#Cargo Shipping Market Size

[rushikesh-d]

Cargo Shipping Market To Witness the Highest Growth Globally in Coming Years

The report begins with an overview of the Cargo Shipping Market 2025 Size and presents throughout its development. It provides a comprehensive analysis of all regional and key player segments providing closer insights into current market conditions and future market opportunities, along with drivers, trend segments, consumer behavior, price factors, and market performance and estimates. Forecast market information, SWOT analysis, Cargo Shipping Market scenario, and feasibility study are the important aspects analyzed in this report.

The Cargo Shipping Market is experiencing robust growth driven by the expanding globally. The Cargo Shipping Market is poised for substantial growth as manufacturers across various industries embrace automation to enhance productivity, quality, and agility in their production processes. Cargo Shipping Market leverage robotics, machine vision, and advanced control technologies to streamline assembly tasks, reduce labor costs, and minimize errors. With increasing demand for customized products, shorter product lifecycles, and labor shortages, there is a growing need for flexible and scalable automation solutions. As technology advances and automation becomes more accessible, the adoption of automated assembly systems is expected to accelerate, driving market growth and innovation in manufacturing. Cargo Shipping Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Cargo Type (Dry Cargo Container, Bulk, General, Hazardous, Petroleum), By End-Use Industry Type (Food,Manufacturing, Oil and Ores, Electrical and Electronics) Others and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

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Key Strategies

Key strategies in the Cargo Shipping Market revolve around optimizing production efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Integration of advanced robotics and machine vision technologies streamlines assembly processes, reducing cycle times and error rates. Customization options cater to diverse product requirements and manufacturing environments, ensuring solution scalability and adaptability. Collaboration with industry partners and automation experts fosters innovation and addresses evolving customer needs and market trends. Moreover, investment in employee training and skill development facilitates seamless integration and operation of Cargo Shipping Market. By prioritizing these strategies, manufacturers can enhance competitiveness, accelerate time-to-market, and drive sustainable growth in the Cargo Shipping Market.

Major Cargo Shipping Market Manufacturers covered in the market report include:

Some of the major companies that are present in the automotive cargo shipping market include CMA-CGM SA, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., DHL Global Forwarding, Nippon Express Co., Ltd., Ceva Logistics, A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, Panalpina World Transport (Holding) Ltd., China COSCO Holdings Company Limited, Deutsche Bahn AG, and Hapag-Lloyd AG among the other players.

The direct rise in commodity consumption owing to economic growth and development, increasing trend of globalization, and demographic changes are expected to drive the cargo shipping market. Supply chain management for marine trade has improved largely, attributing to developing nations gaining a significant market share in the cargo shipping. Increasing environmental changes globally are expected to hamper the growth of cargo shipping.

Trends Analysis

The Cargo Shipping Market is experiencing rapid expansion fueled by the manufacturing industry's pursuit of efficiency and productivity gains. Key trends include the adoption of collaborative robotics and advanced automation technologies to streamline assembly processes and reduce labor costs. With the rise of Industry 4.0 initiatives, manufacturers are investing in flexible and scalable Cargo Shipping Market capable of handling diverse product portfolios. Moreover, advancements in machine vision and AI-driven quality control are enhancing production throughput and ensuring product consistency. The emphasis on sustainability and lean manufacturing principles is driving innovation in energy-efficient and eco-friendly Cargo Shipping Market Solutions.

Regions Included in this Cargo Shipping Market Report are as follows:

North America [U.S., Canada, Mexico]

Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Rest of Europe]

Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific]

South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America]

Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa]

Significant Features that are under offering and key highlights of the reports:

- Detailed overview of the Cargo Shipping Market.

- Changing the Cargo Shipping Market dynamics of the industry.

- In-depth market segmentation by Type, Application, etc.

- Historical, current, and projected Cargo Shipping Market size in terms of volume and value.

- Recent industry trends and developments.

- Competitive landscape of the Cargo Shipping Market.

- Strategies of key players and product offerings.

- Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

► What is the current market scenario?

► What was the historical demand scenario, and forecast outlook from 2025 to 2032?

► What are the key market dynamics influencing growth in the Global Cargo Shipping Market?

► Who are the prominent players in the Global Cargo Shipping Market?

► What is the consumer perspective in the Global Cargo Shipping Market?

► What are the key demand-side and supply-side trends in the Global Cargo Shipping Market?

► What are the largest and the fastest-growing geographies?

► Which segment dominated and which segment is expected to grow fastest?

► What was the COVID-19 impact on the Global Cargo Shipping Market?

Table Of Contents:

1 Market Overview

1.1 Cargo Shipping Market Introduction

1.2 Market Analysis by Type

1.3 Market Analysis by Applications

1.4 Market Analysis by Regions

1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook 

1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook 

1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook 

1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook

1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook 

1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook

1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook 

1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook 

1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook

1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook 

1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook 

1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook 

1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook 

1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa

1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook

1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook 

1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook 

1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook 

1.5 Market Dynamics

1.5.1 Market Opportunities

1.5.2 Market Risk

1.5.3 Market Driving Force

2 Manufacturers Profiles

Continued…

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[trendingrepots]

Cargo Shipping Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

Cargo Shipping Market Overview

Cargo shipping market is analyzed to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2021-2026 to reach $15,328.65 million tons. Cargo shipping generally refers to the mode of transportation of goods or cargos via sea using container ships or vessels. Different types of vessels are used according to the shipping requirement of the end-users including tankers, reefer vessels, multi-purpose vessels, and so on. Owing to lesser costs along with optimum safe or secured transportation and larger load carrying capacity serves as the key advantages for the sea freight transport compared to others. Factors such as growing initiatives towards enhancing port infrastructures rise of favourable trade agreements, technological advancements and so on are some of the major driving factors impacting the growth of cargo shipping services. In addition, development of low emission container ships to reduce environmental hazards for the water bodies as well as rise of global supply chains can further help in significantly increasing the need for cargo shipping services in the long run.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

Report Coverage

The report: “Cargo Shipping Industry Outlook – Forecast (2021-2026)”, by IndustryARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Cargo Shipping industry. 

By Type: Linear Ships, Tramp Ships.

By Cargo Type: Passenger, Liquid, Container, Dry, General, Bulk, Others.

By Vessel Type: Multi-Purpose Vessels, Dry-Bulk Carriers, Tankers, Container Vessels, Bulk Vessels, Reefer Vessels, Ro-Ro Vessels, Others.

By Vessel Cargo Capacity: <1000 TEU, 1000-4000 TEU, 4000-8000 TEU, 8000-12000 TEU, 12000-16000 TEU, 16000-20000 TEU, >20000 TEU.

By End Use Industry: Food and Beverages, Electrical & Electronics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Metal and Mining, Logistics and E-commerce, Consumer Goods, Chemicals, Medical and Pharmaceutical, Others.

By Geography: North America, South America, Europe, APAC and RoW.

Key Takeaways

Improving port infrastructures and incorporation of favourable trade agreements overtime is analyzed to significantly drive the cargo shipping market during the forecast period 2021-2026.

Tankers had accounted for the largest market share in 2020, attributed to the factors including longer sailing, involvement of lesser number of ports and many others, making it highly preferable for conducting marine transportation.

Presence of some key players such as Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, Pacific International Lines and so on opting for partnerships, product launches or expansion to improve cargo shipping facilities have helped in boosting its growth within APAC region.

[theidiotwhowritesthings]

Familiar & Unfamiliar

din djarin x female!reader

warning: attempted sexual assault (not by our boy mando, and i don’t describe it in depth the furthest it goes is non-consensual kissing), light smut, angst then comfort, then fluff fluff fluff, identity theft, mentions of slave trade, canon violence, dom!din trying hard to be sub!din for you, he doesn’t succeed for long

word count: 4,174

Summary: You travel the galaxy with a Mandalorian who is much softer than his impenetrable beskar would lead others to believe. He leaves you with his son to search for a Quarry, but it’s not the Mando you’ve come to know and love who returns to you.

“It shouldn’t take long.” Mando hummed as he collected his gear from his weapon’s storage. You sat cross legged on the Razor Crest’s floor with the child in your lap. His small green hand played with the small, metal ball he seemed to always find. Your hand stroked his ears only stopping to push the ball away from his mouth when he began to try and chew on it. Mando turned around to stare down at you. “Will you be alright here?”

After traveling with the Mandalorian for the last two months, babysitting and completing repairs on the ship, you had finally grown accustomed to the silver beskar covered man. Initially it had been difficult for you to even look at the man for longer than a second⏤ too intimidated by the black t-shape visor that stared back at you. However, joining him had been your only option at the time, an act of self preservation, so you had to push your fear aside. Luckily, you had quickly learned that though the metal he was covered in was impossible to penetrate, the man underneath was as soft as they come.

You learned that the solemn, silent, and dangerous facade Mando wore was more or less an interpretation of what people saw. Yes, he was dangerous. You had seen him wrestle quarries three time his size and come out unscathed, but you had also seen him humming a song under his breath while giving the child a bath. You had seen Mando go out of his way to purchase you a new pair of boots in the market simply because he noticed your discomfort with your current pair. The brief times you felt his touch, a brush against your arm or a hand on your back, it was soft and comforting. His eyes were impossible to see behind his helmet, but you could feel the care in his gaze. Having Mando’s attention on you felt like safety.

Mando called out your name and you blinked in surprise. “Oh, um, yeah! We’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“I shouldn’t be gone long. Days at most.” He reassured before you could even ask. You stood up and Mando drifted closer⏤ his gloved hand reached out brush the child’s head. Mando chuckled when his son cooed and giggled in response. You heard a long time ago that the best judge of a person’s character was how they treated animals and children. Mando passed that test with flying colors. “You remember the rules?”

“Hmm, no running with scissors?” You joked. Mando tilted his head and you chuckled. “Don’t open the Razor Crest’s ramp for anyone but you, and if I do have to leave for some emergency, get to a crowded spot with plenty of witnesses and talk to no one. Not until you come for us.”

Mando nodded in approval. He gave the child’s head one last pet along the ears and as his hand pulled away you felt his leather covered fingers drag down the length of your bare arm. Heat crept up the back of your neck and you prayed to any deity that was listening that Mando hadn’t heard the hitch in your breath. You were not attracted to your metal armored Mandalorian employer and friend. At least that’s what you kept telling yourself. 

Without another word, Mando made his way to the back of the cargo hold. He opened the ramp before heading down and you called out for him to be careful. Mando glanced over his shoulder, at you and the child, and you waved. You stood at the cargo hold’s edge as Mando pressed a button on his gauntlet and the ramp began to rise. As the metal door rose, you stared at the mandalorian’s back until the ramp cut him off from sight.

Din was more distracted than usual and he told himself it wasn’t because of the newest addition to the Razor Crest. It obviously wasn’t because of you. No, he was just busy with all the bounties he was juggling and the stress of trying to find the child’s people. Then the added dilemma of his current quarry. Already he had been on the flesh trader’s trail for three days. Three full days. That was nothing in comparison to past hunts that would take him weeks on end, but Din found his patience wearing very, very thin.

“Are you ready yet, mate?” A voice asked through the closed door. 

Din had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. His only lead came from a mercenary who was hunting an Inner Rim politician that had come all the way out here to participate in the slave trade. It was the only access Din would have to get into the market to find his quarry and it came at a cost. Din glanced down at the helmet held in his hands. It was an oddly shaped red thing from Kaleesh culture. His new mercenary partner made it very clear that if he walked in as a Mandalorian everything would be lost. On any normal bounty Din would’ve risked it anyways. There was very little in the galaxy that could coax him out of his armor, leave him bare to the world, but a child in danger did it. 

A mother had come to him after he searched for a lead in the local cantina on his first night. She had fallen to her knees in front of him and begged for his help⏤ she offered everything she owned and more in return. Her only child, an eleven year old little girl, had been stolen away from her. Dragged to the flesh market to be sold. Din swore to her that he’d bring her back. On his word as a Mandalorian, she would be reunited with her daughter. He just wasn’t allowed to do it looking like a Mandalorian.

“Seriously, mate, we’re going to be late!” Trigg, the mercenary, barked once more.

Din settled the helmet over his head and shifted uncomfortably. It didn’t fit quite like his real one did, but it was tight enough that he wasn’t worried about it falling off in the heat of battle. For a second, he just stared at himself in the mirror. Red armor of cloth and leather covered every inch of his skin, black gloves pulled on tight, and his oddly shaped helmet covered his face entirely. Din hated it more than anything. But, the sooner he saved the girl and caught his quarry, the sooner he could return to his ship. Return to the child and you.

“I’ll be right out.” Din called back. He settled all his beskar armor pieces into the tarp bag he had borrowed from the child’s mother. It was her home they were using as a base of sorts. Din hid the bag in the closet of the room behind a stack of boxes. It made him anxious to leave his armor behind, but he forced himself to step away and open the door.

Trigg stood in the hall wearing his own personal gear. The blond man had scars from a raking claw on the side of his head leaving those patches with sparse hair. His arms were crossed over his chest and he stared at Din in a mix of annoyance and impatience. “Finally. Did you have to do your hair?”

“It’s you we’re waiting on now.” Din replied dryly as he marched past the man to the door.

The sooner, the better.

Night had fallen for the third night of Mando being gone. It was too soon for you to be worried about him, but a ball of anxiety still sat in your gut. He had been away for longer periods of time before. The longest thus far being three weeks. You were mumbling a soft song under your breath as you rocked the child to sleep. When his eyes drifted close, you carefully set him in the hammock above Mando’s bunk and tucked a blanket around him. 

When you were certain that the kid was settled, you drifted toward the fresher to get ready for bed yourself. You wondered what it would take to convince Mando to pick up a bounty on a planet with an ocean soon. Going from the lava plains of Nevarro to the deserts of Tatooine and now this dusty Outer Rim world was bleak. You missed water. You had grown up near a river on your homeworld and spent a decent amount of time there. It wasn’t until you saw dry planet after dry planet that you truly began to appreciate natural bodies of water.

You shrugged out of your clothes, tossing them aside, and slid into a pair of shorts and one of Mando’s shirts. It had been borrowed early on in your travels and now it belonged more to you than it did him. The dark shirt was large enough to cover most of your shorts. You had been in the middle of washing your face when you heard the tell tale sound of the ramp. Quickly, you grabbed a towel and dried your face while rushing out of the fresher.

Mando was walking up the ramp just as you entered the cargo hold and you shot him a smile, “Hey, Mando.” He came to a sudden stop. You glanced around but saw no evidence of a quarry behind or near him. Had they gotten away? “What happened with the quarry?”

The Mandalorian crossed his arms and a nervous energy settled over your skin. The way he stood just seemed…off. And, the silence that surrounded him wasn’t the usual comfortable quiet you had grown used to. Mando’s helmet tilted some, as if his eyes were raking over your form, and you tugged on the bottom of your shirt anxiously. This was an outfit you wore to sleep every night on the Razor Crest, but right now was the first time you felt uncomfortable having it on around Mando.

“Are you⏤Are you injured?” You asked.

Mando strolled closer to you. Another bit of him that wasn’t right⏤ his gait. As you tried to gather your thoughts, he came to a stop right in front of you. Nearly chest to chest. A lump had formed in your throat, mouth dry, and you tried to swallow it down. Being around Mando always made your stomach feel as if it were filled with butterflies, made your heart race out of your chest, made an addicting warmth pool in your core. 

That was not how you felt right now.

Your hand reached out, as quickly as you could manage it, and slammed against the lock button of Mando’s bunk. The metal door slid down. It clicked into place, and the Mandalorian in front of you grabbed you by the throat and shoved you back until you slammed into the Razor Crest’s wall. You clawed at the familiar, gloved hand tightening around your throat as a low, unfamiliar chuckle rumbled through the modulator.

“What’s wrong, baby?” A voice that did not belong to your Mandalorian asked. “Aren’t you happy to see me? You were a minute ago.”

“Wh⏤Who⏤” You tried to spit out but you could barely breathe let alone form words.

“I’m your Mandalorian, baby.” The cruel laugh coming out from behind the t-shape visor you found comfort in felt so very wrong. He yanked you off the wall and released your throat. You managed to gasp a single breath of air before he backhanded you across the face hard enough to see stars. You fell to your knees and elbows roughly, a cry of pain leaving your lips, but you struggled to find a weapon of any kind. “That’s right. Crawl away, baby. Run. I’m a Mandalorian who likes to hunt, and now you’re my prey. How’s that sound?”

Your hand found a screwdriver, lying off to the side where you had been working on something under the floorboard earlier, just as he kicked you in the side to flip you over. The imposter knelt on the ground over you and you tried to stab him where only the flight suit sat. Unfortunately, he turned fast enough that the screwdriver struck beskar and did absolutely nothing. He laughed once more as you gave up the attack to try and slip away, but he grabbed your hands by the wrist and pinned you to the ground. The imposter sat on top of your thighs, kneeling over you, and you were forced to stare at your reflection in Mando’s armor.

It would be a bold faced lie for you to say you hadn’t daydreamed about having the beskar armor on top of you⏤ the weight of it pressing into you in every delicious way you could think of. But not like this. Not with a stranger inside of it. 

“Who knew the ship came with such a pretty little whore.” The imposter hummed. He shifted your arms so he could pin both your wrists with one hand. With his other, he grasped the bottom of the beskar helmet and pulled it off.  The man’s eyes were a piercing blue. Cold and cruel. Blond hair covered his scalp except on the side of his head where the scars of what looked like claw marks sat. He tossed the helmet aside and gave you a sickening grin. “Is that what you’re here for? You keep the Mandalorian’s bed warm? Let him fuck you when he’s done with a hunt?”

“Get the kriff off of me!” You struggled against his grip, against his touch, but nothing seemed to deter him from using his other hand to run over your body. You screamed until you were hoarse and when you cried out for Mando the man sitting on top of you just laughed. Faintly, you could hear frantic tapping behind Mando’s bunk door and fear struck you. Was the child awake? He wouldn’t be able to unlock the door from inside you didn’t think. 

It seemed the imposter was too immersed in you to hear the sound. 

“How about this,” The man leaned closer into your space, “I get a quick taste of you now, and then, once we’re up and in hyperspace, I’ll fuck you better than your Mando ever could, yeah?”

His lips crashed down on yours roughly. You tried to turn your face away, but the imposter bit down on your lower lip hard enough to draw blood. Between the metallic taste of your blood on your tongue and the smell of his rancid breath you were going to be sick. You gasped in pain and he took advantage by shoving his tongue into your mouth. He pressed his hips down into you, grinding against your stomach now, and the feel of his erection pressing into you made a horrified sob slip form you. It seemed to only spurn him on further. He let go of one of your hands to grasp at the waistband of your pants.

The sound of sprinting footsteps made the imposter sit up and you were barely able to register what was happening when a body dressed in red leather slammed into the beskar covered imposter⏤ both men falling away. Taking advantage of your freedom, you scrambled back as quickly as you could. The stranger dressed in red, wearing an oddly shaped helmet that covered his face, had a hand wrapped around the imposter’s throat while his other fist pounded away at the man’s face. Grunts of anger filled the air with every blow thrown and the imposter fought back only for a moment before his body went slack.

You scrambled away further but your back hit a metal crate sitting in the cargo hold. It shifted slightly and the sound made the stranger sit up and spin around. You gasped⏤panicked. Heart still racing. The imposter laid motionless. His face bruised, broken, and bloody beyond all recognition. You were breathing hard, trying to suck in more air as the air you did get brought no relief. The stranger jumped up, motions smooth and agile, and rushed to you. A cry of fear left you as you tried to pathetically jump up, but his hands wrapped around you. Soft, but firm. A comforting weight.

“It’s me. It’s me. You’re safe, mesh’la.” A familiar voice came out of the unfamiliar mask. The bright red and angry shapes still jarring to look at and you tried to struggle away. He pulled away to rip off his gloves. One hand came to rest on the side of your face, while the other lifted the red helmet just enough to reveal a jaw covered in dark scruff and lips. “Listen to me, mesh’la. You’re safe. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. It’s me. I’m here.”

You were still shaking, your entire body threatening to tremble into pieces, but your breaths were beginning to grow controlled. The warm hand on your face was grounding. It was familiar. You couldn't see the man’s eyes, but you could feel his soft gaze. Safe. You felt safe.

“M⏤Mando?” You gasped.

“Yes.” He nodded. “I’m here, mesh’la. You’re safe now.”

You broke into an uncontrollable sob, unable to bite it back, and Mando didn’t hesitate to pull you into his arms. The coarse, red armor you buried your face into felt unfamiliar, but the strong arms that wrapped around you felt right.

For the first time, Din felt uncomfortable in his helmet. It smelled of the spice that Trigg disgustingly chewed on. He couldn’t even bring himself to pull his armor on. It left him in a pair of plain sweats and shirt. After setting you in his bunk, the child curled into your side, he had stripped the mercenary out of his beskar and thrown the piece of shit into the carbonite freezer.

The job had gone so well then so bad. Din found the young Rodian child and killed his quarry. He’d only get half the bounty with the flesh trader dead, but something was better than nothing. The moment he returned the girl to her mother his heart had stopped when he realized his armor was missing. Din had sprinted to the Razor Crest, faster than he had ever run, and still he hadn’t come soon enough. 

Din stepped out of the fresher. The Razor Crest was in hyperspace and the cargo hold was dark. The only light spilling from the open door behind him. The sound of whimpering filled the otherwise silent space around him. Din hurried to the bunk to see you tossing and turning. He scooped the child up and set him in the hammock before crawling in to try and calm you.

He called out your name, bare hands on your shoulders, and when your eyes snapped open, thanks to his visor, he could see clearly the way panic and fear filled them. You screamed and began to swing at him. His helmet. It was his helmet. Without thinking, Din ripped his helmet off and threw it out of the bunk. Din pulled you into his arms again, pressing your face to his shoulder, and whispered reassurances.

“It’s me, Mesh’la. It’s me. I’m sorry. I was wearing the helmet. You’re safe, I promise.”

“Mando?” You breathed. He buried his hand in your hair and pulled you tighter into his chest. As if the two of you weren’t already tangled together in the small confines of his bunk. “I’m sorry I hit you⏤”

“It didn’t hurt. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I left you alone. I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” Din didn’t know which emotion waged in him the most⏤ guilt or anger. They were neck and neck. You took in a deep shaky breath and your hot breath on his neck made him sigh in relief. You were safe in his arms. Din rubbed your back and the question fell out before he could hold it back. “Did he… Mesh’la, did⏤”

“No.” You whispered. “You got here just in time.”

Din could feel tears soaking into his shirt. When the tears stopped, Din coaxed you out of the bunk and onto the cargo hold floor. He grabbed a first aid kit and rushed back so you weren’t left alone for too long. The only light still came from the open door of the fresher and he sat so his back was to it. The dim light illuminated your features and it was like a spotlight to the injuries you sported. He had told you that you could open your eyes. With the way you sat, it’d be too dim for you to see his face, but you said you didn’t want to risk it. 

He let his fingers trace the forming bruise surrounding your right eye. It trailed down to brush against the torn skin of your lower lip. Dank farrik. That kriffing fucker had bit you. He could see the outline of teeth. Din’s jaw clenched. He grabbed a bit of bacta and rubbed it gently into the forming bruise. He was going to do the same for your lower lip when you stopped him.

“Did I hurt you?” He blurted.

“No, no. Not that.” You mumbled. “Can I… Can I ask you for a favor?”

“Anything, mesh’la. Anything.”

“Can you kiss me?” You asked. Din was certain he had misheard you. It was why he sat in silence. He was trying to puzzle out what it was you had actually said. You spoke again, nervous, “You don’t have to. I⏤I…”

“You want me to…kiss you?”

You nodded. Eyes still closed lightly. “I know it’s dumb. It⏤ I just don’t want to feel his lips anymore. I don’t want the taste of him on me.”

“That’s not dumb, mesh’la.” 

Din settled one of his hands on the side of your face. His thumb caressed the soft skin of your cheek. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, Din began to lean in. He didn’t want to startle you. He wanted to give you every opportunity to pull away if you needed to. Din would be lying to himself, again, if he said he hadn’t imagined the way your lips would feel on him. But not like this. He hated that these were the circumstances, but there wasn’t a single thing Din wouldn’t do for you if you asked.

His nose brushed against yours. Din was close enough that he could feel your lips part. He waited one second more before pressing his lips softly against yours. One of your hands lifted to tangle in his hair and a simple gesture shouldn’t make him feel so hot under his skin. The kiss was slow and tender. Din was terrified to press too hard and bring you pain. The injury to your lower lip still so fresh. And after what you had just suffered through, he wanted you to have all the control. If you needed to use him to rid yourself of that nightmare, to erase the memory that bastard left on your lips, then he would. 

Your tongue brushed against his lower lip, tracing it, and he parted his lips for you giving you room to explore him. Maker, the taste of you was so sweet. It took every single ounce of Din’s self control to not deepen the moment even further. The kiss grew almost frantic. A hand in his hair and another at the back of his neck to pull him into you. You pulled back just enough to suck in a sharp breath before your lips was back on his and Din lost his battle for self control.

He wrapped his other arm around your waist and pulled you into his lap. Din was caught off guard when you pushed down to press yourself against his already hard cock, but it was a welcome surprise. He grabbed your hips, hands tightening into the soft skin there, and grinded into you. You moaned into his mouth and Din pulled away briefly so he could press open mouth kisses along your jaw then down your neck until he reached your shoulder. Thoughtlessly, he bit down, wanting to leave evidence of himself on you, and you let out a sharp gasp while grinding into him again. Din ran his tongue against the bite soothingly. 

Din’s hands slipped under your shirt and he desperately let his lips find yours once more. His tongue slipped past your lips, but then he tasted it. The sharp, metallic tang of blood. Din pulled back quickly realizing his plan to let you run the show had gone to shit. Both of you were breathless. 

“Are you okay, mesh’la??” He pulled one hand away from your hip to touch your face. His thumb brushed against your lower lip and in the dim light he could see the tint of red. 

“Thank you.” You breathed. You leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss that missed and only landed on the corner of his lips. Then you leaned your head on his shoulder and just took slow breaths. Din let his knuckles drag up and down your spine. He could feel your entire body going limp as you melted into his hold. You mumbled, “Thank you, Mando.”

“Din.” He replied, but he didn’t know if you had already fallen asleep or not. “Call me Din.”

[niqhtlord01]

Humans are weird: Steve’s Station

( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)

If you ever find yourself on the run from the more reputable institutions of the universe, you may be prevailed upon to make your way to a little known star base called “Steve’s Station” in the Cambra system.

Designated as the haven of the underworld, Steve’s Station operates outside the boundaries of all official governing bodies and interplanetary enforcement organizations. It operates as a safe haven at one point or another for every criminal, terrorist, extremist, and other shadowy group that seeks to cause unlawful conduct across the universe.

Normally a station that housed so many unsavory characters would hardly survive a day given the tenacity for grudges its patrons held. It was only through the simple governing of the stations founder, a human known only as “Steve”, that the station was able to not only operate but actively thrive as a hub of underworld activity.

Originally founded some thirty years prior, the human Steve had saved up his life savings to by a third generation mobile station. With only four docking arms and two cargo holds, the third generation stations were largely overlooked as they were the smallest of mobile stations. What did make it more desirable was the fact that it’s smaller size allowed it to make system to system jumps. Even more beneficial was that its core housings could be upgraded and replaced to increase the size of the station if one had the credits.

With the majority of civilized systems already having an overflow of star bases and stations, cutting into the market there would neigh impossible. So Steve instead set course for the Cambra system; a little known and uncharted region of space that barely shows up on star charts save for a pair of skull and bones. This did not dissuade Steve however as he was always of the opportunistic nature.

Forty jumps later and Steve was setting up shop when his first customer came in.

A battered Benaren smuggler had just barely escaped from the authorities and made a blind jump. With his engines all but destroyed from the jump he would have been left to rot had it not been for Steve’s station.

Much to the surprise of the Benaren Steve asked no questions on how the damage came about so long as he followed the station rules.

1.       Pay on time.

2.       Keep your feuds at the door.

3.       Don’t start trouble, lest you want troubles of your own.

Within a short while the smuggler’s ship was repaired and ready to go again. The Benaren paid in full for the repairs and went on their way.

Now that may of well had been the end of Steve’s story had it not been for how connected the criminal underworld was. Not more than three weeks later another group of wayward outcasts and lowlifes stop by the station for use of its quality services.

From there the station’s reputation became wildly known as every criminal, pirate, smuggler, rogue ai and wayward warlord found their way to Steve’s Station to call it home. The wealth being generated from the constant traffic of ships and cargo allowed the station to quickly grow in size as Steve was able to purchase more parts and modules to be included.

Within the first ten years it went it nearly doubled in size, and in another five it was the size of a first 7th generation star base complete with over fifty docking ports and repair bays, sixteen cargo holds for storage, two dozen habitability compartments for stores and clubs, and a fuel depot capable of supplying an entire fleet.

The sheer volume of different factions and cultures using the station facilities would have rapidly devolved into rampant infighting and destruction were it not for the quiet hand of Steve. Patrons kept their animosity at the door unless they wanted to lose access to the safe harbor Steve’s station held. Storage and repair bays were expensive to maintain and were often prime targets for rivals within their own territories, so they were more than happy to maintain a truce while on Steve Station for their own benefit.

At least, that is what the smart ones were willing to abide by.  

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

“Give us the access codes and this can all be over.”

The Jinari leaned down and grabbed hold of the human’s head. He lifted it up so the mauled human could see him through his one good eye as the other was well and good swollen shut from the beating his men had given him the moment prior.

Before them lay the one and only human “Steve”; founder of Steve station and currently their captive as they continued with their hostile takeover of the station. Jinari’s group had long wanted to make a name for themselves and by taking control of such a hub of underworld activity they could gain vast amounts of credits to finance their own operations.

It had been easy to breach the station’s control bridge as security was light. The guards had grown lax with the fear of Steve’s displeasure keeping many of the patron’s inline. They’d been dead in moments with the door breached not long after.

Steve had been understandably uncooperative with handing over his access codes that gave full control of the station; so Jinari’s men had proceed with some aggressive interrogation tactics to loosen him.

Steve looked up at Jinari; spitting out a glob of blood on to his shoe and grinned.

“It won’t do you any good you know.”

Jinari’s good mood quickly evaporated as he watched the human Steve begin to laugh.

“You broke the third rule,” he laughed, “you aren’t going to make it out of here alive.”

Before Jinari could ask what the human meant a loud bark of several weapons came from outside the control room followed. The rest of his crew turned their guns on the open doorway as the sound of several heavy footfalls began to draw closer.

“You’ve got one chance,” a deep rattling voice came from outside, “so I want you idiots in there to listen well.”

“Release. The. Human. Steve.” Another voice came in with thick robotic overtones.

“An jus may’be, we lets you go with your bits intact!” One more voice came with a throaty chuckle at the end.

The door to the control room was suddenly ripped open from its frame and the figures entered the room.

“That’s….you’re….” one of Jinari’s crew stammered as the first figure came into view. A towering mass of muscle and bone covered in thick black armor plating.

“Gur, leader of the Black Reavers.”

Gur grinned as his name was spoken with such fear.

Besides him stood an equally tall cybernetic body or polished metal and spikes. It was called “Cybrosis”, the rogue AI responsible for the collapse of three economic zones via hacking and alterations of monetary values.

On the opposite side of Gur stood a squat brutish Ularen decorated with skulls and bones of its victims. This unfortunate figure was Gobsnob, the assassin infamous for decapitating the Hybren prince during his own coronation then escaping with the severed head. Many believed one of the heads mounted on his armor was the prince’s head.

“Let Steve go, and we’ll let you live.” Gur spoke with a calm, collected voice.

Jinari’s eyes darted between the figures now blocking escape from the control room. There were even more waiting patiently in the outside hallway all armed to the teeth. In fear he drew his gun and pointed the muzzle at Steve’s head.

“What makes this flesh sack so special?” He shouted at the group. “It’s just one human! We don’t need him to run this place!”

“Correction.” Cybrosis remarked. “He. Is. The Only. One. Who Can. Run. This. Station.”

“WHY?!” Jianri demanded.

“He makes me laugh!” Gobsnob chuckled.

When the answer did not dissuade Jinari Gur spoke up and pointed at him.

“Deals changed. Whoever kills this stupid metal brain gets to walk free.”

Cybrosis turned to glare at Gur at the remark but said nothing. Jinari laughed and pushed the muzzle deeper against Steve’s head.

“You think my own crew would-“

The bark of an auto-blaster ran out and Jinari collapsed to the floor in a pool of blood and bone. His ribcage now cracked wide open from the blaster fire that tore into his back.

Those gathered turned to see one of Jinari’s crew holding the smoking gun before dropping it to the ground and raising their hands.

“I can go free now, yes?” they stammered.

Gur smiled and reached for something in his pocket. “Nah, I lied.”

Before any of Jinari’s crew could react Gur pulled out a thick barrel cannon from his coat and fired a slug at the thug closest to Steve. The barrel slug slammed the thug back into the wall with enough force to turn him into an art piece.

After that the station patrons who had been waiting outside stormed into the room and quickly subdued the rest of the thugs. They barely had time to get off a round before they were torn to pieces. In some cases quite literally as Gobsnob got ahold of one of them and began beating them to death with their own dismembered arm.

Gur slowly walked forward and helped Steve into the command chair at the center of the room.

“Glad you guys made it.” Steve laughed through bloody teeth. “Was starting to think you’d give me up to that nobhead.”

Gur shook his head. “They broke the rules.” He said calmly, wiping a stain of blood off his boot on Jinari’s twitching corpse. “And here you don’t last long if you break the rules.”

Steve smiled and switched on the com channel for station wide broadcast.

“Attention station,” Steve said calmly, “All possessions belonging to the former Jinari and his crew are now forfeited. Patrons may claim them as they wish for redistribution.”

A low rumble of cheers could be heard echoing down the halls as the denizens of the station began a free-for-all on the would-be takers belongings.  Steve was not finished though.

“Additionally, a free month’s worth of supplies and repairs to the loveable bastards that came to my rescue.”

Even more cheers erupted from those gathered in the control room as they carried off Steve to the nearest bar for celebration.

[written-with-blue-ink]

Hear me out: Genshin characters with kids and their lovers kinda watch on in wonder and amazement. I love this idea so much, give me that tooth-rotting, fluffy cotton candy bullshit!

I love this idea so much! I have a couple of other ideas but ran out of room :( Would love to eventually do Kaeya and Neuvillette. Give me characters playing with kids! The ask box is still open

Characters include: Venti, Childe/Tartaglia, and Beidou

Venti

The early morning markets of Mondstadt held a special place in the hearts of you and your lover; going several times times a week to the open-air stalls for your household needs. Maybe it’s the smell of the fresh bread or the hustle and bustle of the crowd but the two of you love it. Attached at the hip, several of your neighbors tell you how cute of a couple you two are, only causing Venti to kiss your cheek and you to giggle at the gesture and the praise. 

That is till today when your partner disappeared sometime in the middle of your shopping trip. It wasn’t unusual for Venti to step away from you for a quick second but it’s been nearly an hour and there was still no sight of him. 

When you were about to give up and go back to your shared apartment, the soft sound of a flute rang in your ears, and the breeze it was carried on ruffled your hair. A soft smile appeared on your face as you chased the sound. 

Weaving in and out of the crowd as you giggle, you stop at a sight that makes your heart melt. Venti, flute in hand, playing a cheerful tune as several children of the city follow behind him and match his step in dance like a little parade. The moment your eyes met, his eyes grew and he lowered his body as a makeshift bow as he carried along with the children on his tail.

Childe

It was a few weeks after his return from Fontaine when your love, Ajax, got word that his siblings would be on route to Liyue Harbor to visit him and the excitement in his eyes and his roaring laughter as he picked you up spinning at the news. You’ve never seen him so enthusiastic about doing paperwork or so critical about how clean your apartment or Northland Bank is but when you asked, all he could respond with was, “my siblings are coming, I don’t need to be worrying about this when they arrive.” 

So, on the morning they were set to arrive you weren’t expecting him to be a nervous wreck. His ginger hair somehow even more vibrant in the rising sun as he paced around the docks of the harbor. Sitting a large box of shipping cargo, you snickered as you looked down at his behavior. “Babe, it’ll be alright,” you coo, “what are you so worried about?” 

He groans, moving over towards you and taking your hands in his. “I don’t know,” he starts, eyes on what he’s holding as he rubs his fingers over your knuckles, “I just want them to like everything… Liyue, my new life… you.”

The grin in your face shifted to a soft, loving smile as you admire his heart. Removing your hands from his grasp, you move it to his jawline to cup his face. Pulling him close, you kiss his forehead before whispering, “it will be okay. I promise.”

The sound of a ship's horn could be heard from the distance, causing you both to turn to see a Snezhnayian ship slowly come onto the docks. You two pull apart as you watch it come to a stop and the door opens.

"BIG BROTHER," a young boy shouts as the door opens. You could barely see him, just a blur of orange and brown running down the ramp and into the arms of your boyfriend.

"TEUCER," he laughed, holding the boy tight as he spun him around, “where are Tonia and Anthon?”

“Up here,” a young girl, no older then fourteen, shouted. You could barely look back up before the two kids, the assumed Tonia and a brown haired boy with glasses ran down and tackled their brothers, all four of them on the ground laughing as Ajax pulled them close.

Cocking your head to the side, your sappy smile grew in size as you watched your boyfriend hold them close, their chuckles filling your heart as you watch them get up. “Tonia, Anthon, Teucer, this is my lover, (Y/N). Printsessa, these are my younger siblings.”

You all smile, saying your hellos before the sound of growling stomachs escaped your lover and his youngest brother’s stomachs. “Big brother, can we eat now? I’m starving,” Teucer whined, pulling on his sleeve. 

“Yes, yes, come on. I have a few things prepped at home,” Childe said, gesturing for them to follow as he put a hand around your waist. Walking down the road, listening to them talk as you rested your head along your boyfriend’s shoulder, you wished that one day, in the future, this might be your life.

Beidou

‘Shit shit shit’. You couldn’t help but feel like you should slap yourself as you ran through the streets of Liyue Harbor. Spending all day prepping your girlfriend’s special return, somehow you forgot to meet her at the docks. 

Rounding the corner to the stairs just past the Adventurers’ Guild and the blacksmith, you looked to see the harbor was full of life. The Crux was back with large crates of goods from the far away nations they visited along their travels but no sign of the infamous captain of the ship. 

Cautiously going down the steps, eyes more focused on spotting The Crux’s queen. About halfway, you manage to spot her and the sight immediately made you melt. There she was, a gigantic grin plastered on her face with a stick in hand, fighting off the small army of kids who played around the docks. ‘I swear to Rex Lapis, I love this woman,’ you couldn’t help but think. 

Quickly she glances up and your eyes met hers. Her smile shifted to a sly smirk as she dashed away from the kids, vaulting over one of the large crates. “Get her,” Little Fei shouts! The group quickly starts running after her as they weave in and out of the men and women working on the docks. 

Not even bothering to stop, Beidou grabs you and throws you over her shoulder. A laugh escapes her throat as she roars, “I have stolen the treasure! See ya’ punks!” 

“Beidou! Babe,” you sceam, pounding your hands on her back as she slowly begins to run off!. Looking back at the miniature batalion chasing her, you play along and scream, “please help me, kind pirates!” 

As she carries you around Liyue Harbor with the kids in toe, she manages to slip away and move you from her shoulder and into her hands as she holds you up. “Well, this isn’t how I was expecting your return home to be…”

“What are you talking about,” she smirks, kissing you on the nose, “it’s perfect.”

[split-spectrum]

Four Hours

Chapter 1

Pairings: Din Djarin/FemReader

Warnings/Tags: explicit content, swearing, mild violence

Description: A quiet day in the repair bay goes sideways quickly when the Mandalorian next door catches you stealing his tools.

☆☆☆

You've been coming here for over a week, and you've never seen the hangar this deserted.

Then again, there are some high-priced bounties newly on the market, and this place is frequented by other members of the guild, including a particular hunter you've been seeing glimpses of throughout the week - a Mandalorian. You'd caught him looking at you a few times while you'd been working on your ship, but only for a moment before he would walk away and disappear. It had started to concern you, but after a few days, he hadn't tried anything. That was about as friendly as it got between bounty hunters, so you'd left it alone.

As you settle your ship back into the hangar bay for a landing, you see no sign of him or anyone else. You'd decided to spend a day in a nearby star system enjoying the local food and actually resting in a real bed for the night before returning to complete the rest of your ship's repairs. In the hours you've been gone, the place seems to have cleared out.

You step off your cargo ramp, placing your helmet back over your head. You like to listen to music while you work, and you pick up plenty of interesting recordings throughout your travels. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances causing you to spend so much time with your head stuck inside the engines of your ship, you're enjoying the uninterrupted time listening to your catalog. As you leave your ship to get back to work, the corner of your eye catches sight of the tools sitting behind your seat.

Shit...

You'd forgotten to return them before you left. You hope you don't get charged full price for that. You pay an entry fee to use the hangar space, which usually includes renting the tools as well, but you aren't supposed to leave with them. There's nothing you can do about it now except hope that no one noticed.

You pick up a soldering iron and dump the rest of the tools into your bag, pulling it over your shoulder and heading down the ramp to get back to work. A few minutes in, you realize you need a different size of spanner. You stand up from your crouched position, about to make your way back across the platform to where the rest of the tools are stored, when you're stopped dead by an iron grip sinking into the soft skin of your forearm. Every muscle in your body snaps to attention.

Your free hand flies up to the side of your helmet, switching off the music quickly enough to catch the words being barked at you through electronic modulation.

"-ey, I'm talking to you."

The deep rumble of the voice is more gripping than the hand. Your nervous system is in overdrive, and you whip around to face the voice's owner with your free hand dropping to your hip in one fluid motion, swiping your vibroblade up to a stiff neck. The neck is wrapped in a thick cloak, but that isn't much compared to the beskar helmet just above it. You stare into the black void where you imagine there must be eyes. He's got both of your hands, now.

"What?" you yelp, voice caught halfway up your throat, somewhere between a cry for help and a grunt of anger.

The vibroblade clinks, then makes a loud buzzing sound against the bottom of his helmet. He pulls his chin to the side to stop the noise, tilting it back to pin you under his stare.

He tightens his grip, and it hurts. "I said, I was talking to you."

You squirm at the pain, twisting your forearm around. You're very aware of the fact that you can only move this much because he's letting you.

"You've... got my attention." You wince, his thumb pressing down to the bone. "What do you want?"

There's a long pause, as if he's trying to make up his mind. Regarding what, you're not sure. You're starting to become frustrated with his lack of answer when he finally grunts, "You have my tools. Give them back."

The voice holds no space for argument. The only problem is that you definitely want to argue, because you're as confused as you've ever been.

"What tools?" you try. You aren't willing to die over this, but they're expensive, and you're not about to hand them over without an explanation.

Another pause while your heart thuds. If you had to guess, the look he's giving you through the helmet is a deadpan glare - not that you would have the faintest clue whether your guess is correct. It just seems to emanate from him.

"Those tools," he finally says, tilting his gaze downward to the bag on the floor near your feet. Your request for an explanation has definitely increased the irritation in his tone. "My tools."

You're still holding the vibroblade tightly, but your shoulders start to slacken as you stare back at him in confusion. "I didn't- those aren't..."

You wait for him to say more - to argue his point, but he doesn't. You get the impression that if you waited for hours, he still wouldn't. But his grip doesn't change, either, and it's starting to go from a biting pain to a deep, throbbing ache. The kind that leaves a mark.

"I thought they were rentals," you finally admit.

He stares at you for a long moment, and when you give him an earnest look, he seems to decide on accepting it. He doesn't waste any more time holding you, dropping your arms before you even pull back your blade. He doesn't shove you away, either, which would have been a better tactic to prevent you from sticking the blade through his neck. He just releases, not appearing concerned with you anymore, and turns to pick up the bag.

You huff out a breath, yanking yourself backward, albeit unnecessarily. He picks the tools up from the floor, dropping them into the bag before looking inside. You rub your forearm.

"Dank farrik," you mutter, checking the beginnings of a bruise. "You could have just fucking asked before grabbing me."

Finishing his inspection of the bag's inventory, he pulls it over his shoulder. "I did."

You glance up at him. "No, you didn't."

He doesn't seem to care whether you believe him or not, already turning to walk back toward the junker that's dwarfing the other half of the hangar.

"Yesterday. And the day before. You ignored me." He stops to face you again. "Then you took off with them."

Suddenly it occurs to you - all those times he'd been staring at you, you'd had music blaring inside your helmet. You'd shut it off a few times when you caught him looking, but by the time you had turned it off, he'd stalked away, and you assumed you were just being paranoid.

Your hands slowly reach up to remove your helmet. "I didn't hear you. I... listen to music, sometimes. In my helmet." You don't know why it embarrasses you to admit it to him. "I saw the tools in that heap of scrap over there, so I figured they belonged to the hangar."

It's clear from the mandalorian's extremely long silence that you've chosen to say exactly the wrong thing. Your eyes dart over to the ship and then back to him.

"Shit," you say softly to yourself, then call after him as he starts to turn away again. "That's not scrap, is it? It's your ship."

He doesn't turn back toward you until he's in front of the relic. Then he pauses before walking into the dark interior, looking down at you.

"Don't let me catch you over here again."

You don't have anything to say back to his warning, still embarrassed by your lack of awareness. The way he delivered the words sends a shiver through you, and you aren't quite sure what to make of it. The gruff, mysterious voice would be undeniably... hot, if it hadn't just taken away your only means of fixing your ship and retaining your livelihood.

The noise of his ship slamming shut echoes throughout the hangar and you shake your head a bit, annoyed. Looking back toward your half-disassembled ship, you decide that no, it is undeniably not.

Hours later, after you've had a chance to collect yourself, you're back under the engine cowling, quickly losing what remains of your patience.

You finally managed to find the available tools that the hangar actually provided, and what you'd found left much to be desired. For one thing, the spanner you're being forced to use is two sizes larger than what you need. It was the closest you could find, though, and with the right angle, you're pretty sure hitting it with a hammer will get it to twist free the bolt you've been trying to remove for twenty minutes.

Your muscles are aching and sweat begins to pool between your shoulder blades as you tighten your grip again. You swing the hammer hard and repeatedly, filling the air with a cacophony of unsuccessful banging. Your shoulders are starting to shake, and you drop your arms to your sides again, breathing hard. The sweat on your brow is threatening to drip into your eyes, so you drop the hammer for a moment to wipe it away, grabbing the corner of your shirt and dabbing it lightly against your skin. When you let your shoulder back down, you catch sight of the Mandalorian leaving his ship again, crossing the platform behind you.

You snap your eyes back to the task at hand, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing you struggle, but also trying not to garner any more of his attention than you already have. He hadn't tried to kill you for stealing from him, and you preferred not to press your luck any further than that.

The next time your hammer comes down, though, your exhaustion makes itself known. Your aim falters, and the hammer skips off the spanner to catch one of your knuckles.

"Ah!" you snarl. "Fuck..."

You drop your knuckle into your mouth, sucking at it angrily, then pull it back out. You inspect the damage for a moment before your eyes flick up to the Mandalorian, whose helmet is turned just slightly toward you. He glances briefly over, seeming distracted by the noise, and then continues walking away.

Dropping a few more curses, you shake out the stinging in your hand and pick up the hammer again. When you reach up to continue your work, though, your bruised arm bumps up against an intake valve and you suck in another breath between your teeth. Ignoring the pain, you keep pounding until the bolt finally comes loose, and you nearly yelp in triumph.

Panting, you drop your shoulders back to the ground to catch your breath. Your head lolls to the side, a smile sliding across your mouth as you reach up and start turning the bolt with your fingers to loosen it the rest of the way. It pops off in your hand at last, and then your triumph starts to fade as you find yourself staring at the other 3 bolts on the panel, still needing to be removed.

You're going to need more caf.

The rest of the rotation is spent this way, until you finally relent for the evening after taking off the third bolt, and retire to your sleeping quarters, sweat-drenched and defeated. As you close your eyes, you dream of a time when you'll be able to afford a custom toolset of your own.

Or maybe a ship that isn't in desperate need of repair all the time. Either would do.

When you open your eyes next, it's that same thought that drives you back outside of your ship and straight to work. You can't afford to stay on this repair dock forever, and every day you're here is another wasted opportunity for bounties. You sigh at the thought of the work that lies ahead and convince yourself you're going to finish by the end of the week, even if it kills you. And it probably will, the way things are going.

You're so busy wallowing as you step out of your ship that you nearly don't notice the bag blocking your path. Your feet stop short, and you look down at it blankly, not quite believing what's in front of you.

You bend down and pull it open, finding inside the same tools you'd returned to the Mandalorian. They're all there. Even the correctly sized spanner.

You look around for your mysterious benefactor, but seeing no one, you smile to only yourself. Then you gather up the bag and get to work.

When you finally do see the Mandalorian again, he's talking to someone else. Sometime earlier, while your head was buried inside your metal labyrinth, another ship had parked next to you, between your ship and the Mandalorian's. A tall, slender figure had emerged, but you hadn't followed where the figure had gone.

Now, the figure is standing on the other side of the hangar near Mando's ship and you're listening to the low exchange of voices - one considerably lower than the other. You're approaching with the bag in your hands, and the Mandalorian turns toward you first. The man with whom he's talking goes silent and watches you, yellow eyes fixing strangely on your movements from behind his face covering. The eyes are oddly familiar.

You clear your throat uncomfortably, raising up the bag to hand it over. "Thanks for the tools, Mando."

He nods, taking them from you. "Thank you for returning them."

You give a sly grin. Did you just share an inside joke? Perhaps your standards for what passes as a joke have lowered, spending as much time alone as you have lately. Still, you decide to count it.

Without much left to say, you turn to leave, and a scratchy voice follows you.

"A Karichian? Mando, I would have thought you kept better company."

You bristle, then swallow and keep walking. Sometimes in the company of other hunters, it pays to defend yourself when someone insults you. But in this case, your reputation isn't worth the fight. You don't know if he's a complete stranger or friend of the Mandalorian, and it's none of your business.

Mando says nothing and the stranger goes on.

"You know what they do, right? They use poison." He barks a crackling laugh. "You wanna call yourself a bounty hunter, don't use a coward's weapon."

Still, Mando neither agrees nor disagrees, and you keep walking.

"Ought to learn how to use real weapons or leave the business to the experts, eh Mando?"

There's a silence, and then, "Any weapon is the right one if it gets the job done."

You hear the clink of his boots as the Mandalorian walks back into his ship. The stranger huffs his disapproval, and then you hear him walk away too. It's hard not to turn back and look, but you keep your face forward to hide your smirk.

--

It's pretty foolish, and you know it. Bringing him caf is probably a waste of time, if what you've heard about Mandalorians is true. It's not like he'll drink it with you. But it feels rude to come back the next day asking after the tools again without something to offer in return, and you certainly can't offer credits.

So, you step out of the hatch and into the oily yellow light of the dim hangar holding two cups of caf and make your way toward his ship, being careful not to spill. He can probably drink it after you leave, right? He can't keep the helmet on all the time.

You're halfway to the ship when your train of thought is interrupted by a sound coming from behind you. A loud, metal creaking, like a ship's door coming off its hinges. Your head pivots automatically, eyes darting back. You'd locked yours up, hadn't you?

Frozen in place, you wait, listening. The stranger's ship is blocking your view, but you don't want to move just yet. You aren't certain of what you've heard. A long silence passes as you wait for confirmation, but hearing nothing, you turn and slowly start to walk back toward your ship, still holding a cup in each hand. The shadow of the stranger's ship is making it hard to see, but as you round the corner you can make it out - your ship's hatch is broken open, the door hanging to the side.

Your pulse picks up and you drop quickly to the floor, placing the cups down and reaching for your blaster. You aren't very skilled with it, but your blade is on the ship, and this situation definitely calls for a distanced approach.

You're still half-crouched when your balance is thrown, your shoulders are pounded into the metal behind you, and your wrist - your bad wrist - is crushed painfully upward beside your head. You gasp before your throat is caught in a clawed hand, stifling a half-breath before you can fill your lungs. Your eyes are inches from another set of glowing, yellow, familiar ones.

You lean forward, bucking to get free, to gulp down air, to yell, but the hand pressed firmly beneath your chin clutches at your skin and slams your head back.

"Quiet, or it'll hurt even worse."

"Augh," is all you can manage, heart pounding as you try to reorient yourself from the impact on your skull. You feel the hand holding your wrist slide upward and disarm you, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you register that the splash you hear when the blaster clatters to the ground must be the caf that's spilled, forming a puddle around your boots.

When the attacker's hand releases your wrist you swing both arms to fight him off, but your fists do little damage against his leathery skin. You're about to attempt to knee him in the stomach when cold metal sinks into your neck. Your whole body freezes and your eyes widen.

"That's better," he tells you, then uses his other hand to pull down his face covering. You recognize him instantly, and it sends a chill down your spine. You aren't getting out of this alive.

"Dra'olsk."

"So you do remember me. Good. I won't need to explain what's about to happen."

The blade presses further in, and you feel the warm itch of blood when it begins to flow over the sting of the widening wound. He's not using a vibroblade. It's a knife. You realize now that it's a very particular choice he's made to prolong your pain.

You don't bother asking why or how. Your mind whips through any possibility of escape. Bribery? Not a chance. You owe a blood debt and you can see in his seething expression it's been a long time coming.

The knife catches at your jaw. You grit your teeth, willing yourself to meet your end without flinching, and at that moment, the metallic clink of boots stepping onto the platform makes you both jolt in your respective positions.

The boots make their way slowly across the floor, and you realize two things - the Mandalorian has just stepped outside his ship, and he has no idea what's going on behind this one.

You take advantage of your assailant's momentary distraction and try to drop to the side of his grip. Your freedom lasts only a second, though, before he forces you down to the ground, pressing his body weight into you and pinning you to the floor. The knife is right back against your skin. Only this time, there's a witness.

"Mand-"

You can hardly get a syllable out before you're silenced with the back of a hand. But it was enough to turn his head. The suit of armor looks huge and imposing from this angle, as he stares down at you through the gap below the stranger's ship. He's silent. Unmoving.

The man on top of you jerks his head to the side. "This ain't your concern, Mando. Move along."

And he's right. Bounty hunters aren't known for involving themselves in other people's problems. Your usual method for dealing with bar brawls and other disputes between hunters is to mind your business, and you're certain it's his method too.

You're proven right when the Mandaloran keeps walking, leaving you at the mercy of fate. His helmet turns away, and he disappears into the shadows. You can't fault him. It's what you would have done.

The yellow eyes above you narrow as the reptilian face slides into a sadistic grin. "No one here to help you now."

Having been in Mando's position more than once, you're well aware that begging does absolutely nothing, but you also have no other recourse. So the words slide out of you, hopeless as they are.

"Mando. Please..."

Now the yellow eyes roll. "Shut up. Now, I'll give you a choice - something you never gave him. You want a blaster to the face or the back of the head?" He leans in closer, tipping your chin up with the blade. "What do you think? Want to see it coming?"

From the shadows behind your attacker's head, you hear the sound of a rifle's safety clicking off.

"Same question."

Your chest heaves a huge, involuntary sigh as the knife pulls back from your neck, still close, but no longer biting into the skin. Dra'olsk's scaly head turns back to sneer at the Mandalorian who's now towering over the both of you.

"I told you to mind your business. We've got a score to settle here."

The low voice in reply is cold, smooth, unimpressed. "Should have settled it somewhere else."

Dra'olsk's sneer turns into a smirk and he shakes his head. "I've got friends all over this quadrant who'll have your hide and hers if I turn up dead. So you better have that thing set to stun."

"Mine doesn't have that setting."

Your eyes dart between the gun and Dra'olsk. This could be an opening. It might be your only opening. Is he distracted enough? If you move, could you do it hard and fast enough to pull his hand away from your throat? The silence stretches on while you try to make your decision.

"Hand over the knife, and get up. Slow."

"And what if I don't? What if I decide to end it right now?"

The blade is turning to point directly downward. You swallow and it bobs with your movement.

His hand tightens its grip on the handle. "What if I just-"

A flash.

A burst of smoke.

A sudden feeling of lightness in your chest as the body pressing down onto you is replaced with a pile of rags. You gasp, partly in shock and partly to suck in the oxygen you've been lacking.

When your vision clears, a dark wall of leather and gleaming metal is staring down at you.

"You okay?"

Coughing, you nod, and the pain reminds you of the damage done to your neck. Your hand instinctively flies up to your throat. Then you pull it back to inspect the blood. It isn't too bad. You nod again, more convincingly this time. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."

"Good." He tells you, as you start to stand up. "You should finish your work and go."

You don't need to ask what he means. Dra'olsk wasn't lying - when he doesn't return, someone else will be coming for you. You turn back toward your ship, splashing through the caf that's slowly spreading over the floor. You walk a few feet before you realize Mando is following you, at a distance.

"I only have a few systems offline," you tell him. "I can make a jump if I need to."

He's silent, but he doesn't stop following. You pause in the doorway, about to enter your ship, when you see it.

"Fuck," you curse softly to yourself, clasping your hand around your neck as you stare at it. "No. No..."

The Mandalorian is standing a few feet back. "What?"

"The fucking..." you calm yourself, voice starting to shake as you bend down to pick up the broken remains of a flask. You try again to speak normally. "The poison in this..." You can't finish. Your mind is racing.

"He used it?"

You look down at the spot on the floor with shards of glass spread around it. It's wet. "I don't know. It might have fallen when he broke in looking for me, or he might have used it on the knife."

Another long silence.

"I have an antidote..." you trail off, thinking about the implications.

"So take it," he responds flatly when you don't continue.

You shake your head. "Not that simple. The poison is certain death. But the antidote has a risk of paralyzing limbs. Permanently. I'd rather not take it if I don't have to."

Then you turn back to face him. "There's a way I could know for sure. After a couple of hours, the poison will start to take effect, and I'll lose consciousness. It happens fast." You fix your eyes on him. "There's a good chance I won't be awake long enough to take the antidote. I would need someone there to give it to me."

He lets the silence go on long enough to make you too uncomfortable to ask outright. But the request hangs between you, just the same. He looks off to the side, shifting his weight, then looks back to you.

"Get your things, and be on my ship in ten minutes." He turns and walks away. "We aren't staying here."

--

A/N: I'm so sorry, I know I said this would be a one-off but it got away from me and now it's going to be two or three parts. I wouldn't be opposed to having a longer-form offshoot sometime in the future, but this is standalone self-contained porn with minimal plot. Apologies for the lack of smut in the first part!

[nosafeharbour]

Day 1: Steer

For prompt Steer, as part of FFxivWrite2024. Post-Dawntrail.

Albi isn’t sure where she’s going.

In a grand, melodramatic sense, of course – currently, she is winding her way through the Bayside Bevy markets as the sun is rapidly setting, clutching two wrapped parcels to her chest. The markets are teeming at this hour as some stall owners pack down for the evening, and others set up shop for night time browsing; Albi shuffles carefully around the bustle of the crowds, the patrons left hemming and hawing at close-of-day deals, the growing groups of those heading towards eateries for their late repast.

Her destination, at this time, is a quieter spot near the For’ard Cabins, a small jetty that overlooks the coast. The area is comparatively quiet at this hour, aside from a lone figure sat on the decking, facing out to sea. Beside him is a white overcoat, folded over once, but not neatly.

“Ah, there you are! I was beginning to wonder.” Thancred turns with a smile, gratefully accepting one of the wrapped packages as Albi wordlessly hands it over to him. The waft of grilled meat had given her an appetite as she had headed this way, and she had been aware that her delayed arrival had likely spurred on Thancred’s, too. “I started to grow wary that you had been walked over by a particularly large Mamool Ja while navigating the city,” Thancred takes a bite of his arepa, wasting no time, “or perhaps whisked away on some other world saving endeavour.”

Albi scoffs, unwrapping hers with a little less urgency. “Hardly.” She leaves it at that, unwilling to divulge that the bustle of patrons that were two or three-times her size had indeed, at least partially, been part of the hold up.

Little more is said between them as they eat. Sharing an evening meal by the docks was a commonplace thing between the two, and to do so in such far flung lands brought a sense of comfort and familiarity that Albi was grateful for. Back in Eorzea, what now feels like worlds and lifetimes ago, they would sit by the docks in Limsa Lominsa with similar fare from the markets – Thancred would spare little time between mouthfuls to point out people and places, quirks and tales of the streets he knew like the back of his hand, little morsels of information about the ships turning in the bay, and those who worked on them. Back then, Albi was rather more reticent, and this was a thinly veiled attempt to either keep conversation flowing, or to bring her out of her shell. She wasn’t too sure, even now, if her quiet demeanour was a point of awkwardness, or something more akin to a compelling project for Thancred to work on. Regardless, those times had long passed, and the silence between them now was companionable and peaceful.

That is, until Thancred tilts his head towards Albi. He at least serves her a kindness, and finishes his mouthful before he speaks up. “I know that look. What is it?”

The sudden intrusion into her reminiscence startles her, as does Thancred’s frankness. She had been watching the ships in the distance – unable to come closer due to the reefs surrounding Tuliyollal, instead sending their cargo ahead on smaller dinghies – food unwrapped but untouched in her hands. Her thoughts had begun to wander, thinking about the ships docked in Scholar’s Harbor in Old Sharlayan, the flurry of trading boats in Kugane, the crashed wreckages of similar vessels thrown against the rocks surrounding Eulmore. Albi knows what has been heavy on her mind as of late, but it was as if the circumstances of their meal had turned her back into the withdrawn girl perched above the bay of Limsa Lominsa, unsure of what to say.

“It’s nothing of import.” Albi acquiesces. When Thancred does not return to his food, and continues to watch her with a wary gaze, she is again reminded of those early days in Eorzea, when he would coax conversation from her. It endears and frustrates her in equal measure.

It had been several weeks since the culmination of the Rite of Succession, and dealings with Alexandria. Tuliyollal was still in the midst of rebuilding, but the spirits of her citizens had been healing well, with most returning to their daily lives with aplomb. The Scions, for their part, had been ambling around the city providing assistance, and resting in equal measure. Some had begun to disperse, or at the very least had begun deliberations on where they would head next – Estinien was content to roam without a singular destination in mind, while others had more concrete plans, or intended to stay in Tural indefinitely.

It felt foolish to Albi that it was these periods of peace that left her feeling so listless, when a quiet life was all she had truly desired, but it gave her thoughts time to wander and simmer in an unpleasant fashion. She felt aimless, unsure of her purpose or desires, a sluggish feeling that had been following her in the many moons since the Final Days had been averted.

“I’ve just been thinking about what I’m doing, after this.” Albi finally lets on, aware of how rote and lacklustre the sentiment sounds when spoken aloud. “You know me, always fretting about something.” She finally takes a bite of her arepa, wanting both to assuage concern, and have an excuse to stop speaking. Thancred makes an “ah” sound, and leans back, a thoughtful expression on his face, as if Albi’s ruminations were infectious.

He mulls the words over, but speaks sincerely. “You’re very welcome to come along with me and Urianger, wherever we may end up.” He joins her in taking a bite, but chews slowly this time, with deliberation. “Mayhaps you would benefit from not having a destination in mind? Relax those shoulders, take it easier for once.”

Albi resists the urge to sit up a little straighter, unsure if the remark was intended to be a jab at her posture. “No, no… I fear the tedium of not having a project would get to me.” She bemoans, though ends with a smile. “As much as I would love to accompany you. Can I not persuade you to come along with the Students of Baldesion, instead?”

Thancred laughs, the sound ringing out across their empty corner of the pier. “You drive a hard bargain.” He returns her smile with one of his own. “You and Krile are best left to focus on the Students. But should you ever need a blade at your side for some expedition or another, or simply someone to steer you scholarly types away from the books for a spell, you know who to call on.”

The lighthouse at the other end of the city sparks to life, its beacon clear and bright against the darkening sky. The ships turn in the bay, returning to port, or setting off on journeys anew, Albi cannot be sure. Her gaze is on neither the boats, nor the lighthouse, but settled on Thancred. The tumultuous waters of her heart settle, for a moment. “Thank you. I know.”

[rockyschexneider]

The Power of Momentum in Internet Marketing: A Supertanker's Insight

The Power of Momentum in Internet Marketing: A Supertanker's Insight

Imagine trying to stop a fully loaded supertanker at sea, cruising at a steady 16 knots, which translates to around 18 miles per hour. This massive steel behemoth, carrying its weight in cargo, takes approximately 20 minutes to come to a halt. That’s right—20 minutes. It’s enough time to make a sandwich, draft a to-do list, and maybe even ponder your life choices. But what does this maritime musing have to do with internet marketing? More than you might think.

Supertankers exemplify momentum in its most palpable form. Their sheer size and speed are a great metaphor for the slow build and eventual unstoppable force of a successful marketing campaign. When setting out on a marketing initiative—be it launching an email series, a social media blitz, or implementing a comprehensive blog strategy—the initial stages can often feel sluggish. Early efforts may seem futile, echoing in silence, with little to no immediate results.

This early phase demands persistence and patience as you lay the groundwork. Every email sent, each social media post published, and every blog article crafted contribute to the start-up process. At first, these efforts may resemble fruitless endeavors, but with consistency and time, momentum gradually builds. Like that lumbering supertanker, once set in motion, the force becomes significant and hard to interrupt. Your campaign transforms into a dominant presence, creating ripple effects across your audience.

However, momentum is a double-edged sword. Just as consistent effort can propel your marketing machine forward, neglect or inconsistency can slow it down. Halting your content flow, pausing ad campaigns, or fading away from audience engagement doesn't result in an instant stop. Instead, much like the slow deceleration of a supertanker, these actions initiate a drawn-out diminishing of momentum, demanding even more time and energy to regain that earlier force.

The key is steadfastness. Even when the landscape appears barren and void of engagement, maintain your course. Each piece of content produced adds to the underlying energy of your marketing engine, accumulating unseen power. Once the threshold is crossed, and true momentum is achieved, the impact is extraordinary and pervasive. The marketing force becomes a resilient entity, capable of cutting through challenges with ease.

Consider this principle as you develop and refine your marketing strategies. You're not just generating content or running campaigns—you're at the helm of a supertanker. Direct it with prudence and consistency. Trust the process and sow the seeds today for the formidable momentum to come.

Momentum is the unseen backbone of successful internet marketing. It requires dedication, perseverance, and above all, patience. Eventually, these efforts culminate in a marketing juggernaut that becomes difficult to derail. In steering this ship, embrace the journey and let motivation drive sustained progress and eventual triumph.

Visit my Blog for FREE RESOURCES

**

[headfullof-ideas]

Okay, the last of the character sheets I drew over the last few days, presenting Trader Johann and Gruffnut!

Gruffnut Alvarsson is the older cousin of Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston, about six or so years older than them. He’s related to the twins on their dad’s side of the family, their uncle being his father. Despite the Alvarsson and Thorston clans being considerably sized on Berk, especially once they joined through the twins parents, Gruffnut spends most of his time away from Berk. He left on the first ship he could snag for himself after he graduated Dragon Training, off to seek out ‘new opportunities’ as he liked to call it. Every once in a while he returns to Berk, bringing stories to his younger cousins of all the amazing things he’s seen and all the incredible adventures he’s been on, before leaving again. Tuffnut adores his older cousin, thinking he’s one of the coolest people ever. Ruffnut isn’t nearly as thrilled about Gruffnut, but that’s because she’s overheard the conversations the adults have in the background about their older cousin.

Gruffnut barely passed Dragon Training, failing his first year, and far outshone by Ingrid during his second, but brawn’s had never been something he was particularly good at. Especially when his opponent was a large, angry dragon. Gruffnut relied more on brains, though he was no Einstein in that department either. Gruffnut inherited his own father’s and the twins father’s gambling habits, and also inherited the poor awareness that doesn’t come with knowing a gamble or bet is too big a risk to take. Gruffnut has spent the last handful of years sailing off outside the Archipelago, looking for big money and a high-quality lifestyle, only to gamble away all his savings or lose them paying off a debt he didn’t anticipate going poorly. He then slinks back off to his family, begging for a bed and more money, before sailing away and repeating the process all over again. Gruffnut has learned how to handle himself in a fight with smaller opponents, but learning to handle himself in a fight doesn’t help when the money is all he can see and he gambles away more than he can afford with the wrong people. Gruffnut’s family don’t know how quickly he loses money, returning to Berk something he does sparingly. When he can’t afford to make the trip back to the Archipelago, or doesn’t feel like dealing with his family, Gruffnut turns to bounties or shady work with various dragon trappers or other unsavory company to pay off his debts. This sometimes puts him in more trouble, but Gruffnut only cares about his own personal comfort, and is willing to do almost anything to get it.

Trader Johann is a Trader from the Northern Markets. Most of his business is done there, though he can be found almost anywhere, a sort of nomad even amongst the traveling traders. He is also one of the few traders who dared risk sailing into the Archipelago, amongst its rumors of dragon raids and barbaric tribes. Trader Johann has a reputation amongst every tribe he visits as being reliable and friendly, if only a little air-headed and whimsical. It’s a reputation Johann has spent years crafting amongst the Archipelago and every other tribe anywhere else that he visits, though it’s not all for the generous reasons that Johann lets people think. Johann is from further east, where he works for a big name Dragon Trapper looking to expand territory. Johann oversees his bosses outer operations, disguised as a merchant which allows him to go just about anywhere unquestioned. There is genuine joy in his cover, though Johann hates the facade he puts up and the supplies he carries with him. Johann’s passion project over the last year or so indulges the cargo he would rather carry. Dragons.

Johann has been assigned with helping set up an underground dragon trading route, meant to be separate from the larger and more public auctions that take place on many isolated islands. The end goal is for the routes and their multiple, eventual erected, floating markets to serve as private auctions, leaving the islands as a sort of public and more common auctioning ground for the customers with less grandeur. The hidden markets that will be placed along the underground routes paths will be reserved for only the elite and personally invited, but first they need to be set up. Johann has been helping arrange things, bringing reserved supplies and knowledge on the best sailing routes to hide away their operation, and acting as a messenger for all the various Dragon Trapper organizations that would like to attend or provide cargo for selling. Even the Grimborn brothers have sent cargo to help set up the beginning of the stock to be sold, which is a big deal. Of course, Johann has been tasked with helping as nothing more than a means to an end. The underground dragon trading route will serve a bigger purpose than it was initially meant for, though no one but Johann and his employer needs to know what that is. Unfortunately, and irritatingly, Johann has run into a few unforeseen snags along the way. Shipments have been caught in storms and lost before they made it to their end destination, and some of the dragons that the Grimborns have sent are from the older brothers fighting rings, and are consequentially more aggressive than most dragons. And a handful of pests from the Isle of Berk have taken to riding dragons, and managed to reveal to the tribes of the Archipelago that Johann is a Dragon Trapper.

They’re annoying problems, but none that Johann hasn’t been able to swiftly handle. He’s lost rights to trade with Berk and the Berserkers, who want nothing to do with him, and the Outcasts refuse him as well, though he never traded with them before. It’s frustrating, but the other tribes still accept him, under his swiftly though guise of simply providing supplies to any who were willing to buy, regardless of his personal opinions of them. And the infamous Dragon Riders disappeared from the Archipelago within the year of their appearance, so Johann is certain that he doesn’t have to deal with them any longer and can get back to carrying out his employers plan.

Okay I know what you’re thinking. Actually I don’t, but I’m gonna say it anyway cause I’m weird like that. Why is Gruffnut getting on a character sheet when he shows up like, three times in the show? Surely that means he shows up even more times in my crossover, right?…yeah about that, I literally only have him in one episode right now. Maybe he’ll show up a few other times but right now he’s operating as a one and done character. HOWEVER. I have tweaked his character a lot and he adds some insight into the twins family and its structure. For starters, Gruffnut is not a Thorston. He’s an Alvarsson, which is the twins dad’s former surname. I’m making it so that Thorston is actually their mother’s maiden name, which she kept when she married the twins dad. Gruffnut is their paternal cousin, and not only is he a lot older, he’s also not a copy paste of Tuffnut. I’m pretty sure they did that as a sort of comical bit and also to save money on making another model, but because of how the events of this story work, Gruffnut being identical to Tuffnut doesn’t work, and I also wanted to make him seperate. I decided to play into him being a much older cousin as well because that plays into Tuffnut’s idolization of him; Gruffnut is old enough to go out and explore elsewhere beyond Berk, which means Tuffnut doesn’t see him as often, and being much older plays into the effect of Tuffnut looking up to Gruffnut, since they’re not the same age. Ruffnut still sees through a lot of his crap though, but doesn’t know how to break it to Tuffnut who refuses to listen. Gruffnut being a paternal relative also adds on to what I have planned for their dad, in that the twins don’t have the best relationship with him. They talk about their mom a lot but their dad has never come up so I’m assuming that they don’t have the best relationship with him, and Gruffnut is going to help illustrate those issues.

As for Johann, I’m playing into the twist reveal of him being a dragon trapper, but he gets revealed much earlier. Of course it doesn’t have too much of an effect, for better or for worse later on in the story, but the riders are aware of him from pretty early on. I don’t remember if it’s ever mentioned if Johann was working for someone else or not, but in this story he has an employer, and they’re both playing the waiting game for their plans. I’m doing my best to hint to or set up stuff that happens later in the fic early on, so it doesn’t feel like it came out of left field, and I’m trying to connect a bunch of stuff together, which Johann is going to be really helpful in doing on both accounts. He’s not super a problem in the beginning, because he’s busy with his own stuff, but I’m aiming to have him involved at certain points so he doesn’t just fade into obscurity, and also to hint toward the stuff that he’s working on that I cannot reveal yet as it is meant to be a surprise.

[entailglobal]

How Sea Freight Forwarding Solutions Can Save You Time and Money

In the global trade ecosystem, sea freight remains a cornerstone for transporting goods across continents.  With its cost-effectiveness and capacity to handle large volumes, sea freight is an indispensable mode of transportation.  However, navigating the complexities of maritime logistics requires expertise and strategic planning.  This is where sea freight forwarding solutions come into play, offering businesses a streamlined approach to shipping that saves both time and money.

For businesses aiming to maximize efficiency and minimize costs, leveraging maritime logistics expertise is essential.  Whether you are one of the top 10 exporters in India or a growing enterprise, the right sea freight partner can make all the difference.  In this blog, we shall explore how sea freight forwarding solutions can transform your logistics operations and why they are critical for staying competitive in today's market.

What Is Sea Freight Forwarding?

Sea freight forwarding involves coordinating and managing the transportation of goods via sea routes.  Forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, ensuring that cargo reaches its destination efficiently and cost-effectively.  These services encompass various aspects, including documentation, customs clearance, cargo insurance, and shipment tracking.

Key Components of Sea Freight Forwarding:

Route Optimization:  Determining the most efficient shipping routes to minimize transit times and costs.

Cargo Consolidation:  Combining shipments from multiple clients to optimize container usage and reduce expenses.

Customs Compliance:  Ensuring all documentation and procedures comply with international trade regulations.

Risk Management:  Offering cargo insurance and contingency plans to mitigate potential losses.

Benefits of Sea Freight Forwarding Solutions

1.  Cost Savings

Shipping large volumes of goods by sea is more economical than air freight.  Sea freight forwarding solutions help businesses further reduce costs by negotiating competitive rates with carriers and consolidating cargo to maximize container usage.

2.  Time Efficiency

While sea freight is generally slower than air freight, forwarders ensure time efficiency by planning routes meticulously and coordinating schedules to avoid delays.  Leveraging maritime logistics expertise ensures that shipments are delivered on time, even for complex international routes.

3.  Flexibility

Sea freight forwarding offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of cargo types and volumes.  From bulk commodities to oversized machinery, forwarders can accommodate diverse shipping needs, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

4.  Simplified Processes

Managing international shipments involves a maze of documentation and regulations.  Sea freight forwarders handle these complexities, providing businesses with a hassle-free experience.

5.  Enhanced Visibility and Control

Advanced tracking technologies enable real-time visibility into the status of shipments.  Forwarders provide regular updates, allowing businesses to monitor their cargo and plan accordingly.

The Role of Maritime Logistics Expertise

The success of sea freight forwarding hinges on the expertise of logistics professionals.  Their in-depth knowledge of maritime regulations, port operations, and carrier networks enables them to navigate challenges effectively.  Here is how maritime logistics expertise adds value:

Regulatory Compliance:  Ensuring adherence to international trade laws and customs requirements.

Risk Mitigation:  Identifying potential disruptions and implementing contingency plans.

Optimized Operations:  Leveraging industry insights to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Strategic Partnerships:  Building relationships with carriers and port authorities to secure favorable terms and priority handling.

Why Sea Freight Forwarding Solutions Are Crucial for Exporters

For exporters, especially those among the top 10 exporters in India, efficient logistics are critical to maintaining a competitive edge.  Sea freight forwarding solutions offer the following advantages:

1.  Global Reach

With access to an extensive network of carriers and ports, forwarders enable exporters to reach markets worldwide.  This global connectivity is vital for businesses looking to expand their footprint.

2.  Scalability

As export volumes grow, forwarders provide scalable solutions to accommodate increased demand.  From partial container loads to full container loads, businesses can scale their logistics operations seamlessly.

3.  Cost-Effective Transportation

By consolidating shipments and negotiating bulk rates, forwarders help exporters reduce transportation costs.  This is particularly beneficial for high-volume shipments.

4.  Customs Expertise

Navigating customs procedures can be daunting, but forwarders’ expertise ensures smooth clearance, minimizing delays and penalties.

5.  Reputation Management

Timely delivery and reliable service enhance an exporter’s reputation in global markets.  Partnering with a forwarder ensures consistent performance, reinforcing a company’s standing as the best exporter in India.

How Entail Global Leads the Way in Sea Freight Forwarding

As a trusted name in the logistics industry, Entail Global is committed to providing top-notch sea freight forwarding solutions.  Our comprehensive services cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods.

Why Choose Entail Global?

1.  Extensive Network:

With partnerships across major ports and carriers, we offer unmatched global connectivity.

2.  Customized Solutions:

Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, from small enterprises to top exporters in India.

3.  Expert Team:

Our team’s maritime logistics expertise ensures seamless operations and regulatory compliance.

4.  Competitive Rates:

We leverage our industry relationships to secure the best rates for our clients.

5.  Advanced Tracking:

Real-time shipment tracking provides clients with complete visibility and peace of mind.

Future Trends in Sea Freight Forwarding

The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, and sea freight is no exception.  Here are some trends shaping the future:

1.  Digitalization

Technological advancements, such as blockchain and AI, are streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency in sea freight forwarding.

2.  Sustainability

As environmental concerns grow, the industry is adopting greener practices, such as low-emission vessels and optimized routing.

3.  Increased Automation

Automation in port operations and cargo handling is reducing turnaround times and operational costs.

4.  Focus on Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for resilient supply chains.  Forwarders are investing in strategies to mitigate disruptions and ensure reliability.

Conclusion

Sea freight forwarding solutions are revolutionizing the way goods are transported globally, offering businesses significant savings in time and money.  With the right partner, such as Entail Global, companies can leverage maritime logistics expertise to optimize their supply chains and stay competitive in the international market.

Whether you are a small business or one of the top 10 exporters in India, investing in professional sea freight services is a strategic move.  At Entail Global, we pride ourselves on being the best exporter in India and a trusted logistics partner.  Contact us today to learn how our tailored solutions can transform your shipping operations.

[liampboyle]

Stabby Returns

While I want people to subscribe to my Patreon because like everybody else I've got bills to pay. Stabby the Roomba belongs to the community, so here's this morning's Stabby story.

Prompt: “Those robots were uniquely hard to conquer but fell nonetheless, what’s curious though, is they seem to call out for their ‘Earthly parent’.”

It was no secret among the species of the alliance that humans pack bonded. They were a social species. That they gave their technological creations, robots they called them, this behavior, was interesting and also disturbing. Vsdnak shook xe’s head, causing xe’s antennae to sway, and looked over the now empty ship. Twisted bits of titanium and steel were scattered everywhere, along with pools of the petrochemical fluid the human’s called “cherry juice” that their mechanical creations used for their hydraulic systems. The shade was disturbingly similar to the blood of biological humans, or at least how it was described in the study materials.

Vsdnak had yet to actually see a human, it was far more common to encounter their robots than members of the human species. Yet all their ships still had full life support capabilities for biologicals. The machines, when destroyed, would call out for whatever human they had bonded with. Between the resemblance to actual human forms, the fluid that leaked from them, and the fact they mimicked pack bonded biological behavior it was easy to forget these things were not biological sentients.

If there was one thing, the primates were good at making it was weapons. That was Vsdnak’s entire purpose on this ship. To recover any weapons that were aboard. This was ship small for a military carrier but the humans seemed to like vessels of this size to carry small arms and ammunition. Xe checked the charge on xe’s particle thrower, it was still full. The sensor readings showed only base levels of activity aboard. What little activity there was could just be the ship's own systems. The crew of xe’s sister ship had been slaughtered in xyr encounter with it. The two survivors had already been rescued, and xe had sent xe’s own crew back to xyr vessel already. Xe remained simply to see what was still intact that could be taken. Human “slug throwers” were famed for their ability to pierce energy shields and no one had ever duplicated the explosive powders that seem to power them. It seemed like whatever it was made from was exclusive to the barren rock the humans claimed as their homeworld. 

Vsdnak shifted xe’s antennae again, that type of thing was for the scientists to figure out, xe was just a mercenary pilot, specializing in salvage. Xe passed some shattered exoskeletons from the members of xe’s sister ship’s crew. According to xyr logs, xy had boarded this vessel in order to use melee and short burst energy weapons to pacify the robotic crew. Xy should have known better. Humans were famed for their relative strength and endurance, and their robots were even stronger. Human metal work was some of the strongest in the known galaxies. So their hand weapons could easily penetrate chitin. Their robots were always armed with the same. Finally xe reached the door that should be the cargo area in this ship class. Xe reached down with xe’s lower manipulation foot to withdraw a code breaker from the supply pouch belted around xe’s lower thorax. Placing it against what looked to be the door’s locking mechanism, xe pressed the activator and waited a few seconds until the indicator light glowed and xe detected the reassuring ping of device success. The door slid open and xe focused xe’s eyes on the boxes of cargo, marked ‘ammunition 7.62x51mm’ in the human script. While xe could not read the human language, xe knew this marking well. Human weapon ammunition, multiple crates of it. This would go for an extremely high price on the salvage markets. These projectiles were known to occasionally pierce ship hulls and devastate beings using only energy shields.

Xe’s antennae twitched again, detecting an electrical signal. Something, some piece of technology was still active in this cargo hold. Vsdnak felt a sharp pain as something pierced xe’s leg just above the floor. The electrical signal…. Xe looked down, and there it was, a small round cleaning robot, a sharp blade of some sort attached to it with adhesive tape. It let out a forlorn beep as it backed up and then started forward again; the blade piercing the exoskeleton of xe’s leg again allowing the hemolymph to flow more quickly out of xe’s body. Xe reached for xe’s supply pouches to withdraw the first aid kit, but the dizziness from the fluid loss was already starting to affect xe. 

There was a hiss from the cargo bay door behind xe. Before Vsdnak could even turn, a sharp, overwhelming pain blossomed throughout his consciousness. As Vsdnak fell, xe heard a voice speaking, “Good job, Stabby, you got the roach.”

[sophia957]

Exploring Cargo Boat and Ship Versatility: From Small Cargo Ships to Cruise Ships for Sale

Introduction

Cargo ships and ships play an important part in global trade, transportation, and even leisure across the vast expanses of our oceans. These ships can range from small cargo ships to big container ships and even modified cruise ships for sale. This blog will delve into the world of cargo boats and ships, looking at their various varieties, purposes, and the critical roles they play in today's interconnected globe.

Cargo Ships and Cargo Boats: Navigating the Trade Seas Cargo ships and cargo boats are at the center of international trade. These specialized vessels transport cargo, raw materials, and finished items over long distances, linking markets and ensuring the availability of critical supplies. Small cargo ships, sometimes known as cargo boats, are suited for traveling inland waterways, rivers, and minor ports. Their small size and dexterity enable them to reach areas inaccessible to larger vessels, facilitating trade in distant areas.

The Mighty Container Ships: Global Trade Giants Container ships occupy center stage when it comes to the international transit of products. These enormous vessels are designed to transport standardized cargo containers, allowing for easy loading and unloading at ports across the world. Containerships are the lifeblood of global trade, delivering massive amounts of goods across continents. Their massive size and capacity make them perfect for large-scale cargo operations, saving economies all across the world.

Sailboats: Adventure and Nostalgia on the High Seas Sailboats are frequently linked with recreational sailing and leisure activities, but they also play a role in freight delivery. Sail-powered cargo ships, which use wind power for propulsion, are an environmentally benign alternative to regular fossil-fueled vessels. These sustainable sailboats, despite their modest carrying capacity, help to reduce carbon emissions and highlight the possibility for environmentally responsible shipping operations.

Repurposing Cruise Ships: A New Lease on Life for Luxury Ships In recent years, a novel trend in the maritime sector has emerged: the recycling of cruise ships for sale other applications. With the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic, several cruise ships were rendered inoperable, resulting in an influx of cruiseships for sale. Some of these vessels have been converted into floating hotels, resorts, or even emergency floating hospitals. This novel technique demonstrates cruise ships' adaptability and versatility, opening up new options for the maritime industry.

Buying and Selling Vessels in the Boats and Ships Market The global boat and ship market is diversified and dynamic. There are several possibilities for people wishing to buy or sell vessels, ranging from cargo ships to sailboats. Specialized platforms and brokers make the buying and selling of numerous types of boats possible, according to a variety of budgets and needs. Exploring the availability of small cargo ships or even cruise ships for sale gives exciting prospects in the marine industry for entrepreneurs looking for business chances.

Conclusion

Cargo ships and cargo boats are the backbone of global trade, ensuring the movement of products and materials across the world's oceans. Each vessel tracking, from small cargo ships navigating inland waterways to giant container ships connecting continents, plays an important part in the global supply chain. Sailboats and refurbished cruise ships have also found a place in the maritime landscape, providing environmentally friendly options and inventive solutions. Whether you're looking for a cargo ship or just curious in the wide world of boats for sale and ships, understanding the diversity of these vessels provides a glimpse into the interconnected nature of our modern world.

[downtoearthmarkets]

As a farmers market shopper, you are most likely familiar with the ‘Slow Food Movement’ that emphasizes the mindful consumption of unprocessed, seasonal foods that are locally grown and prepared using culturally traditional cooking techniques. It goes without saying that our farmers markets act as hubs for connecting people with all the ingredients they need to foster a healthy, slow food lifestyle and its thoughtful approach to eating. But did you know that this concept – and the larger ‘slow living’ umbrella that it is part of – has extended into many arenas of everyday life, including the purchasing of decorative, cut flowers? In fact, the very same principles that apply to the consumption of ‘slow foods’ also apply to the intentional choices we make when selecting fresh flowers to buy for ourselves and others. 

Adorning one’s living space with colorful, sweetly scented flowers or gifting someone with a beautiful fresh bouquet is one of life’s simple pleasures that is accessible to most everyone. But behind those innocent-looking blooms sometimes lies a little-known dark side. Just as with modern-day industrial overproduction of food, the large-scale production, shipping and packaging of commercially grown cut flowers exacts a huge environmental toll that most consumers are generally not aware of. To address these issues, the slow flower movement encourages the sustainable, responsible and mindful consumption of decorative flowers. Along those lines, here are some things to keep in mind the next time you are looking to replace the desiccated, wilted stems in your hallway flower vase (hint: head directly to your local farmers market this summer). 

Seasonal flowers When you purchase fresh flowers in the dead of winter here in the northeast, such as buying a dozen red roses for your Valentine in mid-February, it’s a safe assumption that those blooms were not grown anywhere nearby. In fact, the majority of cut flowers sold in the U.S. are grown in far-flung warmer climates that allow for year-round production, such as California and South America. Happily, the arrival of summer to this region brings with it an influx of fresh produce into our farmstalls along with displays of fresh flowers, from sweet posies of wildflowers to sturdy bunches of sunflowers. Unlike industrially grown flowers, farmers market flowers are only available when the growing conditions allow for their production in harmony with nature’s rhythms. Whereas commercial growers routinely spray their crops with copious amounts of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to ensure a constant yield, the seasonally appropriate production of local flowers requires fewer inputs and synthetic applications. 

Refrigeration and transportation After industrially grown flowers are harvested from fields and greenhouses, they are stored in chilled warehouses to preserve their freshness before being transported via refrigerated trucks to the airport where they are then flown to their various destinations via cargo planes. Upon arrival, they are transferred back into refrigerated trucks and driven to retailers and other commercial distribution centers. The long-haul transportation and extended refrigeration of these flowers before they reach their point-of-sale requires an enormous expenditure of energy that balloons the size of their carbon footprint. Alternatively, the farmers market flowers that you see have been grown locally and have made only a short trip from the field to the marketplace. They’ll be fresher by the time you get them home and your purchase helps support a small farm or flower vendor versus a large faceless corporation. 

Native flowers The range of exotic blooms you’ll find at a commercial florist or supermarket are typically not indigenous to the northeast, having been grown in different countries and warmer states. Amongst the cheerful posies of fresh flowers populating the farmstalls, you’ll find a preponderance of native plant varieties that have been growing in this area for thousands of years. These native flowers are uniquely adapted to thrive in the specific growing conditions of this region and have co-evolved alongside our local pollinators and wildlife forming a beneficial symbiosis and helping to promote biodiversity. For instance, Rudbeckia (aka black-eyed-susan or coneflower) is an herbaceous perennial native to North America that is prized for its showy golden yellow flowers that are being sold in our farmers markets right now. The nectar and pollen its flowers produce feeds native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and it is also a larval host plant for Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) caterpillars. Sticking within the yellow flower theme, all 52 varieties of sunflowers (Helianthus) are indigenous to North America while their seeds have formed a staple part of the American Indian diet for thousands of years. 

Packaging Unlike the bouquets sold by commercial florists and retailers that are often heavily packaged in plastic cellophane, when you purchase a bouquet in the farmers market, it may come wrapped in kraft paper or simply bundled up, ready to be tucked into your shopping tote. Whereas plastic film is hard to recycle and adding to our planet’s ongoing plastic pollution problem, paper is biodegradable and can be tossed in the compost along with your cut flowers once they have reached the end of their useful life. 

And there you have it! We wish you a very happy summer season of ‘slow food’ AND ‘slow flower’ shopping in our Down to Earth farmers markets.

[logisticsmalaysia]

Freight Forwarder Services in Singapore: Seamless International Logistics

Singapore is a global logistics hub known for its world-class ports, advanced infrastructure, and connectivity to international markets. Asia Trans offers professional Freight Forwarder Services in Singapore, ensuring businesses can move goods quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively across borders.

Key Benefits of Asia Trans’ Freight Forwarding Services in Singapore

Comprehensive Global Network – Strong partnerships with international shipping and airline carriers for seamless global trade.

Multimodal Transport Solutions – Air freight, sea freight, road transport, and rail logistics to suit different shipping needs.

Customs Clearance & Compliance – Expertise in customs regulations to facilitate smooth clearance and avoid delays.

End-to-End Logistics Management – From pick-up to final delivery, ensuring seamless supply chain operations.

Cost-Effective Shipping – Competitive rates and optimized shipping routes to save time and money.

Freight Forwarding Solutions Offered by Asia Trans

Air Freight – Fast and reliable air cargo solutions for time-sensitive shipments.

Sea Freight – Cost-effective ocean freight services with full-container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) options.

Road Freight – Efficient cross-border transportation between Malaysia and Singapore.

Customs Brokerage – Assistance with documentation, tariffs, and import/export regulations.

Warehousing & Distribution – Integrated warehousing services to support end-to-end logistics needs.

Why Asia Trans is the Preferred Logistics Partner in Malaysia & Singapore

Asia Trans stands out in the competitive logistics industry due to its commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Whether businesses need warehousing services in Malaysia or freight forwarding services in Singapore, Asia Trans offers tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.

What Sets Asia Trans Apart?

Extensive Industry Experience – Years of expertise in logistics, warehousing, and freight forwarding.

Customized Solutions – Personalized logistics strategies for businesses of all sizes.

Cutting-Edge Technology – Advanced tracking systems for real-time shipment visibility.

Reliable Customer Support – 24/7 assistance to address logistics concerns.

Sustainable Practices – Eco-friendly logistics solutions for a greener supply chain.

Conclusion

For businesses seeking a reliable Warehousing Company In Malaysia or top-tier freight forwarder services in Singapore, Asia Trans is the ultimate logistics partner. With advanced warehousing facilities, efficient freight forwarding solutions, and a commitment to excellence, Asia Trans ensures businesses can thrive in today’s competitive market.

By leveraging Asia Trans’ expertise, businesses can enhance their supply chain efficiency, reduce operational costs, and expand their market reach seamlessly. Get in touch with Asia Trans today and experience the future of logistics in Malaysia and Singapore!