#archiving solutions firm

[mtchacffinz]

—and the love bug strikes!

prompt!!! "Just one kiss, please?" Me when I lie 🤭

content!!! NSFW, needy!reader, dom!Al Haitham, office fuck, slight dumbification, domestic, sweet talk, established relationship (married), soft and rough(?) sorry honey i don't have a scale for this one

note!!! kaf here once again! i seem to love writing for this man a lot. expect more of him from me soon ~ he's so lovellyyyy and hott, and lovely and hot and super lovely and h

You listen to his light breaths, the rise and fall of his chest is enough to calm you down. After four months of work that he's appointed Acting Grand Sage, he's been extra busier than usual. Although the man works efficiently, he still has scribe duties to attend to; and by the time that's done, he sees that his other job is stacked.

Fortunately, after a little convincing, he allowed you to sit on his lap until he finishes one report. Just one. Just for the sake of you and your clinginess. To be fair, four months? It has been four months since he hasn't done anything but duty work because of this artifact archiving project! For his temporary solution, you are to hold him for as long as Al Haitham allows you to.

Al Haitham has always been a man of stoicism. If it's something that's unnecessary for his work, he skips it. If it disrupts peace of mind, he puts it away. If something is hindering his progress, the scribe will undoubtedly push it out of his way.

He almost never goes home. When he does, it's either to grab a few relics and artifacts that's essential to his current progress. All your husband gives you is a quick peck on your lips and he waves goodbye once again.

Atleast.. that was supposed to happen.

It started with a small kiss, but all of the sudden Al Haitham's breathing was ragged as you once again take him into your lips— hungry, roughly, and rigid. Your tongues danced and swirled into a rhythm-less pattern seemingly incoherent. It was like an instinct on play, desperately trying to relish and prolong the warmth you've oh so waited to finally devour.

Al Haitham's hand supports your figure, a firm grip on the small of your back. He allows every crevice of his mouth explored, neck absolutely violated by hungry, yet delicate kisses enamoured by yours truly, alone.

Alas in but a few moments— he pulls back from you leaving you wanting for more. Voice barely above a whisper, he tells you that you need to breathe. Take it easy, and breathe. Eyes hazy, you're surprised by the sudden haste you've displayed when you nodded meekly.

He lay his forehead on your own when a moment of silence was shared between you two. He feels your breaths turn softer and softer before he finally speaks once again, only to get cut off.

"I want you right now, you know?" You say slowly, and he doesn't interrupt— only giving you a slight smug look as if he's won something. He dips his head back to your lips but it's much more calmer this time. Al Haitham's pecks and kisses were tender and warm— and it somehow enchants you more to speak out.

"I miss you, you know?" barely letting it out as a mumble, he stilll grasps your words. You latch your arms onto his neck for support when he targets your neck, emitting small mewls from your throat. "It was so lonely. Your bed was always empty."

"I know."

He offers hums and hushed words. His velvet voice strumming each and every one of your nerves ro relax. Al Haitham's comforting words threatened the tears in the corner of your eyes to betray you, but alas you let them. They fall from your eyes hurriedly— yet he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he kisses your tears away, whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

Strong arms quickly pick you up from his lap proping your figure on the table. He took the liberty of discreetly organizing the files away because he knew this would inevitably happen sooner or later. It was you, after all. Al Haitham's tongue was all over your chest with his hands trailing all kinds of intentions in your body. No skin left unloved, his firm grip on you was apparent.

"W-Wait. Your documents—"

"You don't get to think about that right now." He softly taps your forehead, cheeks flushed with soft rose hues. "All I want to know is how you've been." You don't respond. It was a question he already knows the answer, but his voice is so so gentle and soft you take his lips back to yours.

"I'm fine now."

"'Now'? So you weren't fine before?"

"Don't tease me, Al Haitham.."

Al Haitham hums. Oh well, now you have to finish what youve started, right? Al Haitham traces circles on your thighs, seemingly thinking about something. Before you could ask what's on his mind, he tugs on your undergarments, those royally gem imbedded eyes of his trail back towards yours with a glint of mischief.

"Take them off."

For what it was worth, it certainly looks like he wasn't the only one holding back. The grey haired man firmly held you in your place making the most out of what's in between your legs. He traces circles, he sucks on your sensitive numb like his life depended on it. Al Haitham would trace the curve of your back when you arch for him when he hits that sweet spot that never fails to elicit a strong electrifying reaction out of you.

The Scribe diligently works his way through your folds, glistening with both his spit and your juices. Once you start holding onti him tight, he slows down and resumes again. God, he loves seeing your face contort from anticipation of your orgasm to a puzzled scrunch.

"Cumming.. cum- cummin—g..!! Ahn, aahgg! please—"

"Ah, ah. Eyes here." He leaves your pussy hanging, a string of saliva connecting the two of you. Your cute face is so flushed from the stimulation it's taking every inch of his being to pull down his pants and fuck your face right then and there. You hands attempt to entangle in his hair, but he pushes you away. "Don't hug me. I want to see your face."

You could only whimper back. He was so mean when you're clingy. Although he never means it in any way repulsive, his tongue is adept in such filthy language that gets your cunt throbbing. Al Haitham dips his face into your lips, his tongue exploring every crevice of it like it's his fucking birthright. Those slender fingers if his creep up on your heat, inserting his middle finger while his thumb rest on your clit.

Al Haitham's breath hitches. "Fuck, you're so wet.." before you could respond, he shuts you up by kissing you deep again. "I love you. I love you.." your husband repeats to you like a matra as his fingers rut themselves into your sopping pussy. You don't know whether or not he's telling that to you, or your cunt but you're not complaining either way. You were too sensitive to think straight, but you're not too lost to not reciprocate his words. Although your words are a little broken, you managed to let out a few strings of affirmations yourself. "—Haithaam... i love you, my Haitham...♡".

You could feel Al Haitham's breath hitch in your neck.

"My Haitham. My Haitha— fuck. I'm gonna cum I'm gonna cum I'mgonnacumm...!!" His fingers' pace starts to pick up that your legs were barely even getting a hold of themselves— trembling just by how playful he is playing with your cunt. Al Haitham breaks eye contact, nuzzling into your neck. His breaths ragged and hair disheveled from all the hair pulling you've been doing. He relishes in your scent and speaks.

"I'm listening.." mumbling, hinting for you to go on. He's always loved it when you're fucked dumb. When you ramble what you usually don't say in public. When you tell him your deepest desires just for his ears only, looking at the way your face scrunches up under him.

"I want your cock deep in my pussy haithaamm...♡ I want it kissing the deepest part, Haitham. Please? Pretty please? Please pleasepleasepleas—" You whimper like a pathetic slut. Your nails dig deep into his arm when his tongue starts lapping up in your neck. "I deserve it, I do. You know I do, right? I d—unnggff..!!" Whatever it was to come out of your mouth died in your throat as your whole body spiked up in his arms, your climax washing over you.

Your husband pumps a few more thrusts helping you ride out your orgasm, planting tender kisses on your collarbones.

You could feel hot breath on your neck, hitting your flushed cheeks. Al Haitham's right hand rest on your waist, subtly guiding the plush of your ass to his erection. His free hand clasps yours, thumb brushing your knuckles. Chaste pecks all around the nape of your neck, from this view.. it really does tempt him to bite and mark you down right now.

"Ah.. ah. I'm a little sensitive.."

"It's okay for you to back down." He softly mumbles. "Do you need to go?" He says, concern laced in his tone. You were a little more conscious of his hands on your waist, as it grips you tighter. You shake your head no.

There's no way you would back down. Not when you could feel his painfully erect cock behind your back. You expected him to ask another question in his gentle voice, but was met with a surprise of change in demeanor instead.

"Then bend over."

"I HAVE NO TIME FOR PLEASANTRIES SHOW ME YOUR WIENERRRRR" i know y'all r only here for the smut.. horny fuckers. Feed my brainrot so i could write more for you horny fuckers. My requests are open (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)♡

[iamchaos1234]

Day two June of Doom: "Who did this to you?" (Alternative prompt) (tw blood, abuse)

"Please uncle, j-just, I promise I can help! If I can just know what exactly it is maybe..." Hunter stepped a bit closer to Belos, his expression desperate in stark contrast to his uncles peeved one. Hunter cautiously reached a hand up to touch the streak of muck across Belos's face. He hadn't told him not to, so he assumed it was okay. It wasn't.

Once his hand made very gentle contact with the much, he suddenly felt a sharp pain cut through his face and neck. Hunter staggered back, eyes wide and panicked as he touched a hand to the right side of his jaw. When he pulled it away blood coated his hand, the violent deep red color make his stomach flip.

Belos's hand, which had turned into a scythe made of that foul muck, receded back into him. "I told you, again and again Hunter. I will not accept wild magic as the solution. You will never ask again, understood? You will never ask again! Got it boy?!" Belos snarled, face twisted in anger and annoyance.

Hunter felt like he couldn't breathe. The deep cut went from the center of his neck up across the side of his jaw to the center of his cheek. He weakly nodded. "I-im s-sorry i-" he was cut off with a shove backwards. "I don't need your apologies. I need you to follow your orders, Hunter. I know you understand. I'm just trying to keep you safe. A good reminder should do just that. Your dismissed." Belos said coldly, with a swish of his cloak the emperor turned around to go back to his throne.

Hunter bowed slightly, trembling everywhere with his vision darkened at the edges. *I'll do better... made a mistake... I can do better... promise...* his mind rambled but nothing he could put into a coherent sentence. So with that he stood, shaking, and left, placing his mask back over his face.

Walking through the halls at a brisk pace, he ignored the stares for the crimson blood staining his cloak and gloves. He felt his legs starting to give out, sending waves of panic through his adrenaline filled head. Then he felt a firm gloved hand on his shoulder.

Hunter looked up, met with Darius's gaze. Oh no. He was just going to taunt him and that's not what he needed, he needed to get back to a healer and- "Golden guard? Earth to Golden Guard?" Darius squeezed his shoulder slightly. Darius looked... concerned? Why would he care about him? Then he felt a hand on the edge of his mask, and before he knew it Darius had pulled his mask off, his face of mild concern shifting to shock. Hunter had blood streaming from his neck and cheek, tears dotting his eyes. No no no, Darius couldn't see him like this, he couldn't he-

"Little prince.... who did this to you..." Darius said softly. All Hunter could remember was darkness surging through his vision, everything tilting sideways before nothing.

@juneofdoom

[0bianidalas]

“Triangles are the strongest shape there is. Any weight placed on them is evenly distributed on all 3 sides. They represent geometric sturdiness; no matter how much weight you put on any side, it will not break.” With this science fact in mind,

let’s talk about ObiAniDala

(a ship manifesto brought to you by the joined forces of my silly brain and my much smarter besties at the discord server)

Also known as “Prequel Trio”, this is the triad ship for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala (Naberrie), our main protagonist characters of the Star Wars prequel films (Episode I, II and III) as well as the subsequent shows, comics, and novels.

Most of the basis for this ship is centered around their interactions and established dynamics within the films canon more than any other piece of media but fans do not neglect the rest, as it also expands on their relationship. It also presents, as most polyam-oriented ships, a solution to fandom phenomenon known as shipping wars, in this instance mostly between the Obikin (Obi-Wan/Anakin) and Anidala (Anakin/Padmé) fans.

Obianidala is, as of January 2023, the second most written trio relationship in the Star Wars fandom on Archive of Our Own, with 536 works on their tag. They’re only topped by the sequels trio, Poe/Finn/Rey, who have over one thousand works.

Their nature of being the protagonist characters in two of the three films of the prequel trilogy is enough to warrant some people would’ve shipped them, but the special interest fans have in them has to do with the fact that they are intrinsically connected, even if only by proximity (in Obi-Wan and Padmé’s case). Anakin is the protagonist -turned antagonist-; Padmé is his love interest; Obi-Wan is his mentor/brother/best friend figure. Each of them have a loud presence in each other’s lives and thus, the importance of the others in each of their stories is pivotal.

What’s established in canon?

While I’m not a firm believer that we, as a society, should be bound by the shackles of canon, I also understand sometimes knowing you’re not picturing things in your head feels very vindicating. It’s good to know creators are onto something you’re digging with your little fan goggles. And Obianidala is no exception to that.  

As I mentioned above, they’re all connected. Narratively speaking, Obi-Wan and Padmé pose two opposing forces for Anakin, even though some fans even see them as foils of each other (as they do with Obi-Wan and Anakin as well); yet it is evidently clear that he loves them both deeply and strongly, equally. They are the most important people in Anakin’s life.

In fact, Anakin’s personal view of Padmé and Obi-Wan as opposing roads for him to take and the amount of love he feels for them is something that contributes to his falling to the dark side, aided by Sidious latching on his weakness and exploiting this internal turmoil he has.

From Matthew Stover’s Revenge of the Sith novelization:

Now, this quote infuriates me for several reasons but mostly because people see it as an ‘end it all’ to arguments of how much more Anakin loved one or the other. Personally, I see it as Palpatine pushing Anakin to his already preconceived idea that he had to give one up (and a perfect showcase of his reluctance to do so, too). Anakin ultimately had to make a choice, yes, but saying he loved one more than the other based on that is very debatable.

Throughout the films it is established that Anakin gravitates around them both, but the novels take a very special dive into this, often highlighting how Anakin’s mind seems to have Padmé and Obi-Wan as a single unit:

(From the RoTS novelization)

(Both from Wild Space by Karen Miller)

(I’m personally insane about that last one because sure, that’s a TOTALLY normal thing to think about. ‘I wish me and MY WIFE would make my BEST FRIEND be less alone’. Anakin Skywalker, I know what you are)

As for Obi-Wan and Padmé, the same thing goes, albeit in a more reserved and collected way – as it is their nature. While Anakin is constantly struggling with how much he loves the both of them and how he suffers because he eventually will have to make a choice, Obi-Wan and Padmé are at peace with their affection/love for Anakin AND the presence of the other in his/their lives.

In fact, they also care and deeply trust each other as well.

Padmé is the one who decides to go to Obi-Wan’s rescue in Attack of the Clones, and she also suggests they could trust him to help them with the whole pregnancy ordeal.

Then, there’s also this from the RoTS novelization:

Which even goes on to suggest Padmé might’ve even trust Obi-Wan more than she did Anakin. 

She accepts, willfully and unreservedly that they both love Anakin and therefore will always be present in each other’s life. And she spares some affection, warmth, and yes, perhaps even some love for him, too: 

Obi-Wan, the super-ego character of the trio, also cares for them very deeply, even past his otherwise private and reserved nature. It’s established in an episode of Clone Wars (7x02) - as well as a deleted scene from RoTS- that Obi-Wan is aware that Anakin has a relationship with Padmé and has been for quite some time yet he never tells the Council about it and he only ever tries once to talk to Anakin about it, trying to remind him that attachments are forbidden for the Jedi. Yet, Obi-Wan doesn’t press on this because he himself is attached and Anakin’s happiness is more important to him than Jedi rules. (Ok, maybe I’m interpreting it but, it’s true, I’ll show you). 

Snippet from the RoTS novelization because the screenshot was gonna be too big:

"Senator-Padme. Please." He gazed into her eyes with nothing on his face but compassion and fatigued anxiety. "I am not blind, Padme. Though I have tried to be, for Anakin's sake. And for yours." "What do you mean?" "Neither of you is very good at hiding feelings, either." "Obi-Wan-" "Anakin has loved you since the day you met, in that horrible junk shop on Tatooine. He's never even tried to hide it, though we do not speak of it. We... pretend that I don't know. And I was happy to, because it made him happy. You made him happy when nothing else ever truly could." He sighed, his brows drawing together. "And you, Padme, skilled as you are on the Senate floor, cannot hide the light that comes to your eyes when anyone so much as mentions his name."

From Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View: 

What I find interesting in this quote is the fact that Padmé is paired with Obi-Wan’s canonical love interest and the other two characters Obi-Wan has a more canonically familial bond with. So, yes, I do have the receips when I say Obi-Wan loved Padmé as well as he did Anakin.

This is from the RoTS screenplay, and it’s also RoTS canon, it just didn’t make it into the final cut but it’s very important to point it out because while here it’s explicitly said, in the film it’s implied, so it still counts: 

“I know you both too well” // “We’re all friends, I care about both of you”... Obi-Wan Kenobi, I SEE you. And so does Padmé: 

(I’m adding this one simply because it’s very inch-resting to me that both Anakin and Padmé seem to be very concerned with Obi-Wan’s loneliness... THAT’s suspicious) 

Even going to present content, the Obi-Wan Kenobi show very clearly establishes that Obi-Wan is mourning both Anakin and Padmé as they were the closest people to him in their last days. 

He sees Padmé in Leia (”Nothing, you just reminded me of someone” -1x02- “When I look at Luma, all I see is her mother’s face” -1x03-) and he finds a new life purpose in looking after Luke simply because he’s Anakin’s son (”To keep watch over Anakin's son-" Obi-Wan sighed, finally allowing his face to register a suggestion of his old gentle smile. "I can't imagine a better way to spend the rest of my life." -RoTS novelization-). 

It’s also very evident how much he loved and how high he regarded Padmé and Anakin when he’s listing the qualities of them that he finds in Leia: 

“Both were exceptional people who bore an exceptional daughter.” (From Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV series) – 1×06)

What about them from a meta point of view?

Now that we talked briefly (and I do say briefly because I could’ve gone even deeper with the canon stuff), let’s dive into this ship from a meta lens. What’s the REAL juice in this one true threesome? 

Well, we talked about this in the Obianidala discord server a few days ago, prompted by me asking why they shipped the trio, mostly because I couldn’t believe no one had written a ship manifesto yet, and as acting CEO of this OT3 I felt it needed to be done.

Here’s the masterpost of all their valid and incredible answers:

Pluto: Poly. I’m biased bc im poly, but like, I love poly ships

Saathi (@saathi1013): The balance among the three of them! How each pairing has its own dynamic but the whole is so much more than the sum of its parts! It's because it feels like any of the other pairings are incomplete and/or unstable comparatively? They're def enjoyable and I throw no shade to ardent supporters of the sub-pairings, but in MY head:

-Padme/Anakin are the impetuousness of youth, passionate but not grounded;

-Anakin/Obi-Wan carries the tension Anakin feels about the Order (and the War), lacking the outside perspective Padme brings;

and any way I slice it, Padme/Obi-Wan are either clinging together out of grief post ROTS or I have to mentally rewrite AOTC so she & Obi-Wan get together instead of Padme/Anakin, which might either precipitate Anakin's fall OR they end up like Obi/Satine so however I slice it, it's kind of heartbreaking.

Bere (@bereweillschmidt): Because they complement each other and are a perfect balance in their relationships. Both O and P are perfect pillars for Anakin. Also they’re all beautiful af

Ash (@cypanache): Okay so I’m coming at this from the perspective of an obidala shipper first but here’s my view on them.

Both Obi-Wan and Padme’s relationship with Anakin is flawed and doomed to fail on its own. Not just for the fact that the act of trying to love both of them separately tears Anakin apart because he simply doesn’t know how to love in moderation and the resulting sense of being forced to choose us what contributes to his descent. But also for the fact each only speaks to one half of Anakin and it’s weakness is the other relationships strength

For Obi-Wan his ability to set boundaries to hold Anakin to a standard of expected behavior Padme has never been able to maintain.

For Padme her ability to make Anakin feel unconditionally loved in a way Obi-Wan has never been able to get him to believe

At the same time I truly believe Obi-Wan and Padme’s relationship that love is the missing piece of what they all need. And the lack of it is why they all fall apart

Obi-Wan’s respect for Padme and his willingness to challenge her is what would give her the strength to hold her own in a relationship with Anakin without losing her sense of self

Padme’s caring.  Her compassion and heart and her passion is what would pull Obi-Wan out of his rigid ‘perfect Jedi’ persona and allow him to feel free to love and be loved he couldn’t do with just Anakin alone because of their history and the tempestuous nature of their relationship.

You need all three pieces for them to work.

Loki (@chaoticdumbassrogue): Polyamory for the win

Jeka (@darlingamidala): There are countless reasons why I ship these three characters together. I don’t feel like I need to go into the reasons anidala, obikin, and obidala are all fantastic pairings on their own, and it goes without saying that they all have chemistry with each other. So instead, I’ll focus on why I love them so much more as a polyamorous triad.

A large part of it is the way they balance and complement each other. Any two of them have the potential to bring out the worst in a each other, but when you put the three of them together, they bring out the best in each other. They balance each other in ways that allow their relationship as a triad to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Anakin and Padme are rather hopeless romantics, and they can get swept up in their relationship to the point where it almost becomes an escapist fantasy. Obi-wan is more practical and pragmatic, he keeps them grounded in reality, which is important for maintaining a healthy relationship in the long term.

Anakin and Obi-wan have such a complicated relationship, where they know each other on an incredibly intimate level and yet also struggle to see eye to eye. And Padme I think understands them both where they fail to understand each other. She helps them fill that gap and communicate their feelings when they don’t know how.

Padme and Obi-wan are deeply dedicated to their duties and responsibilities, often to the detriment of their personal lives. Both of them would feel like pursuing a romantic relationship would be a neglect of their duties. But Anakin is passionate and stubborn and devoted, and he pushes them not to neglect their own happiness.

There’s so much history between the three of them, their fates are woven together from beginning to end. They’ve been through a lot together, and they care about each other so much. They trust each other so much, and they love each other so much. Even when everything falls apart in Revenge of the Sith, and they’ve all broken each other’s hearts and can no longer trust one another, there is still a deep love between the three of them that can never be broken.

Jui (@nicolos): Like yes balance, and their delicious delicious dynamics, but also I got into OAD first bc I kept getting annoyed at one or other character being fridged or vilified in fics. Which is a fandom answer not a canon one, but it did get me thinking about it

Leo (@anakinkshamer):  I ship OAD bc it’s hot, I love polyamory, and the ✨chemistry✨

Vic @//vesper29: 1. Anakin is the chosen one. Very powderful. Fight of the immediate people he loves (padme and obi). 2. Because Obiwan and Padme if you look into their personalities and life purpose, they are cut out of the same paper. And to balance the raw force nature of Anakin, we will need both Obiwan and Padme. One show him way of life (career, life goal); the other love, family.

Joey (@alabama-metal-man​): it's all about how they dull each other's harsh edges, and temper their more more bullish traits, while also honing their strengths and hearts, thus creating this incredible balance. 

In summary, they balance each other, just like the triangle is meant to spread all stress equally to make up for the strongest of supports. In a perfect world, them together would’ve saved the entire galaxy from a lot of troubles.

So, if you’ve made it this far, I hope we got you at least quirking an eyebrow at the way Anakin stares intensenly into both Padmé and Obi-Wan, or Obi-Wan’s ridiculous use of plurals all the time, or how obvious Padmé is that even Yoda can tell:

[creature-from-unknown-orgins]

✨Permit to talk about anything and everything you want to✨

THANK YOU!!! I really needed this

So first of all I finished another magnus archive season (s3) and the plot!! It makes me so happy!

Also I'm going to get a haircut in a few weeks and I'm really exited for it. I want it a lot shorter because it is shoulder length right now and I don't like it (my bangs are wayyy to long as well and covering parts of my eyes). I'm thinking maybe a bit of a beach boy ish style like short and bouncy (idk if that makes any sense)

Also I painted yesterday and it was so much fun!! I sat in the garden and even though the wind really wanted to ruin things by making all the paper fly away I succeeded! I had sketched the general idea of flowers I wanted to paint and then I drew them with Indian ink on the nice paper and painted it with watercolour! It turned out really pretty and I'm so proud of some of the shading that I did! I've been enjoying watercolour so much lately and drawing flowers is so relaxing for me because you can't really draw a flower "wrong" especially when I made them up myself! And that's how 4 hours of my day suddenly had passed

Another thing that I've done is read a lot! I read a book saturday and I've already started my next one. It's such a cool book: it's a modern parody of pride and prejudice and I love it so so much!

I've also been listening to a lot of Queen music (my father really has converted me) and the songs just give me so much energy

I needed a new show to watch after the good place (for winding down in the evening) and my mom convinced me to watch Suit! It's such a fun show about lawyers and I really like it because they have all these creative and smart solutions and it is not all about romance! (Like the other shows my mom suggested) The summary is that a young smart man with photographic memory kind of cheats his way into this big law firm without going to Harvard. He's really smart though and Harvey (a really experienced lawyer) becomes his associate.

That's it for now! Thank you so much again :D

[chiconisroc]

Chapter 3 for "Trust Me" is up. This is a Starscream from Transformers Earthspark Fanfiction o.o.

Let me know what you peeps think of the new chapter~

Summary of the story:

Hashtag yearns to connect more with Starscream and she can't stand at how the world doesn't want to give him a second chance. She also wishes he wasn't so hostile towards the world.

Her solution?

To welcome Starscream into the Malto family as a new uncle and shower him with the love and support he needs, even if he doesn't think he needs it.

First Chapter:

Hashtag was excited as the sun finally ascended into the sky. She and her Terran siblings, with the exception of Trash, were making sure the base and the barn were in impeccable condition for their special guest that would be arriving any time soon.

“I honestly think inviting him over is a terrible idea,” Thrash muttered, his arms crossed, and a frown etched on his face. He stood there, watching as his siblings stepped out of the barn.

“Come on, Thrash, Starscream is pretty cool,” Twitch chimed in. “Just give him a chance.”

“Yeah, he’s actually nice,” Jawbreaker added.

“You’ve hardly interacted with him,” Thrash argued with Jawbreaker.

“What Jawbreaker means,” Nightshade interjected, “is that Starscream is nice because thanks to him, the Decepticons assisted us against Mandroid. Without him, they wouldn’t have come and we all would have been doomed.”

Thrash waved it off dismissively. “He probably helped us out of personal vendetta against Mandroid or something.” He then noticed all his siblings were frowning at his direction. “Come on guys, this is Starscream we’re talking about. You know, the most cowardly and deceitful Decepticon to ever exist.”

“Thrash, please don’t call Starscream names like that, especially a coward, because he’s the opposite of that,” Hashtag intervened with a firm yet composed tone. She remembered how Starscream had risked his life to protect her in the tunnels weeks ago. The way Starscream had protected her really shifted her perception of the Decepticon. She was looking forward for all of them to spend time with him, to get to know him. Also, her human siblings would befriend him so he could see that now all humans were terrible.

However, Starscream’s interaction with Mo and Robbie would have to wait, given that they were in school and wouldn’t return until later in the afternoon.

“Please try to be nice to him, just like you are with the Autobots.” she said to Thrash. “Trust me, he’s not so bad.”

Thrash remained unconvinced, still sulking.

"Hey, kiddos,” Dot greeted her adopted children with a warm smile, only to notice Thrash’s vexed expression. “What’s wrong, Thrash? Already missing Robby and Mo?” she teased.

“No… I’m just not excited to have Starscream coming over,” he grumbled, leaving Dot puzzled.

“What do you mean, coming over?” she asked before turning to the rest of her Terran babies.

“Yeah, remember, mom?” Hashtag reminded her. “Starscream is coming over today.”

“Wait, hold on, what?” Dot let out in shock, causing everyone’s gaze to shift toward her in confusion before turning to each other.

“You said you were going to tell her,” Hashtag told Twitch, who blinked in response.

“No, I didn’t. You said you would,” Twitch said.

Dot rubbed the corners of her eyes, struggling to maintain her composure, but then her ears picked up a distant sound.

Oh no…

The sound grew louder and more pronounced with every passing second. It was a terribly familiar sound of an engine roaring through the sky, making her mind race.

She looked up to the heavens to see Starscream, in his jet form, streak across the bright sky with an astonishing speed, a trail of ionized particles marking his path in a cascade of shimmering light. His wings sliced through the air, creating a haunting melody that brought certain horrible memories for Dot of countless jets, operated by her fellow people, falling one by one when Starscream had shot them down years ago.

Her mind returned to the present when Starscream burst forth from the heavens, his jet form a blur of speed, rattling the barns’ windows and making the ground quivered beneath everyone’s feet. With a deft and practiced maneuver, he transformed mid-flight, wings folding as his feet met the earth.

Dust swirled around Starscream as he landed with a resounding thud, his blue orbs fixing upon her with a bored, and dismissive look.

And just like that, one of the most dangerous and unpredictable Decepticons was standing before her and her children… with no Megatron or Autobot in sight.

[maria021015]

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 6 AHEAD

Tears streamed down her face and her body shook with sobs as the adrenaline finally wore off and her panic caught up with her. Her chest felt tight and her thoughts scrambled in an uncontrollable mess, repeating the same cycle.

We could have died tonight.

Xander would have blamed himself.

He’d be all alone.

I’m all alone.

No one else saw what I saw.

I know what I saw.

Don’t I?

It’s impossible.

It wasn’t real.

We could have died tonight.

Stiles found Zaida hiding out of view on the floor of the parking lot, her back pressed against the wheels of the Sheriff’s car. He hesitated for a long moment, wondering if he should leave her be. Instead, his guilt pushed him forward, and he slid down against his father’s car, dropping to sit beside her on the cold ground.

“Hey,” he said softly, unable to think of anything else to say to break the silence.

“This spot’s taken. Go pick another place to have your own mental or emotional breakdown.” the girl looked up at him through a blurry haze of tears and for the first time since meeting her she seemed wholly vulnerable. She’d always come across as so immovable, stubborn, and determined, so seeing her this way was a shock to his system.

“I thought I’d check in on you. See if you were okay,” he admitted, hugging his knees to his chest.

“As you can see, I’m completely fine.” she drawled, sniffing and wiping her tears away with her jumper sleeve.

“Yeah, I know you’re fine.” a smile ghosted across his lips and he returned her sarcasm with some of his own. “I’m not though. Just lots of crying and shaking, and some snot dribbling from my nose.”

Zaida frowned, her fingers flying to her nose in search of said snot, only to find there was none. “Kidding.” Stiles shrugged and she stared at him.

“How are you so calm?” she asked, stretching her legs out in front of her and crossing them as she pulled herself together internally. Five things.

“Oh, I’m not. Inside I’m a mess. I’d look worse than you right now.” he snorted before his eyes widened in the realisation of what he just said. “I mean, not that you look bad because actually you look good - great, even! Not that it’s great that you’re crying, or anything but- I mean-”

“Stiles, it’s fine. I’m a red-nosed, bleary-eyed, sniffling, shaking disaster. No offence taken.” she brushed it off with a wave of her hand. Four things.

“Yeah, but somehow despite all that, you’re still pretty,” he noted, gaze shifting slowly over her features. He’d never fully realised just how beautiful Zaida was.

“That’s because you spend most of your time running away from me.” she laughed lightly, and Stiles’ face flushed red when he realised he had spoken out loud. “Don’t think you’re off the hook for that, Stilinski. I’ll berate you for it properly when I’m not still trying to process my newly added trauma.”

“I’m sure you will.” he nodded, offering his hand to her. “Until then, shall we call a truce?” She looked at it for a moment before reaching out to give him a firm handshake, agreeing upon the proposed terms. Three things. Zaida took a deep steadying breath, grounding herself firmly.

“I just- I keep replaying it over and over in my head and none of it is possible. It can’t be a human and it can’t be a wolf, and the only solution that could possibly explain it all…is something entirely insane.” she ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the roots and massaging her scalp to ease the building tension. Unless there was an entirely different, more rational explanation. “When the human brain is struggling to process trauma, sometimes it makes up its own separate reality to make sense of things. Alters memories so vividly you can’t tell fiction from fact. I always was so adamant that I knew what I saw, but maybe…maybe I’m just going crazy. Seeing and remembering things that were never there in the first place.”

“You aren’t going crazy.” Stiles shook his head, unable to allow her to question her own sanity. Was it really fair to let her suffer as she was now, all to hide a secret that she would likely unearth on her own in time? The girl was relentless. If she wanted to figure it all out, she would. Hell, she already had.

“How do you know?” she snorted sceptically, twisting her rings. Two things.

“Because I’ve seen them too,” he answered after a brief pause. “The unexplainable, and everything that points towards it being the solution. The truth.”

“I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing here.” Zaida insisted. One thing. The lingering mint in her mouth.

“Try me.” Stiles prompted, wanting to hear her say it. Wanting to know what had given it away. If she had seen anything he’d missed. “You asked me not if I knew who it was, but what . What do you think was in there? What did you see?”

“I saw what I thought was a human. I saw it shift into an animal. Into a wolf. That’s why none of it makes sense. It can’t be one, or the other, because…it’s both.” she held her breath, waiting for him to laugh at her, to look at her like she was crazy, or tell her it was all in her messed-up head, just like Xander had. But he didn’t. Stiles looked at her with that same steady expression and an understanding in his amber eyes. He wasn’t concerned, or shocked, if anything…he had been expecting it. He believed.

[popculturelib]

Another book on canning and victory gardens is Home Canning in Wartime: A Victory Guide to Canning, Preserving, Pickling, and Drying (1943) by Elsie Clark. Notice the phrasing in chapter one that likens a woman's effort in the kitchen to a soldier serving in the war. It was part of wartime propaganda encouraging every American to participate in the war effort and military-industrial complex even if they were not enlisted.

Included here is a page of recipes for canning grapefruit, peaches, pears, and pineapple, as well as a time table for processing fruits and vegetables. Image transcripts are below the cut.

The Browne Popular Culture Library (BPCL), founded in 1969, is the most comprehensive archive of its kind in the United States.  Our focus and mission is to acquire and preserve research materials on American Popular Culture (post 1876) for curricular and research use. Visit our website at https://www.bgsu.edu/library/pcl.html.

1. Canning in Wartime

"LADY," says Uncle Sam, "it's your war. Win it."

You are the top sergeant in your own kitchen, and that's one of the most important battlegrounds in the war on the Home Front. Solving the food problem is in your hands—and it's a job that takes a good deal of skill, and thought, and hard work. You've been baking delicious cakes without sugar and preparing miraculous meat dishes without meat. You're spreading the butter thinner, and using margarine. You've budgeted your ration points so that they supply the family with the greatest nourishment and food value. And those freckles on your nose, and that crick in your back prove that you've been doing your share of hoeing in the Victory Garden.

Now here's another job that you can tackle just as important as anything you've done yet—and that's canning a supply of fruits and vegetables for your family.

Can What You Can

After you've taken what you need for your table out of your garden, can every surplus for future use. There are just as many vitamins and minerals in canned foods as in fresh cooked foods, and you will be storing up health and energy for your family. Your ancestors preserved and pickled and brined and salted food to last them through the winter, because they couldn't go down to the corner grocery to replenish their supply. Now that [page ends]

Grapefruit

(yield: 1 1/2 medium size = 1 pint)

Wash and dry firm, ripe grapefruit. Peel off thick skin, along with white membrane. With a sharp knife remove sections of grapefruit. Pack firmly into sterilized jars. Cover to within Y2 inch of the top with grapefruit juice. (Sugar may be added when used.) Seal according to lids used (see page 25). Process pints and quarts in boiling-water bath for 10 minutes.

Peaches

(yield: 2 to 2 1/2 pounds = 1 quart; 1 bushel = 18 to 24 quarts)

Use freshly picked, firm, ripe peaches. Grade for uniformity and degree of ripeness. Put enough for 1 quart into a wire basket. Plunge into boiling water for about 1 minute until skins slip off easily. Then plunge into cold water. Remove from water. Quickly slip skins from peaches, cut in half, and pit. Clingstone peaches may be canned whole if you wish. Drop pieces as you cut them in a salt solution to prevent discoloration. (Use 1 tablespoon salt to 1 quart of water.)

Make a syrup of 1 cup of sugar to 2. cups of water; or 1/2 cup of sugar plus 1/2 cup of honey or syrup to 2 cups of water. Bring to boil. Simmer peaches in the hot syrup for 4 or 5 minutes to shrink them. Pack tightly into hot sterile jars, cut side down, to 1/2 inch of the top. Bring syrup to a boil. Pour boiling hot over peaches to within 1/2 inch of the top. Seal according to lids used (see page 25). Process in boiling-water bath for 15 minutes.

WITHOUT SUGAR. Can peaches in their own juice. Crush soft or imperfect fruit, add a small amount of water to start juice, and a few cracked pits for flavor. Cook, covered, for about 5 minutes until fruit is soft. Strain. Bring to a boil. Simmer prepared peaches in this juice for 4 or 5 minutes, pack and process as above.

Pears

(yield: 2 to 2 1/2 pounds = 1 quart; 1 bushel = 25 to 28 quarts)

Can pears when they are very slightly under-ripe. Grade for uniformity. Work with enough fruit for 1 quart. Wash. Peel with a stainless steel knife. If pears are small, can whole, removing core with an apple corer. If they are large, cut in half and core. Drop them into a salt solution to prevent discoloring (1 table-spoon salt to 1 quart of water). Prepare a medium syrup of 1 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water; or 1/2 cup of sugar plus 1/2 cup of honey or syrup to 2 cups of water. Bring to boil. Allow 1 to 1 1/2 cups syrup for 1 quart. Simmer pears in the syrup 4 to 8 minutes, according to ripeness and size. Pack into hot sterile containers, cut side down, to within 1/2 inch from the top. Cover with boiling syrup. Seal according to lids used (see page 25). Process in the boiling-water bath for 20 minutes.

VARIATIONS: Add a few drops of mint extract and a little green coloring for minted pears; a piece of ginger root for a gingery flavor; or a few red cinnamon candies for spiciness.

Pineapple

(yield: 2, medium sized = 1 quart; 1 crate of 30 pineapples = 12 to 16 quarts)

COLD PACK. Select pineapples that are ripe, but not soft. Twist off top. Scrub. Cut crosswise into slices about 1/2 inch wide. Peel slices, removing eyes carefully. Trim and cut out core with a doughnut cutter if you wish to leave slices whole. Otherwise core and cut into convenient pieces. (Use peelings and cores for juice.) Pack into sterile jars. Cover to within I/2 inch from the top with a boiling hot thin or medium syrup of I cup of sugar to 2 or 3 cups of water; or 1/2cup sugar plus 1/2 cup corn syrup; or 1/2 cup sugar plus 1/2 cup honey to 2 cups of water. Allow about 1 cup of syrup to 1 quart jar. Seal according to lids used (see page 25). Process in boiling-water bath for 30 minutes.

[missingsleep]

What would I do without someone like you? [Nikolai/Price] | [One Chapter]

{BRIEF MENTION OF SEMICOLON TATTOO}

Link:

\\

Bullets swirled in the air. Some spun past Price while others hit the corner of the house he was using as cover. “Bloody fuck,” He cussed under his breath while he pulled out his pistol instead of reloading. They were in a tight spot. He didn’t have time for it.

“Captain,” Nikolai's voice came from behind him. Price jumped slightly as he pulled his body back behind the building. He then started to reload his gun.

Price was fumbling fucking hard right now. He was struggling to reload his gun. It took him like 5 times before he actually got the ammo in the damn thing. He took in a sharp breath before he responded, “Yeah, Nik?”

But that conversation was cut short when he was dragged around the corner and met with the face of another soldier that was a part of the Russian army.

Price elbowed the soldier in the stomach and went to use the blunt end of his gun to hit them with it but felt a sharp stabbing pain in his forearm. He knew it was a knife he didn’t even have to check.

Price assumed that the next bullet to hit the soldier in the head came from Nik. Even if it didn’t, he was glad because he had bigger problems to attend to right now. He ducked down behind a half wall to check the damage.

It was pretty damn bad. The knife was sharp and slid into his arm like a stick of butter. It was deep but he didn’t think it hit anything severe.

He pulled the knife out his arm, a stupid decision, he knows. Luckily, adrenaline was coursing through his body so he didn’t feel it for the most part. He was bleeding quite a lot though.

Except that's what he thought until the pain actually settled. Sure, adrenaline didn’t make it as bad as it actually was but it still fucking hurt. He grunted quietly to himself as his eyes darted around for a solution.

He ripped off a small piece of fabric from a nearby (dead) soldier and used that to wrap his own arm up. The mission was more important; he couldn't dwell on this for much longer.

He finally got the damn thing tied. It was hard to do with one hand, especially his left.

“Are you okay??” Nikolai asked, a firm hand going on Price’s shoulder. His tone had a hint of worry in it. It made Price crack a smile.

Price nodded, “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

A lie, but Nikolai seemed to believe him so he went along with it.

And that was that..

Price had honestly forgotten about the injury the longer the mission went on. Nobody asked why he had a random piece of fabric tied around his arm either. They were all focused on the mission and Price had gotten used to the pain.

By the time the mission was completed and Price was in the driver seat of one of the trucks driving his men back to their own base, his arm was stinging. It hurt like a bitch now that his adrenaline had faded. It was no longer wrapped with the fabric he had put on it. It had probably had come off when he wasn’t looking since he wasn’t exactly paying attention to it.

For the most part he focused on driving. He’s had worse so he shrugged it off despite the writhing pain he was in.

Nikolai had probably noticed both the blood and ripped part of Price’s sleeve because he grabbed Price’s arm and pulled it over the center console to take a closer look.

Price felt Nik’s gentle hands slip his blood-coated sleeve up to his elbow. Despite the light trace of his fingertips, it still made Price tense from the touch.

“Holy shit..! When did that happen??” Nikolai questioned as he turned away momentarily to search in the glove box. He pulled out a first aid kit and opened it.

Price simply shrugged and said, “Not sure,” He was lying, obviously. He knew exactly when and how it happened he just was too exhausted to say. He glanced over to Nik and saw he was dissatisfied with the response. Though, he didn’t push on it.

Nikolai kept quiet and wrapped Price’s arm up with normal bandages. Price glanced over and saw blood. Fucking wonderful. He was still bleeding. Though, it was to no surprise. The wound was pretty deep and it explained why it was still hurting so bad.

Regardless, the hands that worked over his skin made him shiver slightly. They were so tender with him.. it was strange. Then again, he didn’t get injured too terribly often. Maybe it was just weird to him to be taken care of by someone who wasn’t a medic.

Price wasn’t sure but he had to physically shut his mind up before he missed the turn to the base.

Nikolai tied the bandage off with a knot. The pressure on the wound caused Price to have to take in a sharp breath.

Nikolai then took Price’s hand in his own. He was careful not to touch his injury.. which Price took notice of. He thought it was sweet but he didn’t comment on it.

Price let his hand hold Nik’s loosely. His hand was still kind of weak due to his wound. The adrenaline did him wonders during that mission. Hell, now he could hardly hold Nik’s hand properly.

Sure, they weren’t together, but they would have their moments when they were touchy with one another. Price would be lying if he said he didn’t love every second of it. He cherished any time Nikolai sought out to touch him, even if it was something as simple as holding hands.

Finally, they all made it back to the base in one piece. The car ride felt long and dragged out. Way longer than how long it took to get prepped for the mission.

Price went to the medical department almost as soon as he got out of the truck. He knew he would’ve had to go even if he didn’t want to anyway.

Besides, he knew Nikolai would’ve wanted him to.

He had to get stitches. They honestly hurt like a bitch but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. He’s had worse.

When he was all stitched up, he went back to his office so he could start planning future missions.

It was about half an hour before Nikolai let himself in to check on Price. Price’s eyes were more focused on the notes he had written down.

Nikolai brushed his sleeve up and smiled softly when he saw the stitches. “I didn’t have to force you to go this time,” He said in a teasing tone. Price looked up at Nikolai and his heart basically fluttered a little. Nikolai was smiling. Price could tell that Nik actually was happy about this. It actually almost made Price tear up but he knew better than to cry in front of him.

Nik’s smile in turn made Price smile as well. Price loved Nikolai’s smile. The way it was slightly more skewed to one side rather than both. The way he laughed slightly every time he did. The way his teeth slightly poked through. It meant everything to Price…. God if this man knew the impact he had on him..

Nikolai then spoke again which broke Price free from his thoughts, “I’ve finally gotten you to listen to me, hm?”

Price chuckled as he lightly nudged Nikolai’s shoulder. He answered, “Not even close, I’m afraid.”

“Ah, hell. I’ll get you there one day.” Nikolai laughed.

Nik didn’t even notice how the way he was cupping Price’s arm was making Price feel. He had completely abandoned his planning to let Nikolai touch him.

And that was the very moment that he realized how gone he actually was for Nikolai. He knew he meant a lot to him but he didn’t think he had fallen in love with him. It was like he was just smacked in the face with realization.

“Why’re you looking at me like that?” Nikolai asked softly, releasing Price from the depths of his mind once again.

Price looked over Nikolai’s expression briefly before he glanced away. “..Like what?” He reluctantly asked, shifting his eyes back to meet with Nik’s.

Nikolai let out a soft ‘ha’ and looked back down at Price’s arm. He flipped his arm over and caught a glance of the semicolon tattoo that was on the side of Price’s wrist.

The way his expression fell told it all. This was the exact reason why Price didn’t want to get the damn tattoo in the first place.

Nikolai turned Price’s hand so he could see it completely. He brushed his thumb over it. He then grabbed a pen and drew a heart around it. “Glad you’re still here, captain.” He said in a light hearted town.

Price’s stomach felt like it was twisting up inside itself. It was in a good way — at least he assumed it was. But damn if it didn’t shatter his entire soul.

“It was a while ago. I’m fine now.” Price breathed out.

Nikolai nodded and smiled while his thumb continued in the same motion it was prior.

Sometimes when people saw the tattoo, they were way too overbearing. They would ask over and over if he was okay and it was irritating to all hell. ..But with Nik, it wasn’t like that. Price actually thought Nikolai’s reaction was cute. It wasn’t too much or too little. Just enough to show appreciation along with care without prying too much.

The silence carried on up until they locked eyes. The tension was fucking crazy. Price could feel every inch of it but he didn’t know what to do with it.

So, he let Nik take initiative.

But Nikolai didn’t do anything except look away awkwardly. He then stood up, his fingertips tracing as they slid off of Price’s arm. “Suppose I’ll let you finish your work then, hm?”

“Wait—” Price basically jumped up and grabbed Nikolai by his wrist. When their eyes met again Price exhaled heavily.

He had really done it now.

Price shuffled closer, gently resting his hands loosely on either side of Nik’s sides.

He was hesitant with his movement but Nikolai put a hand under Price’s jaw, his fingers brushing through his beard.

Thank god Nikolai hadn’t pushed him away. Call Price dramatic, but he probably would’ve put a round in his head if he had.

Nik kissed him. It was exactly what Price was aiming for but even then it still felt completely unreal. It only lasted a couple of seconds but it felt like forever.

The way Nik’s lips smushed against his own was so… euphoric in a way.

“Mm. Bold of you.” Nikolai hummed once they separated from one another. He started to walk out the door while he said, “See ya later, Cap.”

Price couldn’t help but smile.

[curator-on-ao3]

Do you still do the request thing? :) If so, here is my idea:

"Because you are alive, everything is possible." + Narissa (Surprise surprise ;p)

If not, no problem! Have a great day ♥

I am deeply honored, @wafflingchemist, that you asked me to write something for this character that means so much to you. 💕 I hope you like the result. 🤞

For those who prefer AO3:

For those who prefer to read here:

———

Note: Hat tip to Orum, the Romulan former Borg in the Voyager episode “Unity.”

Reawakened

A heartbeat is innate, unquestioned.

But as her mind climbs from slumber toward wakefulness — slowly, slowly — the rhythm that fuels Narissa’s lifeblood has changed, found calm.

Her eyes open.

The xB Hugh looks down at her, ringed by other xBs — abominations, things, not people, their thick boots on the hard floor she pushes herself up from, her newfound heartbeat quickening, her fingers grasping for a weapon at her waist that isn’t there.

“I disarmed you.” The xB Hugh’s mismatched eyes seem to assess her. “I’ll admit to some doubts over whether to save your life. But I knew the healing power of nanoprobes, plus some neuroelectric isopulses, could fix your cellular degradation and injuries. So the group of us discussed it and decided to go ahead — after making sure you didn’t have the means to try to kill anyone else.”

That’s right. She killed the xB Hugh — clearly not permanently. And … and the xB Seven pushed her into the chasm within the cube, Narissa’s arms and legs drifting upward as she fell, air rushing past her cheeks, her last thoughts of Ramdha and the fear that Narek wouldn’t care for her properly.

And now Narissa stands at the bottom of the chasm, strong, unafraid. She’ll find Ramdha — a broken woman on a broken cube — and they’ll escape. But xBs are in the way, so Narissa’s fists curl, ready to fight, but … what’s wrong with Narissa’s right fist?

She looks at her hand.

Silver tubules are spiderwebbed down each of her fingers, gleaming technology that crisscrosses her knuckles and curls around her wrist before dipping delicately into her forearm.

“As I said,” the xB Hugh stands in front of her, firm, unwavering, “the same nanoprobes that saved my life saved yours. You’re not Borg — no connection to the hive mind. But Borg technology is the reason you’re alive right now, and it can — not always, but sometimes — leave after-effects.”

Narissa is part synthetic.

She could try to tear the silvery exoskeleton from her hand.

But the concept is as repugnant as removing an actual hand.

No, this can’t be what Narissa has become. She’s worked for too many years to protect the galaxy, to heed the warning of the Admonition … the warning … the warning wasn’t meant for organic minds, her nanoprobe-enhanced brain can decode the messages more clearly now, the fear of organics, not synthetics, and the solution is to live together.

This isn’t a trick.

This isn’t a lie.

For the first time … ever … the truth is clear.

Narissa’s index fingers — Borg on one side, Romulan on the other — press to her temples because it’s too much information too quickly, a lifetime of learned beliefs to untangle from misinformation, paranoia, and fear.

The xB Hugh extends his hand, a human gesture of greeting and trust.

Narissa does not want to shake his hand.

She should shake his hand. He saved her life, which has given her insights that she lacked.

But she does not want to shake his hand.

“It’s …” Narissa’s voice is different — lower, more gentle, “it’s not possible to stop hating in an instant.”

The xB Hugh … no, just Hugh … doesn’t pull back his hand. “Because you are alive, everything is possible. Even if it takes time.”

And Narissa, whose heartbeat for so long was fueled by disgust and dread for any form of synthetic life, may not be ready to shake Hugh’s hand today.

But she can see how one day, perhaps soon, she will.

———

Send me an ask with character(s) and a prompt and I’ll do my best to write a lively ficlet for you. ❤️

✨ All prompted Picard ficlets are also available on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/43315549/chapters/108880510 ✨

[gendervapor14]

01746 birthday bash ~ day five ~ chapter 50: hopeless

content warnings: heavy angst, alcoholism word count: 577 words brief summary: my take on my favorite scene in law's backstory: rosinante breaking down in tears the night before he becomes just "cora".

happy birthday 01746. my sweet little fucked up story. i can't believe i created you. ♥

Crickets droned on. Law snored softly. Every page was a blur. The sea, the sky, it was all merging together.

Ten hospitals. Six months. All of it, equivalent to nothing.

The fire before him was crackling low, on its way to self-extinguishing. Still hot enough to render paper to ash, little orange worms of hot ember dancing along tattered edges. Lazily, his hand rustled around within the roomy pockets of his coat for any pages left behind. He hardly skimmed them before tossing them in.

“Enemy.” burned quickly. Of course the World Government tainted hospitals. I can’t believe how desperate they are.

“We needed a better plan.” was gobbled up eagerly by hungry flame. So inclined to cover up their own horrible misdeeds, they purposely miseducated trained professionals. People who are trusted with life itself.

“Marines.” fluttered into the fire.  I’ll never wear that justice coat again.

With a defeated belch, Rosinante stared at the sleeping snail planted on top of a stack of sea charts. Receiver firm in hand, anyway. “I wouldn’t pick up if I were you, either. I promised I wasn’t going to do anything stupid.” He mumbled, “Then I quit my mission for half a year. Never called, never looked for you.”

For a moment, he waited for a reply that would never come. Hung his head and let his heavy eyelids flutter shut. “I did exactly what I said I wouldn’t do anymore. I disappeared.”

The receiver hit the dirt without a sound. His hands fisted around the book of sea charts in his lap. His brother’s beloved sea charts. The solution, he thought, the diamond in the rough. He tore out a handful of pages and whipped them over the cliff’s edge, towards the sea. Ancient maps tore and fluttered in the wind until they clung to the surface of the water. Slowly breaking down, deteriorating.

And then, he downed the rest of that sweet bottle of white wine. The bottle he saved for months now, the cure bottle. The celebration bottle. Tasted bitter as hell.

What the hell am I doing…? I’m completely isolated now, forcing this poor kid to relive his horrible childhood, over and over again. I might as well have crucified him outside a church and lit a match. He stared at the blurring waves, legs folded up, moonlight turning dark feathers a glistening violet. His sickness is only getting worse. It’s not even the will of D driving me anymore. I don’t care about that anymore. I’m not sure I ever did.

When he dies, then what, Rosinante? What purpose do you have? You’ve turned your back on your family, blood and otherwise. There’s nothing left.

An aftershock of rage coursed through him. He swayed up to his feet, shoulders trembling. Threw the empty bottle against the rocky surface, hard, internally delighted with the sprinkle of glass, the shattering echo. The heat prickled then, sparked up from his sternum, clogged his throat, his nose. His eyes. I just…I feel so sorry for this damn kid. He’s got Flevance under his skin, his family’s death in his eyes, and my brother’s wretched strings tangled around every limb. He needs help, but it just seems so impossible…and if I give up…if I do nothing…he’s going to become just as miserably dangerous as Doflamingo. But what am I supposed to do? Love didn’t save Sengoku, Tsuru, or Sora from my stupidity. Love won't save Law from White Lead Disease.

read the full story here ♥

previous entry here!

[vavuska]

Two similar books about similar themes: Final Girls by Riley Sager and The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.

The biggest differences between the two is its approach to the horrors which created their respective Final Girls:

Riley Sager creates his own horrors, even if he cherry picked elements from the genre, those elements are based in realistic setting;

Grady Hendrix made his monsters variations on famous cinematic slashers translated into a more believable world.

Also there is a vast difference between their protagonist and the way in which they coped the horrors they survived:

Grady Hendrix's Lynette has deep in paranoia: she lives in fortress of an apartment, cut-off from all but the support group and constantly paranoid at the threat of death around her at all times. She also feels unwelcome in her support group, because the others don't regard her as a real “final girl” but merely a victim who survived;

Riley Sager's Quincy is trying her damn best to lead a sunny, cheery, normal life, and thanks to Xanax and grape soda, she is largely successful. She hosts growing baking vlog and has a loving fiancée who is moving upward at his law firm.

Which I enjoyed more?

Definitely Final Girls by Riley Sager!

The story is more original, even if I loved to recognize the famous horror movies in Grady Hendrix's book, I think this is a lazy solution;

I found Quincy more likable than Lynette. Both have problems trusting others and asking for helps, but Quincy denial of her trauma is more easy to read. Lynette's desire of being accepted and her maniacal search for help into people have mistreated her since the beginning is really annoying;

Even if the book seems to be slow, it's revelations doesn't seems as casual, chaotic and unpredictable as happens in Grady Hendrix's book, and at the end you will find your jaw on the floor.

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Streamline Your Operations with an Online Record Management System | Stockholding DMS 

Stockholding DMS offers a streamlined system that is designed to efficiently organize and maintain documents. With Stockholding DMS, businesses can securely store, retrieve, and manage their files in a centralized digital repository. This system ensures quick access to critical information, facilitates seamless collaboration among teams, and enhances overall productivity. Whether for legal firms needing secure document handling or businesses seeking a reliable archival solution, Stockholding DMS provides a robust platform. Simplify your document management with our online record management system, ensuring compliance and accessibility for all your organizational needs. 

Visit our website to know more: https://stockholdingdms.com/record-management-solution.php 

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The Benefits Of Cloud Video Surveillance Cloud Storage

Video Surveillance Cloud Storage Discover how to use cloud-based video surveillance, which offers safe, scalable, and flexible video recording, to improve business surveillance.

Property owners have security as one of their top worries. An essential strategy to reduce potential criminal activity is to install signs, locks, alarms, and other intrusion prevention systems.

Video surveillance is a full security element that allows property owners to continuously monitor their properties for potential criminal activity. With advanced video monitoring, theft can be prevented, vandalism can be stopped, and general public safety can be raised. The installation of cameras reduces the risk of violent crimes such as assaults.

Cameras can be expensive and difficult to maintain, even if they are a great solution for property owners. This is where cloud-based video surveillance comes into its own.

What Is Video Surveillance Management Using the Cloud? Online access to records and live feeds is available to users of cloud-based video surveillance systems. With this configuration, it’s easy to keep an eye on your home from anywhere.

Users will find it easy to pinpoint individual instances so they can bring criminal charges against those responsible when adopting cloud-managed video surveillance for their security needs.

Cloud Based Security Cameras? When Video Surveillance Cloud Storage is carried out using the stream is directed over the internet. This routing could make the data available to unapproved parties. This prospect has led some to speculate that cloud-based video surveillance systems are not safe.

By managing their cloud-based video surveillance systems well, users can actually strengthen the security of their setup. By putting in place the proper IT support solutions, property owners may protect their security systems from vulnerabilities.

Is video surveillance cloud storage Capable of Holding CCTV Video? CCTV (closed-circuit television) feeds are usually designed as closed-loop systems directed towards a single location. It’s thought that their security includes this route. It’s not always necessary to transmit CCTV feeds to a single location, though.

Video Surveillance Cloud Storage allows for the safe archiving of CCTV footage. CCTV owners may protect their property from anywhere in the world by keeping a comprehensive backup of all of their footage on cloud servers.

Cloud based video surveillance system Most large firms consider investing in video surveillance as a necessary measure to safeguard themselves from potential criminal activity and to obtain liability coverage in the event of an accident. Enterprise businesses may protect their important assets using cloud surveillance without having to pay more for unnecessary overhead.

A cloud video surveillance system can assist decision-makers in analyzing events and offering a safer working environment to their team members.

Enterprise firms need to be prepared for a variety of scenarios. With a completely managed video surveillance system, businesses may design strong security measures with a range of features.

Cloud video surveillance Property owners encounter many challenges with the surveillance systems in place today. These outdated systems may contribute to continuous criminal activities and property damage or theft.

Notifications, remote access, online storage, and other functionalities are frequently absent from current systems. To operate effectively, they also need a substantial time and financial commitment. It takes expertise, which many users might not have, to determine the extent of a property’s security needs and how to fill in the gaps.

By installing cloud-based video surveillance systems across your property, you may overcome a number of these difficulties.

Benefits of cloud video surveillance Cloud Based Video Surveillance

Businesses and landowners can reduce crime using cloud video surveillance. The extra security will deter criminals from committing crimes that could be recorded.

A cloud-based video surveillance system has many advantages. In addition to being more reliable, they offer extra security and accessibility features for managers and administrators. They are more reliable and offer added security and accessibility features for managers and administrators.

Cloud Video Surveillance Distant Dependability Continuous access to surveillance systems for event monitoring and necessary action taking is one of cloud video surveillance’s main advantages.

Users can successfully protect their property from criminal activity without a local feed by using remote assistance solutions. There is a lot of versatility with this configuration when it comes to watching and saving feeds for later use.

Cloud Storage Video Surveillance Increased Vigilance and Security

Traditional video surveillance systems have certain security-related drawbacks, despite being an excellent option for managers and property owners looking to lower crime rates. Local video streams are physically accessible to everyone and need continuous monitoring.

Without having to spend money on local systems, customers of cloud-managed video surveillance can enjoy the best security and monitoring options. With this method, visibility is increased without incurring extra expenses.

A Higher Level of Data Security It is imperative to consider the full lifecycle of security considerations. Although some may view using Video Surveillance Cloud Storage for video surveillance as a dangerous alternative, it gives customers complete control over their online security.

All stakeholders may more easily access and manage their data with the help of cloud-managed video surveillance architecture. This configuration improves data security while lowering the risk associated with data sharing over a network for companies and landowners.

Simple To Use Users of conventional video surveillance systems can only access and monitor their feeds from one particular location. Though it may increase security, this configuration makes it more challenging to view feeds and make critical decisions.

Users may easily access their files on any device and from any location with Video Surveillance Cloud Storage for video monitoring. Property owners who wish to see and record from their security systems at any time of day may do so with the help of managed cloud storage solutions, which offer strong tools, platforms, and support.

Data Openness Encouraging lawful action requires an understanding of the origins, storage, and use of data. If a person or company needs to file a lawsuit following an occurrence, this strategy offers them some clout.

Verifying the authenticity of videos is more difficult with a standard surveillance system since it is more difficult to determine who has seen or copied a stream.

Video Surveillance Cloud Storage allows property owners to monitor people and digital assets while ensuring that recordings and live feeds are utilized for authorized purposes. To guarantee that data is handled properly, outsourced video surveillance solutions offer user management and authentication features.

Adaptable Storage The requirement for more resources, staff, and equipment for larger-scale installations is one of the main issues with conventional video surveillance systems.

An increase in expenditure is necessary for more cameras, support systems, and storage. It may be challenging for a small-to-midsized company to scale and grow profitably because to this bloat.

For property owners without the resources or time to invest in pricey security systems, Video Surveillance Cloud Storage is a potent answer. Companies in need of expandable storage can now get the newest features for their video surveillance requirements thanks to online digital asset management and security capabilities.

Utilising Live Cloud for Cloud Based Video Surveillance Are you trying to find your company the greatest cloud based video surveillance system? For companies wishing to expand their security infrastructures, Seagate’s Live Cloud provides affordable object storage that takes away the obstacles.

When there are committed experts ready to handle all of your cloud-based video surveillance needs, don’t waste time and money trying to solve the problem yourself.

You can protect your digital security assets by utilising the data economy with Live Cloud. Their business continuity framework simplifies your multi-cloud approach by taking away its complications.

Seagate has developed an effective security framework for people and companies interested in video surveillance by utilising the capabilities of their SkyHawk, Exos, and Nytro SSDs. You can be certain that all of your important company data is protected with their Exos enterprise storage systems.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

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Unlocking Efficiency and Flexibility: The Benefits of Cloud Court Reporting

Cloud court reporting is revolutionizing the legal industry, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility. This article explores the myriad benefits of transitioning to cloud-based court reporting services, highlighting how they streamline the deposition process, improve collaboration, and enhance overall productivity for legal professionals.

Seamless Access Anytime, Anywhere

One of the most significant advantages of cloud court reporting is its accessibility. By storing deposition transcripts and related documents in the cloud, legal teams can securely access them from any location with an internet connection. This flexibility enables attorneys to review case materials on-the-go, whether they're in the office, at home, or traveling.

Real-Time Collaboration and Communication

Cloud-based court reporting platforms facilitate real-time collaboration among legal teams, court reporters, and clients. Attorneys can easily share deposition transcripts, exhibits, and annotations with colleagues, experts, and clients, fostering efficient communication and decision-making. Additionally, cloud platforms often offer features such as instant messaging and video conferencing, further enhancing teamwork and coordination.

Enhanced Security and Data Protection

Contrary to common misconceptions, cloud-based court reporting services prioritize security and data protection. Leading providers employ robust encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive legal information stored in the cloud. Moreover, cloud platforms frequently undergo rigorous security audits and compliance assessments to ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards.

Streamlined Deposition Processes

Cloud court reporting streamlines the entire deposition process, from scheduling and transcript production to distribution and archiving. Attorneys can easily schedule depositions online, track the status of transcripts in real-time, and receive notifications when new documents are available. Automated features, such as keyword search functionality and exhibit linking, expedite document review and facilitate case preparation.

Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

Cloud-based court reporting services offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional court reporting methods. By eliminating the need for physical transcript storage and maintenance, law firms can significantly reduce overhead expenses associated with paper-based deposition management. Additionally, cloud platforms typically operate on a subscription-based model, allowing firms to scale their usage according to their evolving needs.

Environmental Sustainability

Embracing Court Recording Solutions aligns with broader sustainability initiatives within the legal profession. By transitioning from paper-based deposition processes to digital workflows, law firms can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to conservation efforts. Furthermore, cloud-based platforms eliminate the consumption of paper, ink, and other resources associated with traditional court reporting methods.

Cloud court reporting offers a transformative solution for modern legal practices seeking to streamline their deposition processes, enhance collaboration, and optimize productivity. By leveraging cloud-based platforms, legal professionals can access deposition transcripts and related documents anytime, anywhere, while benefiting from enhanced security, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. As the legal industry continues to embrace digital transformation, cloud court reporting stands out as a cornerstone technology, empowering legal teams to adapt to evolving demands and achieve greater efficiency and success.

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Turn Heads in Limited Athletics Jerseys

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