#Traffic Management AI

[rydotinfotech]

Computer Vision Applications in Transportation 

Computer vision applications in transportation are becoming more widespread and trending. With the help of AI vision technology, supply chain, and transportation facilities are improving their efficiency and advancing their supply chain and logistics management systems. 

Computer vision solutions have digitized the way transportation activities operate. This technology handles the entire transportation flow, from the movement of goods to the logistics process. Additionally, it supports human operation in transportation through AI-visual capabilities, reducing human error and enhancing safety. 

Apart from this, computer vision in transportation is also useful for tracking real-time traffic and logistics movements using image detection and object detection technology. It enables automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and real-time movement tracking, helping logistics management make critical decisions with accurate time estimates, further improving supply chain operations. 

What is Computer Vision in Transportation? 

Computer vision in transportation is shaping the future of the sector by reducing accident risks and improving cost-effective logistics management. AI-powered image and object detection track traffic patterns like human vision—but with greater speed and accuracy. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.35 million people worldwide die in road accidents each year. To mitigate such accidents, industries like healthcare, retail, security, manufacturing, and agriculture are leveraging computer vision solutions effectively. 

Read More: Top 8 Computer Vision Use Cases in Agriculture 

How Computer Vision is Transforming the Transportation Industry 

The global logistics system has faced disruptions due to various global challenges, increasing concerns regarding effective transportation facilities. In response, companies like Uber, Seven Drive, and Deliveroo are leading the way by utilizing computer vision applications in transportation. AI-vision technology enhances transportation by facilitating real-time activities, improving passenger safety, reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and minimizing accident risks. 

Several computer vision technologies are revolutionizing transportation, including: 

Image segmentation 

Object detection 

Facial recognition 

Edge detection 

Pattern detection 

Image classification 

Feature matching 

These technologies play a crucial role in detecting and classifying objects (e.g., road signs and traffic lights), creating 3D maps, estimating motion, and enabling autonomous vehicles. 

According to a market research report by MarketsandMarkets, "The global market for AI in transportation was valued at $1.2 to $1.4 billion in 2017 and is expected to grow to $3.5 billion by 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-14.5%." 

Applications of Computer Vision in Transportation 

Corporations, industrialists, manufacturers, and governments are the biggest users of computer vision technology in transportation. It is particularly useful for governments to manage traffic flow and enhance transportation facilities, contributing to economic growth. Additionally, corporations are developing AI-driven solutions to improve their logistics and transportation efficiency. 

Keyways Computer Vision is Transforming Transportation: 

1. Detecting Traffic and Traffic Signs 

Computer vision services are widely used in traffic management, helping to save transportation time and fuel. By detecting vehicle numbers and monitoring traffic conditions, it streamlines traffic flow and optimizes signal timing. Computer vision applications can also be connected with cameras to intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to identify various incidents and anomalies. 

2. Traffic Flow Analysis 

Urban congestion is a growing concern, leading to issues such as noise pollution, financial losses, and increased carbon emissions. AI-integrated drones and camera surveillance help monitor traffic flow, track vehicle movements, and alert drivers to potential accident risks. Traffic monitoring solutions can detect the following: 

Vehicle speed 

Wrong-way movement 

Stopped vehicles 

Other traffic violations 

3. Parking Management 

Smart parking management systems enable real-time tracking of available parking spots. The system identifies occupied and vacant parking lots, improving parking efficiency in high-traffic areas like airports, shopping malls, and hospitals. Automated parking solutions help reduce congestion and enhance user convenience. 

4. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) 

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) offers an optimal solution for efficient parking and traffic management. It allows registered vehicles to enter parking areas automatically while identifying non-registered vehicles based on check-in and check-out times. ANPR also assists law enforcement in tracking stolen or suspicious vehicles. 

5. Detecting Stopped Vehicles and Road Obstacles 

Pedestrians, trees, diversions, and other obstacles contribute to road safety risks. AI-powered computer vision models can detect stopped vehicles and potential hazards in real-time. By processing video feeds from surveillance cameras, AI-driven solutions enhance road safety by issuing instant alerts to drivers and traffic authorities. 

The Future of Computer Vision in Transportation 

With the rapid advancement of AI and computer vision, the transportation industry is undergoing a paradigm shift. From self-driving cars to smart traffic systems, transportation is becoming more automated and data-driven. As AI technology evolves, its integration into transportation will continue to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. 

Stay tuned for more updates on emerging AI-powered transportation solutions! 

[mtariqniaz]

The Transformative Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

Title: The Transformative Benefits of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century. It involves creating intelligent machines that can mimic human cognitive functions such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. As AI continues to advance, its impact is felt across various industries and…

[productiveandfree]

How Can Productivity Tools Enhance the Efficiency of AI Call Centers?

The work of AI centers appears to have gained prominence in today’s context more than it has ever had before. As a result, more interaction volume is expected to be handled by AI in automated support which has the potential to be a prime entry-point. However, with such high volumes and speed, new challenges arise, especially in maintaining response personalization and managing operations. This piece dives deeper into the kinds of productivity tools transforming AI call centers, their benefits, and how they maximize efficiency. Let’s explore how these tools are revolutionizing customer interactions.

I. The Key Deficiencies of AI Call Centers

AI call centers were created to be able to provide the necessary response in the shortest amount of time possible. In practice, however, such a goal is rarely met thanks to numerous operational constraints that these AI call centers experience. Knowing these all the more justifies the need for integration of the most appropriate tailored kind of productivity tool.

Large Call Center traffic

The more calls to be entertained, the higher the number of stressed resources to be entitled to give muted responses with long or no replies. Repeatedly, agents don’t necessarily have to answer more frequently asked questions. Instead, it is the lesser ability and attention left for the more in-depth queries about the client issues.

Personalization Demands

These days, customers are looking for something more than ordinary interactions, however, call centers powered by AI do not always find it easy to provide highly engrossing interaction. Baring the necessary tools, and meeting personalization expectations can sometimes be an exercise in futility or very tedious.

Compliance Requirements

In terms of activities done by such establishments, there are certain regulations that need to be accommodated. All the same, achieving the compliance bars across all interactions is not that easy considering that there is a call volume and its interactivity too.

Optimizing Agent Performance

Motivating and enhancing the efficiency of agents in workplaces characterized by monotony induced by repetitive duties is no mean feat. High turnover rates can also be a distress signal due to depressions which can, in turn, affect the quality and the continuity of services offered.

These operational difficulties call for the need for productivity tools that will assist an AI powered course of action to maintain the customer satisfaction levels required.

II. Key Productivity Tools Revolutionizing AI Call Centers

AI Call centers cannot work without tools that allow them to strategically map their obstacles and tackle so many workflows and agent tasks for instance.

Automation Software

Automation is fundamental in any AI call center. This takes care of repetitive elements in a center like call responses or mapping, which allows agents to get to the thought-provoking problems. Different types of automation tools manage tasks and aid in process and workflow enhancement. Such tools can be incorporated within the customer relationship management (CRM) applications to help automate processes within the system, saving agents from constantly repeating activities and allowing them to concentrate on more personalized parameters of customer engagement.

Workflow Management Solutions

Project management tools help to make the organization of workloads more organized by ensuring certain activities are performed at certain times. Such tools organize and ensure that agents behave in a timely and proper manner. This makes the turnaround time decrease and the level of customer satisfaction increase.

Real-Time Analytics and Reporting Tools

Analytics tools help business entities accomplish their desired goals by throwing light on the performance of agents, the nature of the calls, and the customer's status. With the availability of such reports in real-time, the managers are able to get a tight grip on the lack of an issue and may change their resources as per requirement. This healthy practice of making use of data helps increase service delivery day by day.

AI-Driven Knowledge Bases

Knowing that there are volumes of information available and that a much simpler solution to a customer question breeds confidence and keeps agents at ease, knowledge bases do not result in idling or inconsistencies in responses if the agents can answer questions without hunting down information.

Collaboration Platforms

The fast-paced nature of businesses requires that teams communicate and work together on projects. If any customer holds a complaint, such collaboration tools enable the departments and agents to assist in resolving the issue much quicker. These tools help eliminate response coordination time, thus enhancing the overall experience of the customer.

Comparison Table: Key Productivity Tools and Their Benefits

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Tools Purpose Benefits Automation Software It handles, for example, call routing and data capturing from repetitive functions. Empowers agents to handle intricate processes and shortens handling time. Workflow Management Enhances processes in work, such as determining who performs which processes and tracking how many. Enhances the time it takes for customers to be attended to and enhances customer experience. Real-Time Analytics Helps in obtaining crucial information on how agents and customers interact with each other. Aids in making valid and accurate decisions and increases performance levels. AI-Powered Knowledge Base These tools help agents perform better as they do not need to search for knowledge when required. Diminishes delays and keeps the company in line with its set standards. Collaboration Platforms These tools are used across the organization’s departments to enhance response speed in problem-solving processes. Improves performance by addressing issues faster.

III. In What Ways Labor Saving Tools Enhance Productivity in the AI Call Center

Improvement and better results in the AI Call Center performance a factors that each productivity tool tackles by addressing specific pain points.

Decreased Call Handling Time

Routine activities such as call routing by the IVR, lessen the time used in handing over the phone to the customer. When most of the low-level work is taken off the agents’ shoulders there is a greater ability to increase the number of calls without a decline in the quality of service during the call.

Improvement of the Agent’s Performance

The presence of customer history and analytics in general assists agents splurge on excessive efforts. Availability of data helps the agents make better and faster service.

Enhanced Resource Management.

With automatic workforce management systems, call volume is estimated, and the number of agents available is scheduled based on that. Thus resources can meet customer needs to eliminate wastage and prevent slow operations during busy periods.

Better Compliance and Correctness

With the presence of the implementation tools, agents are notified of the standards to be followed and their infringements. Thanks to these checks contact monitoring is easier and does not impose any additional tasks on the contact center staff and compliance is increased.

Improvement of the Customer’s Experience

Productivity Tools help to provide an accurate resolution to an issue in the shortest time frame possible. Here's proof that customers have the tools to handle themselves.

IV. Evaluating the ROI of Productivity Tools in AI Call Centers

In addition to the available operational enhancements, these efficiency tools produce a robust return on investment. Here’s the type of increase in qualitative and financial terms they create.

Cost Savings

Automation of monotonous activities allows call centers to set upon fewer men as the need arises. This means major savings since fewer agents will be idle and inactive performing simple chores thereby allowing less cost.

Productivity Metrics

Success is measured with the help of certain key performance indicators such as Average Handle Time, First Call Resolution rates, and Net Promoter Score. Better metrics create an opportunity for other aspects to be enhanced so that a clearer conception is developed of how the efficiency tools enhance call center performance.

Long-Term Benefits

Eventually, these tools assist in promoting employee contentment and lower the rate of attrition. Such security in staffing coupled with higher retention of customers’ trust leads to better brand image and higher profits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do productivity tools integrate with existing AI call center systems? Most of the productivity apps feature APIs besides having practical integration capabilities with several third-party СRM and AI tools. Such aspects keep the contact touches made between customers and companies within sight so they could occur in real-time.

2. Are there productivity tools specifically for compliance management? In fact, there are many tools that exist today that support compliance based on automated tracking, reporting capacities, and regulatory notice alerts. These tools provide a fair amount of support toward meeting the requirements of GDPR and TCPA under passive management rather than an active involvement by the management.

3. What initial costs should I consider when implementing productivity tools? Some of the costs include the licensing, integration, and training for software. Though most call centers view this as a cost worth the operating and cost savings efficiency from having such long-term investments made.

Conclusion

AI call center productivity tools, as guaranteed to provide maximum efficiency and accuracy. They negate main pain points, including activity redundancies and the absence of process orientation together with actionable intelligence, resulting in increasing the overall customer experience. The ROI that accrues from these tools comes at a breakeven point that justifies cost while availing profitability, whether short-term or long-term, for the call centers. These tools are not just an advancement of the customer service trend; they are the most efficient way of preparing customer service for the future.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[techtoio]

How AI is Transforming Everyday Technology

Introduction

Welcome to TechtoIO! Today, we delve into one of the most exciting developments in modern technology: artificial intelligence (AI). AI has moved beyond the realm of science fiction and is now an integral part of our daily lives. From smart homes to personalized recommendations, AI is transforming everyday technology in ways we once only dreamed of. In this article, we explore how AI is reshaping various aspects of our lives and what we can expect in the near future. Read to continue

[itsthesiliconreview]

[malindamadaras1996blog]

[convergeai]

Driving Innovation: Exploring the Impact of AI on the Road to Smart Mobility

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with automotive technology is no longer just a concept from science fiction; it’s rapidly becoming a central part of how we envision the future of transportation. As cars become more than just a means to get from point A to point B, the role of AI in enhancing the driving experience and vehicle functionality has become increasingly important. This…

[srkshaju]

Google Unveils Gemini-Powered Conversational Tool for Effortless Search Ad Campaigns

In a significant update, Google has integrated its Gemini family of multimodal large language models to enhance the conversational experience within the Google Ads platform.

This latest feature aims to simplify the process for advertisers to swiftly create and expand their Search ad campaigns.

The conversational experience is a chat-based tool designed to facilitate the construction of Search campaigns.

Leveraging your website URL, the tool generates relevant ad content, encompassing assets and keywords.

It goes further by suggesting campaign-specific images through generative AI, drawing from both generative AI and your website's existing images.

Google emphasizes that images created with generative AI will be clearly identified.

Before campaigns go live, advertisers have the opportunity to review and approve the suggested images and text.

The beta access to this conversational experience in Google Ads is now accessible to English language advertisers in the U.S. and U.K.

Global access for English language advertisers will gradually roll out over the next few weeks, with plans to extend access to additional languages in the coming months.

Shashi Thakur, Google’s VP and GM of Google Ads, mentioned in a blog post,

"Over the last few months, we’ve been testing the conversational experience with a small group of advertisers. We observed that it helps them build higher quality Search campaigns with less effort."

This innovative tool joins Google's suite of AI-powered tools for advertisers, following the introduction of "Product Studio" a few months ago.

Product Studio enables merchants and advertisers to leverage text-to-image AI capabilities, creating new product imagery and enhancing existing images for free by inputting prompts.

This announcement aligns with Google's broader effort to infuse AI across its products.

Recently, the company unveiled three new AI-powered features for Chrome, introducing functionalities like tab organization, theme customization, and assistance with online activities like writing reviews or forum posts.

As the tech giant continues to integrate AI innovations, advertisers can leverage these tools to streamline campaign creation and enhance the overall advertising experience.

Read More

[bharatbriefs]

AI is watching you! Ahmedabad becomes India's 1st city to get AI-linked surveillance system

In a groundbreaking development, Ahmedabad has emerged as the first city in India to employ artificial intelligence (AI) for comprehensive monitoring by the municipal corporation and police across the entire city. The city’s expansive Paldi area is now home to a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence-enabled command and control centre, featuring a remarkable 9 by 3-metre screen that oversees an…

[intozitech]

Stray animals are the second most common reason for accidents, deaths, and hazards: How AI Video Analytics tackles such problems

Stray animals are a growing problem in cities around the world. They are unable to find food and shelter, so due to that, they stay on roads, which present a dangerous hazard to road traffic and pedestrians alike.

According to the data, there are 1,376 accidents caused by animals, which involve 804 dogs and 350 cattle. We often blame bad roads for road accidents and injuries, but nowadays the second most common reason for road accidents and injuries is stray animals. Stray animals are not the problem; these innocent animals are not getting proper shelter and food to survive, and for that reason, they have to come on the road in search of food and shelter.

To address this issue, many cities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) video analytics to detect and alert municipal and animal health care departments. They can then respond to the alert by sending out animal health care workers to take care of the stray animals. By using stray animal detection, cities can help prevent accidents and injuries due to animals on the roads and promote smooth mobility.

[theroyalvoid]

I thought a fulltime job in tech was going to be the shit but I’ll be happy when I’m worked in enough so that I can work from home and stay out of the office drama. I’m totally new to the office life but it’s as awkward as I thought it would be to learn something new after 30. I’m used to delegate restaurants and coffeeshops and the likes, and now I’m a simple pawn in a big company that pays me well for my knowledge. I shouldn’t be complaining but if this is what it feels like to have a routine that’s taking away 80% of your free time, it’s not worth it for me. I’m missing my home everyday I’m not in it and my little kitty cat misses me too since she’s showing a whole new attachment method towards me.

[virtualteambuildingexercises]

AI-Driven Traffic Management: Your Path to Smoother, Safer Roads

Welcome to the future of traffic management, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Say goodbye to traffic jams, accidents, and wasted hours. It's time to experience a smarter, more efficient commute.

1. Wikipedia Reference: Start your journey with insights from the Wikipedia page on AI-driven Traffic Management.

2. Revolutionizing the Commute: Understand how AI is revolutionizing urban transportation, making it safer, faster, and more eco-friendly.

3. Benefits of AI-Driven Traffic Management: Dive into the advantages, from reduced congestion to lower emissions and enhanced safety.

4. How AI Makes Roads Smarter: Explore how AI algorithms analyze real-time data to optimize traffic flow and minimize delays.

5. Safety First: Learn how AI detects and prevents accidents, making roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

6. Traffic Predictions and Congestion Alerts: Discover how AI predicts traffic patterns and provides real-time alerts to help you plan your routes efficiently.

7. Eco-Friendly Commuting: Understand how AI optimizes traffic to reduce emissions, contributing to a greener planet.

8. Smart Traffic Signals: Explore how AI-controlled traffic signals adapt to traffic flow, reducing idle time and fuel consumption.

9. Public Transportation Integration: See how AI enhances public transportation systems, making them more reliable and accessible.

10. AI in Autonomous Vehicles: Get insights into how AI powers self-driving cars, potentially reshaping the future of transportation.

11. Case Studies: Read about cities worldwide that have embraced AI-driven traffic management and the positive impact it has had.

12. Multimedia Showcase: Immerse yourself in the world of AI-driven traffic management with captivating images, videos, and interactive content.

13. Plan Your AI-Optimized Commute: Find out how to use AI-powered apps and tools to plan your daily commute with ease.

14. Join the Smart Commute Revolution: Embrace AI-driven traffic management and experience a commute that's faster, safer, and kinder to the environment.

15. Be Part of the Change: Every journey contributes to a smarter, more efficient traffic ecosystem. Start your AI-driven commute today!

16. Traffic Management for Tomorrow: AI is reshaping the way we move. Explore how you can be a part of this exciting transformation.

17. Your Road to Efficiency Begins Here: Discover how AI is making our roads smarter and our commutes more enjoyable.

18. Smoother Roads Ahead: With AI-driven traffic management, congestion and delays are becoming a thing of the past.

AI-driven traffic management is not just a concept; it's a reality that's changing the way

"Ready to achieve your goals? Our website offers personalized solutions tailored to your needs."

[biglisbonnews]

AI for Sustainability: An Overview on the Biggest Drivers and Barriers to Smart Cities It’s been a while since the concept of smart cities gained popularity and is on the brink of becoming a sophisticated reality. A growing number of studies highlight the characteristics of smart cities since the idea was first proposed. The key elements that ought to be taken into account to make a city more intelligent […] The post AI for Sustainability: An Overview on the Biggest Drivers and Barriers to Smart Cities appeared first on AiThority. https://aithority.com/ait-featured-posts/ai-for-sustainability-an-overview-on-the-biggest-drivers-and-barriers-to-smart-cities/

[cassiopeiaiaia]

Modern Outsiders Hc's

Two-bit has one of those TikTok accounts where he goes up to random people on the street and asks them stupid questions.

Two-bit: “On a scale of one to wet, how wet do you get when you see Ryan Gosling?”

And he’d pull bitches doing it too.

Two-bit would also be a Temu victim. He has one of those matching bathroom sets of AI Mickey Mouse.

Steve and Two-bit genuinely think brain rot is funny.

They’ll sing the brain rot version of songs in the shower.

Steve was (and still is) a leash kid.

Cuz he’s definitely gotten lost in IKEA more than once.

The gang just kinda accepts it now, and once they wander around long enough they’ll find Steve passed out in one of the fake bedrooms.

He also doesn’t drink anything unless it’s bright green and radioactive.

He’s like 4% Monster energy.

Water? Don’t know her.

Steve and Dally both follow like Livvy Dunne, Breackie Hill, and Brooke Monk, Lexi Rivera and all them.

Dally starts fights with verified accounts. Argue with the wall.

He has this ongoing feud with the social media manager of Burger King, and he has to make extra email accounts because he keeps getting banned.

He’d play subways surfers irl

Dally also drives like every traffic law is a personal challenge. He doesn’t ever get into accidents though.

Johnny owns the schools gossip account, and it’s the most scandalous, diabolical, astronomical thing ever. And no one expects it to be him cuz he never says anything in class.

Darry replies to anything and everything with: 👍

Ponyboy: the dog died

Darry: 👍

Darry has one of those ancient phones on life support, and won’t turn on unless you press the home button to the Morse code way of saying “Cheeseburger”

He refuses to get a new one though, he just doesn’t see the point because it’s still functional.

Pony hates E-books because he likes to smell the pages.

He still has one though, because Darry yells at him when he reads into the night.

Vape fiend.

Pony’s gasping for breath and dying on the ground because Darry locked his vape in the medicine cabinet.

He has screen time.

It’ll be ass o’clock in the morning, and Pony’s just at the foot of Darry’s bed begging for more time on his phone.

Soda may or may not listen to white girl music.

Pony caught him once before school and Soda just stood there like: 🕺🧍

Soda also texts in emojis

Chronically online, like he knows every meme the second it comes out and quotes them non-stop

[probablyasocialecologist]

Humans now share the web equally with bots, according to a major new report – as some fear that the internet is dying. In recent months, the so-called “dead internet theory” has gained new popularity. It suggests that much of the content online is in fact automatically generated, and that the number of humans on the web is dwindling in comparison with bot accounts. Now a new report from cyber security company Imperva suggests that it is increasingly becoming true. Nearly half, 49.6 per cent, of all internet traffic came from bots last year, its “Bad Bot Report” indicates. That is up 2 per cent in comparison with last year, and is the highest number ever seen since the report began in 2013. In some countries, the picture is worse. In Ireland, 71 per cent of internet traffic is automated, it said. Some of that rise is the result of the adoption of generative artificial intelligence and large language models. Companies that build those systems use bots scrape the internet and gather data that can then be used to train them. Some of those bots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Imperva warned. More and more of them come from residential internet connections, which makes them look more legitimate. “Automated bots will soon surpass the proportion of internet traffic coming from humans, changing the way that organizations approach building and protecting their websites and applications,” said Nanhi Singh, general manager for application security at Imperva. “As more AI-enabled tools are introduced, bots will become omnipresent.”

[captainsophiestark]

The Arena Club

Peggy Carter x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for Fictober 2024!

Requested by @trekkingaroundasgard! Hope you like it Nicola! 💗

Fandom: Marvel

Day Seven Prompt: "Follow me if you want to live!"

Summary: The life of a reporter can get a little dangerous, especially when going after powerful, deeply corrupt men like those in the Arena Club. Thankfully, Peggy Carter's around to help in a pinch.

Word Count: 1,943

Category: Fluff, Action?

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

The evidence presented in this article is just the beginning. Tireless detective work has uncovered much, much more, which we hope to verify and expose to the public as soon as-

I broke off typing abruptly, my attention snapping up from the typewriter in front of me. A thud had just come from somewhere else in the office, and I knew for a fact I was the only one here.

I'd decided to stay late to make sure this story got finished in time to go out tomorrow morning, and I'd been words away from finishing it up. I'd been investigating a conspiracy with deep roots in LA for a long time now, and I finally had the evidence put together to expose them, once and for all. Unfortunately, having a bunch of knowledge about a shady secret society had made me jumpy as hell for the past week at least.

I waited, listening for anything else out of the ordinary. When I didn't hear anything after a few long moments, I took a deep breath and returned my attention to my typewriter.

Almost at the exact same time, the door to the room came flying open. I snapped my head up and shot out of my seat, reeling backwards as three armed men flooded the office. My heart almost stopped in my chest when I felt someone take my hand from behind, and I whirled around to see a beautiful brunette woman staring at me.

"Come with me if you want to live!" she said, pulling me away from my typewriter and the armed men all at once. My brain froze, but it was clearly unsafe to stay here, so I followed her. Even through the shock, I knew she was a better option than the guys with guns.

I followed the woman through the back hallways of my office building, the sounds of crashing and gunshots echoing behind us. My heart raced, but she seemed calm as could be as we ducked around one corner and through another door.

We wound our way through the building and gradually down the stairs, the woman me never once pausing to check directions or look back at me. Finally, we made it out a door on the first floor into the back alley and she dropped my hand. I was surprised to find that I was a little disappointed.

"Get in!" she called, pulling open the driver's side door of the car. I hesitated. She'd definitely helped me out of a tight spot upstairs, but getting into a car with a stranger was a whole different situation.

Apparently, she noticed my hesitation. She stopped halfway through climbing into the car and came back to me.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, didn't I?" She reached into her jacket and pulled out a badge, which she held up for me to read. "Agent Peggy Carter. I'm with the SSR. We've been chasing the same group you've been investigating for quite some time now. We can protect you from them and their men in the building, but we have to go right now."

I just blinked at her for a moment, until a shout from somewhere inside the building finally snapped me out of it.

"Okay. Okay, yeah, I'm coming. Thank you."

She nodded and gave me a smile, then started the car as I climbed in the passenger seat. We pulled away just as the men from before came busting into the alley behind us.

We turned a corner onto the main street before they managed to take a shot at us. I slumped back into my seat with a sigh.

"You alright?"

I turned more fully to face Agent Peggy Carter behind the driver seat. She kept her eyes on the road, speeding through the LA traffic as fast as she could. I sighed.

"I... I don't know. Nothing that's happened in the past ten minutes has felt real. Those guys were really going to kill me, weren't they?"

This time, Peggy spared a second to glance in my direction. She looked sympathetic, which was all the confirmation I needed.

"They were, yes. They're the enforcers for the group your story's about. The Arena Club. We've been dealing with their members for quite a while now."

"Is that why you were there tonight? You knew they were coming after me?"

Peggy hesitated. "Not... exactly. I was more there to scope out the situation, see whether you'd uncovered anything we hadn't yet. I saw the enforcers on my way up to your office, and realized I might need to take a more active involvement."

I huffed a laugh that was mostly an adrenaline release.

"Well. I guess that was lucky."

Peggy shot me a grin. "Yes. I suppose it was."

I shook my head, a small smile spreading to my own face despite myself. Probably the shock just hadn't worn off yet. But something about Peggy's energy was just contagious.

She continued to weave through traffic for a while, apparently working to put distance between us and anyone who might be following us. At last, we pulled up outside a building and Peggy put the car in park. I glanced out my window, then frowned when I saw the window decal for a talent agency.

"Don't worry," she said, opening her door. "It's a front for the SSR. You'll be safe here."

I nodded, following her out of the car and into the darkened building. After our mad-dash through my office, I was a little jumpy, but Peggy quickly led me to the back rooms and through a literal secret doorway into the heart of the SSR.

I trailed behind her, head on a swivel as we walked into a well-lit office building. A few people milled around despite the late hour. Apparently the work never really stopped here.

I followed Peggy into a bigger room filled with desks. Only one other person was there, and he looked up the moment we entered. His brow furrowed as soon as he saw me.

"Peggy? What happened?" he asked. She came to a stop just in front of him, and I followed her lead. "I thought you were just going to scout the place out."

Peggy sighed and put her hands on her hips as she answered.

"That was the plan, but they attacked at almost the same time I arrived. So, now we're here."

The guy sighed, looking absolutely exhausted. He closed his eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded as he opened them again.

"Okay. I'll get some guys on the scene to collect evidence."

"I'll take care of our guest."

They nodded to each other, then Peggy turned to me with a smile.

"Right this way."

I followed her, still feeling a little out of it. Armed men had burst into my office less than twenty minutes ago, but my brain just wouldn't let me process it. Every time I tried, it shut me down.

Peggy seemed to notice something in my expression when she led me into a smaller room with a couch and a table. She gave me a soft smile as she motioned for me to take a seat on the couch.

"You look like you could use some tea," she said. I shook my head as I sank down on the edge of the couch. I looked around, the nerves coursing through my body despite my brain still not having totally processed the reasons for them.

"I think I'm okay, thanks."

"Please," she said, pausing to look me in the eyes. It stilled me for a moment, grounding me and giving me room to take a breath. "I promise, a warm cup of tea will help. It's a big one for us Brits. We swear by it."

I huffed, the ghost of a smile finding its way onto my face.

"Well... okay then."

She gave me another reassuring smile, then started making a cup at the kitchenette taking up the opposite wall. We must've commandeered the break room.

"So... what happens now?" I asked. "I mean, my story was supposed to break tomorrow morning-"

"We're most likely going to have to delay it slightly, but you should still be able to put it out at some point soon," she said, returning to me with two cups of tea in hand. She held out mine, and I sipped at it. She was right; it helped.

Peggy sat down opposite me on the couch with her own cup of tea, giving me a soft smile. I barely knew her, but somehow, she managed to put me more at ease.

"We have almost everything we need to put the Arena Club and their lackeys away for good," she continued. "But we have a few holes in our evidence. I was hoping you might be able to help us fill those holes."

I nodded slowly, mostly in thought. I wasn't sure what I might've found that the SSR hadn't, but if those men had come after me, maybe I was a better investigator than I realized.

"Listen." Peggy set down her tea on the coffee table, turning on the couch to face me more fully. "I know this has been... quite an evening for you. And whether or not you agree to help us, we'll make sure you're safe. But you've clearly put as much work as we have into exposing this conspiracy and trying to take down men with power who think they're untouchable. If you're up for it... I'd be happy to help you continue that work."

I took a shaky breath, then set my tea down on the table, too. Then, I straightened and met Peggy's eyes again, my spine straight despite the lingering shaking in my hands.

"I'm in. I want to help. I've spent a long time trying to take these people down by exposing them to the public, but if I can help you get them off the streets and out of power, too? Even better."

Peggy grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."

My heart raced as she leaned forward, but then she stood.

"I'm going to go get our case files. We can go through them together tonight, and you can tell us about anything you've found that we haven't. Then, in the morning, you and I can go and gather your evidence and bring it here. Assuming, that is, that you have backups? I doubt anything incriminating in your office is still there."

Now it was my turn for a grin. "Of course I have backups. This isn't my first time exposing some government corruption."

"Perfect. Then I'll be rigth back."

She moved past me towards the door, and maybe it was the lingering adrenaline from the day, but I reached out and took her hand to stop her before I could overthink it. She stopped and turned back to me with a raised eyebrow, but didn't pull her hand away.

"I just wanted to say... thank you. For saving me. And for letting me be involved in the investigation, and everything. I appreciate it. And... I'm looking forward to working with you."

Peggy smiled, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Happy to have you aboard."

We shared a look, then Peggy squeezed my hand and gently let it go. She carried on out of the office, and I watched her go with a smile. I picked up my mug of tea again and settled back against the couch.

Tonight had been absolutely wild, and I knew for sure I hadn't totally processed it yet. And clearly, things were only going to get crazier, since I apparently needed SSR protection for the forseeable future. But still. I couldn't help being a little excited about getting to work closely with Agent Peggy Carter.

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