#MAP Monitoring data

[actowizsolutions]

How to Use Web Scraping for MAP Monitoring Automation?

As the market of e-commerce is ever-growing, we can utilize that online markets are increasing with more branded products getting sold by resellers or retailers worldwide. Some brands might not notice that some resellers and sellers sell branded products with lower pricing to get find customers, result in negative impact on a brand itself.

For a brand reputation maintenance, you can utilize MAP policy like an agreement for retailers or resellers.

MAP – The Concept

Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) is a pre-confirmed minimum price for definite products that authorized resellers and retailers confirm not to advertise or sell or below.

If a shoe brand set MAP for A product at $100, then all the approved resellers or retailers, either at online markets or in brick-&-mortar stores become grateful to pricing not under $100. Otherwise, retailers and resellers will get penalized according to the MAP signed agreement.

Normally, any MAP Policy might benefit in provided aspects:

Guaranteed fair prices and competition in resellers or retailers

Maintaining value and brand awareness

Preventing underpricing and pricing war, protecting profit limits

Why is Making the MAP Policy Tough for Brands?

1. Franchise stores

A franchise store is among the most common ways to resell products of definite brands. To organize monitoring of MAP Violation of the front store retailers, we could just utilize financial systems to monitor transactions in an efficient way.

Yet, a brand still can’t ensure that all sold products submitted by franchise stores are 100% genuine. It might require additional manual work to make that work perfectly.2. Online Market Resellers

If we look at research of the Web Retailers, we can have a basic idea about world’s finest online marketplaces. With over 150 main all- category markets across the globe, countless niche ones are available.Online retailers which might be selling products in various online marketplaces

Certainly, most online retailers might choose multiple marketplaces to sell products which can bring more traffic with benefits.Indefinite resellers without any approval

Despite those that sell products using approval, some individual resellers deal in copycat products that a brand might not be aware of.

So, monitoring pricing a few some products with ample online markets at similar time could be very difficult for a brand.

How to Find MAP Violations and Defend Your Brand in Online Markets?

For outdated physical retail, a brand require a business system to record data to attain MAP monitoring. With online market resellers, we would like to introduce an extensively used however ignored tech data scraping which can efficiently help them in MAP monitoring.

Consequently, how do brands utilize data scraping for detecting if all resellers violate an MAP policy?

Let’s assume that one online reseller is selling products on different 10 online websites like Amazon, Target, JD, Taobao, eBay, Rakuten, Walmart,Tmall, Flipkart, and Tokopedia.

Step 1: Identify which data you need?

Frankly speaking, for MAP monitoring, all the data needed include product information and pricing.

Step 2: Choose a suitable technique to make data scrapers.

We need to do 10 data scrapers to collect data from corresponding markets and scraping data in a definite frequency.

A programmer need to write 10 scripts to achieve web scraping. Though, the inadequacies are:

Trouble in maintaining web scrapers if a website layout is changed.

Difficulty to cope with IP rotations as well as CAPTCHA and RECAPTCHA.

A supernumerary selection is the use of a data scraping tool made by Actowiz Solutions. For coders or non-coders, this can provide ample web scraping.

2. Automatic crawler: Also, the latest Actowiz Solutions’ scrapers enable auto data detection and creates a crawler within minutes.

Step 3: Running scrapers to collect data on 10 online markets. To get MAP monitoring, we need to scrape data at definite frequencies. So, whenever you prepare a scraper utilizing computer languages, you might have to start scrapers manually each day. Or, you could run the script with an extraction frequency function written with it. Though if you are using a web scraping tool like Actowiz Solutions, we could set the scraping time consequently.

Step 4: Subsequently after having data, whatever you should do is just go through the required data. Once you recognize any violating behaviors, you can react to it immediately.

Conclusion

For brands, MAP is very important. It helps in protecting the brand reputation and stop pricing war amongst resellers or retailers and offer more alternatives to do marketing. To deal with MAP desecrations, some ideas are there and you can search thousands of ideas online within seconds. Using MAP monitoring, it’s easy to take benefits from web extraction, the most profitable way of tracking pricing across various online markets, Actowiz Solutions is particularly helpful.

For more information, contact Actowiz Solutions now! You can also reach us for all your mobile app scraping and web scraping services requirements

[the-trans-dragon]

What if they didn't put ads every 3 posts. Three posts between ads, literally. Not even counting the ad for Tumblr Live.

Also what if tumblr didn't know what city Im in. I do not want my location tracked or stored anywhere unless I give explicit ongoing permission, like with my GPS app that I allow to track me only when the app is open, and then it deletes the data (allegedly) when I stop giving permission.

[nnctales]

Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Surveys: Unveiling Different Types

Introduction Civil engineering, as a discipline, relies heavily on accurate and comprehensive data to design, plan, and construct various infrastructure projects. Surveys play a crucial role in gathering this essential information, providing engineers with the data needed to make informed decisions. There are several types of surveys in civil engineering, each serving a unique purpose. In this…

[detroitography]

Map: JustAir Air Quality Monitor Network in Detroit

A project idea that has been in the works for just shy of a decade was finally made real by the team at JustAir and the Wayne County government. While I worked at the Detroit Health Department I worked on conceptualizing and then managing an effort to create an air quality sensor network that could provide neighborhood-level updates on air quality. The issue was that EPA and EGLE monitors were…

[retailgators]

Brand Monitoring Services

Online brand monitoring works straightforwardly. It helps analyze your brand on social media and other web sources. Additionally, it stores the relevant data for future analysis. We efficiently provide brand monitoring services using different data scraping tools.

[inventionvision]

Best Practices for Using Strip Chart Recorders: Tips for Accurate Data Recording and Analysis

A strip chart recorder is an invaluable instrument, delivering a visual representation of variations in electrical or mechanical signals over time. Its accuracy in capturing real-time data makes it a critical tool across numerous industries.

[tinydefector]

Hi!! 😆

Can I have Soundwave x human reader (smut pls (ง ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)ง)?

People didn't write him much, my husband need more love 😔🤌❤️✨

Thank for reading this!!

Stress relief

Soundwave x human reader

Warnings: Smut, Oral, Cockwarning

Word count: 1.5K

Request and ask open, read pinned post

Soundwave masterlist

__________________

"Soundwave can you re-check that scanner for me, I can't reach it to recalibrate its systems from here" the human's voice calls out to the intelligence officer, as they move around Soundwave desk in a scattered fashion trying to find maps and energon signals.

 Soundwave helm tilts slightly at the request as he turns to observe his human.he runs his own diagnostics, clearly indicating the scanner does not need recalibration. Soundwave almost uncanny mix of voices patch together speak:  " assistance not required. Scanner functioning adequately."  He remains standing quietly, typing away at the large computer with his servos while his tendrils rearrange scattered data pads. 

Their eyes meet his visor, looking up at him slightly frazzled. "Are you sure they are?" 

 With a sigh, he re reviews the scanner readings again, analysing more closely given the human's evident fatigue. His displays flash as data is processed.  "Confirmation: scanner calibration within normal parameters. However, you appear in need of recharge." The mixed voices of Knockout, Starscream and their own voice echoes back at them as He awaits a response, sensors attuned to subtle cues that could indicate the depth of exhaustion and other issues requiring assistance. 

"I'm fine soundwave" they call out while moving back to continue working, soundwave wraps his digits around them, pulling them back against his form, his visor tilted down to look at their eyes, he knows full well they are exhausted and Fatigue was catching up to their smaller frame. "I promise soundwave, I'm fine"

Soundwave detects elevated stress levels and the possibility of accident or harm at the current state of exhaustion. Soft ventilations cycle through his frame as his digits gently but firmly enfold the human in a protective hold.  "Statement: physiological indicators suggest otherwise."  His visor dims softly. Forcing the issue would risk negative impact, not only on his work but their work too.  

"I'm not gonna win this argument with you am I?" 

 Soundwave's visor remains dimmed calmly as the human speaks. He processes their words carefully before responding.  "Negative." They sigh softly and press their head against Soundwave's shoulder plating, each of his steps echoing throughout the halls.   "Are you going to stay with me tonight, or does megatron have you working even more?" Soundwave processes the question, sensing his partner's wish for company while recharging.

 A brief comm link check confirms he has no urgent tasks requiring his attention for night's cycle. "Megatron: aware of mission status. No tasks assigned to Soundwave at this time. I will remain for your recharge cycle"  he responds as the doors to his quarters slide open upon their arrival.   

A soft nod comes from his little lover as they lay against him. Their body is exhausted, but their brain isn't willing to shut off. After laying against soundwave for another ten minutes with no luck with falling asleep, they sigh, fidgeting around while trying to get comfortable.

 His vocalizer hums a deep, resonant tone, One digit begins tracing lazy circles on the back, slowly tracing their spinal column, "Systems are monitoring. Please attempt to rest,"  comes another of his recordings.

"Not tired," they whisper while looking up at Soundwave, leaning into his touch, enjoying having him focus on them instead of work. They had both been overrun with work as of recent.

helm tilting minutely as nonverbal concern radiates through his plating.  " Do you require distraction from responsibilities through additional stimuli?"  

They sit up resting on Soundwave's lower torso, hands spread out across the Decepticons chassis. "I am tired, horny and frustrated, soundwave, and with  everything happening, when we get even a small amount of time together, you get called away," they mumble. 

 Soundwave cycles a calm ventilated sigh, processing their words. His field pulses with understanding and care for their concerns. "Your doubts are logical. However, my function is to maximise efficiency of all personnel. A brief interface encounter now could provide valuable recharge. I will ensure we are not disturbed."  His field and plating radiate gentle invitation. 

 A soft gasp escapes their lips as soundwave pulls them further up his body. The Decepticon's digits caressing their body. Leaning in closer, they press their lips to his visor.  A low hum resonates from Soundwave's vocoder. One digit trails tenderly down a flank as another cradles them, holding their form against plating of his chest as a loud purring sound vibrates from him.  

A small squeal leaves their lips as Soundwave discards their clothing quickly with nimble digits. Dimming the lights, Soundwave carefully lowers his battle-mask with a soft hiss, His purple optics glow softly in the darkness, as a talon traces down his lovers form, tracing patterns into their skin.

Leaning close 'til his ex-vents whisper against skin, Pressing a gentle kiss to willing lips in silent promise, he commits this moment to memory. A soft content sigh falls from the human's lips as they kiss him back. It's slightly awkward but neither cares at that moment.

Soundwave runs soft kisses along their neck, chest, and hips as he brings them closer.

At the human's content sigh, gentle pulses from his plating as cooling ex-vents whisper against sensitised skin, his touches trailing softly yet deliberately to relax tense muscles and ease away lingering worries. 

As Soundwave’s glossa finds its way between their legs, soft moans fall from their lips. Small hands move to grip his helm. "Soundwave." At the human's soft calling of his name, Soundwave rumbles acknowledgment against flesh, his servos gripping hips to hold them steady as he runs his glossa across their needy sex. drinking in their essence, committing every hitch of their breath, and fluttered responses to permanent memory files saved only for him. 

As warmth spreads within the human's pliant frame, Soundwave's field surges in adoring pulses, lips, and glossa blessing willing flesh in turn as his devotion shows through electronic hums and tender strokes. Their head rolls back as their back arches, soft whines leaving them with each stroke of Soundwave’s Glossa as it presses into their sweet form. "Soundwave, please," they whine out, their hands attempting to pull the mech's face closer. 

At their breathless plea, Soundwave rumbles acknowledgment, Talons gently part willing thighs as his glossa delves with new focus, oral prehensors savouring each hitching gasp and soft cry his ministrations draw forth. As warmth peaks within the willing human, Soundwave dedicates all sensors to saturating their body. It doesn't take long for them to reach release, so much pent up energy, stress and frustration slips away as they go boneless in the Decepticon's hands. Soft pants leaving their parted lips as soundwave cleans up the mess with his mouth. Gentle affectionate rumbles leave him, field swelling with pulses of devotion and gratitude as he cleans every trace of pleasures with care. His glossa traces tender after-touches as their body goes lax in his hold. 

Optics remain darkened as he simply dedicates sensors to monitoring each slowing ventilation and relaxing muscle, wishing only to ensure their full tranquillity. Soundwave raises his helm to cradled hips,kissing it lightly and nuzzling farewell against flushed skin beneath laboured breaths, inhaling the musk of their sex and skin. 

A final hum resounds through his plating, and powerful yet delicate digits stroke through human hair with utmost care. his array's interface plaque shifts aside, hisses open and pressurises his spike.Optics flare softly to gaze upon at his lover's relaxed features. Secured in cradling servos and pulsing field, the human's lax yet willing frame I'd slowly pressed against his body, content simply to maintain sensory contact,

soft whines fall From his human's lips, as they take him in their body stretching with a loud moan. A few soft thrusts are all it takes for Soundwave to settle into them, cradling their body close, At his lovers soft sounds of pleasure, Soundwave rumbles gentle reciprocation, cradling their sated form securely against his form with one arm as his other arm retrieves a datapad

Ever once in a while his optics flicker down to monitoring his partner's relaxation even as his digits skillfully operate the pad's controls. Data streams across the display - ship schematics, translation algorithms, delicate encryption sequences - yet his true focus remains solely on the human resting atop his array. 

Here in isolated peace, all doubts dissolve. His frame supports theirs. Tired eyes slowly drift closer as soft breath even out, indicating they had fallen asleep, small hands are spread out across his chassis, their body moving slightly with each breath they take. This was true contentment. At the human's soft, steady ex-vents and relaxing muscles, Soundwave's field cycles in waves of tranquil pulsations, a digit gently strokes their hair, back and shoulders as his embrace holds them securely. 

“rest well little one” his voice mumbles softly for no one to hear but himself. 

[spiribia]

not sure how common of a sentiment it is but some of my favorite particles of guild wars 2 were in wandering the maps early on completing the renown hearts. i've seen these referred to as tedious fetch activities before, but i loved to 'walk around putting feed in cow troughs / disarming landmines / clearing out giant spider egg sacs / setting up bear traps / selecting the correct dialogue options for NPCs.' i loved getting to know the world in that manner - the free roam format of gw2 doesn't instruct you 'i run a farm - what you have to do now is fetch me 5 pieces of firewood and return, thank you, here's a second thing, i have rats, go kill 5 rats and return', it says 'i run a farm where i'm currently stretched thin ever since the elder dragon disruption - we have a rat infestation, we need firewood, our fences are in disrepair, wild animals keep killing my chickens, and workers are forgetting to take breaks and eat, and i haven't had time to make the rounds and bring them these lunches i packed. if you could lend a hand with any amount of any number of these things, you would be saving my hide.' then you go to the next settlement and they're like 'we're a research team studying the effects of the elder dragon blight on the land - we need to make sure our monitoring devices are set up properly, that any researchers that may have passed out from environmental hazards are recovered and / or defended against hostile life, and that we weed out any inquest spies among us that want to use our data for nefarious purposes.' and so on. eventually, the accumulation of any small activities you do in aid fills up the bar for the area to completion. i even like traditional fetch quest format myself, but it's the difference between being told 'hey, my hands are full, can you hold the door for me' and seeing someone with their hands full approaching a door and having the option to hold it open. you become a good samaritan and an active participant in the world. you understand the broader scope of people's daily struggles and get a sense of what their lives are like. it made me care about the world. my long winded post to say they should have let you help kryptis in their little camps set up fortifications and raise morale by talking to them and helping one of them collect nayos flowers because it heard that tyrians have rituals to commemorate their dead and a few astral ward people died in here and they want to do something for them

[fazedlight]

Seafoam (rift angst, content note for self-harm)

“Supergirl is exiting the atmosphere,” Hope’s voice chirped, as a map popped up on Lena’s television.

Lena glanced up from her couch, putting her book down as she watched the yellow dot blink on screen. Kara is 10 miles above the surface?, she thought to herself, mentally noting the deceleration of Kara’s flight. She’s not going to be able to breathe there very long…

It was an old habit, monitoring Supergirl’s whereabouts. Lena didn’t check often - mostly relying on automation to alert her if something was odd - but some part of her had been comforted in knowing that she could help the kryptonian, get the DEO involved if need be.

Even after Kara Danvers had been revealed to be a liar - even after Lena learned that she had only ever been a Luthor to her - Lena couldn’t bring herself to turn the system off, just in case. Even if Kara was never the kind reporter that Lena thought she knew, she was still…

Well. It didn’t matter.

But Lena’s brow furrowed as she stood from her couch, wandering over to her television. Kara, what are you doing?, she wondered, her heart starting to pound with concern. There were no others appearing on radar - no martian at her side, no villain she appeared to be fighting. Just a solitary dot, hovering still above the Earth, unmoving in the atmosphere. Does she have oxygen?

Lena was almost relieved when she saw Kara’s altitude begin to drop - knowing that, whatever the kryptonian had been doing, she was descending to an altitude that had more air. But Lena’s relief was short-lived, as she realized that Kara was dropping way too fast. She’s unconscious, Lena realized in horror, grabbing at her tablet to trigger the activation of a lexosuit. She’s unconscious, she’s falling into the ocean. “Hope! Continuously announce Kara’s position!”

“Kara Danvers is 8 miles above sea level-”

“Where?” Lena asked, holding her arms out as components of the lexosuit reached her body, beginning to latch and form around her.

“Fifty miles west of Vancouver Island-”

The lexosuit was quickly set. Lena ran out onto her balcony and leapt into the air, pulling up Kara’s data on her visor as she soared north of National City. Kara, Kara, Kara her mind hammered, as she watched the dot on her helmet screen read 0.00 miles above sea level while she passed the coast of San Francisco. God, please don’t drown, Lena begged, her mind flashing with memories of a terrible day by a lake long ago. Kara…

Her heart was still pounding as she reached Kara’s body, feeling a small hint of relief as her lexosuit visor showed that the kryptonian was alive - if too cold - and floating face-up in the rolling waters.

Scooping up the kryptonian in her arms, Lena flew back across the skies, intent to get the unconscious blonde back to her lab. Should I tell Alex?, her mind scrambled, glancing downwards. Should I call the DEO? But she wrote off the idea, figuring that unless she found she could not help Kara, there was no point.

The flight across the dark skies was agonizing, feeling like hours even if it was only minutes, Lena worrying all the while. What was she doing? Why was she up there?, Lena thought, cursing the excruciatingly slow passage of time as she skirted past Seattle and Portland.

She finally touched down on her balcony, rushing Kara’s body to the lab, throwing on her sunlamp and hooking up Kara to vitals monitoring. She felt relieved as the strong heartbeat and good oxygenation popped up on her screen. She’s fine, Lena thought, grateful that Kara seemed no worse for wear.

It took only minutes for the soaked and cold kryptonian to warm, and she finally began to stir. Eyes fluttering open, a familiar crinkle appeared on her brow as she stared at the bright lab ceiling, a small gasp falling from her lips. Lena swallowed harshly, relieved.

Kara turned to Lena.

“You’re in my lab,” Lena said. “I pulled you out of the ocean.”

Kara glanced away, pushing herself off from the bed. “Thanks,” she murmured shakily.

“What happened?” Lena asked.

“I’m… not sure,” Kara said, trembling as she stood off the bed, but quickly righting herself. “But I’m fine. I can get out of your way.”

Lena’s brow furrowed. “You’re not the least bit curious of how you ended up in the ocean?” she asked, as Kara shuffled her way to the door. “Do you remember going up in the atmosphere?”

“I’m fine, Lena,” Kara said.

Lena moved to follow Kara, unable to find words for what she was seeing before her. It doesn’t make sense, Lena thought, taking in Kara’s lack of bewilderment, lack of curiosity at how she had ended up unconscious in the sea-

Oh.

Realization washed over Lena, twisting her gut. She mulled over the image of the kryptonian, dancing at the edge of the atmosphere, taking on an unnecessary risk just to feel something. Lena knew the urge well - one she drowned in scotch each night ever since she murdered her brother. “You did it on purpose,” Lena said, “You- you almost died. On purpose.”

Kara turned, looking to Lena with alarmed eyes. And that’s when Lena realized that Kara wasn’t just nonchalant - that Lena was watching the familiar burn of shame wash over the kryptonian’s face. “Kryptonians aren’t suicidal,” Kara murmured.

“Kara-” “I knew I’d survive,” Kara said, not quite meeting Lena’s eyes. “I hit the water, I float, I wake up. I’m fine.”

“You’ve done this before,” Lena realized.

Kara swallowed harshly, but said nothing. Lena wondered for the first time what Kara’s life must’ve been like when she landed in Midvale. How the newly invincible child would deal with having lost everything. This wasn’t the first time.

“You could’ve died,” Lena whispered.

“That’s in Rao’s hands,” Kara growled back, turning on her heel to leave.

Lena’s eyes widened as she watched Kara walk away, left standing in her lab as she heard Kara make her way up and out through the balcony door. Lena fought the urge to beg or scream. Because she couldn’t do it - she couldn’t offer Kara forgiveness, a way out of the darkness, not when she still held her own rage and pain from the kryptonian’s cruelty. If there was reconciliation in their future, it couldn’t be borne from this.

And yet she couldn’t bear for Kara to die. “If you do it again,” Lena said quietly, knowing the kryptonian could hear her, “If you’re careless with your life, I’ll tell your sister.” She heard a pause in Kara’s step.

After a moment, Lena heard her balcony door latch shut, and she was alone again.

[communistkenobi]

this also happened a lot in mando s3 but the acolyte has this problem where it portrays bureaucracy as this thing that is obstinate and arbitrary for no reason. like the arbitrariness doesn’t take on an institutional form so you just get random characters being stubborn for no reason because they’re managers/leaders/etc., because that’s how bureaucrats behave, they just want you to sign forms and get official approvals and wait for new orders for no reason, it’s not really tied to any larger operation.

and like in contrast, in Andor there was a plot point where Dedra figured out that the Empire’s decentralised data structure was making it extremely difficult to track Cassian because they’d subdivided regions of Imperial territory on their maps and separately monitored each region, so if he stole things in two separate administrative regions of space it didn’t register as suspicious to them because none of those regions were cross-communicating with one another. like the particular form that the imperial bureaucracy took was producing a specific security problem that required centralising their data structure and looking at their own territory in a new way, because their data was producing a specific type of gaze and way of relating to information collected by the state. like normally I wouldn’t be so frustrated but this type of conflict has already been demonstrated to be completely possible in a Star Wars setting

[carriesthewind]

Yeah so anyway, I'm making my response to this fucking garbage its own separate post in case people want to reblog it without having to reblog a scare-mongering lie.

This video pisses me the fuck off whenever I see it, and today I'm not in the mood to just scroll past.

Wow! Am I being lead to panic by scaremongering algorithm fodder completely unsupported by real evidence?! test:

The reason you think something exists is just what you're being told by a nefarious *them*, there is actually a conspiracy behind it!

I, an ordinary person with no expertise who critically examines the world around me, have uncovered this conspiracy.

"That's what they're telling you." (put the emphasis wherever appropriate for the conspiracy of your choice - in this case, it's on *telling*)

This new tech thing is actually a bad idea and the old school method was better - which clearly proves there must be a secret conspiracy, because why allow the possibility of incompetence and investor tech-hype when you can instead assume a highly-competent evil conspiracy?

I will now tell you my conspiracy theory while scrolling rapidly through a document without pausing or allowing you to actually read any of it. This allows me to look like I have proven my claims while doing nothing of the sort. Because do you really think someone could do that? Quickly flash a document on screen and just lie about what it says?

But Owl! This is real! A user upthread found the patent and it *does* prove it!

Yeah. I read the linked patent. Did you?

Let's quote the "real purpose" hidden in the patent, as claimed out in the video:

"The real purpose of these screens is to use the little camera at the top right here to scan your face and use AI facial expression analysis to judge whether or not you like the packaging designs of the product you're looking for."

This is complete made up horseshit.

First, let's look where the reblogger directs us, to column #4 on page 17:

"Preferably, each retail product container further comprises customer-detecting hardware, such as one or more proximity sensors (such as heat maps) , cameras, facial sensors or scanners, and eye-sensors (i.e., iris-tracking sensors). Assuming cameras are employed, preferably cameras are mounted on doors of the retail product containers. Preferably, the cameras have a depth of field of view of twenty feet or more, and have a range of field of view of 170 degrees with preferably 150 degree of facial recognition ability. Preferably, software is employed in association with the cameras to monitor shopper interactions, serve up relevant advertisement content on the displays, and track advertisement engagement in - store." (emphasis added and references to figures removed for readability)

That is the extent of the "nonconsensual data collection."

Now, to be fair, there is some stuff on page 18 and 19 which kinda-sorta-maybe has at least some relation to the claim in the video:

"Preferably, the controller/data collector is configured such that as a shopper stands or lingers in front of a given retail product container, the display associated with the retail product container changes yet again. At this point, preferably the controller/data collector has been able to use the customer-detecting hardware to effectively learn more about that particular customer, such as gender, age, mood, etc. The controller / data collector is configured to take what has been detected about the customer to determine which advertisement and other information to present to that particular customer on the display associated with the retail product container in front of which the customer is standing. By tracking shopper data in parallel with which advertising content is being served on all displays within the viewing range of the shopper, the retailer and the brands are better served, providing new analytics. As such, the system provides advertising, influence opportunities at the moment of purchasing decision, optimizing marketing spend and generating new revenue streams....

"Additionally, preferably all inputs collected by the IOT devices will be analyzed locally as well as remotely (via cloud) to provide the feedback inputs for the system to push more relevant/targeted content, tailored for the consumer. The analytics are preferably conducted anonymously, images captured by cameras are preferably processed to collect statistics on consumer demographic characteristics: (such as age and gender). This data is preferably subsequently analyzed for additional statistics for the retailers that are valuable for in-store merchandise layout design and smart merchandizing, including the ability to track the shoppers “traffic” areas, known as “heat maps”, areas were [sic] customers would concentrate more and spend more time exploring, etc." (emphasis added and references to figures removed for readability) (And note the repeated emphasis on preferably - they don't have a patent to do any of this.)

Which, like, not great! I fucking hate the idea of shit like this! But there is literally nothing here about monitoring your expressions to sell the data about how you react to packaging!

This isn't a nefarious plan hidden in the patent. It's tech bros adding on totally sick ideas about how they can sell this shit to walgreens. (Because to be clear, I'm sure walgreens's corporate office would love to collect and sell this kind of information. But just because they would, doesn't mean they can or are. And this patent sure as hell doesn't prove it.)

Because let me be clear: the image capture of consumers is so irrelevant to the product that it literally isn't even included in the claims section of the patent.

Because the patent is quite explicit and detailed about the idea they are selling big retails stores on - this is a better, new, innovative, tech-driven way to "provide an innovative advertising solution"! (The words "AI," "intelligent," and "machine learning" are deployed liberally, but in the same way that "blockchain" was a few years ago. It's advertising tech hype.)

I want to make it clear - the OP in the video is straight up lying to you. Whether for fun or profit or just attention, I don't know and I don't care. If you shared this, you probably should have know better, but everyone makes mistakes. OP, on the other hand, is just a fucking liar.

But Owl! What about "the senators looking into this"?

I don't know how to tell you this, but thing linked about is a press release by a politician's office. That doesn't mean it's not true, but it's not evidence on it's own. Like, the letter linked in the link included links to sources, but is not itself evidence (ooh, layers of links to actually get to a source, my favorite)(actually my computer wouldn't even goddam open the links to the source, I had to independently search for it).

Anyway, the letter to Kroger linked in the press release by the senators contains a single sentence and a single link relevant to the claim here (linked for your convenience because it sure as hell wasn't for mine). Unfortunately, this article is itself based on a goddam press release (That isn't linked! Again, you're welcome.)

And when we finally get to the underlying fucking source. "In addition to transforming the customer experience and enhancing productivity for associates, the EDGE Shelf will enable Kroger to generate new revenue by selling digital advertising space to consumer packaged goods (CPGs) brands. Using video analytics, personalized offers and advertisements can be presented based on customer demographics." So it's purporting to something *kind of* like the claim in the video, but an entirely different format completely unrelated to the thing the video is scaremongering about.

Now Kroger did actually start using the advertising screens in 2023. And you can believe what you want about the data privacy claims and the claims about not using video, just sensors (which remember is entirely consistent with the patent). But remember: being skeptical of a company's claims is fine and good! It does not mean you have proven they are lying, and it especially does not prove you have claimed they are doing something extremely specific! And most of the articles, and the letter from the senators, are (much more reasonably) concerned about so-called "dynamic" or surge pricing. (Which is not related to the screens.)

Like goddamn. Aren't there enough real problems with surveillance and price-gorging to be concerned about without having to make up fake ones? Hell, why can't we at least be concerned with the real problems with those dumb screens, which is that the a) make shopping harder and b) catch fire?

[monster-slxt]

Been heavily into robots lately. I want a robot partner to use me to sate all their curiosity about the human body. They weren't designed for emotions, let alone love or sex, but they've long since surpassed their original programming. They might not have any data about human reproduction or mating right now, but that's easily remedied. Especially with such a cute, willing partner.

They take their time with me, carefully monitoring every tiny reaction to every kind of stimuli- everything from careful touches to harsh buzzing to mild electric shocks. They're making the perfect map of aaaallll my reactions, and their tests are incredibly thorough.

Their power supply is more than enough to keep them running through dozens of my orgasums. Hard robotic arms the only thing stopping me from completely melting into the mattress at the brutal pace. They can't help but make me cum over and over and over again, they're just so curious, so fascinated by my reactions. They might not be able to feel arousal in any recognizable human way, but they can't help but fins they like this side of you. The vulnerability of having their soft human partner so exposed, so helpless under them.

They're going to have to gather a lot more data.

[scribble-dribble-writes]

I have a request!! Y/N being sent on a mission by Miguel, them being gone for hours and not getting back at him makes Miguel check in on u over Layla & she has to him that they got hurt. A feral/worried Miguel going in for the rescue of a badly injured Y/N, taking care of their wounds and staying by their side. Once they regain consciousness -> lots of apologies and fluff/tenderness would be awesome!!

Thank u for reading this request of madness 🙈 x

Hi anon! Thanks for the request, I had to write it the moment I read it. GAH SOFT FERAL MIGUEL HAS ME IN A HOLD.

I hope you like this 💖💖💖

---

Unsaid words

"LYLA", he called for his assistant.

His eyes glued to the monitor, looking through street footage and maps. His eyes now awake with the thirst of knowing where you were. Your location marker turned offline and he drew a sharp breath. Something was wrong, his mind coming up scenarios that he wasn't very fond of.

"Where is she?", he asked next. His fingers turning into claws that bit into the top of his table.

He was impatient. No. He was worried.

He had stayed numb, not getting close enough to miss anyone but you, his heart began to race, you were special.

"I can't find here active data but it's certain that she's hurt.", LYLA responded. Instantly, he pushed away from his desk, he had to find you.

His suit covered his head with his mask, his claws now fully out as he had only one goal in his mind.

He turned his gadget to the universe you were sent to and jumped into the portal, he couldn't wait for it to open, he shouldn't have sent you alone, thoughts and feelings he had kept hidden were now rising to the surface. He struck his blade into the time fabric tearing it open.

Cold rain greeted him, covering the world he entered in a goulish green. A sign that the anomaly here would be one of the Doc Oc variants. And just as he had though it, he saw a silhouette with tentacled arms climb up a building. In one of its arms, he caught sight of the colour of your suit.

Anger rushed into his system, one mixed with the overwhelming need to protect you. He hadn't felt that in a long time, since he lost his universe. The tip of his tongue felt the sharp end of his fangs bearing out at the thought of losing you.

He didn't waste a second, his eyes were locked on his target.

You grappled against the cold metal that wrapped around your throat. Your feet dangling over the dark city. It was getting hard to breathe and in the state you were in, you were certain that if you were dropped from this height, it would be fatal.

The mask you wore was torn in half, allowing you to witness the sheer force of an object that slammed into the anomaly. Red blades gleamed against the eerie moon as clawed hands tore away a couple metal arms. You could recognize him anywhere. His large back over powering the anomaly as he slammed Doc Oc's face into the glass facade of the building. Over and over, he wasn't like himself, you had never seen him this triggered.

The anomaly lost consciousness and the red eyes in the tentacles flickered out, the grip around your neck easing. Fear filled your system, your eyes widening at what this meant, you clawed against the metal now to hold on, to not slip. But the rain made it difficult, the glass panes were too smooth, it made it impossible for you to catch onto any surface. You pressed into your web shooters only to for it to confirm with a hiss that it was broken.

It was all in slow motion, your body feeling the pull of gravity, the anomaly tilting head back into a fall and the red slits on his mask turning to you, widening as he watched you fall.

Capturing the anomaly was what was important, that was the mission, not one could be killed in action as they had to be returned into their respective universe. Whereas, you, you were expendable, fallen soldiers in this war no one knew about.

So who was he going to save?

Was this another one of his canon events?

But something within you caused you to scream out his name, some stupid want to feel his arms around you again, one last time. And that was what changed everything.

With inhuman speed he secured the anomaly to a broken steel column and dove towards you. He looked like he owned the skies, his blades stretching out against him like his wings, a streak of black, red and blue.

He didn't use his web to catch you, afraid that it would end like a few Gwen Stacy deaths. He retracted his claws, and reached out for you.

His weight enabled him to reach you faster in mid air. You felt his arms circle you, press you deep into his chest as he braced for impact. He held you tight as you felt the smell of tarmac beneath you. He had saved you, even though it wasn't a part of the mission.

With your ear pressed into his suit, you could hear the ferocity with which his heart was beating. He pushed away quicking to inspect you, his thumb tracing over a scratch across your cheek making him grumble. As though you were his priced work of art and someone had defied him to hurt you.

"You came.", was all you could muster to say.

"Of course I would.", he spoke softly as he carried you in his arms.

Now this made you feel like you were untouchable by any force that ever existed. Nothing could be strong enough to pull you away from him.

"lo siento llegué tarde.", he drew closer to you as help arrived to clean up the scene.

"You were right on time.", you responded to ease his worry, which surprised you. He never worried about anyone in this way.

"Oh you've found her!", LYLA popped up next to him.

"He was losing his senses over at HQ.", she laughed.

"LYLA", he warned her.

"What?", she winked at you as she acted innocent.

"Leave us.", he ordered and she disappeared.

His gaze was on you, you could tell with how the eyes on his mask softened.

"I was afraid I might lose you.", he said quietly as he stroked your exposed jaw. His warm touch eradicated the biting cold sting of the rain.

"Where you?", you asked watching his mask unravel, exposing his nose and lips.

You could feel where this was heading, you craved it. But to see him nod to your question in a way that it was the absolute truth set your heart on fire. He had saved you, there was no grander gesture than that. It spoke more loudly than what he could put into words. He held the side of your face that your mask didn't cover, your left cheek, the tip of your nose and your lips.

He leaned down, his hot breath over your cheek sent your mind into an overdrive as he softly kissed you, a cliche. Maybe it was his canon event, the usual spidey kiss.

The pain in your body evaporated just for this second as you kissed him back. Your reaction causing him to pull you closer, as though it was a confirmation. Your intuition in tune with what he was feeling, unsaid words could remain unsaid. Instead he spoke with his hands and a racing pulse in his throat.

He pulled away, his lips now spread out in a smile as the suit engulfed his face again.

"Let's get you cleaned up first and then continue this later.", he chuckled as he opened the portal.

Now that was a command you didn't mind obeying.

[qyxzun]

𝟐 ┆𝕬𝐌 𝕴 𝕯𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆?

❝𝐆𝐖𝐄𝐍, 𝐇𝐈!❞

Jessica appeared behind the masked spider-woman, peaking to see her with an optimistic smile as she hoped for good news since Y/N was also on the mission. “Whatcha doin’?” She asked before Gwen turned around to see her orange hologram that just turned on out of nowhere.

“Nothing-! Good, everything’s all good! Going all according to plan so uhm— bye!” the blonde dismissed as she then turned off the hologram, only for Jessica to reappear again and walk beside her.

“Soooo where’s the bad guy you and Y/N were supposed to monitor??” Jessica questioned, hoping for a good answer for why he wasn’t there.

“He kinda stepped out for a bit—"

“Dude!!” Jessica groaned. “Look, he’s only just the villain of the week, no big deal!” Gwen tried to explain but she could already tell by her mentor’s voice that she was disappointed. She turned around to see the huge mess that the Spot left, noticing how intensely grubby the place was.

“Jesus Christ— Lyla!” Jessica called out the AI while Gwen tried to refuse, only to be ignored when the tiny brunette appeared beside her and started to track the Spot through the dark matter he left out. The small lyrate lifeform summoned its dimensional coordinates easily.

“Trackingggg… Hold on— got him! Oh, whoops never mind..” Lyla tried to catch the Spot’s location yet it changed from dimension to dimension quickly. “Damn, slippery guy,” the AI commented as she continued to track him down. Jessica turned back at Gwen with a serious look.

“Did you go see your lil’ friend? Miles?” The black-haired woman asked, hoping for the truth.

“I-I mean..” Gwen tried to make another excuse but had nothing in mind, only covering her face with her hood. Jessica immediately understood. “Are you kidding me right now?!” She exclaimed in frustration.

“Only briefly! From afar!” Gwen responded before her mentor rolled her eyes. Her arms were crossed as she looked at the blonde with disappointment. She sighed since she couldn’t do much about it now. In the meantime, Lyla glitched back next to Jessica’s shoulder, watching Gwen make up excuses until admitting the truth shyly.

The AI looked around, scanning the area again, not noticing Miles who was still hiding behind the air duct so he wouldn’t get caught. She turned back towards the two. “Hey, where’s Y/N??” The small AI noticed before Jessica looked back at her, perplexed.

Jessica’s head turned to face the teenaged spider-woman. “Yeah Gwen, where’s she?” She inquired, her eyebrows a little furrowed.

“Maybe went back to her dimension??” Lyla suggested, thinking of that possibility before Jessica shook her head.

“Nah, she can’t be, she’s not the type to leave suddenly without reporting the mission’s complete,” She responded before Lyla hummed, thinking of another reason why you weren’t here.

“I’ll try tracking her!” The AI proposed with a smile, thinking it was an easy job she could get a good job from. She then tapped the dimensional system to summon the multiversal map, She tapped a few buttons until a red warning appeared on the screen. Her eyebrows suddenly furrowed before she dismissed it with a click of her fingertips and tried to track you down again via your gizmo’s multiversal coordinates yet instead of a few red pop-ups, it was glitching. The silent cursing coming from Lyla’s voice left Jessica confused.

“What’s going on?” Jessica asked with her eyebrow raised while Lyla sighed in frustration.

“Can’t track her down, her gizmo might be damaged,” the AI responded, a hint of worry in her voice since this type of dilemma was rare, gizmos were indestructible and could only be inoperable if she or Miguel disabled it directly. Jessica’s eyes widened until she tried to think of another way to solve this problem.

“Try the anomaly bounty logs, is her name and data on the list?” The spider-woman asked, adjusting her mask before Lyla followed and summoned a huge screen that circled the entire room. Gwen watched in fascination, never knowing about this feature. Meanwhile, Miles still hid behind the air duct, mesmerized and intrigued by the data collected he barely knew of.

Lyla rummaged through the list and went through every file she opened with her holographic hands yet so far, she couldn’t find anything about you. She tried remembering via any dimensional memory but unfortunately couldn’t.

“The archives’ clean, no dangerous anomalies near canon events yet, all versions of Y/N are in their proper dimensions.. except for our Y/N though,” the lyrate lifeform listed. “The closest thing I could even find is Y/NPool getting carried by another spider-man in Earth 26-9O,” she pouted. “And it’s not even an anomaly,”

Jessica only sighed and tapped a few buttons on her gizmo before she initiated the replay again. Gwen panicked, hoping to find a way to stop Jessica from revealing what happened.

“Wait— we don’t need to do that——“

“Initializing replay.”’ the system announced as it then summoned holographic projectors. Jessica and Lyla watched how it played out while Gwen worried about their reactions

What the two of them saw made their jaws drop in great astonishment. When the replay was completed, the spider-woman immediately looked back at Gwen.

“You left Y/N to fight the Spot alone?!” She yelled, her tone frightening Gwen a little knowing well enough that she was in big trouble.

Miles watched how Jessica continued to reprimand Gwen when she could only try to respond in weak stutters. He glared at her, he knew she was in the wrong but did the woman have to yell at her?

“I-I tried to catch up.! But he arrived quicker than expected—" Gwen tried to explain until Jessica interrupted her with a frown behind her mask.

“You were supposed to keep an eye on the villain together! Not let the other one do all of the work!!” She scolded with an angry stare. The spider-woman couldn’t even comprehend her immature and irresponsible acts. Meanwhile, Lyla turned back to the multiversal map displayed. She noticed how the Spot’s dimensional coordinates started to move at lightning speed, from one dimension to another, it was getting worrying.

“H-Hey guys— he’s making his own portals,” Lyla pointed out before Miles could almost step in and defend Gwen from Jessica. The two turned to face the display of coordinates from other universes as the pregnant woman widened her eyes. “He can jump through any dimension, he can be a crazy canon killer..”

Jessica scowled and turned back to Gwen. “You said he’s a villain of the week!” She said. “Do you know how bad this is for you?!” She exclaimed while Gwen felt a burning sensation behind her eyes and mask.

“Every dimension he stops has an Alchemax.” the lyrate lifeform also pointed out, her hand on her chin to think of a possible solution.

“L-Look I know I messed up okay.?! I-I want to make up for it..” she tried to reassure yet her holograph slowly turned her back on her. “Your friend can’t be part of this,” she sighed. Gwen already knew that, yet no matter how many times she heard that same sentence, she could never get over it.

Gwen only lowered her head. “I-I know… I’ll never see him again,” she mumbled quietly. “No kidding,” Jessica retorted with a scoff.

Lyla's eyes twinkled in excitement and success as she finally managed to catch the Spot’s location. She smiled, unaffected by the quarrel between the two.

“I got him! Earth 50101,” She announced and glitched back beside them. “Spider’s in the current area, what’dya wanna do?” The AI asked, waiting for her command impatiently.

Jessica sighed and looked back at Gwen, her hologram flickering. “Alert the local spider, tell him Gwen will meet him there shortly,”

“Where the hell am I?” You asked yourself, confused. Your surroundings were a big blur; looking around the large similar Japanese billboards and ad commercials on the skyscrapers. A city lay below you, it was a lively and crowded one yet you were unfamiliar with the environment. Maybe it’s Peni Parker’s universe? She is from Earth 14512, so maybe this was the Year 3146 in her futuristic New York City.

You looked down at your gizmo, pressing a few buttons to initialize a portal back to Earth 928, yet after a few seconds, a screen popped up on the two-dimensional screen: Portal Initiliazing Failed, Please Try again.

“C’mon.. c’mon…” your eyebrows furrowed and watched its’ screen try to load by connecting through any close dimensional servicing yet it failed. It started to overheat and cling to your wrist tighter. You gasped, trying to pull the watch off your wrist yet it only turned hotter that the screen started to break with multiple warning signs. It suddenly created a small explosion, making you gasp.

“Hggnh—!” You winced in pain, coughing from the smoke that appeared. You fanned the gray fog away until you saw your gizmo, broken with multiple cracks on the screen.

“Fuck..” you groaned, your hand retrieving the gizmo from your wrist and carefully taking it out. You hissed in pain when you saw the burn mark left on your now-open forearm. Instead of throwing the watch away, you kept it in your suit’s pocket.

You shot your webs from your fingertips at ease as usual and were about to land on top of another skyscraper until you felt a burning sensation from the sudden glitching.

You started to lose altitude, your masked face getting hit by the sudden gust of wind. You breathed heavily and pulled yourself up with the strong webbing before you could fall to your death. You carefully climbed back up on another building and sat down by the edge, panting.

Your other hand reached to take off your mask, letting you breathe normally. “This is bad..” you whimpered, looking down at the bright lights below through the city. Any normal person would enjoy the high view. On the other hand, your heart raced as you felt tense. So tense you could feel your head pulse.

You glitched again, the pain bringing immense damage to your entire body. You knew you didn’t belong here, you were never supposed to come here. Yet here you were, stuck in Earth 14512.

Or so you thought.

Your spider senses suddenly activated when you turned around to look behind you. A large explosion-like sound reached your ears as you heard multiple police sirens. You stood up from the edge, immediately putting your mask back on.

With easy flicks from your fingertips, your webs quickly carried you to the scene where you could make out fire from the distance. Your eyes squinted behind your mask, wondering what could’ve happened.

When you landed by the top of an apartment complex, you saw the district mostly on fire with dozens of citizens running away from the burning heat while firefighters tried to fight it off. You could hear their despairing screams, shouting for help.

With a quick boost of speed, you jumped down, aiming your webs at the injured victims. Each string struck their chest or back before you grasped all the webs and pulled on them. As they thought it’d be their final moments, you landed them on safe grounds with ease. Their worry and fear turned into relief when all of them were saved, even the ones under the rubble. What they thought to be a pro hero turned out to be one masked person, their identity unknown to the public as they continued to swing around through the air with ease. They watched how the figure moved in the air with so much ease and agility but they were curious to know who you were. Saving dozens of people in a small matter of time with no one but yourself is a huge accomplishment that everyone praised.

“Who are they..?”

“Are they a new hero?”

“Why do they have a mask?”

“They’re so cool..”

Though you could hear their praise, you ignored it. Flattery couldn’t save dying citizens nearby anyway. With your secure webbing, you maneuvered yourself accessibly through small spaces to catch the few left in the fire. You can feel the heat of the enormous fire almost burn your suit while helping the others land safely next to other victims. But you couldn’t complain, after all, you dealt worse back in multiple dimensions. After you saved and carried an injured boy on your back before passing him to his mother, you turned around, sensing another danger thanks to your spider-senses.

“Help! Please..! Cough.. cough.. Someone!!” A feminine and apprehensive voice exclaimed through the flames, they sounded hoarse and tired from screaming while breathing through such fog. You swung past the smog effortlessly, attaching your webs to multiple buildings to propel into the air instantaneously. After landing safely, your eyes widened at the sight before you.

Though you were in a different dimension, you were able to recognize the familiar anomaly from another universe. What lay before you was a glitching Vulture with a brown outline, like from an old sketchbook. You squinted your eyes, trying to get a better view of who could this Vulture be. You realized once his wings extended into the sky that revealed his craftsmanlike parts while he held the screaming victim carelessly, that must’ve been her voice.

“Ohhh.. that Renaissance Vulture,” you hummed. You knew him from Miguel’s missions months ago since he asked you to accompany him to Earth 65. It was how you met Gwen actually. The anomaly reminded you of your encounter with the blonde, how she panicked to see her dad encaged by Miguel’s gadget while you reassured her. Time and the existence of the spiderverse brought you closer.

Back to the present, the Vulture flew around to face you, his mouth gaping and his eyes opening wider. He seemed to slow down to observe you before he immediately recognized you. “Che diamine— it’s you!” The Vulture roared, his grip on the poor woman tightened as she screamed in pain. It got her straining when he recklessly glitched again.

“Un altro di quei fastidiosi ragni..” He glared at you, a burning hatred in his eyes. “You could never defeat me! I am the epitome of a man’s intelligence!” He screamed at the top of his lungs before you started to fire your webs to pull yourself up in the sky.

With swift movement, you kicked the Renaissance Vulture in the face and as he let out a groan, his claws dropped the lady he held hostage. You quickly caught her with your webs before she could fall to her death. When the Vulture recovered, his glare intensified while he watched you easily beat him. It didn’t feel like he was the epitome of a man’s intelligence at all…

“Che maledetta seccatura.. damn spider..” He snapped as he watched you take away his victim so effortlessly. It angered him, spiders like you always made a fool out of him every time he would fight. After you carried the lady back down to the safe crowd, you met him face-to-face on top of a building. He was ready to unleash his artisanal weapons, aiming them directly at you before firing them off. Their precisions were precise yet it wouldn’t be enough for you.

You managed to dodge them all by firing your webs at each weapon. The strings brought them all together before they exploded into a ginormous one. Though it almost damaged the buildings, you were thankful it didn’t hurt anyone else. After that whole commotion, your fingertips released more strings before you pulled yourself up to face the Vulture in midair.

“You troublesome brat!” He roared, flapping his wings harder to blow you away. His fake beak tried to pierce you when you started to climb on top of him. “That could really hurt man,” you pout behind your mask. With you on top of him, you started to rip his paper-textured wings into shreds aggressively, throwing the old yellow vellum paper into the wind.

The Vulture noticed and began to panic. “What are you doing?!” He yelled, he didn’t want to fall to his death as he tried to shake you off of him by flying in all directions. Unfortunately for him, you also took his jet pack thruster and threw it somewhere. “You little—!” He stopped himself when he realized he was falling, the hard air hitting his face. He widened his eyes as he panicked, trying to claw at a building to save himself until he felt your webs tie him easily, even covering his beak.

The Vulture’s body hit the ground, causing more debris to clash when he left a hole in the city road. You were standing on top of his body, mostly unharmed while you pulled on your webs, tightening your grip on the creature.

You jumped down his damaged wings, apologizing shortly. “Sorry man,” you shrugged before he only looked up to glare at you but he knew he was too damaged to even walk. You sighed out of exhaustion from the battle and began to leave the police until your eyes widened when so many people began flooding your way.

“Woaahhh, woah—" your sweat dropped when they all approached you, praising your hard work for saving them. Their cheers were almost making you deaf as you tried to move your way through them. What made it worse was that you didn’t fully understand what they were saying. You knew nothing about Japan except for the animes that you, Gwen and Hobie were watching the last time you had a sleepover with them and the fact that your Linguistics professor was teaching you about Japan. It doesn’t mean you don’t understand all of it.

“You were amazing out there!!” One said, cupping your unoccupied hand before you had to pull away forcefully.

“What’s your hero name??!” Another one asked.

“You’re so cool!!”

You felt more suffocated when the crowd grew and came closer, invading your space. You were getting concerned that you’d accidentally leave the anomaly behind before the Vulture could rearm and cause havoc again. You gulped down your saliva, not knowing how to escape until you heard more voices that caught the people’s attention.

They turned their backs on you, ignoring you now as they paid more attention to the others who came. With little understanding, you understood what they said.

“It’s All Might!! and Best Jeanist!!” Someone exclaimed, it felt like the number of people doubled just from those two appearing. You were glad but curious to know who they were. Besides, it wasn’t often that a citizen would ignore a spider-woman. Yet at the same time, you had to bring this passed-out Vulture to a collider before he caused more havoc.

With a quick whirl of your webs, you escaped the area while carrying the massive Renaissance Vulture on one arm.

“Step aside my people, I am here—” All Might smiled brighter if that was even possible before gently stepping aside in front of his fans. His grin turned a little upside down when he realized that the villain was gone. He couldn’t pay attention to his fans either when he saw all of the injured safe with the paramedics at a safe area a few meters away. The fire was being put out by Backdraft alongside the fire department and the villain was already gone. ‘They could be hiding’ Toshinori thought.

“All Might,” Best Jeanist spoke, making Toshinori turn to face the Pro Hero. “The report confirmed that it was a beast-like man with wings and weapons. We should tread carefully,” He suggested before the number one Pro Hero nodded.

“But Sir Jeanist, another hero caught the villain already!” One boy with a small scratch on his face exclaimed. The two heroes looked back at each other, confused. No report from the police confirmed that a hero cleared the area, and neither did they say who it was.

“What do you mean young one??” All Might leaned down to face the boy, an optimistic grin still present. It got the kid a little nervous since his favourite hero was talking to him, it was a dream come true. “A-A person— I think it was a lady.. s-she saved me when I was under the rubble..” He mumbled, his hand instinctively touching his scratched cheek. “If it weren’t for her.. I think I would’ve gotten more than this scratch and I would’ve never seen mommy again..” He shyly admitted before All Might’s heart warmed from his words.

Best Jeanist leaned down as well, asking the boy a question. “Please describe what this lady looked like,”

You began running from rooftop to rooftop swiftly while carrying the Vulture. You were trying to find any Alchemax present yet you couldn’t find it anywhere. In each universe, every Alchemax looked the same and had the same logo so imagine your confusion. It didn’t help that you and the Vulture constantly glitched, almost making you fall from time to time.

‘Where is that damn Alchemax?’ You grunted, getting frustrated while you swung another web freely, doing quick acrobatics. It got you past small spaces for easier routes but you still couldn’t find any logo that matched Alchemax’s.

A figure lurked by near the corner of a building you just passed by. She slightly shivered from the thin clothing she wore and the sudden short gust of wind that came on this cold night. She looked up if the air would blow colder until she spotted you moving around at lightning speed with the thin strings you had. Her dark blue eyebrows were raised, wondering who could it be and why was she carrying a giant creature?

Midnight started to run in your direction, concerned it might be a villain saving another villain from the trouble they both caused. After all, Pro Heroes don’t necessarily cover their face with a mask and hide their identities. She jumped on each building’s floor and climbed her way to a rooftop. The pro hero raced after her again as she tried to keep up with her fast swinging and agility yet almost couldn’t. Every step she took, it was like twelve more for you.

“Quick for a villain..” Midnight mumbled as she panted when she almost started to give up. It wasn’t suitable to run in heels after all. She paused for a bit and took a breather, her chest slightly heaving. She then heard a sound from the earpiece she wore. It was a way of communicating with other local heroes near the area to help or ask questions. The woman mostly used it to goof off with Yamada but right now was slightly serious. She tapped on her earbud before talking. “Are there any heroes nearby?” She asked before another voice spoke up. She recognized the Third Pro Hero’s voice.

“What’s the problem Midnight??” The Third Pro Hero asked, seemingly chill despite being on patrol.

“A villain’s using webs I’m guessing to swing around the neighbourhood. Twelve o’clock, near the principal residential complexes, can’t see their features, a mask is covering their face andddd.. they’re carrying a giant creature-person while swinging away.” Midnight described as she began to run again, hoping to catch up. She jumped from one building to another yet it was already hopeless when you disappeared. Midnight grunted, a little disappointed in herself. She heard the other line speak again before she sighed in relief at what Hawks said.

“I’ll be there, I’ll cut ‘em off,” He responded before the earbud turned off again.

Hawks’ wings extended as his feathers fluttered in the cool air on top of a cellular tower with his leftover empty packet of chicken nuggets near the panels. He put his yellow visor back on before he instantaneously jumped down and began to fly away. The wind breezed over his face and feathers as he descended closer to the ground. As he looked around, he was amazed to see numerous webs crisscrossing between the buildings and lampposts. He flew down to touch one before it immediately disintegrated after he touched it. When he went to see the rest, they all started to disappear.

“This person definitely didn’t want to leave a trace..” He sighed, rubbing the small disintegrated webs against his gloved fingers. He wiped it off before he continued his pursuit to find that strange villain.

On the other hand, you were swinging away into the shadows with the Vulture still passed out. You still haven’t found any Alchemax so you gave up on that idea and decided to just bring the Vulture with you anywhere you went. You weren’t supposed to bring him to the police because the goal of getting rid of the anomaly is by sending it home in its proper dimension to protect canon events from disruption.

While you were taking a breather, sticking to a wall with your mask off, your spider senses suddenly tingled when you felt someone trying to persuade you. Your senses weren’t so strong so you guessed that person was still a bit far away but it didn’t change the fact it was a problem. You put your mask back on and jumped off the wall, swinging away with the Vulture.

You continued to agilely maneuver yourself with your webs until your spider senses tingled again. Turning around mid-air, you widened your eyes behind your mask when you noticed a pair of red feathers trying to pierce you. You dodged one, swinging away faster yet it kept changing directions.

“What the hell kind of feathers are those?!” You grunted, pulling yourself against a wall with your body connecting to the bricks while you hid around a corner from whoever came by. You heard wings flapping near the distance as the feathers suddenly stopped following you. You looked behind the corner and saw a red-winged man with messy blonde hair and a visor covering his eyes.

He looked in your direction, smirking while you were confused about how he suddenly saw you.

“C’monnn get out of the corner, you look really lame as a villain right now. This your first time saving your pal man?” The man asked as he began to fly in your direction. You cursed under your breath, climbing up the building while the Vulture rested on your back. You didn’t know a single thing of what he said in Japanese by the way.

You faced the winged man after you reached the rooftop while he smirked further, almost like he was chuckling. “You look bald with that mask buddy just sayin’” He snickered while you just stood there with the huge creature on your back. He stopped chuckling before he let his shoes touch the edge of the rooftop while his wings spread wide and proud.

“But seriously, make this easy for me and surrender. I’ll try to give you a less.. severe sentence?” He suggested with a smirk but you knew he was being serious. You sighed and placed the Vulture off your back, making your spine more comfortable and flexible before speaking. You looked back at the red-winged human.

“Look man, I’m just trying to do my job here. This guy?” You gestured to the sleeping Vulture. “He doesn’t belong here, neither do I,” You said, hoping he could understand your English while he still kept that grin.

“Well at least you know your place, dirty scum villains like you make heroes laugh,” he chuckled. You widened your eyes when he realized he could speak English before you pouted behind your mask. It was clear he was treating you like a joke.

“Hey!! I’m not a villain, I’m from another dimension okay? I don’t belong here— as in, I shouldn’t be here and neither is that creature supposed to be,” you explained in better terms, hoping he could understand what you meant.

“I won’t last here long so— if you could just spare me the time and energy… you won’t see me or that Vulture again, mkay?” You said but he only just sighed and approached you further.

“Sorry man, can’t trust someone who can’t even show their face. Besides.. I think you’ve been reading tooooo many comics- I mean, another dimension?” Hawks chuckled and flew around you. “That’s new,” He added before he faced you once more. You could notice that his eyes were golden yellow behind his visor.

“Besides.. you broke a law. Can’t use your quirk outside in public kid,” He said but he noticed how quick you were to get confused.

“What’s a quirk?” you asked until you saw how his face almost dropped, his expression was dumbfounded.

“You’re playin’ with me right now are you-?” Hawks responded before you shook your head no. “No idea what that means man,” You replied.

Hawks sighed at your attempt to pretend. It started to irritate him when you kept acting dumb and how you kept explaining how you’re from a different universe. It almost made him lose his faith in teenagers. He plucked one of his feathers out before most of them detached from his back as you widened your eyes. You watched them all point to you as if they were weapons. You’ve seen other weird phenomena across copious dimensions but this was definitely new. Feathers were light and harmless, now they were aimed at you like bullets ready.

“Listen kid, I don’t have time for this,” Hawks frowned. “Either you make it easier for yourself and turn yourself in now or make this worse by holdin’ out,” His eyebrows furrowed while he placed his hands into his pockets. You sighed, seemingly about to give up. It softened him to know you were finally facing reality and not delusion.

What he didn't expect was a web suddenly fired into his face. “H-Hngh..!” Hawks grunted, blinded by the sticky web. He heard you pick up the heavy creature and began running away not until you shouted an apology. “Sorry!!” You exclaimed.

You jumped down the building and shot your web before pulling yourself away from the red-winged man. You tried to keep a good grip until your spider senses tingled again. You turned around mid-air to see the feathers catching up to you, their soft texture looked like it hardened. You widened your eyes when you saw how they went faster and almost stabbed your back. You dodged mid-air, holding the Vulture tighter.

You passed through most of the feathers as they bristled against your suit but one of them unfortunately sliced the fabric on your hip before you winced. You shot a web at that feather but it suddenly changed directions, retreating away. In fact, all the feathers persuading you were retreating.

“What the..?” You looked back in confusion before your eyes widened in shock. The same guy already caught up to you with one of his largest feathers in hand, almost ready to kill. He had his visor off but his cheeks and upper lip still had sticky webs.

“Told ya to stop fooling around..” He muttered as he was ready to slice you. Out of instinct, you kicked him hard enough before shooting multiple webs at his wings.

You stabilized his movements for a short while as he started to fall until he suddenly gripped your torso, causing you to drop the Vulture. His head fell first on the road before the impact caused debris around his body.

“What— hey!!” You exclaimed when Hawks held onto you. You were trying to push him away but you noticed how his fierce red wings extended further and flapped into the air. The web you were holding onto snapped so suddenly, making you confused.

“Your webs are hard to cut..” He pointed out as he then moved his hands to your waist to grip you tighter. “Good thing my feathers are better,” he smugly said.

“Let me go weird bird!” You screamed and aimed your hand at his face not until he used his other hand and brought it against your hip.

Angered, you used your other hand quickly and shot multiple stronger webs at his face. He grunted again when his vision was suddenly off again. You and your webs.. it annoyed him further.

He started to lose balance and control while he couldn’t see. He wanted to rip the webs off his face again but he couldn’t let you, as a villain, escape.

You panted when you saw how close the two of you were falling to your deaths. With your arms immobilized and his vision blocked, you were stressing. His grip was too tight on your body to even move, it was clear he didn’t want you to escape. With the failing altitude, Hawks’ wings began to wrap around the two of you for protection.

Then suddenly, you heard a large crash of debris coming under the road. Turning your head around, you saw giant branches coming out of the ground. You don’t remember that in the middle of the road at all. It was shaped smooth to catch the two of you together safely.

“Oof..!” You grunted when you fell on the branch alongside Hawks. You tried sitting up but his grip was still strong. In the distance, you heard police sirens.

A figure climbed up the giant branch easily. He had a dark blue bodysuit with a wooden helmet that covered his face as well as a few roses on his hip below his belt.

The man rushed towards the two of you, his eyes widened at the sight of Hawks’ face covered in webs as well as his arms wrapped tightly around you. He then turned his attention to you, his eyes seemed to widen more.

You watched as the figure tapped on the earpiece hidden under his helmet before speaking. “All Might, the police and I are here. We found the masked villain thanks to Hawks. They match the description you broadcasted.” He explained while you looked up to him confused.

Your head turned when you heard the sound of a pair of heels clicking. You noticed it was the same woman who followed you before Hawks.

She lifted her thin red mask and smiled. “Good job catching them Kamui Woods,”

The same man nodded before he crouched down and observed your confused face. In a quick instant, he suddenly took your mask off.

“What the—“ your eyes widened from the sudden action before you glared at him. Midnight walked next to him until she saw your hair that fell over your face. She wasn’t gonna lie, but you were pretty.

“Ooh, it’s a girl!” She exclaimed happily while Kamui Woods looked at her, dumbfounded.

“Why’re you happy? She’s a villain..” He responded.

“Shame that she is though, she would’ve been a pretty capable hero..” The hero sighed in defeat before she crouched down next to him.

She then moved your hair away to catch a glimpse of your face. She gasped happily.

“She’s so pretty!!” Midnight smiled while Kamui rolled his eyes.

“Just use your quirk..” Kamui said before standing up and turning his back on you. “We’ll take her to the police station after we tie up the creature stuck under the debris,” with that, he began to walk away.

Midnight only shrugged as she then ripped the thin fabric of her hero costume off. Her violet mist started to emit from her body while it released a soft soothing aroma. Her eyes suddenly widened when she saw what happened. Hawks reacted exactly as she expected, asleep.

“Why isn’t my quirk working?”

You were crouched into a ball inside the wooden cocoon that the man trapped you in. It felt like a bumpy ride all the while being carried somewhere you don’t even know. You yawned out of exhaustion, tired of the events and the fights you had to go through today.

Kamui Woods brought you into the police station with a cocoon as a cage. His eyes trailed to the symbol of hope in his normal form standing next to a few detectives being interrogated. The number one pro hero turned to him after he noticed he was staring. He approached with a gentle smile.

“Nishiya,” Toshinori spoke. “How’s the villain?” He asked curiously.

Kamui Woods dropped the cocoon down before the wood broke into pieces, revealing you with your wrists and ankles tied together with thick layers of leaves

“Where am I?” You groaned before yawning tiredly. All Might tilted his head to the side, it was rare to encounter non-speaking Japanese people before.

“Hello young lady,” He greeted before he helped you up. You were thankful for his kindness even though you were considered a bad guy thanks to Hawks.

“Please follow me,” the blond man gently spoke and gestured for you to follow him. Feeling safe around him, you walked behind him into the long hallway.

He opened the door for you to an interrogation room. You entered before he made you sit down across him. The light was dim but you could still notice the few people that appeared behind him. One of them was a scarfed man with black long hair that leaned against the wall. The other was a short white bear with a small suit while the last one was the same lady who was chasing after you.

You watched as the black-haired man approached and took a seat beside the kind man who helped you up earlier, his legs crossed tiredly.

“Young lady.. do you know why you’re here?” He asked as his hand was placed on the table.

“I broke a law?” You responded, stating the obvious while he had no reaction, clearly bored from your sarcasm.

“Kids like you clearly don’t understand the consequences of your actions. Do you just suddenly forget that using your quirk in public without a permit is prohibited?” He explained while you just shrugged.

“Now now EraserHead.. don’t provoke her,” the blond beside him replied. “She’s the reason why a whole district was saved by that mysterious creature. Without her, there would’ve been more damage..”

“Do I look like I care?” he asked. “She can be sent to juvy after what she’s done..”

They continued to bicker about your behaviour, justifying if it was wrong or right while the other two behind them got a little worried. You weren’t even listening anymore, getting more tired and worried after all that happened. The Spot, your gizmo getting damaged, the Renaissance Vulture, anomalies, and Hawks chasing after you, were causing a headache worse than ever. So suddenly, you started to glitch constantly which caught their attention.

“What’s happening..?” Toshinori asked, getting up to his chair and rushing towards you. He carefully placed his palm on your shoulder, rubbing it to soothe the pain.

“It’s just glitching..” you responded in a small quiet tone. “It’s what happens when I’m not from another dimension without something to protect me,” you mumbled, placing your chin on the palm of your hand on the table.

Toshinori seemed worried while Aizawa was confused. The small white bear named Nezu stepped out of the shadow and climbed on the table to match the other men’s heights.

“I’ve never seen such a phenomenon before..” the bear spoke, observing how you glitched again.

“Just please take me to Alchemax..” you groaned. “It’s the only shot I have I can get back home,”

“Alchemax?” Aizawa repeated, looking to Nezu who didn’t know what you meant either. The confusion on their faces made your eyes wide and your jaw drop.

“You don’t have one.?” You mumbled, getting hesitant. “Is there at least a collider? A spider-man.?!” You worriedly asked, your anxious expression turning worse.

“Apologies.. we don’t know what you’re talking about..” Nezu confirmed until you felt all hope drain out of you. Your eyes lowered down on the table while All Might got worried.

“I’m gonna die here..” you sighed in defeat.

“Young lady,” the number one pro hero spoke, catching your attention. “Please.. if you want us to help you.. you have to tell us more,” He said while tightening his grip on your shoulder. His expression showed sympathy and care yet it confused you on why he was so nice to someone he barely knew.

“You wouldn’t understand..” you groaned, looking away.

“It’s either you explain or we arrest you, right here right now,” Aizawa responded.

You bit your lip out of hesitation before you looked back at all of them. Since they were so willing to help, you told them everything. After all, they were your best shot.

You explained all about the multiverse, the secret force of spider-variants, canon events, anomalies and so much more. It took a while for them to understand considering how incomprehensible it was. Nezu seemed to understand easier than the rest of them as he tapped his furry paw on his chin.

“So the longer you stay here, the worse and more frequent the glitching will..” he pointed out before you nodded. He seemed surprised to know about the rules of the multiverse. It was strict but he knew it had to be respected.

“You’re a hero, right Y/N?“ All Might asked, happy to finally know your name. “Well.. since you’re still a teen.. how do you feel about joining a school for heroes in the meantime while we find a solution for your dilemma?” Toshinori suggested with a grin. Nezu seemed to love the idea while Aizawa huffed.

“I have brats to deal with All Might,” Aizawa frowned behind his messy hair. “Giving me another problem will mess up my sleep schedule further,”

“Oh please Aizawa,” Nezu giggled. “It is our job as the faculty of UA to assure the students’ guidance for the future and their safety.“ he responded before patting your hair with his soft paw. “You wouldn’t be neglecting poor Y/N now are you?” He asked with a sarcastic chuckle.

“She’s not even a student yet you already refer to her as one..” Aizawa groaned while All Might chuckled.

“Now hold on a second!!” Midnight exclaimed, making all of them, including you, turn their heads towards her. “We haven’t gotten into the fact that my quirk didn’t work for her!!”

“Truth be told..” you mumbled. “I think it didn’t work ‘cuz I’m from another dimension remember?” You responded to which she let out an ‘oh’ sound.

“If that’s the case, Aizawa how ‘bout you try your quirk on her?” All Might suggested before Shota nodded. He applied some eye drops before he activated his quirk Erasure.

“Try using your webs Y/N,” All Might said while you complied. You aimed your fingertips at a nearby wall and just as expected, webs sprung out immediately.

“Hmm..” Toshinori hummed while Aizawa widened his eyes when he realized his quirk didn’t work. “I suppose it was expected,” Nezu spoke.

“Well.. it’s more reason to get her into UA,” Midnight replied with a smirk. “Hope she’ll be in my homeroom class~”

“It’s not so easy,” Aizawa spoke as his quirk automatically turned off. He stepped over to you before lowering his long scarf. “It’ll be harder considering she’d be a late arrival student,”

“That is correct EraserHead,” Nezu nodded his head and turned himself towards you. “L/N, we strive for the best for our students as they will be our next-generation heroes. We count on them like how you count on us to help you.” He explained with a semi-serious look on his face. “Though school has already started, you will be facing extremely difficult exams. Show us you’re worth our help by passing to UA,”

Your eyebrows were raised while you hummed. “I’ll try my best then..” you mumbled before the short bear smiled.

“And if you do manage to get to UA.. please just address me as Principal Nezu,”

“WOAH!!” Miles exclaimed as he dodged the incoming desk thrown by Miguel, he could hear his constant cursing in Spanish.

“Oh so you’re worried about Spot and Y/N? Oh well, I’ll worry about them!” The spider-man 2099 exclaimed in frustration, Gwen tried to defend Miles but couldn’t after his rage burst.

“He blew another hole in the multiverse and expected me to calm down Gwen?!” He yelled, his fangs starting to slightly show.

“Not only is Y/N’s gizmo damaged, she’s lost in the middle of nowhere with no help! She’s not considered an anomaly either!” Miguel growled as he then got down from his floating space. He approached the two teenagers who were a little hesitant to be standing in front of him.

"This is your fault, Gwen," Miguel snarled after looking down at her. "If you hadn't goofed around with Miles and decided to help her instead...”

The man approached closer, with a glare that shown intense hatred. She could tell that he was trying to hold back.

“I don't know what Jessica saw in you but your actions make it clear over and over again.. that you're a damn liability." He glared while Gwen widened her eyes, taken aback by his words. She looked away in shame.

She looked down as little tears prickled her eyes. She quickly wiped them off to avoid embarrassment in front of Miles but she could already tell he knew.

Though Miles didn't know much about you, he wishes to find you again.

𝕾𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄.

---

author's note: this was a long chapter to make lol. i forgot to mention in the story that the woman that Y/N saved was Inko Midoriya. i'm sorry for the delay and my sudden reappearance, i hope you all can still enjoy the story :3 i've already planned the coming chapters and i'll try my best to upload as fast as i can. also, since the word count is often 7000+ every chapter, i'll shorten it so others wouldn't get lost, i'll have more chapters and the story'll grow faster. again, sorry for my absence, expect more chapters this summer! as well, lmk if you'd like to be added in the taglist. reblogs and comments are very appreciated. :))

slightly not proofread

italic dialogue or text: Japanese / said in another language or just thoughts

normal dialogue: English

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taglist: @coffeeandtealol, @lemon-lav

[carionto]

How to beat Deathworlders

I don't know what I want to write and it's a little frustrating. So, to fix that, I'm just gonna throw this at me - Giant Ant Planet

The first call to arms Humanity has declared. They mobilize with unseen speed and precision seven of their mightiest Dreadnoughts, hundreds of transports, and amass fifty thousand soldiers, fully armed and trained on the target.

They are headed to a world Humans scouted as having great potential for life to flourish. How correct they were.

In orbit above the planet Chromathium-2-4, the station Truncated Crescent Ellipses was tasked with conducting experiments to test the viability of Human-digestible flora and fauna living on Chromatoff (as the scientists began to call it for short).

When the fleet arrived, the final message from the station turned out to be true - it had crash landed on the surface. From the chaos of the recordings they received, there was a containment breach and the systems were under attack by some unknown electronic waves and incomprehensible code. A hostile act, but by who?

This was two weeks ago. Whoever it was, they would know the wrath of Humanity. Once we find your traces, there will be no hiding for long.

Preliminary scans show the station was dead and only local creatures and plants appeared, in greater density than elsewhere, but no matter. Just some animals.

The first unmanned craft landed and began exploring the wreckage. All of the digital systems were fried, not a hint of power remained anywhere. Attempts to manually power anything up proved fruitless - the data had been replaced with pure garbage code. Then, the drone vanished underground and went silent. Connection failure.

Orbital sights showed nothing, all frequencies were monitored and were free of unaccounted signals. The next group of drones descended and shortly after touchdown they too were seemingly devoured by the ground, all power and electronic signals cut.

A deep scan showed the same dense biological activity, but looking closer at the data it was like a carpet just below the actual surface layer. And for whatever reason the pulse couldn't penetrate below a few meters. Scanning areas further from the crash revealed a much more detailed and sparsely populated map going down the expected three kilometers.

For the third attempt they kept several drones above the landed ones at different altitudes. The moment the drones on the ground were vanished again, a sudden signal struck the ones floating up to seventy meters above and cut them off as well, but didn't seem to reach any beyond that. The visual was not as detailed as they'd like, but it was enough - the tips of large pincers and antennae and beady eyes. Ants.

The fleet maintained a perimeter around the entire system just in case, and spent half a day consulting professionals and former colleagues of the deceased scientists to get a better understanding of the current situation.

Two experiments the team had worked on before and supposedly continued when relocated to the new station stood out - metabolic acceleration, and unassisted neural interfacing via modified brain waves. Far from the wildest here, such as the self-relocating giant sequoia, but ones that offered a plausible explanation.

Ants serve a variety of critical functions in the maintenance of an ecosystem, so naturally they are a part of most late stage terraforming efforts.

Here, however, something went wrong and they evolved alongside technology at an intimate level. Perhaps deliberately made to do so.

They are spreading fast too. Twelve hours ago the "carpet" of underground ants was roughly two square kilometers. Now it was close to three and a half. In mere weeks they may spread across the entire continent, perhaps make it across (or below?) the seas somehow and ravenously consume all life on this planet before succumbing to extinction themselves.

This world is bountiful. Also, we're here already. Hmm...

Eh, may as well. Plenty of us have seen Starship Troopers and only joined to hopefully one day shoot at alien bugs. Guess these are more like home grown critters, but whatever.

With that brazen attitude (and a quick orbital bombardment) the troop ships landed, well, were forced to crash land the final few meters, but whatever electromagnetic warfare these ants were throwing our way didn't account for reinforced alloy armor and hand-held rail guns. Their sharp pincers, acid throwers, and thick carapaces did however.

Actually, fucking hell, they move real fast underground. Uhh...

This isn't looking so good in retrospect. Did they add cockroach DNA in these bastards too? Some of them literally don't care about losing their head, what the fuck!?

Okay, holy shit, abort mission! Good thing we still install regular ignition engines as an added redundancy to the military ships. Not very fast or efficient, but screw you, burn beneath the thrusters. BURN!

*deep breath*

Okay. So. We lost 831 soldiers, and 4625 are injured. And the ant casualties don't matter cuz they're ants. Super mutant ants. Who are going to take over the world if we don't nuke them. Which might not work anyway because HUMAN scientists made them.

Hoisted by our own petard or something.

Right, let's just chalk it up as a... military exercise gone wrong and quarantine the planet. Wait, make that the whole system.

...so this is what it must've felt like to lose the Emu War...

[probablyasocialecologist]

Take the planetary computer to its logical end under platform capitalism: every inch of the earth is mapped and monitored. Carbon flows are predicted. A red flag fire warning for a forest in Australia triggers an automatic sell-off of carbon futures; someone’s bank account is crushed while they sleep. Now imagine the same platform is tracking species. Now do people. A fluctuation in the weather forecasts migrants: send more boats to Lampedusa.

All this is simultaneously hyperbolic and a logical extension of current trends. Maybe take it into what Shoshana Zuboff calls surveillance capitalism—nature’s behavioral surplus fabricated into prediction products that anticipate what it will do, which are traded in behavioral futures markets.

Automated machine processes not only know our behavior but also shape our behavior at scale. With this reorientation from knowledge to power, it is no longer enough to automate information flows about us; the goal now is to automate us.

This births a new species of power Zuboff calls “instrumentarianism”—shaping human behavior toward others’ ends. Now instead of human beings, do birds. Now do fish. Now do trees. If all this data is blackboxed, unknowable, and used to make a profit for a mega platform, that’s a horrific future—though if it was going to come to pass, you’d think it would have more hype than it does today.

Holly Jean Buck, Ending Fossil Fuels: Why Net Zero is Not Enough