#Home automation hub

[virtualizationhowto]

TrueNAS SCALE Server Build for Home Lab

TrueNAS SCALE Server Build for Home Lab #homelab #virtualization #TrueNASSCALEHomeServer #HomeServerSetup #DebianLinuxServer #RAIDConfiguration #FileSharingServer #MediaStreamingServer #HomeAutomationHub #NetworkSecurity #ServerHardwareUpgrades #selfhost

There are so many options for running a home server for storage and virtualization needs on a home network. I have run VMware ESXi and Proxmox servers for my virtualization needs for the past few years now. However, until recently, I only ran TrueNAS inside a virtual machine for testing and a few light-duty applications. A project I wanted to tackle was repurposing one of my SuperMicro mini…

[ezzybrownmedia]

Experience Smart Living with Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

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[olivergisttv]

Turning Old Devices into Smart Home Hubs: Step-by-Step

Introduction Do you have an old laptop, smartphone, or tablet collecting dust? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not repurpose them into smart home hubs? With the right software and setup, your aging tech can become a powerful control center for your smart home devices. This guide will take you through a step-by-step process to transform old gadgets into efficient smart home hubs, saving…

[findyiot]

Mesh Networks: What is the matter with Zigbee?

Zigbee plays a key role in Matter, the new smart home standard aiming to unify IoT devices across ecosystems (Google, Apple, Amazon). Zigbee and Matter (formerly “Project CHIP” – Connected Home over IP) are closely connected because of their shared goal: device interoperability across brands and ecosystems. The same group that developed Zigbee is now spearheading Matter, meaning there is technical and strategic alignment between the two.

Matter uses Thread (another low-power mesh protocol) as its preferred transport layer. Since Zigbee and Thread both use the same IEEE 802.15.4 radio standard, they are technically compatible, making it easy for manufacturers to integrate legacy Zigbee products into Matter ecosystems.

[vmantras]

Apple Command Center: Revolutionizing Smart Home Control

Apple’s upcoming Command Center is shaping up to be one of the most significant additions to the Apple ecosystem, designed to revolutionize smart home control. While the product has yet to be officially launched, leaks and reports provide substantial insight into its design, features, and how it fits into Apple’s vision for the future of home automation. This in-depth review will explore every…

[epsilontechnologies]

Transform Your Daily Routine with LifeSmart Smart Home Solutions

Integrating smart technology into your daily routine can significantly improve convenience, security, and efficiency in today’s fast-paced world. One of the leading innovators in the smart home industry is LifeSmart, a company dedicated to making your home smarter and more intuitive. LifeSmart Smart Home solutions are designed to help you manage various aspects of your home effortlessly. Like lighting and security to climate control, all from your smartphone or voice commands.

Whether you are looking to optimize your energy usage, or enhance your home security. Simply add comfort to your living environment, LifeSmart has solutions that will transform the way you live. In this article, we will explore eight LifeSmart solutions that can make a real difference in your daily routine. Each of these solutions is designed to provide a seamless experience, ensuring your home is smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Main LifeSmart Solutions to Enhance Your Routine

Smart Lighting Control

Intelligent Climate Management

LifeSmart Security System

Automated Curtains and Blinds

Smart Home Automation Hub

Smart Lighting Control

One of the most impactful LifeSmart Smart Home solutions is smart lighting control. With LifeSmart’s smart lighting system, you can adjust the lighting in your home from your smartphone or set automatic schedules that match your routine. Whether you want to dim the lights for a movie night or brighten your home in the morning, LifeSmart makes it easy. This solution helps create the perfect ambiance for every moment and optimizes energy efficiency by turning off lights when they’re not needed.

Additionally, smart lighting can integrated with motion sensors to turn on lights when you enter a room, adding a layer of convenience and security. The LifeSmart Smart Home system ensures that your lights are energy-efficient and responsive to your preferences, reducing your environmental footprint.

Intelligent Climate Management

Controlling the temperature in your home is easier and smarter with LifeSmart’s intelligent climate management. This solution allows you to regulate heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature, no matter the season. With LifeSmart Smart Home solutions, you can set your ideal temperature through your smartphone or voice commands, or let the system automatically adjust based on your preferences and schedule.

By integrating intelligent climate management with sensors, LifeSmart ensures that energy consumption is optimized. You’ll no longer have to worry about manually adjusting the thermostat—LifeSmart makes sure your home stays at the perfect temperature, whether you’re at home or away.

LifeSmart Security System

Security is a top priority for any homeowner, and LifeSmart offers a comprehensive security system that includes smart cameras, motion detectors, and door/window sensors. With the LifeSmart Smart Home security system, you can monitor your home in real-time from anywhere, receiving alerts on your phone if suspicious activity is detect. This solution provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected with cutting-edge technology.

LifeSmart’s security system can customized to suit your specific needs, offering 24/7 monitoring, remote access, and integration with other LifeSmart devices. Whether you’re traveling or simply away for the day, LifeSmart ensures your home remains secure.

Automated Curtains and Blinds

For those seeking convenience and energy efficiency, LifeSmart’s automated curtains and blinds offer an ideal solution. With this system, you can control window coverings from your smartphone or set schedules for them to open and close at certain times of the day. This not only enhances privacy but also helps regulate indoor temperature by managing sunlight exposure.

By automating your curtains and blinds, LifeSmart ensures that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It’s an eco-friendly, stylish way to improve both the comfort and aesthetics of your living space.

Smart Home Automation Hub

At the core of LifeSmart’s solutions is the Smart Home Automation Hub, a central platform that connects all your LifeSmart devices. This hub allows you to manage your entire smart home system from one interface, simplifying the process of controlling lights, security, climate, and more. The automation hub is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice-controlled management of your home.

With the LifeSmart Smart Home Automation Hub, you can create custom scenes and routines that make your daily tasks more efficient. For example, you can create a “goodnight” scene that locks all doors, turns off lights, and sets the thermostat to your preferred temperature—all with a single command.

Conclusion

LifeSmart Smart Home solutions provide a range of features designed to make your life easier, more secure, and energy-efficient. From smart lighting and climate control to a robust security system and automated curtains, LifeSmart offers solutions that integrate seamlessly into your routine. By investing in LifeSmart Smart Home technology, you can enjoy greater convenience and peace of mind, all while optimizing your home’s efficiency.

Ready to transform your daily routine with LifeSmart? Explore their range of products and discover how you can create a smarter, more intuitive home. Visit Epsilon Technologies today to get started on your smart home journey. Epsilon Technologies is 1st official Distributor of LifeSmart UAE & Oman.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are LifeSmart Smart Home solutions?

LifeSmart Smart Home solutions include a range of smart devices like lighting control, climate management, security systems, and automation hubs designed to make your home more efficient, secure, and convenient.

How does LifeSmart Smart Lighting control work?

LifeSmart Smart Lighting control allows you to adjust your home’s lighting through a smartphone app or voice commands. You can set schedules, automate lights based on motion, and customize brightness levels.

Can I control LifeSmart Smart Home devices remotely?

Yes, with the LifeSmart app, you can control all your connected devices remotely from anywhere, ensuring you have access to lighting, security, and climate controls even when you’re away from home.

How does LifeSmart’s security system enhance home safety?

LifeSmart’s security system includes smart cameras, motion sensors, and door/window sensors. You can monitor your home in real-time, receive alerts, and control your security settings remotely.

[jasonmorris1880]

Does anyone here have any experience with SwitchBot smart home hubs?

I had never heard of SwitchBot until I started exploring smart home technology. Apparently, their smart home hubs are designed to seamlessly integrate various devices, making life more convenient and efficient. Users have shared that these hubs allow for easy automation and control of home appliances, enhancing comfort and energy management. It's exciting to see how these hubs can simplify daily routines and create a more connected living space.

I'm just curious for those who have tried it - how does the SwitchBot smart home hub compare to other smart home hubs on the market? Is it user-friendly and reliable, or are there features that stand out?

[techdriveplay]

Revolutionizing Home Convenience: Samsung Unveils AI-Enhanced Family Hub Refrigerator in Australia

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has recently unveiled its highly anticipated AI Family Hub French Door Refrigerator, now available across Australia. This advanced appliance represents a significant leap forward in the integration of artificial intelligence within home devices, offering unprecedented connectivity and smart capabilities. Launched just two days ago, the AI Family Hub is designed to…

[hellfiresky]

Did you buy the jogan fruit?

Summary: Wolffe insists he hates your favourite show, but he knows all the characters (and has strong opinions). You insist his jogan tarts are the best, and you’re not above using affection to get one.

Pairing: Wolffe x F!Reader

Warnings: Sex. Smut. 18+. Minors DNI.

This smut probably isn’t the hottest thing out there, but that’s kind of the point. I like playing with the idea that sex doesn’t always have to be some romantic or hyper-intense performance - it can just be another part of a relationship. Sometimes, it’s just comfortable, something you do whilst catching up on your day, cracking jokes, or bickering over jogan fruit. It’s intimacy in the mundane, and gosh if you know me, you know how much I adore the mundane and the banal.

Smut ahead. Do not keep reading if you’re under 18!

Taglist: @orangez3st

—————————

The sink was full with dishes you should’ve cleaned an hour ago, but you’d gotten distracted scrolling through something unimportant, and now the caf in your mug had gone cold. You rinsed it out, set it down. The chrono on the wall said late - but not too late. Late enough that Wolffe should be home soon. The apartment was quiet. Outside, the traffic droned on like white noise, Coruscant’s city lights slowly came alive over the window blinds. You rubbed at your neck, stretching a little, the warmth of the day still clinging to your skin. It had been a long one. Not bad, just… long.

You heard the familiar hiss of the front door sliding open. A heavy sigh. The unmistakable sound of armour moving. The clunk of heavy boots hitting the floor one by one. Then—

“Shinies need to get their shit together.”

You smiled to yourself, drying your hands on a towel as Wolffe stepped into the kitchen, rolling his shoulders like the weight of command hadn’t quite settled yet. His blacks hugged him, sweat around the collar, hair slightly mussed. He looked tired. More than tired.

“You sound like an old man.” You leaned against the counter, watching him.

“I am an old man,” he pressed his palms on his lower back with a slight wince. “Physically, at least.”

You snorted, reaching for the cupboard. “You want caf?”

“Nah.” He stepped behind you, pressing a quick, absentminded kiss to your temple before resting his chin on your shoulder, exhaling deeply. “Kriff. Today was long.”

“Yeah?” You rested your hands over his where they settled at your waist.

“Yeah. Shinies kept missing their marks in drills. Had to run ‘em through it five times before they stopped embarrassing themselves.”

“You sound so proud.”

“I would be! If they weren’t so damn slow.”

You chuckled, squeezing his fingers before slipping out of his hold. “Go shower, old man. I can smell the armour stank.”

He made a face. “You love it.”

“Debatable.”

He grumbled something under his breath but listened, taking off the armour pieces, and tugged his shirt over his head as he headed for the ‘fresher. The moment the door shut, you sighed, stretching again. The tiny kitchen droid blinked at you. The dishes still sat in the sink. The microwave probably needed fixing. None of it was urgent, none of it was important, but all of it was there. You rolled your shoulders, letting the familiar mundanity of it settle in.

“You want anything to eat? I made cream soup and bought that nerf burger on the way home from The Hub.” You called out from the bedroom, picking up his discarded blacks and tossing them into the shared laundry bin. The laundry droid from your go-to laundry by kilo place would swing by in the morning, same as always, before you headed back to the Hub. You’d set it up ages ago - automated pickups and drop-offs. It was a necessity, really. The last thing you wanted was to get flagged for laundering blood-stained blacks in the middle of CoCo Town. The GAR had its own facilities, sure, but with a commander practically living in your apartment whenever he wasn’t on the frontlines, his clothes had inevitably started blending in with yours.

No answer. He always took his time in the ‘fresher, you’ve always loved how steamy and warm your fresher would be after his shower, though. Your apartment sat on the surface level of Coruscant, tucked into a quieter corner of CoCo Town - close enough to the underworld portal for easy access, far enough from the worst of it to avoid unnecessary danger. A good spot. One you’d spent years curating. The Hub, though - that was deeper. Lower levels. A small co-working space with communal terminals, and workstations where slicers came and went, sharing access codes and decryption scripts over cups of stale caf. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was home - or as close as a place like that could get.

You grabbed a dirty shirt from the chair and tossed it to the bin alongside Wolffe’s blacks. The sheets on the bed were still messy from where you’d been lying earlier. You debated fixing them, but - nah. You’d just end up messing them up again soon enough.

The water shut off. Then Wolffe’s voice, rough from the steam filled the space.

“You ate yet?”

“Not really.”

A grumble. “Then I’ll take the soup. You can eat the burger.”

“Figured. I’ll heat it up.”

Dinner was nice. Well, as nice as homemade soup and a fast-food nerf burger could be. You both ate quietly at the small dinner table, the one that folded up into a workspace when needed, your favourite piece of modular furniture in the apartment. Easily the best thing you’d ever spent your adult credits on. Wolffe, freshly showered, dug into the soup. Between bites, he started grumbling about his most recent mission to Aleen - the same one he’d just returned from last week. Apparently, it had been hell. Not because of the planet itself, or even the mission, but because of some golden droid who wouldn’t shut up.

“He talked the entire time,” Wolffe shook his head. “I thought protocol droids were supposed to be helpful.”

“Maybe he was helpful. Just not in the way you wanted.”

Wolffe rolled his eyes before continuing. “You don’t understand. The relief mission itself? Fine. No problems. But that droid - he wouldn’t shut up. Narrated everything like some kind of sports commentator.” He scoffed. “Kept trailing behind me, throwing out ‘fun facts,’ trying to translate every little detail to the Aleenas.” He straightened slightly before straining his voice to a posh Coruscanti accent ‘We have been quite on an adventure, Commander Wolffe!’

That almost made you choke on your drink. “The fuck was that?!”

“Every. Damn. Minute.”

You let out a full belly laugh. It was kind of surreal, watching this man - Commander Wolffe, the guy who had lost an eye in the battle of Khorm to a Sith acolyte, who had once been stranded in the vacuum of space with only a handful of his men and still made it out alive - obsessing over what was, by all accounts, a fever dream of a relief aid mission.

“The Sith acolyte didn’t break you, getting spaced didn’t break you, but this droid did?”

Wolffe groaned, running a hand down his face. “I swear, I’d take another orbital skirmish over that mission any day.”

After dinner, Wolffe took over dish duty, cleaning plates in the sink whilst you made your escape to the bedroom. A fair trade - you cooked, he cleaned. It was an unspoken rule by now, one of the small, automatic rhythms of living together. You laid out on the bed, pulling up the latest episode of Sex and the Ecumenopolis - the old holoseries you were only watching because your friend had roped you into it. Wolffe hated it. Or at least, that’s what he claimed.

The bedroom door slid shut, followed by the sound of a dramatic sigh. “Naw, not this again.”

The mattress dipped as he threw himself down beside you. He barely spared the screen a glance before grabbing his datapad, thumbing through the reports his men had submitted.

You smirked, nudging his shoulder. “You know you don’t have to stay.”

“I was here first,” he muttered, eyes still on his datapad.

“You were not.”

Wolffe just grunted, scrolling through casualty assessments like he wasn’t very aware of the episode’s plot - because you knew he was. He’d sat through enough of this show to absorb its nonsense, no matter how much he insisted otherwise. And this episode? Oh, this one had gotten to him. Because the thing was, he had been outraged - outraged - about the tragic arc of Mireena and her doomed situationship with a man in a promotional sandwich costume. A sandwich, of all things.

“She was a lawyer,” Wolffe muttered under his breath, still flipping through reports. “And he was a sandwich. That was a real quote from the show. Maker help me.”

You bit down a laugh, already knowing where this was going. He kept going. “She had a whole career. A life. And he—” his left hand gestured vaguely at the holo, not even looking up from his datapad, “—was walking around dressed as a goddamn Ronto Wrap.”

You grinned. “So you were invested.”

“I’m saying it was stupid.”

“Uh-huh.”

Wolffe finally looked up with an unimpressed stare. “You’re telling me you didn’t think it was ridiculous?”

“Oh, no, it was completely ridiculous,” you admitted. “But it’s a pre-Clone Wars holoseries, Commander, ridiculous is the point.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “They made me care about a man in a sandwich costume.”

“They really did.”

“They never even showed his face,” he muttered, almost to himself.

Because here’s the thing - he could complain all he wanted, but you knew the truth. Not only did he know all the characters, he had opinions. Strong ones. And, most damning of all - he had a favourite.

Sahm’ara Joans. The self-made entrepreneur, the no-nonsense, I’ll burn this city down before I let a man waste my time woman. Wolffe swore up and down that she was the only tolerable character, but you knew better. He liked her. No, he respected her. Every time she delivered a one-liner or completely dismantled some poor bastard in the dating scene, you’d catch the slightest smirk on his face, like he was privately rooting for her.

On the other hand, there was Kaari Breesaw, who Wolffe detested. “She has the emotional intelligence of a gundark,” he grumbled once, after Kaari had, for the fifth time, thrown herself back into the orbit of ‘Big O’, a wealthy shipping tycoon with all the charm of a typical finance bro in the Financial District. “She knows he’s an asshole. She knows he’s gonna screw her over. And she still—” He’d jab his finger at the holoseries as if that would explain something.

“She’s in love,” you teased.

“She’s stupid.”

The best part? This was a recurring argument. Every time Sex and the Ecumenopolis cycled back to Kaari making yet another terrible decision, Wolffe’s patience wore thinner and thinner, until one day, he’d just flat-out refused to acknowledge her storyline at all.

“She’s dead to me,” he’d declared. “Tell me when they’re back to Sahm’ara.”

And now, predictably, after the sandwich episode ended - he peeked over the edge of his datapad again. “Where’s Sahm’ara? Why does Kaari dominate this episode?” You barely looked away from the holo. “You know she’s literally the one narrating the story, right?”

“Mm. Don’t care.” His voice was flat, unimpressed. “They should give Sahm’ara the narration. At least she has a point.” You chuckled but didn’t argue. He had a habit of deciding exactly how a show should be structured and then getting personally offended when it didn’t conform to his vision.

You felt the shift in the mattress before you felt him - the warmth of his breath ghosting over your skin as he leaned in, pressing his face against the curve of your neck. His datapad landed on the bedside table with a quiet thud, forgotten in favour of something else entirely. “How was your day?” he dropped his voice to a raspy murmur. His arm slung lazily around your waist, fingers tracing absent patterns over your hip like muscle memory.

“Good.” You tilted your head slightly to give him better access as his lips brushed along your neck. “My team and I managed to slice into that CIS propaganda holonet site - took most of the data down.”

Wolffe hummed against your skin, half-listening, half-distracted as he worked his way lower, his hand slipping under the hem of your shirt, and grazed up to cup your breast. “We rerouted their entire login system,” you continued, running your fingers through his cropped hair. It was still slightly damp from his shower, warm against your palm. “Every time they try to access their own files, it just redirects them to a looping video of a Toydarian singing Never Gonna Give You Down in Huttese.”

That actually got a huff of amusement from him. “Efficient.”

“Oh, and we stole some of their encrypted comms, rerouted a few of their shadow accounts into charity funds, the usual.” It was a routine for you, as if you were just recounting errands, rather than digital sabotage against the Separatists. “Big win for the cause.”

“Big win,” he murmured against your collarbone, nipping lightly before pressing a softer kiss in the same spot. His voice was growing raspier. You giggled, squirming as his two-days-old stubble scraped against your skin. “You’re not even listening, are you?”

“I am.” He kissed the underside of your jaw, exhaling warm against your skin. “Toydarian. Huttese. You’re very disruptive.”

“Oh, I’m disruptive?”

His lips curled against your throat before he shifted on top of you, his weight pressing more firmly against you, his hand sliding lower. “Mhm.”

“What about you?” You pressed a lingering kiss to the top of his head. “Anything else aside from the shiny training?”

Wolffe exhaled, his breath sent a heat straight to your core, he was clearly reluctant to re-engage with the topic now that he had his mouth on your skin. His hand moved down to the band of your trousers, slipping it halfway there before he finally muttered, “Briefing. Patrols. More briefings. Argued with a senator’s aide about the next relief mission logistics - again.”

You hummed, still dragging your nails lightly over the back of his scalp. “Win?”

“Does anyone ever win against bureaucracy?”

“Fair point.”

He sighed, resting his forehead against your shoulder for a moment. “Came this close to telling them to shove their ‘budget constraints’ straight up their senatorial asses.”

You snorted. “And yet, you restrained yourself. Personal growth.”

“Barely,” he muttered. His hand finally snaked down under your trousers in a slow and lazy rhythm, like his body was already more interested in other things. “Kinda wish Fox and I were still in the same unit. I would’ve let him handle it. He actually likes dealing with politicians.”

You sighed, his hand moving down your leg making your breath hitch. "Don't I know it," you said, voice raspy. "But someone's gotta help keep those senators in check. Maybe one day, you'll find a way to enjoy it." You ran your fingers through his hair again, closing your eyes. He hummed in response, nuzzling deeper into your neck. "Maybe. For now, though..." He trailed off, his fingers finally found their way into your clit, circling gently. You arched into the touch without thinking about it, moaning softly as he dipped one finger straight into your sensitive spot and began to tease it. Your head fell back on the pillow as a wave of pleasure coursed through you, overwhelming any lingering thoughts of work or stress. The sounds of the holoseries and the city outside faded away, replaced by the sounds of your breath and the soft rustling of sheets against skin.

"Maker, Wolffe," you panted, hooking an arm around his neck to pull him closer. "You're so good at this." His only response was a low grunt against your skin that sent a shiver down your spine. “You wanna fuck?” He looked up.

You blinked at him. “Duh. Why are you stopping?”

Wolffe rolled his eyes as he reached down to undo the tie on your trousers. “Because this thing is kriffing tight - almost cut off the circulation in my hand.” He gave you an unimpressed glare, fingers tugging at the waistband in irritation.

You giggled, still breathless. “Sorry, didn’t realise my loungewear was a hazard.”

“It is. I’m filing a report.”

You let out a huff of laughter, lifting your hips to help him along. This was just how it was with him. After so long together, this - the teasing, the grumbling, the way he always found something to complain about even whilst he was actively seducing you - felt as much a part of the moment as anything else. Sex with Wolffe wasn’t always some kinky planet-shattering affair. Sometimes, it was just another way to be close. A quiet affection between two people who had already seen each other at their worst and still wanted to crawl into bed together at the end of the day.

"There you go," he muttered, tugging your trousers down and tossing them to the floor without a second thought. You squinted at him. "Boo, you missed the laundry bin."

Wolffe didn’t even look at where they’d landed, just gave you a noncommittal shrug. “Not my problem.”

"Oh, it will be," you warned playfully, wrapping your legs around his waist to pull him closer. "I'll make you pick them up later."

Wolffe raised an eyebrow, his hands sliding up your thighs. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

"Both," you breathed, arching into his touch. "Now, are you going to keep complaining about my clothes or are you going to do something about the fact that I'm not wearing any?"

A wolfish grin spread across his face. "I think I can fix the laundry later."

He leaned down, capturing your lips in a searing kiss that made you forget all about the discarded joggers before taking his own trousers off. His hands roamed your body, leaving trails of heat in their wake. You gasped into his mouth as he grind against you.

"Wolffe," you whined, breaking the kiss. "Please..."

"Impatient, aren't we?"

You huffed, about to retort, when he suddenly moved to align himself with your entrance. The words died in your throat as he slowly pushed in, stretching you in the most exquisite way.

"Maker," you breathed, clutching at his shoulders. Wolffe grunted in agreement, his forehead resting against yours as he bottomed out. For a moment, you both stayed still, savouring the connection. Then, Wolffe began to move. His thrusts were slow at first, drawing out soft gasps and moans from you both. You clung to him, one hand tangled in his hair while the other traced the scars on his back - a map of his history that you'd long since memorised.

"Faster," you urged, nipping at his earlobe. "Please, Wolffe."

He obliged, picking up the pace. The room filled with the sound of skin against skin and breathless moans. You pushed your hip back, meeting him thrust for thrust, chasing that building pleasure. "That's it," Wolffe’s voice was rough with desire. "Just like that, cyar'ika."

The Mando'a endearment sent a thrill through you, as it always did. You loved when he slipped into his native tongue during intimate moments. "Kriff, you feel good," Wolffe growled, his cybernetic eye reflecting the city lights from outside of your window as he gazed down at you.

"Anyway, what's going on with your neighbour?" he asked, maintaining his relentless rhythm. "Mmh, which one?" you managed to respond, trying to focus despite the overwhelming sensations that made coherent thought nearly impossible. The way he moved inside you was intoxicating, but there was something thrilling about the contrasting normalcy of your relationship - how you could be lost in each other yet still discuss the mundane details of life.

"The new one," he panted, letting your fingers dig into his shoulders. "The one who moved in last week."

"Oh, that guy." You whined as he pulled out. "Tall, dark, and handsome. Like you, but with a stupid amount of abs, cause, you know, Zabrak–oh, fuck! And a really nice ass." You gasped as he plunged back in, his hips meeting yours in rhythm again. "Shit, Wolffe," you moaned, your eyes rolling back in your head. “And he has the sexiest Dathomirian accent.”

Wolffe snorted, clearly amused. "He does, doesn’t he? Well, maybe we should invite him over for some drinks." You laughed despite yourself. "Yeah right. As if he could handle the two of us." Your body tensed and then exploded in a rush of pleasure around him. For a moment, there was silence between you both - just the sounds of your heavy breathing and his steady thrusts - before you spoke again. "I just came."

"As you should," Wolffe growled, his pace increasing as he chased his own release. "You're so fucking beautiful when you come."

You moaned, oversensitive but still loving every moment. Your hands roamed his back, feeling the muscles flex with each thrust. "Come on, Wolffe," you encouraged, nipping at his jaw. "Let go for me."

His rhythm faltered, becoming erratic as he neared the edge. You clenched around him, drawing a strangled groan from his throat. "Cyar'ika," he panted, burying his face in your neck. With a final, deep thrust, Wolffe stilled, groaning your name as he came. You held him close, enjoying the warmth he spilled inside you whilst rubbing your hand on his back as he shuddered through his release.

“Did you buy the jogan fruit?” You suddenly asked, still out of breath, and completely blissed out.

Wolffe let out a muffled groan against your neck. "Really? That's what you're thinking about right now?" You chuckled, still caressing his back. "Well, you did promise to make that jogan fruit tart I like. That recipe you learnt from Gregor?"

He lifted his head to look at you, his face was a cocktail of exasperation and fondness. "I'm still inside you, and you're worried about dessert?"

"I work up an appetite after good sex," you teased, pressing a quick kiss to his nose. Wolffe rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smirk. "Fine. Yes, I bought your precious jogan fruit. It's in the kitchen."

You grinned, pecking him on the lips. "Good boy."

He slowly pulled out, both of you hissing at the sensation, before collapsing beside you on the bed. You turned to face him, tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "So, about that tart..." you began.

Wolffe groaned, throwing an arm over his face. "Maker, you're insatiable. And I don't mean just for sex."

You laughed, snuggling closer to him. "You love it."

"Force help me, I do," he pulled you snugly against his side. You nestled your head on his chest, where the rhythm of his heartbeat gradually slowed to normal, giving a comforting lullaby. "We should shower," you murmured softly after a moment, though you remained comfortably wrapped in his embrace, making no attempt to move. Wolffe's voice was a gentle rumble as he responded, "I have showered."

“Again?” you teased, fluttering your eyelashes at him. His laughter was a warm vibration under your cheek as he reached up to playfully tousle your hair. "Since when did that work?"

"Since never," you admitted with a grin, pressing a kiss to his chest. "But it was worth a shot."

Wolffe hummed noncommittally, kissing the top of your head. "In a minute. I'm comfortable." You couldn't argue with that. The warmth of his body and his musky scent were lulling you into a peaceful state. You let out a contented sigh, snuggling closer.

"So," Wolffe broke the silence after a few moments, "Tell me more about this neighbour of yours. The one with the 'stupid amount of abs' and 'really nice ass'."

You playfully swat his chest. "Jealous, Commander?"

"Hardly," he scoffed, but his arm tightened around you. "Just curious about the competition.”

“He has a boyfriend,” you giggled. "Oh?" Wolffe's eyebrow shot up. "And how do you know that?"

You shrugged. "Saw them together in the turbolift. Very handsy. His boyfriend is a Twi'lek."

A raspy chuckle reverberating through his chest. "Well, cyar’ika, there goes your fantasy threesome."

"Who said anything about a threesome fantasy?" you propped yourself up on an elbow to look at him. "Maybe I was thinking about a foursome."

"Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about sharing you."

“What about making me a jogan tart?”

"You're not going to let that go, are you?"

"Nope," you grinned, popping the 'p'. "I've been craving it all week."

He sighed in exasperation, but you could see the affection in his eyes. "Fine. Let me clean up and I'll start on it."

You beamed, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before rolling off him. "You're the best."

"I know," he said, but before you could get too far, he grabbed your wrist and pulled you right back in, kissing you slow, indulgent, giving you all the time he had in the galaxy.

Then, with that military efficiency, he got off the bed and headed straight for the kitchen, already on his next mission. You flopped onto your back, grinning at the ceiling, the warmth of the moment still cocooning you. The episode of Sex and the Ecumenopolis that had been playing in the background was long over, replaced by the holoseries app’s main menu, idly looping trailers for other shows you had no intention of watching. You grabbed the remote and switched off the holovision. No need to waste credits on unnecessary power - especially not when Wolffe was already rolling his eyes at the last utility bill.

Jogan tart secured. Mission accomplished.

[allysimspired]

As a real estate agent in San Myshuno, I know smart homes just sell faster. As a consumer, I'm ALWAYS looking to simplify my routine. That's why I trust Luminova to keep my living space in perfect harmony.

Luminova offers a variety of smart devices, from TV's to refrigerators, with automation systems that keep your home comfortable and efficient. My favorite product is the air purifier, of which I have TWO, which keep my flat feeling fresh AND support my overall health and well-ness.

With my bedside hub, I can access all my systems while tucked up! They also offer wall hubs and switches for those of you that don't love a good lie in as a little treat every now and again. 🛌

Luminova, the smart choice.

[waiitiridge]

Kia ora! Just a wee re-introduction

I'm just another solarpunk in Aotearoa looking for other like-minded friends, inspiration, and advice on other ways I can green up my life. I love sewing, baking, making, gardening, and animals.

I live in an off-grid tiny home I built with my partner in 2016 out of wood and second-hand windows/doors/appliances. We run off solar power, rain water, a composting toilet, and try to repair, mend, make, borrow, and buy 2nd hand or local. Our meat is all hunted, which here in Aotearoa is a huge help for our environment as our only native mammals are seals and bats. Everything else is a pest. We also grow a lot of our own fruit and veggies, but the garden is still a work in progress. This year, i have a new wing of the veggie garden built, but I still have so much work to do around the herb and fairy garden.

I'm looking at irrigating the garden and automating the process. I saw something about https://www.home-assistant.io/ online but would love any advice you might have. I'd like to automate and chart my watering as well as integrate moisture monitors and a weather monitoring system.

I have an electric bike and an old 1996 honda crv. I'd like to switch to an electric vehicle, something like a Pickman 4x4 or another small farm vehicle, as I only need to get to the village bus stop, neighbouring farms, and the occasional trip into town via back roads.

Clothes are me-made with 2nd hand materials, mostly from the dump shop. I've helped start a collection point for alternative recycling like bottle lids and tetrapaks, a library of things, and a community workshop. We are working towards a bike repair hub and time bank but it might be a couple years before they are operational.

Please share all your inspiration, book recommendations, and thoughts around other ways I can make an impact in my community 😊

[olivergisttv]

How to Build a DIY Smart Home Hub Using Open-Source Tools

In a world where smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular, building your own smart home hub using open-source tools offers a flexible and cost-effective solution. A smart home hub acts as the central control system for all your connected devices, allowing you to automate tasks, control gadgets, and monitor your home from a single interface. With open-source tools, you can customize…

[exitrowiron]

What to do when your flight is cancelled. (This is a long post, but if you travel you will find it helpful.)

Even though I'm mostly retired, I still fly frequently but I'm with Beth more often. Most flights are on-time and uneventful, but lately we've had 3 of 4 with a problem; the most significant was a cancelled flight when trying to return from Cincinnati to Seattle on Alaska last week.

The plane boarded and took off uneventfully, but it failed to gain altitude and within 10 minutes the pilot announced that an engine had malfunctioned, couldn't be restarted and we'd be returning to the airport. The plane was heavy with fuel for the cross country trip so the landing speed was higher than normal, the roll out was longer and fire trucks met the plane on the runway to ensure that the overheated brakes didn't catch fire - all standard operating procedure.

All the passengers and their carry-on luggage were deplaned and asked to stay close to the gate area while the two Alaska gate agents figured out what was going to happen. Nearly every one of the >160 passengers immediately got in line to speak with the agent at the gate; Beth and I were among the few who sat comfortably in the gate area.

Alaska is a relatively small airline, they don't have spare aircraft and crews hanging around in non-hub cities like CVG, so after two hours the gate agent announced that the flight was cancelled and that Alaska would create a replacement flight for the same time tomorrow and that we'd all be automatically rebooked. The line of 160 people hadn't moved an inch. Within a few moments we received emails with meal and hotel vouchers and the Alaska app updated with new boarding passes for the flight the next day. Our checked luggage was sent to the baggage carousel and we were sent on our way for the evening. The following day we boarded the flight and made it home without any more problems.

Here are some helpful tips:

If your arrival time is very time-sensitive:

Book a direct flight. Yes, you'll pay more but the odds of arriving on time (with your bags) go way up.

Don't check bags. If your flight gets delayed and you absolutely, positively have to be there on time, you may have the option of booking another flight on another carrier, and simply abandoning your original flight. If your flight is delayed due to weather, booking another flight won't make a difference - every flight is going to be delayed.

If you are deplaned and awaiting a decision about your flight, don't bother standing in line with all the other passengers. Your reservation, along with the reservation of every other traveler is being worked by the airline automation - check your app and email for updates. If the flight is cancelled and the airline has other flights to that destination, they will rebook everyone and unfortunately the passengers with the highest status will be first in line. Again, you may wish to try to book a flight with another carrier, but that will be expensive. Many years ago carriers would cooperate and rebook travelers on competing airlines, but this practice has been largely discontinued.

If your flight is cancelled for an airline controllable issue (ex. mechanical failure) and you are rebooked on a flight the next day most airlines will offer hotel and meal vouchers. Here's the thing, airline hotel vouchers are generally for crappy airport hotels (what other kind of hotel has last minute availability for a bunch of stranded passengers?). The Alaska Airlines fine print says that you can make your own accommodations and send them the receipt for reimbursement. Instead of the 1.5 star Quality Choice voucher hotel, we stayed at Marriott Courtyard. I have status at Marriott so we got a 4:00 pm checkout and didn't have to hang out at the airport all day. The hotel cost $175 and Alaska promptly reimbursed me $150 - that's a great deal for us and surely cost Alaska $100 more than the voucher hotel.

Lastly, Alaska is very generous in providing discounts for future flights as a way of apologizing for service issues. I've flown >1.5M miles on Delta and never received something similar. Alaska sends an email with a discount code for a future flight, but you have to keep the email OR add the code to your Alaska wallet yourself. That isn't a huge burden, but I think they should do it automatically.

In a rare example of bipartisanship, by the end of the week Congress is expected to pass a bill requiring airlines to automatically issue refunds for cancelled flights, rather than requiring travelers to chase down refunds themselves.

From Rolling Stone: On Tuesday, The Lever reported that financial statements from Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines suggested that the companies had an estimated $2 billion and $6 billion each in unused flight credits, respectively. According to a February filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, per the publication, Hawaiian Airlines made $312 million from 2020 to 2023 in unused, expired passenger tickets.

Interestingly Ted Cruz believes that conservatives don't want their money back, “Most consumers, if a flight is canceled, don’t want an immediate refund, they want to book a new flight,” he reasoned, dumping the last vestiges of logic as he explained that “almost all conservatives say, OK, put me on the next flight, and the rule saying no, you gotta give the money back automatically, no matter what the customer wants, that’s frankly a dumb idea.” Not surprisingly, for the 5 year period through 2024, Delta and American have contributed ~ $75K to Cruz's election campaign and leadership PAC.

[veyren-city]

Streets and Districts of Veyren City.

As the title implies here is a list of streets: residential streets, main roads, connector roads and districts! (Animated purple and white divider made by @/cafekitsune)

Ashwick Avenue - A historic ave with old buildings, dimmed streetlights, and a lingering mist.

Cinder Row - A narrow street with a mix of small businesses' and fading neon signs knowns for it's quiet timeless feel.

Vale Street - A long winding road that always seems slick with rain, lined with cafe's record shops and a teahouse that refuses to die out.

Halloway Road - A street that curves through the heart of the city, known for its mix of modern and decayed architecture

Lockewood Drive - A semi-industrial road where tech startups and small shops co-exist.

Whitmoor Street - An area known for its old-world charm, bookstores and flower shops still hold against time.

Novastra Boulevard -

Main Artery of the pulse district. Holographic billboards and glass skyscrapers tower the streets

Notable places:

Veyren Grand Station - The Cities central train hub, packed at all times.

Astrocorp HQ - A cooperate tower belonging to a mega-conglomerate that controls most of Veyren's digital infrastructure

Synthwave Café - a 24 hour coffee shop with neon lit walls and robotic baristas

Project Dome - A massive curved screen, displaying ads, weather, news, and the latest fashion trends in real time.

Orion Street -

A shopping and entertainment hub where the latest tech and fashion is sold.

Notable places:

Oblivion Club - One of the biggest night clubs in Veyren with floors that light up as people dance. The drinks are never ending as well as the friendly company.

Neon Arcade - A retro futuristic arcade where old school gaming collides with VR and newer stylistic games.

Hyper Mart 24 - A fully automated department store with robotic assistance. You think it? They got it!

Starlight Records - A hidden vinyl record shop that still exists despite the digital age

Helix Road -

A tech and business center, home to high end offices, and digital marketing firms.

Notable Places:

Zephyr Towers - A sleek black skyscraper that's a hub for cyber security firm.

Neurolink Labs - A company experimenting with brain-interface technology.

Flux Lounge - High end, invite only social club where executives discuss business over cocktails.

Astra Bar - A bar with digital bartenders and waiters and drinks that glow under blacklight

Stratos Avenue -

Known for media, fashion, and high energy night life.

Notable places:

Veyren Broadcast Center - the city's largest media headquarters, airing new and digital influencers.

Runway 99 - An avant-garde fashion district where models walk beside holograms of the fashions creators.

Pulse plaza - A futuristic square where massive events take place and ads are projected into the skies.

The Grid - A rooftop lounge balcony with a stunning view of the cities skyline.

Synapse Alley -

A gritty underground area filled with hidden bars, black market tech, and cybernetic enhancement shops.

Notable Places:

Echo Bar - A secret jazz bar that Tristan visits from time to time. The only semi-safe place in the alley.

Bytes & Bites - A hacker café where people don't just sell coffee, they sell digital secrets.

The Raven Room - A speakeasy accessible only through a glitched billboard. Where people drank and talked shop over the latest illegal tech.

PawnXchange - A pawn shop for illegal tech, and stolen data drives.

Rainmere Street - A quiet hidden street, nothing to spectacular there home to three story walk ups.

Halloway Lane - A lesser known street where only locals wander, known for its "old world feel"

Wrenford Alley - old abandoned shops with swinging wooden signs and cobblestone road. A relic from the older days.

Bellrose Street - Home to Tristan and his bookshop~!

Dunhaven Street - Home to a small park with a pond and a playground, really only the "natural green" around these days without leaving the city.

Draycott Lane - A small street lined with homes and a few antique and second hand shops.

Easton Bridge - Pedestrian/vehicle bridge leading from the Pulse District to the residential district.

Lennox Street - A bustling road lined with chain food restaurants.

Verity Square - A plaza full of street vendors leads to Synapse alley.

Halloway Underpass - A tunnel beneath the train station where rain water pools beneath flickering lights. Leads to Holloway Road.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

The Talon Roost

Nestled along the rugged shoreline of Puget Sound, just outside the bustling heart of Unity City, Terra, Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner’s home exudes a warmth and intimacy that starkly contrasts with their imposing public personas. Known as “The Talon Roost,” this sprawling lodge combines the rustic charm of traditional log cabin architecture with the subtle integration of cutting-edge technology from Terra’s civilian sector.

The Talon Roost sits perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Sound, its timbered exterior blending with the surrounding forest. Massive, hand-hewn logs form the structure’s frame, their natural grain and texture preserved to honor the timeless beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The lodge’s roof is made up of a mix of eco-friendly solar tiles and living greenery. Wide wraparound decks extend from the main structure, offering panoramic views of the water and mountains beyond. A series of cascading stairs, lined with ambient lighting, leads down to a private dock where a sleek, automated watercraft rests, flanked by kayaks and a small security boat. At night, the lodge glows warmly, its large windows offering glimpses of life inside—a sharp yet inviting contrast to the quiet wilderness outside.

Entering the Talon Roost feels like stepping into a sanctuary. High vaulted ceilings, supported by massive wooden beams, create a sense of openness, while large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during the day. The interior décor balances modern minimalist design with the cozy aesthetics of a mountain lodge. Neutral tones dominate, accented by vibrant greens and golds—an homage to Melissa’s Jade Falcon heritage. The heart of the lodge, the living room, is anchored by a double-sided fireplace made of locally quarried stone. The hearth radiates warmth, surrounded by plush sofas and armchairs adorned with patterned blankets and throw pillows. Above the fireplace, a holographic display can project serene landscapes or serve as an entertainment hub, though it’s often turned off, leaving the room in serene simplicity. The kitchen combines the rustic appeal of handcrafted cabinetry with state-of-the-art appliances. A long central island, topped with polished stone, doubles as a communal dining space. The open floor plan flows into the dining area, where a custom-built table—crafted from salvaged driftwood—sits beneath an impressive chandelier of crystal and wrought iron. A cozy library, lined with shelves of books and historical texts, offers a quiet retreat for both Melissa and Theodora. A vintage mahogany desk sits at the far end, equipped with a concealed holo-terminal for secure communication and work. Nearby, a comfortable reading nook overlooks the Sound, with a soft chair and a small table perpetually holding a steaming pot of tea. The large, lavish, and highly advanced home theater was Theodora's pet project - it is outfitted with the absolute latest in cutting-edge holographic, trideo, and flat screen projection technology as well as a sound system that cost nearly as much as a light BattleMech.

While The Talon Roost appears traditional, its technology is anything but. Discrete panels throughout the home provide instant access to climate control, security systems, and personal AI assistants. The lodge’s power is supplied by a combination of renewable sources, ensuring self-sufficiency even during extended outages. A secure Star League-era communication hub is integrated into the study, allowing Melissa and Theodora to stay connected with SLDF operations. Beneath the lodge, hidden from view, lies a private hangar with bays large enough for both Melissa’s Highlander and Theodora’s Atlas, as well as the company of security 'Mechs on-site. Advanced automated repair systems and diagnostic tools ensure the 'Mechs are always ready for action. Also included is a multi-functional room utilizing advanced Holotank technology capable of projecting tactical simulations, training environments, or serene natural landscapes for relaxation.

The grounds around the lodge are meticulously curated. A path winds through a grove of ancient cedar trees to a private firepit surrounded by log benches. Nearby, a greenhouse houses a mix of local flora and medicinal plants, along with herbs for Theodora’s favorite recipes. A falconry mew, discreetly tucked into the edge of the property, is home to a small cast of Jade Falcons whom Melissa tends to personally—a connection to her heritage and a calming pastime away from the demands of leadership. The Talon Roost’s atmosphere is one of quiet strength and serenity. For two figures as legendary as Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, the lodge represents a refuge from the chaos of the Inner Sphere—a place to reconnect with nature, their shared history, and each other. The cozy interiors, paired with the breathtaking natural surroundings, create a space where visitors are immediately put at ease, despite the immense power and influence of its owners. This dichotomy—between public and private life, between war and peace—is what makes The Talon Roost not just a home, but a reflection of the lives Melissa and Theodora have built together.

While The Talon Roost exudes an aura of peace and natural harmony, its security infrastructure rivals that of any high-level military installation. As the personal residence of two high-ranking SLDF officers, it incorporates layers of cutting-edge technology, physical deterrents, and personnel to ensure the safety of its occupants and maintain its strategic utility. The property is surrounded by an invisible perimeter system that utilizes advanced motion detection, thermal imaging, and seismic sensors. Any unauthorized entry triggers both silent and audible alarms, alerting the SLDF garrison stationed nearby. Discrete but highly effective automated turrets, hidden in the rocky outcroppings and among the trees, are equipped with non-lethal crowd control measures and high-powered laser weaponry for more extreme threats. Signature reduction technology derived from Null Signature System technology shields The Talon Roost from all but visual aerial and orbital scans, while a squadron of SLDF-designed surveillance drones patrols the airspace and property boundary. These drones are equipped with stealth tech, high-resolution cameras, and lethal weaponry. Meanwhile, the picturesque firepit near the cedar grove doubles as an emergency bunker entrance, reinforced to withstand even orbital bombardment. Decorative stone statues around the property conceal sensors and emitters capable of deploying small scale energy weapons in emergencies.

The Talon Roost is protected by a small, elite detachment of SLDF Royal Black Watch troops. While their presence is unobtrusive, they are always ready to respond to any threat. The guard detachment includes three Stars of MechWarriors, with their BattleMechs stationed in the Roost's subterranean hangar. A company of infantry, drawn from the Royal Black Watch's commando-trained operatives, patrols the property and acts as a rapid reaction force. All on-site security personnel reside in a concealed bunker built into the cliffside upon which the Roost perches. Security details rotate regularly to maintain optimal readiness and avoid becoming predictable. A concealed, automated command center under the lodge handles all security and monitoring tasks. Operatives stationed here can communicate directly with SLDF High Command and deploy additional resources as needed.

Beneath The Talon Roost lies a complex network of subterranean tunnels, elevators, and passageways that connect the property to critical SLDF and Star League installations in the region. This link allows both Melissa and Theodora to access secure meeting rooms or emergency operations centers without requiring surface travel. A direct maglev transit tunnel leads to both the nearby Tacoma Castle Brian, as well as the SLDF's Citadel inside Unity City itself - rebuilt by the SLDF to once again serve as their High Command complex. The headquarters of the Royal Black Watch, Fort Cameron, is linked to the lodge by another high-speed maglev route. The connection allows Theodora to oversee her regiment's activities or deploy her Atlas in minutes. The lodge is also connected via the maglev-tunnel system directly to the Court of the Star League.

In the event of an overwhelming threat, the lodge’s subterranean systems include a concealed evacuation pod capable of transporting occupants to either the Citadel or Fort Cameron in under five minutes. The lodge also features a last-resort self-destruct mechanism. Activated only by voice authorization from Melissa or Theodora, this system ensures no critical technology or data can fall into enemy hands. In case of a siege, the lodge can deploy automated counter-battery defenses, jamming fields, and active missile interceptors hidden within the terrain.

While The Talon Roost offers warmth, serenity, and a welcoming atmosphere, its hidden security and strategic capabilities reflect the immense responsibilities carried by its owners. This stark juxtaposition mirrors the lives of Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, who must balance their personal sanctuary with their duties as protectors of humanity’s future. It is a place of respite, but one always ready for the call to action.