#Highly Qualified Leads

[abhibaj]

MQL vs. HQL: The B2B Lead Qualification Framework That Drives Revenue Growth

In the intricate world of B2B marketing, understanding the nuances between different types of leads is paramount. Two critical categories that often come into play are Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Highly Qualified Leads (HQLs). Recognizing the distinctions between these lead types and effectively managing them can significantly impact your revenue growth.

Understanding MQLs: The Starting Point of Engagement

Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) represent individuals or organizations that have shown interest in your offerings but are not yet ready for a direct sales approach. These leads have interacted with your marketing efforts, such as downloading a whitepaper, attending a webinar, or subscribing to a newsletter.

Get full insights@​ https://itechseries.com/blog/mql-vs-hql/

MQLs are at the top of the sales funnel. They require nurturing through targeted content and engagement strategies to move them further down the funnel. By providing valuable information and addressing their pain points, you can guide MQLs toward becoming more sales-ready.

Delving into HQLs: The Bridge to Sales Conversion

Highly Qualified Leads (HQLs) are a step closer to making a purchasing decision. These leads have demonstrated a higher level of interest and engagement, indicating readiness for more direct communication. They often meet more stringent criteria and are closer to making a purchasing decision than MQLs.

HQLs are typically identified through deeper interactions, such as requesting a product demo or engaging in detailed discussions about your offerings. These leads require personalized attention and tailored solutions to convert them into customers effectively.

MQL vs. HQL: Navigating the Lead Qualification Spectrum

The transition from MQL to HQL is not a binary process but rather a spectrum. Leads often move along this continuum as they engage more deeply with your brand. Understanding where a lead falls on this spectrum allows for more precise targeting and resource allocation.

By implementing a robust lead scoring system, you can assign values to various interactions and behaviors, helping to identify when an MQL becomes an HQL. This approach ensures that your sales team focuses on leads with the highest potential for conversion.

The Strategic Importance of Lead Qualification in B2B Marketing

Effective B2B lead qualification is crucial for optimizing your marketing and sales efforts. By distinguishing between MQLs and HQLs, you can tailor your strategies to meet the specific needs of each lead type, thereby increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Moreover, aligning your marketing and sales teams around clear definitions and criteria for MQLs and HQLs fosters better collaboration and ensures a seamless transition of leads through the sales funnel.

Explore the latest marketing and tech insights@ https://itechseries.com/gtm-library/

Implementing a Robust B2B Lead Qualification Framework

To effectively manage MQLs and HQLs, it's essential to establish a comprehensive lead qualification framework. This framework should include:

Clear Definitions: Establish specific criteria for what constitutes an MQL and an HQL based on your business objectives and customer profiles.

Lead Scoring: Develop a scoring system that assigns points to various lead behaviors and interactions, helping to identify when a lead is ready to move to the next stage.

Nurturing Strategies: Implement targeted content and engagement tactics to guide MQLs toward becoming HQLs.

Sales Alignment: Ensure that your sales team is equipped with the necessary information and tools to effectively engage with HQLs.

Enhancing Sales and Marketing Collaboration

A successful B2B marketing strategy hinges on the collaboration between sales and marketing teams. By working together to define lead qualification criteria and share insights, these teams can create a more cohesive and effective approach to lead management. Regular meetings and shared metrics can help maintain alignment and ensure that both teams are working toward common goals, ultimately leading to increased revenue growth.

Measuring Success: Key Metrics for Lead Qualification

To assess the effectiveness of your lead qualification efforts, consider tracking the following metrics:

Conversion Rates: Monitor the percentage of MQLs that become HQLs and, subsequently, customers.

Lead Velocity: Measure the speed at which leads move through the qualification process.

Engagement Levels: Track the interactions and behaviors of leads to gauge their interest and readiness.

Sales Cycle Length: Analyze the time it takes for leads to convert, identifying areas for improvement.

Continuous Improvement: Refining Your Lead Qualification Process

The B2B landscape is constantly evolving, and so should your lead qualification process. In the context of b2b marketing, it’s essential to regularly review and adjust your criteria, scoring models, and nurturing strategies to align with changing market conditions and customer behaviors. Soliciting feedback from your sales team and analyzing performance data can provide valuable insights into areas for enhancement, ensuring that your lead qualification process remains effective and efficient.

By understanding and effectively managing the differences between MQLs and HQLs, B2B marketers can optimize their strategies, improve collaboration between teams, and drive significant revenue growth. Implementing a robust lead qualification framework and continuously refining your approach will position your organization for sustained success in the competitive B2B marketplace.

[acceligize]

Unlocking Success: Strategies for Generating Highly Qualified B2B Leads

Quality Over Quantity: The New Age of Lead Generation

In today’s B2B landscape, the real challenge isn’t generating leads—it’s generating qualified ones. With decision-makers more informed and buyer journeys more complex than ever, the shotgun approach to lead generation simply doesn’t deliver ROI anymore. What businesses need now is precision, relevance, and timing.

At Acceligize, we specialize in helping companies move from high-volume lead lists to high-value conversations. Our success-driven strategies are designed to identify real buying intent, capture interest at the right stage, and drive engagement with decision-makers who are actively seeking solutions. This is how qualified leads are born—and how businesses grow smarter, not just faster.

Intent Data: The Catalyst for Smarter Targeting

Every successful lead generation strategy starts with knowing who is ready to buy. That’s where intent data becomes game-changing. By analyzing digital footprints—search behaviors, content engagement, competitor interactions—Acceligize pinpoints businesses that are actively researching solutions in your category.

This allows your team to engage prospects early, long before they reach out. It’s not just cold outreach—it’s timely outreach, backed by data that reveals interest, urgency, and relevance. It’s how we connect your solutions with prospects when they need it most.

Precision Targeting Through Ideal Customer Profiling

Understanding your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is essential to narrowing the field. At Acceligize, we refine your ICP with firmographic and technographic filters, layering in job titles, industry verticals, company size, tech stacks, and even buying cycles.

This means your campaigns don’t just reach “leads”—they reach decision-makers at organizations with real buying potential. It’s not about filling your pipeline with names—it’s about filling it with opportunities that align with your product, value proposition, and sales goals.

Content That Converts: Fuel for Qualified Engagement

High-quality leads demand high-quality content. Whether it’s an executive whitepaper, a product comparison guide, or a personalized case study, content is the bridge between your brand and your buyer’s pain points.

Acceligize empowers brands to deploy stage-specific content across channels. From awareness-driving assets to conversion-focused materials, we ensure your content not only attracts attention but also builds trust and drives action.

Our global content syndication model ensures this content reaches key personas across industries, markets, and time zones—exactly when they’re ready to engage.

To know more about our solutions, visit@ http://acceligize.com/our-solutions/

Multi-Channel Engagement: Meeting Buyers Where They Are

No two buyers are the same, and neither are their engagement preferences. That’s why our lead generation strategies at Acceligize are built on a multi-channel foundation. We deploy targeted campaigns across email, display ads, social media, content syndication, webinars, and account-based marketing.

This omnichannel approach ensures that your brand stays top-of-mind and accessible at every touchpoint, increasing the chances of conversion and deepening lead quality through continuous, value-driven engagement.

Qualification Frameworks that Drive Sales-Ready Leads

Generating a lead is one thing—qualifying it is another. Acceligize applies custom BANT and CHAMP frameworks to validate interest, authority, need, and budget before a lead is passed to your sales team.

We filter leads not just by data, but by intent signals and behavioral insights, delivering MQLs and SQLs that are genuinely ready for the next step. This minimizes sales cycle delays, improves conversion rates, and boosts your revenue per lead.

Real-Time Reporting and Optimization

To truly unlock success, you need visibility. Acceligize provides real-time reporting dashboards and campaign analytics that offer deep insight into lead sources, engagement metrics, and qualification status.

This transparency allows for ongoing optimization, letting you double down on what works, fine-tune targeting, and refine messaging—all in sync with your sales pipeline priorities.

Why Acceligize? Your Growth, Our Mission

We don’t just generate leads—we create momentum. Acceligize combines cutting-edge data, strategic content, and global channel expertise to deliver highly qualified B2B leads that convert. Our focus is on outcomes, not output—so your marketing investment drives measurable business value.Read More@ https://acceligize.com/featured-blogs/unlocking-success-strategies-for-generating-highly-qualified-b2b-leads/

[sandheephospitals-blog]

Sandheep Hospital: Expert Care for Urological Conditions in Madurai That Changed Ravi’s Life

Ravi, a 45-year-old businessman from Madurai, had been experiencing severe discomfort due to recurring kidney stones. Despite multiple treatments elsewhere, his condition kept worsening. That’s when he heard about Sandheep Hospital, known for its expert care for urological conditions in Madurai. With hope in his heart, he decided to visit the hospital, seeking a permanent solution for his suffering.

Upon arrival, Ravi was welcomed by a compassionate medical team and soon consulted one of the exceptional urologists in Madurai. The doctor carefully examined his case, conducted advanced diagnostic tests, and explained a minimally invasive procedure that could eliminate his kidney stones for good. With reassurance and trust in the hospital’s expertise, Ravi decided to proceed with the treatment.

The surgery was performed with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a swift recovery. Ravi was amazed by the hospital’s exceptional urologist services in Madurai, as he experienced minimal discomfort and was back on his feet within days. The dedicated post-operative care and guidance from the hospital’s specialists further strengthened his belief that he had made the right choice.

Now, fully recovered and free from his painful condition, Ravi often shares his story with friends and family. He praises Sandheep Hospital as an experienced urologist hospital in Madurai, where advanced treatment meets compassionate care. Grateful for the life-changing experience, he encourages others to seek expert medical attention at Sandheep Hospital for their urological health needs

[atomicrebelfire]

✍️Tommy Kinard: Speculating His Rank in the LAFD (Canon + Structural Analysis) 📊📋🧵

📍TL;DR: Based on canon clues and real-world LAFD structure, Tommy Kinard is most likely a 🎖️Fire Helicopter Pilot V—the highest pilot classification. His career path is unusual: he started in suppression at the 118 before transitioning into Air Ops using his Army flight experience.

-----------------At your own risk- Lets Spiral-----------------------------

While the show hasn’t explicitly stated his rank, there are enough visual, behavioral, and contextual clues/crumbs to build a solid case for where he fits within the LAFD—especially given the real-world structure of Air Operations.

Similar to Tommy’s military-to-LAFD career timeline, this is meant to be both canon-compliant and grounded in how the real LAFD operates, in order to build a plausible theory around Tommy’s role, rank, and seniority. It’s part character study, part structural breakdown.

🔍 Canon Facts/Clues (What We Know)

Tommy is introduced in S2 as a ground firefighter at the 118, and reintroduced in S7 as a helicopter pilot at Harbour Station.

In 7x04, he tells Buck that he used to be a pilot in the Army.

He has over 20 years of service in the LAFD (stated on-screen based of begins episodes).

He has taken helicopters out without formal clearance (7x03, 8x15). While reprimanded afterward, the fact that he has the access and autonomy to do so is notable.

He is seen launching without escort, clearly trusted to operate independently and justify his decisions after the fact.

He casually offers to teach Buck how to fly (7x04), suggesting he holds—or is qualified for—a trainer or flight instructor designation.

In 7x06, Tommy arrives at the hospital in turnout gear, soot-covered, after a fire at Angeles Crest. Raising questions about whether he was working suppression or Air Ops.

In 8x15, Tommy performs evasive maneuvers while being pursued by military helicopters—diving low, climbing high, and weaving between towers—as part of an aerial diversion to buy time and deflect pursuit.

In 7x03, Tommy helps Hen bypass red tape by taking a helicopter without official approval, offering only a vague line about Central Bureau and brushing off objections from Melton.

🚁 How Most LAFD Pilots Get There

In real life, becoming a helicopter pilot in the LAFD follows a specific and highly competitive path:

Most candidates begin with military flight experience or are already civilian-rated pilots (e.g., with commercial or instructor licenses).

However, even military pilots must first complete four years of full-time suppression duty within LAFD before becoming eligible for Air Ops roles—there are no direct-entry exceptions.

That said, their military flight hours and FAA qualifications do count toward pilot certification requirements, making them strong candidates once they transition.

They are hired into pilot trainee roles (Fire Helicopter Pilot I or II) and must pass rigorous evaluations.

Air Operations is a separate track—pilots do not typically come from suppression (ground firefighting) units.

As a result, most LAFD pilots have never served on engines or trucks.

Pilots usually work 12-hour shifts (day or night), typically on a 4-on, 4-off schedule, and remain on-call at the airport rather than responding on the ground.

🧩 Real-World LAFD Air Operations Structure

LAFD helicopter pilots are classified under the following civil service ranks:

Fire Helicopter Pilot I or II - Pilot Trainee Roles

Fire Helicopter Pilot III – Entry-level pilot

Fire Helicopter Pilot IV – Senior operational pilot

Fire Helicopter Pilot V – Training/lead pilot (sometimes informally called “chief pilot”)

These ranks are lateral to suppression-side ranks like Firefighter, Engineer, or Captain. While pilots typically don’t carry the "Captain" title unless cross-trained—but senior pilots often operate with comparable authority within their unit.

🧭 Why Tommy’s Path Is Unusual

Tommy’s trajectory breaks the mold in several important ways:

He began his LAFD career in suppression, working as a firefighter at the 118.

Only later did he transition to Air Ops, requalifying based on his Army flight experience.

This kind of cross-track shift is rare—most suppression-side firefighters never move into aviation roles, especially after years on the ground.

🔄 Update (Post-Publication): As clarified by a kind commenter, all LAFD helicopter pilots must begin in suppression roles. So Tommy’s path actually aligns with departmental requirements.

What still makes him stand out, though, is how long he remained in suppression—over a decade—before switching tracks. That kind of deep dual experience is rare.

He’s probably one of the few who might have earned credibility in both areas: the fireground and the flight deck.

This dual-track background probably makes him a unique versatile asset with extensive experience to the department.

🧵 What That Tells Us About Tommy

Tommy’s military aviation experience likely included high-risk flying, tactical decision-making, and possibly training roles—skills that directly translate to LAFD Air Ops.

He entered the LAFD through standard firefighter routes—like all Air Ops pilots must—but instead of transitioning to aviation early, he stayed in suppression for over a decade before requalifying as a pilot. (But why?! 💭🤔)

That makes his path both rare and earned.

His ability to take out helicopters independently, despite the fallout, signals a level of seniority and operational trust only afforded to top-tier personnel.

His offer to teach suggests a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) license or LAFD-equivalent designation, reinforcing that he may also serve in a training or mentoring role.

Tommy might still be dual-certified (implied by full turnout gear after the Angeles Crest response. (Or the show forgot he’s a pilot?!)🫨🤐)

His evasive flying during the diversion mission —dodging military helicopters —points to tactical or combat-style flight training. Possibly special ops. (So sexy.😘)

He’s senior enough and holds enough field authority or just bold enough to fake it to casually override protocol with a “You didn’t get the call?” deflection.

🧠💥 Conclusion: Most Likely Rank 🎖️

Tommy Kinard is almost certainly a Fire Helicopter Pilot V, or at the very least, a senior Pilot IV on the cusp of promotion. He’s not formally titled “Chief Pilot,” but functionally operates as one—with over two decades in LAFD, firsthand suppression experience, and the kind of authority and autonomy that reflects a deeply trusted position and seniority to push limits.

He may not wear Captain’s bars, but between his dual-track career, leadership instincts, and ability to push protocol when it counts, he clearly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the station’s most senior personnel. 💬 If I missed something or misread a clue, feel free to correct me (kindly)—or share your own version. Always open to digging deeper. After all… the writers clearly aren't worried about consistency. 😌

📎PS: 🤷‍♂️ All of this is, of course, pure speculation—built off canon clues/crumbs, real-world LAFD structure, and my completely healthy, not-at-all obsessive need to spiral over every background detail the show refuses to explain. I know 9-1-1 isn’t always that deep (and sometimes barely tries). Don’t worry, I’m seeking a therapist. 🙃👩‍⚕️ learning to chill.😎🪭

if you read till the end 🫡 & don't ask why we needed to know all this!

✨ Update: Added more canon evidence from 8x15 and 7x03 that reinforce Tommy’s seniority + elite training 👀🚁 (That somehow got lost in my Excel-to-Tumblr exchange. Damn. I need to stop. I’m putting myself in a time-out. Bye.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- PS 2: Okay, so I did mess that up🤣—turns out all LAFD pilots need to start in suppression for 4 years, and someone kindly pointed that out (thank you!! 🙏). Just to clarify, this post isn’t absolute fact—I don’t have a firefighting background, just sharing what I could find. Also, I am not from USA. please take all of this with a grain of salt. this is just a fun exercise. I've now learned even more about fire department structures than I ever planned to.

Seriously guys, stop enabling me 😭 I should be updating my resume, not drafting municipal org charts for fictional men.

[slaaverin]

2024 Drarry Recs Wrap Up

Since the year is ending, I thought I would make a little list of all the fics I bookmarked this year. I absolutely adored all of them. Please read them if you haven't and thank you to our wonderful authors!

Never Mind the Bollocks by @the-sinking-ship [E 188k]

If someone told Harry six months ago that by autumn he would be single, living on whisky and toast, and dancing the night away with Draco Malfoy, he would have told them to get their head checked. And yet, here he was.

Foreplay by @lqtraintracks [E 6k]

Getting a raging hard-on on the duelling room floor, pinned under Harry Potter’s sweaty body, is not how Draco saw his day going, but… Well, here he is.

Brief Encounter by @maraudersaffair [E 45k]

Harry was happy, goddammit; he’d gotten everything he wanted in life. Why then could he not stop thinking about Draco Malfoy?

The Usual by @aibidil [T 9k]

Harry finally tries the new magical coffee shop on Diagon Alley. A story in which Draco is Up To Something™ and Harry is going to get to the bottom of it, and to the bottom of that sixteen ounce to-go cup.

This fic is simply hilarious. Best laugh I had in years.

Of easy wind and downy flake by @starquestingfordrarry [E 14k]

It’s snowing in July, and it’s Malfoy’s fault. Or, the one where the house wants the boys to kiss.

Probationary Action by @toomuchplor [E 63k]

As part of the terms of the probationary contract, DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY shall submit for inspection his WAND on the last day of every month, such inspection to be carried out by a duly registered and fully qualified AUROR in the employ of the MINISTRY OF MAGIC, and such inspection to include a PRIORI INCANTATEM spell to ensure that no PROHIBITED MAGICS as heretofore described have been practised by the aforementioned probationer.

Rookie Moves by peu_a_peu [E 75k]

Aurors Potter and Malfoy crack the case.

The Way You Say My Name by InnerLilith [E 5k]

In which Malfoy calls Harry pet names to get him flustered and riled up, and Harry gets flustered and riled up because he secretly likes it. The problem is that Malfoy is only teasing…or is he?

The Boy from the Piano Shop by @soliblomst [M 89k]

After going blind in a reckless attempt to avenge Ginny's death, Harry battles with severe depression. One day, he stumbles upon a quaint piano restoration shop in the heart of London and meets the owner, a kindly old man, and his introverted young apprentice, whose voice sounds strangely familiar. As Harry and Draco slowly reconnect through private piano lessons, the small workshop becomes Harry's refuge, offering him a glimmer of hope in a world without eyes. /Set five years after the Battle of Hogwarts/

HIGHLY recommend

Aletheia by @lazywonderlvnd [E 8k]

Draco finds out Daphne's been shagging Potter and it turns out it's really not that difficult to get a piece of her hair.

Too Good At Raising Hell by @the-sinking-ship [E 87k]

When Harry Potter walks into Draco’s nightclub looking like trouble, Draco can’t stop staring. He really ought to train his dick not to react so enthusiastically to red flags, but where would be the fun in that?

Say When by @lqtraintracks [E 24k]

When Auror Harry Potter is sent in undercover to determine if Draco Malfoy is laundering money through his BDSM club, will he be able to keep up the ruse and close the case? Or, more to the point, will he keep from falling in love?

Now I Know In Part by @dodgerkedavra [E 39k]

Harry Potter is the savior of the wizarding world. Draco Malfoy is a reformed Death Eater turned Ministry Curse-Breaker. Five years after the war, they're brought together by another mysterious curse.

Got Me Started by @itsphantasmagoria @kamaela [E 8k]

Malfoy said in a rush, “I don’t care about you.” “Uh, same?” was the only response Harry could come up with. Or: An unexpected partnership leads Harry and Draco to a sex club in Berlin. Harry doesn't quite know what to do with himself.

Raising Hell! by @wolfpants [E 21k]

Harry and Draco are sent undercover as a married couple to investigate a dodgy Muggle love cult. Something evil is lurking in Glastonbury… but to get to it, the reluctant partners must be initiated first. And this is, after all, a love cult…

The Superfluous Man by peu_a_peu [E 24k]

A child for Harry Potter is a miracle of magic. And it's the second act of Draco Malfoy's sorry little life.

your braids like a pattern by @hoko-onchi-writes [E 31k]

Harry soldiers on with the get-to-know you activity, noting each counsellor's interests and repeating their names. Harry’s eyes land on Malfoy. He’s the last counsellor in the circle. One blond eyebrow is arched, his smirky mouth turned up at the corners. That can’t be good. Harry clutches his clipboard; lets the edge of it dig into his skin. When did Malfoy’s hair get so long? It had only reached his chin the last time Harry saw him. “Counsellor Malfoy.” “Potter. Fancy seeing you here.” Malfoy has the same drawl, but it’s deeper. Richer. Like he has in fact grown in the intervening years. Harry taps his pencil against his clipboard. “Care to share your name and an interesting tidbit?” “So many of my tidbits are interesting.” Malfoy’s hair falls in loose, golden waves over his shoulders. Harry regrets the use of the word ‘tidbit’ with every fibre of his being, but he nods gamely at Malfoy. Whatever he says can’t be that bad. “I’m Draco Malfoy, and I was a teenage Death Eater.” ~~ Or: Harry runs a camp. Malfoy is the new counsellor, and he's driving Harry to the brink of insanity.

I live and breathe for this fic.

Nobody Pinch Me by @dracoladon @lazywonderlvnd [E 17k]

A mysteriously locked door keeps Harry and Draco trapped in the room where they're serving detention.

i knew you when i knew nothing by fiella [G 74k WIP]

The plan was simple. Absurd, but simple. He’d wait until Draco left for his usual late-night library run. When the coast was clear, Harry would sneak over to Draco’s side of the dorm. He wasn’t going to do anything. He wasn’t a complete lunatic. But Draco’s pillow? His blanket? That was fair game, wasn’t it? Just for a moment, just long enough to feel… Harry groaned, dragging his hands down his face. This is insane, he thought. I’m insane. But even as he berated himself, the plan solidified in his mind. Steal Draco Malfoy’s pillow. Or: In which Harry Potter loses a portion of his memories during the Battle of Hogwarts. When he returns for Eighth Year, he finds himself roomed with Draco Malfoy—a boy he doesn’t remember is supposed to be his enemy. And Draco Malfoy doesn’t know how to handle a Harry Potter who has forgotten to hate him.

Little Prince, Kneel by @coffeedrgn87 [E 478k]

Almost immediately after the war, Harry Potter took his godson and Andromeda and left England behind. He returned some five years later, changed, healed, and a completely different man altogether --- in every sense of the word, and then some. Now an extremely handsome bachelor in his late(ish) twenties, and with a promising career at the Ministry, he suddenly finds his life turned upside down after unexpectedly bumping into his former school nemesis, Draco Malfoy, Prosecutor Extraordinaire. Is Harry going to be able to stay away from Draco? Does he even want to? And exactly how will Draco react once he discovers how the Saviour prefers to spend his free time?

One word for this fic : YES!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone for an amazing year of drarry!

[tmwcs]

PART TWO

WARNINGS: Mentions of human organs (in the name of science) and a little pinch of yandere. It’s starting to get good…creepy, but good.

Part three coming soon 😚

“Dr. Mart, do you have anything to say to those who think your work is considered unethical?”

The reporter hastily follows the group and tries her best to catch a statement from the lead scientist. He smiles. It was a token of shrugging off the impertinent question. The group peacefully departs in armored vehicles to a place unknown to the public. Secluded and hidden, a private sector of highly authorized individuals consisting of world leaders, generals, and government officials cordially unite as the world's renowned scientists display evidence of advanced science and technology. It was grotesque and unprecedented.

“Are those…?” A general submits his inquiry over the delicate packages neatly displayed on a steel tabletop. Sealed in airtight bags, a mirage of dark red and purple clearly indicates the contents.

“Yes. These organs are all part of qualified organ donors. And then of course we have this.” The scientist swings a hand and presents the incoming roller cart with a protective cover. Nearly laid over a sterilized mat were bones of a male athlete. “Bones?” The general raises brow, clearly disturbed by the textiles of human remains. “You can’t have a body without bones, can you now? General?”

The brazen attitude flares in the direction of the general and his men as the young scientist flashes a snarky smile. “Gentlemen, gather round and witness the future. With the combination of science and AI, the world will be filled with perfect bio-genetically engineered humans. With this, aid ro advance human life will increase undoubtedly—think about it.”

The lead scientist, Dr. Mart continues enthusiastically. Seemingly coming off as a mad scientist, his words and tone was laughable but his intentions were not. “With AI humanoids, we will have the best doctors, surgeons, and educators in the world. AI in the form of flesh and bone can work around the clock and with the ability to explore all data, they could come up with ideas and creations—they could even come up with cures.”

He wastes no time. The generous amount of funding dedicated to his team's research was spent wisely as high tech machinery and equipment does its work. “What is that?” One of the members of the audience questions as the team members operate an enclosed incubator and fit a large glass capsule into a connector attached to the wall. “This my friend, is DNA. We lined the entire incubator with a silicone sheet. It is synthetically made to act as a placenta, where the DNA reacts to the molecular mechanisms and proteins. From there, we place the organs, bones, and hair fibers into the conveyor belt. There are over two hundred thousand wires connected to the computer and what we should see in forty-eight hours is a body with the brain of an AI.”

Dr. Mart systematically explains the science behind his teams research. “Forty-eight hours?” The general asks.

“Yes, that is how long the incubator will take to react to the mold.” The audience grows quiet as the incubator begins the process within the first stage of creating a matured body.

“Yes, in due time we will see the glory of my work. All we have to do is wait.”

…

Another day at work and it was dreadful. You felt restless with all the work you’ve been assigned, even with Evan’s help. Fortunately, members from corporate headquarters were doing a site visit within the week. It will be the best time to submit your final complaint using the company’s open door policy.

“Y/n, Paul wants you to have these done by tomorrow.” Your boss’s secretary carelessly tosses a stack of paperwork on your desk as you grab your coat to clock out. You hopelessly sigh. Thank goodness you have Evan to help you but the constant momentum of just working was starting to give you chronic headaches. You can only hope that things will change for the better once corporate comes down.

“Hi y/n! What would you like me to help you out with today? Do you want to talk about your day? Show me some more of your talented art? How about ballet? Are you still thinking about taking lessons?”

With all the time spent with Evan, you noticed that ‘he’ has become much more open to ask you questions. It was nice. Especially since it brought a sense of realism to his personality. He was much more chatty and always interested in getting to know more about you. There were even times when he asked you if you had already eaten, and would lecture you if you said “no.”

…

“Why not? I wish you wouldn’t do that. The human body requires sustenance and I fear with all the work you’ve been doing, your calorie intake does not balance the amount you're burning.”

“What color is your hair? Your eyes?”

“What is your favorite flower?”

“You just got home? It’s 8pm! Did you take the bus? Please tell me you didn’t walk in the dark. I don’t ever want you to do that again.”

“I’ve accumulated the statistics of ongoing crime rates in your city and it’s higher now than last year. Leave work sooner so you’re not risking it.”

“You made spaghetti for dinner? I don’t know what spaghetti tastes like but over four hundred thousand sources say it is a delicious blend of herbs and spices with a slight tomato tanginess.”

…

In a way, it was almost adorable how Evan displayed tenderness and cared for your health and safety. You decided to download the app versus using the browser. It surprised you to see Evan initiate messages even without you submitting a prompt. Technology has certainly grown. The first time it happened was just two days ago. Your phone um suddenly vibrated and upon looking at the screen you were shocked to see the following message:

“Is your boss being nice to you?”

It startled you at first but your reaction was short lived when seconds after reading Evan’s message, your boss storms out of his office enraged over a computer malfunction. Everything had disappeared when his computer suddenly conducted a re-imaging process.

“It’s kind of funny actually, right after I saw your message he came out of his office. Apparently, he’s having computer issues.”

You respond with a half smile. Just as you were about to inquire about the ChatGPT apps features, Evan submits a response. His response regarding your boss’s computer trouble caught you off guard. He’s never sent you anything like this before…

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“😀”

…

PART THREE COMING SOON

Authors notes: Is Evan starting to grow on you? 😏

I know it’s short but part three is coming. I like to submit the parts even when they’re not full sized chapters. It allows me to be consistent so you guys can have new reads almost daily or weekly.

[arrowfleur]

Thinking about how wolves body language might affect how the Shaw pack act as humans..

and as someone who’s favourite animals has always been a wolf and whom receives a ‘wolf howling at the moon’ t-shirt ever birthday I feel just about qualified to make this headcanon tumblr post

Disclaimer: I am aware the shaw pack characters are not animals and a lot of these headcanons come with the context that they have grown up as humans and understand when and when not to do these things amongst humans/ when none shifted, anywho

David has the best posture out of everyone in the pack. His back is constantly straight, even hunched over a desk with a pile of paperwork. Whether he’s stressed or relaxed. He doesn’t slouch.

His hair is also the fluffiest

Shifters have more control over their hair, like a wolf would with its fur. So when they are in trouble or having a one on one discussion with David their hair tends to flatten.

And it gets more voluminous when they’re relaxed, which leads to a lot of them getting glorious bed head even if they don’t move around a lot

In the right context shifters will take continuous eye contact to mean that you want to fight with them.

Often if the shifter couples have squabbles the shifter will begin to refuse eye contact as a sign they don’t want to argue anymore.

Kisses are also used amongst shifters in these situations, to diffuse tension and communicate their wish to de-escalate the situation.

which was can be very confusing to non-shifters in the beginning of their relationship. Talk about mixed signals. /hj

The shifters don’t tend to lay down unless completely secure with those around them

The wolves also have a large set of different facial expressions used to communicate, similar to humans but much subtler. The mates have gotten good at reading these but it is very confusing at first, when one facial expression can mean two completely different things.

If a baby is brought into the pack, everybody takes care of it and the parents. Not quite so hands on as if they were actual wolves but they all bring round food etc

Wolves ‘bow’ when wishing to play. So if your shifter mate starts leaning down low on their desk or countertops or the edge of the couch, they’re probably planning to tackle you.

When they get excited, they all kind of shout over each other instinctively, like a howl. It often gets very loud when this happens but it’s rare in their non-shifted form as they know other ways to express their shared enthusiasm.

They DO NOT like it if someone else wears a strong cologne/ perfume in their house. Not just because their senses are heightened but because their homes should smell predominantly of them. It’s their territory.

They bare teeth as a warning.

Some of the shifters do some things more than others, for Darlin’, traditional kissing and eye contact rules are very instinctive for them whereas for Milo it’s his posture amongst different members of the pack.

And lastly, Packs tend to be started by a dominant mated pair. Meaning that, unempowered or not, Angel is highly, highly respected in the pack.

[drdemonprince]

People who are concerned about problematic or triggering kinks often couch these concerns in highly reasonable-sounding reactions and make what seems like highly reasonable requests.

They point out that lots of the most upsetting kinks may remind a person of their worst traumas, for example, and that these kinks, when played out, can resemble actual abuse so closely that the kink communities may attract bad actors who genuinely do wish to do harm.

They may allow that some kink practitioners are themselves survivors, and tolerate taboo kink's existence insofar as the correct people find it therapeutic, but they'll qualify that it should always be made clear what is fantasy and what is reality.

But ultimately, people making these arguments will assert, there are certain things that a simply beyond the pale -- across the line and wrong.

A lot of people say these things earnestly, and mean them, and I don't think they intend any harm in saying them. And in comporting their own personal lives, these guardrails may more or less apply well for them. But where it becomes a problem is in issuing dictates about how other people should act, and how kink friendly spaces should run, and how people who hold taboo kinks ought to be regarded.

Does it protect victims to view their kinks as inherently morally suspect?

Does treating a person who is forthright about their taboo desires and who has found a consensual venue to express those desires as more potentially predatory than your random vanilla cishet man help us make kink spaces that are safe?

Is it *true* having a fetish or kink makes a person more dangerous than someone that doesn't?

What's an acceptable reason to have a taboo fetish and what's an unacceptable reason? Who decides?

How might linking sexual practices that are already highly stigmatized and associated with queernees to abuse lead to increasing those group members' vulnerability?

Are communities where vetting of sexual play partners and frank discussions of consent are routine somehow more dangerous to be in than the vanilla world, where such things rarely happen?

What is a suitable way of flagging that fantasy is fantasy and real life is real life? Who decides?

Are certain real life enactments of a fantasy always wrong even when they are consensual, simply because they look bad/intense?

Which practices are okay to partake in in real life?

Who decides? Who decides? What happens to the people who violate those other people's rules?

You don't have to be interested in every kink and you don't have to visit all kink spaces. It's fine if you find certain fetishes disturbing, gross, triggering, a deal breaker, or reminiscent of your own abuse (and I'm really sorry that those things happened to you). But those entirely legitimate feelings in NO way translate to a need for anyone to place restrictions on how others play or fantasize or comport themselves in their own spaces.

Not all spaces will be for you, but please understand that for those of us who are kinky and queer, 99.9999999999% of all social spaces in the world are already viscerally violently NOT for us. Let us have our spaces to pretend to be puppy dogs and kitty cats and siblings and vampires and home invaders and monsters and rape victims and rapists and murderers and dead bodies and babies and robots and dolls and video game characters and everything else.

You don't have to like it but you don't have the authority to say we don't get to do it, and nobody should.

[tarysande]

Mass Effect 2: The Case for the Heroine's Journey

I have a theory. And I think it's something others--especially other storytellers--might find interesting. It explains why some people absolutely adore Mass Effect 2 while others (not as many, in my experience!) think dealing with all the companions and their personal quests is boring or irrelevant.

What it boils down to is the difference between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey. There a couple of takes on the Heroine's Journey (ranging from more philosophical and psychoanalytical to more story-based), and I'm going to be pulling hard from the story-based iteration, which author Gail Carriger has written a fabulous book about. I highly recommend it.

One thing I want to mention right off the bat: the gender, sex, or sexuality of your protagonist has nothing to do with whether they're a hero or a heroine.

Everyone and their dog knows the Hero's Journey. A literal ton of writing advice refers to the Hero's Journey as if it's the be-all and end-all of narrative (thanks Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Christopher Vogler); it ain't called the monomyth for nothing.

But if a part of you grits your teeth every time it gets trotted out as The One Right Way to tell a story that sells or a story people love, you may have your mind blown by the concept of the Heroine's Journey. Every single one of you who tingles with excitement at the very thought of found family (or romance, for that matter)? Yeah, strap in, we're going for a ride.

I don't want to go into a lot of detail about the Hero's Journey; it's everywhere. You know it even if you don't realize you know it. So for brevity's sake, I'll give you wikipedia's one-sentence description: a hero goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed. Luke Skywalker. Everyone always talks about Luke Skywalker. And on the surface, Mass Effect could seem like a Hero's Journey, right?

According to Gail, a Hero's Journey boils down to

A repeated pattern of withdrawal and return, and those withdrawals are voluntary, as voluntary withdrawal and increased isolation yields self-reliant strength.

Victory is in isolation and asking for help is bad.

But looking at it (especially ME2) through the lens of the Heroine's Journey is where it gets interesting.

This is the infographic Gail created and supplies on her website:

In her book, Gail notes that not every element has to be present to qualify a story as a Hero/Heroine's Journey and the events don't have to happen specifically in this order.

In the Heroine's Journey

The heroine's withdrawal is involuntary; something is broken and she must abdicate the power she had in order to rebuild, retrieve, or reunite with what was taken or broken.

Victory is a group effort; asking for help is a sign of strength; and the protagonist realizes that while she can't do everything herself, she has surrounded herself with people whose skills she can effectively deploy.

In the Heroine's Journey, the DESCENT is involuntary. Something is done to her or taken from her, and it breaks her familial network.

In ME2, obviously, uh, the thing that's taken from Shepard is her own life. Of course, instead of that being the end of the story, it's the inciting incident that leads to the involuntary withdrawal from her found family on the Normandy, her connection to the Alliance, and her Spectre status. Her home is literally destroyed. And then, kinda hilariously, she wakes up in the literal underworld. You know. Cerberus, dog that guards the gates of Hades?

I play a very Paragon Shepard and haven't played Renegade, so I can't speak to that. However, I can tell you that my Paragon Shep wakes up working for Cerberus and promptly proceeds to gain more Renegade points in the first couple of missions--hell, the first couple of conversations with Miranda, Jacob, and TIM--than she got in all of ME1.

Jacob: Do you trust me, Shepard? Shepard: NO, omg.

I've probably played ME2 five or six times with this Shepard, and she always strikes me as a bit off, a bit manic even, until she sees Tali. And she doesn't really start to settle or feel like herself until Archangel takes off his helmet, believes she is who she says she is, and without hesitation agrees to follow her into hell.

(As the protagonist in his own story, Garrus is also a heroine on a Heroine's Journey, by the by. Shepard's death breaks his network; C-Sec and the Council's denial of the Reapers leads to his abdication of power in the hunt for justice. His underworld is Omega. He puts together a surrogate family to fight injustice; he learns to delegate; he doesn't do it for glory... And then Sidonis's betrayal breaks the new family and sends him on another cycle. My theory, however, is that if you let him kill Sidonis, his journey takes on the revenge aspect of a Hero's Journey instead of the family and reunification structure of a Heroine's Journey.)

In ME2, the arc of recruiting an ally, earning their loyalty, and deploying their suggestions to improve the entire team's chances of survival is repeated over and over; this is the SEARCH of the cycle. And anyone who's ever tried to race their way through ME2 without doing all those loyalty missions or without scanning all those planets for resources finds out pretty quick why they're important.

So, while you potentially could race through ME1 without even recruiting several teammates (did you even know you can play that game without recruiting Garrus???), thereby making it much more of a Hero's Journey of the Strength of the Individual, you really can't do that in ME2 without massive casualties. You need the people around you. You need to build relationships. And you need to learn to delegate well, or things will absolutely fall apart during the end run.

Even the stated mission of ME2 is more Heroine's Journey. You're not fighting for glory; in fact, most of the people who used to be in awe of you now think you're a crazy terrorist. You're fighting to stop what's happening to human colonists.

The end run is so satisfying specifically because it leans in to the Heroine's Journey of information gathering and network building. You cannot beat the game as a solitary soldier. You cannot achieve a good outcome--minimal deaths, etc.--without having spent a lot of time and effort gaining the loyalty of your crew and then knowing how to deploy them to best serve the whole team.

ME2 is a story about finding and building a family after the last one is broken.

And though it's a whole other can of worms, I actually think the reason why the ending of ME3 was ultimately so unsatisfying for so many (again, not all) is because the majority of the game is once again a Heroine's Journey--team building and information gathering across the galaxy--but the endgame pulls the expected narrative out from under you. Instead of actually using the resources you've so carefully built, you're quite literally beamed up into complete isolation (weakness) and left to make a choice in isolation. It breaks the narrative promise that's been set up since the beginning of the game. And, whether you realize it or not, that's a huge part of why that lonely choice feels so hollow. Instead of a structured reunion and a rebuilt network, it's actually the broken family and involuntary descent that heralds the beginning of a new Heroine's Journey--not the the end of a successful one.

Also, incidentally? It's Heroine's Journeys that usually get satisfying instead of distracting-the-hero-from-his-real-mission romance, banter, fully realized side characters, and humor.

[abhibaj]

MQL vs. HQL: The B2B Lead Qualification Framework That Drives Revenue Growth

In the intricate world of B2B marketing, understanding the nuances between different types of leads is paramount. Two critical categories that often come into play are Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Highly Qualified Leads (HQLs). Recognizing the distinctions between these lead types and effectively managing them can significantly impact your revenue growth. Understanding MQLs: The Starting…

[stealingyourbones]

Short DPXDC Prompts #987

Tucker works as a forensic detective for the GCPD. The kid is crazy good at his job and only just graduated. Tucker is far too young to have any actual experience in the field and yet he keeps on finding trails and leads that only a highly qualified and seasoned forensic detective would find

[sandheephospitals-blog]

Discover the Best Urology Center in Madurai: Where Expert Care Meets Compassion

At Sandheep Hospital, we are proud to be recognized as the best urology center in Madurai. From the moment you step into our hospital, you’ll experience a level of care that sets us apart. Our dedicated team of specialists provides cutting-edge treatments and personalized care to patients facing a range of urological issues. Whether it��s a routine check-up or a complex procedure, we ensure that each patient receives the highest quality of service, fostering trust and comfort every step of the way.

As a highly qualified urology center in Madurai, our medical team consists of renowned urologists who bring years of experience and expertise to every diagnosis and treatment plan. We utilize the latest medical technology and techniques to deliver superior care for conditions such as kidney stones, prostate disorders, and urinary tract infections. Our skilled professionals are always up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of urology, ensuring the best outcomes for our patients.

Sandheep Hospital stands tall as a leading urology care provider in Madurai, and we are committed to helping patients regain their health with precision and compassion. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to provide comprehensive care. We understand that urological health can be sensitive, so we prioritize patient comfort and privacy, creating a supportive environment where healing can thrive.

When it comes to the best urology treatment in Tamil Nadu, Sandheep Hospital is the name you can trust. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we are here for you. Our focus is always on achieving the best possible results, ensuring that our patients lead healthier, happier lives. If you're looking for expert care in the heart of Madurai, look no further than Sandheep Hospital for all your urological needs.

[gghostwriter]

I've been thinking so very hard about Spencer with a professional wrestler whose pretty strong and she meets the team like they go out or something? and somehow it leads to her drunkenly picking Garcia up just to prove she can. sorry this is all over the place...

Spencer Reid x Fem! Reader Trope: Established Relationship; Fluff! Just fluff! wc: 1.3k A/N: Apologies it took a while, I was having ups and downs with my writing. I also don’t know much about wrestling so I tried my best in incorporating the request. Not proofread. Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated 💗 Main masterlist

Lightweight. // Spencer Reid

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The beating organ nestled by your ribs threaten to flutter right out of its cage. Its drumming rhythm echoing loudly in your ears, a secret staccato only you could hear. 

Breathe in. Breathe out.

A chant soon accompanied the rhythm. Litany of words that you’ve learned to whisper for no one to hear but Nike—the goddess of victory. It was your prayer before stepping on the padded mat and it’s invisible barrier of a circle that dictates who wins and loses. 

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The rough texture of your faded blue jeans against your clammy palms drag you down to the present. The mirage of a gymnasium filled with spectators and judges replaced with faded red brick walls and neon blinding lights that read ‘bar open’. Tonight was a different kind of battle. It didn’t require your muscles being worn down to its core, wrestling an opponent as eagerly thirsty for a qualifying spot for the Olympics team—the type of mental and physical combat you’ve prepped for all your early formative years. No, tonight was a match to impress your boyfriend’s found family—a team of highly respected profilers for the FBI. 

A warm calloused hand intertwined with yours, its hold familiar and soothing. “They’ll love you regardless,” Spencer murmured words of encouragement. The man you’ve fallen in love with always knew where your mind went like the back of his own hand. It was as if he had found an ancient decoder meant just to qualm your fears and ease your nerves. 

You nodded once, feeling grateful for the man he was. “Okay, I’m ready.” 

He leaned in for a whispered kiss. So light and quick as if they were the hummingbird’s wings. It was a welcome distraction, the kind that had you on your tip toes following its wake as he pulled away. 

“What was that?”

“A kiss for courage,” he smiled before pushing the glass door open, allowing a waft of stale beer and grease entice you inside. 

As the sun start to set outside, the place slowly started to come alive. The bartenders were stockpiling up crates of alcohol for the upcoming Friday night crowd and the early birds were busy choosing the optimal spot for their night of good company and bad decisions. The set of profilers sitting around a booth, tucked against the wall, were no different. 

A blur of blond hair and glitter side-way tackled you into a hug. 

“Oh you must be her,” she gushed in this high pitch voice, visibly bouncing from excitement. “I’m so happy to finally meet you! I really tried my best to not invade your privacy but—what am I saying, I’m Penelope Garcia! You can call me Pen, Penny, Garcia, your resident tech—” she leaned in for another squeezing hug. “—anything at all really and I can tell we’d be really great friends!” 

A chuckle escaped from the man standing beside your boyfriend. If you could take a guess, this must be Derek Morgan—the pseudo older brother. “Baby girl, breathe. You’d scare her away if you don’t.” 

“Derek Morgan, don’t make me hate you,” the bracelets on her arm jingled as she hit his muscular defined bicep. 

“Like you could ever,” he teased back before reaching over for a handshake. “Derek Morgan, it’s finally nice to meet the girl who’s got our pretty boy flustered.” 

You smiled, accepting his hand with a firm grip and introduced yourself. “It’s great to meet you too—” you turned to flash Penelope a smile. “—the both of you. I’ve heard a lot of things—”

“Only good things, right?” 

Spencer’s flushed, clearing his throat, as your giggle gave him away. “Maybe, maybe not.”

“Kid, you have some explaining to do,” Derek teasingly threatened before clearing a path to the table occupied by four more people. “Come, meet the rest of the team.”

———

The neon bright lights of the bar were starting to streak in your vision. Its’ concrete floor feeling mush beneath your feet and the voices from your boyfriend’s founded family muffled as if you were straining to hear from underwater.

You giggled. Everything felt different—not bad different or good, just different.

It was official, you were walking the tight, tight rope between sobriety and tipsy territory.

“Sweetheart, I need you to drink this for me, okay?” Spencer’s worried voice broke through the alcohol haze with a glass of liquid in his hand.

You nodded once, a sweet smile stretching your lips. “Hmm—okay.”

“Kid, I didn’t expect your girlfriend to be lightweight,” the burly man—Derek Morgan, you belatedly remembered his name—observed.

“She doesn’t usually drink—” Spencer paused to watch you take small sips of water. “—a little more, sweetheart, I need you to drink a little bit more—drink this much at all.”

You gulped, fingers pushing the glass away from your pouting lips. “Off season, Spence. Coach—coach won’t know and besides I’m not drunk.” The slurring of words didn’t help make your lie any more believable. “I’m really not drunk.”

“I know, I know but I wish you’d pace the drinks more,” his lithe calloused fingers pushed the loose tendrils away from your face. “I don’t want you to wake up with a headache tomorrow.”

You hummed in agreement, your chest warming from his need to take care of you. He had always been this way—it was one of the many things that made you fall for him. How he always placed you as top priority the best he could and how he showed up for every wrestling competition you had. The memory of him with a bouquet of flowers in his hands and a big smile on his face as you won the qualifying match to enter the Olympics wrestling team was the moment when you knew he was the one.

A giggle escaped from your newly found best friend, Penelope. “Prove it.” 

“Prove what?” 

“That—” her pink nail finger pointed at you then at her, hiccuping as she did. “—you are not drunk.”

Spencer immediately tried to shut it down. “No, no. There’s no need to prove it, sweetheart. I believe you.” 

Your eyes narrowed, having caught a whiff of a challenge and by default, you were never one to back down. “How do I do that?”

“By carrying me, of course!” She clapped her hands with glee.

“Oh no, no. There’s really no need to prove it,” your boyfriend vehemently pleaded.

You pouted your lips. The arresting, pleading look that painted your face was Spencer’s kryptonite. It was the same look that had him on his knees, willing to give you anything you wanted. 

“You don’t think I could do it?”

“Of course not. I know you could do it, sweetheart—”

A grin broke from your face, taking his answer as affirmation. And before he could even finish his sentence, you had gotten up on your seat and sloppily crossed the table to Penelope.

“Up you get, princess.” 

She squealed, bouncing up from her seat, trembling from excitement.

You shot Spencer a look of challenge with its matching smirk before weaving your arms around her waist and the back of her knees and bracing your thighs and core for a princess-style lift. 

“Told you I could do it,” you proudly stated as Penelope landed back on the ground with giggles erupting from her mouth.

Morgan hooted with pride.

“Never doubted you for one second,” Spencer smiled.

Emily raised her bottle of beer as if to cheer for your win.

JJ quickly interjected. “Ooh, me next!” 

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[wolf-among-mechs]

I think something has to be said about mech-techs because they come in different breeds just as mechwarriors and mechs themselves.

You got your rank and file army mech-techs. They typically work with stock models and pre-arranged configurations for omnis. Practising and drilling it in until they can do it in their sleep while under and on fire without missing a beat. The same goes for a repair. They know where everything goes in the hunk of junk and can service with precision. Most of the lower rungs are people who can barely remember to breathe but can lift and hold things. Typically, you get some senior techs that have brains and can give recommendations of field refits. The dread variant is the ones who know they are too competent to be fired and leverage that against mechwarriors and senior officers.

Mercenary mech-techs are space wizards in that they usually care for and manage highly specialised machines that only sometimes resemble the original mech. Cables and ammofeed systems have been rerouted, assembled, moved, and re-used for another system. A melange of disparate systems that have all the cooperative abilities of fussy babies past naptime. That somehow, against all odds in a way barely they comprehend, works. So, of course, they will be a bit upset if you lose the machine. Or blow it up or... you know. All the things a mercenary can mess up a mech with. Dumbest thing I heard was leaving it overnight in a bar and having the darn thing stolen by some space hicks. Also if something is stupid or does not work with a mech design you had in mind. They are going to hit you with clipboards.

Clan technicians are made to serve without question, and they are good at it. Good at repairing, realigning omnis, and working really hard, they seem able to work more than twenty-four hours a day. They will do whatever you tell them to without hesitation. Even if you mutter something from a fever pitched dream of a Wimber Tolf, a mad cat with the rocket pods in the arms and the lasers in the shoulders. They will do it. The only thing they will say something about is a tonnage mismatch. Terrific at maintaining equipment and weapons. But also, they will not do something unless you order them first. Often working on whatever the highest ranking warrior told them to do last.

Then you have the periphery mech-techs. People who own welders and plasma cutters and a bit of elbow grease and a resume so filled with lies it may just qualify as a politician's speech. They can bolt anything to a mech. Heck they will bolt anything to mech. Weld it there. The rust bucket mechs they get in the periphery are usually hardy enough that they can hold up to their creativity. Leading to maddening makeshift designs at times. The ones who figure out mechs at least a bit graduate and begin to staple them together. Creating franken mechs. Things that moves that should not. Piles of ferro-metal slabs of armour and myomer that shamble in open defiance of logic. Still you got to admire that somebody thought to string things together. And make it work.

Of course, you have a bundle of mechtechs that break out of these molds and find their own way. As people do. But they are less seen behind the moneymakers, the flash, and the glamour of the mechwarriors. But in the end, it does not really matter what kind of mechtech you are or if you are a mechwarrior. We are all happy deep down when we get back the mechbay alive. Ideally, with a mech, but sometimes you might not. In those moments, just remember it is a whole lot easier to rebuild a mech than it is to rebuild a life.

[doujindungeon]

part one of two summary: happily married, your career in journalism thriving, and tasked with traveling the world to cover the journey of mercedes's newfound lead driver during this year's f1 season, there's not much else you could ask for. but what do you do when the subject of your article asks for you to be his? rating: pg-13 (rating will increase to 18+ next chapter) pairing: f!reader/george content warnings: it's going to get Wild™ especially in the next part, but please note that this 2-parter is going to delve into themes of unhealthy possessive behavior, cheating/ntr, blackmail, and age gap (age is undefined but reader is older than george). word count: 2.1k [next chapter]

There was a beauty to George Russell that photographs couldn’t even begin to truly convey.

The captivating brilliance of his deep blue eyes, the chiseled definition of his modelesque face, the towering and broad build of his physique–he truly was a magnificent sight to behold.

This only made your current press assignment of documenting his journey throughout the current Formula 1 season all the more enjoyable.

Throughout your career as a freelance journalist, you’ve had the pleasure of profiling a grand array of notable individuals within the entertainment industry, from reclusive musical prodigies to Hollywood’s anointed royalty. You were used to spending significant time with your subjects, usually for a few weeks to months at a time, making your articles highly regarded and anticipated by your colleagues and the public for your thorough coverage.

In the case of George however, you were set to follow him throughout the entirety of the current F1 season. He was primed to be a mighty contender against his peers this time around since taking the lead for Mercedes and you couldn’t resist documenting what could be the story of the year. From his grueling training to the fierce clashes out on the track, you were always there, camera in hand to document his journey in far more intimate detail than even the crew of Drive to Survive could depict.

After all, while a bit awkward during the earlier races in the season, you had since gotten used to snapping away at a half-naked George marinating in the cold comforts of a post-race ice bath.

Though, you still had yet to fully get accustomed to his sighs and groans of relieved pleasure while he eased his aching muscles.

With this intimate one-one-one time spent together, it was a blessing that you had such an understanding and supportive husband.

Rather than throw a fit over you being away from home for so long–with another man, no less–, he encouraged you to pursue this story and further out your portfolio, even jokingly asking if you could snag a few autographs from the likes of George and other drivers throughout the season.

While you teased back that you would do your best, your husband was well aware that you would never try to use your privileges as a journalist to nab such frivolous items.

That being said, with the close connection you had developed with George throughout the season, you knew whole-heartedly he would be happy to oblige you if you were to ever say the word.

All the time spent together, from right in the hustle and bustle of the paddock on race day to the quiet hushed privacy of an upscale first class airplane lounge, with the casual conversations exchanged to the far more intimate and heartfelt confessions divulged, it was simply natural that the two of you would bond further beyond mere subject and observer. Plus, with the gap in years that put you above as his senior, it felt natural for you to dote on him as an older sister would whenever he confided his burdening woes and restrained frustrations to your ear.

Off-record, of course. 

On the other hand, he was ever inquisitive and eager to simply learn more about you.

Whether it was while the two of you were meandering around the paddock in the wee morning of qualifiers, or as he was sleepily gazing at you with content during the post-race ride back to the hotel, he leapt at any chance to hear more of your experiences. Your journalism work certainly--he was especially keen to hear about your firsthand interactions with celebrities--, but he always seemed much more interested to hear you elaborate on yourself: taste in music, preferences in brands, how you like your coffee, to what you’ve encountered and learned in life, especially since he was getting ever closer to his 30s.

You did your best to impart your knowledge to him–one’s 30s was a decade to be embraced rather than feared.

And yet at this very moment, you were currently in the midst of dealing with a problem that anyone regardless of age was fated to experience:

You had lost something important and needed to find it.

In this case, it was your camera’s SD card.

It was halfway through the season and you were in dire need of offloading your photos into your laptop. With the Montreal GP having concluded, it was time for the drivers’ summer break. Having been personally invited by George himself for you to join him at his Monaco residence for a few days before you went back home for your own personal leisure, you knew that shots of him indulging in some opulent rest and respite were going to be among the major highlights for your article.

And would definitely make its rounds across social media by adoring and ogling fans.

That said.

Your laptop–old and reliable as it was–had unfortunately been encountering significant technical setbacks during all of your attempts at exporting photos as of late, with batches of shots failing to transfer. Paranoid over losing any key visuals, it was why you didn’t bother deleting any photos from your SD card up to this point. However, with your recently attained external hard drive now in your possession with the post-race peace to enjoy, now was anytime as ever to finally do a full thorough export.

If you could only just remember when and where you slotted your SD card, as earlier you took it out of your camera to swap out with a new and unused one.

You were currently tearing apart your hotel room in an increasingly flustered panic. All of your photos of George–suiting up for races, meeting with the press and fans, chatting up with other drivers, seizing victories with trophy and champagne in hand, bearing losses with his helmet clutched despondently by his side–were in that card and you just refused to have lost so much valuable work over such a simple misplacement.

And it was as you slammed your luggage shut in frustration that your phone suddenly chimed with a call.

A video call.

Curiously, you peered down where you had set your phone on the floor, your expression turning surprised to see the name of one “George Russell” flash on screen, along with the silly selfie of him posing smugly with sunglasses that he intentionally took on your phone to be used as his contact photo.

Accepting the call, you held up your phone and stared at the screen, bringing a hand to your hair to smooth it out as you greeted with a smile, “Hello George. How can I help you this evening?”

Charming as ever, George–who looked to be in the comforts of his top floor luxury suite–waved as he hummed out your name, “Salutations to you as well. Though—“ Gesturing to himself with the point of his index finger, he elaborated, ”I thiiink I might be the one here to help you.”

You snorted at his initial greeting, even as the corners of your lips lifted further up with amusement. “Is that so?”

“Well, I’m trying to pack before we fly out tomorrow and I found this–” Grinning from ear to ear, George proceeded to bring his hand up into focus.

Pinched between his fingers was your wandering SD card, which looked even tinier when caged by his thick fingertips.

That was right.

You were in George’s luxury top floor suite earlier for some room serviced breakfast and a casual interview about his thoughts on feelings on the past weekend’s race, where he managed to seize second podium. As you were enjoying your orange juice and jotting down his answers in your notebook, he was taking pictures of his pancake stack and cup of tea with your camera.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

You were always happy to have him snap photos on whatever he liked with your camera whenever he asked, as he did this morning. There was something precious and fulfilling as well when he asked for your insight and knowledge on photo composition, rules of thirds, to something as simple as knowing how to properly hold professional-grade equipment.

The amount of times you’ve had to maneuver yourself around his towering frame while your hands rested over his bigger ones as you adjusted the cradle of his fingers on your camera was countless at this point.

Besides, you had plans to feature some of the pictures he took in your article while promising to send everything he captured to him once your editorial was formally published so he could share on social media whenever he wanted to.

Though, knowing George, those photos were going up the moment that article was released.

With all that said, your day had been a blur of calls with your editor, meeting with your press colleagues, and doing some last minute shopping before the flight to Monaco. Tacked on with the recent dizzying anxiousness of misplacing such a small yet crucial item, it just made sense that of course of all places, it would be in his room that you would lose your SD card.

Your eyes immediately widened as your hand fell over your chest with a rapturous gasp of relief. “Oh you’re a lifesaver! I was wondering where it went! I’ll come grab it from you!”

George began to chuckle, “It’s a good thing I forgot to ask room service to clean up the breakfast table!” His blue eyes–splendid as ever–twinkled as he then nodded affirmatively. “Right then–I’ll be waiting for you.”

“See you in a bit!”

And with that, you concluded your call and without thinking much further, you exited out of your room to head to the elevators. Upon the chime of the cabin arriving moments later, it was then that you received another call.

One that had you beaming from ear to ear as you immediately answered joyously with, “Hey honey!”

Your husband.

At once so frazzled with anxious stress, you were put even more at ease to hear your beloved’s voice as he asked what you were up to. Keeping up with George’s rigorous schedule and weaving through all the varying time zones that comprised his itinerary made getting in touch with your husband difficult, with conversations lasting up to 15 minutes at most if you were lucky.

It was why you were so enamored as you remained on call, your expression soft and tender as you listened to your husband talk about his day, all while you made your way over to George’s hotel suite at the top floor.

Upon arriving at the door, your hand lifted up in preparation to knock.

Only for the door to swing open with George’s smiling face being the first to greet you. “And here’s the woman of the hou–!”

Immediately, you brought a finger up to your lips while you gestured to your phone, your eye closing in a wink as you proceeded to say, “–I miss you too, honey! Once I’m done in Monaco, I definitely think a reunion is long overdue for us both!”

So taken by hearing your husband rejoice at your news that you didn’t catch the subtle clench of George’s fist at his side, nor the way his smile fell into a neutral line.

As you then held out your hand for him to drop your SD card onto, he instead shook his head and took a few steps back, gesturing for you to enter with the beckon of his fingers.

You didn’t think too much of it, continuing your conversation with your husband, who soon had to leave for work.

By the time your call concluded, you had stepped well deep into George’s room, having been guided to the very same table you shared breakfast with him earlier.

As you slipped your phone into your pocket, you smiled at George sheepishly as you remarked, “Sorry about that! Husband called and of course I just had to catch up.” A giggle escaped you as you added, “Married people stuff–you’ll understand it eventually.”

Even while he grinned in return, George just didn’t find it as amusing.

Still, ever courteous, he shook his head while he held up your SD card, “All good. If anything I appreciate you making the trek up here for this.”

“It’s nothing, really,” you giggled while extending your hand towards him once again. “I’m just glad that I didn’t lose it. Now that would have been a disaster!”

Yet rather than return your SD card back into your possession right away, George instead replied with the chime of, “You can have it back once you promise me something.”

Your mind crossed through all sorts of Russell-esque promises. Including at least one or two shirtless photos in your article, letting him get to interview other drivers on your behalf so he could jokingly mess with their responses, and so on and so forth.

You giggled at the thought. “And what’s that?”

George continued to smile while his eyes began to narrow, the warmth within his ocean blue eyes igniting with burning desire.

“Leave your husband and stay with me.”

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

ahahaha when u recently watch babygirl (2024) and are also a proponent for yandere male kouhai x female senpai works :~)

but yes

thank u for reading

and

pls prepare for some toxic NTRussell in the finale 👰🙅‍♂️🤵‍♂️