demands that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security submit a joint report by April 20, 2025, outlining the steps needed to achieve “complete operational control” of the southern border. That language alone is militaristic, but it gets worse: the order explicitly invites recommendations to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807.

The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the U.S. military on domestic soil, even against citizens.

Project 2025 explicitly promotes the use of this law to quash unrest, target political enemies, and sideline governors or local officials who refuse to comply.

Once invoked, it can override the Posse Comitatus Act, which normally prohibits military enforcement of civilian laws.

This may be less about immigration and more about setting a precedent, one that could quickly expand to include protests, strikes, sanctuary cities, and dissent of any kind.

We’re now on a 90-day countdown that ends April 20, a point at which Trump’s administration could attempt to justify domestic military deployment under the guise of “border control.” But Project 2025 shows the border is just the start.

If this report recommends invoking the Insurrection Act, we could witness one of the most dangerous escalations of executive power in modern U.S. history.

Watch this date. Spread the word. We cannot afford to be silent.

[yey56]

HARLEY SAWYER X PSYCHOLOGIST READER

Before everything:

Both Harley and (Y/N) had worked on the Playtime company before actually getting to know each other. They've seen each other, rarely, but sometimes in corridors or around the compound in general

When Sawyer had to visit the orphanage to observe the development of the children, sometimes you would be there. At first he took you for another bleeding heart, just as the rest of the caretakers. Then he learned you were a psychologist, at that time you were just that but he could see something in your gaze, something analytical, something that brushed a deep rooted curiosity.

He was curious. Harley didn't right away ask you or even approached you, he had more important things to do, but whenever he needed to go to Home Sweet Home, he would stare a little bit longer than needed trying to find that look of yours. The look that said that you were observing not admiring.

Later on, you were promoted by Elliot Ludwig himself as head psychologist of the company and or course, you were granted executive access.

Now you had knowledge of the deeper and darker secrets of the factory and of course you were expected to participate.

The first person you started talking with was Leith Pierre. The head of innovation and the head psychologist were two positions that complemented each other well because of the need of better, newer and more effective designs on toys and staff management.

You always worked closely to the innovation team, giving ideas and offering advice that would make the toys and the company more appealing.

But it was later, when the Bigger Bodies initiative was presented that you started working with Harley more often. The experiments needed mental stability so they wouldn't pose a threat to other stuff and to children. And of course to work efficiently.

At first he hated the compassion and empathy you showed the toys. How you were an ear to listen, to validate and to advice. To help them navigate the change. To see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But he was somewhat wrong in his opinion about you. When you talked to him about them you gave him a full report of the experiments mental weakness and where to improve so they could be more controlable, manageable.

You, just as him, were searching for control and while he imposed it over the experiments; you made them let you in. Where he found walls that delayed his work, you found a door of which you had the key.

That's when he understood why you looked at them that way. You were analysing your surroundings. Already strategizing a way to crack them open.

Of course you sometimes showed some preference over certain experiments, everyone is entitled to a whim, and even though you really seemed to have certain care for certain toys, that never stopped you so there was no problem.

You were made to adapt. You needed to adapt. Every toy was different, every kid had a different world in their head's. You were more than willing to explore it and conquer it.

Even though somewhere deep in you felt a little sad for the situation of the kids. You've made yourself be able to chose what to feel at any given moment, therefore you would be able to just ignore it for your own good.

No project would ever get done if you just felt bad for pushing the boundaries. The limits where what draw the line between mediocre and greatness.

This project was everything to you. Any reminder of the moral compass you might thought to have was thrown away in order to satisfy your need to unravel the human, and not so human mind after pushing the boundaries of life.

And the same way Harley noticed your true intentions by pure analytical view, you noticed his.

Harley, as much as he hated was still very much human and as the human he was he had his outbursts. He was an easy man to anger.

When you started to get more confortable with each other, he would sometimes just start ranting about everything that annoyed him that week. You knew showing him empty compassion or useless words would not suffice so, true to yourself you adapted to him recognising what he needed at that moment.

That's what always startled him about you. You were damn good at your job. You knew what he needed, you knew what was needed and you did it with little to no error.

Sometimes he would hear you mumbling to yourself about the development of some experiments or about how Leith was fucking up the designs. To repetitive, to traditional, to boring, to unchild-like.....

Just as you listened when he ranted about what bothered him, he listened to your speeches about how the designs would only decrease the sells and you quoting some psychological studies that discredited whatever the design of the toy was. Sometimes it was the colors that weren't lively enough or didn't combine well; other times it was the unfriendly shape of the toy....

You, just as him didn't like when others did your job (even though it was needed because you cannot be everywhere) because you though that they could never do it as good as you.

He would listen to you talking about child psychology. Talking about how the other psychologist were not handling well the experiments. Sometimes you would joke about them buying their titles or something like that.

(Y/N): "Harley, I swear, I think this idiots bought their titles online because there is no way that someone is that fucking dumb on purpose."

Harley: "I differ, we have Pierre as an example."

Both you and Sawyer basically isolated yourselfs on the deeper laboratories. The executives were noticing this too but since you both were very stubborn people, no one could convince you to stop.

Leith started requesting Ludwig to call you out because whether he liked it or not, your advice in the innovation and marketing department actually helped a lot the company and your absence was taking a toll on the finances.

Once a week you would go up to give Leith your design and give him a very detailed explanation of why this design was the most effective and the one that the public would like the most.

This bothered Harley because he had gotten so used to you that now he was almost unbearable to work with any other specialist or psychologists.

Eventually they all quit or just presented a formal complaint to Ludwig.

Headcannons:

Your fingers are almost always covered in blue ink or in pencil dust due to your reports, notes and designs.

Harley and (Y/N) have, accidentally, switched glasses once or twice and since they have different affections (Harley doesn't see well near and you don't see well far) you basically have a moment of confusion before realising that it's not your glasses.

Leith and (Y/N) actually got along well at the start. But (Y/N)'s obsession on the projects made her very self centered, only worried about feeding her curiosity.

When bigger bodies started, Harley was 39 and (Y/N) 37 while Leith was already 43.

Since (Y/N) stopped taking care of herself so much, the white hairs in her head became more visible after starting the Bigger Bodies initiative.

The kids usually liked (Y/N) a lot because she always treated them as people and not like idiot kids. They basically view them as little adults with less knowledge about the world. That's it.

Harley gets somewhat irritated when (Y/N) is not much time in the laboratory or in the interviews with him because she just starts a new obsession over a project. (Mommy long legs, poppy, Doey, Catnap, Piannosaurius etc.)

Okey people, sorry for not writing but I'm in finals so I want to pass. I've made some drawing.

⚠️⚠️SPOILER PART 5 ⚠️⚠️

(Part 5 in process)

I wanted to give more depth to (Y/N)

-Unedited fanfic-

[youre-amazing-say-it]

The Truth We Unveil

Pairing: Peter Parker x OC, Tony Stark x OC, Bucky Barnes x OC, Steve Rogers x OC, Natasha Romanoff x OC

Warning: Emotional abuse, manipulation, OC;s mother is a bitch, physical violence to OC, Bucky stops OC.s mom with his arm, panic attack, arrest

Word Count: 3.8 k

The drive to Stark Tower was suffocatingly silent, punctuated only by Anne’s barbed pronouncements. "Sit up straight," she snapped, her hand reaching out to adjust Carrie’s collar with a force that belied the simple gesture. "You can't show up looking like a mess." Carrie’s hands twisted in her lap, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. The only solace was the knowledge that Peter would be there. His presence was a balm, a reminder of normalcy in a world constantly tilted on its axis. He’d be her shield, her buffer against her mother's relentless criticism.

“And I expect you to stay quiet,” Anne continued, her voice laced with a saccharine venom. “This isn’t the time for your… interruptions. Or anything dramatic.” The car stopped at a red light, but Anne’s gaze remained fixed on Carrie, a palpable weight that made her shrink in her seat. “Remember,” Anne’s voice dropped to a stage whisper, sharp as a shard of glass, “one wrong move, and we’re leaving. Got it?”

“Yes, Mom,” Carrie murmured, her heart a frantic drum against her ribs. Resignation warred with the fear churning inside her. As the light changed and the car surged forward, Stark Tower loomed larger, a gleaming monolith of all the expectations that awaited her within.

The dining room at Stark Tower was breathtaking. Expansive windows offered a panoramic view of the city lights, while strategically placed lighting cast a warm glow over the scene. Anne, in a figure-hugging black dress, her face meticulously made up, wore a smile that was as bright and brittle as ice. Tony Stark, a whirlwind of charisma, was already engaged in conversation when they entered.

“Mr. Stark,” Anne purred, extending a hand. “Such a lovely invitation.” Tony raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, his smile polite but distant. “Please, call me Tony.” Carrie sat quietly beside her mother, the dark green of her dress feeling suddenly too severe. She took a small comfort in the memory of Peter’s earlier compliment. "You look great," he’d whispered, his warm smile a flicker of reassurance in the storm brewing around her.

Dinner began, and Anne, true to form, monopolized the conversation. “The CEO called me personally,” she announced, her diamond bracelet flashing as she gestured. “Said my investment strategy was precisely what Morgan Stanley needed—”

“Speaking of strategy,” Tony interrupted smoothly, turning to Carrie, “I hear you cracked that efficiency problem in the lab. The one everyone said was impossible?” Anne’s carefully constructed smile faltered. “Oh, Carrie just tinkers with her little experiments,” she dismissed airily. “Now, as I was saying about my meeting with the board—”

“Actually,” Carrie ventured, emboldened by a subtle nod of encouragement from Bucky Barnes, who sat across the table, “we found a way to reduce power consumption by integrating a new neural—”

“Sweetie,” Anne’s laugh was brittle, “nobody wants to hear about all that technical jargon. As I was telling the executive team—”

“I do,” Natasha Romanoff interjected, her gaze pinning Anne with laser precision. “It sounds fascinating.”

“Please,” Anne scoffed, examining her perfectly manicured nails. “Let’s discuss something more… sophisticated. Real business, not student projects.”

“The neural interface design,” Carrie pressed on, Bucky's quiet support giving her strength, “if we adjust the response time—”

“Carrie, dear,” Anne’s voice dripped with condescension, “the grown-ups are talking.”

“Actually,” Tony leaned in, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine curiosity, “I’d be very interested to hear more about this interface. It could revolutionize how we power the entire tower.”

“Oh, Tony,” Anne sighed dramatically, “you might want to reconsider. Some of us are built for success, and others…” she trailed off, casting a pointedly pitying glance at Carrie, “…well, they’re better off dreaming.”

“Funny thing about reconsidering,” Bucky’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous rumble, the faint whir of his prosthetic arm almost audible, “makes you think about all sorts of things. Like how some mothers—”

“Hey,” Steve Rogers interrupted sharply, shooting Bucky a warning look before turning to Tony with a forced casualness. “Tony, didn’t you mention something about that new training facility? The one with the advanced simulation room?”

The tension in the air crackled, thick and heavy, before Tony caught on. “Right, yes! We’ve incorporated some fascinating new tech…” He launched into a detailed explanation, while Bucky sat back, his jaw tight, a silent storm gathering behind his eyes.

Once the conversation had shifted and dessert was served, Tony straightened his tie and addressed Carrie directly. "You know, Carrie," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle, "I've seen a lot of brilliant minds come through my labs. But what you've done here—finding solutions where everyone else saw dead ends—that's special. That's the kind of thinking we need at Stark Industries." He paused, a genuine smile finally breaking through. "How would you like to join us as our newest intern?"

"YES!" Carrie blurted out, the word escaping before she could stop it. She immediately shrank back in her chair, cheeks burning with a sudden rush of shyness.

Anne's carefully composed facade crumbled. "Absolutely not."

"And why not?" Tony asked, his voice laced with the kind of easy confidence that could unsettle even the most powerful individuals. He leaned back, observing Anne with a detached curiosity, as if she were a particularly perplexing puzzle.

“She’s not prepared. She can barely handle her current coursework,” Anne began, pointedly ignoring Natasha’s quiet scoff. “Her grades aren't perfect—that B+ in French was embarrassing enough. She needs to focus on her regular studies, not waste time with these… experiments.”

"You know, I failed French too," Tony quipped, a trademark smirk playing on his lips. "Didn't stop me from revolutionizing clean energy." But Anne, undeterred, plowed ahead.

"The commute would be impossible. And I need her at home. Someone has to help maintain the house."

"Interesting priorities," Natasha remarked, her smile sharp as a knife. "The house matters more than her future?"

"And she's not emotionally mature enough," Anne continued, her polished veneer beginning to crack. "She's scattered, unfocused, always daydreaming about these ridiculous inventions instead of focusing on practical matters. And her social skills—"

“Like talking over people?” Bucky muttered, the rhythmic tap of his metal fingers against his glass a counterpoint to Anne’s diatribe.

"—need serious work. Really, Tony, she’s just not Stark Industries material."

That was the breaking point. Carrie’s carefully maintained composure shattered, tears silently tracking down her cheeks. Her hands trembled against the pristine white tablecloth, the napkin between her fingers twisting and turning in a silent plea for escape.

Anne didn’t miss a beat. She laughed, a sharp, dismissive sound. "Ugh, always so dramatic," she muttered, taking a deliberate sip of her wine, pinky finger held aloft with practiced elegance. "It's clearly time for us to go."

"No."

The word was barely audible, yet it reverberated through the room like a gunshot. Anne’s hand froze, her crystal wine glass suspended halfway to the table.

"What did you just say?" Her voice dropped to that chillingly quiet tone that Carrie knew all too well.

Carrie's chin lifted slightly, tears still flowing, but a spark of defiance flickered in her eyes. "No, Mom. I… I want to do the internship."

The transformation in Anne was instantaneous and terrifying. Her social mask shattered, revealing the raw, ugly anger beneath. "After everything I've done for you? Everything I've sacrificed?"

"Mrs. Mitchell," Tony interjected, his casual tone a thin veil over the steel in his gaze. "Perhaps we should—"

"No, you don't get to interrupt," Anne snarled, whirling on him before turning back to Carrie. "I've given you everything. EVERYTHING! And this is how you repay me? By embarrassing me in front of everyone?"

"That's enough," Steve's voice, low and resonant, held the unmistakable ring of command.

"You need to listen to me!" Anne's voice rose, edged with hysteria. "I'm the only one who truly knows what's best for you! I'm the only one who's ever cared enough to guide you—"

Natasha’s warning was glacial. “I suggest you stop talking.”

“YOU DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!” Anne shrieked, all pretense of composure gone. “I am her MOTHER! I have sacrificed my entire life for her, and this is the thanks I get? Disobedience? Disrespect?”

It happened in a flash. Anne lunged, her manicured fingers clamping around Carrie’s arm like a vise. The sleeve of Carrie’s blouse rode up, revealing a mottled pattern of yellowing bruises. As Carrie tried to pull away, Anne’s other hand lashed out, nails like polished claws.

“Security,” Tony’s voice sliced through the pandemonium, his hand already reaching for his phone. His other hand gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white. “Conference Room B, now.”

Natasha moved with the fluid grace of a trained assassin, inserting herself between Anne and Carrie. Not fighting, but blocking—a practiced shield against violence. “Let her go,” she commanded, her voice calm but edged with steel.

Steve pushed back from the table, his imposing presence radiating authority. “Mrs. Mitchell,” he said, his tone brooking no argument, “remove your hand from your daughter. Now.”

But Bucky was faster. His movements were precise, controlled—the honed reflexes of a soldier trained to disarm and de-escalate. One hand firmly detached Anne’s grip from Carrie’s arm, while the other guided her back, using her own momentum against her. Anne stumbled, catching herself against the table as wine glasses teetered precariously, one tipping over to spill a crimson stain across the pristine white tablecloth.

“Touch her again,” Bucky said, his voice low and menacing as he positioned himself protectively between mother and daughter, “and assault charges will be the least of your problems.”

Security arrived, their hurried footsteps echoing in the hallway, but Carrie was oblivious. A wave of familiar panic washed over her, constricting her chest, stealing her breath. Her chair clattered against the floor as she stumbled back, someone’s voice calling her name a distant echo in the roaring in her ears. The instinct to flee overwhelmed her.

She ran, the sleek, futuristic corridors of Stark Tower a blur. Spotting a conference room with its door slightly ajar, she slipped inside, instinctively seeking the furthest corner, her back pressed hard against the cool wall – a reflex honed by years of trying to disappear. Breath hitched in her throat; coherent thought was impossible. Her mother’s venomous whispers echoed in her mind: ungrateful, embarrassing, disappointment.

The soft click of the automatic lock was a small, hollow sound in the sudden silence. A calm, disembodied voice, the tower’s AI, resonated from the intercom. “The room is secured, Miss Mitchell. Security has been notified.”

“Don’t—” Carrie choked out, the words fractured by ragged gasps as she slid down the wall, collapsing onto the floor. “Don’t let her in. Please.”

“Your mother is being detained by security,” the AI assured her. “Would you like me to—”

The AI’s voice faded into the white noise of her panic. Her chest ached, a crushing weight. The fluorescent lights pulsed, too bright, too sharp. Curled into a tight ball, forehead pressed against her knees, she sought the same desperate comfort she used to find hiding in her closet at home, a child seeking refuge from a storm she couldn’t understand. The phantom pressure of her mother’s grip lingered on her arm, a burning reminder of the bruises blooming beneath her skin.

A soft rapping at the door cut through the suffocating fear. "Carrie?" Bucky's voice, low and steady, was a lifeline in the roaring chaos of her mind. Gone was the sharp edge she'd heard moments before, replaced by a quiet understanding that resonated deep within her. "I know what it's like," he murmured, his voice barely audible through the thick door. "The panic. The tightness in your chest. The way the world shrinks down to nothing but the fear." A pause, heavy with unspoken shared experience. "I used to get them too. Still do, sometimes."

The faint shuffle of his weight shifting against the door was oddly comforting. "You don't have to talk," he continued, his voice a grounding presence. "Don't have to do anything. Just breathe, okay? Listen to my voice. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Slow it down. Nobody's coming in here unless you want them to. You're safe now."

The silence that followed was filled only by the erratic rhythm of Carrie's breathing, gradually slowing, evening out under the calming influence of Bucky’s words. As the terror began to recede, leaving a bone-deep exhaustion in its wake, a fragile thread of voice returned.

"Bucky?" she whispered, the sound thin and reedy. "Can you… can you come in?"

A beat of hesitation. "You sure, kid?"

"Yeah." Her voice cracked, the single syllable thick with unshed tears. "I just… I don't want to be alone."

The door clicked open, and Bucky slipped into the room, moving with a quiet grace that belied his imposing frame. He settled against the wall a few feet away, close enough to offer comfort, far enough to respect her space. The gentle clink of metal against the wall, the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, were tangible anchors in the swirling disorientation of her fear.

"Will you be honest with me?" Carrie askedher fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sleeve, her gaze fixed on the intricate pattern of the carpet. "Like, brutally honest? No sugar-coating, ?"

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Bucky's lips. "Sugar-coating's never been my forte, kid."

"What's happening with my mom?" she finally asked, the words barely a breath.

Bucky shifted, the fluorescent lights glinting off his metal arm. "Right now? She's in conference room B with two security guards and Natasha. Tony's lawyers are already drafting paperwork – restraining order, assault charges, child abuse. Steve's making a call to CPS." He paused, his gaze searching hers, gauging her reaction. "She's gone, Carrie. For good."

Carrie wrapped her arms tighter around her knees, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes. "She'll find a way. She always does."

"Not this time.unwavering. "Your mom's used to being the biggest monster in your world. But tonight?" A dry, humorless laugh escaped him. "Tonight, she's up against Tony Stark's legal team, Natasha Romanoff's evidence gathering, and Steve Rogers' 'deeply disappointed dad' stare. And that's not even factoring in what I'll do if she comes within a hundred yards of you again" Bucky's voice was quiet but ."

A soft chuckle escaped Carrie's lips, a fragile sound that quickly faded into a quiet contemplation. "Did you… did you guys plan this? Tonight?"

Bucky ran a hand through his hair, a weary sigh escaping his lips. "Not exactly. Tony invited you both because of your work, your neural interface. But… we had our suspicions. We were watching, waiting for the right moment." He hesitated, then cleared his throat. "Can I ask you something now?"

Carrie nodded silently, her gaze still fixed on the floor.

"Are you still mad at Peter?"

Carrie stiffened, her body tensing. "For reporting on my mom?"

"For being a friend," Bucky corrected gently. "For caring enough to say something when he saw the bruises you tried to hide in the lab."

Carrie's fingers traced patterns on the carpet, her silence heavy with unspoken emotions. "He should have talked to me first."

"Would you have listened?" When she didn't answer, Bucky continued, his voice soft but firm. "Carrie, he saw you come into the lab day after day with bruises you tried to cover up. He saw you flinch when people moved too quickly. He heard the way you talked about your mother – or didn't talk about her. He knew something was wrong, and he couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

"I didn't know what to do," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"No, you didn't," Bucky agreed, his voice filled with a quiet understanding. "Because that's what abuse does. It isolates you. Makes you keep secrets. Makes you protect the person who's hurting you." He exhaled slowly. "Peter broke that cycle, Carrie. Not because he wanted to hurt you, but because he couldn't bear to watch someone he cared about suffer anymore."

"I…" Carrie's voice wavered. "I told him I hated him."

"He called himself worse," Bucky admitted softly. "But he'd do it again in a heartbeat. Because that's what real friends do. They save you, even when you don't want to be saved, even when you push them away."

Carrie hugged her knees tighter, burying her face. "What happens now? With school… everything? Mom paid the tuition…" Her voice trailed off, the unspoken question hanging heavy in the air.

The revealing Tony Stark, remarkably composed considering the recent upheaval. "About that," he began, hands casually tucked in his pockets, an air of effortless nonchalance radiating from him. "Did I forget to mention the internship comes with a suite? Right here in the tower. Oh, and full educational coverage – high school, college, probably a few PhDs if you’re inclined. Which, judging by your work, you should be.”door swung open,

Carrie stared, speechless, her mouth slightly agape.

"What?" Tony cocked an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You thought I'd let the mind behind that neural interface breakthrough scramble for tuition money? Please. I'm investing in the future. Yours, specifically."

"But…" Carrie stammered, her voice trembling. "You don't have to—"

Tony's demeanor softened, the playful facade momentarily dropping as he crouched down to meet her gaze. "Kid, let me tell you something. When I was your age, I had every resource imaginable, but no one truly in my corner. And look how I turned out." A self-deprecating smile played on his lips. "Imagine what someone like you could do with both."

"I don't want charity," she whispered, her gaze fixed on the carpet.

"Charity?" Tony chuckled, a genuine laugh escaping him. "Have you seen the schematics for your neural interface? That's not charity, that's pure self-interest. I want that brain working for Stark Industries for the next thirty years, minimum. The housing and education? That's just smart business." His expression turned serious. "But even if it wasn't – even if your work wasn't groundbreaking, which it is – you'd still have a place here. Because that’s what family does."

"Family?" Carrie echoed, the word catching in her throat.

Tony shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, well," he mumbled, clearly not used to such earnest pronouncements. "Consider yourself stuck with us now. Me, Terminator over there," he gestured towards Bucky, "the whole circus. Speaking of which, Peter's probably worn a hole in the floor pacing, waiting to see you. Want me to send him in? Kid's been rehearsing his apology speech for weeks."

A genuine smile, the first of the evening, flickered across Carrie’s face. "He has?"

"Oh yeah," Tony grinned, rising to his feet. "Highly dramatic. Lots of 'I'm sorry' and 'please don't hate me' and 'I'll let you win at Mario Kart forever.'" He brushed imaginary dust off his pants. "So, what do you say? Ready to give the kid a break? See your new suite? Pepper might have gone a little overboard with the lab equipment, but honestly, who am I to judge?"

Peter’s entrance was tentative, a stark contrast to his usual exuberant energy. He hovered near the doorway, nervously fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "Hey," he murmured softly.

"Hey," Carrie replied, her voice equally subdued.

A charged silence hung between them, broken only when they both spoke at once.

"I'm so sorry—" "I didn't mean—"

They stopped abruptly, and for the first time that night, Carrie laughed, a genuine, unforced sound. Peter’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

"You first," he offered, sliding down to sit cross-legged near her.

"I didn't mean it," Carrie began, her voice thick with emotion. "When I said I hated you. I was just…"

"Scared?" Peter finished for her, his voice gentle. "Yeah, I know. Me too." He paused, his gaze falling to his hands. "I almost didn't say anything. But then… I saw that bruise on your arm last week, and I just… I couldn't…" His hands clenched in his lap.

"Thank you," Carrie whispered, her voice barely audible. "For not listening to me."

Peter's head snapped up, surprise evident in his eyes. A slow smile spread across his face. "So… we're okay?"

"Yeah," Carrie replied, a wobbly smile gracing her lips. "We're okay."

"Good," Natasha’s voice interjected from the doorway, startling them both. She entered the room with her usual fluid grace, leaning casually against a desk. "Because starting Monday, you're both training with me."

"Training?" Carrie asked, a note of apprehension in her voice.

"Self-defense," Natasha clarified. "Basic stuff. How to break a hold, how to fall safely, how to get away if someone grabs you." Her voice softened. "How to never feel helpless again."

"I…" Carrie hesitated. "I don't know if I can—"

"You can," Natasha stated firmly. "And you will. Three times a week, after school. Peter's already in the class."

"She's actually a really good teacher," Peter chimed in. "Like, terrifyingly good."

A ghost of a smile touched Natasha’s lips. "I'll take that as a compliment." She turned back to Carrie. "You don't have to decide right now. The offer's there when you're ready."

Carrie nodded slowly. "Can I… think about it?"

"Of course." Natasha pushed off from the desk. "For now, maybe you'd like to see your new room? Tony's practically vibrating with excitement to show you the lab setup."

"It's insane," Peter grinned, his usual enthusiasm returning. "Seriously insane. He put in one of those holo-projection tables and a whole robotics station—"

As Peter continued to excitedly describe the room, a hesitant sense of possibility began to bloom within Carrie. The fear hadn't vanished entirely—it lingered like a shadow, a reminder of the darkness she’d just escaped. But amidst the fear, a tiny spark of hope ignited. This wasn't healing, not yet. It was more like the first, unsteady step on a long, unfamiliar path. A path that might, just might, lead somewhere better.

Pushing herself up, surprised by the sudden strength in her legs, Carrie met Peter’s gaze. “Hey, Peter?” The words caught in her throat, a mix of nerves and newfound courage warring within her. “I… I haven’t given up on that neural interface design,” she finally managed, her voice still a little shaky. “I actually have a few new ideas.”

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Peter’s face, quickly replaced by a hopeful smile. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Carrie replied, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips, a glimmer of her old self resurfacing. “Think you could help me test them out sometime?”

Peter’s face broke into a wide grin. “Only if I get to name the first successful prototype,” he teased, his usual playful banter returning.

Carrie laughed, a genuine, unforced sound that echoed in the quiet room, chasing away the last vestiges of the fear. “Deal,” she agreed, a sense of anticipation, fragile yet real, taking root in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, this new beginning wouldn't be so terrifying after all.

[fearfulfertility]

CONFIDENTIAL LOGISTICS REPORT

DRC, Planning & Evaluation Office, Logistics & Infrastructure Division

Date: [REDACTED]

To: Director [REDACTED]

From: Administrator [REDACTED], Logistics & Infrastructure Division

Subject: Facility Expansion: New Paternity Compound Construction

Executive Summary

This report outlines the ongoing expansion of DRC-operated paternity compounds across several strategic locations nationwide. In response to increasing insemination rates and projected surrogacy demands, we have begun constructing new high-capacity compounds to accommodate more surrogates. These expansions will enable the DRC to streamline the conscription process, optimize surrogacy cycles, and ensure our ability to meet the population sustainability targets outlined for the next fiscal period.

The new compounds focus on enhanced security, specialized medical equipment, and increased surrogacy capacity.

I. Facility Expansion Overview

Strategic Locations and Site Selection

To ensure regional coverage and minimize travel time to detain and inseminated surrogates, the DRC has approved the construction of [REDACTED] new paternity compounds in FEMA Zones 4, 6, 7, and 8. These facilities will be situated in [REDACTED] areas, selected for their proximity to population centers, existing transport infrastructure, and relative isolation, ensuring operational security.

Zone 4: Atlanta, GA

Zone 6: Houston, TX

Zone 7: Omaha, NE

Zone 8: Denver, CO

Each compound is designed to accommodate [REDACTED] surrogates at any given time, with the ability to scale up to [REDACTED] in emergencies. Construction is scheduled for completion within the next [REDACTED] months, with the first inspections set to begin by [REDACTED] this year.

Paternity Compound Design Features:

High-Capacity Paternity Wards: Each compound contains specialized wards designed to manage surrogates carrying up to sedecatuplets (16), with private rooms for those at risk of premature labor.

Enhanced Monitoring Systems: Advanced surveillance and biometric monitoring ensure constant oversight and swift response to emergencies.

Security Enhancements: Reinforced containment protocols, secure access points, and patrol routes have been established to prevent unauthorized access and ensure surrogate compliance.

II. Specialized Equipment and Medical Support

Given the unique demands and expectations placed on surrogates, each paternity compound will be equipped with advanced medical infrastructure to ensure the safety and effective management of extreme weight gain, reduced mobility, and increased risks of organ stress.

Key Equipment and Infrastructure:

Reinforced Support Beds: Traditional hospital beds have proven insufficient for surrogates carrying high multiples, whose pregnancies can lead to total weight gains exceeding 200 lbs. Each ward will feature reinforced, adjustable support beds capable of accommodating extreme weights. These beds will be equipped with pressure-relief systems to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of bedsores for near-immobile surrogates.

“I hate that I’m here! But… all I have is this bed! I can’t move, I can’t breathe half the time, but at least I have a fucking memory foam mattress!” - Surrogate S118-176-J, 27 days pregnant with decatuplets (10)

Automated Feeding & Hydration Systems: Automated systems will ensure continuous nutrition and hydration to support surrogates with reduced mobility. Given the caloric intake requirements for such pregnancies, these systems will monitor and adjust fluid and nutrient delivery, reducing the need for frequent staff intervention.

“I’m basically just a machine now, aren’t I? They hook me up, pump me full of these stupid protein shakes, and keep me breathing so I can keep carrying these bowling ball-sized kids. It’s disgusting!” - Surrogate S117-138-N, 18 days pregnant with quattuordecatuplets (14)

Custom Mobility Aids: Custom-designed lift systems and mobility aids will be integrated into each ward to facilitate the movement of surrogates. These devices will allow for safe repositioning, transfers to specialized birthing chairs, and support during transport.

“I don’t know how they expect us to move with this much weight on us. Even standing feels like my legs are going to snap. Those lifts? They’re humiliating... but without them, I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed at all.” - Surrogate S120-494-P, 30 days into a sedecatuplets (16) pregnancy

Advanced Fetal Monitoring: Each compound will have real-time ultrasound and biometric monitoring stations to track fetal development. Given the accelerated gestational period, these systems will continuously update fetal positioning, size, and viability, enabling rapid response to complications.

"It’s terrifying. Knowing how big they are, how many there are… they’re not coming out normal. When I finally pop them all out, they’ll get better care than I ever did!" - Surrogate S119-667-N, 22 days pregnant with hendecatuplets (14)

Dedicated Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Units: Immediate neonatal care is essential, and each compound will include state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to support newborns. Advanced incubators and respiratory support systems will ensure the survival of even the most premature babies.

"They always tell me how important it is to ensure the babies survive, even if I don’t. I get it, I do… but knowing there’s a whole team of people ready to take over the second I’m gone? It’s like they’ve already decided how this ends." - Surrogate S117-856-M, 8 days pregnant with tridecatuplets (13)

Pain Management and Sedation Systems: Surrogates will experience extreme discomfort and physical strain. Each paternity ward will be equipped with integrated IV pain management systems, allowing for both localized and systemic pain relief. Sedation protocols can be initiated remotely if a surrogate's distress becomes vocal, ensuring they can not incite civil disorder.

“I’m so big I can’t even see my dick, which is now buried under all these babies and fat. I’d be lying if I said the meds didn't help to blitz me out of my mind... a caring them I'm a gigantic incubator now.” - Surrogate S119-461-L, 11 days pregnant with dodecatuplets (12)

Future Equipment Developments: Research teams are exploring next-generation mobility aids, including exoskeleton support harnesses, to provide mobility assistance for late-term surrogates. These innovations aim to improve surrogate survival to deliver full-term pregnancies. Once available, prototypes will be tested in select compounds.

III. Expansion Strategy: Future Projections and Scaling

Projected Surrogacy Demand: With the increase in insemination rates, each compound is expected to handle up to [REDACTED] inseminations per month once fully operational. This translates to a need for approximately [REDACTED] newborns annually to meet population sustainability targets. Our current projections indicate that these numbers are achievable.

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations

The successful construction and operation of these new paternity compounds are critical to effectively maintaining the DRC’s ability to enforce surrogacy mandates. Our specialized equipment and infrastructure improvements will ensure we meet demands while preserving control over our surrogate.

Report submitted by: Administrator [REDACTED], Logistics & Infrastructure Division

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To: Administrator [REDACTED], Logistics & Infrastructure Division

From: Director [REDACTED], DRC

Subject: RE: Facility Expansion: New Paternity Compound Construction

Dear Mr. [REDACTED],

I’ve reviewed the latest progress report on the new Paternity Compounds, and I must commend your team on the impressive strides made thus far, even with the ambitious timeline we’ve set.

I have been particularly interested in the improvements to our birthing suites. As you are well aware, managing multiple pregnancies presents unique challenges.

We are entering a critical phase. I want to emphasize that these upcoming births will set a precedent for all future operations. The successful use of these new facilities will allow us to demonstrate that our methods ensure the next generation's survival and that we can handle the demands without sacrificing efficiency or outcomes.

I look forward to seeing the first results when the initial surrogates reach full term and the birthing suites are fully operational.

Keep up the excellent work, and do not hesitate to reach out if additional resources or support are needed to ensure success.

Regards, Director [REDACTED]

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Click Here to return to DRC Report Archives

[astrologydray]

♑️Capricorn Mc in the each of the degrees🐐

If you have a Capricorn Midheaven (MC), your career and public image are shaped by Capricorn’s themes of ambition, discipline, structure, and responsibility. You are likely drawn to roles that require practicality, leadership, and long-term commitment. Capricorn MC individuals thrive in corporate settings, government positions, finance, or any career that demands hard work, perseverance, and organizational skills.

• 0° Capricorn (Aries Point) – A powerful public image, likely to gain recognition through hard work, leadership, or a corporate role. Your career may be highly visible and require determination and long-term planning.

• 1° Capricorn – Highly ambitious with a strong desire to achieve. Likely to excel in leadership roles, management, or government positions that require authority and responsibility.

• 2° Capricorn – Practical and strategic, focused on building a solid foundation. Likely to succeed in finance, real estate, or business management.

• 3° Capricorn – Focused on long-term career goals. Likely to thrive in corporate environments, law, or any field that requires stability and longevity.

• 4° Capricorn – A natural leader with a strong sense of responsibility. Could succeed in executive roles, government, or nonprofit management.

• 5° Capricorn – Practical, structured, and goal-oriented. Likely to work in finance, engineering, or any career requiring precision and long-term planning.

• 6° Capricorn – Drawn to roles that require discipline, order, and organization. Likely to work in project management, finance, or logistics.

• 7° Capricorn – Strong focus on building relationships that support your career goals. Likely to succeed in partnerships, corporate leadership, or law.

• 8° Capricorn – Focused on business and financial stability, likely to thrive in corporate finance, investing, or accounting.

• 9° Capricorn – Highly driven and focused on long-term achievements. Likely to excel in government, law, or business management.

• 10° Capricorn – Natural authority figure, likely to work in executive roles, management, or politics where leadership and responsibility are key.

• 11° Capricorn – A strong sense of ambition and stability. Likely to succeed in corporate structures, finance, or education, especially in leadership roles.

• 12° Capricorn – Strategic and practical, likely to work in business development, real estate, or law. You may be drawn to careers that require a balance between structure and growth.

• 13° Capricorn – A natural in executive roles or positions that require organizational skills. Likely to thrive in management or leadership positions.

• 14° Capricorn – Highly disciplined with a focus on material success. Could work in finance, real estate, or corporate law.

• 15° Capricorn – Focused on building a solid foundation for long-term career success. Likely to thrive in management, project leadership, or engineering.

• 16° Capricorn – Strategic and ambitious, likely to work in politics, business, or high-level administration.

• 17° Capricorn – Strong sense of duty and responsibility. Likely to excel in law, government, or corporate environments.

• 18° Capricorn – Focused on achieving status and recognition through hard work and discipline. Likely to work in finance, real estate, or law.

• 19° Capricorn – Highly ambitious and hardworking. Likely to work in corporate leadership, finance, or management positions that offer career growth.

• 20° Capricorn – Very career-driven and focused on creating a legacy. Likely to excel in executive roles, business development, or project management.

• 21° Capricorn – A natural manager or strategist, likely to succeed in business, finance, or corporate roles.

• 22° Capricorn – Strong work ethic and practical ambition. Likely to work in leadership or administrative roles, particularly in finance, real estate, or management.

• 23° Capricorn – Focused on creating stability and security in your career. Likely to excel in accounting, investment, or law.

• 24° Capricorn – Highly driven to achieve professional success through hard work, discipline, and long-term vision. Likely to work in business, corporate leadership, or finance.

• 25° Capricorn – Focused on building a strong professional reputation. Likely to thrive in executive roles, finance, or corporate law.

• 26° Capricorn – Structured and strategic, likely to succeed in management roles, business development, or corporate law.

• 27° Capricorn – Focused on practicality, discipline, and structure in your career. Likely to thrive in finance, real estate, or leadership roles.

• 28° Capricorn – Ambitious with a strong focus on career success and longevity. Likely to work in politics, business, or corporate leadership.

• 29° Capricorn (Anaretic Degree) – A culmination of discipline, responsibility, and ambition. Likely to find career success through roles that require leadership, authority, and long-term commitment, but you may also feel the weight of responsibility at times. This degree can bring fated opportunities that require major career decisions and long-term growth.

[modernmarketingmethods]

What Do Project Management Consultancy Services Actually Do? The Answer May Surprise You

When most people hear the term project management consultancy services, they assume it's all about timelines, task lists, and perhaps a few team meetings. But in reality, the role of project management consultants is far more impactful — and often underestimated.

Today’s business environment is defined by rapid change, increasing complexity, and fierce competition. In this climate, the ability to execute strategic initiatives smoothly and successfully is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s where professionals like the Cognitude project management consulting services team step in. Their role goes far beyond traditional project tracking. They embed themselves into your business to transform your vision into results, often becoming the engine that drives sustainable growth.

So, what do these consultants actually do? Let’s uncover the real value of project management consulting services and why their contribution may be far greater than you think.

1. Strategic Project Planning and Scope Definition

At the foundation of every successful project lies strategic planning. Project management consultancy services don’t just manage what you already have — they help shape the entire project from the ground up. This includes defining project objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and success metrics.

The Cognitude project management consultancy services team applies industry-specific frameworks to ensure your project isn’t just well-planned but fully aligned with business goals.

2. Risk Identification and Mitigation

Project risk is inevitable — but it’s manageable with the right expertise. Consultants use proven methods to perform detailed risk assessments early in the project lifecycle. They create contingency plans, allocate risk reserves, and monitor for red flags throughout execution.

Cognitude project management consulting services help organizations avoid budget overruns, schedule delays, and scope creep by anticipating problems before they occur.

3. Execution Support and Resource Management

One of the biggest values that project management consultancy services offer is hands-on execution support. They coordinate teams, manage vendors, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure tasks are delivered on time and to specification.

Efficient use of resources is a key factor in project success. By leveraging Cognitude project management consultancy services, companies can ensure that human, technological, and financial resources are utilized optimally without overburdening internal teams.

4. Agile and Scalable Project Delivery

In the modern world, agility is essential. Consultants are trained in methodologies like Agile, Scrum, Lean, and hybrid models that enable faster iteration, stakeholder feedback loops, and greater flexibility.

The Cognitude project management consulting services team implements scalable delivery frameworks, helping organizations handle both one-time initiatives and long-term project portfolios with equal effectiveness.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strategy

Stakeholder misalignment is a silent killer of projects. That’s why project management consultancy services prioritize communication planning as a core function. They identify key stakeholders, define their expectations, and establish communication protocols that keep everyone informed.

Cognitude project management consultancy services are known for creating transparent, timely, and customized stakeholder reporting mechanisms that drive trust and accountability.

6. Performance Monitoring and Real-Time Reporting

Using dashboards, KPIs, and automated reporting systems, consultants track performance metrics to ensure everything stays on course. Real-time data empowers leadership to make better decisions quickly.

Cognitude project management consulting services don’t just tell you how your project is doing — they show you, with full transparency and evidence-based insights.

7. Governance and Compliance Assurance

For industries where compliance and documentation are critical, project management consultancy services introduce governance models that meet regulatory standards. They help prepare audit trails, document deliverables, and adhere to industry-specific frameworks such as ISO, ITIL, or PMBOK.

Cognitude project management consultancy services support businesses in maintaining integrity and compliance while still moving quickly.

8. Post-Project Analysis and Organizational Learning

The value of a project doesn’t end at delivery. Consultants conduct post-project evaluations to assess what went right, what didn’t, and how future projects can improve. These insights are used to build internal capabilities and repeatable frameworks for long-term success.

Cognitude project management consulting services enable organizations to evolve and grow through continuous learning and refinement.

9. Customization for Industry and Company Size

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, consultants tailor their strategies based on your industry, company maturity, and team dynamics. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or a multinational enterprise, Cognitude project management consultancy services deliver customized support that fits your structure, budget, and objectives.

10. Driving Measurable Business Impact

Ultimately, consultants help drive results that matter. From reduced delivery times and lower costs to improved stakeholder satisfaction and increased agility, their impact touches every aspect of business performance.

The reason Cognitude project management consulting services are considered essential by leading organizations is simple — they make sure your strategy becomes reality, with minimal risk and maximum efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Far from being just task managers, today’s project management consultancy services act as strategic enablers. They bring together structure, agility, leadership, and clarity — turning complex projects into repeatable successes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether these services are worth the investment, consider this: the cost of failed or delayed projects is often far greater than the cost of expert guidance. Teams like Cognitude project management consulting services not only deliver projects but also empower businesses to grow, scale, and lead with confidence.

[patientreflections]

The results are in....

and it's an interesting case study to say the least. I’m not someone who usually comments on celebrity rollouts, but the way this particular one played out caught my attention more so than usual. Not because of the relationship itself, but because of how it was presented—and how quickly it became clear that it didn’t land as I assume was intended. I found myself this week asking, "what was the point?" To clarify, I do think Luke and Antonia are genuinely together. If this were a PR relationship, it’s not a particularly strategic one. By all accounts PR relationships are grounded in both parties seeing a mutual benefit to the alliance. This rollout however hasn’t been smooth, the timing is strange, and the whole thing feels awkwardly executed. The problem here isn’t whether it’s real. The problem is that it doesn’t work—at least not in the eyes of the public. What stood out first was the rollout’s uneven pacing. It began with solo red carpet photos at the British Vogue x Netflix party—no official couple shot, just quiet proximity. Then, the next day, came more affectionate footage and behind-the-scenes images. Luke’s own grid post included a cheeky couple photo, but buried behind a solo cover shot. At the BAFTAs, a joint photo was taken at the entrance but not on the official step and repeat. The early signals felt cautious, almost noncommittal. Then suddenly, the switch flipped: a full-scale post-BAFTAs press push—major entertainment headlines, a stylized couple photoshoot, digital articles, the works. It went from soft launch to shouting in 24 hours, all seemingly to benefit Antonia. And then…poof, nothing. No follow-up. No echo. Just a sharp drop-off that made the silence louder than the reveal itself. Usually, after a media blast like that, you'd expect at least 48-72 hours of natural pickup— fashion commentary, snippets in entertainment news, curious discourse online.  But a quick trends search shows the coverage hit a wall and then a steep decline. No legs, no staying power. That kind of silence tells you everything. The audience just didn’t care enough to keep the story alive.

It doesn’t help that there’s no clear narrative around them. No shared project, no compelling reason for the timing, no personal reveal or milestone that gives this rollout structure. And critically, there was no existing foundation of goodwill to support it. A quick yet enlightening 10 minute google search showed me that Antonia came into this with complicated baggage among parts of the Bridgerton fanbase. Luke, meanwhile, has been publicly adrift for a while—present but not exactly engaging. In the midst of a rebrand of his image, which from what I can tell isn't exactly hitting the mark either. When neither person is holding strong favor with general audiences, a joint push like this is risky. And we’re seeing why. That context makes the hard numbers more meaningful. One week post press launch and Antonia’s Instagram gained just under 200 new followers. That’s not slow growth—that’s a near flatline. As for Luke’s numbers, they are moving in the opposite direction entirely, with noticeable drops on days with heavier media activity associated with this joint press push. For someone with over 2 million followers, the loss isn’t huge—but the pattern matters. In PR, it’s not just about the raw numbers—it’s about trajectory. Luke has been steadily losing followers for close to near a year now. That kind of long-tail decline tells you something about public sentiment. And unless there’s a clear pivot—something that injects likability, surprise, or career momentum—it becomes very difficult to shift that narrative back in a positive direction. At the heart of it, this isn’t even about how “liked” or “disliked” they are. It’s about the absence of emotional connection. There’s a lack of charisma in how they’re presenting themselves. The affection feels performed rather than natural—and even if you are one of the many casual viewers like myself, you can sense it. There's no spark, no softness, no sense that the moments being shared between them are actually for each other rather than for the camera. With Antonia, that pattern shows up in nearly everything she shares online. Every aspect of what’s posted —her outfits, her captions, even the way she moves through a red carpet—feels like it’s being filtered through a performance lens. There’s always a knowing glance to the camera, always a pose, never a moment that feels unguarded or instinctive. Her Instagram presence is heavily Gen Z-coded: trend-driven, aesthetic over substance, and largely without a clear persona or unique point of view. So when she’s suddenly styled beside Luke to evoke a kind of “polished elegance”—reserved, tasteful—it doesn’t land as aspirational. It lands as calculated. I’m sure that in person Antonia is lovely, but I get the sense she’s been studying what it means to be “seen,” more-so than knowing what she actually wants to say.  As for Luke, this past weekends events came across as someone familiar yet completely unknown at the same time. Like a man wearing an ill fitting suit designed by Hollywoods expectations of him vs. someone genuinely forging his own path. The disconnect is visibly noticeable.

In publicity, you can’t manufacture a moment unless people want to buy into it. The audience has to feel something—curiosity, warmth, joy, even drama but it also has to be rooted in authenticity. When everything feels staged, and there’s no real emotion underneath the aesthetics, people simply move on. That’s the danger of trying to perform visibility without substance. You can dress it up in a pretty dress, pair it with a leading man, and frame it on a red carpet —but if there’s no real person underneath for the public to connect to, it just doesn’t stick.

So where do they go from here? From my experience, they've got two choices: 1. At first you don’t succeed, try again…and hope for the best 2. Accept that what might work behind closed doors just doesn’t translate publicly—and forcing it into the spotlight won’t fix that. Whether it’s working privately is anyone’s guess. But whatever it is, putting it on display isn’t helping either one of them. 

[stardi]

𝟎𝟎𝟏, PLAYING CUPID

pairing! anakin skywalker x fem!reader

synopsis! r2-d2 can't stand seeing anakin and you fight, so he decides to play his favorite game: being cupid!

warnings! verbal fight, fluff, artoo being such a cutie little droid :c

word count! 4.6k

note! this is the longest shit i've ever written in my whole life 😨 IT'S ALSO INSPIRED BY A DREAM I HAD WITH ANAKIN HEHEHHEHE so it's special, i hope you like it as much as i do <33.

my mother tongue is spanish, so i ask for your patience and a lot of kindness in case you want to make an observation about my narration, grammar or spelling. thank you!

© stardi - all rights reserved. do not repost, translate or modify without permission and credits!

The time had long surpassed the stroke of midnight, yet fate had conspired to hold you, Anakin and R2-D2 captive in the war room, surrounded by maps and holographic projections of the enemy's forces. As one of the highest-ranking Generals, the weighty responsibility had fallen upon you and Anakin to devise a strategic plan, one that would orchestrate the downfall of a fortified Separatist stronghold nestled upon a remote planet.

Your eyes felt heavy, your head pounded, and every inch of your body was begging for some rest. All you yearned for was respite, a sanctuary within the confines of your bunk, where you could surrender to slumber's embrace for an entire week. Looking over at Anakin, you could tell that he wasn't feeling any different from you, his body language betraying his exhaustion, letting you know that you weren't alone in your misery. You couldn't help but wonder how much longer you and your best friend could keep going like this.

You hated war.

It was a brutal business, and you hated every moment of it. Its destructive nature, the lives it claimed, the endless planning and executing was taking its toll on you.

Yet, you soldiered on, fueled by the hope that your efforts would make a difference.

With bleary eyes, you rubbed at the fatigue-induced haze, striving to maintain focus amidst the flickering glow emanating from the tactical map. In that moment, Anakin turned to you. A adorable yawn, one he tried to suppress but failed, escaped his lips with a slight suspire. It was a stark contrast to his imposing figure; strong, broad, and towering. It was in these small, vulnerable moments that his true essence shone through, captivating your soul like nothing else.

You wondered if he knew how cute he looked when he was tired, or how every little gesture of his was beautiful in its own way.

"I think we should launch a frontal assault," suddenly, his confident and resolute voice broke through your thoughts about him. His index finger moved at a specific area and your gaze followed his hand. An undeniable knot of worry coiled in the pit of your stomach. The location he had singled out was no ordinary point on the map; it was a fortified entrance, a bastion of enemy resistance that had withstood countless assaults. "We'll hit them hard and fast, overwhelm their defenses, and take the base in a matter of hours."

"That's a risky move," you interjected, unsure about the feasibility of his plan. His illogical proposal took your sleep away in less than a second. "The Separatists have had time to fortify their position and they'll be expecting us. We could lose a lot of men if we charge in blindly."

"We're Jedi, not cowards. We can handle whatever they throw at us."

"But what if they have some kind of surprise waiting for us?" you countered, your own frustration growing as you watched Anakin's tired eyes roll in exasperation at your objections. His pretty, oh, so pretty eyes. "A trap? A minefield? A hidden weapon? We need to approach this mission with caution."

The General let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his brows furrowing deeply in annoyance. He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms in front of his chest in a clear demonstration of displeasure. The weariness in his eyes was overshadowed by an unmistakable expression of disdain as he peered at you, a seemingly conviction that you, in that moment, were the dumbest living form in the entire vastness of the galaxy.

"Caution?" he exclaimed, the word escaping his lips like a bitter scoff. "We need to seize the initiative and strike while the iron is hot. Our troops are ready, and the time is right."

Exhaustion was mounting, and you could feel a dull ache pulsing through your temples. Instinctively, you rubbed your forehead in a futile attempt to alleviate the fatigue that threatened to cloud your judgment. A silent plea to the gods or the Force itself crossed your mind, a pray to grant you the patience and wisdom necessary to navigate the turbulent sea of Anakin's unwavering determination.

He's so stubborn.

It was legendary, he could be as immovable as a mountain. His obstinacy resembled a deep-rooted tree, firmly entrenched in his convictions, rendering it nearly impossible to sway or alter. You had long known this about the man you loved the most, and you were aware of how difficult it could be to change his mind once he was set on something. This quality of his, simultaneously admirable and frustrating, had been witnessed by everyone on numerous occasions.

And now it was putting the mission at risk.

A pang of guilt struck you as you thought back on the many times you had given in to his plans or ideas to avoid a conflict that wears out your mind and heart. You knew deep down that it wasn't worth it, that sometimes it was easier to concede than to argue. But today, now, this case was different. This time, the stakes were higher, you couldn't let him put your troops in unnecessary danger just because you wanted to avoid an argument. Your decisions could make or break the success of the mission.

"I'm not saying we should be cowards, Anakin. I'm saying we should be smart. We need to think about the bigger picture here," you stated calmly, trying to reason with him, leaning forward in your seat to trace your finger along the terrain as you spoke. "We can send in a smaller team to gather intel. Then, based on what they find, we can make the best decision about how to proceed. We need to minimize our losses and maximize our chances of success."

Anakin's intense gaze held yours, and you felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, he was genuinely considering your suggestion. His eyes seemed to search yours for a moment, as if weighing the options and possibilities. But, as quickly as that flicker of possibility had arisen, it was snuffed out by the curve of his lips, which seemed to twist into a disapproving sneer.

"I appreciate your input, Y/N," he replied, polite but tinged with a dismissive tone. Running a hand through his tousled hair, he caused a few strands to fall gracefully back into place. That gesture would have normally made your heart flutter, however, the gravity of the situation kept you firmly grounded. "But I know what needs to be done. We're going with my plan," he concluded like a definitive statement, standing up from his seat with a data-pad in his hands, approaching the droid that was holding other maps for you. "R2, come here. Help me with something."

Unacceptable.

You sat there for a moment, stunned and speechless, trying to process what had just happened. Had he truly made the final call without giving a second thought to your perspective? Just like that? Was he so convinced of his own rightness that he was willing to dismiss your opinions entirely? The audacity! The heat of your rage begin to rise in your chest as you watched him compare maps with the droid without any worry or disturb at his behavior. How dare he? You wanted to scream, to lash out, to tell him exactly what you thought of him and his I'm-always-right attitude. But at the same time, you knew that wouldn't solve anything.

Summoning all your willpower, you took a deep breath, clenching your teeth with fervor and mentally counted to ten, harnessing your emotions as you rose from your seat walked purposefully toward him.

You closed the distance, your gaze weighed heavily upon the back of his neck. It pierced through his consciousness, momentarily causing a flicker of confusion to ripple across his features, drawing his attention to your presence. However, after a fleeting moment of acknowledgment, he redirected his focus back to the droid, continuing with his task, seemingly dismissing the impact of your unspoken message.

"You're not even willing to consider other options?" you questioned. The words hung in the air, suspended between you and Anakin. Yet, he stood unmoved. "You're just going to charge in blindly and hope for the best?"

"It's not blind," Anakin emitted a chuckle, dripping with sarcasm. He didn't even bother to face you, his voice carrying a hint of condescension. "It's a calculated risk."

"Anakin, we're supposed to be a team," you crossed your arms, your voice firm but tinged with a touch of pleading. "We should be working together on this."

"I am working with you. I just don't agree with your strategy," his annoyance was palpable as he finally set aside his data-pad, pivoting his well-built frame to face you, his gaze piercing with impatience. "You're too cautious, too hesitant. Your plan will only hold us back. I know what I'm doing."

A slap in the face. That's how it felt. You had always been willing to put yourself in harm's way for the greater good, but you knew that there was a difference between bravery and foolishness, a thin line you weren't willing to cross. Anakin, on the other hand, seemed to have a hard time distinguishing between the two.

"I'm holding us back?" you shot, incredulous. You didn't notice the way your voice was slowly rising. "You're the one who's being reckless and impulsive. As always," Anakin's narrowed eyes burned with indignant fury, his initial annoyance transforming into a smoldering anger that threatened to consume the room. You knew that your words had struck a nerve, even though they held a semblance of truth.

As the tension in the room thickened, the air heavy with unyielding wills, R2-D2 beeped urgently, his mechanical voice punctuating the air seeking to intervene. The astromech droid, more than just a resourceful companion, was a friend, his loyalty extended beyond mere service; he cared deeply for both of you, aware of the underlying, unspoken feelings that bound you together. Every subtle interaction was etched into his memory circuits, everything. From the stolen glances and telltale blushes provoked by compliments, from the extended hugs that lingered longer than necessary after arduous missions and the occasional brushes of hands. He longed for nothing more than to see you both happy and united, free from the burdens of conflict.

And he was determined to fulfill his longing, he was going to put an end to the argument, and maybe take advantage of the situation a little. A mischievous thought flitted through his mechanical mind: Did the two of you know about his favorite game?

"Not now, R2," Anakin snapped, caught up in the heat of the moment, waving the droid away. "I am the problem now? You're the one who's being selfish, thinking only of your own safety and not the mission at hand."

"That's not true. I care about the mission, and I care about our troops. I just don't want to see them die needlessly because of a hasty decision," a mocking and arrogant smile stretched across his face.

"You don't have the guts to make the tough calls, do you?"

The way you gasped.

Even R2 seemed taken aback, emitting an surprised beep that mirrored the incredulity you felt. For a moment, you struggled to find your voice, your jaw hanging open in a mix of astonishment and anger. Then, your throat let out a bubbling laughter of disbelief.

"Oh, you don't want to do this," you managed to choke, a sense of warning in your laughs. Anakin's expression shifted, his defiance growing even stronger as he raised his chin, a challenging sparkle in his eyes. His audacious stance seemed to say that he was ready to engage in this verbal duel, if you weren't fighting already, unafraid of the consequences. It was a side of him you had seen before. That stubborn, headstrong Jedi Knight loved pushing boundaries.

"Maybe I do."

Fearing the situation could deteriorate further, R2-D2 acted with a subtle nudge against Anakin's legs, a gentle insistence in his movements as he sought to capture the Jedi's attention, his beeps growing more insistent. Anakin, vexed by the interruption, cast a frustrated glance downward, emitting a groan of annoyance in response.

"R2! Can't you see we are talking? Wait a minute," he scolded.

"No, this is not a talk," you shocked your head angrily. Even as you felt your frustration rising, you feel a twinge of gratitude towards R2 for his attempts to defuse the situation.

"You started this," he accused. "You're always looking for an easy way out, a safe option. But that's not how wars are won. Sometimes you have to take risks, make sacrifices, and do what needs to be done."

"You think I was born yesterday? I perfectly know that. But I'm also not willing to throw away lives for the sake of a bold move," you gritted your teeth, unable to hold your tongue any longer. "If you can't see that, then maybe you're not the leader I thought you were."

Anakin's gaze met yours, and within his eyes, a flicker of surprise mingled with a tinge of remorse, shattering the facade of his unwavering confidence. You knew that your outburst had caught him off guard, but you also knew that it was necessary. You had stood up for yourself and demanded to be heard, and you were not going to allow anyone to dismiss your contributions again.

"What?" he spat, low and dangerous. You stood your ground, refusing to back down.

"You heard me."

"You're questioning my leadership now?"

"I'm questioning your judgment," you declared. "And I won't stand by and let you put our troops in unnecessary danger. I'm not being coward, I'm just following the Jedi Code. You should try it sometime."

Before Anakin could formulate a response, a sudden force propelled him forward, jostling him from behind. R2-D2 had maneuvered into position, pushing Anakin until he stood mere inches from you, nose-to-nose. The unexpected proximity caused Anakin to stumble, a sharp intake of breath escaping his lips and a flush of pink embarrassment danced across his cheeks. The notion of an almost-kiss left him and you momentarily breathless, his eyes evading your gaze as they instead fell upon his mechanical confidant. The droid's incessant beeping were playful now, and lively tiny jumps from side to side seemed to exude an air of amusement.

"Hey, watch it, you little scrap pile!" Anakin scolded the droid, his tone tinged with shame. The close proximity had nearly led to a secretly wanted but inadvertent intimacy. "What are you doing?!"

"Don't talk to him like that!" you chastised him. R2 had been trying to diffuse the situation, to ease the tension that had been building between you and Anakin. He just wanted to help.

Or at least that's what you thought.

"He's pushing me!"

"He's trying to say something!"

"No! He's just being annoying, just like you!"

"Annoying?! Anakin!"

"What?! Nothing of this would have happened if you have just agreed with my plan in first place!" R2-D2 persisted in his efforts, he pushed Anakin from behind once again, yet this time the Jedi anticipated the droid's intentions, bracing himself against the opposing force. Turning his gaze toward his diminutive companion, his expression hardened with resolve. "R2, I swear to the Force, I am going to deactivate you if you don't stop this!"

"I did it because you're being arrogant and stubborn! You think you're better than everyone else, but you're not!"

"Oh! Yeah?!"

"Yeah! You're just a hothead who can't see past his own ego!"

"Don't you dare talk to me about ego!" he yelled back, his voice dripping with venom. "You're the one who can't stand not being in control! You're so afraid of failure that you're willing to sacrifice our chances of success just to cover your own ass!"

Despite Anakin's threats, R2-D2 remained undeterred in his mischievous intervention. With an assertive nudge, the droid propelled Anakin forward once again, causing him to lose his balance and cascade towards you. In a split second, Anakin's reflexes kicked in, his hands reaching out instinctively to catch you, his muscular and warm arms enveloping you protectively. With an agile twist of his body, he positioned himself in such a way that he took the brunt of the fall, ensuring your safety as you both tumbled to the ground.

With your head pressed against his chest, the rhythm of Anakin's rapid heartbeat reverberated in your ears, its intensity mirroring the emotions exploding within him, evident in the way his grip tightened around you even after the fall. In the midst of the unexpected entanglement of limbs and bodies, you found yourselves drawn together in a way that surpassed the boundaries of mere friendship. There was a tenderness to the way your bodies intertwined, as if they were seeking solace and connection by themselves.

You two were close. So close.

The proximity allowed you to intimately perceive the essence of his physical presence, catching the distinct scent of his masculinity that lingered in the air. It was an alluring fragrance, an intoxicating essence that elicited a subtle flush of color upon your cheeks, betraying the effect he had on you.

Looking up into Anakin's eyes, you saw a mixture of concern and anger, his gaze fixed on you as he assessed your well-being. His cheeks flushed with a shade of crimson that only heightened his attractiveness, intensifying your own blush. Yet his focus remained on your safety. Only after confirming that you were unharmed, he shifted his attention to the mischievous droid, his features contorted with frustration and irritation.

"You— Stupid droid!"

"R2," you whispered shyly, a hint of complaint in your voice as you attempted to extricate yourself from Anakin's anatomy. However, as you made your initial move to stand up, an unexpected force pulled you down, causing you to crash back onto his chest. With a perplexed glance downwards, you discovered that both of your zip belts had become entangled, linking your bodies together in a awkward predicament.

You tried to suppress a nervous laugh, but it escaped you, and Anakin joined in. Fingers fumbled and intertwined, attempting to untangle the fabric that held you captive, but the more you struggled, the tighter the clip seemed to become. You could feel his muscles tense under your weight, and you were sure he could feel your trembling hands.

"I-I— Let me—"

"No, stay still. Let's— U-Uh—"

"No— Look, I can— E-Em—"

Just when you thought the moment couldn't become any more mortifying, R2-D2 intervened with a sudden burst of loud beeps, followed by the unmistakable melody of a romantic tune, causing both you and Anakin to freeze. The notes of the music filled the room, creating a whimsical backdrop that seemed to amplify the fluttering shared between you and Anakin. Eyes widening in surprise, you turned to look at Anakin, his expression reflecting a mixture of horror, embarrassment, and a desire to vanish from sight.

"What the- R2, stop that!" Anakin's voice rang out, filled with flustered exasperation. The poor guy looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die. "Stop it! N-Now!"

But R2-D2 seemed impervious to Anakin's distress, emitting an innocent beep while unabashedly continuing to serenade you both with melody, pleased with the romantic atmosphere he had created.

Unable to contain yourself any longer, you burst into laughter, escaping in a series of happy chuckles that echoed through the room as you watched R2 dancing with the music. Amidst your amusement, you glanced at Anakin, a playful glimmer in your eyes as you sought an explanation.

"What is he doing?" you asked, the giggles still in your voice, your innocent curiosity blending seamlessly with the light-hearted mirth that sparkled in your eyes.

"I-I don't know!" his attempt at feigning ignorance crumbling as a genuine warmth began to radiate in his eyes. Deep down, he couldn't deny that R2-D2's intervention seemed too intentional to be mere chance. Anakin knew that the droid was aware of his hidden affections for you. "I- I swear, I don't know what's got into him. Maybe he's malfunctioning or s-something," Anakin's stammered words failed to conceal the knowing glimmer in his eyes, hinting at a secret he was not yet ready to reveal.

"It's funny," you confessed, a soft smile adorning your lips as your laughter subsided. "Are... you okay?"

"Am I okay?" he repeated, genuine surprise mingling with tenderness in his voice. He paused in his attempts to untangle the belts, his gaze locked with yours. "I am not the one who almost got crushed. Are you okay?"

"But you got crushed! What are you talking about?" you playfully retorted, your laughter mingling with the harmonious melody surrounding you. With a gentle tilt of your head, you regarded him, your smile radiating warmth. "I'm okay," you assured him.

For a suspended moment, the room transformed into a sanctuary of shared vulnerability. As your gaze remained in his, an rare language flowed between you, conveying a depth of understanding that transcended words. In that silent exchange, you detected a subtle shift in Anakin, a softness that belied his earlier brashness. His eyes held a tender gleam, and his touch carried a gentleness you hadn't witnessed until now. Could it be that he felt the same way about you that you did about him? Somehow?

"I'm sorry," his voice murmured, the words almost lost amidst the tender notes of the music. "I didn't mean anything I said earlier, I didn't mean to insult you. I'm just under a lot of pressure. We both are."

"I know, Ani, I know," you nodded, your voice filled with sincerity and compassion. "I'm sorry, too. I also didn't mean to insult you."

R2 emitted a contented series of beeps, seemingly delighted with the outcome of his meddling. Sensing the need for privacy, the droid swiftly departed, leaving the two of you alone. Anakin's brow furrowed in confusion, his attention momentarily diverted by the departing droid.

"Hey! Hey! Where are you going?!" he called out, a trace of annoyance lingering in his voice. Evidently, the source of the current situation was still fresh in his mind. "Come back here!"

And in that instant, you knew it was now or never.

When would an opportunity like this present itself again? When would your hearts be so unguarded, the connection so palpable? The urgency within you propelled you forward, overriding any fears or doubts. You realized that regardless of his response, you had to seize the moment, to convey your feelings through a single, fleeting act.

Unburdened by the need for reciprocation, overriding any fears of rejection or potential consequences, before Anakin managed to separate your belts, you leaned in impulsively and pressed a loving kiss upon his cheek.

His impulsivity can be contagious, you had discovered, and the galaxy reduced to the electrifying touch of your lips against his skin.

Though the contact had been briet, you sensed his unconscious inclination, the way he instinctively leaned his cheek closer to your lips as if seeking a lingering connection. As you gingerly pulled away to witness his reaction, you almost screamed like a schoolgirl caught in the throes of a blossoming romance.

There he was.

His face, already flushed from earlier events, now sported a hue even deeper pink, near to red. His cheeks seemed to puff up slightly, a result of the endearing and slightly bewildered smile he struggled to conceal. His eyes blinked, almost in slow motion, as if he had just awakened from the most enchanting dream imaginable.

And it was only because you kissed his cheek.

"What was that for?" he managed to utter, his voice barely rising above a whisper, as if grappling to find words to articulate his whirlwind of emotions.

"Just because."

That was all he needed to hear.

Anakin's hands gently cradled your face, his touch sending tingles of anticipation through your body. You felt a rush of warmth spreading from your cheeks to the rest of your being, his thumbs caressed your skin tenderly as he drew you closer, closing the distance between your lips.

The moment your mouths met, time seemed to stand still. The world around faded away, leaving only the soft press of his lips against yours. It was a sweet sensation, filled with a blend of longing, desire, and a hint of uncertainty, as if he wanted to convey all his feelings through this single form of love.

As you melted into the kiss, surrendering to the magic of the moment, you could feel Anakin's grip on your cheeks tightening ever so slightly, his fingers intertwining with the strands of your hair. It was a gesture of both longing and possessiveness, a silent declaration of the emotions that had been building between you for so long, a confirmation that he was here, in this moment, fully present and committed to the love that bloomed between you.

It was better than you imagined. It was much better than he had imagined. It was just... perfect. Right. True.

But as with all things, the kiss eventually came to an end. Reluctantly, you and Anakin parted, breathless and dizzy, with lips tingling, both gasping for air.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, his voice filled with awe. "I shouldn't have done that."

"I shouldn't have done that, either," you whispered. His eyes searched yours, seeking a hint of regret, remorse. But he didn t find it. Instead, he felt a pull towards you, a desire for more.

Anakin's stared at you, a silent beg in his eyelids for permission. Driven by an insatiable longing, you leaned in once again, your lips seeking his with urgency and surrender. Time seemed to stand still as your souls intertwined, and just as the kiss was taking the path you wanted, you remembered how it was that you ended up in this precise moment.

The mission.

You kindly pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, your foreheads gently met. The world slowly seeped back into focus, but the imprint of that stolen kiss remained etched upon your very being.

"We should get back to planning," you said, trying to sound practical and composed. Anakin let out a childish complaint, his touch lingering on your cheek for a short moment before reluctantly withdrawing.

"Yeah, we should," he sighed. As much as he wanted to continue kissing you, he knew that you had a mission to focus on. "I'll give you this one. We'll send in a small team to gather intel tomorrow. But I'm telling you, we're going to need to be aggressive if we want to win this."

"Aggressive, yes. Reckless, no."

Anakin's expression softened, and he nodded in agreement. You offered a warm smile in response, wanting to rise from your position on the ground. But before you could, you were pushed back down by the entangled belts, causing your body to collide once again with Anakin's chest. You groaned in frustration, feeling a bit embarrassed for forgetting about the belts in the heat of the moment. Anakin, however, laughed heartily at your clumsy attempt and pulled you close to him, taking the opportunity to wrap his arms around you.

"I don't think I mind being stuck like this for a little longer."

꒰°˖ ✧ any spelling mistakes will be corrected soon !ㅤׄ  ₊ ᵎᵎ 

✃ graphics made by: me

ᶜᵒᵐᵐᵉⁿᵗ ˢʰᵃʳᵉ ˢᵃᵛᵉ

━━M𝓐STERLIST !

[rxzennia]

selfish atonement

– requested. 

✎𓂃 executing your duty perfectly, until it’s not so heavy anymore. less romance, a lot of lore. mandatory shoutout to @st4rrth0ughts and their bodyguard reader & oc. i really searched up oswaldo for this pls enjoy (i tried to cook but i might’ve burnt it y'all)

ever since oswaldo’s expedition on aeragan-epharshel, you’ve become certain of one thing – he is a brilliant businessman; the epitome of a profitable business. regardless of the mostly negative emotions you felt while you undertook missions under his orders, you could at least admit that he brought unparalleled results to the ipc. 

but, well, it does not take a good man to make a good businessman.

this marks the third amber era after your departure from the marketing development department… no, your departure from the ipc as a whole. you’ve changed your name, got yourself a new appearance, and distanced yourself from oswaldo’s name.

you’ve since become a sellsword who answers only to your current client

you’ve chosen to not have your loyalty freely auctioned off to the wealthy precisely because of your history with oswaldo

aka, you’re done with the type of problems that can be solved with money, and you don’t want to be someone that can be easily bought with money, either

not in the sense that money won’t make you more likely to take a job, but in the sense that money won’t bribe you away from any ongoing duties

that’s enough about you and your standards

in any case, your history with the ipc (that you’ve manipulated a little) has been very helpful in landing you jobs

and at this point, you’ve got a nice word of mouth going on for you that you don’t need to bring up that history anymore

who would’ve thought that you’d end up in the ipc again?

this time as a temporary guard for one of the ten stonehearts

you don’t know what possessed someone like diamond to ask for you, because you’re pretty sure he knows about your previous involvement with the ipc

and also, what the fuck does the ten stonehearts need a bodyguard for?

you’d pay a million credits to bet that diamond just wanted someone to be surveillance

but hey, a client is a client, so you agree to meet the one you’re supposedly “protecting”

you walk into the room, and immediately you want to walk out. diamond is doing this on purpose, he’s gotta be, he’s got to have done a background check on you and still decided to choose violence.

you come face to face with aventurine, and you thank all the aeons out there that you’ve made the decision to wear a mask whenever you’re out. you don’t know if diamond had briefed him on you or not, but judging by how warily civil he is, it doesn’t seem so. 

just so we’re clear, you were far too green to be directly involved when oswaldo launched his sigonia-iv project. while you did tag along on these trips and treaty signings, you have no personal involvement there except standing there like a statue and watching your superiors hammer out a treaty or something. unlike in aeragan-epharshel. where you were one of the combat pilots. oh, that’s another can of worms altogether.

at least he can’t see your expression right now as you shake hands

at least he doesn't hear your erratically beating heart

you introduce yourselves, and you bow out of habit

impression points +100 (your starting score is -10000)

that’s basically how you ended up involved with the ipc again

ugh, you just can’t leave them in the past, can you?

although, in your defense, they’re everywhere, and you can’t possibly turn down a job with such luxurious pay

so, now, instead of the marketing development department, you’re in the strategic investment department. diamond is also a good businessman, but… the ten stonehearts have such a weird dynamic. they’re all tangled together with office politics, yet share one authority figure that they ultimately obey – something you haven’t bothered to think about when you were last in the ipc. and something you won’t bother thinking about, because the mere thought of corporate makes you want to dig yourself into a hole.

in any case, your constant meddling in aventurine’s daily affairs begins today. he’s quite a guarded man, and you have no idea what diamond wants you to do by putting you next to him practically 24/7, but oh well, you’re getting paid.

you settle into a routine surprisingly quickly, and he doesn’t seem to mind your presence all that much

alarmed? yes. mildly annoyed that diamond put a walking tracker on him? also yes. 

dislike your presence? kinda (not really). 

at least he knows you won’t betray him for as long as your contract is in effect

even if you answer directly to diamond, you were tasked to watch over him

which means that you will execute your assigned duty to guard him and strictly only that duty

(truly, your reputation precedes you)

but what is worrying is how swiftly you can change sides the moment your contract expires

well, a problem for tomorrow. diamond’s got you leashed for a year.

he does run a background check on you himself

not that he doesn’t trust that diamond hadn’t vetted you, he just wants to know what sort of person he is now stuck with

guess who found out your name is probably fake but can’t find your real name

because he could only trace your name so far, and anything beyond that point is blank

the discoveries will shock you!! top 10 most scary facts you didn’t know 

all he got was a full report from your first job to this one

anything about your past before your current alias is completely untraceable

not that he intends to ask anyway; you haven’t given him any reason to dig further (yet)

he keeps an eye out for you though

even if he’s not suspicious of you at the moment, that could change in the blink of an eye

aventurine is surprised at how loyal you are to him. you’re under diamond’s orders, but you’re surprisingly putting in a lot to protect him. and to look after him.

to you, it’s just your job… and a selfish, twisted sort of repentance. it’s a thought you intend to take with you to the grave.

you’re not obligated to wake him up or bring him breakfast, but you do anyway

which, he realizes that you must’ve woken up like at least two hours before him

you coordinate his schedule with his assistant so that he doesn’t make pointless trips to five different locations just to end up at the same one twice

you, quite literally, hover over him

yes, even at huge conferences, you’re tailing him like his shadow

some kinda scary dog privilege going on

but of course, you give him space whenever he requires it and keep him within your sights instead

so far so good

but you know what spooks him still? 

that you get pissed when someone makes any nasty passing remark at him

no, you are not a feral street cat that scratches anyone who wrongs you (him)

what you do is you give them a scary confrontation

or you pick them out and lodge a complaint with their superiors afterwards, if they aren’t the top dog

one time he got his hands on a report that you’re writing

aeons, you blow it out of proportion without lying 

you like to call it a suitable amount of embellishing 

then you pull a lot of emotional appealing according to the opponents' company policy

which usually results in some sort of disciplinary action that is actually pretty satisfying to see

but also

damn, you’re merciless 

and also very adept at business talk

trust +100, doubt +25

(shady mercenary for hire with far too much experience type doubt)

you’re as good of a bodyguard as aventurine can get, especially for someone he didn’t hire himself… 

he quite likes you, actually! because how many people do you think asked him something like “why do you need a bodyguard” to his face? none! you’re as entertaining as they come. 

and so he finds joy in his boring executive work by pestering you

you know that, but you put up with him

in fact, this guy is so one of a kind that you don’t even feel pestered

you sometimes even drink with him

whenever he offers, of course, because you’re not too interested in drinking

you drink moderately on the job, but c’mon, when are you not on the job

okay, maybe when he’s just chilling in his office or in the hotel and not going anywhere

then there’s competitive drinking where he tries to coax you into talking about yourself by making you down shots

and guess who’s wasted every time? not you

“mr aventurine?” you ask, nudging the unconscious man next to you. “sir? earth to mr aventurine? hello?”

his empty glass of whiskey on the table, his face slightly flushed as he snoozes away on the table… yeah, it does not look comfy at all.

you sigh, he’s giving you more work again, and you carefully hoist him from the table. 

when he comes to again, he finds himself in his own room

his head hurts so much

he notices that he hasn’t changed from his usual attire – only his coat and accessories are taken off

okay, and the top button of his shirt is undone

did you bring him back? 

as always, you don’t even bother to change him

he sighs, you’re really not very good at reading signs

because he’s done this multiple times! and he’s whined about not being changed after!

more like you did notice but you choose not to do what he wants

that’s crossing a line in your books

and your books is something you stick to like you’re obsessed

at least you left him water and hangover medicine on the nightstand

why does he feel like you’re deliberately keeping him at arm’s length?

it’s been a while and you two have spent so much time together, yet you’re still a stranger to him

not even acquaintances 

like… like, you don’t initiate conversation when you’re watching him

both when he’s going somewhere (requires actual protecting) and chilling at home (does not require actual protecting)

and even after so many late night drinking sessions, he still hasn’t seen you without your mask

mainly because you’ve never been drunk enough for him to sneak a peek, but still

aventurine doesn’t know how to express affection. platonically, romantically, in general, pretty much. so he tries to do the one thing he does best, splurging. and he tries to splurge on you, because he’s intrigued and wants to make buy a friend, but…

but you don’t let him splurge on you! you don’t even let him give you gifts! he only knows how to win affection by spending money on others! 

sometimes he feels like you stick too strictly to your duties

just like his other subordinates… you take orders far too well

he’s tried to give you trinkets, designer clothes, even limited snacks

all of which were returned to him within 24 hours

though, with the snacks, you take it if he offers you a piece or two when he’s already opened it

and you let him treat you to coffee occasionally. very occasionally.

he eventually figures out that it’s a matter of principles

but what principles, exactly? you’re a sellsword, for aeon’s sake

he thought those are the people who have absolutely no principles???

anyway, won’t stop him from trying

“mr aventurine…” you pinch the bridge of your nose as you see the bags stacked on your desk. “i remember telling you that souvenirs are unnecessary.”

“what’s wrong with them?” aventurine laments dramatically. “i’ve picked out only the finest for you!”

you don’t deserve it, you think, but you don’t say that, of course

you don’t even know of his lifelong grudge towards oswaldo

you just know that you had a hand in the extinction event

not like hand hand, but you watched it happen… it doesn’t sit well with you

besides, you have the blood of almost an entire civilization on your hands

if you think too hard about it, the image of flames and carnage overlap with what is in front of you

then, you envision the records of sigonia that you’ve read through in the past

and everything blurs together, your actions, your inaction, and your unwavering loyalty that led you to not raise a single question at all

you squeeze your eyes shut tightly and purge the images from your mind

you are currently here, in the present

“i can’t take them.” you reply, finally, shaking your head. “it’s inappropriate for our standing. especially since there’s no reason for you to be gifting me so many things out of nowhere.”

“what, i can’t be nice to my bodyguard?” aventurine pouts as he sorts the bags in height order. “i’ve got a limited edition tie, an antique phonograph, a discontinued mug, some rare natural color ink for your fountain pen, a pure cashmere sweater–”

“that’s… that’s enough, sir.” you raise a hand to cut him off. “i don’t think i can accept any of them, really.”

aventurine makes a face, then pulls out a bag from the end of the queue. “fine, fine. what about this, at least? assorted cookies from an artisan bakery, using only the best ingredients sourced from all over the cosmos?”

you stare at that bag as you feel the expectant stare from your boss

maybe… maybe one out of these dozens of bags is fine

you’ve gotta think about his feelings too, after you’ve rejected so many gifts

you reluctantly, carefully take the bag and say a small “thank you”

you don’t want his fascination with you to develop any more than what he’s already showing…

but you also know that it’s not up to you

so what is up to you is drawing a line that you won’t allow him to cross

for his sake, and for your own… 

if he keeps pushing, you should keep pushing back

keyword should

but can you?

aeons, you truly are selfish

wouldn’t it have been better to keep everything professional from the very beginning?

it’s okay. you only have a little more than half a year to go before you’re no longer obligated to be here. you’ll run away before aventurine catches on, like how you ran away from your past.

it’s okay. it’s just been a few months, there’s still more than half a year’s worth of time. before you part ways, there are still chances to get to know you better. perhaps even time to become friends, in the most literal sense of the word.

and maybe by the end of it, “you” will reach a satisfactory conclusion.

[16woodsequ]

Things People Seem to Forget About Steve Rogers (aka the past is complex)

Things in the future didn't happen in a vacuum, and while Steve missed a lot of stuff while he was in the ice, he would have seen the roots of things like the Civil Rights, Women's Rights and even LGBTQ+ Rights movements in his time.

While I'm sure Steve encountered a lot of people expecting certain right-wing behaviours from him, due to his birth year and the things he missed in the ice, this doesn't mean he would act that way—even right out of the ice.

But first lets take a look at the things Steve missed and see what he did in fact know:

The atom bomb. Steve never saw the atomic fallout, but what did he see? Hydra bombs literally being flown to his home city. There is also a possibility that as a specialty team, he learned about the German Nuclear Program during the war. His unit was tied to the Strategic Science Reserve, so I wouldn't be surprised if between that, and Hydra's bomb initiatives, Steve was well aware of the potential of a bomb threat. I doubt Steve has clearance to know about the Manhattan project, and I think he would be horrified to learn about the impact of the atom bomb on Japan (especially since he essentially thwarted the same thing from happening to New York) but majorly powerful bombs would not surprise him.

• The Cold War. Steve may not have experience the Cold War, but he grew up surrounded by the outcome of the First World War after the Communist take over of Russia. The debates surrounding Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism aren't new. Steve would have grown up with them and would probably be familiar with American pro-capitalist, anti-communist rhetoric. But would he agree?

Here's some things we know about Steve: He's an artist, he grew up during the Depression which was heavily mitigated by socialist measures, he grew up poor, he grew up disabled. As an artist Steve would be well aware of the debates between the political movements, and with his background, and the success of Roosevelt's New Deal reforms, it would not surprise me if Steve leaned more towards the Socialist side of the scale.

All this to say: Steve would not be unfamiliar with the tension between Russia and the USA. Especially since even though they were allies during the war, there were already concerns that the USSR wasn't so much 'liberating' the countries they drove Germany out of, as putting them under new management.

Steve would be familiar with the tensions underlying the Cold War, and his background might lead him to have a critical view of some of the pro-Capitalist propaganda that came out during the Cold War. While I don't think Steve would approve of Russia's methods and the ultimate outcome of Communism there, I don't think he would approve of the Red Scare Witch Hunt that happened in the States either.

• Civil Rights Movement. While Steve missed the major changes that occurred during the 50s and 60s, he would not be unfamiliar with movements for equality. Steve would also not be unaware of the inequality that minorities faced in his country.

For example:

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in 1909 and is still run today. The NAACP fought and fights against discrimination and advocates for equality.

In the 30s President Roosevelt responded to "to charges that many blacks were the "last hired and first fired," [his administration] instituted changes that enabled people of all races to obtain needed job training and employment. These programs brought public works employment opportunities to African Americans, especially in the North" (Link)

"The first precedent-setting local and state level court cases to desegregate Mexican and African American schooling were decided during [the late 1930s]" (Link)

In 1941 thousands of Black Americans threatened to march on Washington for equal employments rights which pushed Roosevelt to issue an executive order that "opened national defense jobs and other government jobs to all Americans regardless of race, creed, color or national origin." (Link)

The Double Victory or Double V Campaign during the war was an explicit campaign to win the war against fascism in Europe and the war against racism as home.

All this to say, Steve would not be unfamiliar with many of the issues tackled during the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s.

Not only that, but Steve led a multi-racial special unit during the war during a time of active army segregation. Not only does he have a Black man on his team, but also a Japanese man. This would have most definitely led to backlash from higher command as well as discrimination from other units against Jones and Morita. Steve and the entire Howling Commandos would be explicitly aware of prejudice against two of their members and likely had to fight for them many times.

• Anything space travel. It's true Steve wouldn't know anything about attempts to reach the moon. But there were still several space discoveries he could know about, especially since he and Bucky are clearly interested in scientific discoveries, considering how they went to the Stark Exbo before Bucky shipped out.

Some discoveries:

Hubble's Law: In 1929 Hubble published evidence for an ever expanding universe, and thus provided evidence of the Big Bang theory.

1930: Discovery of Pluto (makes me chuckle to think this is a relatively new discovery for Steve and he wakes up to find it is a dwarf-planet now. You think Millennials are protective of Pluto? I think Steve would be too 😆.)

1937: "the first intimation that most matter in the universe is `dark matter'"

Personally I think Steve would be absolutely amazed by the advances in space travel.

• Women's Rights. Like with Civil Rights, while Steve may have missed the large movements during the 50s and 60s, he was around for the early movements. The 60s movement is called Second Wave Feminism for a reason. This is because there was already many pushes for women equality in Steve's time.

For example:

1920: White women win the right to vote. This means Steve's mother first voted in his lifetime. I feel this alone would make Steve heavily aware of inequality faced by women. (As a side note I feel that Sarah always emphasized voting to Steve since it was such a major development in her lifetime.)

Also in the 20s the Flapper trend rose, along with hemlines. Women's skirts were shorter and they smoked and drank with men. Middle-class and working-class women also worked outside of the home. The 1920s-1930s 'modern' woman is very different from the Victorian vision of a woman in petticoats and skirts.

Early Birth Control movement: Was "initiated by a public health nurse, Margaret Sanger, just as the suffrage drive was nearing its victory. The idea of woman’s right to control her own body, and especially to control her own reproduction and sexuality, added a visionary new dimension to the ideas of women’s emancipation. This movement not only endorsed educating women about existing birth control methods. It also spread the conviction that meaningful freedom for modern women meant they must be able to decide for themselves whether they would become mothers, and when."

1936: A Supreme Court decision declassified birth control information as obscene. Legalised doctor-prescribed contraceptives.

WW2 Watershed: Women serve in the army and work factory jobs. The government establishes universal childcare while women work.

Women also wore pants and form fitting clothes to work in factories. We also see Peggy wearing pants during the last assault on Hydra. While Steve may need to get used to modern fashion, he would already be familiar with the 'morale outrage' over women's clothes in his time, and probably try to manage his surprise in private as well as possible.

• LGBTQ+ Rights. Like with the rest of the equality movements, LGBTQ+ rights movements also started before the late 1900s.

1924: "Society for Human Rights is founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago. The society is the first gay rights organization as well as the oldest documented in America." This organisation was broken up soon after founding due to arrests, but it published "the first American publication for homosexuals, Friendship and Freedom."

In the 1920s and 30s "the gay and lesbian movement started taking shape. Social analysts began rejecting prior medical definitions of "inversion" or "homosexuality" as deviant.

Communities of men and women with same-sex affiliations began to grow in urban areas. Their right to gather in public places such as bars was tenuous, and police raids and harassment were common." (Link)

WW2 Watershed: While many LGBTQ people lived in rural areas or outside 'queer neighbourhoods' the war brought people from all backgrounds together. "As with most young soldiers, many had never left their homes before, and the war provided them an opportunity to find community, camaraderie, and, in some cases, first loves. These new friendships gave gay and lesbian GIs refuge from the hostility that surrounded them and allowed for a distinct subculture to develop within the military."

They still had to hide their identities for fear of persecution and a 'blue discharge', however "Gay and lesbian veterans of World War II became some of the first to fight military discrimination and blue discharges in the years following the war."

It's unclear how much Steve would have known about the gay and lesbian rights movement. But in the comics he has a gay friend Arnie Roth, and there are many meta posts (X X X) about how Steve may have lived in a queer neighbourhood.

And, according to my history professor, gay and lesbian soldiers were often protected by their friends in the army instead of outed. This is not to downplay the discrimination and pain outed veterans faced, but there was a comaraderie and understanding that developed between soldiers that protected many gay soldiers.

• Computer and the internet. The seeds of modern computers began during World War Two. Arguably it began earlier with Ada Lovelace. While technology has changed a lot for Steve, there is a long history of it's development.

Colossus Computer: Kept secret until the 70s, it's unclear if Steve's association with the SSR, Peggy (who was a code breaker before SSR) and Howard, would have led him to know anything about the "the world's first programmable, electronic, digital computer", but we see electric screens and machines being used in Captain America: The First Avenger. So he would know something of those mechanisms.

Also the first American TV was broadcasted in the 1939 World Fair, And since Steve and Bucky are already shown going to a science fair, I believe it is reasonable for Steve to know about the concept of television, though it looks much different in modern day.

• Rise of Neo-Nazis. Steve already saw the rise of fascism in his own country before the war, so while I think he would be horrified and saddened to learn of the Neo-Nazi movement, I don't think he would be surprised.

Because:

Eugenics: A large part of the Nazi campaign, this part of the movement originated and was inspired by the United States Eugenics movement. "It is important to appreciate that within the U.S. and European scientific communities these ideas were not fringe but widely held and taught in universities."

Lobotomies and institutionalisations were part of the treatments for disabled and 'weak-minded' individuals during Steve's time. With Sarah being a nurse it is likely Steve knew of these treatments and more. And as a disabled child of immigrants, I have no doubts Steve brushed up with eugenics beliefs many times.

1939: More than 20,000 people attended a Nazi rally in Madison Square while "[a]bout 100,000 anti-Nazi protesters gathered around the arena in protest".

In the comics Steve canonically has a Jewish friend, Arnie Roth. If he wasn't part of the protests against the Nazi rally, he would have heard about it and known about the rise of antisemitic sentiment in the US before the outbreak of the war.

So Where Does That Leave Us?

Steve has a history of anti-racist behaviour. While he would still have a lot to learn from the Civil Rights Movement and no doubt has unconscious biases he grew up with, he also explicitly builds a multi-racial team that would have led to clashes with systemic racism in the army. This would have inevitably led to him and the Howling Commandos taking an anti-racist stance in protection of their members.

Would Steve say the N-word? Likely not. The N-Word already held negative connotations by the 19th and early-20th century. I doubt Jones would be willing to follow a man who would knowing use the insult. 'Coloured' or 'Negro' were seen as the more acceptable terms. So Steve may use those words at first, instead of 'Black' or 'African-American'. 'Negro' is a controversial term for some Black Americans, so this would be something for him to learn, but he would not purposely by insulting or hurtful. And I believe he would adapt as quickly as possible upon learning.

Steve saw the early steps of many social movements. Given what we know about Steve—artist, disabled, immigrant, poor, raised by a single mom, gay and Jewish friend, potentially lived around queer people, worked with Peggy and smiled when she punched a sexiest, and built a multi-racial team—Steve would not only be aware of the social movements of his time, but he would be happy to learn of the developments after he went into the ice.

While it would take some time for him to learn all the changes that happened, Steve's background would led him to be pleased with the changes in society. This is the opposite of being racist, sexist, and homophobic. Some things might take some adjusting for Steve to get used to, but he is already open-minded and has a frame of reference for many of the social changes that happened.

People sometimes bring up Steve's Catholic upbringing to argue about some beliefs he might have. But while I do think this upbringing would lead to some biases, I think Steve's life experience helped counter, or helped him unlearn some of those biases, even before he hit the ice.

Also, as an Irish-Catholic, Steve would have faced some discrimination of his own. It is most certainly not on the same level as other minorities, and things were better in the 20th century. Being very clear, any discrimination Steve faced for being Irish-Catholic would not be systemic or commonplace like racism. But adding his heritage to the rest of Steve's background helps give us a better idea of why he was already open to social movements like the Civil Rights movement before the ice. And it may have made him already more understanding of LGBTQ+ people, who he may have lived around, even if he grew up being taught certain biases.

Other Things We Forget About Steve

He is quite tech-savvy. While Steve would have a lot to learn, we know he is capable. There are a lot of jokes about his technical know-how in Avengers, but I think he's actually managing very well considering it's probably only been a few weeks or months since he came out of the ice.

Examples:

Deleted scene where we see Steve using a laptop in his apartment. He presses the spacebar to pause a video, which is a keyboard shortcut. So not only can he set up a laptop to watch a video, but he already knows key shortcuts.

Deleted scene where waitress mentions 'wireless'. Steve is confused and thinks she means radio. But I think he actually knows about wi-fi at this point, but probably had never heard it referred to as 'wireless' before. By this point he knows radio is not as common, so his real confusion is why the waitress is offering him 'free radio'. If she had said free wi-fi (the more typical phrase in my opinion) I think he would have understood.

Canon scene of Steve helping Tony fix the Helicarrier engines. This is my favourite evidence because Tony asks Steve to look at the relays and Steve makes a quip that they 'seem to run on some sort of electricity' indicating he is out of his depth. But we never see Tony tell Steve what to do. Steve figures out how to fix the relays himself. Tony is busy with the debris in the rotors and the next thing we see is Steve telling Tony the relays are all good.

Steve is much better at adapting and figuring out technology than we give him credit for. This doesn't mean he won't be anxious or uncomfortable with the sheer amount of stuff he has to learn (especially if everyone keeps making jokes about it to him). But by 2014, it's clear he's already mastered all of it, which is amazing when you think about it, because that's only two years of learning.

Steve is very book smart. In the comics Steve goes to art college, implying he finished high school. Even if he did drop out of high school to work, we know Steve is very smart.

We see him unloading a whole suitcase of books in the barracks before he got the serum.

The mental math is must take to throw the shield at the right angles for it to bounce back is insane.

Steve is also known as a master tactician. So it is clear he has the brains and smarts to run his team during the war. Not only that, but he is not just Captain in name. He actually has that rank, which means he passed the Captain's exam. I also have a feeling he would have needed to pass some kind of evaluation to get the serum in the first place.

We see in Steve's 2014 apartment that his bookshelves are full of history books. Steve is a veracious reader and spends a lot of his time catching up on what he missed. Things he didn't learn or were taught differently growing up would definitely exist, but Steve is actively working to counter that.

Steve would swear. Swearing has been a constant throughout all of history. So too, the backlash against profanity. Even if Steve grew up being told not to swear he would have heard it. And, Steve became a soldier. If he didn't swear before the war, he most definitely picked up some of it then.

I think Captain America isn't supposed to swear, and I think Steve would be aware of this perception of the symbol of him. But I think when Steve is comfortable with people, he would swear. We see in Avengers he doesn't swear, but in Avengers: Age of Ultron, he does.

We joke about Steve and the "Language" line, but I think that line has something to do with Steve's history of being perceived as a symbol and as Captain America since he said it 'just slipped out'. So, while Steve may have been encouraged not to swear growing up, and expected not to swear as Captain America, I fully believe that soldier, veteran, and Irish man Steve Rogers does swear.

Wrap up

I hope you liked this deep dive into Steve's history and character.

I think it can be easy to take the past as a lump sum and view everyone in the past through one lens. We know the past was racist, sexist, and homophobic, so we view everyone from the past that way.

And while it's true things were different back then, people were most definitely fighting for change and aware of the issues. There is also a lot of nuance to the past, and a lot that can be gleaned from what we know about Steve.

It's true that Steve would have a lot to learn when it comes to terminology and specific technology, but I believe Steve's background would prepare him for a lot of the social changes that happened after he went into the ice.