#THE COMPUTER PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

[retrocgads]

UK 1987

[ggomos-maribat]

1 | in which Tim Drake tries to propose to the PA

Part 1 of No Mr. Wayne You Can't Adopt Me! | Masterlist

Bruce tried not to flinch as he sat down on his swiveling chair. He had twisted his ankle from pursuing Penguin's goons the previous night but had to cover it up for work. Sure, he was used to hiding injuries and slipping into his CEO persona, but that didn't mean his muscles weren't sore and beat-up. 

Just in time, his PA entered the office, carrying a stack of folders and a hot mug of coffee. "Here are the partnership offers I filtered from the initial pile." She placed the papers atop his desk. "I've also noticed that there is a defect in the new prototype of the research department that they are yet to attend to." 

Bruce frowned. "But isn't the demo and meeting for it scheduled today?" 

"Yes, that's why I've convinced the head supervisor to push it back to next week after they deal with the defect," Marinette reported. "I've also postponed the investors meeting to tomorrow since there was a delay in the materials." 

She lowered her voice as if relaying a secret. "I noticed you have difficulty walking today, Mr. Wayne. With your modified schedule, all your work can be done here at your desk. If there's other legwork to do, I'll take care of it." 

Somehow, in perfect timing, Marinette always managed to accommodate the times when he was injured. Bruce didn't know if he was getting bad at hiding it because of his old age or if the girl's intuition was just crazy sharp. Maybe it was both. He cleared his throat. "Thank you, Marinette. I appreciate it." 

She opened up the first folder in front of him and transferred the mug to an electric warmer. "Another skiing accident?" 

"Not as bad this time. Just a twisted ankle." 

Next, she lowered the blinds just to allow just a peek of the sunlight and prepared a snack tray on a circular table beside his desk. Bruce never communicated the particulars about his preferences and he wasn't actually picky about his office space (unlike his son-slash-co-CEO). But this PA of his, just somehow knows. Like Alfred-levels of expertise. It creeped him out a little if he were to be honest. 

She clasped her hands behind her back. "Anything else, Mr. Wayne?" 

"None at the moment, thank you." 

She raised an eyebrow. 

. . . Which drew out a sigh from him. "Fine. Can you maybe help limit Tim's caffeine intake today? He had too many cups last night and he didn't listen when I told him to take the time off today." 

"Of course, I'll do that right away." She nodded in satisfaction. 

When she left, Bruce pulled up a tab on his computer to search for the legal documents, wondering if there was etiquette about an employer legally adopting their employee. 

***

Marinette entered the office of Tim Drake after receiving a greeting from Tam at her desk beside the door. The young PA kept her hands behind her back as she approached the boy who was glued to his computer screen. Upon closer look, she could see the heaviness under his eyes, accentuated by the dark circles on his pale skin. 

"I looked into your request of acquiring a commission piece from M.D.C.," Marinette told him. 

There was only a slight shift in his exhausted expression—a downturn of the mouth—before his scratchy voice replied. "I thought they don't accept commissions anymore." 

"Yes, but I re-visited our correspondence and apparently they still make pieces for selected clients." She took a deep breath. "And I got you an in." 

The clicking of the mouse suddenly paused, followed by the widening of Tim's red-rimmed eyes. He practically crawled out of his seat to kneel before Marinette to take her hand in his. "Please marry me." 

Marinette gently pulled away. "Sorry, Mr. Drake, my contract with Mr. Wayne prohibits me from marrying or getting into a relationship with any of his children." 

"Why?!" Tim cried out.

"Perhaps he precisely predicted this kind of situation." She smiled apologetically. "And by my guess, I think he wants to adopt me first and not marry into the Wayne family." 

Not that she actually wanted to be the newest addition to her boss' family. 

With a pout, Tim retreated back to his chair while muttering about Bruce's adoption addiction. But in a second, he brightened up once more as he seemingly remembered the new opportunity he gained with M.D.C. "I have to compile my requests for the clothes!" He furiously tapped at his keyboard.

Marinette's heart went out for Tam. It looked like Tim wasn't getting proper work done that day again. 

"I will forward the list to M.D.C. as soon as it's ready," she assured. 

And while the co-CEO was immersed in researching designs in his half-conscious state, Marinette brought out the mug from behind her back and exchanged the coffee on his desk with decaf: a custom brew which was guaranteed to help him sleep for the afternoon. 

In triumph, she exchanged thumbs-ups with Tam through the glass window of the office. 

***

Marinette kept a watchful eye on Bruce's office to keep anyone from entering and disturbing the boss. But when she peeked into the room to deliver more files to him, she saw Bruce facing the open window and talking softly with Superman himself, who was at the other side of the glass. 

Fortunately, neither of them seemed to notice her. She closed the door slowly and leaned her back against it, wondering if she should be guarding the door with her life. At the strike of bad luck, one of the company executives was heading straight towards the direction of the office. 

He shot her a look as she blocked the way. Head to toe. "Mr. White," she greeted slowly.

"I have some papers Mr. Wayne must sign urgently." He narrowed his eyes. 

"Sorry." She forced out a smile. "Mr. Wayne is a little . . . preoccupied at the moment. Why don't I take those papers off your hands and I'll have him sign them later?" 

The executive clutched the stack tightly as if it were some precious treasure. "No, I need to have them signed now. If you can let me in, I'm sure Mr. Wayne won't mind a short interruption." 

He stepped to the side but she moved in his way just as swiftly. Marinette sighed inwardly. This is beyond my paycheck. And judging by how White went here on his own, it must be some fund-farming project proposal Mr. Wayne would never agree to. 

"Get out of my way!" He cried out. "Who do you think you are?!" 

"I apologize, but Mr. Wayne is meeting an important guest. Under no circumstances must he be disturbed," she told him firmly. "I'm certain the papers can wait. He's not going anywhere." 

"Listen here," Mr. White spat out. "I have more authority over you. You will do as I say right now!" 

"Mr. White—"

"I will tell Mr. Wayne how incompetent you are! Rude to company executives! How dare you speak to me like this?!" Marinette stared with disinterest as his neck turned red and his forehead threatened to pop a vessel. 

"What is going on here?" 

Marinette felt the door open behind her to reveal Bruce, looking at White with clear exasperation. What she didn't expect was a bespectacled man emerging from behind her boss clad in business clothes. 

"Mr. Wayne!" The executive squeaked. "I need you to sign these—"

"Did you not hear my PA?" Bruce punished him with a cold look. "I was receiving a guest. And you had the nerve to cause a commotion right outside my office." 

"But—" 

"Leave. Now." 

Mr. White scurried away, tail between his legs, as other passing employees whispered to each other. Marinette stepped aside to give way to the two men. 

Bruce cleared his throat. "Thank you for your time, Clark. I'll get back to you soon." 

Superman—Clark—responded with a nod and a gentle smile before excusing himself out of the area. Marinette watched his back whilst he left. If anyone looked more attentively, they'd notice that the button-up and slacks Clark was wearing was too tight for his size, pointing to the fact that they were Bruce's and not his. 

"Marinette, if you can keep quiet about . . ." Bruce trailed off, face twisting as he tried to pick his words carefully. She, of course, would know that no guest had entered his office despite Clark Kent exiting it only a few moments ago. 

"Don't worry, Mr. Wayne. I won't tell anyone about your affair with Mr. Kent," she promised before walking back to her desk. 

"Thank you . . . Wait, my what?" 

[angelwings-crossbowstrings]

You Wanna Shut Away the Pieces of a Broken Heart

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Carol Peletier (Seemingly Unrequited)

Setting: Alexandria (Commonwealth Arc)

Warnings: None

Summary: Carol makes assumptions that could break her in the worst way.

A/N: A follow-up to Two Sinners Can’t Atone from a Lone Prayer. Can stand alone but I recommend reading that one first.

The chaos had been endless. One blow after another, both personally and against the people of the communities. Alexandria was the last one standing, being rebuilt after the brutality with the promises of support from an ally Carol still found suspicious. 

A few people would be moving to the Commonwealth, seeking trustworthiness before committing fully to a partnership in expanding. It would be like the old world, they had claimed, with jobs and currency and recreation and businesses. There was electricity and phones and even computers with basic capabilities of data collection and storage. 

Carol had learned over the years that if something sounded too good to be true, it usually was. 

Regardless of the changes to come, she couldn’t help but linger on one significant change that had nothing to do with Alexandria or the Commonwealth, but with her relationship with Daryl. 

She was up before the sun as usual, making coffee and preparing breakfast for the kids and the archer, covering it and placing it in the oven to keep it warm. Alexandria had limited solar power at that time, so she would usually tend to her tasks by candlelight, conserving as much energy as possible aside from the stove. It was only the mornings when she was late to wake, that everyone enjoyed a hot, fresh meal. 

She stood at the kitchen island, her duties done and bags packed for the move the next day. The sun was up and so were Judith and RJ. She fed them before they went out the door, RJ to play and Jude to see what she could do to help. 

That only left Daryl. He never slept late. She wondered if he’d gone outside the walls again to hunt or scavenge. There was a time when he’d tell her beforehand but with the wedge that had pried open such a gaping void between them, he never offered that courtesy anymore. She deserved it after all she’d put him through; disappearing and keeping her secrets, worrying him to no end. There had been no fairness toward him from her. 

Sighing heavily, she drained the last of her coffee and grabbed the laundry basket. Organization meant more to her those days, a simple sign that not everything was out of her control. She wanted everything to be ready for the move, anything she could do to make the transition easier. 

Judith’s laundry was neatly piled in one corner. The girl had always been considerate toward those who did anything for her. RJ, on the other hand, always sent Carol on a scavenger hunt. He was still young so the most she would do was give him a gentle reminder after finding all the articles he had shed in twenty different places in the house.  Daryl was a combination of both kids. His laundry was scattered about but only in his room, never left anywhere else. 

There was a time when she would enter his space without a second thought. The room no longer felt inviting. It was a tad bit easier when he wasn’t home but she still hesitated.

Finally turning the knob and following the door as it opened, she froze. 

Daryl was still in bed. Shirtless and on his side, snoring softly and utterly oblivious to her presence. The single sheet that covered him lay low over his hips, the elastic band of his boxer-briefs just above it. The archer had been a light sleeper for as long as she had known him, waking and fully alert at the slightest sound. The fact that he was still sound asleep concerned her. 

Her brow furrowed, blue-gray eyes narrowed. With all that had happened, when was the last time she had seen him sleep? The cabin before they had parted ways to walk on separate sides of the canyon that now lay between them. The dark circles beneath his eyes were telling. 

He was exhausted. 

She knew she should walk back out the door and close it behind her, give him privacy to rest, but she couldn’t seem to make herself move. It was the first time in a long time she could feel the slightest touch of the bond they had once shared. The comfort he’d felt in her company alone to be vulnerable. She had felt—still felt the same around him. Though there was anger and sadness and a trepidation surrounding it now, he was still her comfort. 

Her person. 

The man she loved. 

The only man she had ever truly loved. 

She had been ready to tell him once, as she watched him from the tent during the building of the bridge, twisting Ezekiel’s ring on her finger. The jewelry had never belonged there. The thought of it made the skin of that digit burn. After that, Daryl had vanished to chase a ghost and she had run away to chase a fairytale. They had each returned empty handed. 

Then he told her about Leah; everything about Leah. 

Carol knew that he had never been hers, would never be hers. He had never said he loved Leah, but his note had screamed the affirmative. 

I belong with you. 

All the years surviving together, Daryl had never taken a lover. He had never seemed interested. When he told her that Leah had been the first since before the end of the world, she had to fight to keep her schooled mask in place while her heart had shattered. Why had she ever thought she could be that first for him?

Stifling the sob that had worked its way up to push against the back of her teeth, she quickly gathered his clothing and left the room with one last glance at his rarely seen peaceful face. When the door closed, she felt the metaphorical door between them more strongly than ever before. 

Their luck had run out. He was still her closest, dearest friend. She knew he felt that way too. 

I’m never gonna hate you. 

That would never be enough for her, but she was a master at being someone else. And this time, the mask she would wear was one of a woman that hadn’t fallen in love with Daryl Dixon. 

Carol placed her palm flat against his door and closed her eyes, a single stray tear falling to splash silently—yet somehow deafening—onto the floor. 

No, he would never be hers, but

“I belong with you, Daryl.”

[duckprintspress]

On the Care and Maintenance of Editors

September is “Be Kind to Editors and Writers” Month. Here at Duck Prints Press, we have editors and writers aplenty, and to celebrate them, we asked them a few questions about kindness in their field of work. In this post, we’ll be chatting with our editors. (Stay tuned for the writers chat later this month!)

The participants in this roundtable are E. C., Alex, Nina Waters, Rhosyn Goodfellow, theirprofoundbond, boneturtle, and an anonymous contributor.

1. What is your favorite self-care as an editor?

E. C.: Following the 20-20-20 rule to mitigate eyestrain (I make it the 20-20-20-200-20 rule and look out a window for a bit, too).

Alex: Scheduling in breaks, both short (for eyestrain) and long (for mental fatigue). I always ensure there’s some fun snacks or activity involved (past treats have included anything from ice cream after finishing X amount of pages to new tattoos for finishing a major project).

Nina Waters: Mostly, it’s setting and enforcing boundaries about when and how I will work and when and how I won’t. Like, “I don’t check my email during these periods” kind of stuff.

Anonymous: As a freelance editor, my favorite type of self-care is scheduling myself fairly, and not taking on too much.

Rhosyn Goodfellow: Scheduling breaks specifically to play with my dogs, which helps get my brain completely away from thinking about written communication.

theirprofoundbond: My favorite self-care is to set limits for myself in terms of the amount of work I’m going to take on, as well as the kinds of projects I’m going to work on. I really had to learn how to say no to things, especially when I was first starting out. I felt like I should accept any project that came my way, or accept even if I wasn’t very interested in the project because I had availability. Now, I’m much choosier about how much work I’ll say yes to, and the projects I’m going to devote my time to. The authors I work with benefit, because they’re getting the best out of me. The authors I decline to work with have the opportunity to find someone who will be able to offer them the time, support, and enthusiasm they deserve. And I’m certainly benefiting, because I find my editing work much more enjoyable now!

2. What kindnesses have others done for you to support your editing that you’ve appreciated?

Alex: Listened to me when I said I was not to be disturbed (this goes for digital friends as well as irl folks).

Nina Waters: Being understanding that editors aren’t perfect either, like, yeah, I do make mistakes, and so do the writers, and the whole point is this is a partnership where we work through it all together to produce a polished story that makes the author’s words and intentions shine.

Anonymous: I appreciate when my clients get that I have a full-time job in addition to their edits. My wife is also very understanding when I have to sit at the computer and edit instead of hanging out with her.

Rhosyn Goodfellow: Understanding and respecting that my editing time is just as important as my time working at my other job.

3. What’s an advice you’d like to give to people who want to support their editor friends?

Alex: Your editor has a good handle on what they need to succeed. If they ask for something (or conversely, don’t ask for anything), it’s probably for a reason!

Nina Waters: If the editor is wearing their “editor” hat and not their “friend” hat, understand that. And don’t assume that just cause they’re your friend, they’ll be interested in editing for you.

Anonymous: If you want to support your editor friends, I recommend acknowledging the effort they’re putting in and the skill it takes to do what they do. It’s nice to feel appreciated!

Rhosyn Goodfellow: If you think what they do is cool or important, tell them! It’s always nice to know someone thinks what you do is important, and I think that’s especially true right now for anyone whose job falls into the broad category of work people who don’t actually understand that work think is easily replaceable with AI tools.

theirprofoundbond: Ask them about their work! It’s understandable that there’s a lot of interest in authors’ writing progress and processes, but editors are involved, too, working away behind the scenes to support their authors. It means a lot when people show interest in my work. I truly love what I do, and I love talking about it—whether that’s with someone who has no familiarity with what I do (or they have misconceptions—very common!), or with authors or other editors who have an understanding of the editing process/experience.

4. What’s a common misconception about being an editor that you’d like to correct?

Alex: Yes, I edit. Yes, I write. No, I have never gone an hour without typos and no, I will not be correcting them (unless they’re REALLY egregious lol)

Nina Waters: That editors are evil inflexible hardasses.

Anonymous: I don’t like the misconception that editors are, like, sharks intent on tearing your manuscript apart. I don’t suggest changes because I hate you or your writing; I want your writing to be the best it can be.

Rhosyn Goodfellow: That editing is about “correcting” someone’s writing. An editor’s job is to help a writer tell the story they want to tell and communicate the information they want to communicate in the most effective way possible. Even things like spelling, grammar, and adhering to a specific style aren’t about doing things the “right” way; they’re about minimizing the degree to which the technical aspects of written language distract readers from the content of the writing. A good writer-editor relationship is a partnership, not some kind of grammatical dictatorship.

theirprofoundbond: People almost always assume that I’m eager to correct and criticize an author. That I’m going to tear their work apart. I think those ideas come from a place of people recognizing that giving your creative work to someone for feedback and improvement is a little scary, but it has been striking to see this repeated misconception—even from people who know me well, and know that that’s not how I am as a person or editor. I can’t improve on Rhosyn’s response to this question, but I will say that for my part, I tell every author I work with that I’m there to help them tell the story they want to tell, not tell them what to do.

To summarize in the words of boneturtle: editors are the Frankenstein’s monster just looking for love while everyone runs away screaming

Love our roundtable discussions? You can view all our past chats here! Also, did you know that Patrons get Discord access that allows them to contribute to these lists? Come check out all the awesome offerings on our Patreon and join the conversation!

[antaxzantax]

Umbrella Pharmaceuticals - Chapter 54

Summary: Oswell E. Spencer hires Albert Wesker as security chief at Arklay Laboratory.

1

The Berlin Wall fell.

The Soviet Union dissolved and, with it, the definitive consolidation of Western hegemony.

A new world order ordered by the markets was born.

It was the corporations' time, Umbrella's time.

Spencer and Ashford had met urgently at Umbrella Pharmaceuticals headquarters in Bonn to discuss the future of the company and the joint course of action they would formulate for the bioweapons market.

Spencer never changed his mind. He set up Umbrella as an enterprise for his personal enrichment and for the extension of his individual fortune, as he promised his father Abraham. However, the serendipity of the Progenitor virus caused a deviation from his original route as a traditional businessman that uncovered new and affluent avenues for him to refocus his existential state. He had had a few ideas that had shaken him by their scope and overweening ambition, but these ideas were purely personal and unrelated to the subject at hand: the future of a multinational.

Ashford held a position that only the threat of thermonuclear war had quelled: Umbrella was to play a central role in the expansion and maintenance of Western hegemony. Alexander, like his father, his grandfather and virtually all his ancestors before him, wanted empire. Unlike the old glories who mourned the disintegration of the British Empire, Alexander looked to the wide ocean of nation-states with which to negotiate and in which to incite coups and civil wars. The Ashfords, and the Stuarts by extension, had cast themselves in the role of guardians of the old order regardless of whether the peasant carries a hoe or a computer. Specifically, of an old order dreamed up as an industrial and rationalist reproduction of the absolutism to which their Stuart forebears were usually prone.

And that was going to be a problem.

Spencer did not want Umbrella to survive. Although promising at first, his partnership with Ashford had turned into an ordeal of constant conflicting opinions because of the lack of a guiding principle between the two. He had experienced his long corporate career as enriching and forging a character that would have made his ancestors proud, but he was about to reach the limit of his effort and patience and could not simply walk away.

If he ran, the Ashfords would own Umbrella in its entirety along with the Progenitor virus patent. Even if he kept a boxcar of samples, the Ashfords would destroy his legacy, ruin his name and the rest of the Spencers would jump down his throat for giving those jocks such a succulent steak. Then, there was the matter of Alex and his mixed feelings about her. She certainly needed an heir, but... She wasn't even English. And he didn't quite trust her. She had killed Marcus as a test of loyalty and that honored her, but it remained to be found out if her ambition and his matched or, on the contrary, her role as prodigal daughter would be abruptly cancelled by a bullet in the head.

He had to do something. He would rather die than lose control of his half of the company. Seeing Ashford excited about a hypothetical invasion of Iraq with Umbrella's explicit involvement turned his stomach. His grandfather was governor of India, not the head of a militia of down-and-out highlanders. He wanted order and control, and to resolve conflicts from the discretion of his office, whereas the Ashfords wanted to involve Umbrella in a second battle of Culloden with the prince at the helm[1].

He sensed that Ashford also wished to leave. However, their bond had been twisted to the point of making a peaceful exit impossible at this time. Therefore, Spencer had to design and execute his tactic carefully. First, he had thought of a radical measure, but one he believed to be effective: hiring Soviet personnel. He had his eye on a man, Sergei Vladimir, who would repel Alexander for his furious anti-communism and begin to build a faction of loyalists. In this sense, Vladimir was an interesting addition as a disenchanted Leninist and former Red Army colonel. It was Vladimir who had contacted Spencer through his agents to join the UBCS[2], a paramilitary unit against biological disasters that was set up in the wake of the Chernobyl nuclear incident.

He could not anticipate what the consequences would be, but he took comfort in having taken a first step.

Only time would tell.

2

A sip from the coffee cup. Sherry stood up on the couch to touch the bandage on her head. Her tiny finger touched a bump that made her shudder.

William pulled his daughter's hand away and forced her to sit next to him as the girl began to look distressed.

“It's nothing. Just a bump. Dad is fine.”

William was not well at all. The incident... He was in a coma for two full days. Fortunately, with no after-effects. A persistent headache for a few months and a requirement to avoid any further blows to the head on pain of permanently damaging his cognition. The man and the woman...

He had been placed on a three-month leave of absence for a full recovery. He had not been fired or suspended from employment and pay. They simply sent him to the hospital, paid all the bills and sent him home for a paid vacation. Annette, for her part, was still working.

The incident happened at full speed. He was pissed off because he had been demoted. Then he went to the sales office and was beaten out of there for his inappropriate behavior. He went to the lab and ran into the woman. The woman drove him crazy and then the bearded man showed up and beat him like a savage into unconsciousness.

The chain of events seemed logical, but him being alive and employed didn't make sense.

There were two words that fluttered around inside his skull and with which he had established a traumatic relationship: Alexia and Alexander. The woman said her name was Alexia I don't know what and she believed the bearded man's name was Alexander because she remembered in a flash the meeting at the Spencer mansion and Albert's comment about the identity of those present. Alexia said she was the head of investigations, while the bearded man stared at her silently with the expression of a serial killer.

He was prescribed antidepressants to cope with the loss of the G-virus. In reality, the existence of the G-virus was never mentioned to a lay doctor, but the incident passed for an accident at work and a nervous breakdown that a stranger invented to justify William's leave and his taking Prozac. He had been pill-popped since waking up from the coma to alleviate the extreme feeling of emptiness.

G. Golgotha virus. Destroyed. Forever.

Tears bathed his eyelids.

Sherry hugged her father and joined him in sobbing.

3

“Alpha. Beta. Pi.” Auguste rolled down the window. “This is it.”

Alfred started the engine. The Lamborghini Diablo roared. He stepped on the accelerator and pulled into the fraternity compound. The gravel road circled a circular lake decorated with an imitation of the Trevi Fountain. At the end of the road was the entrance to a three-story colonial mansion. Scattered around the doorway and stairs swarmed the members of the exclusive fraternity linked to Raccoon City University. As they advanced, heads turned and whispered to each other.

Alfred gave them a wry smile. He found it amusing that students from a crappy provincial university thought they were part of the upper class. They were just a bunch of children of the American upper-middle class that so repulsed him. Unnecessarily overbearing and obsessed with a ridiculous display of wealth. Classists with money, but no classy.

Alfred parked the vehicle on the snowy margin of the gravel road. He turned off the engine as Auguste got out and put on his cap with the visor back. When Alfred got out, he smoothed his suit jacket and replaced the gold watch his father had given him for his twentieth birthday. They both stood in front of the hood to survey the scene. Boat blondes, leather shoes and polo shirts with the college logo. The spitting image of the American lifestyle.

“Do you have the coke on you?” asked Auguste.

“I have five grams left over.”

“Shall we get a couple in before we go in? I'm not going to last all night sober.”

Alfred removed his purse and wallet from inside his jacket. With the help of a platinum credit card, he prepared four stripes which he consumed instantly and discreetly.

“Better.” Auguste breathed in sharply. “Let's go.”

They made their way to the entrance. Under the threshold, Richard and Tracy were waiting to greet them. Alfred met Richard by chance at the university. He had been sitting in the library reading a couple of things when Richard approached him about studying together. Alfred didn't mind but regretted it as soon as Richard questioned him about his religious affiliation.

“I am Catholic.”

Alfred replied dryly to tertiary the absurd conversation. Richard said nothing more and just studied in silence. The next day, however, Richard approached him in one of the corridors and invited him to the fraternity party. Likewise, Alfred self-invited his cousin Auguste so that he would not end up retired in a corner and on the verge of suicide from boredom.

Richard and Tracy stepped forward.

“Welcome to Alpha-Beta-Pi!” Tracy greeted effusively. “Ready to party?”

Alfred responded to the welcome with a forced smile. Auguste extended his hand to Richard and Tracy.

“Auguste Campbell, Alfred's cousin.”

“Nice to meet you.” Richard shook his hand second. “Come on in. We have fifteen minutes to spare before it starts.”

Alfred and Auguste accompanied their hosts into the building. There were beer cans with swallowing tubes set in the hallway. Auguste was fidgeting casually, and Alfred had gotten the urge to smoke to calm the cocaine-induced excitement. Richard and Tracy led them into the main room, where there was no one else except the four of them.

Tracy hooked Auguste. Richard went straight for Alfred.

“Would you like to have a drink?”

“Do you mind if I smoke?” Alfred showed him a pack of unbranded cigarettes.

“No, of course not. Go ahead.” Richard repositioned the collar of his shirt.

Alfred lit a cigarette with the zippo he kept inside the pack.

“I'm glad you came, and with your cousin. We love meeting new people.”

Alfred exhaled, controlling his euphoria. He was half listening to what Richard was saying.

“I found your seminar the other day very interesting. And for that reason, I tried to talk to you the other day. I'm sorry if I offended you.”

“You didn't. But why did you ask me about my religion?” Alfred really wanted to know why.

“Nothing special. It's because I was struck by your critical and somewhat nihilistic approach to research.” Richard tried hard to sound sympathetic. “I don't mean that you are, but I felt a little depressed when I finished.”

“It is a continuation of the work of my great-grandfather, Arthur Ashford. He experimented with classical conditioning long before Skinner published his thesis.”

“Wow, a man ahead of his time.”

“It was.”

Richard kept his hands in his pockets, uncomfortable with his guest's curt attitude.

“And what part of the UK are you from?”

Alfred took a puff.

“Scotland, but I live in Northern England.”

“Oh, you're Scottish. Edinburgh?”

“Highlands.”

“I would like to visit Scotland. Maybe I'll let you know about a getaway.” Richard laughed.

Alfred finished his cigarette and went to the standing ashtray they had placed in the corner. Richard followed behind him as if he were his shadow. The party hadn't even started, and he was feeling anxious. He would escape to the bathroom to take two more drags.

“What about the rest of the guests? Anyone who likes horror movies?” It sounded like a snub, but Alfred was serious.

“There's Peter.” Richard took it as a joke. “He's got a little strange taste.”

Alfred sat on the couch waiting. He watched Auguste chatting animatedly with Tracy.

In short.

The rest of the guests milled around in the main hall. The carillon clock struck midnight. Alfred got up to greet people he didn't give a shit about. Auguste fell into his good graces and soon set out to smoke pot with his new friends. The only thing he liked was the music, a mix of New Order with Huey Lewis and the News, Mariah Carey and Billy Idol.

“Alfred? Are you Alfred?”

Alfred turned around. A young man about his own age, curly red hair, pronounced dark circles under his eyes and a pleasant smile.

“Richard told me you liked horror movies, didn't he?”

Alfred nodded.

“My name is Peter Lee. I am a medical student. My specialty is anatomy.”

They shook hands.

“Alfred Ashford. I am doing a pre-doctoral research stay.”

“You look very young. How old are you?”

“Twenty.”

Peter was surprised.

“Wow. You are a genius.”

Alfred shrugged his shoulders.

“Well...” He drank from his glass of water. “And what's your favorite horror movie?”

“Hellraiser by Clive Barker.”

Peter looked at him ecstatically.

“Hellraiser... What a coincidence. It's also one of my favorites along with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Do you like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

“I prefer Halloween, but that is also among my favorites.”

“Have you seen Cannibal Holocaust?”

“I have an original copy...”

Peter sipped half his glass in one gulp.

“Do you know what snuff is?”

Alfred raised an eyebrow in confirmation. Peter was thrilled.

“I invite you to my house. I have some Japanese stuff you'll like.” He finished drinking his glass. “Friday?”

“Saturday night.”

“Bake St. 2013. A two-story mansion. A gift from my parents.”

Alfred memorized the address. Peter withdrew. Auguste shouted expletives with his new colleagues.

4

Ulysses slid to the edge of the bed. Alexander gently caressed his waist. It had been years since he had enjoyed a good orgasm. But that man was not the Ulysses of her youth, the handsome gentleman who stole his heart from an intense but short-lived passion that left a permanent imprint on him. He had paid for that man and had given him the name Ulysses to raise his spirits. Since his father's death, whether male or female, his relationships had been limited to one-night stands. If he had abhorred commitment before, the shocks he suffered after the founding of Umbrella had deterred him from emotionally relating to anyone. And so little had he sought such liaison that his apathy affected his small family.

He justified himself with excuses until his mother clarified his thoughts after the incident at the Antarctic base. Like an epiphany, and with his daughter strapped to a hospital bed after attacking her psychologist, he understood his distraught mother's warning.

It was the end. If he did nothing, it would be the end. And he didn't want it to be the end. His complacency had absorbed him in a way that frightened him and made him burst into bitter weeping.

The death of his mother in 1988 reaffirmed the evidence that he was completely alone. But his mother's death was different. It was a light departure, agreed upon, like that of a son who leaves on a trip and his mother bids him farewell on the platform. There was no decay, no strange thoughts, but a melancholy acceptance, for the situation was quite different.

In the previous years, from 1983 onwards, he tried to erase CODE: Veronica from his memory. His obsession reached the extreme of rummaging through his grandfather Arthur's old psychology books to suppress that memory. Obviously, nothing worked, so he resorted to the old reliable one of there is no such thing as what is not mentioned. With all the evidence suppressed, only he himself remained as a witness. His mother didn't believe it when he told her. However, since he and his father had been the masterminds, Elizabeth ordered him not to reveal the secret, and so he would act.

With his stupid project buried under tons of detritus, Alexander rediscovered his children. After the incident in Antarctica, he called Spencer to notify him of his absence and showed up at the Institute to accompany his daughter during intake. Elizabeth kissed them both when they returned. She did not congratulate Alexander because that is what Edward would have done for him. As for Alfred, during the first Christmas vacation after the incident, he hugged him for the first time. Alfred cried and the child told him about his experience of abuse, emotional repression, and sexual confusion at Jacob II; and Alexander, though he did not cry, empathized with his firstborn because he must have survived the same and prevailed, thus forging his character and sealing his future as head of the family. Alfred wiped away his tears and his eyes radiated admiration. Alexander felt comforted and that Christmas he regained his good humor.

What he started in that year carried him through to the present, and he realized he would give his life not to change it. Perhaps that was what his father would really have wanted. He would not know, but his mother rested in peace as she witnessed a seeming contentment that had never reigned at Ashford Hall since he was invested peer of the United Kingdom after inheriting his father's dignity.

For this reason, he struck William Birkin with the intention of killing him.

Alexia stopped him and interceded on the employee's behalf. She blamed herself and allowed William Birkin to live and keep his job.

The why escaped his discernment and eliciting it from her was not an option.

“William Birkin,” he whispered.

Ulysses cocked his head.

“I hate it,” Alexander mumbled into the void.

5

“Go ahead.”

Albert entered Spencer's office in the Raccoon City mansion. Spencer didn't get up from his seat, and Albert saw that a cane was propped next to his desk. He noticed that the decorations followed the same pattern as in the rest of the house, with hunting and classical art as the main motifs.

“Forgive me for not greeting you properly, but I am not feeling very healthy today due to the infirmities of age.” Spencer excused himself and invited him to sit down with a wave of his hand. “Would you like some tea?”

Albert nodded. Spencer pointed to the teapot for him to help himself. He noticed him more aged than last time.

“I read your letter of resignation as Arklay's chief researcher and your application to the Department of Information, and both made me feel bad.” Spencer dramatized. “You've worked for me for twelve long years. You have never let me down and your resume is enviable, Mr. Wesker. That distressed me, because I felt you were leaving by the back door, and in my family, we were always strict about credit.” Spencer took a sip from his cup of tea. Albert, without touching his cup, remained expectant. “I wish to make you a proposal.”

Albert swallowed hard. Spencer would look upon him as a god would pity his faithful.

“I would like to continue to think that you are one of my most faithful employees, and that I can rely on you for tasks of greater consequence than serving as a simple clerk. I know you were at the military academy and, although you have no formal experience as a soldier, you are in good shape and do well at shooting and fighting with your hands; for that is, among other qualities, what I am looking for.” Spencer fell silent and glanced at the cups before regaining his composure. “I want to make you security chief at Arklay Lab. But being head of security won't mean taking care of idle employees and repelling unwanted visitors; my integrity and that of my daughter Alex while we're here will depend on you; that things work in this place and, above all, that you accept me as your sole authority.”

Spencer underlined ‘sole authority’ as if he could see that phrase shining on a blank sheet of paper.

“I accept.” Albert did not hesitate.

“Come to the laboratory next Tuesday at noon. You will be met at the main entrance, just down the stairs from the fountain. Good afternoon.”

Albert stood up.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Spencer.”

Spencer took another swig from the cup. Albert went to the door and grabbed the doorknob.

“Loyalty is the most graceful of virtues, my father used to say.”

He closed the door.

[1] Battle fought in Scotland in 1746 by Prince Charles Edward Stuart against the House of Hannover for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy in the United Kingdom. The prince was defeated.

[2] Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service.

[simillionaire]

ts4 savefile open call ˗ˏˋ looking for talented & passionate simmers ´ˎ˗

You may have heard about our savefile already, but if not, I'd like to introduce you to one of the coolest savefiles already in the works. Our values for this playing experience are diversity, accessibility, aesthetics, and detailed storytelling. We have a creator team of 8 already and are looking to grow even more. If you are curious, read this post to learn more. Below, you can find brief descriptions of the kinds of roles we are looking to fill on our team. Everyone is volunteering a small amount of time to work on this save throughout the week, especially our admin team who has gone above and beyond to create a beautiful system that ensures the process is simple and stress-free. If you ever wanted to create a savefile but found yourself feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect opportunity to achieve that otherwise daunting goal! We hope to make an impact in the ts4 community and gift its players with something any and everyone can join. - - - directors - requires a portfolio submission and/or past experience depending on the responsibilities

ꕥ graphic designer(s) - people or someone who can help us design graphics for save-related content. ideal for someone who loves creating cute graphics and visual storytelling. examples of past work is required but no professional design experience is necessary.

ꕥ director of partnerships - someone who can help us establish mutually beneficial partnerships with groups and people inside the ts4 content creation world. also responsible for validating that credits are correct and that no creator's terms and conditions are being violated. ideally, someone who likes engaging with influencers and players within the ts4 community.

ꕥ director of photography - someone who can capture still and motion visuals directly from the game. must have a gaming computer and the ability to use g-shades. perfect for someone who loves capturing content and visual storytelling. examples of past work required.

ꕥ build director - someone who can make magic happen in build with limited access to in-game content. will partner with storytellers to bring community lots to life in a way that is playable, accessible, and interesting. perfect for someone who can build a castle, spaceship, motel, etc from just base game content alone. example of past work required. ꕥ add-on director - someone who can reimagine pack features such as holidays, clubs, eco-systems, etc... to execute a more detailed world. will partner with the story team to create meaningful gameplay features that complement to narrative of the world. perfect for someone who is detail-oriented and loves creating clubs/holidays. no portfolio is required, just lots of passion and commitment.

specialists - contribute to the save via the gallery and work at your own pace ꕥ build specialists - partners with the storytellers to spice up and customize gallery builds to reflect the story and lifestyles of created sims and families. great for those who love interior decorating and build mode.

ꕥ CAS specialists - partners with the storytellers to dress up and refine created sims in CAS Mode to make sure each outfit and tiny detail reflects their unique character. great for those who love CAS.

ꕥ story specialists - creates households and family histories in live mode. great for those who love storytelling and gameplay. must be prepared to partner with others across teams as they collaborate on bringing your vision to life. - - -

any questions? message me any time and I'll be sure to answer. interested in applying for any of our openings? message me here or request to join our private fb group and message an admin with your desired role. interested in following the development of this save, but not necessarily interested in joining as a creator? you are also welcome to join our fb group! we post weekly updates there and would love to keep you in the loop. lastly, know a simmer who may fit any of these roles really well? please send this post to them! we're excited to grow our small but mighty family into something epic.

[vivmaek]

URANUS IN THE 2nd HOUSE; Observations

Those with this placement experience strange ebbs and flows with their finances. At certain points during their life they may be flat broke but in others they’ll be rolling in money. All changes to their income will be sudden and unexpected. For instance, a speeding ticket could cause them some financial trouble but this is then all balanced out a few months later through a random windfall of money. It is hard for them to reach a point of stability in terms of income and they may never will. It is common to see people with this placement within careers that don’t require schedule and routine such as freelance work. Computer science and technology are sure fire avenues for these individuals to make substantial gains. A career that involves working with the internet is also a good idea. In many ways, these natives thrive under this erratic energy. They are not materialistic and hold no sentiment towards money and objects. Frustration sets in when a lack of money begins to limit the potential of their experiences. But they are clever and inventive when it comes to finding resources and usually come up with a good solution for their setbacks. Uranus second housers use their money to gain a sense of freedom. They view money as an escape and as a way to remain independent. Unless there is a heavy Saturn influence on the chart, these types can be impulsive with their purchases and will not dwell on financial matters. This can turn into a source of contention within marriage and partnerships. Being that these natives are so strong willed, they do not appreciate advice from others about their spending habits because it comes across as restrictive. People in their life find this behavior to be reckless but people with their Uranus in the second house find themselves to be limitless. 

[stellarcharmconstellationbattle]

Business Model for Stellar Charm:

Target Market: The target market for Stellar Charm will be primarily young adults and teenagers who are interested in strategy-based card games. The game will also appeal to astronomy enthusiasts and fans of fantasy and mythology.

Revenue Streams: The primary source of revenue for Stellar Charm will be the sales of the game itself. In addition, the game can generate revenue through expansion packs, limited edition cards, and merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, and figurines.

Distribution Channels: Stellar Charm will be sold through various distribution channels such as online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy, as well as through brick and mortar stores specializing in board games and card games. The game will also be available for purchase directly from the company's website.

Marketing and Advertising: To reach the target market, Stellar Charm will utilize a mix of digital and traditional marketing strategies. This will include social media marketing, influencer partnerships, targeted online ads, and participation in gaming conventions and events. The game will also have a strong presence on popular gaming forums and communities.

Production and Manufacturing: The game will be produced and manufactured in-house to maintain quality control and minimize production costs. This will also allow for faster turnaround time for new expansions and updates.

Pricing Strategy: The price of the base game will be set at a competitive rate to attract customers. Expansion packs and limited edition cards will be priced slightly higher to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. Discounts and promotions will also be offered periodically to encourage sales.

Customer Support: Stellar Charm will have a dedicated customer support team to handle any queries or concerns from customers. This will ensure a positive customer experience and help build brand loyalty.

Partnerships and Collaborations: In order to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience, Stellar Charm will collaborate with other popular games and brands. This can include cross-promotion, co-branded products, and special events.

Cost Structure: The main costs involved in running the business will include production and manufacturing costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and operational expenses such as rent, utilities, and salaries. The company will also invest in research and development to continuously improve the game and create new expansions.

Future Plans: As the game gains popularity, the company can consider developing a digital version of Stellar Charm for mobile or computer platforms. This can open up new revenue streams and reach a larger audience. The company may also consider licensing the game to other countries to expand its market reach. Play style

Card Name and Type: This feature displays the name of the battle card and its type, such as "Stellar Charm - Magical" or "Stellar Charm - Elemental". This helps the player identify the card and its category, which can be useful in planning their strategy.

Element: The element of the card is represented by a symbol or color and is crucial in determining its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a water element card may be strong against fire but weak against lightning. The player must keep this in mind when using the card in battles.

Attack Points: This feature displays the attack points of the card, which represents its offensive power. The higher the attack points, the stronger the card's attack will be. The player can use this information to strategically choose when to use the card in battle.

Defense Points: The defense points of the card represent its defensive capabilities. The higher the defense points, the better the card can withstand attacks from the opponent. The player can use this feature to strategically defend against the opponent's attacks.

Special Ability: Some battle cards may have a special ability that can be activated during battle. This feature will describe the special ability, such as "Healing Aura" or "Double Attack", and how it can be used in battle. The player must carefully consider when to use the special ability to gain an advantage over their opponent.

Fusion Requirements: The fusion requirements feature displays the elements or types of cards needed to fuse with the Stellar Charm card to create a more powerful card. This adds a layer of strategy to the game as the player must strategically choose which cards to fuse with the Stellar Charm card to create the most advantageous outcome.

Lore: The lore of the card provides a background story or description of the card, which can help the player understand the card's role in the game. This feature can also add an element of immersion and depth to the game, making it more engaging for the player. The game would be called "Constellation Clash" and it would be a two-player strategy battle card game. The objective of the game would be to collect and control the most constellations by the end of the game. Card Types:

Constellation Cards

These cards represent the 88 constellations and each one has its own unique abilities and strengths.

Zodiac Cards - These cards represent the 12 zodiac signs and can be used to enhance the abilities of constellation cards.

Star Cards - These cards represent individual stars and can be used to boost the power of constellation cards.

Element Cards - These cards represent the four elements (fire, water, air, and earth) and can be used to counter certain constellation cards.

Action Cards - These cards have various effects and can be used to interrupt or change the course of the game. Card Styles:

Basic Cards - These cards have a simple design and represent the less powerful constellations.

Advanced Cards - These cards have a more intricate design and represent the more powerful constellations.

Mythical Cards - These cards have a unique design and represent the rare and powerful constellations. Gameplay:

Set-Up - Each player starts with a deck of 20 constellation cards, 10 zodiac cards, 10 star cards, and 5 element cards. Each player also starts with 5 action cards in their hand. The remaining action cards are placed in a separate deck.

Turn Sequence - The game is played in turns. Each turn, a player can perform the following actions in any order:

Play one constellation card from their hand onto the field.

Play one zodiac or star card from their hand onto the field, and attach it to a constellation card already on the field.

Play one action card from their hand and resolve its effect.

Battle Phase - Once both players have finished their turns, a battle phase begins. The player who has the most stars attached to their constellation cards has the first attack. Each player takes turns attacking and defending until all battles have been resolved.

Battle Rules - During a battle, the attacking player chooses one of their constellation cards to attack with. The defending player can choose to block the attack with one of their constellation cards or take the full damage. If the attack is blocked, the defender's constellation card is discarded. If the attack is not blocked, the defender takes damage equal to the difference between the attacking constellation card's power and the defending constellation card's power.

Element Advantage - Certain constellation cards have an advantage over others based on their element. If a constellation card with a higher element attacks a constellation card with a lower element, the attacking card's power is increased by 50%.

Mythical Card Rule

If a player has a mythical card on the field, they can choose to activate its special ability once per turn during the battle phase.

End of Turn - After the battle phase, the player can choose to discard any cards from their hand and draw new ones, up to their hand limit of 5 cards.

End of Game - The game ends when one player has control of at least 10 constellations or when one player runs out of cards in their deck. The player with the most constellations under their control wins the game. The phases of the game would develop as players strategically play their cards, trying to gain control of the most powerful constellations and using their zodiac and star cards strategically to enhance their abilities. The game would also require players to carefully manage their resources and choose when to use their action cards for maximum impact. With the mythical cards adding an extra element of surprise, every game would be unique and challenging.

Zodiac Cards: These are the most powerful and rare cards in the game, representing the 12 zodiac signs. Each Zodiac Card has a unique ability and high attack and defense points.

Star Cards: These cards represent the stars within each constellation and are the backbone of any deck. They have a balanced mix of attack and defense points and can be used strategically to support other cards.

Mythology Cards: These cards are based on the ancient stories and myths associated with each constellation. They have powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle, but are limited in number and should be used sparingly.

Elemental Cards: There are 4 elemental card types in the game - Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, each representing a different element from the universe. These cards have a rock-paper-scissors relationship with each other, with one element being strong against another and weak against the third. They can be used to counter opponent's cards and add an element of strategy to the game.

Celestial Cards: These cards represent celestial objects such as planets, comets, and galaxies. They have powerful abilities that can affect multiple cards at once, but are also limited in number and should be used strategically.

Constellation Cards: These cards represent the constellations themselves and have a unique ability that can only be activated when a player has a certain number of cards from the same constellation in their hand.

Support Cards: These cards do not have any attack or defense points, but instead, provide support to other cards in a player's hand. They can boost attack or defense points, provide additional abilities, or even revive defeated cards. Card Styles:

Standard Cards: These cards have a simple design with the constellation name and image on the front and the card type and stats on the back.

Foil Cards: These are rare and valuable versions of the standard cards, with a metallic sheen and enhanced artwork.

Holographic Cards: These cards have a holographic design that changes depending on the angle they are viewed from. They are highly sought after by collectors.

Legendary Cards: These are the most powerful and rare cards in the game, with unique artwork and abilities. They are highly coveted and can only be obtained through special events or by trading with other players.

Promo Cards: These limited edition cards are only available through special promotions, such as tournaments or special edition sets.

Prism Cards: These cards have a prism design that creates a rainbow effect when viewed under light. They are highly prized by players for their unique design.

Cosmic Cards: These cards have a cosmic design, with images of galaxies, stars, and other celestial objects. They are considered the most visually stunning cards in the game.

[ravenzeppeli]

Praise Me Deeply |Formaggio x Male Reader Extreme Lemon|

Warning: strong language, dirty talk, rough/nasty sex, talk of exposing (consensual), ass eating, dom/sub relationship, humiliation/degrading. MA.

Commission for @johnnybwanny

"I love working with Formaggio," you told Risotto as you stood in front of his desk. "He's a great teacher. I really enjoy being under his wing."

Risotto nodded his head, "Are you just saying that due to any romantic feelings you have towards him?" He questioned, his dark eyes staring into your soul, making you slightly nervous.

"I promise I'm not," you quickly replied, telling only the truth to your capo as you always did. "He really is an amazing teacher. Working with him makes me uncomfortable. He honestly uses his stand so fucking well, I wish I had his self control."

"That's good to hear," he replied. Despite his face showing no emotion, you could tell he was pleased with what he was hearing. "That's the only reason why I called you into my office. I wanted to make sure you and Formaggio were compatible as partners." You wanted to smirk at that last part but refrained, thinking of a different kind of partnership than what he was thinking of.

You nodded your head, "do you need anything, boss?"

"I'm just going to send this last email to Polpo and leave. Lock up if you end up staying late again or sleeping the night at the base," Risotto told you, his eyes falling back to his computer. "One last thing, how professional would you say Formaggio was?"

You let a smile creep across your face, thinking of all of the times you and Formaggio have hooked up after completing a job. The rush you felt every single time you licked his ass, the total bliss you felt when he deeply fucked your hole and jacked off your cock, pushing you past the limits of pleasure. He was so addicting, better than any drug. You were so fucking into him. Everything about him made your cock twitch with excitement.

"He's extremely professional, and I'm really glad to be working with him," you told Risotto, him nodding his head once, letting you know that was all he needed from you. "Have a good night, Risotto. I'll see you tomorrow." You nodded back, walking away and leaving him to finish up his office work.

As you stepped out of his office door and closed it, you froze completely, seeing the familiar tanned shoes of Formaggio standing right in front of you. Your face completely turned red, hoping he didn't hear you. Before you could speak, he grabbed your wrist, dragging you down the hallway, making a right.

He pulled you into the bathroom all the way down the hall, shutting and locking the door. "You know what you just fucking did?" He questioned, voice hard as he flicked the bathroom lights on, his face showing no emotion, causing you to instantly worry. "Well, do ya?" He crossed his arms over his chest, his broad muscles being a slight distraction.

You shook your head, backing up a few steps. "I don't know what I did, but it was never my attention to disrespect you. I'm really sorry." You've never made him mad before.. you hoped that he wasn't mad at you, that you didn't say anything that might have upset him.

The serious expression quickly faded, a huge grin appearing on his face as he uncrossed his arms. "Aw, that's so cute. I'm not mad, I was just messing with you." He licked his lips, looking you up and down, his head nodding in approval. "I'm actually very happy with everything that I heard you say. I'm extremely happy if I'm being completely honest. You just made me look real good in front of Risotto."

"I meant every word I said," you told him, and you meant those words deeply. He really was a great teacher, and he was an even better partner. "I really like that you're my partner. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else but you."

"Still got that anal plug in your ass waiting for me?" Formaggio questioned, his question catching you completely off guard. You didn't want to say yes, despite the plug being firmly in your ass, keeping it stretched out and ready for him. "Shit, who am I kidding? You always obey me. Strip for me, I wanna see my student naked. Examine you."

You slipped your shoes off, "Well, of course. Anything for my favorite teacher." You smirked a little, slipping off your shirt, placing it on the bathroom sink. "What if Risotto hears us?" You unbuttoned your pants, pulling them down, revealing to him that you were wearing a dirty pair of his underwear. "Familiar?" You felt the blood rush to your cock, it suddenly springing to life in his underwear.

"You dirty boy," he muttered, leaning back against the bathroom door, his large erection standing firm in his pants. "So? We hear Sorbet and Gelato all the time, what's another couple fucking in here?"

You shrugged, slipping the underwear off. "Well.. I did keep the anal plug in like you asked. I even gave myself an enema beforehand and recorded it and sent it to you like you asked. Full face exactly like you wanted. I hope you enjoyed it, it was embarrassing for me."

"Fuck yeah I enjoyed it, I love adding to my personal collection of you," he replied, unbuttoning his pants, pulling his pants and boxers down, his cock springing to life. "Now, come be a good boy and suck all over my cock and balls. Do a bad job and I'll send the video to the group chat, shoe them how nasty you are. How you're my fucking slut."

You walked over to him, going down to drop to your knees, only to be stopped by him grabbing a fistful of your hair, yanking you to stand back to your feet. "What's wrong?"

"Where's my fucking kiss? You can't suck and fuck me downstairs if you haven't given me a little kiss yet. Fucks wrong with you?" He smacked your cock, a pained moan escaping your lips, causing him to repeat his action.

You pressed your lips against his, giving him a gentle kiss before pulling away, turning your head away slighly. "I really love kissing you.. it just makes me so excited." You felt precum drip from your cock, your face heating up once more. He was just so attractive, with his deep voice and firm body. So dominant, the kind of man that'll have you hooked for life.

"Show me how excited you are," he commanded, snapping his finger, pointing to his cock. "Don't use your hands. I only want throat and tongue."

"Yes, sir," you replied, dropping to your kness, taking his 8 inches in your mouth. You wasted no time, your head bobbing back and forth as you sucked his cock, your cock twitching with pleasure. You wanted to wrap your hand around your cock, you wanted to pump as fast as you could as you tasted his delightfully sour cock. You held back, knowing to only do what he tell you. During sex, he was in charge, just like he was at work. You loved being beneath him. You loved every second of it.

"I can't wait to tear that ass up, I know you're nice and stretched out for me." He patted the top of your head, a laugh escaping his lips. "I buy my slut the best anal plugs and cock rings, don't I?"

You nodded your head as you continued to suck his cock, his precum coating the back of your throat. You let your tongue swirl around his tip, feeling a sense of pride wash over you as a groan escaped his mouth.

"Yeah, suck that dick like you mean it. Then give my balls some love before you tongue fuck my ass. You gotta earn my cock in your ass, you gotta work hard." He continued to pat your head, pushing you down to his balls.

You placed a kiss on each one of his hairy balls, taking them in your mouth, sucking as you stared up at him. You saw pleasure all over his face, seeing him satisfied causing even more precum to spill from your cock. You let his balls sit in your mouth a few seconds, enjoying the taste of his sweat and musk before you pulled away.

As he turned around you stuck your face right in his ass, not bothering to spread his cheeks as you let his ass cheeks bury your face, your tongue quickly finding his hole as you began to slip your tongue in and out of his ass, your cock twitching uncontrollably as you bobbed your head up and down, tongue swirling In and out.

"You're so fucking good at that," he mutteted, his voice filled with dominance and pleasure. "Better be, I'll post clips of you fucking your ass with a cucumber all over the internet. Wanna be exposed?"

"No sir," you replied, your voice muffled as you kept your tongue in his ass. You sounded like a fool, just like he liked. He loved getting off on your humiliation, and you got off on being humiliated by him.

"Are you a little ass licker? Tell me how much you love licking my ass, keep your tongue in my ass," he told you, his voice slightly strained, as if he was about to bust. "Do it now!"

You kept your tongue deep in his ass as you spoke, "I love licking your perfect ass Formaggio. I worship your ass," you told him, sounding as if you were trying to talk with marshmallows filled in your mouth. "I love when you use me."

He grabbed a fistful of your hair, roughly yanking your head back. "Get into doggy style. I'm going to fuck you on this dirty bathroom ground, and I'm going to fuck you hard!" His voice was ran over with such excitement and dominance, causing you to instantly drop to the floor.

You arched your back, spreading your legs as your hard cock rested on the dirty bathroom floor. The bitter coldness causing a chill to run down your spine. You felt Formaggio behind you, slowly slipping the anal plug out of your ass, sticking it into your mouth.

"Since you made that comment about getting caught, this'll muffle that mouth of yours," he told you. He spread your ass cheeks, spitting a thick wad of his spit right into your stretched hole before he slipped in. "You don't know how good it feels to hear you talk good about me. I fucking love that shit." He began to thrust swiftly, his hands digging into your sides as he held you in place. "Suck on the plug ass licker."

You began to suck on the plug, low moans escaping your mouth as you felt his right hand drop from your waist, wrapping around your cock, pumping as he roughly thrusted in and out of you.

"Fuck," Formaggio groaned, filling your ass with hot cum. "You can cum now."

You came immediately after he said that, your cum filling his hand as you weakly collapsed on the bathroom floor, panting. "How are you so amazing at everything you do? I think that was the best sex I ever had."

He grinned, stepping over you, pulling the shower curtain back. "You say that everytime I fuck you. Good." He helped you up, guiding you into the shower as he stepped in with you. "Let me get you all cleaned up now."

[thetechempire]

Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris: What It Means For IT Companies in India

When it comes to U.S. politics, Indian IT companies pay close attention, especially in races with heavyweights like former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Each candidate’s policies can have ripple effects, impacting everything from visa policies to foreign direct investment and trade partnerships. For India’s booming IT sector, this rivalry could shape the future in major ways, particularly around outsourcing, talent mobility, and international tech collaborations. Here’s what each candidate brings to the table and what it could mean for the Indian IT industry.

Donald Trump’s Policies and Their Potential Impact

Trump’s “America First” agenda in his previous term brought significant shifts to immigration and outsourcing policies. His administration’s stance leaned toward prioritizing American jobs and reducing dependency on foreign workers, which affected the H-1B visa system, a crucial pathway for many skilled Indian IT professionals to work in the United States.

Key Areas to Watch if Trump Returns to Power

H-1B Visa Reform: Under Trump, the H-1B visa process became more stringent, with increased scrutiny on applications and tightened eligibility criteria. The approach aimed to reduce the number of visas granted, thus limiting the talent flow from India to the U.S. If Trump were to return, he might push for more reforms that could make it harder for Indian IT companies to place skilled workers in the U.S. for long-term assignments.

Outsourcing Policies: Trump’s stance on outsourcing often pointed toward creating incentives for American companies to move jobs back to the U.S. Although a complete shutdown of outsourcing is unlikely, a renewed Trump presidency might include policies that create hurdles or add costs to IT companies operating in India to reduce offshoring.

Taxation and Trade Barriers: Trump previously aimed to negotiate trade deals that reduced the U.S. trade deficit. Indian IT firms could face higher tariffs or restrictions if they want to establish more U.S. partnerships or expand operations on American soil.

Potential Upside: Some experts argue that Trump’s pro-business mindset and regulatory reforms, such as tax cuts, could indirectly benefit Indian IT companies if they lead to economic growth. With more American firms thriving, there may still be demand for Indian IT services, albeit in a more restrictive environment.

Kamala Harris’s Approach and Potential Influence

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Kamala Harris’s connection to India is often highlighted. Her political stance, generally aligned with Democratic ideals, has favored immigrant rights, inclusivity, and technological advancement. Harris’s policies could potentially be more favorable for Indian IT companies, especially regarding immigration and tech collaborations.

Key Areas to Watch if Harris Gains More Influence

Visa and Immigration Reform: Harris has shown consistent support for immigration reform that would protect skilled foreign workers, including those from India. Her stance could bring improvements to the H-1B program, possibly increasing quotas or reducing the administrative burden on Indian IT professionals. This would be a welcome shift, making it easier for Indian firms to deploy talent in the U.S.

Tech Collaborations and Bilateral Ties: Given Harris’s strong ties to India, she could prioritize policies that foster U.S.-India tech partnerships. This could mean better collaboration on AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing initiatives, offering Indian IT companies more opportunities to work alongside American firms on high-stakes projects.

Outsourcing Flexibility: Unlike Trump, Harris is less likely to advocate for aggressive curbs on outsourcing. While some regulations may still push companies to consider American workers first, it’s likely that Harris’s approach would be more balanced and encourage mutual growth, allowing Indian IT firms to continue serving U.S. clients without significant restrictions.

STEM Education and Training Initiatives: Harris may also introduce policies aimed at training and upskilling the American workforce. However, this approach could complement the Indian IT industry rather than limit it, as it could create avenues for partnerships in training programs or tech-driven education solutions.

Potential Upside: A Harris-led approach may result in more collaborative policies, boosting IT companies’ confidence in expanding U.S. operations. By maintaining a balanced approach to immigration and tech regulations, she could make it easier for Indian firms to both work in the U.S. and bring American investments back to India.

What This Means for Indian IT Companies

Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro rely heavily on their U.S. clientele, and visa restrictions can significantly impact how they operate. Here’s a summary of what IT firms should expect:

Talent Mobility: A Trump-led administration might restrict it, while Harris would likely enhance it.

Outsourcing Stability: Trump could discourage offshoring, whereas Harris might adopt a more relaxed stance.

Trade Relations: Trump’s trade policies could become more protectionist, while Harris might lean toward fostering partnerships.

Adaptations and Strategic Moves for Indian IT Firms

Regardless of who wins, Indian IT companies should prepare by adopting a flexible approach:

Diversifying Talent Locations: With potential visa issues on the horizon, companies can consider moving talent to other locations, such as Canada or even remote setups within India, to serve U.S. clients.

Increasing Local Hiring in the U.S.: To align with possible hiring preferences, Indian firms may continue to hire more U.S.-based talent and offer training to local employees.

Emphasizing Partnerships and Joint Ventures: Both political paths present opportunities for tech collaborations. Indian firms could look for joint ventures with U.S. companies, fostering a partnership approach that aligns with potential regulations.

Final Thoughts

The outcome of a Trump vs. Harris contest would have unique implications for the Indian IT industry. Trump’s focus on reducing dependency on foreign talent and protecting U.S. jobs could mean tighter visa regulations and fewer opportunities for Indian workers in the U.S. Harris, on the other hand, could be a gateway to a more balanced, globally-minded U.S. policy that emphasizes collaboration and growth.

Regardless of the outcome, Indian IT firms have shown resilience and adaptability, adjusting to regulatory changes while remaining global leaders in IT services.

[haltandcatchfiretothemax]

FEMSLASH FEBRUARY 2024 #15: In which Cameron and Donna give a presentation

[CN: food/cooking mention] . . When they were asked to be the keynote speakers at an inaugural conference for marginalized groups in tech at a large and prestigious research university, Cameron agreed on the condition that Donna do most of the talking. “I will gladly stand up there with you and chime in where necessary,” she’d said, while stirring a nearly ready risotto, “but you’re better at this sort of thing, so it should mostly be you.” Donna didn’t want Cameron to be sidelined, but reluctantly agreed to this.

Cameron convinced Donna to be inspired by her own poolside speech from the night Cameron was supposed to leave California indefinitely, to focus on how partnerships evolve over time, and make the work worthwhile even when they eventually dissolve. Eager to contribute equally, she also made the slide show to go with their remarks.

The slide show began with childhood photos of each of them, and their remarks started with short biographies of the both of them. Donna described her upbringing in 1960s Dallas, and her awkward teen years, and her discovery of computer engineering. She told the audience that Cameron wanted her to tell them that she was a former beauty pageant winner (she had used her Little Miss Perfect portrait in the slide show), and that she had called Donna a bitch the first time they’d worked together, all to appreciative laughter from the audience. After that, Donna talked the audience through decades of their careers, while Cameron clicked the slide show through photos from Cardiff, COMDEX, Mutiny, AGGEK, Atari, Symphonic, Comet and Phoenix. After explaining her personal belief that partnership is about finding a new project to work on, in both our professional and personal lives, she and Cameron shared a short, final montage of photos from outside the office - pictures of them, and also Haley and Joanie, and Gordon, and J0e, and Bos, and Diane and Risa and Tanya and Dr. Katie Herman and Lev and Yo-yo and their families, at barbecues and camp grounds and birthday parties and graduations, and one final photo of Cameron and Donna on their wedding day. Cameron found herself tearing up over it, even though she’d spent hours assembling it.

After which Donna made her concluding remarks: “Being a woman in STEMS is hard. I know. It sucks. Being queer in tech, and feeling like you should be hiding something about yourself is hard. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a scientist of color, and to see so few people who look like you and understand where you come from every day at a job that you love, where you’re trying to build something for people. But you are here. You’re here to work, and you’re also here to live, and I know that you can do this. “You won’t necessarily get to have it all, and you might not even want it all. But if you are very lucky, and you work very hard, you can get what you need.” The end of their presentation was met with a standing ovation and riotous applause, which was followed by a brief q and a.

Most of the ‘q’s were from young women, who asked Donna and Cameron which of their accomplishments they were most proud of, what they would do differently, and what new policies and practices they thought might be most helpful for young software and hardware developers with limited resources. The whole thing was a lot more pleasant than Cameron had expected, until the next to last question.

Alexa Vonn came up to the microphone. “My question is for Cameron.”

“Hello, Alexa,” Cameron deadpanned.

“Do you think that you’re easy to work with?” Alexa asked.

Cameron fought the urge to burst out into hysterical, self-conscious laughter. “No.” The audience laughed again. “That’s why I’ve worked with Donna for most of my life. She’s very aware of my limitations and where I struggle to communicate.”

“Okay,” Alexa said, “then my question for Donna is, do you actually like working with Cameron?”

Donna grinned at her. “Honestly? I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Alexa pressed, “Even with all of the ‘ups and downs’ you glossed over in your presentation? The two of you were famously estranged for many years, weren’t you?”

“‘Famously’ feels like an overstatement,” Cameron said.

“How did you come back from that?” Alexa asked.

With a hint of irritation in her voice, Donna said, “Well, you start talking. Maybe because something terrible happens, like your ex-husband dies suddenly and tragically young. And you realize that some things are more important than petty grudges. So you keep talking. Does that answer your question?”

Before Alexa could answer, Donna said, “Great! It was very nice to see you Alexa, thank you for your questions. I’m sorry that you and Cameron didn’t get to fully realize the project you worked on, it sounded really interesting.”

After the final question (“favorite app?”), Cameron and Donna went into the ladies’ room for a few minutes. Donna went over to the sinks, put her hands on the counter, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

Cameron waited for a second, and then said, “So that mostly went really well, right?”

Without opening her eyes, Donna snorted, but didn’t say anything. She took another deep breath.

“The way you shut Alexa down? Hot.” Leaning against the wall, Cameron said, “I kind of like it when you’re a bitch.”

Donna grinned at Cameron, an arched an eyebrow suggestively.

“Still,” Cameron frowned. “We kinda deserved that after some of the shit we’ve pulled at other people’s presentations, huh?”

Donna looked over at Cameron, and then started to laugh, a real, deep belly laugh. The sound of it made Cameron smile, and think, there’s literally nothing better than this.

[lro-03]

LRO Investment Advisor Limited recently held its sensational 18th Anniversary Annual Meeting at the esteemed Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.

The event gathered a diverse and distinguished group of 500 attendees, showcasing the firm's unwavering dedication as a global leader in professional investment advisory services. With an unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled financial solutions to its esteemed clients worldwide, the meeting provided a platform for reflecting on past achievements, stimulating discussions, and setting ambitious development goals and strategic plans for the future.

As LRO Investment Advisor Limited celebrates its remarkable 18-year journey, the year 2022 not only marks a milestone of excellence but also heralds a new era in global financial investment. The conference commenced with a captivating keynote address by Richard Smith, the esteemed CEO of LRO Investment Advisor Limited's Asia headquarters. With eloquence and charisma, Smith highlighted the exceptional advancements made by the company in quantitative trading intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. The outstanding business results achieved in the Indian market showcased LRO Investment Advisor Limited as a premier provider of cutting-edge Internet financial services, catering to the needs of over 1 million discerning users worldwide. Smith emphasized the firm's unwavering commitment to philanthropy, sharing impactful charity initiatives in Africa and the organization of influential financial forums worldwide, epitomizing LRO Investment Advisor Limited's integrity and social responsibility.

The event continued with a captivating 18th anniversary video presentation, portraying LRO Investment Advisor Limited's extraordinary journey from a humble startup to its current position as a globally renowned Internet financial powerhouse. The video showcased significant milestones, success stories, and heartwarming anecdotes, leaving the audience spellbound and forging a profound emotional connection.

The occasion also featured a special recognition session to honor exceptional individuals, teams, and partners. Outstanding performances throughout the year were acknowledged and rewarded, with the prestigious Best Innovation Award being a highlight. This esteemed accolade, celebrating groundbreaking ideas and advancements in Internet finance, was undeniably bestowed upon LRO Investment Advisor Limited's Asian investment advisory division. Their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services that consistently generate stable and remarkable returns for clients earned them this well-deserved recognition.

Concluding the event, Avinash Sharma, the esteemed Director of LRO Investment Advisor Limited's Investment Department, delivered an inspiring speech outlining the company's visionary plans for the future. With passion and conviction, Sharma eagerly anticipated the realization of ambitious goals and strategic initiatives in the upcoming year, while reaffirming LRO Investment Advisor Limited's steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, strong partnerships, and societal betterment. Guided by these unwavering principles, LRO Investment Advisor Limited is poised to continue its dominant presence as an industry trailblazer, creating unparalleled wealth for global investors.

[the-last-dillpickle]

DS9 prompts under the cut from DS9agogo’s 2010 Station Log Ficathon on LJ

>>

GEN

- Ezri Dax, prompt: sliding across a bridge of sighs

- Kira Nerys and Mora Pol: After Odo has returned to the Great Link

- Jadzia Dax, where the sky is the limit

- Quark and or Odo: not as adversarial as it may at first appear

- Kira Nerys, Julian Bashir, in the line of fire

- Nog and Jake Sisko, friends will be friends

- Three generations of Siskos. If you can work in Benjamin's sister and her family, as well as Benjamin and Kasidy's child, so much the better :D

- The reconstruction of Bajor after the Occupation and/or the reconstruction of Cardassia after the Dominion War.

- After curing a plague on Bajor, Julian is proclaimed by most Bajorans to be 'sent by the Prophets'. Then Julian has visions much like Sisko and he starts to question his sanity. Kira and Sisko play a big part, anyone else is up to you. You can pair him with whoever or no pairing at all.

- "Where's Garak?" : Insert Garak into an episode or a scene where he doesn't appear, but should have

- Dear diary, Judy Blume style.

- Kai Winn's brush with atheism.

- Keiko's experiences adjusting to the station. Make her likeable!

- Remember the "puppy" from episode 1x17: The forsaken? Considering that the whole computer system was fried at least once, whatever happened to the puppy?

- Miles O'Brien, Keiko O'Brien, and Kira Nerys. (Slashes optional.) Experiments in marriage, partnership, and parenting: sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, always difficult.

- Kai Opaka and Vedek Winn. "One must never look into the eyes of one's own gods."

- Five things Tora Ziyal didn't live to do, and one she managed just in time.

- Sisko, Jake and a cooking lesson. I'd love to see fic that highlights that awesome father-son dynamic they have, whether it turns out comical or poignant or serious or whatever. HET - Sisko/Jadzia Dax. Things happen between them. Sisko is freaked. Dax is... not so much.

- Odo/Kira, if we'd had a moment to ourselves/We'd be unstoppable

- Odo/Kira Reuniting after Odo fulfills his obligations to the Great Link/heals the founders. Bittersweet or happily ever after, whatever feels right.

- Odo/Kira. Quark POV that gives away how genuinely fond he is of both of them, and of course how happy for them if it's after they get their shit together.

- Jake/Ziyal - Will you marry me?

- O'Brien/Station Computer - "Computer... you and I need to have a little talk." (Mod put this in het because the computer has a female voice.)

- Worf/Jadzia, lighten up and you might just learn a thing or two

- Worf/Jadzia a new skill, preferably something Dax has never encountered before but has to do with Klingons. This is in exchange for Jadzia teaching him something particularly Klingon. SLASH - Weyoun/Dukat either non-con or semi-con. I rather like the idea or Dukat or Damar getting punished by Weyoun.

- Garak/Dukat Anything absolutely smutty would be amazing. No fluff or cute stuff.

- Odo/Quark I can't help myself

- Julian Bashir/Miles O'Brien; prompt: boys and their toys (can be either gen or slash)

- Garak/Bashir. An AU where Bashir is kicked out of Starfleet because of his genetic enhancements, but he is able to find a way to stay on Bajor/on the station, and this sets Garak and Bashir's relationship on a different course than in canon.

- Garak/Bashir. An AU where Bashir is kicked out of the Federation because of his genetic enhancements, and becomes an exile too.

- Garak/Bashir. An AU where they’re all on a starship and Cardassia is a new-ish member of the Federation. Garak is one of the first Cardassians to serve in Starfleet.

- Garak/Bashir. An AU where Bashir and Garak meet when they’re younger, that has a happy ending, please!

- Garak/Bashir, ensemble cast, any other pairings. A complete fantasy/magic/medieval AU. Instead of planets, Cardassia/Earth/Bajor/etc are countries, etc.

- Garak/Bashir, ensemble cast, any other pairings. An AU in which Cardassia didn’t just take over Bajor, but the entire Federation. The characters are all part of ~the resistance~, and Garak has trouble figuring out where his loyalties are. Happy (or at least bittersweet!) ending, please- no Garak betraying them all, etc.

- Garak/Bashir. Post series. Garak and Bashir are somehow reunited, but not using the trope of Bashir going to Cardassia to help with the recovery.

- Garak/Bashir. Post series. Garak and Bashir keep in contact throughout the years, while Garak helps rebuild Cardassia and Bashir is still working in Starfleet. Of course, eventually they meet again, though!

- Garak/Bashir, ensemble cast, any other pairings. Post-series. All the main "characters" are having a "reunion", but no one actually thought that Garak would show up- including Julian Bashir, who hasn't seen Garak in years.

- Garak/Bashir, ensemble cast, any other pairings. A disaster occures in the Federation and the characters are all drawn back together.

- Garak/Bashir. Garak knew about Bashir’s genetic enhancements before everyone else… but not because he “figured it out”. For some reason Bashir told him, or when they were in trouble/danger it came out.

- Garak/Bashir. Something with Bashir actually using his genetic enhancements and saving the day/etc.

- Garak/Bashir. Bashir rescues Garak. Featuring Bashir being generally awesome.

- Garak/Bashir. Somehow Bashir unexpectedly ends up with a baby/kid, courtesy of an old girlfriend, and of course he has absolutely no clue what to do. But to the surprise of everyone, Garak is surprisingly useful and enthusiastic- children are very important to Cardassians, after all. Even more surprising is the route their relationship takes as taking care of the he kid brings them closer.

- Garak/Bashir. As a reverse of the norm, Bashir muses on Garak's beauty/attractiveness.

- Garak/Bashir. Bashir knows that Garak likes to get off the station, but rarely gets to, so he invites Garak along on his vacation, not knowing that this vacation will change everything between them.

- Sisko/Bashir, something that deals with how impossibly young Julian seems at the beginning of the series and how much he changes over time.

- Sisko/Bashir - they shared an unpleasant time during the days leading up to the Bell Riots. Maybe it brings them closer once they're finally back to their own time?

- Sisko/Bashir. Kasidy ends things with Benjamin, because she's figured out that he's in love with someone else. Ironically, Benjamin hasn't worked this out for himself yet.

- Jake/Bashir during "Fascination" (Season 3). When Lwaxana's aboard the station, inadvertently messing with people's heads, it's not Kira that Jake fixates on.

- Jake/Bashir - Jake Sisko's got his heart set on Julian. Julian doesn't quite know what to do with that.

- Jake/Bashir, Sisko finds out (on purpose or otherwise).

- Dukat/Garak. They get into a fight after Garak catches Dukat in his quarters. When fighting, they begin to have rough, passionate anal and oral sex while spewing insults at each other. Dukat walks out grinning with the taste of Garak still in his mouth.

- Dukat/Sisko. Alternate scenario in which some hot-lovin' happens in the cave they're stranded in during "Waltz." THREESOMES/MULTIPLE PAIRINGS - Something canon compliant Bashir/Ezri/Garak as an actual threesome.

- Garak/Bashir, Kira/Odo. Garak, Bashir, Odo, and Kira all have to work together to Save The Day. I will have your babies if both couples get together during the story- developing relationships ftw.

- Garak/Bashir/O’Brien. Post series. Bashir and O’Brien are in a relationship, but Bashir has kept in contact/comes back into contact with Garak, and something happens to cause him to realize that he loves Garak too.

- Garak/OFC, Garak/Bashir. To rebuild & repopulate Cardassia, Garak gets married. Bashir realizes that he's lost his chance. Bashir visits Cardassia over the years, and is like, "Uncle Julian" to the kids. But Garak and Bashir do get together in the end!

- Garak/Bashir/Mirror!Garak. Garak is on Cardassia (for any reason). Feeling horny, Bashir decides to travel to the AU to try to seduce AU!Garak. When Garak returns from Cardassia early to find Bashir gone without explanation, he knows exactly where he's gone. Garak goes to the AU in a fit of jealously but ends up joining in on the fun.

[kamal2047semi]

The Future of Semiconductors: Unveiling a World of Possibilities

**The Future of Semiconductors: Unveiling a World of Possibilities**

As we stand on the brink of a new era, the semiconductor industry finds itself at the heart of a technological revolution. The impact of semiconductors on our lives has been profound, driving advancements across industries and shaping the very fabric of our modern civilization. But what lies ahead for this dynamic and transformative field? Let's delve into the future of semiconductors and the boundless possibilities that await us.

**1. Quantum Leap in Computing:**

The race towards quantum computing is intensifying, and semiconductors will play a pivotal role in unlocking its true potential. Quantum processors, built on novel semiconductor materials, have the power to process vast amounts of data in a fraction of the time it takes traditional computers. The future of computing will transcend current limitations, empowering us to solve complex problems previously deemed insurmountable.

**2. AI and Machine Learning:**

The era of artificial intelligence is upon us, and semiconductors will serve as the backbone of AI and machine learning applications. With the growing demand for AI-driven technologies in autonomous vehicles, robotics, healthcare, and more, the semiconductor industry is set to witness an unprecedented surge in AI-focused chip designs. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the human brain's architecture, could unlock revolutionary AI capabilities, paving the way for cognitive computing and self-learning systems.

**3. The Internet of Things (IoT) Revolution:**

As IoT proliferates, the demand for energy-efficient and high-performance semiconductor devices will skyrocket. We envision a future where billions of interconnected devices communicate seamlessly, facilitated by advanced semiconductor technologies. Ultra-low-power processors, sensors, and wireless communication chips will define the landscape of the IoT revolution, shaping smart cities, wearables, and an interconnected world.

**4. Green and Sustainable Semiconductors:**

Sustainability will be a driving force in the semiconductor industry's future. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes will lead to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient semiconductor solutions. From eco-friendly chip packaging to renewable energy-powered fabs, the industry will strive to minimize its carbon footprint, contributing to a greener tomorrow.

**5. Silicon Photonics and Beyond:**

The integration of photonics with silicon promises a new era of ultra-high-speed data transmission and processing. Silicon photonics will revolutionize data centers, enabling faster communication between chips and reducing data bottlenecks. Moreover, emerging technologies like 2D materials and carbon nanotubes offer exciting possibilities for futuristic semiconductor devices that could outperform traditional silicon-based chips.

**6. Security and Privacy:**

With the increasing dependence on connected devices, security and privacy will be paramount. Future semiconductor designs will prioritize hardware-based security features to protect against cyber threats and safeguard sensitive data. Trusted execution environments and secure enclaves will become integral components of semiconductor devices, ensuring user confidence in an interconnected world.

**7. Global Collaboration and Talent Development:**

The future of semiconductors will thrive on global collaboration and talent development. International partnerships will foster innovation, as countries pool their resources and expertise. Companies will invest in nurturing a diverse and skilled workforce, driving advancements and promoting a culture of inclusion and creativity.

The future of semiconductors is bright, brimming with possibilities that have the potential to redefine our world. As innovators, engineers, and visionaries, let's embrace this transformative journey together. Let's harness the power of semiconductors to build a future that empowers, connects, and inspires generations to come.

*The future is here, and it's in the hands of those who dare to dream and innovate with semiconductors as their guiding light.*

[marketingdays01]

The Best Marketplace in United Nation

Welcome to Marketing Days, your go-to destination for discovering the best products and deals on the market. We are passionate about helping you find the perfect solutions for your needs while earning commissions through our carefully curated affiliate partnerships.

At Marketing Days, we understand the overwhelming number of options available online, making it challenging to make informed purchasing decisions. That's why we've done the hard work for you by extensively researching and handpicking a wide range of products and services across various categories.

Our team of experts meticulously evaluates each product, ensuring that we only recommend high-quality, reliable, and value-for-money options. Whether you're searching for the latest tech gadgets, fashion accessories, home appliances, or even travel essentials, we have you covered.

What sets us apart is our commitment to providing honest and unbiased reviews. We prioritize transparency and aim to empower our visitors with accurate information, allowing them to make well-informed choices that best suit their preferences and budget.

By partnering with trusted brands and reputable merchants, we are able to offer exclusive discounts, limited-time offers, and special promotions that you won't find elsewhere. Not only will you find great deals on our site, but you'll also be supporting us as we earn a small commission from your purchases, helping us sustain and improve our services.

Navigating our site is easy and user-friendly. You can browse through categories, read detailed product reviews, compare features, and access valuable buying guides to streamline your shopping experience. We also provide comprehensive product recommendations based on your specific needs, ensuring personalized assistance every step of the way.

Join our growing community of savvy shoppers and experience the convenience and benefits of Marketing Days. Start exploring our wide selection of products today and unlock incredible savings while enjoying a seamless online shopping journey.

Please note that while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, prices and availability are subject to change. We recommend visiting the merchant's website directly for the most current details.

Thank you for choosing Marketing Days. We look forward to helping you discover amazing products and make your shopping experience truly exceptional.

Please Visit & Buy Now

[moremarketresearch]

Global AI Accelerator Chip Market Expected to Grow Substantially Owing to Healthcare Industry

Global AI Accelerator Chip Market Expected to Grow Substantially Owing to Increased Use of AI Accelerator Chips in Healthcare Industry. The global AI accelerator chip market is expected to grow primarily due to its growing use in the healthcare industry. The cloud sub-segment is expected to flourish immensely. The market in the North American region is predicted to grow with a high CAGR by 2031. NEW YORK, March 17, 2023 - As per the report published by Research Dive, the global AI accelerator chip market is expected to register a revenue of $332,142.7 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 39.3% during the 2022-2031 period.

Dynamics of the Global AI Accelerator Chip Market

Growing use of AI accelerator chips across the global healthcare industry is expected to become the primary growth driver of the AI accelerator chip market in the forecast period. Additionally, the rise of the cyber safety business is predicted to propel the market forward. However, according to market analysts, lack of skilled AI accelerator chip workforce might become a restraint in the growth of the market. The growing use of AI accelerator chip semiconductors is predicted to offer numerous growth opportunities to the market in the forecast period. Moreover, the increased use of AI accelerator chips to execute AI workloads such as neural networks is expected to propel the AI accelerator chip market forward in the coming period.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global AI Accelerator Chip Market

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the routine lifestyle of people across the globe and the subsequent lockdowns adversely impacted the industrial processes across all sectors. The AI accelerator chip market, too, was negatively impacted due to the pandemic. The disruptions in global supply chains due to the pandemic resulted in a decline in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Also, the travel restrictions put in place by various governments reduced the availability of skilled workforce. These factors brought down the growth rate of the market.

Key Players of the Global AI Accelerator Chip Market

The major players in the market include: - NVIDIA Corporation - Micron Technology Inc. - NXP Semiconductors N.V. - Intel Corporation - Microsoft Corporation - Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) - Qualcomm Technologies Inc. - Alphabet Inc. (Google Inc.) - Graphcore Limited. - International Business Machines Corporation These players are working on developing strategies such as product development, merger and acquisition, partnerships, and collaborations to sustain market growth. For instance, in May 2022, Intel Habana, a subsidiary of Intel, announced the launch of 2nd generation AI chips which according to the company, will provide a 2X performance advantage over the previous generation NVIDIA A100. This product launch will help Intel Habana to capitalize on this rather nascent market and will consolidate its lead over the competitors further.

What the Report Covers:

Apart from the information summarized in this press release, the final report covers crucial aspects of the market including SWOT analysis, market overview, Porter's five forces analysis, market dynamics, segmentation (key market trends, forecast analysis, and regional analysis), and company profiles (company overview, operating business segments, product portfolio, financial performance, and latest strategic moves and developments.)

Segments of the AI Accelerator Chip Market

The report has divided the AI accelerator chip market into the following segments: Chip Type: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Central Processing Unit (CPU), and others Processing Type: edge and cloud Application: Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, robotics, and network security Industry Vertical: financial services, automotive and transportation, healthcare, retail, telecom, and others Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA SegmentSub-SegmentChip TypeCentral Processing Unit (CPU) – Most dominant market share in 2021 - The use of CPU for improving the performance of a computer while running graphics and video editors are expected to push the growth of this sub-segment further.Processing TypeCloud – Significant revenue growth in 2021 Cloud acceleration chip helps content creators, publishers, and other entities to offer material to end users promptly which is predicted to propel the growth rate of the market higher.ApplicationNatural Language Processing (NLP) – Highest market share in 2021 Increased use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) due to its ability to make computer-human interactions more natural is expected to propel the sub-segment forward.Industry VerticalHealthcare– Huge market revenue in 2021 The growing use of AI by major healthcare companies to complement medical imaging is anticipated to offer numerous growth opportunities to the sub-segment in the forecast period.RegionNorth America – Most profitable by 2031 The development of new technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators in this region is predicted to propel the market in the forecast period. Read the full article