#ICA files

[dianaburnwood]

Hi! Do you know if any of the early Hitman games show files or cutscenes with ICA documents or reports? I remember you pulling references from something about Diana's rank but I wasn't sure if we ever saw something official in addition to that

Hey! If you mean this post it was from the ICA files in Absolution, shown in Absolution trailers and in the opening cinematic of the game. IO made versions for 47, Diana, Travis, The Saints, and Blake Dexter. I think those were the most detailed we got to see, and have been retconned a bit since WoA. We also get to see some ICA documents (albeit blurry) in Contracts and Blood Money, eg:

[canonically47]

agent 47

“How many people have died to achieve this world domination of yours?” “769.” “…What?” “769 people died to achieve my plans. I counted them, and had each of their names etched on my throne so I never forget what my victory cost the world. Now tell me, how many have you killed to see me dead?”

[tgmsunmontue]

Saga of Solitude 13/21

Nepo!Baby Bradley and his life at USNA and afterwards. DADT fully in force. IceMav AU. (Begun prior to 'It's not who you know' - the non-angsty version). (Side Hangster, which is ALSO angsty).

PROLOGUE (He remembers)

HANGSTER FIRST MEETING (Lonely Nights - set 2009)

PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

ONE (2000) TWO (2001) THREE (2002) FOUR (2003) FIVE (2004) SIX (2005) SEVEN (2006) EIGHT (2007) NINE (2008) TEN (2009) ELEVEN (2010) TWELVE (2011)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – 2012

                They’ve decided to forgo their rings outside of the house. They live in a little pottery dish that Petra made beside a larger one that Tamsin had made several years early, likely in the same class. It’s a new habit, keys go in the large bowl and the ring goes on his finger when he gets home and he remembers Mav sliding it onto his finger during their wedding ceremony every time. And when he leaves the house it works in reverse, he takes the ring off and picks up his keys.

                They’d had a quiet courtroom ceremony, just the seven of them. When he’d checked his paperwork to see what needed updating he hadn’t needed to update next of kin, Maverick has been listed there for years alongside Sarah, and nothing there is going to change. He does fill in the forms for change of marital status, and he holds onto them for weeks afterwards, hands shaking at the thought of handing them in and everyone knowing. It takes him a couple more days but then he’s standing in the doorway of his office looking at Aubrey fastidiously working on something, muttering under her breath and she’s been with him for five years now, nearly six, and he knows he can trust her.

                “Aubrey… I need to ask you opinion on something.”

                “Sir?”

                “I have filled these in and should submit them to the administration office. However…” he swallows roughly and hands the forms over to her silently. She accepts them, eyes flicking over them quickly.

                “Well sir, I’m a little hurt I wasn’t invited –”

                “Ah –”

                “I’m joking sir. Now. I don’t know if you’re aware of this, however I came from the administration office and still have the same level of access. I can update the information and file these and no-one else will see it. Unless they go looking of course.”

                “Oh. You can do that?”

                “Of course sir. Leave them with me. And congratulations.”

                “Thank you Aubrey. For everything.”

…            …            …

                He doesn’t know what he expected to change with Ice and Mav getting married. They aren’t suddenly more affectionate with each other, Mav doesn’t move absolutely everything in, although there isn’t much left at his house anyway. He does note the appearance of the rings though, thinks it’s softly sweet that they wear them but the thought then turns sad when he realizes that they still feel like they cannot let the wider world know. That despite everything they’re still keeping it a secret. A part of him understands, to have something so big have to be a very well-guarded secret for over two decades.

                The extremes they both went to, to ensure that they weren’t found out. Marriages to women who fortunately knew and supported them and loved them and knowing that now, what his own parents must have known and done make him feel a little better about his own sexuality and journey. Knowing that they would have loved and supported him regardless. That Tamsin and Petra are here in the world because they added a legitimacy to Ice’s marriage, even though he knows both Ice and Sarah wanted kids and figured out the best way that could work for them. He looks at them all, Sarah and Melissa, Ica and Mav, their relationships with each other well over two decades and he doesn’t know the nitty-gritty of how they got together. Definitely isn’t going to ask, Mav tends toward over sharing and there are things he doesn’t need demystified.

                That said he does wonder how he’s going to maybe manage a relationship. If he even wants one. He didn’t before. Had very firmly put it away as something he couldn’t have, not alongside having the career he has wanted for as long as he can remember. But now… fucking Seresin putting the idea in his head has got him thinking and maybe it’s something he could try. If he could find a guy to try it with. He doesn’t want it to be someone who is also in the service, that seems like a recipe for trouble. There are dating apps and clubs but he already uses those to hook up, case in point, Jake Seresin.

                He does have people he can ask though; Chris and Pat. Nat’s cousin and his husband. They’re his age, well, a little older but not as old as Mav and Ice. More importantly they’re not in the military and probably know guys who are looking for… not just sex. Dating. He remembers them sending guys over and everything he learnt and now fondly remembers. Despite Christopher being Nat’s cousin he does count them as friends and so he finds himself reaching out, asking if he could maybe come and visit.

                Of course there’s an open invitation and he finds himself there mid-week, not really wanting to give up his weekend time with Tamsin and Petra, even as they have busier social lives he still tries to shoehorn as much time with them as they’ll let him. He knocks on the door to Christopher and Patrick’s apartment, a different one from over eight years ago, but he has been here before a couple of years ago when he visited with Natasha.

                “Bradley! Look at you. While I might not be a fan of the military I cannot argue with the output …”

                Bradley grins, well used to Christopher’s flirty banter now after years of it, accepts the hug and kiss to the cheek and toes off his shoes and places them on the rack.

                “Hey Christopher, nice to see you too. Thanks again for letting me come and stay.”

                “You’re always welcome, you know that. Come on in, make yourself at home. You know where everything is right?”

                “Yeah, assuming you haven’t done any major home renovations.”

                “No, we have not. You want a drink?”

                “Yeah, coffee would be good, but only if you’re making one yourself.”

                “I’m making myself a cocktail. Want one of those instead?”

                “Sure. Why not?” Bradley decides, because this conversation will probably go easier with a slightly looser tongue. He drops his bag in the guest room and heads back to the kitchen to find Christopher making coffee but also pouring vodka into a cocktail shaker along with a healthy amount of ice cubes.

                “Alcohol and caffeine. So we can make bad decisions wide awake!”

                “Well, I was actually after some life advice but sure, let’s start with bad decisions.”

                “Life advice? From moi?”

                “Yeah, you and Patrick. You two have your shit together.”

                Christopher’s gaze goes sharp.

                “Oh honey, I thought you were here for a booty call…”

                “And you still let me invite myself?” Bradley asks, half-joking but also a little horrified that Christopher would think him that rude. Although coming to visit just so he can ask advice probably isn’t the best look either.

                “I’m sorry, have you seen yourself. I’m married, not dead. And I didn’t mean a booty call with me and Patrick…”

                Bradley startles a little, feels the heat in his cheeks, hot and immediate because he let himself be startled; caught off guard. Because he had imagined that when he was younger, the idea of somehow being with both of them. However he’d never pursued it or shown any interest, because he’s good at hiding all that, he hasn’t managed a decade in the Navy under DADT by having his every want and desire clearly on display in his face and body. It’s not really happened before. He might need to unlearn some things.

                “I was joking but… interesting.”

                He tries to ignore his embarrassment as Christopher makes the cocktails, his gaze flicking back to Bradley every so often. Then he’s sliding over a glass filled with a dark concoction that does indeed smell very strongly of both coffee and alcohol. He takes a sip and coughs.

                “Shit that’s strong…”

                “Hmm. Bottoms up!” Christopher says, eyes wicked and Bradley coughs again, shooting Christopher a look because yes, he did get the fucking innuendo.

                “Babe! I’m home!”

                “In the kitchen!”

                He watches as Patrick gives Christopher a kiss hello and he’s struck with a sudden memory of his parents, bright laughter and easy affection. Huh.

                “Hey Bradley, nice to see you again…” Patrick says, reaching out to shake his hand and Bradley accepts the handshake, ignores Christopher’s eyeroll.

                “Hey Patrick, nice to see you too.”

…            …            …

                He’s not sure quite how it happens, other than apparently couples seem to be able to hold entire conversations silently with their eyes. He lies there, feeling wrung out but a growing sense of unease growing in his gut that he’s just slept with a married couple. His first threesome and god, Natasha can never know.

                “Well I sure as hell won’t be telling her,” Christopher says, and Bradley realizes he must have said something out loud.

                “You’re over thinking this. You’re not going to ruin our marriage by being in our bed.”

                “We’ve done this before,” Christopher adds and Patrick groans and Bradley bites his lip in amusement, because they’re still them, even here. Even if he’s becoming increasingly aware of his nakedness and feeling less comfortable himself. He hasn’t unpacked, maybe he should just get up and leave. He shifts but Patrick is there, hand pressing him back down.

                “Uh uh uh… you aren’t running away. No sneaking out. There isn’t anything to be ashamed of. You came here to talk, and now we’ll talk. And we’ll all put some clothes on. Go have a shower in the guest bathroom and we can sit on the sofa and hear your troubles…”

                Bradley wonders if making a quip about not minding either of them without their clothes on would be in appropriate or not and decides to keep his mouth shut. Clothes will help.

…            …            …

                “So… help us understand what you want.”

                “I don’t know what I want, that’s a whole part of the problem.”

                “Well, what do you not want?” Patrick asks and Bradley scrubs at his face.

                “I’m kind of over meaningless hookups.”

                “Oops?” Christopher offers and he and Patrick both snort.

                “So you want a relationship,” Patrick states and Bradley pulls a face.

                “I guess?”

                “Wow, ringing endorsement for relationships everywhere.”

                “Christopher stop being so bitchy, it isn’t helping.”

                “I… under don’t ask don’t tell I knew I couldn’t pursue a relationship. Not and have a career in the Navy.”

                “So you’ve never…”

                “I’ve never even gone on a date,” Bradley offers. “I don’t know if I’d be any good in a relationship. It seems like hard work.”

                “And you’re definitely a stranger to hard work, what with going through the academy and then flight school being so easy and all.”

                “Still bitchy, but he has a point. If you care about it, you put in the work.”

                Bradley groans, because the advice is reminiscent of what Ice had said.

                “Another silver lining from having sex with you, gives us a better idea of what you might like. Make sure you’d at least be sexually compatible.”

                Bradley shrugs, because he’s never put that much thought into it, other than always wanting to ensure the other person wanted to be there and enjoyed themselves.

                “You ever thought about entering the scene?”

                “The scene?”

                “Oh honey…”

                That devolves into a whole other conversation and Bradley feels overwhelmed with information, glad that Patrick stops Christopher from going and getting their toys. Instead Patrick says he’ll send him some websites to read through, once he’s had time to process and consider it. He can’t imagine doing anything like that with someone he doesn’t already know really well, but there is also a definite interest in exploring and learning about it all.

                He ends up talking about Jake, although he doesn’t mention his name. Just that the three nights and two days with Jake are pretty much the closest thing he’s ever had to dates, if they can even be called dates when it was simply filling time between rounds of sex. Annoyingly both Patrick and Christopher seem skeptical, like he should maybe consider pursuing something there and he shakes his head, insists he doesn’t want someone also in the service. Doesn’t mention how badly he feels that he’s likely burnt any and every bridge back to Jake. He’s not an option.

                “You want training wheels.”

                “What?”

                “Like a trial run. A relationship with training wheels. Someone to practice with that lets you try it out but not something too serious. A guy that’s low maintenance.”

                “That rules out over half your single friends,” Patrick says dryly. “They’re single for good reasons…” he says to Bradley, making his eyes wide to drive the point home and Bradley’s glad that he’s there. He’s calmer and more sensible than Christopher. Between them though he’s hoping they might have someone.

                “What about Mike?”

                “Bradley sees enough warzones, let’s save him from that one…”

                “Fine. Andrew?”

                “Andy or Drew?”

                “Andy. Drew is back together with his ex. Again.”

                “Ugh. Andy would be okay I guess. Maybe too much drama though? Drew would have been better.”

                Bradley feels like he very much does not need to be here for the conversation they’re having. They go through several more names, one or both of them shaking their heads and he’s glad they’re being so picky and discerning on his behalf, but he is becoming more and more terrified of ever entering the dating scene on his own. It sounds like a minefield.

                “What about Callum?”

                “Oh. Hmm. Not a bad idea. And he’s actually local to you, having just moved there… he’d probably appreciate the introduction as well. He’s… yeah. Actually that might be the best one.”

                “He’s a bit of a workaholic, which is why he’s single. But…”

                “I’m not around for months at a time…”

                “Yeah. Worth a shot right? At least a date or two?”

                “Yeah, got nothing to lose right?”

                “Just your first date virginity!”

                “Yeah, okay, thanks for that Christopher…”

…            …            …

                Neither he nor Ice are prepared for the arrival of the boyfriends.

                Plural.

                He doesn’t know if Tamsin and Bradley colluded to deal out the trauma simultaneously but it throws him and Ice both into an emotional tailspin. He knows Bradley is twenty-nine, likely has plenty of sexual experience given his little fieldtrips to New York and San Fransisco that he probably thinks he and Ice are blissfully ignorant of. Hell. He was young once. Tamsin though? She’s only fifteen no matter how much she argues that she’s turning sixteen soon.

                Tamsin’s boyfriend is a sixteen-year-old kid that neither he nor Ice like, although Bradley tells them they’re being too harsh. Pete knows what he was like as a teenager, and what Bradley was like, and quite frankly he’s glad that both his daughters know how to defend themselves, even if Petra tends to the slightly more violent side of things.

                Pete isn’t quite sure what to make of Bradley’s boyfriend. He’s nice enough, clearly cares for him, but also doesn’t seem to have the deep-rooted desire or passion that he’d hoped Bradley would find. It’s fine, it’s Bradley’s first boyfriend and Callum is smart and attentive but also doesn’t seem to get Bradley. Their interactions are friendly and easy, but that’s it he realizes. They act more like friends than anything else, careful distance always maintained and he wonders if Bradley is simply not into public displays of affection.

                Then he watches more, sees how Bradley hugs both him and Ice, how he’s hugging Tamsin and Petra, pressing kisses to the tops of their heads when he can get away with it. He reminds Pete so much of Goose in those moments and he wonders what is stopping him showing the same with Callum. Callum who Bradley won’t even invite to the house for family dinner. They go out to restaurants, although he does know that Callum stays over at Bradley’s place, and he won’t be making that mistake again in a hurry. Or ever again if he can help it.

                Fortunately, Petra seems to think that boys are disgusting, Pete hopes that she never changes her mind.

FOURTEEN

[plzfeedmebread]

Revenant - Chapter 1

word count: 4392

Pairing: Colonel Miles Quaritch x Female! Wife! Reader Warnings/Tags: None

Chapter Summary: You discuss the mission a bit more in depth, and visit someone very important to you.

[Masterlist] - [Previous Chapter] - [Next Chapter]

In Tenebra Fidemus - In darkness we trust. In Luce Vigemus - In light we thrive.

---

“Do you have any questions, [Y/N]?” James throws the last file into the fire. He assures you information will be clearer and more readily available once you touch down moon side.

“What of communication? How long is the delay to reach Earth?”

“Ah. You’ll be pleased to know that the Superluminal Communications used by the RDA allow for instantaneous interstellar communication between worlds. And naturally, we have set up our own private networks.”

Your eyes widen slightly at this. You had thought communication took as long as the commute; 6 years. You are happy to be wrong.

“There is a drawback, however, in that you can only send three bits of information per hour, and at the cost of $7,500 per bit. So do keep it as concise as possible, won’t you? And only when necessary.”

“Of course, James. Who shall be my contact on world? What of supplies? Gear?”

“Your on-world Handler shall be a woman by the name of Paz Socorro; a pilot with SecOps. She will be responsible for meeting any and all of your needs. Now in regards to your cover…”

James retrieves a thin black folder from his desk, handing it to you.

“You have two options. One – you will arrive as a Magistrate of the Interplanetary Commerce Administration. It is by their hand that the RDA has a monopoly on Pandora and the export of her resources. You will be there to oversee that the RDA adheres to the strict rules set by the ICA, less their monopoly be revoked. You will be given complete authority over the entire base in this instance; thus you shall be able to move about unhindered. We will also assign Miss Socorro as your personal pilot for the duration of your stay. The downside here is that, by being in such a position of authority, you will have eyes on you constantly. You may also encounter resistance from some personnel in both SciOps and SecOps.”

You nod quietly as he explains further.

“Two – you will be a bioengineer, sent at the behest of the RDA to work alongside Grace’s team. You will be researching ways to utilise the planets flora and fauna to combat disease, prolong human life, perhaps chemical warfare if you feel so inclined. We will forge the necessary scholarly documents as required. In this position, you will be far more inconspicuous; just another member of the SciOps team. However your interactions with Miss Socorro will be lessened, as we cannot guarantee she will always be your designated pilot in the field.”

You nod, crossing your arms as you consider the two options.

“What would you suggest, James?”

“Honestly? Option one. I believe it will make your life easier. No one will question your decisions, and even if they perhaps did, you may simply ask them under who’s authority do they operate. Anything you do, can be under the guise of the ICA’s interests, and never will you have to explain your reasonings. Conversely, you may use your position as a bioengineer to gain access to invaluable research on deadly fauna and how it could be used to eliminate your target. Either way worry not; you needn’t give your answer just yet. You have until tomorrow night to come up with the decision.”

“Tomorrow evening. A shuttle will collect you from your apartment at 2300 hours.”

‘That soon?!’ That left you barely any time at all to tie up any loose ends here on Earth. Without any true way to estimate the length of time you’d spend away, you wanted to make sure you left nothing behind undone.

“Time is of the essence my dear. Here, some light reading for you before your long slumber.” He hands you a book detailing the Na’vi language; aptly named the same.

“It’ll be lonely without you here…Try and come back in one piece won’t you? In Tenebra Fidemus.” He half bows with a hand flat on his heart.

“In Luce Vigemus.” You mimic his gesture. “Thank you James, for all you have done for me and mine. I will not disappoint.”

“I know...Good luck, [Y/N], and stay safe.” He places a firm hand on your shoulders, and you look up. Your eyes meet piercing silver. You commit his face to memory; the thick grey mop of hair he keeps styled back, the wrinkles strewn on his face, the crookedness of his mouth and the crease in his eyes when he smiles. Time has been unrelenting, aging him like fine wine.

He is old, you realise, and you suddenly ponder if he’ll be there to greet you upon your return. A round trip would be over a decade, and that’s without factoring in time spent planet side. The realisation sits heavy on your heart, for you now are certain this is perhaps the last time you shall see your father figure. Although he was the one to pull you into his dark world of blood and shadow, he still did more for you than your birth parents ever did.

You jump at him, wrapping your arms around his mid, burying your face into his chest. By sheer force of will you do not cry, but your shoulders shake still.

Words remain unspoken, unneeded, as he wraps his arms around you in turn. He knows precisely what you’re thinking. He holds you for a moment not yet long enough.

“Go. Before I try and change your mind.” He gently pushes you from him. You take his hand, squeezing the back of it to your cheek. Your eyes meet once more, and with a final determined nod, you turn and briskly walk out of the suite.

You don’t look back.

---

Descension was no less easier.

Your new mission weighs heavily upon your mind. You have faced dangers untold and hardships unnumbered in your pursuit of betterment. But to be pulled nearly 4 and a half light years away? Unthinkable. Inconsiderable.

But of course you had agreed; in actuality, there was little choice to be made. Denying would look poorly upon both you and your handler for a start, and you were not about to tarnish the reputation of the man that essentially raised you. More importantly, you thought of your dear brother, Tom.

As smart as he was, he was not built for combat. He was decidedly the smarter twin. Academically gifted , the man was inundated with PhD honours. He deserved the safety of his books, the certainty of walls and structure. What kind of sister would you be then, if you let his gentle soul venture into these uncharted wilds, leaving him at the mercy of this xenosanctuary?

Thus your choice was clear; you must accept the contract. You gave yourself a secondary mission then; eliminate all who would threaten the safety of your brother. From the lowest grunt, to The Director themself; no one would be spared your golden stiletto blades.

Family above all else.

---

A shuttle awaits you as you exit the premises after a quick shower and wardrobe change. You inform the AI of your destination, and with monotone acceptance, you’re off into the skies.

A song you don’t recognise plays, but you enjoy the feeling of the dark bass as it pulses through your bones.

Far off in the distance, thick grey clouds reach up towards an unseen sky. Deep orange cuts through the effervescent neon sea; the remnants of your last mission set ablaze.

You peel your eyes from the scene, dragging your gaze over the city below. Flashing lights, dancing holograms. The people move as one; a single living organism splintering itself into every nook and cranny, invading the dark crevices below.

And somewhere in this hell of concrete spires and minds of metal, your two brothers reside.

---

Tom’s apartment complex resides somewhere in the nicer part of town; if you can even call it that. The shuttle drops you off at a designated landing zone, several floors above where you need to be.

The moment your heel touches down, you’re off in a hurried gait. You become one with the crowd, pirouetting through the sea of warm bodies, avoiding their touch as you weave through. The air is thick, laden with the stench of garbage, street food, and something sickly sweet.

You pay no mind to the AI holos that vie for your attention, their faux voices disappear into the background as you press forward.  Advertisements in a language you don’t understand lick at your ears from all directions, drowned only by the sound of the locals around you; drunks arguing with any who look at them wrong, the not so sound of mind and their unintelligible ramblings, users openly abusing on the streets, even the faint moans wafting on the air from dark corners unseen.

You hate this cesspool of debauchery and sin. But time and time again, your brother refuses your offers to live with you. Your apartment is high in the clouds, far away from the lower dregs of society. It would be much safer you insisted, pleaded, but your brother is as stubborn as you are deadly. He doesn’t want to rely on you, wants to be able to stand on his own two feet. An intellectual prodigy, you often wonder if common sense was perhaps lost on him. Never the matter, you had him under constant surveillance. Thanks to your connections, the criminals operating in this sector know the resident of this apartment is off limits – no exceptions.

You arrive to his front door. With your knuckles, you perform a rhythmic set of taps; a secret signal to let him know it was safe to open, and whom to expect. You hear hurried footsteps from inside, a loud thump followed by muffled cursing. There is the distinct sound of things being knocked over, followed by more footsteps, and the fumbling of several locks. The door is wrenched open, and you are greeted with the flushed face of your beloved brother.

“[Y/N]!!!” He exclaims, grabbing you by the hand and pulling you into a hug. You return it with equal enthusiasm.

“Tommy! Sorry, did I come at a bad time? I hope I didn’t wake you.” You step into the apartment, closing the door and reengaging the  multitude of locks.

“No not at all! I’ve just been going through some of my notes from my dissertation.” He busies himself with picking up scattered papers and books strewn along the floor; no doubt the result of the scuffling you heard before. You make yourself comfortable on the couch.

“Don’t you already have a PhD?”

“Yeeeeees, but one can never be over prepared! Grace Augustine is a world renowned Xenobotanist and Xenolinguist. I have to cover all my bases if I want to impress her!” Your heart melts and your expression softens when you see the twinkle in his eye, and hear the fire in his voice.

“Tommy – you’ve already impressed her. You start training next year! I’m sure she’s just as excited for you to get there, as you are.”

“Maybe you’re right…” He gives you a shy smile, a small huff of a laugh leaves him as he rubs the back of his head. His expression morphs to confusion though as he gives you a thoughtful look.

“Hey, it is pretty late...What did you come by for? Not that you’re unwelcome or anything! It’s just, you know, later than usual…”

You cover your mouth as you giggle at his fumbling.

“Nothing bad, don’t worry! It’s good news actually!”

Tommy ceases his cleaning, and comes to sit beside you. He faces you, giving you his undivided attention.

“Soooo you know how I have that government job that I’m under strict contractual obligation to not divulge, under any circumstance, to anyone, ever?”

“You mean the very suspicious career that Jake and I are both convinced is actually you working as a high-class escort for the billionaires that run the world? Yes, please do go on.”

You make an offended gasp, but laugh as you playfully punch him in the arm.

“AAH! No! Stop! I’m sorry! I bruise easily!”

The two of you are in a fit of giggles as you continue to shove each other, which then devolves into the two of you grabbing couch cushions and start wailing on one another.

Tom holds up his hands in surrender, yielding to your superior strength. The conversation resumes once the two of you become calm once more and the laughter dies down.

“As I was saying—I’m being shipped off-world for my next big project.”

“Oh? Which colony are off to? Somewhere in the Zeta quadrant?”

You shake your head. You let him fire off a few more guesses, enjoying the frustrated look slowly developing on his face as he wracks his brain for an answer.

“Try something a little closer to home. Something you might one day be, intimately familiar with, as it were.”

He stares at you, brow furrowed with confusion.

Realisation then hits him, eyes widening.

“Noooooo…”

“Yeeeeees,” there is a tease in the tone of your voice as you nod with a widening smile.

“[Y/N]! Are you serious?! This is amazing!” Without warning he has you trapped in another hug, vigorously swaying side to side.

“I have so many questions! When are you going? What will you be doing? Will we be at the same RDA base? Is the government giving you your own Avatar? Have you been practising the Na’vi language? Have you even started? Would learning it even be beneficial to whatever it is you’re doing there?! What—”

“Tom!” Both of your hands are immediately cradling his head. It shuts him up instantly.

“Breathe bro. You know damn well I can’t answer, ANY of those questions! Ah well, except I’m actually getting flown out tomorrow night…”

“Tomorrow?! That’s so soon…” Tom grabs your hands in his, slowly lowering them to his lap. His eyes are cast downward. You can see his pupils shifting rapidly as his mind races with unknown thoughts.

Quickly his on his feet, releasing your hands. He sprints off into his room without a word. You call after him.

“Tom…?”

“One sec!”

After a few minutes, he’s right back in front of you, cradling a small black box.

“I was gonna wait till your birthday to give this to you—but seeing as I won’t see you for a few years…” He holds the box out to you.

The material is soft velvet, smooth under your skin. You let out a faint gasp when your eyes see the contents within.

A small pendant of silver, fashioned into the shape of a rose, with a ruby fastened into the centre; tied to a thin silver chain.

“Tom, it’s beautiful.”

“You’re welcome.” He gives you a self-assured smile, clearly quite pleased with himself. You turn around and he helps fasten it around your neck. It sits comfortably just below your clavicle.

“Thank you, you really didn’t have to do this.”

“I know…But I wanted to give you something special, now that I can afford to. It’s made of platinum by the way, so it’s nice and durable.” You wordlessly nod, putting the small black box into your jacket pocket. Tom grabs both your hands in his, holding them up in the space between you two.

“…Listen. You always took good care of Jake and I, ever since…Well you’ve acted not only as our big sister, but also filled the shoes of mom and dad. And you know what? I’m happy it was you there, and not them. Seeing you work hard, coming home at ridiculous hours, but still finding time to spend with us? It must’ve been hard, having to grow up so fast…But you were always smiling—Hell I don’t remember you ever complaining, even when we were being brats for no reason…You’re one of, if not, the strongest person I know.”

There comes a painful throb in your chest, the soft silk of his words wraps itself around you, squeezing. Your eyes glisten with the promise of tears, but you hold steadfast to your emotions.

“Look, all I’m trying to say is, thank you. Thank you, for taking care of me. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten all those scholarships, wouldn’t have had the drive to get my PhDs, and probably wouldn’t be sitting in front of you right now. So, my beloved big sister [Y/N], thank you for being my family. I love you.”

And the dam breaks.

You crash into him, hugging him with all your might. Tears flow freely down your face as you wail uncontrollably. Hearing him say those things, suddenly makes everything you have done, everything you have sacrificed, worth it all. There is an almost indescribable feeling that washes over and through you. It brings about a peace you hadn’t known you needed. It was a reassurance that your brother was going to be okay—his future was secure, thanks you both yours and his efforts; all in spite of the rough start you had in life.

“TOOOOOM!!! IT’S OKAY!!! I’D DO IT ALL AGAIN FOR YOU GUYS!!! I LOVE YOU TOOOOO!!!” You bawl out, still crying.

Tom laughs as he pats your back.

---

“Here, just TAKE it. It’ll give me peace of mind!” You hold out your spare apartment keycard. He sighs at your antics.

Some time after you had finally calmed down, you brought up the idea that he should live in your apartment while you are away; look after the place as it were. He wouldn’t have to pay rent, as that was covered by your job, and it would be in a safer neighbourhood. Still he fights you on this. You pout at him, puffing your cheeks.

“You owe me for making me cry!”

“Oh my GOD fine! Give it here!” He grabs the card, and immediately you face turns to a victorious smile.

“Good. I’ll be gone by tomorrow, so you can start moving your stuff in the day after.”

Tom nods but stifles a yawn at the same time. You cast a glance at the clock on the wall, realising the time.

“I should probably head off then, it’s getting rather late, and you clearly need your beauty sleep.”

He swats your arm playfully, and calls you something in a language you don’t recognise as the two of you make your way to the door.

“What did you just call me?”

“Ha! It’s Na’vi for ‘moron’. Even if you don’t need to learn the language for your job, I suggest you do. Because even if we’re not at the same base, you better believe I’m going to annoy you every chance I get! Even if it has to be over comms.”

You roll your eyes at him as you undo the various locks. With the door open, you turn to your brother once more. You pull him into one final hug. This time the two of you remain quiet as you embrace.

Your stomach flips, an uncomfortableness settles deep within. This goodbye feels far too final, and you do not like that.

Hesitantly do you remove yourself from his embrace, taking a small step back and out into the cold.

“I’d say goodbye, but that doesn’t feel right. So, I’ll see you later?”

He gives you a confident smile.

“Yeah…See ya later [Y/N]. Have a safe trip home. And a safe journey too. Keep Pandora warm for me.”

With a tiny wave, you turn and slowly start the ascent to the shuttle bay. Before you disappear behind the next flight of stairs, you turn to meet his gaze once more. The two of you share one final wave and an exchange of smiles.

He knows you won’t move first, and so you watch him disappear safely behind his apartment door.

---

The penthouse is dark when you arrive. You remove your shoes, leaving them in the entryway. Your hands glide over the walls as you meander into the living room, collapsing on the couch.

You lay there for a few moments, idly playing with the pedant on your chest. You can feel sleep tugging at the recesses of your mind, threatening to take you in a moments notice. With a grunt you sit yourself up. You know you have to call Jake now; you’ll be far too busy tomorrow.

You heart feels heavy in your chest as you think of him. He was deployed into active service in Venezuela a few months back, and contact with him is few and far between. The odds of him picking up are unlikely, but you attempt to establish a connection anyway.

It rings and rings, but there is no answer. The AI offers for you to record a video message.

You sigh in defeat, saddened that you would not be able to speak with him before you leave. For you it would feel like days, maybe weeks till you spoke with him next. But for him, he’d have to wait 6 years before he hears from you again. Guilt gnaws away at you, but the situation is out of your hands. Despite your pleas, he was insistent on joining the marines. He was more adamant than ever once he was accepted and started their rigorous training.

Often he would call you all hours of the night, once he retired with his fellow recruits to their bunkers. And even though he looked battered and bruised, his smile was toothy and genuine. The comradery of his fellows made known as they always invaded his personal space when he was chatting with you.

“Yooo Sully!!! Aye, bro! Is that your missus?!” The face of a stranger pushes against Jake’s as they try and get a better look at you on the comm pad in his hands.

“No you dick—that’s my sister! Urgh, [Y/N] this is Waitara. Waitara, this [Y/N] my SISTER.” You hide your mouth behind your hand as you let out a soft giggle.

“Hiiii Waitara. I hope you guys are taking good care of my baby brother?”

“Ayyyye, I promise, we’re taking good care of this one!” He puts one arm around Jake, giving him a noogie in the process. You once again laugh at your brother’s annoyed reaction as he tries to swat the other man away.

“Well then you have my deepest thanks Waitara.”

“Aww Miss! You can just call me Matiu, means ‘Gift of God’—”

“OKAY Romeo that’s enough! Stop trying to flirt with my sister!” Jake interrupts Matiu with a hard shove to the side. You can hear him laughing at Jake’s expense off camera. You faintly hear him call out to the others, Jake rolling his eyes, and before you know it, you’re being introduced to the others; much to Jake’s annoyance.

You on the other hand are all smiles and laughter as they inundate you with embarrassing stories of Jake, plus variations of “Miss Sully! Look what I can do!”

You smile at the memory, but remind yourself you need to record this now lest you fall asleep.

You hit the button to begin the recording, and your image appears on the screen.

You give an enthusiastic wave to the camera and a wide smile.

“Hi Jake! How are you doing? I hope everything is uhh, as good as it can be…” Your smile falters when you realise the man is in active duty, not training. He could very well be on the battlefield right now, under enemy fire. You bite your lip to stop yourself from over-thinking. Unlike Tom, Jake was always a fighter. Where Tom excelled academically, Jake excelled physically. His confidence was easily backed by the strength of his heart, and the strength of his fist. You shake your head and continue.

“Urgh sorry. I know you’re on active duty right now and it probably sucks…But I have some good news! Uhh, though whether you think it’s good remains to be seen…Anyway! You know my job, government, classified, NDA yadda yadda. Well! I have been given a big new assignment to take on…And for it, they’re going to be shipping me off-world! It’s gonna take me 6 years to get there cuz it's about four and a half light years away…I was hoping to speak with you before I leave, but I guess the universe has other plans huh? I’d tell you where, but, ya know. NDA and all that…”

Unfortunately you couldn’t really speak of where you going, nor elude to what you were doing. Tom was also under restrictions in regards to his future work with the Avatar Program. The only reason he spoke of it to you was, one, you are his big sister and he was always going to spill the beans to you, risks be damned. But two, your ‘government job’ meant you were well entitled to be privy to such information. At least that’s how you spun it to him.

“Oh! I just came back from seeing Tom, look what he gave me, isn’t it pretty?” You lean in closer to the camera, showing off the pendant.

“Said it was for my upcoming birthday…” You go quiet again, but only for moment.

“Listen Jake. I don’t know how often, if at all, I’ll be able to get in contact with you once I touch down. It’s a pretty remote place, and the work I’m doing…Look I don’t want you to feel like I’m abandoning you here on Earth while I go, chasing the stars or whatever. Everything I do, I do for you and Tommy. I love you guys, so, SO much. You’re my precious baby brother, and there isn’t anything in the entire God damn galaxy I wouldn’t do for you. I hope you know that… I love you Jake. Please stay safe out there. Come back to me in one piece? Love you, and I’ll see you later…”

You hit stop on the recording, sending it in one go.

There is so much more you want to say, so much more you feel you should say. But your emotions are running high, and you feel so utterly drained from everything that has happened, compounded with your worries for the future.

With conscious effort you drag yourself to the bedroom, changing into you usual sleep attire.

You move to throw yourself onto the bed.

You’re asleep before your head even hits the pillow.

---

[Masterlist] - [Previous Chapter] - [Next Chapter]

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Author's Notes: And so the adventure begins. Thank you to @mechformers for her constant support and feedback! <3 Apologies for grammatical errors, hope you all enjoy this first step.

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Fic Tag List: @sofiebstar @winxschester @yhern05 @an0th3rsss @gamerxpfighter @to-earth-from-the-sun @exulqnsisxthoughts @sweetirilly @wolfgirl497 @thebeckyjolene @goddesslilithmoriarty @the-anjos @bitchykittenconnoisseur

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Perma Tag List: [Interactive Post] alternatively reply below if you want to be tagged just for the story

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[serpentinesheldonserpentine]

Anodyne is just fine.

Friends, a couple of my intellectual betters recently encouraged you to buy “ weird art” instead of the bland offerings of that chain store.

I disagree. Those gentlemen are cultured. I isn’t. Just contemplating buying art makes many of us feel insecure. Few of us receive any education on art appreciation, and unless you visit museums you’re unlikely to know much beyond what you like.

And, what you like is perfect.

There’s a handful of galleries and auction houses that determine what is art these days, and what it’s worth.

If you don’t like Currin, Hirst, or Koons, good for you. Fuck those jerkoffs. Enjoy a placid landscape? Also good for you.

If you’re curious about weird art go to a weird art museum like our ICA. Failing that, attend student shows at your local art college. Should you fall in love with something weird, you can buy it for a reasonable price so that when you’re weary of the weird you can file it away with your Nehru jacket collection and buy something…peaceful.

But don’t fret that you like mainstream artists. It’s all part of what famous art critic Jacques Clouseau called “life’s rich pageant”.

By the way, I know I am on dangerous intellectual ground disagreeing with my smarter peers. In my defense the weird art “meme” originated with an author of a book about actor Bill Murray. Nothing weird about Murray, he’s just another Hollywood jerkoff.

[tacticalhimbo]

Soders suffers from the rare condition, Situs Inversus, in which his internal organs are reversed. He received his first heart transplant in 1995 - a procedure that might have involved illegal, black market organ trading. However, being a sacred ICA cow, no formal investigation was made. Intel suggests that Soders is once again dying and right-sided donor hearts are almost impossible to obtain. This, plus the fact that Soders is virtually broke from gambling, gives an indication of why he has chosen to betray ICA and become a mole for Providence. They not only have access to the best medical treatments that money can buy, but they also have the global reach and means to procure an illegal donor heart at short notice. Soders cannot have been on Providence payroll for more than a few weeks. Otherwise, he would have warned them about the hits on their operatives in Italy and Morocco. He was likely turned shortly after the abduction of Thomas Cross from his son's funeral, when Providence realized that someone was using ICA to attack their operatives. Providence has presumably kept files on all ICA board members, in case they would ever need to infiltrate us. This explains why Soders' file was among the shadow client's research in Colorado. Erich Soders is a survivor, plan and simple. Once a formidable assassin, he grew bitter and resentful after his early forced retirement and has now lost all sense of honor. This mission is regrettable, yet necessary. Soders must pay for his treachery and we must draw a line in the sand.

[world-of-wales]

CATHERINE'S STYLE FILES - 2017

17 JANUARY 2017 || The Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince William, outlined the plans for Heads Together ahead of the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon during a visit to the ICA.

[archivyrep]

Archivists are not librarians: Understanding the differences [Part 2]

Continued from part 1

Peridot goes through an old file system to find information about the Cluster in the Steven Universe episode "It Could've Been Great"

While archivists undoubtedly also create and use databases, help patrons do research, organize materials, and maintain collections, it is unlikely that a librarians would be teaching classes or researching what equipment will be purchased. In some smaller archives, it is likely that librarians would be planning programs, training and supervising other staff, and preparing budgets. One fundamental difference is that archives preserve materials which have long-term value, not just something like the latest smash hit from Hollywood that a local public library would have, that no one will likely care about in five years.

Reprinted from my Wading Through the Cultural Stacks WordPress blog. Originally published on Dec. 9, 2021.

Libraries and archives have their own important functions, but they are not the same. This is clear from the skills that archivists usually have. This includes a broad (and deep) knowledge of records, special preservation and access training, passion for history, eye for detail, and strong commitment to service. Just as important is collaboration with others, using innovative methods, working independently and on a team, strong research and writing skills, and creative problem solvers. It is also said that archivists show a natural curiosity, have an in-depth knowledge of digital preservation, general understanding of cataloging, web archiving, delivery, and web site preservation, and an understanding of how different system parts contribute to the job. [2]

Librarians, on the other hand, help "people conduct research or find information" and have a wide range of responsibilities, as noted by Maryville University. The aforementioned BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook states that job duties for librarians "vary based on the type of library they work in, such as a public, school, or medical library," adding that in small libraries, librarians are "often responsible for many or all aspects of library operations" but in large libraries they "usually focus on one aspect of the library, such as user services, technical services, or administrative services." There are some similarities to archivists at small archives, or archives-lite, like Historical societies, rare book collections, and special collections. More specifically, there are:

Academic librarians

Administrative services librarians

Public librarians

School librarians (also called school library media specialists)

Special librarians (also called information professionals) and can include corporate librarians law librarians, and medical librarians

Technical services librarians

User services librarians

There are, similarly, different types of archivists, whether those who work in colleges and universities, corporations, governments, historical societies, museums, religious institutions, and special collections. [3] However, librarians can said to be much more public-facing than archivists, but this is sometimes not the case, with archivists dealing with the public as much as librarians, especially if they work at a small institution or their archive is within a library.

© 2022 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

Continued in part 3

Notes

[2] For this paragraph, see "What's an Archivist?" on the NARA website, "Who is an archivist?" on the International Council of Archives (ICA) website, "Archivist vs. Librarian: Which Career Path Is for You?" from Maryville University, Jennifer Wright's "Some Archival Career Advice" post, and Peter Chan's "What Does it Take to Be a Well-rounded Digital Archivist?" post.

[3] See "Types of Archives" page on the SAA website.

[blairwarbler]

Santana Lopez (played by Naya Rivera) Hero Resume file and other characters prop lot. (Season 5). Collection featuring Santana (played by Naya Rivera) resume and many featured props primarily from the 5th season including: Black leather folder with internal notepad, (2) thick clipped copies of WMHS and Principal Figgins Grant of Oil & Gas lease, Santana (played by Naya Rivera) resume & experience hero file, (2) mock "Backstage" magazine collection, stage/casting insert pages, (2) Kurt (played by Chris Colfer) prop sai stage weapons from "I am Unicorn", a foam throwing star, stack of computer testing strips and Demi Lovato's chapstick, 4 x 5 inch photos of Rachel, Santana, Kurt, Finn & Glee club members, set of (30+) Kitty Wylde (played by Becca Tobin) photo's, large stack of ICA Talent Agency folders filled with documents, resumes and headshots, (4) 50th Annual McKinley classroom decorating contest forms, bag of lids for urine specimen bottles, multiple DJ Fine phone number on scrap sheets (10) "Grado IV Carne" WMHS stickers and stack of magazine inserts, pages and slicks featuring Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake & Robin Thicke from Season 1 Episode 2: "Showmance".

[cicaklah]

You know I have to pick even steak don't cry for the antique ask game, right?

“What’s your earliest memory?” she says. “Sexually. Wet dreams. Can you get it up? You’re a healthy adult man. Surely you’d remember something. Any kinks I should know about?” He looks lost, even hurt, if she wanted to project. “It’s in my file”, he says, and she know she should let it go. Everything is telling her to let it go. “Tell me” she presses. He says nothing, but he leans towards there and there might be a smile there, familiar as a foreign country. He blinks long and slow. His secrets look so close in the dark, like he wants her to reach out and take them. “I’d rather talk about something else”, he murmurs, and there’s a thread there, unravelling. She can almost see it, can just reach out and pull, unravel him completely. “Seduce me” she whispers through the vodka and the demands of her better angels and leans forward just enough to put her hands on his knees and slide them, slowly and deliberately, down the slope of his thighs. There was a moment then where it almost happened. She saw him hesitate. Her training said to just keep quiet, let him make the move, and then it’ll go as planned. They’ll shove the beds together and he’ll be the best fuck of her life and the ICA trainers will be right and it’ll be fine, all fine. She is fine with it, more than fine, suddenly aware that she has never wanted anyone so badly as him in that moment. She folds her knees under her to prepare to climb him like the mountains she’s been climbing for a month, everything pointing towards this. The vodka flowing through her veins didn’t get the message about keeping quiet, and so she keeps talking. “Maybe they’re right, maybe it’s something we have to do. It sounds like you’ll need the practice. It’s like another final exam, I won’t tell, I doubt you’d fail. We might never see each other again, once you are activated, this might be it, our only chance” she realises it’s come out wrong. It’s desperate, awful and needy, mean and cruel. He looks at her for a long moment, his face back to its blank, shuttered look. Then he gets up, taking the vodka bottle with him and a moment later Diana hears the window in the kitchen open followed by a grunt of him hurling the bottle into the night. He goes into the bathroom and locks the door, and she spends too long sitting on her heels, staring into the fire, trying not to cry.

OKAY RIGHT SO I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE BUT ORIGINALLY THEY WERE GOING TO FUCK HERE. Like they were going to fuck but then I realised that they absolutely couldn't fuck. Everyone knows that now. (once I get my new bath the 'what if they fucked in the fuck cabin in steak' should be a ficlet with gloves, someone remember to prompt that).

ANYWAY: diana getting drunk and inappropriate on cheap vodka that feels like its tearing you inside is me losing my virginity second week of uni with a beautiful guy at 4AM after drinking room temperature tesco value vodka all night and then the next morning, still drunk and kind of hurt and out of sorts and full of feelings and anticlimax, making some weird overconfident sex reference to the guy when he came to see me, and me badly misjudging it and upsetting him.

(just generally hiding behind weird lines and come ons is very much something I do when I'm nervous and unsure in sexual situations. I have very little game. I put it all in my fanfiction)

"He says nothing, but he leans towards there and there might be a smile there, familiar as a foreign country." <- tiny smile detective squad needed on the scene

[mr-t-rieper]

One of my favorite missions when I still worked for the ICA.

Turns out he had actually paid for it himself and was just curious what would happen. It’s all in the released files now, but we actually agreed to not follow through with the contract.

Didn’t even want some of his money back.

Cool guy

I hope he’s doing well.

Good afternoon, 47. Your target is this random guy minding his own business. We have no idea what he’s wanted for, only that we will be paid an inexplicably large sum of money. We are running this mission with zero intel because this is just some guy. Good luck, 47.

[eld-red]

uhh something something im working on an au where my oc gets recruited into the ica something something

her name lucy/lacy. the entire thing is under the cut. i wrote this at like midnight a couple days ago it is very stream of consciousness. so yeah. enjoy

There weren’t many things in life that 47 found strange. Nor things that confused him. Every thought he had, he always tried to make sure they were rooted in reality. That there was a line of logic to follow. Sure, it might take him time to find it, but there almost always is one. If he doesn’t find that line straightaway, then that is a scenario he calls a curiosity.

Ortmeier and the five fathers. Zavorotko. Fourneir, Cayne. Dexter. All curiosities. Sure, one could call these scenarios all strange–which to anyone who learned of these without having any context, they would. But this was all the norm to 47: men in power who probably shouldn’t be, men in power with questionable intentions (and worse moral codes), cold blood, and homicide. None of this was strange to him.

So, this new debriefing from Diana was not too strange or all that confusing, but it was something…new to 47. It was surprising.

As the ICA was scrambling together to fill the void of the recent traitorous actions of their long-time training director and ex-field operative, Erich Soders, the remaining board of directors thought it would be a good time to find new recruits into the agency. Well, in reality, it was just one new recruit. But the file folder full of classified documents showed that she would be quite the asset if they were able to successfully recruit her. A female hacker who was colloquially named White Rabbit.

Depending on who you’d ask, you’d either view her as a cyberterrorist or a hacktivist. Some even called her a misandrist–a word 47 had to look up the meaning of. “The dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against men.”

And White Rabbit only targeted men. But men who were abusive to their partners or children. Men who cheated on their partners. Men who groomed children and teenagers. Men who, despite committing these crimes, still had their jobs and were respected by their community. White Rabbit found these men, blackmailed them to extort money out of them, then exposed them to their community with a letter that contained evidence posted online.

She started with simple teachers, with school district superintendents, directors of local theaters, general managers of stores–but the incident that caused her to gain all this notoriety was when she exposed the ex-drummer of the band The Class. He was using the star power he had to manipulate and abuse teenaged fans into doing favors for him.

“Wolves live alongside us. Perfectly disguised. Some of your fellow peers may notice this, but instead of seeing something, saying something, they don’t. They stay silent. And they become complicit,” is what she always began every exposé letter with. “Complicit as these wolves brutalize their prey.”

White Rabbit was clever. Her IP address was well masked, [find more information about hacking lmao]–she was practically untraceable. There was much speculation as to who she was. Some said she was an older woman who was in the position of a victim, and wanted to expose these abusers to help others who had once been in her position. 47 found as much humor as he could in the fact that everyone seemed to silently agree no man could (or wanted to) do something like this.

The true identity of White Rabbit was a young woman who was only nineteen years old. Her name was Eugenia-Louise, but there were other reports of her going by the name Lacy. She lived in Massachusetts, then New Mexico, and was currently located in Oregon. The ICA was able to find she had ties to a fire at a college in New Mexico–a college above a laboratory that held a program for human experimentation.

“ICA wasn’t able to find much information���we only have a vague connection of events. There was the fire, eyewitness reports mentioning a girl with black hair fleeing the scene, then another report of a girl with a similar description winding up at a women’s shelter,” Diana sighed. “She’s an enigma, 47.”

“Won’t we get the chance to talk to her directly?”

“We will.”

The board of the ICA themselves requested this hit. Not on the White Rabbit–rather, a counter-assassination. To kill the duo who was after her. To protect her.

The hit that was being placed on the White Rabbit–they weren’t able to find many of the specific details–not that it really mattered to him. People who were probably upset with what she stood for, she somehow managed to piss off the wrong man, that sort of thing.

What did matter was that the duo wanted to isolate her to brutally murder her. Which wouldn’t be too hard to do that night. The White Rabbit had an important evening audition for the music program of a college she wanted to attend. She’d be walking around campus, in the dark; walking around in empty hallways in big buildings; waiting around in dressing rooms.

The best course of action, he figured, was to disguise himself as her accompanist. A man who would be by the White Rabbit’s side for most of the night. 47 was lucky that her accompanist roughly matched his physical description–and lucky that he could play the piano.

There was a simple plan for 47 to fill the role of White Rabbit’s accompanist. The actual man was out of town, and it was as easy as telling anyone who asked that something came up and he was able to return home early.

But there were more pressing matters to attend to–he had to delay revealing himself to White Rabbit for as long as possible. Both he and Diana had a feeling that she would be able to recognize him, and she would think that he was there to kill her.

[mohdrizwan3]

How Emirates ID Typing Has Evolved with Digital Advancements

In the UAE, an Emirates ID is more than simply an identity card—it’s an crucial device for every day residing. From getting access to healthcare to signing apartment contracts and travelling via UAE airports, this small card incorporates tremendous significance. One of the most crucial steps in obtaining this card is the Emirates ID typing process, which ensures that all non-public records is correctly entered into the device. Over the years, this method has undergone widespread modifications, pushed via technological improvements and the UAE’s push for digital transformation. Let’s discover how the Emirates ID typing procedure has advanced with virtual advancements and the way these changes have benefited citizens and residents alike.

1. What is Emirates ID Typing?

Emirates ID typing refers back to the technique of coming into or "typing" personal facts into the reliable machine for the purpose of issuing or renewing an Emirates ID card. Initially, this procedure required journeying a typing middle wherein trained personnel could help residents fill out their data, take a look at for accuracy, and put up the forms to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

The function of typing centers changed into critical, specifically for expatriates who might be strange with the prison necessities. But as technology has advanced, typing facilities and government government have embraced digital solutions to make the technique quicker, extra accurate, and extra convenient for citizens.

2. The Early Days of Emirates ID Typing: Manual and Time-Consuming

In the early days, Emirates ID typing changed into a very guide technique. Residents would go to a typing center with their documents, and workforce could manually input facts into the ICA machine. This meant filling out bodily bureaucracy, verifying files, and on occasion waiting in long traces at typing facilities. The whole revel in will be gradual, and any errors in statistics entry could suggest delays, repeat visits, and additional frustration.

Mistakes in typing had been now not unusual, as every element had to be entered manually. This might result in extended processing instances and on occasion mistakes on the ID card itself. Additionally, the shortage of a centralized machine supposed that the typed information could not be speedy established by way of other authorities departments, causing further delays if a resident’s data had to be up to date.

3. The Shift to Digital: How Online Systems Changed the Game

As the UAE’s digital infrastructure grew, so did the options for simplifying the Emirates ID typing procedure. The authorities began rolling out on-line services, permitting residents to fill out packages and upload their facts digitally. Now, Emirates ID typing could be carried out on-line from domestic, reducing down on the need to visit a bodily typing center.

The new on-line system eliminated a great deal of the manual paintings. Residents ought to enter their facts directly into the ICA portal or through a digital app, minimizing human errors and permitting for instant verification via the gadget. These advancements additionally stepped forward protection, as virtual information access is more secure than paper forms that may be without difficulty out of place or misinterpreted.

4. Biometric Data Collection and Digital Verification

In addition to simple statistics, residents additionally need to publish their biometric statistics—which includes fingerprints and snap shots—when making use of for an Emirates ID. Earlier, biometric statistics could handiest be collected at reputable ICA facilities, requiring applicants to bodily be gift. Today, era permits biometric appointments to be scheduled greater efficaciously, and the information accrued can be without delay related to the digital software report, ensuring seamless processing.

Digital verification has also turn out to be a lot quicker. Earlier, go-checking statistics with other government databases took a considerable amount of time. Now, with a centralized virtual machine, various departments can get entry to the statistics right away, making sure that the Emirates ID application technique is smoother and faster than ever.

Five. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Emirates ID Typing

The UAE has been short to undertake Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to decorate government services, and Emirates ID typing is no exception. AI tools now help in blunders detection and information validation, ensuring that any mistakes in information access are flagged right away. For example, if there’s a discrepancy inside the spelling of a name or an incorrect date of delivery, the gadget can alert the person proper away, decreasing the want for corrections later on.

AI has additionally helped in report scanning and processing, making it less complicated to capture correct information at once from uploaded photos of documents like passports or visas. This level of automation has minimized human intervention, making the complete process quicker and plenty more green.

6. Mobile Apps and E-Services: Convenience at Your Fingertips

The introduction of cellular apps for Emirates ID offerings is a game-changer for citizens, specifically folks who are tech-savvy. The ICA now gives a dedicated app where customers can apply for or renew their Emirates ID, update their private information, or even song the reputation of their software—all from their cell device. The app also permits residents to acquire real-time notifications about their Emirates ID status, from processing to delivery.

This degree of accessibility has made it quite handy for citizens who won't have the time to visit a typing center. Additionally, it’s especially beneficial for those who want to resume their Emirates ID but are currently in another country, as they can whole a good deal of the application remotely.

7. Enhanced Security and Privacy Measures

With the multiplied use of virtual platforms for Emirates ID typing, safety and statistics privacy have emerge as primary issues. The UAE has implemented advanced encryption and statistics safety measures to ensure that citizens’ private statistics stays stable. Moreover, the ICA requires sturdy authentication protocols, like biometric verification and two-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized get entry to.

These security measures are continuously up to date to address emerging cyber threats, ensuring that citizens can believe the digital structures for his or her Emirates ID programs.

8. What’s Next? The Future of Emirates ID Typing

Looking beforehand, Emirates ID typing may also evolve in addition with the creation of blockchain era and superior AI-driven records validation. Blockchain should provide a new stage of transparency and protection, making it less complicated for citizens to song their facts whilst supplying an unalterable report for government departments. Additionally, AI is expected to play a larger function, now not simply in information entry however in improving user experience, making programs even extra person-friendly and efficient.

Conclusion

The evolution of Emirates ID typing has been high-quality, transferring from a sluggish, guide manner to a quick, virtual machine that aligns with the UAE’s imaginative and prescient for a cutting-edge, connected society. Through on-line applications, AI help, cellular apps, and improved security measures, the Emirates ID typing technique has turn out to be simpler and greater on hand for all citizens. These advancements don’t simply keep time—they beautify accuracy, safety, and comfort, bringing UAE residents one step closer to a totally virtual future.

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The Role of Emirates ID Typing Centers in Abu Dhabi’s Expanding Digital Services

In latest years, Abu Dhabi has made spectacular strides in growing a smart town environment, aiming to streamline authorities services and beautify the everyday lives of its residents. A key a part of this modification is the growing digitization of vital services, with the Emirates ID gambling a important role. While much of this shift is occurring on line, Emirates ID typing centers in Abu Dhabi preserve to function a crucial bridge, assisting each citizens and expatriates navigate the application method easily.

Emirates ID typing facilities in Abu Dhabi are regularly visible as the first point of touch for citizens making use of for, renewing, or updating their Emirates ID cards. These facilities provide critical services and help, ensuring that people can whole the procedure effectively, with the precise documentation and without any errors which can reason delays.

What is the Emirates ID?

Before using the typing services, it is crucial to apprehend the cause of the Emirates ID. The Emirates ID, a vital identity card, is issued through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) of the United Arab Emirates for a charge. Every United Arab Emirates resident, whether or now not they stay close by or abroad, ought to very own it.The biometric records in this card, which serves as an identification report, consists of digital photos, fingerprints, and other widely used facts.

The Emirates ID is not only a form of identification but additionally a tool to get admission to diverse authorities offerings, healthcare, banking, or even riding licenses. It is a essential record for absolutely everyone living inside the UAE, making the role of Emirates ID typing centers in Abu Dhabi even greater critical.

The Role of Typing Centers within the Application Process

Emirates ID typing centers in Abu Dhabi play a pivotal position in making the software technique less difficult for citizens. These facilities act as intermediaries among the applicants and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Whether it’s for first-time applications, renewals, or adjustments, typing centers manual people via every step.

Here’s a breakdown of how Emirates ID typing centers assist citizens in Abu Dhabi:

Document Preparation: One of the maximum tremendous roles of Emirates ID typing centers is assisting people prepare the important documents. Applicants may want to put up diverse documents, inclusive of a valid passport, visa replica, and a medical health certificate (for expatriates). Typing center group of workers make sure that all the paperwork is entire and accurate, minimizing the chances of rejections because of missing or incorrect facts.

Form Submission: Emirates ID typing facilities enter the applicable statistics into the government device. Accuracy is important right here, as even small mistakes in spelling or numbers can purpose delays in processing the ID. Typing facilities make sure that all the information is entered efficiently, streamlining the procedure for the applicant.

Application Fee Payment: Many typing centers provide the benefit of accumulating the required costs on behalf of the ICA. This lets in applicants to pay for his or her Emirates ID software in a single location, while not having to navigate different portals or payment strategies. This step is in particular useful for folks who are less acquainted with online transactions or might not have get entry to to on line fee options.

Follow-Up Services: For folks that are renewing their Emirates ID or need to replace personal info (together with a trade of address), typing centers provide observe-up offerings. These facilities help with filing the renewal software, monitoring the status of the ID, and offering steerage on any extra requirements.

Multilingual Support: In a multicultural metropolis like Abu Dhabi, citizens and expatriates come from various linguistic backgrounds. Emirates ID typing centers in Abu Dhabi regularly employ body of workers who talk multiple languages, making sure that those who might not be proficient in Arabic or English can nevertheless access offerings easily. This human contact is critical in averting misunderstandings during the utility technique.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Digital Transformation

With Abu Dhabi’s growing awareness on digital services, some can also surprise whether or not Emirates ID typing facilities will become out of date. However, these facilities are evolving in tandem with the town’s digital tasks. Rather than being changed, they are adapting to provide more comprehensive offerings.

Typing facilities now help citizens in gaining access to on line services by using supplying hybrid solutions. For instance, they help folks who won't be tech-savvy with finishing on-line forms and navigating authorities portals. Many Emirates ID typing centers have incorporated their services with authorities digital systems, ensuring that residents can acquire a mix of conventional and digital assist.

Additionally, a few typing facilities in Abu Dhabi are incorporating self-service kiosks, permitting individuals to enter their info and put up packages with minimum human interplay. These kiosks, often available in more than one languages, are aligned with the town's digital goals and make the complete technique quicker and greater convenient for tech-savvy individuals.

The Future of Emirates ID Typing Centers

As Abu Dhabi keeps to innovate and digitize its services, the destiny of Emirates ID typing facilities is ready to conform. The UAE authorities has already added several mobile apps and e-offerings that permit citizens to apply for their Emirates ID on-line. However, for plenty, especially the ones much less familiar with generation, typing facilities will preserve to play a essential position in bridging the distance between traditional offerings and virtual ones.

In the coming years, typing facilities may additionally transform similarly with the aid of imparting more specialized digital support, which includes assisting citizens in having access to government e-services, applying for visas, or maybe the use of synthetic intelligence (AI) equipment to complete duties. They might also serve as hubs for government-related inquiries, permitting citizens to cope with a huge variety of needs in one region.

Conclusion

In end, Emirates ID typing centers in Abu Dhabi play a crucial position in helping the city's increasing virtual services. While Abu Dhabi keeps to push ahead as a smart town, typing facilities make certain that each one citizens, irrespective of their technological capabilities, can get admission to crucial offerings like the Emirates ID. By supplying report practise, application guide, and digital help, those facilities remain an essential a part of the city’s provider landscape.

As the government rolls out greater on-line offerings, typing facilities aren't being left at the back of however are rather adapting to offer hybrid answers that mix the ease of virtual services with customized human support. In the destiny, these centers will in all likelihood continue to adapt, making sure they remain applicable in Abu Dhabi’s ever-converting service surroundings.

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A Detailed Guide for Locals on Using Abu Dhabi's Emirates ID Typing Services

It is mandatory for any country wide dwelling within the United Arab Emirates to possess an Emirates ID. It acts as an authorized identity report for some of functions, such as beginning financial institution debts, getting access to medical remedy, or even registering automobiles. A typing middle is probably able to assist if you live in Abu Dhabi and want to use for or renew your Emirates ID. The Emirates ID typing facilities are critical for environmentally pleasant bundle processing, ensuring that every one required data is as it should be entered before being submitted to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

This manual will walk you thru everything you need to realize about Emirates ID typing services in Abu Dhabi, masking what these offerings are, the steps involved, and tips to make the process simpler.

What Are Emirates ID Typing Services?

Emirates ID typing services talk to the centers to be had at authorized typing centers throughout Abu Dhabi. These centers are responsible for getting into your software information into the machine, making sure they may be accurate and compliant with authorities necessities. They act as an middleman among you and the authorities authority, saving you the problem of manually filling out forms on line or navigating via complicated software systems.

Typically, those services include:

New Emirates ID Applications (for brand spanking new citizens or citizens)

Emirates ID Renewal (for those whose ID is set to expire)

Updating Emirates ID Information (in case of adjustments like a new address or up to date non-public facts)

Step-by means of-Step Guide to Using Emirates ID Typing Services in Abu Dhabi

Whether you're renewing your ID or making use of for the primary time, this truthful manual will make the process pass easily for you:

Step 1: Compile the Necessary Records

Make sure you've got the vital office work equipped before you go to an Emirates ID typing middle. Depending on whether you're applying for a brand new Emirates ID or renewing an present one, the required documents might also range.

For new Emirates ID programs, you’ll commonly want:

Valid passport (for expatriates)

Visa web page or residency permit

Proof of UAE residency (tenancy settlement, application bill, etc.)

Recent passport-sized photographs

For renewals, you'll want:

Your cutting-edge Emirates ID

Passport and residency visa (if you are an expatriate)

It’s a very good concept to bring photocopies of these documents as well, as the typing middle can also want them.

Step 2: Choose a Typing Center

There are many Emirates ID typing centers unfold across Abu Dhabi. Some are stand-on my own facilities, at the same time as others are part of large service centers that offer more than a few governmental offerings. You can without problems discover authorized centers on line or ask for guidelines from buddies or colleagues.

When selecting a typing middle, bear in mind the subsequent:

Proximity to your region: Pick one near home or paintings to save time.

Reputation: Read online reviews or ask around to discover centers recognized for true service.

Operating hours: Make positive the middle is open whilst it’s convenient for you to visit.

Step 3: Visit the Typing Center

Once you’ve decided on a typing center, visit it with your documents. The body of workers will ask you to provide your information and required documents, which they may enter into the authorities device. The procedure typically takes approximately 15-half-hour, relying on how busy the center is and whether your files are so as.

The typing middle will also help you double-take a look at all the statistics earlier than filing it. This is vital because any errors for your Emirates ID software ought to cause delays in processing. You may be asked to pay the typing charges, which range depending on the sort of service and the typing center.

Step four: Pay the Required Fees

After your info are typed and showed, you'll want to pay the specified price for processing your Emirates ID software. The cost of Emirates ID typing services in Abu Dhabi may additionally range barely from center to center, but typically, the charge for a brand new application or renewal degrees between AED one hundred and AED 370, depending on what number of years of validity you select.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once the typing middle has entered all the information into the gadget and you've got paid the costs, the utility may be submitted to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). You will acquire an software shape or receipt, so that you can encompass your utility range. Keep this form safe, because it will be crucial for tracking your utility reputation.

Tracking Your Emirates ID Application

After filing your application, you can song the reputation of your Emirates ID using the ICA’s online portal or cellular app. Simply enter the software range furnished by means of the typing middle, and you'll be capable of see the present day level of processing. It typically takes about 5 to seven running days to your Emirates ID to be processed and issued. However, the time-frame can vary relying at the quantity of packages at the time.

Collecting Your Emirates ID

Once your Emirates ID is prepared, you may get hold of a notification, either via SMS or email, informing you that your ID card is ready for series. You will want to select it up from an Emirates Post workplace, as told within the notification. Make sure to bring the important identification, which includes your passport or the receipt supplied through the typing middle, to accumulate your new ID card.

Tips for a Smooth Emirates ID Typing Experience

Here are a few suggestions to help you make the manner of using Emirates ID typing services in Abu Dhabi as easy as viable:

Go early: Typing facilities can get busy, specially in the afternoon. Arriving early will save you time.

Double-check your files: Make sure all of your files are modern-day and legitimate earlier than you visit keep away from pointless delays.

Stay updated: Keep song of your software status on line, and make sure you accumulate your ID right away as soon as it’s geared up.

Pose inquiries: If you have got any questions, please don't be afraid to ask the typing center team of workers.

In summary

It would not need to be difficult to navigate the Abu Dhabi Emirates ID typing services. With a chunk of training, you can ensure your application or renewal is going easily. By selecting a good typing middle and making sure you have got all of the required files, you’ll be one step towards having your Emirates ID in hand. Whether you’re a new resident or renewing an present ID, following those steps will make the manner an awful lot less difficult.