#Tablet Inspection Machine

[jeksonvision]

A Tablet Inspection Machine is an automated device used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to inspect tablets for quality control. It detects defects such as size irregularities, color variation, cracks, and surface imperfections, ensuring that only high-quality tablets proceed to packaging. With high-speed cameras and 360-degree inspection capabilities, it provides fast, accurate quality assurance, reducing the need for manual inspection and enhancing product consistency and safety.

[tabletinspectionsystem]

Choosing the Right Automatic Tablet Inspection Machine: Key Factors for Efficiency and Accuracy

Introduction

In the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards is paramount. Automatic Tablet Inspection Machines (ATIMs) play a crucial role in maintaining consistency, detecting defects, and improving production efficiency. However, selecting the right ATIM requires careful evaluation of various factors to maximize accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

1. Inspection Capabilities and Accuracy

The primary function of an automatic tablet inspection machine is to inspect tablets for defects, inconsistencies, and contamination. When evaluating a machine, consider:

Defect detection precision – Can it identify cracks, chips, discoloration, and coating inconsistencies?

Dimensional accuracy – Can it detect size and shape deviations?

Foreign particle detection – Does it use hyperspectral or infrared imaging to identify contaminants?

High-resolution cameras, AI-driven machine vision, and multi-angle inspection capabilities improve detection accuracy.

2. Speed and Throughput Capacity

Pharmaceutical manufacturers need ATIMs that can keep up with production demands. Key factors to assess include:

Inspection speed (tablets per minute) – Ensure it matches your production line’s capacity.

Batch processing ability – Can it efficiently handle large volumes without performance degradation?

Automated rejection systems – Does it swiftly remove defective tablets without halting production?

Selecting an ATIM with high-speed processing and minimal false rejections enhances operational efficiency.

3. Machine Vision and AI Integration

Modern ATIMs leverage AI and machine vision to improve accuracy and adaptability. Look for:

Deep learning algorithms that refine defect detection over time.

Multi-spectral imaging for comprehensive inspection beyond human-visible defects.

Real-time analytics and reporting for continuous quality improvement.

AI-driven ATIMs reduce manual intervention, minimize errors, and optimize defect classification through adaptive learning.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Traceability

Compliance with international regulatory bodies like FDA, EMA, and WHO is crucial. Ensure the machine supports:

21 CFR Part 11 compliance (electronic records and signatures).

Comprehensive audit trails for full inspection history.

Cloud connectivity for remote monitoring and data storage.

Choosing an ATIM that aligns with regulatory requirements helps avoid penalties, recalls, and compliance issues.

5. User-Friendliness and Integration with Production Lines

A well-designed ATIM should be easy to operate and integrate seamlessly into your existing manufacturing process. Consider:

Intuitive touchscreen interface with multi-language support.

Automated calibration and self-learning capabilities.

Compatibility with existing production lines and ERP systems.

User-friendly machines reduce operator training time and improve overall efficiency.

6. Durability, Maintenance, and Cost of Ownership

The long-term reliability of an ATIM depends on build quality and maintenance requirements. Assess:

Robust construction materials (stainless steel, corrosion-resistant components).

Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.

Energy efficiency and operational cost savings.

Investing in a durable, low-maintenance machine reduces downtime and ensures long-term cost-effectiveness.

7. Customization and Scalability

Different pharmaceutical manufacturers have unique requirements. Consider an ATIM that offers:

Modular design for future upgrades.

Customization options based on tablet size, shape, and coating requirements.

Scalability to adapt to increased production demands.

Choosing a scalable machine ensures long-term investment protection as your business grows.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Automatic Tablet Inspection Machine requires evaluating key factors such as inspection accuracy, speed, AI integration, regulatory compliance, user-friendliness, durability, and scalability. Investing in a high-quality ATIM ensures consistent product quality, regulatory adherence, and efficient production. By carefully considering these aspects, pharmaceutical manufacturers can enhance operational efficiency, reduce defects, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

[intsofttech]

Pill AOI case study, machine deep learning for pharmaceutical manufacturing

[en-trashy]

Sunshine 西村力

After the incident Niki wants y/n back to be roommates but she doesn't want him anymore, broke relationship is not the best. Sunshine fem character and dark aura Niki (not rude anymore)

7.3k words

Pt.2 of this

Tw: jealousy, opposites attract, slight description of the suicide attempt, hospital and treatment, parenting neglect, slight toxic Niki, skin ship, kisses, a lot of Jay interaction with the female character:)

The bep of the machines was the first thing she heard then Niki's voice struggling to keep his composure on the phone.

-Ma'am I know… yeah y/n told me about the cruise ship but… no, this is really important I just need some basic info about her medical records… hello? hello?...- Niki cursed under his breath running his hand through his hair, he didn't have a single idea of what to answer 

-O positive- her voice sounds strained and weak- I'm allergic to penicillin, I said yes to be an organ donor- she talks through the oxygen mask taking a deep breath- my full name is y/f/n and my security number is on my phone notes… if not they can search my dad and I'm under his security number 

Niki was writing everything as quick as possible to not miss anything giving her phone so she can unlock and provide the security number she handed her phone feeling so tired and cold, she was trembling a little, Niki let her check the paper before going to give it to the nurses by the time he was back in the room with her, she was already tearing up, Niki rushed to her side wiping her tears.

-thank you for helping me, is okay you can go now- her little voice sounds so small and tired of this

-i register myself to be the one here during the night in case you need it- he rubs the back of his neck still unsure to get closer, Niki have this itch to hold her and hug her close to his chest, when he saw her pale and fragile he noticed how much smaller she was compared to him, how easily it is to hurt her- one of my hyungs is on the way here to bring me some things to stay

-you don't have to, I'm really okay and I don't wanna bother you more… I'm sorry for… everything I didn't mean to be a bad roommate 

- you're not- he was interrupted because of a nurse coming to inspect her vitals asking Niki to go out while they check on her.

Heeseung arrived at the hospital bringing a bag with all the things Niki asked for him and her, when he was allowed inside again they explained him where he is supposed to sleep, the bathroom, the button to call in case of emergency and all of the instructions, Niki smiles and nods his head,then smiling at her noticing that they removed the oxygen mask taking out some things for her.

-is really cold so I thought that you may want this- he took out her knitted blanket putting it over her body, taking also her favorite gummies along with his tablet- today is Thursday and we still have a long list of must watch together

She tried to feel happy about this but in reality she knows that he's only feeling pity, this is the longest he has ever talk to her and the first time she actually sees him interested in doing something together, also for the first time she didn't have anything to say to him letting him do this. The movie was a teenage romance, classic nerd girl that becomes pretty after taking her glasses off, along with the popular mean guy that notices her after an equally mean popular girl ditched him, she couldn't help but to tear up not because it was something sad but because she seems to never experience something similar to love, from anyone, Niki noticed wiping her tears helping her to get comfortable to sleep, she was grateful that he didn't try to dig in or talk about her crying, closing her eyes and succumbing to the tiredness in her body, he stayed there watching her in the dim lights of the machines, seeing her chest rise and fall, the line that indicates that her heart is beating, he wanted to make sure that she was still there, just observing her until he couldn't stay awake anymore.

In the morning she woke up first looking around the room finding him sleeping in the small couch there, her phone rings and she answered it was her mom complaining about why a boy called her when she's on vacation, Niki woke up and she felt ashamed that for her mom it was more important her cruise ship instead of her daughter.

-is was nothing mom, just a little fall but I had to be rushed into the emergency services I'm okay tho… yeah I don't think they call again for this… sorry for bothering you have a good day- and just like that the call was finished- you can also go now probably is not much longer before they discharge me from here 

-I can't leave you here alone, how are you supposed to go back to our apartment- Niki gave a warm genuine smile, but she didn't feel it like that

-I won't be back there…-she whispered- I'll will take the first trip to my parents house- she gives the best smile she can- I'll try to take as much as I can this time, but I don't think I can take all, my dad will come after their vacation to pick the rest

-why you mean? You don't have to take all, if you wanna go spend some days to your parents house is okay, but it will be a problem for when we start the new semester bringing back everything again -Niki smiles sensing what she's trying to tell him but refusing to 

-i won't be back next semester… I think is better for me, everyone eventuality will know that your shadow tried to kill herself and I don't want more people to look at me with pity, is enough having your friends pity and yours… - she takes a deep breath struggling a little to talk that much- with luck I'll be able to start in September in the community college near where I live.

She did, she tried to smile and be alright with this choice, to left her dream college and her so desired major to be a public accountant like her dad, since is the only thing she can actually study there.

-can you please leave? Please I wanna be alone- her voice sounds so defeated and helpless, her life like she imagine was crumbling down before her.

Niki really wanted to stay but he also wants to respect her boundaries, leaving reluctantly, just when he closed the door he could heard her sobbings, it broke his heart to listen that, he felt like trash for being the one responsible of everything, if he wasn't so reckless she would never be this hurt, he missed how cheerful and colorful she was he feels miserable now because he took away that little light she was. She cried until her tears run out, a nurse came in to leave her breakfast followed by Niki, unsure to be welcomed inside again, she eats small bites feeling the struggle to swallow, the lump in her throat hurts when she eats, the silence between them feels suffocating for Niki in that moment Jay appears with a gigantic bouquet of tulips.

-how are you feeling miss sunshine? He smiles at her leaving the flower next to her bed, she couldn't take her eyes from them, the flowers are so pretty and her favorites too

-i feel better just cold

-i can imagine you almost pass away because of hypothermia, it was a luck Minju was there, if not the sunshine will be gone- Jay was warm, and she reaffirm why everyone was in love with him, he wasn't like those frat boys in the movies, he's handsome and kind

-Minju? Kim Minju?... Saved me

-well not like that, she was taking a walk when she saw you climb the bridge and called the emergency services, when you fell the paramedics arrived, they took you out in time and treated you… she wanted to come but she wasn't sure if you would want her here so she sent this - Jay took a plush keychain of a bunny, with bows and a dress similar to one she actually owns- she hopes that you like it and that you get better soon, also she told me that she won't tell anyone about this 

-can you say thank you for me, and that I'm sorry for the struggle and the bother I may cause to her- she smiles genuinely for the first time in days, admiring her plush and her flowers- I left the jacket at home, you can return it and have your money back

-oh no it's yours, how can I return something you look so cute wearing? It's yours is also a gift so don't even think in paying me back- Jay got close to her, brushing the baby hairs out of her face making her blush, no one was ever this good to her- there it is, that beautiful color on you- he smiles and poke her red cheek making her more shy- gotta go I have to pick my mom for a date, see you sunshine hope you get better 

-thank you for coming Jay, I really like my flowers- she was blushing intensely like a teenager, and Niki was seeing their interaction feeling something on his chest a pinch there, uncomfortable and it made him somehow angry, is he jealous? Of Jay and y/n?Jay left the room waving at her and sending a flying kiss that made her giggle, Niki rolled his eyes and saw him go, after Jay was gone only the beep of the machines were the only sound in the room.

-Minju likes you a lot- she only looks at her lap and the plush Minju send- I heard her talk about you with her friends… we share a class- she knew that Minju rejected him since Jay told her- I'll talk to her to clarify everything before I left, I promise, you can try again I bet she'll say yes this time- she bites her lip trying not to cry again, her little crush on Niki must be gone now, specially since he made very clear how he feels about her

-I don't think it will be the best 

-She's really pretty… like the movies we saw, popular and pretty, just that unlike what happens in films she's really nice and kind too… you'll look so good together… you also look like one of those bad guys in movies but you're kind too that's why people like you 

-I haven't been kind to you 

-Is okay, I know is because I'm a lot to deal with… not even my parents, they prefer to be far away from me than be on Christmas together… last year was the same- she shrinks her shoulders trying not to think a lot about this

- you're not… people likes you too

- I know is not true, that's why I don't have friends… don't wanna talk anymore my body hurts 

-okay, but Jay hyung said it, you're a sunshine

Niki left the room to call for a nurse to check on her, they did an usual check up and gave her medicine and treatment, she fell asleep tired with everything that happened, when she woke up in the afternoon the first thing she saw was Niki sitting on the couch sewing her green dress looking at a tutorial on his phone, she looks at him with amusement he's frowning while doing the stitches so carefully I took him a while to notice that she was awake watching him.

-oh just in time, look- he lifts the dress to show her proud of his work- it broke when you fell but now is like brand new- she didn't know how to feel about it, she didn't want to be overly excited of Niki doing simple yet meaningful things for her because of guilt 

-thank you… is my favorite recently I didn't mean for it to be ruined- Niki handed the garment for her to look at it, making her smile for the first time after the incident, he felt his heart skip a beat seeing her like that with that little spark of hers

-you look pretty when you smile - that little frase and Niki's smiling face made her remember his venom words, Niki is getting closer to her- miss sunshine is getting her colors back- he chuckled and leaned over her automatically erasing her smile, he's trying to… she doesn't know, he's trying to kiss her making her nervous pushing him away just when his face was centimeters away from her face, her voice came out in a whisper 

-can you leave please? Like leave really… I don't wanna you here, I'm not feeling well… and neither I'm sure if I want to keep seeing you… you make me feel confused because you treat me bad and now you're kind… -she felt ashamed of what she was saying never putting boundaries for anyone before- I like you, the same way you like Minju… but I don't want you to only kiss me because of your pity 

-Is… I don't feel pity 

- neither your guild, you made clear what you think of me, don't wanna see you ever again please?- she looks at him with her teary eyes- I'm not a disposable toy you can treat badly and then kiss… go home Riki

- I'm sorry… I won't do it again… I'll just stay to take care of you won't do anything like that again it was a mistake…

- of course kiss me will be a mistake- she didn't even know why she was crying maybe it was everything, she couldn't hold it anymore, she felt angry, so angry something unusual in her, when Niki tried to talk again she didn't let him- just go now don't wanna see you ever again… this whole thing is a mistake, you and me as roommates, this lame get together on Thursday when your friends couldn't be with you… I don't wanna be the last resource for when you're bored… go… GO

A nurse heard all her rage talk and her yelling at Niki, seeing her so distress made her call security on her room, taking Niki out of the hospital, he felt so frustrated and dumb for what he did, kicking a trash bin screaming in frustration, after some minutes to cool down he went inside the hospital but only to find out in reception that y/n asked for him not to be allowed anymore, now that made him more angry wanting to break in just to see her, security took him out of the hospital again into the parking lot where he called an Uber to the apartment once there he noticed how dark and gloomy it was, how he was dark and gloomy, he once had that light but he extinguished, Niki took away the sunshine that y/n was and he knows she's right about wanting him away, what was he thinking? he did it on an impulse, he just saw her and wanted to do it, now what?.

Niki paced around the tiny apartment, he will make things right, he'll find a way to make it up to her, first thing is to actually put on all the decorations and little details about her in the space they live in he took everything out of the box and back in the original place, the cushions, the vase, the little colorful figures she likes, probably she'll need a bigger vase for the bouquet Jay gifted her, maybe a welcome home party, that's exactly what he's gonna do he started to plan everything for her, Niki received the email of her check up and all the studies the hospital made on her, also that tomorrow she will be discharged, with no time to waste he started to do everything going out to buy her decorations a cake, he even buy a Christmas tree hoping that they can decorate together, y/n did bring a box with ornaments for the holidays it was in a cellar in the basement of the building he did bring it upstairs finding really colorful things, he admired everything amazed by how she was able to imprint her personality in every little detail around her, he started to place and put little Santa figures and a Christmas village around the apartment even inside her and his own room; it did made him smile like a fool seeing the snow globes on his desk, on her room he found her book of designs for her classes all the ideas she does have the creativity, Niki didn't want that lost forever, that spark that shines in every thing she does.

When y/n was discharged she didn't have an idea of what to do, she wasn't sure where to go or how to get there, if she goes to her parents house she will be locked outside since she doesn't have keys, going to a friend's house yeah sure, find another place to stay with what money? She was having a headache putting on her green dress, it was cold outside but she didn't have a sweater only the blanket Niki brought for her she picked her things and stayed standing on the parking lot trembling, a really nice car parked in front and Jay did came out of it.

-my god little sunshine where's your coat?- he quickly took his off putting it on her shoulders opening the door for her- get in I'll take you home or whatever you wanna go- she looks at him with Bambie eyes so thankful that he turn on the heat

-I don't know… I don't have where to go… don't wanna see Riki now

- I can take you to the frat house and let you stay in my room, but if you feel uncomfortable you can tell me and I'll find a solution- he gives her a smile and she nodded in affirmation

-how did you know I was discharged?

-Niki told me… be wanted to do something nice for you but he made clear that you didn't want to see him so he sent me for you, by the way he organized a welcome thing for you hoping that maybe you can forgive him

-I don't feel ready to see him yet…

Jay only nods not digging in the topic anymore he drove in silence parking outside a beautiful house, really large, he opened the door to help her get out of the car and then he let her walk in first.

-Im back, there's a new rule… no walking around the house naked or semi naked, no sex jokes, no harassing her, no touching her, no talking to her unless she wants to talk to you, most important no coming into my room… now boundaries set, this is y/n is my guest for tonight and as long as she wants, we want her to feel comfortable so behave

Everyone there agreed with him without questioning him, Jay guides her through the house into the last floor and a room more like a penthouse, letting her in she looks around amazed, while Jay texted Niki to tell him that she won't be there for now.

-now clothes, you look really pretty with that dress but is not suitable for winter, soon will start to snow and we don't want the sunshine back in hospital or sick at home- he took sweatpants ang a long sleeve shirt, also one of his sweater- probably it will be big for you but is better than freeze

Jay went out to let her change clothes, waiting until she told him it was alright to come inside, he did knock before coming inside for her, she feels shy because nobody had been this attentive to her

-you must be hungry and tired of the hospital food, let me make you something

Y/n wasn't sure if Jay was doing this because he feels pity for her, but unlike the way she felt with Riki with Jay she felt something genuine and warm, even if it was pity she wanted to enjoy having someone caring for her.

When Niki saw the message he wanted to punch himself in the gut, she didn't even want to be near him, she prefers Jay over him even when she meet him first, Niki clenched his jaw before packing some things in a pink bag, taking the cake and going out straight to the frat house.

He didn't need to be invited since Jay was his friend, he did have free entry there, he saw the new ones doing the chores of the house as part of their initiation, asking one of them where's Jay, they indicated the way to the kitchen before he could go inside he heard her laugh, a genuine soft laugh, enjoying the bad jokes of Jay, when hold himself and grounded his thoughts before stepping inside, Jay was mixing something on the stove and she was sitting on the counter smiling wearing Jay's clothes, why she was so happy here? Why does her spark only shine here and not in the apartment with Niki?

-oh Niki I didn't knew you'll come here

-you told me I didn't need an invitation to the frat

-yeah I said that, you can go to the game room if you want the newbies finished the cleaning

-I didn't come to play… I come to take her home- Niki locked his eyes on her blushy face, feeling something pinching his heart

-don’t wanna go please Jay, you told me I can stay here- she whispered pulling Jay close to her using his body as a shield putting more distance between her and Niki, something that made him furious but he swallowed all to not upset her more

-I know you probably hate me now, and I don't blame you I know what I did was wrong and it was worse how I tried to force myself into you by kissing you… it's just that I don't know what I feel, I thought I was done with you, but now that I experienced how's life without you I noticed how dark it actually is, how horrible is to come back not hearing you singing voice in the kitchen, how painful was to see your things in the trash… I know I fuck It up but I don't know how to be a good friend and I thought that maybe if I push you out you'll never have to be near to be disappointed of me but you're and you hate me… I'm stupid okay? Because maybe I wanted to deny how much I started to like you, how much I love every bit of you… I'm sorry I hurt you and that I was the one responsible for you to try end your life, I never felt so afraid to lose something until I didn't saw that sunshine that used to like be around with me in our apartment, I really want an opportunity to make things right this time, please just one? One chance I won't fuck It up again- She was petrified listening, holding onto Jay, Niki felt more nervous that she didn't answer and probably he just ruined things even more he tried to get close but Jay put distance between them

-I need time to clear my mind, I don't wanna come back right now to the apartment… I'm not sure I can be near you… at least for now- her voice was soft and calm, unlike her hammering heart, Niki let out a deep breath

-okay… I did bring you your cake, I wanted to surprise you at home but it's your favorite and it will be a shame if we throw it away, it's cherry velvet cake… also I bring your clothes even tho I hoped for you to come back with me

He left the things there in the kitchen island, giving one last look at her before leaving the kitchen and the house. When he arrived home he saw the sign he made for her and the balloons and everything, he saw how even if he used a lot of colors it was still gloomy, it needed her to shine, he went to bed even if it's just the afternoon he buried himself under the blankets.

In the frat Jay finished cooking for her making her company, feeding her, trying his best to not think in Riki, but how could she if he admitted that he likes her, maybe not romantically like she does but at least friendly, Jay did everything to help her feel better and she did, he put on a movie and made pop corn, making her relax, by nighttime he helped into bed tucking her in the blankets, he made himself a improvised bed on the floor.

-I can take the floor, I don't feel good knowing I took your bed

-what kind of men would I be letting a beautiful lady sleep on my floor while I'm in bed?

-we can share then? Is really big and I don't feel uncomfy with you… you make me feel safe- Jay smiled climbing on his bed and taking his side of the bed.

-Well if you don't feel good I can go to the living room and take the sofa, okay? Don't feel bad of telling me that, good night sunshine

-good night Jay, thank you

She quickly fell asleep still feeling a little weak and cold, snuggling in Jay's side taking his warmth, in the morning he woke up with his arm wrapped on her and she peacefully sleeping, he stayed like that enjoying this peaceful morning, that didn't last long his bedroom door opened abruptly with Niki coming inside uninvited holding a bag and a tray with coffee, frowning and clearly pissed that they were not just sharing bed but alsothey're cuddling

-what are you doing here?- Jay said in his deep morning voice

-I came to see her and I did bring her favorite for breakfast- Niki said like if it was obvious or if it was something he did on the regular

-as you can see sunshine is still sleeping, you can leave I'll tell her you'd been here later- Jay said not minding that Niki was literally killing him with his eyes and just when he was about to talk he interrupted- listen she doesn't want to see you now stop forcing yourself on her, she needs time you hurt her Riki stop doing it now

-just tell her I came to check on her and that I'll wait for her at home- Niki left defeated leaving the breakfast for her in the nightstand, when the door closed and he didn't longer hear steps he chuckled

-I know you're awake sunshine- Jay moves slightly to push a part enough to see her blushing face- good morning, did you sleep well?

-good morning, I did… I'm sorry I cuddled you… thank you for telling him to go, you think he knows I pretend to be sleeping?

-no, he's too dumb to notice small things, oh and don't say sorry for something like that I cuddled you too- he smiles sitting in bed with her- let's have breakfast now that is still warm

-thank you Jay, for everything- he started to feed her little pieces eating almost everything until she was satisfied- can I ask you why you helped me if we're not friends?

-oh I thought we were friends now- Jay looks at her- I did it because you need it, you're actually nice and my mom would kill me if I saw someone that I could help and I won't do anything about it… also I know Niki can be a stubborn but he's my friend and I know he cares about you, one time he spent solid 20 minutes talking about you, you don't talk that long about someone you dislike, he's dumb and hasn't developed his brain well enough yet to know when he really likes someone, the way he likes you and not someone like Minju who he likes because he's used to seeing her at our parties and she's cute, but not like you

-you’re saying this only to make me feel better

-you think I'm lying? well if I wasn't right Niki wouldn't even remember the things you like, he wouldn't know what vintage shop you're so in love with, he wouldn't notice your size to buy you a dress, wouldn't know your favorite snacks- Jay hold her by the shoulders to make him look at him- he knows everything about you even little silly things about but he took way too long to know that he wants you not Minju, he doesn't even know her major, but about you, oh boy don't get me started, Minju rejected him because in a supposed date Niki talked about how annoying you were singing happily while making his breakfast, who the hell will talk about someone else when you wanna date?

-i I didn't knew that

-sunshine don't tell me you're just as airhead as him- Jay dragged his hand on his face- you know everything about him too and didn't notice how he was slowly dying for you… it was just a suspect in our side as friends but how he nearly kills me when I cuddled you only helped me put together everything, I helped you because he's my friend and I need to help him sometimes but doesn't mean I won't tell him when he's messing everything that's why I kicked him out of here

-thank you again

-is okay sunshine, let's get you ready for the day okay?

Jay was really careful with her to not make her uncomfortable, even if she was in a house full of unknown men she felt safe, Jay was outside the bathroom door while she shower so no one can come inside and see her vulnerable, she came out already dress with the clothes Niki left for her, she was wearing a monochromatic yellow set warm a cozy for the weather.

-i’m ready JayJay

-oh my little sunshine you look so beautiful- he makes her twirl to look at her- gorgeous- she's blushing and smiling- let's go do your hair

Jay sit her on his chair in front of the desk taking a blow-dryer brushing her hair, styling it in a high ponytail with a bow, giving a mirror so she can look at herself while he goes shower, she was waiting for him scrolling on her phone when a message from an unknown number pop on her notification.

At first she was confused and then realized it was Niki, she didn't answer not feeling ready yet to face him after everything Jay said about Riki, he wrote that he missed her, she started to spiral down in thought until Jay appeared again.

-you feeling good?

-yeah I just I don't know if I wanna go back to live with Riki or if I wanna be on this college anymore I think my parents were right and it was a mistake my major, coming here in general- she hugs her knees 

-how can it be a mistake if you love your major? most important if you're so talented… you can't tell me you're not I saw your designs in the exhibition at campus 

-I feel confused now

-don't let someone take away that from you- Jay takes her hand helping her to get up- c’mon let's go out to do something fun instead of staying here to cry about my friend 

She happily accepted, following him to his car and letting him take her anywhere. They spend the whole day in the amusement park, riding everything she wants even if Jay felt afraid sometimes, they had food and snacks, even they tried the fair games and Jay won a big plushie a blue bear, when he gives it to her she bounce hugging it, Jay took photos of her alone and them together, calling it a day when she said she was tired, even if she was out of hospital she got tired more easily than before the incident, Jay drove both of them back to the frat carrying her because she fell asleep on the ride home, Niki was waiting for them in the front door frowning at Jay.

-where were you?

-out, don't make noise you're gonna wake her

-stop doing that

-what carry her inside? Am I supposed to leave her in the car?- Jay laugh softly 

-no, taking her away from me

-i don't have time to deal with you now Niki 

Niki was blind by jealousy holding Jay's shoulder trying to take her from his arms, Jay held her hugging her body and making her stir and complain.

-look Niki is late she's tired and I'm too, go home now

-why you take y/n on a date when you know I like her, why you insist in taking her away from me- Niki started to yell, making her open her eyes confused- I'll take her with me now- Jay holds her and shield her body away from Niki going inside the house ignoring him, asking the newbies to take him out while he rocks her to sleep again.

She quickly fell asleep again leaving her peacefully sleeping on his bed and going down to the front door to confront Niki about this, who was yelling at Jay that he was a bad friend for dating the girl he loves.

-i'm gonna say this once before I kick you out of here, I didn't take her away and in fact I find really funny that you think that when you pushed and insulted her in front of all of us, that you left her alone when she wasn't feeling good only to find out that she tried to take her own life, it's actually hilarious that you realized your love for her after almost losing her but you never appreciated everything she did for you- Jay laughs humorlessly- you are blaming me for your own decisions, sunshine doesn't want to be near you, doesn't even want to see you, now go and don't come here unless she tells you to do it, get it… new rule he's not allowed in the house until I say so, if you see him catch and call the police because of an intruder 

Jay went inside the house and directly to his room, she was still sleeping, he changed clothes before getting inside the bed with her.

Two weeks pass in a blink of an eye, Niki didn't tried to be back in the frat again, he wasn't invited when his other friends were there playing videogames, unlike the times Niki forbade her to leave her room, she was invited to play with them, Sunghoon let her win a couple times but not Heeseung or Jake, as she learn they're competitive, she learned a lot about them and their personalities even got to know Sunoo and Jungwon who also we're friends but didn't hang around so often because of their tight schedule, she was happy and more comfortable now, her mind cleared a lot even if Niki kept sending messages and she didn't reply them. It was already Friday and they were getting ready for a party in the frat and even asked her if it was okay for Niki to come, she didn't feel bad about him again so she accepted, she was kinda nervous to see him again even if she wasn't sure to be back with him in the apartment she knows she cannot live in the frat forever, she was taking her time to get ready wanting to look pretty maybe Niki will notice that she's wearing makeup today or that she's wearing a dress shorter than usual or heels, or maybe he won't, her mind was racing by the time Jay knocked on the door.

-ready sunshine? the party already started Niki it's been here since we started to prep everything, just letting you know in case you don't wanna cross path with him

-is okay I'm ready

- gorgeous as always

Riki didn't have as much fun as her, he became darker and the apartment gloomy, he goes everyday to her room, like a creep to see her clothes and smell her perfume on them, he even took one of her pillows to his bed to hug at night, he didn't eat well missing her in the afternoon cooking and dancing in the kitchen, he sent texts that never had a reply but he somehow feels warm on his chest when the read appears below them. He didn't expect for his friends to invite him to the party in the frat specially when they post their pictures together and her doing everything he used to do, he saved all the photos to be able to see her, smiling and shining, he got ready early and arrived before everyone hoping to see her before the house become a mess, but she was nowhere near so he helped to install everything, the guest started to come one by one until it was somehow crowded he feels suffocated trying to find a place for him alone but just in that moment she was coming downstairs looking like an angel, that pinch of jealousy on his chest hurt when he noticed Jay was holding her hand and making her laugh, by the time she noticed him looking she waved softly at him, Niki feels his heart skip a beat not wanting to make the same mistakes he just waved back not following her.

Y/n noticed the dark circles under Niki's eyes and how he didn't look at his best, but even with all of that he was still as breathtaking as always, he was wearing a sleeves black t-shirt and ripped jeans, he looked good with his silver chains and rings; she followed Jay to where his friends are, laughing with them, slowly each one of them got a girl to be entertained the rest of the night, even Jay did after he reassure him that she'll be okay and if she doesn't feel comfortable she'll be back upstairs, y/n was alone drinking from a glass, a non alcoholic beverage Heeseung made only for her, she was dancing slightly to a song she likes.

-do you wanna dance with me?- Niki was behind her looking ashamed and ready for rejection

-maybe- she looks at him now that he's close a little frown on her soft factions- are you a good dancer?

-I’m the second best dancer in the whole campus- he rubs his neck- you're the first place- that made her giggle and Niki relaxed

-I would love to dance with you- she takes his hand guiding him to the living room where all the other couples were dancing, Niki hesitate to hold her- is okay if you don't want to hold my waist we can hold hands

-no, it's just… if… it's alright if I touch you- she nods and Niki nervously holds her and started to dance relaxing slowly- I'm sorry I was a horrible person with you

-you really were mean to me and rude too

-I know, Jake called me a dick head- she laughed- I'm glad you like my friends

-why is that so?- Niki pull her body closer to his afraid to let her go

- because I wanna a chance, to make things right this time… and if you like my friends now I already have a worry less, I won't be afraid of you dumping me because of them

-why would someone dump you because of them if they're so good to me and everyone else?

- I, well I don't know, you're right I'm the bad one of the group

-you’re not only a little rough- Niki blush ashamed, spinning with her to the rhythm

-can you give me a chance? I promise I'll change, I'll be better for you- Niki searched in his pocket taking a small box from it- I want you back home, I haven't started to decorate the Christmas tree, and it's almost the date, I was hoping we can spend Christmas and new years eve… I found this in the shop you like

He handed the box and when she opened she found the most beautiful thing, it was an ornament, really colorful and pretty, she knew what it was but didn't want to get too excited.

-the lady told me it was a Louis Tiffany original, but I don't know if it's real of if she just told me that to sell it for much more, she gave me the certificate it's inside the box- she was amazed looking at the fragile ornament

-oh Niki it's, I don't know what to say… this are expensive for an ornament, it's a Bradford of Tiffany, it's… I'm speechless

-well I was hoping that this can be the first of many, I asked for more in the vintage shop, so we can decorate our apartment

She put the ornament back in the box throwing herself on his arms to hug him, giggling and bouncing in excitement, Niki's heart beats faster now that he gets to feel and see her spark again and for him, on an impulse she pecks his lips, really fast almost none but Niki was petrified.

-sorry I didn't mean I got really excited- Niki cups her face looking at her lips getting closer and asking silently for permission, she nods slightly and he leans to give her a sweet kiss, soft and short, pulling apart, she smiles so big wrapping her arms on his neck and feeling Niki's hands on her hips holding her close to his body.

-Can I move back to our apartment?

-nothing would make happier that my sunshine coming back to our home

-your sunshine?

-mine if you want- Niki blush and she enjoyed seeing him like this

-maybe I'll think about it, you know Jay calls me like that- Niki huff annoyed

-don't even mention him… you're mine, my sunshine, not his, not anybody else- he was still swinging side to side to the beat of the song on the background

-that makes you my storm cloud

-pretty funny you're- he rolled his eyes and she giggles- I missed you a lot I almost died, I missed your laugh and everything about you I put your things back in place but it's not the same without you I'm sorry for the mess I made

-hush now you're ruining the mood, and probably you're ruining my future boyfriend's proposal- Niki was surprised and quickly started to cover her face in kisses, making her smile and giggle- I'll say yes but you have to take me on a date first

-oh of course wherever you wanna go or do I'll take you- he leans to kiss her neck peppering kisses on her soft skin.

-i think I love you… it's alright if I say that?- Niki lifted his face from her neck

-I think I love you too… I may adore you even if I realized too late

-not late, in time to not ruin our opportunity together

-just in time to see my sunshine

She smiles happily about the outcome of everything, even with the pain and the struggle, she likes how everything at the end was worth it, how he seems to deeply love her now. she's the sunshine, Niki's sunshine and he was so happy to be able to hold her and dance with her on his arms, hearing her sweet voice and beautiful laugh.

Fin.

Thank you so much for reading this and liking the first part too

[jsprnt]

Americano PT. 11 | Jude Bellingham x Reader

What happens if two individuals who absolutely despise each other are forced to interact after unforeseen events occur?

A/N: Hi babes!!!! I’m so happy to be back, I missed writing and interacting with yall 😭 enjoy reading my loves <3

W/C: 3.447

part ten

Jude was everywhere.

Every-fucking-where.

At home, at work, sometimes even at the clubs or bars I visited..

Every corner I turned, every morning I woke up- he had to be standing or sitting closer to my vicinity than I would have ever wanted.

I rub my eyes roughly, trying to get some food into my system before we had to start packing for the Union Berlin game in Germany. The last to secure our spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"Can you pass the water?"

I look up, my grumpy state worsened after hearing the annoying pest's voice.

"No.." I reply, deciding to be petty, pushing the water bottle over anyway.

We don't speak for the rest of breakfast, tensions high after having to endure each other's presence for more than a week.

I had never missed my dad's presence this much before, and my patience was running so thin- if I snapped, I wouldn't even be surprised.

I get off my chair when the doorbell rings, getting up quickly to open the door, knowing it would be my package.

I smile at the delivery driver, signing his tablet quickly, before accepting the huge package.

I slam the door closed with my leg, not being able to see where I'm going while I carry the heavy machine inside.

"Let me help.." I hear Jude perk up. I hear the paddling of his house slippers come closer, a sudden warmth grazing against my fingers.

I almost drop the heavy package in surprise, hand slipping away from the cardboard box. Eyes wide when I realize Jude's holding the package with a stable grip and ease. His face hidden behind the box.

"On the counter?" He questions, already turning and walking towards the kitchen island before I can reply.

I hurry behind him, eyes shifting over his form. Muscles protruding due to the work he's putting into placing the box on the counter.

"Thank you.."

The words feel foreign falling from my lips, only because they are directed at someone I never thought I'd simply thank.

He only replies with a small grunt, motioning to the huge box with his head, his hands going up to roll his T-shirt sleeves up.

I avert my gaze from his arms, to the package, quickly grabbing a butter knife from the kitchen cabinet.

I slide the knife through the transparent tape, directing the knife away from myself.

Standing on my tiptoes, a small noise of irritation leaves my mouth when I pull the coffee machine out of its box.

"Really? A coffee machine?" I hear Jude say, his hand reaching over to pull out the folded invoice included in the package.

"A thousand euros?!" He exclaims, looking like his eyes are about to pop out of his head.

I grumble, snatching the papers out of his hands.

"I didn't pay, don't you worry.."

I wouldn't be the brightest to buy such an expensive machine with my own money, my salary wasn't exactly that much to splurge like this.

"Oh, daddy's money- got it.." He smirks, folding his arms on his chest. The white T-shirt pressing closer to his torso.

"Last night you came home with those ugly ass sneakers worth five thousand euros- don't even try it.."

I scoff, trying to glaze over the fact that I indirectly called my house, his home.

I grab the instructions of the machine, carrying it over to plug in the socket.

"Do you even know how that thing works?"

"Obviously, I'm not someone who buys seven euro lattes every damn day.."

I fill the water reservoir, inspecting the compartments carefully, then turn the machine on.

"Oh, you're so much better than me for making coffee at home.." He mocks, making me turn around, hand resting on the base of the machine absentmindedly as it warms up.

"How difficult is it for you to- fuck.."

I whip my head around, fingers stinging as hot water pours from the coffee machine. I gasp loudly, pulling my wet hand away from it rapidly.

"What did you do?" I hear Jude exclaim, he snatches my wrist, pulling me towards the sink with haste. He pulls my hand towards the faucet, allowing water to soothe my burning hand.

"Are you ever careful?!" He hisses, gripping my wrist tightly. I look up from the streaming water, confused by how frustrated he looks.

"It's fine, it wasn't that hot.." I mumble, feeling his hold tighten. I begin wiggling my hand out of his, giving him a quizzical look.

"Let go, Jude.." I add, finally getting my hand free from his iron grip.

I hear him sigh as he runs a hand down his face. He stares at me for a moment, then I watch him disappear for a moment, into the bathroom.

I take a deep breath, inspecting any changes in the skin of my fingers. Not noticing anything, I pull my hand away from the faucet. The stinging not as bad as earlier. I turn the water off, ready to walk away and grab a kitchen towel to dry my hand.

"Come here." I hear Jude say, I look up immediately, seeing him sitting at the dining table with a first aid kit. One he'd probably found while snooping around in the bathroom.

I walk over without protest, sitting next to him awkwardly. I hold my hand out, watching him treat my hand.

"It's literally not even that bad-"

"Stop talking." He deadpans, making me raise my brows. He coats my burnt skin with soothing cream, making me wince a couple times.

"Thank you.."

Again, I said it again.

I clear my throat, trying to ignore the heat creeping up to my cheeks, embarrassed by our proximity.

"We should get to packing. We have to leave in a couple hours.”

"Congratulations guys! You’ve all worked so hard.." I praise, hugging each individual player when they walk into the changing room. Patting them on the shoulder proudly.

"Rough game, wasn't it?" I ask Joselu, chuckling at his expression. The man had put his entire heart and soul into the game, giving us two goals- making his POTM title well-deserved.

"I'm so exhausted. You sure you want me for the interview?" He asks, pulling his jacket on.

I nod, motioning to Luis.

"We're ready, when you're ready.."

The interview doesn't take long, and before I knew it, we had all arrived back at our hotel. It had become a small tradition for some of the players and staff to chill in the hotel restaurant after matches, and this night was no exception.

Due to how close our team is, most of us didn't really get dressed up. We had some tea or coffee with small desserts or plates of cut-up fruit.

It was insanely cold in Berlin, obviously due to the season, and the rain wouldn't stop pouring from the sky. The heating was on in the restaurant, accompanied by the cosy fireplace right behind our table.

I check the time in the midst of listening to Federico's story about what he did during his last break. Seems like the rest of the table thinks it's hilarious, because they all burst out in laughter while I'm distracted by my phone.

My eyes water in exhaustion, and I clench my jaw in order to hold a yawn back, not trying to look annoyed or bored.

Waiting for the right timing, I get up, bidding farewell to the team, then I quickly walk into the elevator, pressing the button to my floor.

Arriving in my hotelroom, I jump onto the fluffy, soft bed, sighing in pleasure.

Though, my peace is short-lived when there is a harsh knock on my door.

I grumble, getting up annoyed- stupid enough to open the door without checking or verifying who it is.

It's no one else than Jude, a familiar-looking piece of jewelry in his palm.

"You dropped this earlier." He mutters, holding the gold bracelet out.

I hum, holding my hand out, so he can attach it back to my wrist.

I hear him scoff, smug look on his face as he looks at me, placing the bracelet on my wrist. I don't give him the satisfaction of having my attention- instead I scroll on my phone, refreshing the browser to see if my most recent test results will show up.

"No way!"

I scream, eyes going wide, as I realize I had passed all of my exams, even the one I cried about on the way home.

"What?" Jude asks, confused by the excitement in my eyes and form.

"I passed!" I shove the phone into his face, not even letting him see for a split-second until I pull my phone away and place it on the vanity.

"I passed, Jude!" I squeal again, unconsciously grabbing onto the puzzled guy’s hands. I squeeze his hand, soft skin caressing mine, while I beam with joy. Widest smile on my face as I jump up and down.

"You passed? Even though you were crying at the kitchen table all night long?"

I freeze, stopping myself from jumping again, looking up at him, surprised.

"You saw that?"

"You were making it a little too obvious.."

I scoff, looking down at our intertwined hands, immediately pulling my hand back in embarrassment. Confused about why I let my vulnerability slip so easily.

"Okay, well, you can leave if there is nothing else.." I mutter, unable to ignore the huge, smug smile on his face.

"Goodnight, y/n.." He speaks, stepping back, and I wish I could wipe that smirk off his face.

Maybe even a punch…

"Goodnight, or whatever.." I blurt, slamming the door closed in his face.

"No- don't come in.." y/n slurs, collecting her bag from the dashboard. Vision blurred and disoriented as she fidgets with the car door.

"Are you sure? You're absolutely hammered.." Luis asks, leaning over to open the door for the frazzled girl.

"Yup! All good." She replies, heels killing her feet when she steps out of the car.

"Bye!" She adds, slamming the door a little too hard, earning a yell from her best friend, before she stumbles to the front door of her house.

Nights like these are why she's happy there is a keypad on the door as well, fishing for her keys in this state would be a disaster.

She punches the numbers in quickly, hearing Luis's car drive away when she opens the door and stumbles inside.

It's not as dark inside as she'd imagined, instead, the living room lights are on. The TV blaring with a show she's unfamiliar with.

Throwing her heels off, she makes a beeline towards the couch, slumping against the soft cushions.

"y/n?" She hears a voice say, not bothering to open her eyes, she hums in response.

"You okay?" The Brum accent asks, and instantly a warm hand makes contact with her forehead.

"You're drunk." He says, stating it as a fact, rather than a question.

"I'm not drunk, let me sleep." She replies, shifting on the couch.

"You need to get cleaned up. You reek of alcohol." He urges, hand going to pull her arm up. 

"No!" She replies, gasping when she's lifted up from the couch. Opening her eyes, she clutches onto his shirt, confused by where he's bringing her.

"What are you doing?"

"You wanted to sleep, no?" He mutters cockily, slowly walking up the stairs, strong arms wrapped around her back and thighs.

She makes a small noise in exhaustion, unconsciously placing her head on his broad shoulder. Undeniably, her makeup smudges against the gray fabric of his shirt, but he doesn't seem to mind all that much, not even realizing the small grin on his own face as he places her in her bed.

He switches her bedside lamp on, happy he's not missed the bed when placing her on it in the dark.

Stepping back, he pulls the covers over her body, looking around for some specific thing. He steps closer to her vanity, looking for something similar to what his mother used to remove her own makeup.

Jude makes a small noise of satisfaction when he sees a pack of wipes, the English text on it enough to confirm it's the item he's looking for.

He turns around with the pack of wipes, stepping closer to the sleeping girl. He carefully sits on the empty side of her bed, careful not to touch her unnecessarily, grabbing a wipe, and clumsily rubbing the white towel along her face.

His face inches closer to her sleeping one, trying to remove the makeup enough so it won't stain her white pillows. He watches her eyelids and face twitch, causing a soft, fuzzy feeling to creep up into his chest.

His breath hitches when he realizes their proximity. He pulls the makeup-stained wipe away from her face, grabbing a clean one and caressing it on her soft cheek.

When her face is wiped clean, he pulls back, chest thumping with an unwelcome feeling. A soft sigh leaves his plump lips, he runs a hand down his face. Grabbing the edge of her warm blanket, placing it on her, causing her to shift a little in her slumber.

A familiar feeling of déjà vu passes through his senses, a soft grunt coming from the sleeping girl next to him. 

He pauses his movements, eyes roaming on her sleeping face, before he gets up from her bed. Leaving the lamp on as he hurriedly walks out of her room. Accidentally taking the pack of wipes with him, and forgetting to close her door in his sudden hurry.

December in Madrid was something Jude was slowly getting used to. Although nothing could compare to the weather in Birmingham and Dortmund he'd gotten familiar with over the years. 

It’s only hours later, past three in the morning, when he's awoken by pain in his shoulder. It had been bothering him for weeks now, but he was insisting on playing.

Even if it meant that he had to wear a personalized shoulder brace and had to take injections to combat the pain during important games. 

His move to Madrid was no doubt a big one, with the entirety of the football world looking at how the 100 million-euro transfer would start his first season at Real Madrid.

To Jude, even a dislocated shoulder could not hold him back from delivering his best performance. 

Sitting up from the bed he had been calling his own, for the past few weeks, he looks around the dark room. Rain trickling out of the dark clouds and harshly hitting the huge windows of his room. 

Jude gets up from the comfort of the warm bed, pulling his shirt off to check his shoulder. He had been wearing his brace regularly, but sometimes it would be so uncomfortable that he had to take it off in the middle of the night. 

He unbuckles the belt that’s secure on his chest, expensive material soft to the touch as he slides the black brace off carefully. A soft grunt of pain leaves his mouth as he throws it to the other side of the bed. 

Pulling his slippers on and opening the door of his room, he can only see light emitting from y/n's room. Her bedroom door open since he had forgotten to close it earlier. 

He averts his gaze from her room, ready to go downstairs to grab a cup of water. Though, he stops dead in his tracks when he hears noise coming from her room. A soft whimper, accompanied by the rustle of her movements. 

Not another thought runs through his head before he makes a beeline into her room. He walks past her door, her body visibly restless underneath her blanket. He stands next to her bed awkwardly, moving his face closer to inspect the scrunch of her brows, displaying the distress on her face. 

"y/n.." He begins, ignoring the pain in his shoulder. He lifts his hand, moving his hand to her cheek, touching it tenderly with his thumb. Trying to rouse her from her sleep. Though, seems like it doesn’t work, especially since her face twitches again. 

"Hey! Wake up.." Jude whisper-shouts, not even realizing or asking himself what he is trying to accomplish. 

"Fucking hell. What am I even trying to do." He curses to himself, moving his hand to her shoulder again. She’s still dressed in her clubbing outfit from last night, causing his hand to make immediate contact with her bare shoulder. 

"Mom.." A sudden whisper leaves her lips, full of raw emotion and sadness. A ragged breath follows, the tremble of her lip visible in the dim light next to them. 

Jude immediately halts all of his movements, his breath hitches in surprise. He had never heard her or others around her utter a single word about her mother. It was always about her father or one of her aunts. 

Jude was never curious about it for some reason. He had many friends whose parents weren’t together or single. Her only having her father in her life, or to the extent he’d seen- wasn’t all that surprising until this very moment. 

"Don't go..." Another whimper, followed by an audible, strangled sob, tears glistening in the corners of her closed eyes. 

He had never felt this confused and helpless before. Feeling his chest tighten, he leans over her body, moving to sit next to her on the bed. With one last shake of her shoulders, he tries to wake her up from her horror-filled dream. 

"y/n!" He shouts this time, voice echoing along with the rainfall outside, his brows furrowed in worry. 

y/n's eyes snap open in shock, mouth falling open, only for her lips to tremble.

Tears fill her eyes, the only thing visible to her: Jude's concerned face. 

Picking up on her sudden shock, his arms snake around her back, allowing her to sit up and breathe. 

"You’re fine, it was just a dream.." He says softly, eyes focused on her face. Instead of his words soothing her, tears start falling down her cheeks, breath unsteady as sobs fall from her lips. 

His eyes widen, her state blind-siding him.

Yes, he had seen her cry once or twice before, but this- this was different. The girl's face was absolutely clad in pain and sadness.

It made his heart and soul shatter, blood running cold at the sight. 

"Hey.. Look at me.." He mutters, hand reaching up to her chin. His fingers graze her skin, gently but firmly lifting her head to make eye contact with her wet eyes. 

She faces him, cheeks and lashes wet from tears. Eyes bloodshot, as her lips tremble uncontrollably. Jude's eyes soften, brows scrunching in more concern. 

"y/n-" He tries to call out to her to further ground her, though a soft gasp leaves his mouth when she practically launches herself into his hold.

Her trembling body pressed against his naked chest, shaky arms wrapped around his back. 

Her forehead collides with his collarbone, to his luck, not against his injured shoulder. His arms fall against his side in bewilderment, mouth falling open for a moment. Only her soft sobs audible next to the raging storm outside. 

Her nails claw against his bare back, not realizing the slight pain she’s causing him through her sheer desperation of wanting to feel safe and grounded. 

Jude can feel his skin burning up. Of course, he had his fair share of subtle or intimate touches with other women. A hug, a kiss- whatever it had been- his body had never gone this rigid before.

He's pulled out of his thoughts by her nonstop sobbing. Getting his courage and shit together, and pushing his shock away- he lifts his hand from his side, sliding his arms around her back, pulling her body flush against his. 

"You're okay. You’re safe..." He mumbles, fingers rubbing her nape soothingly, other hand pressing her face closer against his chest. 

"I'm here, y/n.." The unfamiliar sentence leaves his mouth with a shaky breath, her sobbing continuing all through his sweet words. 

He's absolutely certain, that if she were fully conscious and not crying her heart out- she'd be able to hear the stupid thundering of his heart, maybe it would be even louder than the storm outside. 

He also knows that this feeling has been brewing in his chest like a damn F5 tornado for the past few weeks.

Causing incredible damage to his heartstrings and confusion to his feelings and thoughts...

[weixuldo]

Allow Me// Ch 2

Vader x F!Reader

A/N: Hiiii! I am back and sorry again for the wait! A friend from out of town was in and I spent the week with her. But from now on, the updates should be more frequent! I also just wanted to say thank you all for the overwhelming support on the last chapter! I truly did not think that It was going to get so much love haha

You must be the unluckiest person in the Galaxy

Warnings: cannon-typicaal violence, weapons, cursing, death, harassment

_________________

You cowered under your bed sheets as you felt the demanding presence of Darth Vader approaching your door. Your heart raced with every whirr of his breath; you knew he could sense your fear.

All he had to do was open the door…

You waited for what seemed like hours for the man on the other side to come bursting in, but to your surprise- he never did, instead he stood dormant at your door for a while until you heard him walk away.

What did he want to do? Intimidate you? If he was going to kill you, why didn’t he do that? 

Thoughts raced through your tired mind as you slowly lowered the covers from your head and tried to calm down.

As much as you tried you couldn’t seem to find sleep for the rest of the night.

Begrudgingly, the morning shift system dinged, notioning for you to go to your station for the day. You pulled yourself out of your bed and put on your uniform, yawning the whole way to your post. 

As much as the events of last night disturbed you, you were too exhausted to be fully comprehensive; so when you bumped into a supply cart coming down the corridor you could barely make out the annoyed shouts of the worker. 

“My apologies” you offered, continuing down the hall as the cart worker shouted some distasteful insults your way.

Once you entered the station your supervisor handed you a holopad and gave you your assignment for the day. You were to check some of the machines on the bridge and then report back to your boss. 

Sadly for you the bridge was on the totally opposite end of the executor, but at least today’s assignment was fairly short; before you knew it you would be able to go back to your quarters and fall asleep.

The promise of sleep motivated you to hurry down to your assigned station for the day, thinking of nothing but fantasies of your soft pillows. In the midst of your daydreams you ran into a trooper who was heading down the intersecting hall. The impact made you fall back onto your ass and you looked up at the trooper with a scowl.

“What are you looking at? You’re the one who ran into me!” he barked before continuing on, but not before cursing you under his breath.

You shook your head and grabbed the holopad that landed beside you.

Fuck.

There was a large crack all the way down the small tablet’s surface, great… another expense that’ll come out of your already small paycheck. This has truly been the best week, what next universe? 

You finally entered the bridge with the sliding of the doors and observed the glossy obsidian color of the bustling room. Officers and troops bustled on the platform and in the pits to the sides of the main bridge.

You made your way to the lower deck of the bridge and set your bag down beside the machine you were to be inspecting. The generals in the stations surrounding you seemed to be pretty lax with their jobs; leaning back in their chairs, talking about the newest blasters on the market rather than actually paying attention to their screens. 

The one closest to you kept tapping his foot against the machine you were trying to inspect which frustrated you immensely. 

“Excuse me, Would You mind moving your chair to the side a little, I need some more room to check up on the unit” You asked, as politely as you could, expecting an “ok”. Instead the man scowled and sat upright in his chair. 

“No, I will not. I need to stay here and do my duties- the duties of a general, mind you. I’m sure your…inspection work… is much less severe, so I think you can wait” the man said with a patronizing tone. 

What in the galaxy has gotten everyone so stiff today? The entitlement of these generals was crazy. You rolled your eyes as you inspected the equipment in front of you; you took the metal plating off and carefully laid out the screws in order to put them back on when you were finished. 

Before you could actually get to the inspection part of your job, you felt something hit the back of your head; it was a piece of garbage.

You shot your head towards the direction of the trash and saw the same general, snickering with some of the others in the row before one offered, “oops, sorry, I missed the trash”. 

How were these idiots, who obviously didn’t give a shit about their job, getting paid more and getting more recognition than you. You may not have been totally invested in the empire’s agenda, but you did care about the quality of your work. 

You took a magnifying utensil to inspect the crossed wires in the back of the unit; that's the problem, the wires were getting tangled with every tap the general dealt to the machine under the desk. 

You reached down into your bag and grabbed some pliers to untangle them, but before you could get started, you saw the screen above you blinking red.

You didn’t really know what exactly you were looking at, but it didn’t look good; it looked like there were a few fighter planes approaching the back side of the executor.

That was definitely not good; you looked at the rude general who was supposed to man the station, he was busy laughing it up with some co-workers on the other end of the deck. 

“Sir” you called, attempting to wave over the rogue general.

Nothing. 

“General!” you shouted a little louder. 

He whipped his head towards you with narrowed eyes until he saw the screen and all the color drained from his face. He ran over to his desk, frantically pressed a few buttons, flipped two red switches, and shouted some commands.

Soon you heard the muffled reverbs of the ship releasing tie-fighters into space. 

The man sat back in his chair and faced forward, he was sweating and you could see his legs trembling next to the unit you were almost done patching up. 

Before you knew it the whole bridge went silent, no more bustling, no more smiling, only silence and anxiety filled the room. What the fuck just happened?

Soon enough the doors of the bridge swished open and your silent questions were answered.

The dark figure of Darth Vader came in with a determined strut; he was not pleased. You lowered your head and finished up tightening the screws to close the machine so you could leave asap. He was the last person you wanted to see today, last night he literally stood outside of your door-probably debating whether to kill you or not.

“Someone in this room has allowed rebel ships to enter our flight deck. Of course we exterminated them, but that does not excuse the uncalculated mistake of someone in this room.”

Vader continued down the top deck; once he halted so did the entourage of troopers behind him. He slowly turned his head and surveyed the room trying to determine who’s blunder allowed rebels to get that close to the ship.

Though you know you did nothing wrong in this situation, your anxiety was through the roof. 

Swiftly, he turned towards your direction-

Fuck.

There is no way in the galaxy-

“Your fear betrays you, General” his mechanical voice stated. 

You exhaled a short breath, you were indeed not a General. But before you could completely relax the man beside you protested. 

“She was the one who failed to alert me, it was not my fault” the General exclaimed standing tall and pointing an accusing finger at you. 

What?! 

Vader already had it out for you, this was just gonna add to the problem. 

He slightly shifted his lenses towards you before turning back to the man.

“I recall the empire bestowed the title of General upon you, not her; am I correct?” Vader questioned in an even tone.

“Y-yes My lord” 

“In that case, You are responsible for your station, not her” 

The worried officer frantically looked around, before pushing past you to make a break for the exit. His forceful push made you tumble down the small steps from the desk areas to the actual floor, as well as your bag. You landed harshly and winced at one of your heavier tools landing on your arm.

Before you could get up, Lord Vader had a trooper blast the general through the chest and his limp body fell backwards beside you. 

“Someone get this garbage off of my bridge” Vader said with a flip of his cape as he headed for the exit. 

You began to lift yourself up from the floor, truly ready just to go back to your room; you didn't get any sleep, kept bumping into people, your holopad cracked, dealt with rude generals, got pushed down some stairs, and just had someone die beside you, just another stellar day in the empire. 

The bustling sound of the troopers halted making you look back up; Lord Vader was looking straight at you. 

“And bring that officer to a meeting room, I need to speak with them”

Just as you began to protest, two troopers secured your arms.

“Better shut your mouth little one” one snapped as the other just laughed.

Great.

_______________________________

The room was cool and dark, a blinking light in the corner of the room indicated that you were being surveilled. Thankfully you were unbound, but didn't dare to wonder about the room- he could enter at any moment.

But why were you here? Was it because of those troopers the other night? Did the sith lord think that you were spreading rumors about having “relations” with him? Was it because people you had bumped into were complaining about your seeming lack of spatial awareness? No, that’s just outlandish…but what if?

To be honest you were too exhausted to think straight, everything was seeming like a possibility, and you had the worst week, so at this point you didn’t really give a  fuck about what would happen to you.

Maybe if he killed you, you would actually find some peace. 

The cool air of the room was making you sleepy, your eyelids felt like weights and you couldn't stop them from closing. 

Whoosh

The sound of the door swooshing open awoke you from your light sleep, how long had it been? How-

Suddenly all traces of sleep shook from your body as you came face to face with the man in the dark mask. 

Sure, you said you wouldn’t mind dying, but now that death was staring you in the face, you felt inclined to plead for your life. 

“M-my Lord, I apologize I was”

“Resting… I see. Perhaps I took too long to make my way here” he said, sliding the door shut behind him. 

“No sir- um.. My Lord” you corrected as you nervously fiddled your fingers. 

“You may calm your anxieties, officer” the man in front of you said as he slowly made his way to the table you were seated at. 

His words didn’t do much to calm you but you did relax your posture a bit. He took a stand in front of you, making you eye level with his control panel.

He was so much larger than you remembered, probably since you were more wary of him since you were in his direct interest as of now.

“Am I to be punished for earlier?” you asked, avoiding eye contact with his lenses. 

“Not at the moment, is there something I should be made aware of?” 

“No, My lord. It’s just that the general who spoke out was not manning his station and I did not want his words to cloud what really happened” 

“I thought nothing of the sort, I know you would not allow for such a careless mistake”

He spoke with such a neutral tone that you couldn’t determine whether he was playing with your mind or if his words were truly sincere. 

“As of late I have observed your work and am pleased by your dedication to the Empire” he said.

“I appreciate your faith in my work, my lord; but may I ask why I was called here?” 

The Sith lord turned towards the camera in the corner of the room and back at you before taking a seat on the opposite side of the table.

“I wanted to thank you for your work on the executor, personally. I have noticed others on board have not treated you the best and yet you still provide quality service”

Your heart began to race even faster, was this a dream? Was Darth Vader himself really praising your work right now? And what baffled you even more is that he noticed how you had been treated throughout your posting on his ship. 

You really didn’t expect Vader to care that much about his employees, but maybe he was a bit softer than everyone thought…(unlikely).

Before you could respond he placed a holopad on the table that showed a nicely constructed grave stone with your mothers name, what was this? Your father couldn’t afford this.

You looked up at the man who filled the room with echoes of his mechanical breathing. 

“I-I don't understand-”

“As I mentioned earlier, I am regretful you were not able to attend your mother’s funeral procession, so I had the empire deliver your father funds for her memorial. It’s the least I could do” he said, clicking the projection off. 

You sat in the metal chair, bewildered; why in the galaxy would Darth Vader give your father money for your mother’s grave?

Your family was a bunch of nobody’s… Nothing attached to your name, but now your mother had a grave of high gentry. It didn't make sense.

As you pondered his motives, the sith lord rose from his seat and proceeded to walk to the side you were on. 

You were shaken from your thoughts when you felt a firm and heavy hand on your shoulder. It was a feeling that should have invoked fear, but instead you felt butterflies. 

Not many people had been nice to you in your life, so were you just being delusional and trying to make it seem that this sith lord really cared about you?

You knew you needed to be more cautious around him, but you couldn’t help but smile up at the dark figure looming behind you. 

“You are stronger than you know, officer, do not let anyone on this ship tell you otherwise” he said before patting you once more and leaving. 

______________________________

The cool sheets of your empire-grade bed felt nice after your warm shower. You settled into bed with a new sense of pride, someone important, no. one of the most important figures in the galaxy, recognized your skill and talent. He recognized your plights and struggles and gave you encouragement for better. 

As you slept your mind seemed to compile every snippet of time that you interacted with Vader into a long dream; not that you minded, but your brain was definitely not helping you suppress your delusions. At this rate you’d be dreaming of a future with the most feared man in the galaxy. 

It was stupid to think that was possible, but after all, it was just a dream,

no harm in that. 

Except for the fact that on the opposite end of the executor, a sleep deprived Vader couldn’t seem to clear his mind enough to meditate.

He was too busy envisioning the face of that beautiful officer he had been encountering more and more frequently. 

This was not a part of the Sith’s agenda, you were a distraction. You needed to be wiped from his mind, but he couldn’t seem to do it. Of course there was an obvious solution; get rid of you- whether it be a transfer or death-

just get rid of you.

But no matter how hard he tried to call for the orders, he couldn’t.

How could he when you had been the only thing that made him feel remotely human again? 

***

A/N: heheh tysm for waiting for this chapter and i hope this story is interesting u guys!!

taglist: @vadersassistant @sxoulohvn @khaleesihavilliard @kashasenpai @darling-murdock @beautifulbearpolice @salvatoresister1 @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @blueninjablade3 @jujuba096 @missmannequin @jellydodger @mirastark @wyvernthekriger @duckyhowls

[missamyrisa2]

Tickle cleaning anon here again. First of all, OH MY GOODNESS that cleaning story!!!!!!!!!!! Second, I just happened to see a commercial just now for some cleaning product and it included a split second clip of someone's tummy (including belly button) covered in soap suds 😳😳😳😳😳

In my opinion the sexiest thing would be to be tickle bathed by a team, but it would also be super hot to have a machine give me a bath while the team watches and adds in their own teases and maybe reach around the machine arms to get their own tickles in where they can

And yes absolutely keep making me ticklegasm so I need to be cleaned all over again...but I would add that every time they start over they add a couple more people to the cleaning team, because I'm clearly making a tough job for them and they need all hands on deck!!!

Gahhh~~ you're getting me riiiight where I falll aparttt instantly my sweet lovely cleaning anon~!! There was a clip I saw once, I can't remember where or when or if it was just a fever dream, but it was a belly at a beach coated with water and a finger playfully dipped in making this little splash and it just has always captured my imagination of likeeee~ being at the beach and getting alll sandy and going up to the showers which are y'know, out in the open where everyone can seeee ~ and oooh someone set up a new automatic body cleaner which activates immediately and locks the feet into brushyyyy boot-like arches so the sprayers can start working the sand and salt water from the bodyyyy~ and tiny detail brushes need to spring out and sweeeep sweep away all the particlesss~ which of coursee is all being seen by the now growing crowd, this cutie was silly enough to try the wicked automatic cleaner, and is now stuck~ giggling and blushing as sprayers move about sending tickly jets of water and dousing with gentle suds while scrubba brushes work around the ribs and tummy and waist and legssss~ and down below the brushy boots are endlessslyyy swishing like a tiny car wash on those feets~

And y'knowww it's never gonna end when some pranksters are suddenly standing to the side with knowing smirks.... and buckets of sand~ to which their fingers dip in and playfully sprinkle it on youuu activating moreee cleaning proceduresss~

Whewww~ okayyy that was silly~ yesss the team ticklesss in the science lab~~ all those matter of fact faces, some buried in their tablets or notes others just watching with satisfied grins while you are taken through another cleansing routine, the implements calibrating for your squirming bodyyyy ~ aiming at your sensitive zones which have been of course, thoroughly soaped up with soft teasing cloths~

Certainly the ladies with the big shiny nails aren't going to be able to resist stepping closely, feigning to be looking at their notes before reaching up to start tickling at your exposed tush or side or thigh~ giggling at your reaction as the machinery keeps your naked sudsy self held taut and ticklishhh~

And that's before you're brought over to the big round tub for the machine to dip you in, with your feet sticking out the edges and arms held snug while endless buffers and brushes spin out in the water to start massaging and working away the imperfections on your sensitive skin ~ the feeeet~ as it turns out, are getting the personal attention because two members of the team are equipping themselves with scrub brushes, strapping them to their fingers and setting aside their tablets as the machine drips plentyyy of soap onto their tools and they merrily go to work on your ticklish feet, following every kick and struggle~

The team breathes a sigh of relief as it seems like the cleaning is finished with the machine lifting you out for a quick scan~ but ooooh that tinglyyyy beam goes around your royal area and uuuhhooohh~ warning alarms blare as your legs are gently spread and further inspections are made, with a secondary investigation quickly launched to examine your royal chest buttons for any swelling ~ ooooh naughty naughtyyy~ your thighs and regal spots are quickly coated in suds for a renewed cleaning ~ and the techs fire up their spinny buffers, this clean job definitely will take a collaborative effort~

Soo as you wiggle and struggle ~ the machine sprays and facilitates with massaging grasps and vibrations on your legs and chest~ so the team can work around with their detail brushes to buff and buff awayyyy ~ and uh ohhh~ you're getting sooo rapidly aroused again that they neeed more hands~ the doors fling open to welcome the emergency team, armed to the teeth with cleansing brushes and sprays and detail tools and big buffers~ now you're reallllly in for itttt ~ suspended and held by the machine as a whole gang of certified world class cleaners reach in to polish your inner legs to your girly bits with very attentive soft cleanings applied to your pearlyyy~ not to mention the top to bottom treatment your royal chest buttons will be getting, buffed right to the tip and down and around ~

And with an unceremonious drop, you're back into the water, splashing and thrashingggg ~ clamped into place so the machine can hold you while the team has their way, working soft cloths and elegant fluff brushes around you through every splashhh ~ alll so they can sooo perfectly undo all that cleaning and get you alll worked up again for the machine's ready to start scanner~<33

[shadowsreturn]

Shadow's Return - Chapter 9

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

The monks walked into the giant lab, but Jack was nowhere in sight. The machine in the middle greeted them as it hummed softly with energy. Raimundo and Kimiko approached a table filled with blueprints with Jack's writing all over them, while Omi and Clay inspected the tall giant machine.

"This is very interesting!" Omi started as he walked around the white and grey machinery. "I wonder what it does!"

"It's a generator for the barrier that surrounds Chase's land." Jack suddenly said, making all the monks jump as he entered the lab by another door. He still looked exhausted and empty, but he had now a clean grey t-shirt with the classic star wars logo on it and black pyjama pants with different shades of green lines all over them. His hair looked humid as his bangs was almost hiding his glasses. "You know, to keep the monsters outside and keep the survivors safe from any more harm." He added, ignoring their looks of worry as he made his way to his computer.

He sat down at the desk, taking his tablet and opening it to a notepad where he wrote all the details of their exploration of Mount Lhotse. The monks approached him carefully. In front of the albino were many screens showing cameras around Chase's lair and survivor camp. But four screens caught the attentions of the monks. Those four cameras each showed one of Shadow's stronghold. One of the places was surrounded by shadow beasts as one of Shadow's lieutenant seemed to be giving them orders.

The screen right above it showed another of Shadow's stronghold with another lieutenant patrolling the area. Beside it was the next lieutenant aggressively attacking what appeared to be a rock. And below was the last screen showing the fourth lieutenant. That one wasn't moving much, just looking around as monsters walked around him, protectively.

"Jack..." Kimiko started, trying to be as kind as she could be. "How long have you been monitoring them?" She asked, watching him scroll through many, many notes.

Jack didn't look up from his notes. "Long enough to know they never leave their posts." Finding the right page of notes, Jack turned the tablet towards the monks. Raimundo took it.

Jack had detailed all of their monstrous features. Ashley's shadow beast form looked like a cat standing on it's two back legs. Her normal claws from her Katnappe outfit were extended to the point where they touched the ground beneath her. Her feet looked like paws. Her body was covered in a thick darkness that stretched her like a long half kitten half monster. Her eyes were glowing Red and she also had a tail made mostly out of darkness that seemed to be liquified. In fact, her whole beastly body was dripping darkness.

The others were the same, though their forms were different. Tubbimura looked like a round blob with claws, just like the picture Jack showed the monks during their first meeting. Vladimir looked like a gorilla with his hat on his head. And Antoine looked like a tall stretched version of himself with long arms with claws. He had his hat on his head as well.

Kimiko leaned closer to Jack. "You're keeping notes of everything?" She asked, Jack nodded. "Uh-hu."

Raimundo gave back the tablet. "Well, at least we know where they are, thanks to you!" He said, smiling at Jack. But the albino simply sighed. "Yep..." He said, leaning back on his red and black gamer's chair.

The monks looked at each other, unsure of what else they could say. Jack seemed to be mentally and physically exhausted, yet he didn't show any emotions. It was as if he was only a machine that had completely given up.

Then, Clay tentatively tried to start a conversation. "How you feeling, pahrtner?" He asked, but he flinched when Jack slowly looked at him with a confused expression.

"What do you mean?" Jack replied, but shook his head slowly. "I mean, I know what you mean, but why do you ask?" He asked, looking back at Clay. His confusion making the monks wince. It was as if no one had ever asked the redhead if he was okay his whole life. And that was only making Clay's heart hurt in a way he couldn't understand.

Clearing his throat, Clay tried again. "Jus' wanted t' know how ya were feeling, ya know, after hearin' what Guh-rand Master Dashi done told ya..."

Jack's confused expression changed into his now usual nothingness. He shrugged, looking back at the screens. "I don't know..." He said, his voice just above a whisper.

Kimiko crossed her arms, looking at Raimundo with worry before taking a step closer, almost leaning on Jack's chair. "You don't know how you feel?" she asked, her voice soft trying to make him feel safe. Safe enough so he could open up to them.

Jack sighed, shrugging. "Nope." He replied, fingers absently scrolling through his notes. "Didn't really stopped to think about it. There's too much to do, and my feelings don't matter, you know?"

Clay frowned. "Jack, that ain't raahyt. Ya ain't some kahnd awf machaahn."

Jack looked down at his keyboard. Not knowing what to say, he stayed silent.

Omi stepped closer. "Jack Spicer, you have been monitoring the enemy, protecting survivors, and working tirelessly on these machines... but you have done nothing to protect yourself!" He said, gently and kind. "Even the greatest warriors cannot fight if they do not rest."

Jack finally looked away from his desk and at Omi. "Rest?" He said, looking slowly at each of them. "How can I rest when I can't?" He added.

Clay approached Jack, close enough so he could touch the chair the redhead was sitting on. He turned it slowly so Jack could fully face them. "Yes ya kay-yun! Jus' tay-uk a break, sleep eend come back!" Clay said, softly smiling at Jack.

But Jack didn't reciprocate. "I have a severe case of insomnia. That's why I said I can't..." Jack said, standing up. The monks backed away as Jack started to walk to his barrier generator. "Just another thing on the list of things wrong with me..." He mumbled as he ran a hand through his damp hair, his bangs falling back into his glasses. He looked at the machine he had spent nearly sleepless months building.

Kimiko looked Raimundo, silently urging him to say something, anything, to get through to Jack. But the Brazilian didn't know what to say.

Placing a hand on the generator, Jack sighed. And finally, Clay broke the silence. "Whatevher keeps ya uhp, it doesn't 'ave t' be at thuh cost awf yo-wr health!"

Kimiko nodded and pressed Jack further. "Yeah! When was the last time you actually ate something? Or even slept properly?"

Jack shrugged. "I don't know, I eat when I remember. Sleep comes to me when I collapse..."

Clay frowned as he shook his head. "That ain't how it works, pahrtner. Ya're runnin' yourself into thuh ground, an we kay-yun all see it puh-lain as day."

Jack sighed once again, letting his hand fall off the machine. "Does it matter? Look, I appreciate the concern or whatever, but I'm fine. This is just how things are. I work, I monitor, and I keep things running."

Omi frowned, stepping past the others and stopping right beside Jack. "You speak as though you are nothing more than a tool to be used. But that is not true! You are Jack Spicer, once our enemy, now our ally. You are human. And you are important, whether you believe it or not."

Jack looked down at Omi. "No one has ever treated me otherwise before. Why should I believe anything you say? You told me that very same thing once. And when you didn't need me any longer, you left me to rot with several broken bones in the middle of nowhere." He said, but his voice wasn't spiteful or angered. His tone was low and disinterested. Like their past actions didn't matter to him anymore.

And all four of them went pale at Jack's words. They had indeed left him behind, more times than they could count. He had been their enemy, their nuisance, the joke they never took seriously, until now. Now, all they could see was a broken teen with nothing left to loose.

Raimundo swallowed his guilt as he stepped forward. "Jack, we screwed up. We know that. And you have every right to hate us for it, but-" He started, but Jack stopped him. "I don't hate you." He said as he turned to face the other three monks. "I was the one who started that whole mess to begin with..."

Kimiko clenched her fists. "That doesn't mean you deserved to be abandoned."

Jack shrugged. "Maybe not. But it happened, and I moved on. You should too."

"But done ya really?" Clay asked, taking another step closer. "Moved awn, ah mean? because from where we're standing, it kinda looks like you're jus'. survivin'. Not livin'"

Jack sighed, shaking his head slowly. "Please, I know you want to know what's wrong with me, you've been pretty clear about that since you got here. But I just..." Jack looked down at the ground, hugging himself. "I don't want to talk about it... not yet..." he added, close to a whisper.

The monks all looked at each other, uncertain. "Okay," Kimiko said gently. "You don't have to. Not if you're not ready."

"But," Raimundo added, stepping beside Kimiko, "that doesn't mean we're just gonna walk away and let you keep doing whatever you're doing to yourself."

"We are your friends now," Omi stated, jumping beside Kimiko and Raimundo. "And a true friend does not allow another to suffer alone!"

Jack let out a weak chuckle, and for once, there was a bit of amusement behind it. "Friends, huh?" He shook his head. "You guys sure picked a bad time to start caring."

"Maybe," Clay admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But that don't mean we're gonna stop" He crossed his arms. "We ain't gonna force ya t' talk, but wer gonna may-uk syhaw ya actually chew sumthin', eend git some rest. Ya're thinner than a brown snay-uk awn a hot summer day."

Jack frowned. "I already told you, I can't sleep."

"Maybe not on your own," Kimiko acknowledged, "but that's why we're here. To help."

Jack stared at them for moment, thinking. But eventually he closed his eyes and sighed. "You're really not gonna let this go, are you?" He said as he reopened his eyes to look back at them.

"Nope," Raimundo said, smiling smugly at Jack.

Jack let out a small sigh, "Fine," he muttered, crossing his arms and looking away. The smallest of smiles slowly showing on his face. "If it'll make you all shut up, I'll eat something."

Clay grinned. "Now that's mo-wr like it!" He nudged Raimundo. "See? Progress!"

Jack rolled his eyes, the smile still there. "Yeah, yeah. Just... don't expect me to suddenly become a ray of sunshine or anything," Jack said as his tired blood-red eyes looked at the monk with a softer expression.

Omi looked at his friends, then back at Jack, smiling as he saw the red-head letting his guards down, but only slightly. "We don't need you to be sunshine, Jack Spicer. Just you. That's all."

The others nodded in agreement. Raimundo stepped closer to Jack. "Yeah, man. Just take it one step at a time. And no more pulling all-nighters like you're some kind of robot."

Jack chuckled once again which made the monks smile even more, if it was even possible. "I'll try," he mumbled.

Clay walked to Jack and stopped right beside him. Then, Clay clapped him on the back. "That's all we ask-" but his sentence was cut off when Jack suddenly grabbed Clay's arm, lifted the cowboy up with a kind of strength no one knew Jack had, and slammed him on the ground face first.

The monks all backed away as they looked back at Jack. The albino looked panicked. "I'm sorry, I-" he said quickly, backing away from them. Clay sat up and looked at the red-head. "I-I..." Jack kept trying to apologize, to say something, all while backing away. "I didn't mean..." But as Jack was getting close to the second door on the right of the lab, he whispered: "I'm sorry..." and he left quickly. Leaving the monks dumbfounded at what had just happened.

The monks were stunned, each processing the turn of events that had just transpired. Clay slowly got to his feet, dusting himself off, but he was confused and concerned, his hand went to rest on where Jack had grabbed him to slam him down. And Raimundo was the first to break the silence once again.

"Did he... did he just...?" Raimundo started, but he couldn't form any more coherent words. He was too stunned.

Omi looked at Raimundo with confusion. "What... what just happened?" he asked, bringing a hand to his forehead. "He seemed so... normal, and then... that."

Clay winced slightly, rubbing the sore on his arm. "Yeah, well. Jack ain't exactly in thuh bettermost puh-lace raahyt now," he muttered. "We need ta give 'im space. 'e's prolly bee-yn through a lot. mo-wr than we maahyt eve-yn know."

Raimundo sighed. "I guess we should just go to bed. Let him be for now and come back tomorrow." He said as the others agreed.

And with that, they all left the lab and went to bed.

[akihiro-writes-stuff]

Abandoned Freesias

Angstpril 2025!! | Day 4: “I trusted you”

Fandom: Among Us

Ratings: Teens and Up Audiences

Warnings: MCD(s), blood, gore

Summary:

It pulled a bone from her large wounds, and used it to bash her brain open. Her sister cried, begged and even held the monster’s leg to stop– but it only laughed at her, kicking her stomach gash.

Then the monster turned around, and gave Hayden a smile– a wide eyed and teeth out smile, like it was trying to replicate a human smile.

—This is me putting my OCs in the Among Us universe and making them suffer

Tags: betrayal, limbs, OCs, self-deprecation, old traumas, space ships, planets, different species, stabbing

Part 1 of 2

The navigation doors open, followed by a large clank as red threw his helmet to the side, uncaring for the machine it hits.

His eyes lingered to the co-pilot seat next to his, he blinks away the oncoming tears as he resolutely sat at the captain’s seat.

“It’s fine. We’ll find it.” He mutters to himself, a way of comfort to the weight that suddenly was placed on his shoulders.

An impostor got in.

How did it even happen? Was it during their pitstop at Amanopia? He remembers locking all airlocks and hatches before leaving. Nobody brought along any new people so it's not that as well.

He bit his nail as he dug through his memories, of instances of forgotten open hatches or broken vents but none came to mind.

But because of one single impostor, his crewmate got killed.

He couldn’t forget the stench, of how Yellow’s body seemed so mangled up. It was so cruel how it pulled out Yellow’s colon and wrapped it around his neck(did it strangle Yellow to death?) and he hated the way Yellow’s blood crept into the crevices of reactor—

He shakes his head, trying to forget what he saw. But no matter how much he did, the afterimages of Yellow and his gutted out stomach kept resurfacing.

He’s lucky he was with Green at the time, or else he would’ve passed out beside Yellow’s body.

It would’ve been a gruesome alarm, that's for sure.

He sighs into his hands, burying his face deeper as his fingers slowly etched on his bangs. He wanted to pull his hair, to trash Navigation just to vent his anger out, or just jump out the airlock.

But what he wants the most is to forget the smell. He really hated it.

It reminds him of memories from the past, of an arm clinging onto him— begging as they continuously dragged their severed leg.

He chokes on a cry, trying his very best to bury those unwanted tears into his palms. His eyes blur, and he could do nothing but wipe them profusely.

A hand suddenly claps his shoulder. His entire body tenses at the contact, and his flight or fight instincts resurfaced(and his crying got scared away by it unironically). 

He just wishes it wouldn’t kill him so bizarrely, and he hopes he could meet Yellow in whatever afterlife awaits him. He slowly reaches his pocket, he always has a screwdriver on him— and he hopes he hits it in its killbox, one casualty is enough for today.

“Hey, Cap.” Green’s sweet voice brings music to his ears, and he was so grateful it was her.

“Shit, Aki. You scared me so much— I could feel my heart walking away right now.” Red sighs in relief, melting into his chair. “I thought you were the impostor, I was so ready to stab you.”

He watched as Aki’s eyes widened, her irises shaking quite a bit. He feels sorry for scaring her, but he got scared as well! 

He watched her compose herself, giving a lopsided smile. “Oho? Captain’s using my real name, this is so not workaholic of you.” 

He playfully scoffs, “It’s just us anyways. It’s not like you don’t call me by my name.”

She just shrugs, pulling out her communicator.

“I’ve been trying to contact you, but you weren’t answering. I went to Admin and saw you here so I just walked in.” She opens up an incident report, handing the tablet to him. “Here’s the IR, I’ve included the clean break-in and untouched vents in the report. I also finished the Safety Inspection report, and have concluded that there’s no damage or misuse done by both crewmates and intruder.”

“Tedious as ever, you could’ve honestly applied for MIRA HQ instead of here.” He chuckles, seriously reading it through.

“You know I’m too adventurous for desk job shit.” She jokes, sitting down beside him. 

“Yep, and even if they did offer you a chance, I’ll be the one refusing in your stead— you’re our greatest Tech and Mechanic here and I’m too possessive to let you go.”

“Gods, don’t say the ‘p’ word again. It makes you sound like those TikTok alpha content creators.”

“Ew, what the fuck.” Aki just chuckles at his indignation, poking at his scrunched up forehead. He just laughs at her antics, playfully pushing her fingers away.

“Jesus, are you done making fun of me?” Her laughter slowly dies down, replacing it with a knowing smile he always knew.

“Now that I’ve made you smile— well, somehow, there’s another reason why I’m here.” She states, her sentences turned softer against her rough voice. “Are you alright, Hayden?”

He stops his trail of thoughts, giving space and focusing only at her question.

Is he alright? He genuinely doesn’t know, but at the same time he knew. It feels conflicting to brew out his thoughts properly after the incident. With the dread of knowing there’s a threat but couldn’t do anything gnaws at his fingertips— it bleeds to hunt the threat that decided to hurt his family, to put an end to a start he knew how it goes.

It hurts to know that he’ll have to experience it again.

With a shaky sigh, he confronts his feelings— though albeit messy.

“I’m not.” He grins at Aki, his smile showed the weakness of the leader of the ship, a vunerable side he only would show to his closest comrades. A smile that’s afraid of the unknown, a smile that showed cowardness, a smile that’s self aware and pities himself because he doesn’t know what to do.

“I’m scared, Aki.” The woman went in and hugged the man. The minute they touched did Hayden finally broken down the shiny walls he meticulously built. He let his tears fall down without shame, because he knows the person in front of him wouldn’t shame him for such weakness.

“It’s alright— It’s gonna be fine, Hayden.” Her attempt of comfort did little to him, but he appreciated it nonetheless. 

“We’ll find that fucking scum, avenge Yellow, then kick it out of the stratosphere.” She said resolutely. 

They departed the hug, with Red coughing awkwardly.  “Quite gorey, but I approve.”

She giggles at that. “Of course, my ideas are superb.”

“You somehow sound millennial saying that, don’t. I know you grew up with them but don’t.”

“Why? I think my vocab sounds superbbbb.”

He just sighs into his hands, a quite chuckle lets loose. He feels the weight in his chest lighten, so he faces Aki and asks.

“Can I rant? If you don’t mind?”

“Pink’s literally our resident Therapist— but sure, I’ll lend my pretty lil’ ears for free.”

He just scoffs at her, a small smile forming on his face. He glanced back to his palms, and shadows of red enveloped its surface.

He shakes his head, looking back at his clean calloused hands.

“This situation, it reminds me so much of my fledgling days ” Aki hums, urging him to continue. “I haven’t told you this before, but my sister was killed by an impostor.”

And suddenly, only the sounds of the engine whir filled the gaps of their cut short conversation. Hayden takes it as a sign to continue. 

“It.. dismembered my sister— in front of me.” He takes a deep breath, counting the beats of his heart. “They say that these monsters were mindless and stupid— and it can only kill because of instinct, but it's not.”

His space suit felt itchy. It somehow restricts him even if it's a size larger than his usual. His wings shifted from behind, and Aki notices it as she calms him down.

“Those things are sentient, they’re aware of their actions. And they loved it.” His face scrunches up, trying to forget the grotesque scene that monster left behind.

He watched helplessly as the monster ravaged his sister. It easily tore off her leg, sipping the blood dripping from it, saying how it doesn’t want to leave a mess despite it already did.

It pulled a bone from her large wounds, and used it to bash her brain open. Her sister cried, begged and even held the monster’s leg to stop– but it only laughed at her, kicking her stomach gash.

Then the monster turned around, and gave Hayden a smile– a wide eyed and teeth out smile, like it was trying to replicate a human smile.

“The monster that killed my sister— it smiled at me.”

“What do you mean?” She asked, incredulous of the information.

“Literally. It smiled as if to mock me.” He laughs, a wet and tired one. He wipes the moisture out of his eyes, giving Aki a shaky smile.

“I know you can't believe it, and I honestly didn’t at first, I thought I was– I don’t know, scared and started to hallucinate, but I don't think I did.” His voice felt small, he wanted to hide and bury himself under his wings like when he was young. He didn’t want to experience this again–and to his new family no less.

Aki shifts her body to face him, her eyes expressing her empathy. “I believe you.”

“You know you don’t–”

“I’m serious.” She cuts him off. “I trust you, and I know you wouldn’t lie about something grave like this.”

His chest unconstricts itself as the weight disappears.

“Thanks.” He expressed. “Thanks for believing me.” He met and told people of this short lived tale, most of them just called him crazy. 

Not wanting to cry again, he goes in for another hug, which Aki reciprocates.

Her hand gently patted his head, soothing his nerves.

Suddenly, a burn coursed through his stomach. The pain felt excruciating that he had to let go of the hug.

He pushes the woman away. “Sorry Aki, something–”

It was then he felt something dangling from his stomach.

He looks down and sees a kitchen knife lodged in deep, and blood oozing out disgustingly.

Without wasting time, Aki closed the gap between them as she held its handle.

Swish

With a pull, she drops the bloodied knife to the floor.

“Ops, sorry Cap.” She said sarcastically. Hayden looked at her in disbelief, clutching the fresh wound as his legs gave out. He glared at her with a mixture of confusion.

“Why?” Why would she stab him?

“You know better than anyone why.” She gives him her signature smile, but at the moment, it didn’t seem as comforting as before. She picks up the discarded knife, twisting it through her hands like a fidget spinner.

Even without looking, he knows the blood pouring out of him perfectly matches his suit. He wanted to laugh at that, but it would be hard ignoring the situation at hand.

“Don’t look at me like that, Hayden.” She snarked. “Though, I do have to admit. I gave you too much credit, humans really are such emotional waste.” Aki throws the knife at him, directly hitting his leg.

He lets go of his stab as he steadies his shaking leg. “Fuck.” Sweat pooled over his forehead as his heart beats out of his ribcage. He watched as the woman took slow steps to him, taunting him.

“With just simple words, we became friends– a comrade who entrusted me with confidential information!” she laughs, grating his ears as her now elongated teeth mashed against each holler. “It’s all your fault, honestly. Not mine. Now, you won’t get to protect this ship.”

“I trusted you.” He said with utter conviction, his voice tinged with being wronged. 

Aki, picking up his tone, raised her eyebrow.

“Well, it's your fault if you did.”

“We’ve been friends for 4 years!” He shouts, the pain exhausting his energy. “We’ve been together through thick and thin, through the times when command center was cutting off our supplies, or the time when we accidentally overrode the engine and had to stay at the living quarters back at Cep Cassalon– or the times when Pink invited all of us to her sister’s birthday parties– heck, even the kid liked you.”

“So.. why?” He said through gritted teeth, stopping the tears that reached his chin. Aki stayed silent, watching the man with an unknown expression.

“Did everything mean nothing to you?”

He’s gonna die anyway, so he’ll be as loud and annoying as he can.

It scares him that she stood still there, her mannerisms were gone. His Aki never stayed so still as the person in front of him did.

“Did you lie about everything? About being abandoned at Galsec Seven, or getting into Mira University, or–” He stops, watching Aki’s irises shift into red. “Is your name even Aki?”

He wanted to talk more, to vent his frustrations and cry–but he was met with a hand on his mouth as tentacles spawned from her behind.

Each of them stabbed through him. To his lungs, his neck, and to his feets. At this point, his body started to numb. His vision started to darken, but he did his very best to stay alive.

Hayden’s eyes lingered to her face, expecting a sadistic smile like the impostor that killed his sister. But all he saw was her blank expression, no demeaning smiles or angry smirks.

Nothing.

He smiled at that, his eyes fluttered shut as another burning stab hit his chest.

[tamasin]

Part 1 of 3 Link to Part 2

Chapter 1: Check Convict 157833: Chandler Hampton

The RD hangar was far busier than usual. The dark blue suits of Cathedral’s support staff clashed with the familiar grays of Castle’s.

The clashing was more than just visual in some cases, he quickly discovered as he stepped past the offices and into the hangar proper.

“What does this mean?” He heard the distinct sound of Haiely’s voice pierce the noise. He turned and saw her in a heated conversation with one of the new technicians.

“Condemned? Condemned!” She was all but shouting at the man, “Condemned is for the burnt-out husks that the reclaimers bring in. Condemned is for a mech with a faulty OS that tries to fire an auxiliary when you turn on the compressors. Like hell if any of these machines are condemned.”

“There a problem here?” He asked as he pulled alongside her, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. She turned and glanced up at him.

“This new tech has written off half the mechs in this bay as condemned. Unfit for operation, recommended for immediate decommission.” She huffed in exasperation as the man looked her over, seeming annoyed, but ultimately disinterested in the conversation.

“This is bullshit,” Hailey muttered as she turned away, pressing her tablet into his chest.

He glanced down at it. It displayed the RD bay’s full list of machines with their ready status. Of the 15 they had, 9 of them were marked off as condemned.

He let out a held breath as he saw Eta wasn’t among them.

He looked it up and down again, something was wrong. Several of the machines marked off for decommission weren’t even present, they were out on patrol…

He gave the man a once over, the name on his jumpsuit said R. Hawken. He was older, face scarred, definitely been on Herald for more than a few years. Got a cushy job doing supplemental inspections after a few hard tours, that would normally be his guess, but there was something with his eyes, something hard.

Something calculating.

He felt the hairs on his arm stand up. He turned and handed the tablet back to Hailey, who had busied herself with papers laid out on a crate nearby.

Put up a fight, let him win, get away from him.

“Sir, our techs here are damned good. We’ve been holding to all the standard maintenance procedures. I have full confidence there has been some mistake,” he kept his tone friendly. He made wide sweeping gestures with his hands. Did his best to look like a passionate pilot.

R. Hawken looked him over, “You a pilot for one of the affected machines?”

“No sir, mine passed,” he said.

“Then you shouldn’t have any complaints, mind your own machine and do your best to keep the others in line when the decommission teams get here. No need for rowdiness today. You’ll have replacements soon enough.”

CJ let his face contort with frustration, easy enough, not like it all had to be an act.

He turned away, shaking his head. He caught Hailey’s eyes and jerked his head over towards Eta. She gathered up all of the papers and started moving that direction.

“Complete bullshit,” she started, keeping her voice low, “Sloppy bullshit too. Ian’s machine is condemned and they’re still out on patrol?”

“Same with Rook’s, they’ve been out since before Cathedral arrived.” He added as they walked into Eta’s bay. He glanced back in Hawken’s direction. The man's eyes were on them until the moment CJ met his gaze.

Hailey threw her papers down on the maintenance bench and poured over the tablet again, “No commonality with age, OS version, maintenance history. Did they just choose at random?”

CJ tapped his foot absentmindedly. Something was wrong, obviously wrong.

Finally, he let his nerves take over, “Was it just me or did that man make it sound like the decommission teams are here already.” He mumbled just loud enough for Hailey to hear.

“Fucking hell,” Hailey whispered, her eyes growing wide, “they’re going to gut our entire fighting force today? If there are any delays in getting the new machines in, we’re toast. Do they want us dead.”

A trill of anxiety shot up his spine. He let his hand brush against his sidearm, secured in its pocket holster. Was he being paranoid?

He pulled out his personal data pad, no notifications from command on this.

Actually, no notifications at all.

He glanced up at the ticker. Readouts for weather conditions, but none of the usual deployment and readiness codes.

“Hailey,” He asked, keeping his tone calm and level, “Is there any chatter on the maintenance network?”

She swiped her tablet over to the communications board, “Last message… No… last thread entirely was posted… 15 minutes ago?”

She looked up at him, concern in her eyes, but not fear, “What the fuck is happening.”

“Anyone new come into the bay,” He asked, glancing deeper into the hangar. From their body language, the pilots were agitated, technicians too. Most of them were watching the entrance, a few were busying themselves with maintenance.

“Eight techs, Cathedral’s colors.” She reported, “Decommission team here already?”

He felt a fire in his stomach. If this was what he was afraid it was, orders or no, they weren’t staying here.

He stepped back further into Eta’s bay, breaking line of sight with the entrance. He glanced across the hangar and saw Candice watching him intensely. He drew his sidearm. She nodded and stepped into her bay.

“CJ,” Hailey warned, her tone was low and measured.

“Get 77 in standby, strap in, we’re leaving” he said calmly as he pressed his back up against the wall.

She didn’t move, her eyes were tracking something else, halfway up the wall, “What, the fuck, is going on.”

He glanced up at the ticker. A code had appeared, repeated up and down the bay at regular intervals. Cast.-516 --- Bast.-618 --- B/B.

Deploy from Castle. Return at Bastille.

Blue on Blue.

“Hailey, now,” He hissed as he leaned out from the bay, keeping as much of his body behind the concrete structure as possible. He saw the techs; Hawken was addressing them.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flurry of motion as Hailey scrambled, heard the sounds of her clambering up the hatch.

With a sudden roar one of the machines in the bay activated.

Hawken and the technicians all spun. He watched a few of the techs pull firearms out of their satchels. Sub-machine guns.

The feeling that washed over him was more a dull thud of confirmation than a sharp pang of realization.

He raised his pistol, drawing a line on Hawken. Hawken’s eyes met his again. There wasn’t any fear in his face. No surprise, no hate. Just a moment of poignant frustration.

CJ fired.

The gunshot barely had time to echo before the bay was engulfed with the roar a firefight. He saw his shot go wide, missing Hawken by inches. The man ducked behind a concrete barrier at the entrance to the bay alongside the Cathedral technicians.

Not techs, it’s an inquisition squad.

We’re being decommissioned.

From several of the other bays a field of small arms fire flew towards the back of the hangar. Every pilot and tech had armed with pieces they’d scavenged over the past few months. Bosses orders.

What the hell did you know, Trina?

He watched one of the inquisitors take a few rounds to the torso, they fell to the ground but dragged themselves back to cover, it didn’t look like they were bleeding.

Body armor? He thought, Fuckers.

He saw a flurry of motion as Hawken popped up from the barrier with one of the SMGs, sending a healthy burst straight at him.

CJ ducked behind the wall as bullets blew out concrete inches above his head, the rest of them fragmenting against Eta’s skin.

He grimaced as he leaned back out, sending a handful of rounds back towards Hawken, forcing the man to duck down behind his cover again. The meager advantage was short lived as he was pushed back by another inquisitor pumping suppressive fire into Eta’s bay.

The Castle crew was armed with mostly handguns, a handful of machine pistols. Cathedral definitely had the upper hand in firepower.

For now.

Three more machines rumbled to life, He watched Snowbird and Redwing deploy, head for the front of the hangar, away from the immediate fight.

They probably have machines and aircraft ready for anyone fleeing.

There was no way Zach and Candice didn’t realize that.

They always did like being first to the fight.

Canary and Heron swung towards the back of the bay. He watched the Cathedral squad leap from their cover for the harder concrete pylons. The spot they were just moments before detonated into a cloud of shrapnel as Canary pumped a burst of 20 mm into the opening from her chaingun.

“You picked the wrong hangar motherfuckers,” he heard Bev shout over Canary’s loudspeaker.

From immediately behind him there was the telltale roar of Eta’s engines firing up. It had been a while since he had heard her come online from ground level. Eta’s loudspeaker cracked to life.

“CJ, Let’s move.” Hailey barked.

He peeked out from his position. Cathedral was playing smart. A few smoke grenades had landed just shy of the two units pinning them down. They were fanning out under the cover they’d gained. Heron pulled back from overwatch and out into the open as the cracks and thuds of heavy weapons fire filtered in from outside.

It was last call for Castle.

CJ broke for Eta’s hatch, jumping up and pulling himself inside, up onto the internal gantry. Behind him he heard another salvo of gunfire. He stumbled a second as he felt some concrete or other shrapnel punch him in his lower back and knock the wind out of him.

He pulled himself back up and swung down into the pilot’s seat. He punched in the final startup commands and watched as the hatch closed. He swung the cage shut and strapped himself in.

Getting his feet into the control stirrups took some doing, he was shaking with the adrenaline of it all.

In front of him he saw the screens light up and the sensor displays flickered on. The form of Canary continuing to fire even as more smoke filled the space, some of it dark and thick.

His chest burned with the winding he had taken. He coughed as he tried to get air back into his lungs, he saw a mist of something dark and wet hit the screens.

He wiped at his mouth.

Blood.

Shit.

He took a few cautious breaths. Something was definitely wrong. Every breath burned and he felt something warm on his stomach.

He glanced down, A dark red stain had started to spread across the side of his flight suit from his lower abdomen, just below his ribs.

That hadn’t been shrapnel.

Shit!

He reached up past his left shoulder and pulled the trauma kit from behind the seat. He started blindly packing the wound on his back with gauze. For the first time since he got hit pain ripped through his back and stomach, radiating up his chest .

The screens washed him in a harsh light as Canary took a hit from behind. Something detonated. A gout of fire shot from it’s back. The machine started to fall.

“Are we moving yet?” Hailey called from the rear facing jumpseat

“Affirmative, he barked, trying to keep his voice from wavering. He let the trauma kit fall to the bottom of the cage.

He grit his teeth and pressed himself back into the seat, hoping that the packing and the seat’s padding would be enough, maybe for a few extra minutes.

“Fuck,” He wheezed aloud. He pushed Eta forward and swung her around towards the front of the hangar. He squeezed down on the trigger well before he saw the target.

The waiting KV12 took Eta’s 20 mm across it’s angular face. It reeled back from the assault. He traced the fire in a few short bursts to where he knew the cockpit was.

Castle had been running infantry suppression for weeks, almost all of the loadout they had was high explosive. Even with the KV’s lighter armor it wasn’t likely to penetrate, but it would be disorientating as hell for anyone inside.

However, there was one exception in the loadout.

-Target Locked.

Eta’s audio notification called from his seat’s speakers. He punched the secondary trigger with his thumb.

A line of shock vapor and an immediate shower of sparks appeared as her pylon mounted railgun landed a clean hit just above the cockpit. The enemy mech fell backwards, if not dead, heavily out of commission.

-Charging. Estimated 60 seconds. 4 Rounds remaining.

He coughed again, a mess of blood and spit landed on his pants.

-Component Repair.

He shook his head

Only place to fix this now is Bastille.

It was over an hour journey to the emergency fallback in an RD unit at a decent pace. At full tilt, maybe 45 to 50.

He felt his stomach drop, it wasn’t going to be enough time.

Maybe they’d run across staff fleeing Castle or friendly forces from the 35th, but either way pushing hard was his best bet at survival.

He threw the throttle to full as Eta cleared the hangar doors. Smoldering Castle mechs and Cathedral units scattered the pavilion, a handful still engaged in heated fights.

-Charge. 40 seconds.

Another Cathedral unit, this one a fellow RD mech with a stark white paint job, wheeled around one of the outbuildings. He didn’t even give them time to react. He slammed Eta’s bulk into it, the force and angle of impact overcoming the enemy unit’s balance and flipping it flat on its back.

He used the force of the impact to shunt Eta onto another course, pushing her towards the wall. He heard Hailey shout in alarm from the back of the cockpit.

“The hell are you doing.” She barked.

Escaping, surviving.

-Charge. 20 seconds.

The main gate was demolished, open, free.

He caught sight a vehicle column of Humvees and trucks barreling through it. Lines of fire flashed past on the other side. Through the smoke and debris, the dark forms of Castle’s units were visible holding the gate. Castle was evacuating.

-Charge Complete.

He couldn’t just barrel through with the convoy in the way.

He grimaced as he spun Eta around, her forward charge turning into a series of awkward skidding backsteps. The forces weren’t the worst he’d felt but he still saw his vision tighten to a narrow circle, mostly from the pain.

Behind them a battle group of Cathedral units was forming. He manually lined up the railgun’s reticle with the closest unit, center of mass.

He fired.

Between the sudden about face and the recoil, Eta threatened to keel back. He felt the haptics rumble along his thighs as Eta lowered her stance and kept herself upright.

On screen the railgun round slammed into the target, another KV12. The machine stalled and the impact hole belched fire, but it was still up and moving.

-Charging. Estimated 50 seconds. 3 Rounds remaining.

“Good girl,” he whispered, giving his control stick a weak shake before slamming it to the right and spinning Eta back towards the gate. Incoming fire whizzed past, a few rounds slammed into Eta’s bulk. For a moment the cockpit sounded like being under a tin roof in a hailstorm back home.

No alerts flashed, no alarms blared, it was all superficial damage.

The last of the trucks had cleared the gate by the time they made it though. Now free and clear past the wall everyone was scattering. He ran Eta parallel with Castle’s perimeter for a block or two before pushing away from the stronghold. These streets were far less likely to be congested. Hopefully less likely to be patrolled as well.

He did his best to keep Eta at full throttle, only cutting her speed for a few twists and turns. In the back of his head, he kept track of the bearing towards Bastille and tried to push that general direction where he could.

Sounds of cannon fire and the thumps of rockets echoed through the tangle. The fight was all around them now. Cathedral was pursuing.

Don’t want us linking up with the Rats? He thought.

Another fit of coughs escaped his lips. The blood wasn’t coming quite as thick anymore, but his breaths weren’t any easier or less painful. He was acutely aware of the outer edges of his vision starting to darken. He was having to focus to keep the lightheadedness at bay.

I’m still losing blood, he realized.

He gave the control stick another light shake as he pushed Eta hard again. They thundered out of the narrow street and into a massive loading zone. Two CJ units and an RA mech were ablaze here. No time to identify them, past the thick black smoke two stark white KV12s wheeled to face him.

He fired the railgun at the one on the left, catching it just above it’s left weapon mount. Its autocannon smashed to the ground.

2 railgun rounds remaining and 60 seconds back on the clock.

He slipped his hand around the ancillary stick and broke the link on the firing controls. He unleashed both of Eta’s rotaries, one on each unit. He focused on where he knew the machine’s primary sensors were.

Rattle the cage. Keep them blind.

Using the stirrup controls he slowly pushed her to the side of the open space, towards a narrow street just barley wide enough to accept the RD’s bulk.

He let up the fire and turned Eta down the street. Incoming fire alarms blared loudly as they pushed down the passage. KV12s were big, but not as broad as the RD units, they were going to be followed.

With a sickening metallic screech, he pushed Eta through a factory wall and out of the straightaway.

The factory floor was empty of people, evacuation orders would have gone out immediately once fighting began, probably even before, all things considered. The entire district was likely in the shelters.

Eta stomped across the floor, trampling machines and conveyors as she moved. With another screech she punched a hole through large roll up door, tearing it to shreds as she passed. The street here was wider, but not by much.

He had half a thought to turn and fire on the KV’s chasing them as they entered the factory but chased it out of his mind. The goal was escape, not adding notches to his belt.

A shadow passed overhead, a bicopter thundered past. He could hear the thuds of rockets impacting a few streets over.

Stay to the tangle, break fast through the openings.

Quickly, they picked through the tight streets. Pushing through buildings where they could.

The nice part about all this, he thought, somewhat loopily, is that I don’t have to worry about collateral damage. Not like we’re the enforcers anymore.

A weak laugh escaped his mouth as they crashed through the other side of a ramshackle warehouse complex. Light washed out the cameras for a moment. When they adjusted he saw open space. They were at the edge of the highway, the only thing the tangle ever broke for. He confirmed their bearing. They had to cross.

He threw the throttle to full and pointed Eta at a gap between the buildings on the other side. He could faintly hear the sound of the bicoper in the distance. No way it hadn’t spotted them.

The distance closed quickly. The low whir on the speakers steadily grew to a roar.

A series of thumping rocket impacts shook the ground, rattling even Eta’s bulk. He threw the throttle into reverse, pulling her to a shuddering stop. He felt himself keel forward, his vision nearly blacking out completely. His abdomen screamed in pain.

As his vision returned a trail of fiery detonations traced the road a few dozen yards ahead. The bicopter soared past, already pivoting to stay on them. He swung Eta around to track it.

He opened up with both rotaries and her chaingun. The aircraft juked and dropped altitude to avoid the trails of lead, lighting them up with its own guns. A handful of shots pinged off of Eta’s hide.

Out of rockets? You’re not going to penetrate this with your pissy guns.

He thumbed a dial on the stick and loosened Eta’s fire control. The streams of fire became a cloud as the gimbaled weapon mounts ceased their automatic recoil corrections.

He watched as a smattering of cannon shots smashed home against the side of the bicopter and detonated. Shrapnel tore through its rotors and the machine dropped altitude fast, trailing a line of smoke down with it.

He breathed a sigh of relief before he realized Eta was yelling at him.

-ntact Left Contact Left Contact Left.

Her voice was faint, tinny.

He swung Eta left just in time to see the bulk of another KV12 slam into them. He felt the machine reel at the impact.

How didn’t I see it? He thought as his vision greyed out again.

Eta stayed on her feet; she was too good at self-stabilization at this point to go down

Oh. He realized as the narrow tunnel of vision returned.

The peripheral screens were all but impossible to see now.

The KV12 was centered in his sights now. His fingers went to squeeze the triggers instinctively, but he stopped them. He pushed the stick right, shrugging off the KV unit, and moved for the other side of the tangle.

Within seconds they were clear of the highway. Eta was at full speed again; he wasn’t slowing down for corners anymore. He trusted Eta to carry them through.

His vision seemed to narrow and gray with every exhale now but oddly enough the pain was gone.

…Shit.

Incoming fire warnings blared as the KV12 pursued. Shots flashed past; their impacts visible in the front viewscreen. He couldn’t see any of the other displays anymore. A few shots found purchase hopefully nowhere critical.

Eta was saying something again, he could hear her repeating it over and over again. But he couldn’t make it out.

He pushed her into another turn. An incredibly tight left, hopefully enough to juke the KV off their tail.

He felt her shift her weight into the corner to take it faster. Felt the skidding of her legs rumble through her chassis as they started to slide.

His vision completely blacked out from the forces. He could still feel himself in the space, though everything was a little numb.

He kept the pressure on the stick, pressing her hard into the blind left turn.

With a sickening jolt, he felt the bulk of the mech yield to inertia and pitch heavily to the right. For half a second, he felt the sensation of weightlessness. His vision returned ever so slightly, a small grey postcard of Eta’s interior structure. Faintly he heard the faint whines of Eta’s alarm mix with the screams of both Hailey and the steel around him.

Then everything went black.

Link to Part 2

[healthcarenbz]

Effervescent tubes have revolutionised the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, becoming the go-to solution for packaging effervescent tablets. As a prominent name in the sector, NBZ Healthcare, located in Mumbai, stands at the forefront of exceptionally effervescent tube manufacturing, ensuring quality and innovation.  

In this article, we delve deep into the manufacturing of effervescent tubes, their applications, benefits, and the unparalleled expertise of NBZ Healthcare in this domain.  

Understanding Effervescent Tubes

Effervescent tubes are specialised containers designed to store and preserve effervescent tablets. These tablets, when exposed to moisture or air, tend to lose their potency, necessitating robust, moisture-resistant packaging. Effervescent tubes, often crafted with airtight and tamper-proof caps, provide the ideal solution to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of these tablets. 

Importance of Effervescent Tubes

Effervescent tubes are more than just packaging; they play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries by:  

1. Protecting Product Integrity:  

   - Shielding tablets from moisture and air.  

   - Preventing degradation of active ingredients.  

2. Enhancing Consumer Experience: 

   - Easy to open and reseal.  

   - Portable and convenient for on-the-go consumption.  

3. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance:  

   - Meeting stringent health and safety standards for pharmaceutical products.  

4. Sustainability:  

   - With increasing focus on eco-friendly materials, many effervescent tubes are now designed to be recyclable or biodegradable.  

Effervescent Tube Manufacturing Process

Effervescent tube manufacturing is a precise and technologically driven process. At NBZ Healthcare, we combine state-of-the-art machinery with strict quality control measures to produce exceptional effervescent tubes. Here’s an overview of the key stages:  

1. Material Selection

   - High-grade plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) are used.  

   - Materials are selected based on moisture resistance, durability, and eco-friendliness.  

2. Tube Extrusion 

   - Plastic granules are melted and extruded into tube-like shapes using extrusion machines.  

   - The dimensions and thickness are carefully controlled to meet industry standards.  

3. Moulding

   - Injection moulding is used to form the caps and closures of the tubes.  

   - Caps are designed to ensure an airtight seal and tamper resistance.  

4. Printing and Branding

   - Tubes are labelled or printed with product details, branding, and regulatory information.  

   - Advanced printing techniques ensure durability and clarity.  

5. Quality Control

   - Rigorous testing for moisture resistance, durability, and compatibility with effervescent tablets.  

   - Each tube undergoes inspection to ensure zero defects.  

NBZ Healthcare: Redefining Effervescent Tube Manufacturing

As a leader in exceptionally effervescent tube manufacturing, NBZ Healthcare sets the benchmark for quality and innovation. Based in Mumbai, our facility is equipped with cutting-edge machinery and a dedicated team of professionals who prioritise precision and excellence.  

What Sets NBZ Healthcare Apart?

1. Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

   - NBZ Healthcare utilises the latest extrusion and moulding technologies to produce high-quality tubes.  

2. Customisation Options

   - We offer custom designs, sizes, and branding options to cater to the unique needs of our clients.  

3. Sustainable Practices

   - Focused on reducing environmental impact, we incorporate eco-friendly materials and processes wherever possible.  

4. Regulatory Compliance

   - Our manufacturing processes comply with international standards, including ISO and FDA regulations.  

5. Global Reach

   - While based in Mumbai, NBZ Healthcare serves clients across India and internationally, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service.  

Applications of Effervescent Tubes

Effervescent tubes find applications in various sectors, including:  

1. Pharmaceuticals:  

   - Storage of vitamins, supplements, and medications in effervescent tablet form.  

2. Nutraceuticals:  

   - Packaging for dietary supplements and health-boosting effervescent tablets.  

3. Food and Beverage:  

   - Containment of flavour-enhancing or health-focused effervescent powders and tablets.  

4. Personal Care:  

   - Packaging for effervescent bath tablets or other similar products.  

Innovations in Effervescent Tube Manufacturing

At NBZ Healthcare, innovation is at the heart of our operations. Here are some of the cutting-edge advancements we incorporate:  

1. Smart Packaging Solutions

   - Tubes embedded with QR codes or NFC tags for enhanced consumer engagement and traceability.  

2. Enhanced Moisture Resistance

   - Using desiccant-lined caps and advanced sealing technologies to further improve moisture protection.  

3. Eco-Friendly Materials

   - Transitioning to biodegradable plastics and exploring sustainable alternatives like biopolymers.  

4. Automation and AI Integration

   - Automated production lines ensure consistency and reduce manufacturing errors.  

   - AI systems monitor quality in real-time for enhanced accuracy.  

Challenges in Effervescent Tube Manufacturing

While effervescent tube manufacturing offers immense potential, it comes with its own set of challenges, such as:  

1. Material Costs:  

   - Balancing quality and affordability when sourcing raw materials.  

2. Environmental Concerns:  

   - Reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes.  

3. Regulatory Compliance:  

   - Adhering to diverse regulatory standards across different markets.  

4. Consumer Expectations:  

   - Meeting the growing demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.  

The Future of Effervescent Tube Manufacturing

The demand for effervescent tubes is expected to rise significantly as more consumers turn to effervescent products for their convenience and efficiency. NBZ Healthcare is well-positioned to lead this growth, with a focus on:  

1. Sustainability Initiatives

   - Introducing greener manufacturing processes and materials.  

2. Global Expansion

   - Reaching untapped markets to provide high-quality effervescent tubes worldwide.  

3. Product Diversification

   - Expanding into new applications and industries beyond pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.  

4. Technological Upgrades

   - Adopting emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality.  

Why Choose NBZ Healthcare for Effervescent Tubes?

At NBZ Healthcare, we combine years of expertise with a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. When you partner with us, you’re choosing:  

- Unmatched Quality: Every tube is crafted with precision and care.  

- Custom Solutions: Tailored to your product’s specific needs.  

- Reliable Service: Consistent and timely delivery of all orders.  

- Sustainable Values: Supporting environmentally responsible practices.  

Conclusion

Effervescent tubes play a pivotal role in preserving the efficacy and quality of effervescent tablets. With NBZ Healthcare’s expertise in exceptionally effervescent tube manufacturing, businesses can rely on robust, high-quality packaging solutions tailored to their needs.  

As a Mumbai-based pioneer in the industry, NBZ Healthcare continues to set the standard for excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you’re in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or any related industry, NBZ Healthcare is your trusted partner for exceptional effervescent tube solutions.  

Reach out to us today and experience the difference in quality and service!  

[grineerios]

(for the ask game) Kaine - his greatest failure

Log of the R.I.V.V. Avisto, serial number ZRJ-628443. Entry logged by Kine Dax, Captain. Recorded by Ship's Cephalon Lark.

I do not know why they've given me this data tablet. Perhaps to get an admission of guilt. Perhaps to keep me busy, keep me distracted.

I'm not supposed to be communicating, I don't think. After all, I'm not a Cephalon, I'm Tenno. A simple war machine, made to serve the golden empire. To obey orders. To crush the Sentient enemy.

Kine has come over to me, and sat down. She's giving me a little smile, and nodding. I must be doing something right.

She asks me to describe what happened earlier.

... It has been a struggle to not think about it. I am surprised that words haven't filled the screen yet, repeating over and over how I should be subsumed for what I did, how I'm a waste of the Golden Masters' time and resources, how I bring shame to the names of Executor Ballas and the rest of the Seven-

She's touching me.

Kine has her hand on my arm- not in a restrictive way, but- with a certain... gentleness? She's the captain, she should be angry with me, be furious- but... she's not.

I can feel her sorrow through her touch. I don't need to look at her to tell that. It leeches through my skin like Void through metal, hooking into me. She is upset, but not enraged.

Kine tells me to focus. She can only be away from the helm for so long.

I will.. try. I turn away from her, hiding this tablet from her helmeted gaze with my metal body. She need not read my heretical thoughts. I should not have thoughts. I am a machine. I'm not the enemy. I am not Sentient.

... am I? No, focus-

We are- were- returning from a raid on a small Sentient outpost, close to the empyrean proxima of Ceres. It was a success. The ground crew, consisting of Gunner Amos Dax and I, were able to clear the satellite with relative ease. There were some minor problems, but I have been experiencing... faults, as of late. Hence, why Amos accompanied me on what would otherwise be a Tenno-only mission.

She asks me to go into more detail about the mission. I feel the somatic bolt in the back of my neck heat in humiliation. She knows I can't outright lie, only skirt around the truth. I feel compelled to comply.

When aboard the outpost, I scouted ahead as Amos inspected a data bank. Things were silent, we hadn't seen any Sentients thus far. We.. should have been more careful. Our crew was battle-fatigued, in need of a break from sprinting in and out of the Void, attacking small groups of Sentients like an angered hornet.

Around a corner, I was taken aback briefly when I saw Amos standing in the organic halls. His back was turned to me, his syandana, in retrospect, unnaturally still. My mind was hazy, a fog of exhaustion and static. I made the faulty assumption that he'd managed to pass me, and approached him, ready to continue our mission-

It was only when I felt the burn of laser cannons pierce my chassis, I realized I was wrong. Very wrong. The outpost was crawling with Sentient Mimics, and we'd walked right into their trap.

By the grace of the Golden Lords, the actual Amos and I managed to flee the complex, returning to the Avisto with no injuries other than my own- and even those were healed rapidly. There isn't much in this System that could give a Tenno a serious injury, and a single, lousy Sentient isn't one of them.

I show her the tablet- Kine seems satisfied with this response.

I will continue.

Not long ago, no more than a few hours, likely, we were ambushed by Sentient fighters. A living ramsled pierced our hull, and we were set upon by a flood of conculysts, battalysts, and brachiolysts. At the time of impact, I was with our Engineer, Paxal Dax, working the Ordinance Forges in the hold.

... Perhaps this really is an admission of guilt. Perhaps I am signing my own execution document by thinking this. My actions make me a traitor to the Orokin Empire. I am a broken Warframe. What I did makes me too flawed to function. I am Tenno. I should've been better. I am not a traitor, I am not a traitor, I am not a traitor, I am not-

Kine has taken the tablet from me. Her head turns quickly from looking at the tablet to looking at me. My somatic bolt is still connected, transference of thought is still happening. My mind is being spilled into flowing, digital letters before her very eyes. I want to turn my vision off, I want to be anywhere but here, I want the normally soothing hum of the reactor to stop. Everything is too loud, too bright, my syandana and armor are suddenly overwhelming. I wish I was a Saryn, so I could shed my skin and run away, or a Limbo- to hide in another place, even if just for a moment-

I realize I've gotten caught up in my thoughts. I look at myself, discovering that I, a Tenno, am curled up into a pathetic metal ball, like a scared child. I am shaking, my arms wrapped around my knees and head in a fearful fetal position. I feel a hot, wet pressure in my chest, coming from a place immaterial. From the corner of my eye, I see Kine on her knees, reaching towards me, tablet on the ground.

I dig my heels into the deck, leaving a deep gash in the metal. Cephalon Lark will be upset, but I do not care, I cannot care enough to be afraid of those consequences right now. I try to pull myself away from my Captain, like a kuaka fleeing a kavat-

Captain Kine stops in her tracks, pausing, before pulling back. She settles into a kneeling position.

There is silence. I can feel my chest heaving in what I assume is traitorous panic. I have been discovered. She is trying to trick me.

Kine opens her mouth to speak. "I am sorry, Raze."

She uses the nickname the crew has given me- a shortened form of "Railjack- Zetki". My assignment. To have a unprimed warframe on a Zetki ship is a bit of a rarity- almost an affront to the name of esteemed House.

I pause. I cannot tell she's continuing to trick me, or if she's being genuine. She would never use my nickname on any official records- I'm a machine. You're not supposed to get attached-

She's interrupted my train of thought.

"Lark, I'll finish the report later."

I feel the fear rise in my chest again. She turns to look at me once more.

"Raze, you have nothing to be scared of. You think this looks bad, you think you're unforgivable-"

I do. I really do.

"-but, this is nothing to be ashamed of."

I feel sleepy. My mind begins to haze over as I brace for a lecture.

"When Paxal came up behind you during the battle with his Quellor, you thought he was another Mimic, didn't you? What with the light from the shots, and the other Sentients fighting us-"

I cannot focus on her words. Perhaps I am a Limbo instead of a Volt. My mind feels trapped in the Rift. Everything isn't real.

Kine pauses.

"I have seen Dax who react similarly. Those who have fought enemies real and not, who- away from the prying eyes of our Golden Lords, flinch at the shots of guns, who are troubled by twisted nightmares and visions of the past-"

She doesn't move, but cocks her helmeted head.

"Who don't mean to, but lash out when startled. Like you did, when you overcharged your systems and sent out that electric shockwave- paralyzing the Sentients, but also putting Paxal into a coma."

The wet feeling returns to my chest.

"You didn't mean to. Any one of us could've done the same thing in your position."

...

I don't know how to react properly, if at all.

Kine rises to her feet, brushing off her greaves.

"We may not have a healer, but the ship's medical systems has him stabilized. Lark thinks he'll be fine, once we dock."

She faintly smiles, "We Dax might not be quite as resilient as you Tenno, but we can take a beating and a half. I promise Paxal will be no worse for wear. You two will be back to doing Void-knows-what in the hold in no time."

I know this should soothe me, but it doesn't.

"In the mean time, we'll need to shift some responsibilities around. Being down a man in a five-person crew means we're taking quite the hit-"

She turns her back to me, the gold details on her syandana catching faintly in the dim light.

"Amos will be replacing Paxal for the time being, and I will be joining Dahlia on the turrets."

But.. what about the helm? Who will pilot the ship?

"You seem like the type to feel the need to earn forgiveness, Raze. Join me at the helm, and Lark and I will teach you the basics. When you feel grounded again, at least."

She chuckles to herself, "Pun unintended. I apologize if that was insensitive, Tenno."

I feel my mind and body start to relax. I don't feel entirely there, but I don't feel like I'm drifting any further away from my body.

"Enjoy your break. Maybe go sit with Paxal for a bit. He might not be conscious, but I'm sure he would appreciate your company if he were."

I stare at her as she leaves.

End Log

--------

"Lark-" Kine's normal authoritative tone returned the moment she's out of earshot of the Volt.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Delete the most recent log, and scrub your data banks of anything relating to this incident. Overwrite Paxal Dax's medical records to indicate a run-in with an electric-adapted Battalyst."

"Ma'am, are you sure? If this is discovered-"

"Screw the consequences. We're a crew- a team, a family. We leave no one, Dax or otherwise, behind."

"This is borderline traitorous. Punishment could be severe, Kine."

"I know, Lark. Do it anyway- and if they come for you, or anyone else for this- let it be known that I, as your Captain, ordered you to do this."

"... Right away, Kine."

[booksinmythorax]

This post has gotten big fast. Thank you to everyone who's been supportive so far!

I want to talk a little bit about why I said piracy isn't the solution to the problem I've put forth here.

Basically, like libraries, this post isn't just about the books. Yes, the information in the books that have been, are being, and will be targeted by the Trump administration and his cronies in state and local governments is vital and needs to be available to everyone. However, what I proposed in the original post (borrowing the books, not pirating them) was for two purposes: protecting access to the books for everyone, and defending the institution of the library in the USA.

In his book On Tyranny, historian Timothy Snyder lists 20 ways to resist authoritarian regimes in everyday life. His second directive (after "#1: Do not obey in advance") is "Defend institutions":

It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of "our institutions" unless you make them yours by acting on their behalf. They fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about - a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union - and take its side.

Many of America's institutions are broken. Either they were from the beginning (police, the military industrial complex) or they have become so through intentional neglect or sabotage, almost entirely by the political right (social safety nets, public education, healthcare, infrastructure).

That said, if you're in America and you're reading this, you almost certainly depend on dozens of institutions just to get through the day. Do you drive on roads or use public transportation? Do you eat commercially-produced and inspected food? Do you attend or send your children to public school or publicly-funded universities? I could ask a hundred more of these insipid hypothetical questions, but you get the idea. If you live in the US, especially if you're looking at this post on the internet, you are not outside the purview of US institutions.

Lots of people will need to "take the side" of lots of institutions to keep them from getting worse - or much worse - in Trump's second term. However, I work in libraries because they are the rare US institution that I can get behind with my full support.

The public library building is the last free place. Anyone, regardless of income, citizenship, or social status, can walk into a public library and spend hours in heat or air conditioning without being expected to pay a dime. They can read books, magazines, and newspapers, in many cases in multiple languages. In my experience, many US public libraries will let you use internet on their computers and/or with WiFi without needing to have a card. Some libraries, including the system where I work, leave the free, open Wi-Fi on all night so that people who need it can use it in the parking lot after hours. Many libraries don't require a card to attend in-person educational or entertainment programs for adults, teens, or kids.

If you have proof of your identity and your residency in a library's service area, you can take books home! For free! You can probably also take DVDs and Blu-Rays home! For free! You might also be able to take home digital media, music CDs, video games, laptop computers, tablets, wireless hotspots, sewing machines, telescopes, sports equipment, neckties, or other items! For free! They have been paid for by public funds, which might include your taxes (if you have an income that requires you to pay a tax bill to the government) or not (if you don't). Either way, those items are yours to borrow and use as long as you promise to bring them back for other people to enjoy.

And as long as local, state, and federal governments don't decide they don't want you to have those things anymore.

The US public library system isn't perfect. In the past, American public libraries have actively participated in segregation, and I wish the field acknowledged this lasting harm more. I wish more systems could go fine-free. I wish the field paid better (no one should have to have a Master's degree to make a living wage). I think there are too many restrictions on who can get a library card in a particular system. Some library systems' policies are actively hostile to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or poverty. That said, these things are improving and they are solvable - unless we can't prove that people are using our services enough to justify our expenses to political entities.

It is so, so easy to take public libraries' side in the US. Literally just use us.

It's not just about the books.

I'm already seeing advice from people in the US to purchase queer books and other banned or "controversial" books on paper as a way to combat the wave of government censorship that is coming. While this is a good idea (it is! absolutely!), it's not accessible to everyone, and truly, we're not going to be able to consumerism our way out of this one.

If you can buy the books, do. Whether you can buy the books or not, borrow them from your library.

Borrow the paper versions. Borrow the ebook or audiobook versions. Request the titles you want that your library doesn't have. The more a title circulates or is requested, the better librarians are going to be able to defend keeping it if and when it's ever challenged.

Use libraries like @queerliblib too. The more members they have, the better they'll be able to fundraise.

Your community resources depend on you using them. Borrow the books before they go away.

InB4: Piracy is not the solution here. We're trying to keep community resources available, not make sure individual people can read individual books. Different problems.

The books are still available. Borrowing them from your library and returning them on time and in good condition will help keep them that way.

[npmmachinery]

Revolutionizing Pharma Production: The Role of Pharma Packaging Machines by NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd.

Introduction

In the dynamic world of pharmaceuticals, precision, hygiene, speed, and compliance are non-negotiable. As the demand for high-quality medicines continues to rise globally, the pharmaceutical industry must meet rigorous standards in both production and packaging. This is where Pharma Packaging Machines come into play—ensuring products are safely, efficiently, and accurately packed before reaching the end-user.

At NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd., we understand the critical importance of packaging in the pharma value chain. As a leading manufacturer of pharma packaging machines, our mission is to empower pharmaceutical companies with robust, automated, and intelligent machinery that supports regulatory compliance while improving productivity and product integrity.

In this blog, we will delve into the importance of pharma packaging machines, the types available, their benefits, and why NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd. is your ideal partner in pharmaceutical automation.

Why Pharma Packaging Machines Matter

Pharmaceutical packaging is far more than just enclosing a product in a container. It is a protective barrier, a compliance requirement, a branding tool, and an enabler of global logistics. A well-packaged pharmaceutical product ensures:

Product integrity during transport and storage

Accurate dosage and ease of administration

Protection against contamination and tampering

Compliance with FDA and other global regulatory norms

Efficient serialization and tracking

Manual packaging simply cannot keep up with the high-volume, high-precision demands of modern pharmaceutical production. That’s where automated packaging solutions step in—offering speed, consistency, and compliance.

Core Pharma Packaging Machines by NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd.

At NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd., we design and manufacture a full spectrum of advanced pharma packaging machines tailored to the needs of small-scale manufacturers as well as large pharmaceutical giants. Here are the most common types and their applications:

📦 1. Blister Packaging Machines

Ideal for packing tablets and capsules in pre-formed plastic blisters sealed with aluminum foil

Ensures tamper-proof packaging and extended shelf life

Used widely in retail and hospital pharmacy sectors

💊 2. Strip Packaging Machines

Designed to wrap tablets and capsules between aluminum or plastic strip foils

Compact, precise, and perfect for heat-sensitive medicines

Offers high output and minimal material wastage

🧪 3. Bottle Filling and Capping Machines

Automates filling of syrups, suspensions, and other liquids into bottles with accurate volume control

Integrates seamlessly with capping units for secure sealing

Customizable for different bottle sizes and materials

🏷️ 4. Labeling Machines

Applies labels accurately on bottles, ampoules, vials, or boxes

Supports serialization and barcoding for traceability

Compatible with multiple label shapes and sizes

🧼 5. Washing & Sterilizing Machines

Cleans vials, ampoules, and bottles before filling to ensure zero contamination

Uses air and water jets with complete automation

Essential for injectable and parenteral products

🧴 6. Cartoning Machines

Automates the packing of blister packs, bottles, or tubes into cartons

Integrates leaflet insertion and batch coding

Enhances product presentation and traceability

🎯 7. Inspection Machines

Detects broken tablets, missing capsules, misprinted labels, and other defects

Ensures every packaged product meets quality control standards

Reduces human error and improves customer trust

Benefits of Pharma Packaging Machines by NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd.

Choosing the right packaging solution is not just about machinery—it’s about performance, reliability, and long-term value. NPM Machinery's pharma packaging machines offer:

✅ 1. High-Speed Automation

Boost production rates with minimal human intervention

Ideal for mass manufacturing and 24/7 operations

✅ 2. Unmatched Accuracy

Delivers exact filling, sealing, and labeling

Reduces product loss and ensures dosage consistency

✅ 3. Compliance & Validation

Built with GMP, FDA, and CE compliance in mind

Supports 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic data integrity

✅ 4. Flexibility & Customization

Machines tailored to your product specifications

Modular designs allow for future scalability

✅ 5. Advanced Technology Integration

Equipped with PLC-based controls, SCADA systems, and IoT capabilities

Enables remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and preventive maintenance

✅ 6. Superior Build Quality

Made with stainless steel and corrosion-resistant materials

Long machine life, low maintenance, and robust performance

✅ 7. Global Support & Service

On-site training, remote diagnostics, and spare parts availability

Dedicated support teams for installation, validation, and upgrades

Industries We Serve

While our core strength lies in pharmaceutical packaging, our machines are versatile enough for other regulated industries such as:

Nutraceuticals

Ayurveda and Herbal

Cosmetics

Food & Beverage

Veterinary Medicine

Why Choose NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd.?

With decades of experience, NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd. has built a reputation for engineering excellence and customer-centric innovation. Here's what sets us apart:

✔️ 150+ skilled professionals including engineers, technologists, and validation experts

✔️ ISO-certified manufacturing with a focus on precision and safety

✔️ Custom turnkey packaging lines from design to commissioning

✔️ Strong domestic and global footprint with clients across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America

✔️ Client-first approach—we adapt our solutions to your needs, not the other way around

Our goal is not just to sell machines—but to build long-term partnerships that add value to your production process, protect your brand, and ensure regulatory peace of mind.

Conclusion

The future of pharmaceutical manufacturing lies in smart, integrated, and efficient packaging systems. With increasing global demand, strict compliance requirements, and growing competition, investing in high-performance pharma packaging machines is no longer optional—it's essential.

At NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd., we don’t just provide machines—we deliver confidence, quality, and peace of mind. Whether you're launching a new production line or upgrading your existing setup, we are here to guide you every step of the way with reliable, cutting-edge, and compliant solutions.

✅ Call to Action

Ready to upgrade your pharma packaging line? Partner with NPM Machinery Pvt. Ltd. and experience unmatched quality, service, and innovation. 📩 Contact us today for a free consultation or demo customized to your packaging needs! 🌐 Visit us at www.npmmachinery.com | 📞 +91-XXXXXXXXXX

[sweatybelieverfun]

Colour Detection Sensor Market: Future Trends and Innovations Shaping Its Growth

The colour detection sensor market is rapidly evolving, and its future is brimming with opportunities driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for automation, precision, and efficiency across industries. These sensors are designed to detect and identify different colors in a wide range of applications, providing essential data for quality control, process monitoring, and production efficiency. As the market grows, several key trends are likely to shape its future development.

1. Advancements in Sensor Technology

The rapid development of sensor technology is one of the main factors driving the future of the colour detection sensor market. Companies are investing heavily in improving the accuracy, sensitivity, and speed of these sensors. With the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), colour detection sensors are becoming smarter, offering more precise colour recognition even under challenging lighting conditions. These advanced sensors can differentiate between subtle colour variations, which are essential for industries like automotive, packaging, and textiles, where colour consistency is crucial.

In the coming years, we can expect to see the introduction of sensors with enhanced capabilities, such as multi-spectral and hyperspectral sensors, which will allow for more detailed colour analysis. These sensors will be able to capture more information about the objects being analysed, leading to more accurate and reliable results.

2. Integration of AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are playing a pivotal role in revolutionising the colour detection sensor market. AI algorithms are used to process large volumes of data generated by the sensors, helping businesses make better decisions in real time. The integration of AI enables colour detection systems to learn from historical data, improve accuracy over time, and adapt to various conditions without requiring constant recalibration.

For example, in the food industry, AI-powered colour detection sensors can be used to monitor the colour of products, ensuring that they meet quality standards. The ability to detect slight colour differences, which might be invisible to the human eye, helps in improving the overall quality of products, preventing defects, and enhancing consumer satisfaction. The continued evolution of AI and machine learning will likely increase the scope of applications for colour detection sensors, further accelerating market growth.

3. Growing Demand for Automation in Industries

Automation continues to be a major driving force behind the demand for colour detection sensors across various industries. With the push for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, businesses are turning to colour detection sensors to automate quality control and monitoring processes. These sensors help eliminate human error and ensure consistent product quality, reducing the need for manual inspection.

In industries like automotive manufacturing, colour consistency is essential to maintaining the aesthetic appeal and quality of products. Colour detection sensors can automatically monitor and correct deviations in colour, ensuring the final product meets the required specifications. The widespread adoption of automated systems in manufacturing will likely increase the demand for colour detection sensors, especially in high-precision sectors.

4. Rise in Consumer Electronics and Smart Devices

The growing demand for consumer electronics and smart devices is also expected to drive the colour detection sensor market. As technology evolves, devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are becoming more sophisticated, with enhanced display capabilities. Colour detection sensors are used in these devices to improve the quality of screens and displays, ensuring accurate colour representation and optimal visual performance.

Moreover, colour detection sensors are integral to the development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. In AR and VR applications, accurate colour recognition is essential to creating immersive experiences. As these technologies continue to gain popularity, the demand for colour detection sensors in consumer electronics will rise, contributing to market growth.

5. Emerging Applications in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is emerging as a significant market for colour detection sensors, particularly in diagnostics and medical imaging. These sensors can be used to monitor and analyse various parameters in medical devices, such as blood oxygen levels and skin tone, to assist in patient monitoring and disease detection. For example, colour sensors are used in diagnostic equipment to detect changes in blood or tissue colour, which can indicate potential health issues.

As healthcare systems worldwide increasingly adopt automation and precision technologies, colour detection sensors will play a key role in ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment. This trend presents a substantial opportunity for market expansion, particularly in medical devices, diagnostics, and point-of-care applications.

6. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

As industries face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, colour detection sensors are becoming crucial in promoting eco-friendly manufacturing processes. In industries like textiles, where dyeing and colour consistency are essential, colour detection sensors can help minimise waste and reduce the environmental impact of production processes. These sensors can identify colour discrepancies early in the production process, preventing the need for re-dyeing, which reduces the consumption of water, chemicals, and energy.

The increasing emphasis on sustainability and reducing environmental footprints is likely to drive the adoption of colour detection sensors, especially in industries that rely heavily on colour accuracy and consistency.

7. Increased Focus on Personalization

With consumers demanding more personalized products, the role of colour detection sensors will become even more important. Customised products, such as personalised packaging, fashion, and food items, often require precise colour matching to meet individual preferences. Colour detection sensors enable manufacturers to offer more tailored solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.

As personalization continues to be a key trend in consumer demand, colour detection sensors will be crucial in ensuring that products meet the desired specifications, thus contributing to the growth of the market.

Conclusion

The colour detection sensor market is set to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for automation, and expanding applications across various industries. As sensor capabilities continue to improve and new use cases emerge, the market will continue to evolve, providing exciting opportunities for both established and emerging players. Whether in manufacturing, healthcare, or consumer electronics, colour detection sensors will play a pivotal role in enhancing product quality, efficiency, and sustainability.