#efficient talent acquisition

[trufynd01]

Explore how TruFynd Recruitment Agency’s RPO services can transform your talent acquisition process. Learn about the benefits of outsourcing recruitment and how it helps businesses save time, reduce costs, and secure top-tier talent.

[kaushalkumar1711]

Why Recruitment Agencies in Mumbai Are Key to Finding Quality Candidates?

Recruitment agencies in Mumbai are essential for finding quality candidates in today’s competitive job market. These agencies have access to a vast network of skilled professionals and provide tailored hiring solutions to meet specific business needs. With their expertise in industry trends and efficient recruitment strategies, they save companies time and resources while ensuring the right fit for every role. Partnering with a trusted agency like New Horizon simplifies the hiring process, helping businesses connect with top talent effortlessly. For more information visit Why Recruitment Agencies in Mumbai Are Key to Finding Quality Candidates?

[bizionictechnologies]

Let Bizionic ease your HR burden with our comprehensive services! 💼🌟

Outsource your payroll, attendance tracking, onboarding & more to focus on what truly matters. 💸⏰

Contact us at https://www.bizionictech.com/hire for a seamless HR experience! ✉️🤝

[sirrista]

Strategic Advisory and Support for Growth Companies

Strategic advisory serves as a guiding compass for growth companies, helping them navigate challenges, make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities. At Sirrista, we understand that each growth company has its unique vision, goals, and market dynamics. Our strategic advisors work closely with companies to assess their current position, identify growth drivers, and formulate tailored strategies to unlock their potential.

Click here to read full article: https://sirrista.com/blog/strategic-advisory-and-support-for-growth-companies-empowering-success-with-sirrista

[whumpbug]

GUYS IT'S TIME. i now introduce.....

THE SCARAB CREW!!!!!! 𓆣𓆣

(scarab is the name of the ship they are all on do you guys get it. because. whumbug. beetle. scarab. the ship is shaped like a beetle--okay im done)

the vibes/tropes are: sci-fi/space fantasy, dysfunction junction, found family, accidental child acquisition, AND MORE!!!

HUGE thank you to @lemlem21 for listening to me Yap about them and helping me iron out a lot of the details!!! also for recoloring some of the skincolors!!!!

i apologize in advance. this is a long post. please please feel free to ask questions because this can get confusing. there are 6 characters all with complex traits and names so please ask me for clarification if you need it! i apologize for all the reading guys (˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥⋆)

OKAY! ONTO MY SPACE SILLIES! they are Everything to me.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

THE EXPEDITION PROGRAM (TEP):

okay just before i start, i want to briefly explain why all these people are together on a ship.

in this universe, theres a central government that spans across many planets in neighboring star systems. this is known as the Provinces of the Allied Galactic Empire (PAGE). this is the explored and "civilized" part of the galaxy.

recently, there have been more attacks on PAGE-affiliated planets and systems from the unexplored galaxy (known as the Outer Sector, or just Outsec in shorthand) and PAGE intends to get to the bottom of it.

and that's where Scarab Crew comes in! multiple teams were formed of people with exceptional talents in their species/planets and were sent on multi-year long exploratory missions under the name The Expedition Program (TEP). the scarabs are one team of many!

TEP's goal is to record and report all that they find as well as identify threats and/or the planets responible for the attacks. they are to come back with information and new technology that would make PAGE stronger and more well-rounded!

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

NOW ONTO THE SILLIES!! i used different picrws for each of them to match their Vibe

(also i added pronounciation guides to the best of my abilities i hope it helps im sorry in advance)

✮⋆˙

Captain Nieven Alaric (Nee-ven Ah-la-rik)

pronouns: he/him

role: captain/leader/correspondence with PAGE

planet of origin:  Asto’is (species: Asto’isian)

age and height: late '30s to early '40s / 6 ft. 0 in.

description: the competent, calculated, and and cold head of The Scarab. he was a well-off government official before TEP, but unfortunately, he lost his family in an attack by Outsec rogues. he is a man hardened by life and unwilling to get attached to others again and because of this, is very efficient when it comes to running his ship. still, efficiency is not always the most important thing when it comes to leading a team. this is something nieven must learn.

species-specific traits: horns on the top of the head-- very interconnected with the central nervous system. decorated as a sign of age and/or accomplishment. also, asto'isians have pointy teeth! they are carnivores!

✮⋆˙

Hari Khurana (Huh-ree Ku-rahna)

pronouns: relaxed he/him

role: engineer/medic/chemist

planet of origin:  Earth (species: Homo Sapien)

age and height: mid to late '30s / 6 ft. 2 in.

description: a simple human that started from the bottom. hari grew up in a trailer park, raised by his older sister when his father worked 3 jobs to put food on the table. since he was little, it was known he was a genius when it came to stem subjects. into adulthood, he excelled in every stem job he took on. still, no one expected him to get singled out when TEP was recruiting. aside from his smarts, hari is cheeky, sly, a bit of a Bastard™ but he also has tremendously big heart. he's passionate about what he does, no matter how hard it can be for him sometimes.

species-specific traits: despite his brains, hari is... a defective human. due to malnourishment as a child, he has a plethora of health problems that worry his team to no end. some include: asthma, lactose intolerance, allergies to many foods, marie antoinette syndrome, POTS, among others. he is also a below-the-knee amputee on his left leg due to an accident in his teens.

✮⋆˙

Nylathrania (Nyla) Qifir (Nye-lah-trah-nya Kee-feer)

pronouns: she/her

role: pilot/navigator

planet of origin: Harye (species: Haryen)

age and height: mid '20s / 5 ft. 7 in.

description: the haryan are an extremely superstitious, winged race that place an extreme importance on flight. when a child was born with in inability to even lift her wings because of nerve damage, you can imagine it did not bode well. nyla was passed around from household to household with no place to call home. she wants to prove herself to her homeland by becoming the most successful pilot in TEP with her pride and joy of a ship, The Scarab, but even that will never make her good enough for her people, and consequently, herself.

species-specific traits: the bat-like wings and short horns are trademarks of the haryen people. unlike nieven's, nyla's horns are simply bony-keratin structures as extra protection for her brain. her wings are a bit smaller than other haryen's due to muscle atrophy.

✮⋆˙

Ytzel (Zel) Mixca (Ee-tsel Micsh-cka)

pronouns: relaxed she/her

role: gunsman/conflict strategist

planet of origin: Huelxa (species: Huelxcan)

age and height: mid '20s / 5 ft. 4 in.

description: born to a planet of war, zel grew up around bloodshed and violence throughout her life. in her culture, getting close to people was discouraged becasue you never knew who would be on the other side of the next civil war. she was often forced to fight her siblings and friends (to an extreme level) as a test of strength, so she comes off as abrasive and rude because violence makes her feel in control. it's a familiar pattern. she hasn't yet learned that love does not need to be painful.

species-specific traits: the huelxcan actually have a second pair of arms! these arms sit slightly more towards her back, in the middle of her rib cage. the huelxcan people also have evolved with enhanced hearing, and wear accessories on the ears to enhance it further.

✮⋆˙

Vin’ri (Vinny) L’aoh (Vin-ree Luh-ow)

pronouns: they/them

role: scribe/recorder/photographer

planet of origin: Z’edin (species: Z’edinra)

age and height: late teens (17-19) / 5 ft. 9 in.

description: vinny is heralded as the voice of reason when tensions are high amongst the rest of the crew. they are level-headed and approachable, making them an instrumental member of the team. but their secret? they're so lonely. in their culture, it's customary to stop being affectionate with children when they reach about 14 to encourage growth and independence. vinny didn't have a problem with this at first, but now that they're so far from home? they feel the need for comfort more than they'd like to admit.

species-specific traits: the z’edinra all have a prehensile tail that is about an armspan in length. it is capable of grasping, and can hold their body weight. also, z'edin is an ice planet which leads vinny to be prone to overheating in even mildly warm environments quite easily

✮⋆˙

Ren "Alaric" (Rehn Ah-la-rick)

pronouns: he/him

role: healer/newest member (not with scarab crew initially)

planet of origin: Siea W5M (species: Amb’toman)

age and height: about 7 years old / 4 ft. 3 in.

description: ren's parent's were killed when he was only 4, and he was taken to Seia W5M to be sold as a commodity-- his species is sought after for their abilities. he was under the ownership of a man for a few years before he escaped and has been on the run ever since. he covers his eyes with a blindfold to conceal the signature trait of amb'tomans-- white scleras lacking a cornea. because of his years blindfolded, light tends to overwhelm him. he is skittish, flighty, and in need of people who will take care of and love him.

species-specific traits: the amb'toman are a desert-dwelling species that evolved healing abilities to cope with the harsh climate. the short version of how the abilities work is essentially: people spend a certain amount of energy to heal themselves of injury or illness. ren can spend that energy all at once on himself or another person to heal them exponetially faster. the draw back is gets extremely sleepy after healing, and tends to be unable to stay awake

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

RELATIONSHIPS: ask me about them!!! there are Some romantic relationships but i also love platonic and familial relationships so ask about whoever you'd like! i'm aiming to start the story early on to when they first meet so it'll be fun to develop their relationships as i write!!

PICREWS: 1 2 3 4 5 6

BONUS: here is all their height differences (ren is itty bitty guys)

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

and that's it!!! thank you SO much if you've read to the end, it honestly means so much. and like i said before please please PLEASE dont be afraid to ask as many questions as you want (about specific scarabs, or the crew as a whole but just know if its the crew it might not be as detailed because. theres 6 of them.) these characters can get confusing and i want to make as easy of a reading experience as i can!

i hope you enjoy my little passion project and im so excited to develop these sillies further!! (✿◦’ᴗ˘◦)♡

tagging: @sethlost and @mellowwhumps (≧▽≦)

[rideboomindia]

How could Malhi's, the founder of RideBoom experience, help EV manufacturers address their operational challenges?

Malhi's experience scaling RideBoom could provide valuable insights to help EV manufacturers address several key operational challenges:

Supply Chain Management:

As RideBoom grew, Malhi likely had to navigate the complexities of securing reliable suppliers, managing inventory, and optimizing logistics.

This experience could help EV manufacturers improve their own supply chain resilience and efficiency.

Manufacturing Scaling:

Ramping up production to meet growing demand is a major operational hurdle for EV makers.

Malhi's firsthand knowledge of the challenges and best practices around scaling manufacturing operations could be beneficial.

Quality Control and Continuous Improvement:

Maintaining quality and driving ongoing process improvements are critical for EV manufacturers.

Malhi may have developed effective strategies and processes for quality management that could be applied.

Talent Acquisition and Team Building:

Recruiting, training, and retaining the right talent is essential for scaling an EV business.

Malhi's experience building and leading the RideBoom team could provide insights on effective talent management.

Technology Integration and Innovation:

Leveraging the latest technologies is key for EV manufacturers to stay competitive.

Malhi may have valuable knowledge on evaluating, adopting, and optimizing new technologies based on RideBoom's experience.

Customer Service and Satisfaction:

Ensuring a positive customer experience is crucial for EV manufacturers.

Malhi's direct customer-facing experience could inform strategies to enhance customer service and support.

By drawing on Malhi's practical scaling expertise, EV manufacturers may be able to more effectively address their own operational challenges, improve efficiency, and enhance their overall competitiveness in the market.

[smartrecruitingtips]

Global Talent Acquisition in Emerging Markets: Unlocking Innovative Talent Pools

Global talent acquisition has become essential for businesses striving to maintain competitiveness and drive innovation. However, expanding internationally brings its own set of challenges. Companies often face difficulties in navigating complex legal requirements, managing remote teams effectively across different time zones, and ensuring cultural alignment within diverse workforces. These challenges can impede efficiency, delay growth initiatives, and strain resources.

To help companies and organizations with the nitty-gritty of the global hiring process, Rubii offers a solution that addresses these critical issues through tailored solutions that optimize global talent acquisition processes. By leveraging advanced technologies and industry expertise, and streamlines the recruitment journey from candidate sourcing to onboarding, ensuring swift and compliant hiring across borders.

In this article, you will learn more on what are the common challenges of global talent acquisition for companies, and how Rubii can help you out.

Click here to read more on how Global Talen Acquisitions can help your business: https://rubii.com/blog/global-talent-acquisition-strategies

[consultadd]

Why Local Staffing Agencies Can Be Your Best Resource for Finding Talent

Finding the right talent for your company is crucial to ensuring long-term success. Whether you're looking for temporary help or permanent hires, local staffing agencies can be an invaluable resource in streamlining your recruitment process. Local staffing agencies near you are especially equipped to understand the nuances of the regional job market and can connect you with top-tier candidates quickly and efficiently. In this blog, we'll explore why working with staffing agencies near me is an excellent strategy for finding the right talent for your business.

What Makes Local Staffing Agencies the Best Resource for Finding Talent?

There are numerous benefits to partnering with staffing agencies near me, particularly when it comes to hiring the right candidates for your business needs. Here’s why you should consider working with a local staffing agency:

In-Depth Knowledge of the Local Market Local staffing agencies are highly attuned to the specific job market in your area. They understand regional labor trends, salary expectations, and the most popular skills that candidates bring to the table. Their deep knowledge helps you find qualified candidates who are a perfect match for your job requirements, all within the local talent pool.

Faster Hiring Process Staffing agencies near you already have an established network of pre-screened candidates. This means they can save you significant time by presenting qualified candidates faster than if you were to search for talent on your own. Whether you're looking to fill temporary positions or permanent roles, local staffing agencies have the resources to expedite the hiring process.

Access to Specialized Talent If your company requires specialized talent, staffing agencies near me can help you find candidates with the specific skills you're looking for. Whether you need technical expertise, project managers, or industry-specific professionals, staffing agencies often have access to a pool of candidates with niche skills that might be hard to find through traditional hiring methods.

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving Using a local staffing agency can reduce recruitment costs in the long run. Instead of spending your own time and money on advertising job openings, screening applicants, and conducting interviews, staffing agencies handle all these steps for you. By leaving the recruitment process to professionals, you can focus on your business while ensuring you find the right fit quickly.

How Staffing Agencies Can Help With H1B Talent Acquisition

Hiring international talent is a great way to bring diverse skills and perspectives into your company. One of the most common visa types for international professionals is the H1B visa, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. If you are looking to hire H1B visa holders, staffing agencies near me can play a key role in navigating the complexities of the H1B application process.

Expertise in H1B Visa Sponsorship: Many staffing agencies have experience working with H1B visa candidates and are familiar with the sponsorship process. They can help you understand the requirements and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly.

Access to International Talent: Staffing agencies often have a global network and can connect you with qualified H1B candidates who have the skills you need. Whether you're looking to hire for technical roles, engineering positions, or other specialized occupations, staffing agencies near me can help you tap into a broader talent pool.

Corp to Corp Staffing Solutions: A Flexible Approach to Hiring

If you're a business looking for flexible staffing options, Corp to Corp Staffing Solutions can be a smart choice. This model involves working with other companies or independent contractors instead of hiring full-time employees. Here’s how local staffing agencies can assist with Corp to Corp staffing:

Flexibility: Corp to Corp staffing solutions allow you to bring in skilled professionals for specific projects or periods without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time employees. This flexibility is ideal for short-term assignments, specialized projects, or seasonal work.

Specialized Skill Sets: If your company requires expertise in a specific area for a temporary period, Corp to Corp staffing allows you to access highly skilled contractors who can hit the ground running without needing extensive training or onboarding.

Reduced Risk: By using staffing agencies near me, you can mitigate the risks associated with direct hiring. Since the staffing agency manages the contractor’s employment terms, you have fewer administrative responsibilities, which can save your company time and resources.

Scalability: As your business grows or as you take on more projects, Corp to Corp staffing solutions allow you to scale your workforce quickly without having to go through the hiring process for full-time employees. This scalability is especially valuable for businesses experiencing fluctuating demand.

Why Local Staffing Agencies Can Help You Find H1B Talent and Beyond

The need for international talent is growing, and hiring H1B workers can offer your company a competitive advantage. Staffing agencies near me can help you navigate the complexities of recruiting H1B candidates, ensuring you meet all visa requirements while securing top talent. By working with a staffing agency, you can streamline the process of bringing skilled professionals into your company without the headache of managing the visa process yourself.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for specialized skill sets, seeking international talent, or searching for flexibility through Corp to Corp staffing, local staffing agencies near me are the perfect resource to help you find the right candidates. With their deep understanding of the local market, faster recruitment processes, and expertise in handling H1B and Corp to Corp solutions, these agencies are an invaluable tool for your business. By partnering with a trusted staffing agency, you can save time, reduce costs, and build a stronger, more efficient team.

FAQs

1. How can staffing agencies near me help with H1B talent?Staffing agencies near you have expertise in managing the H1B visa process. They can help identify qualified H1B candidates and ensure that the required paperwork is properly filed for sponsorship.

2. What is the advantage of using Corp to Corp Staffing Solutions?Corp to Corp staffing provides businesses with flexibility, access to specialized talent, and scalability without the commitment of full-time hires. It’s ideal for short-term projects or temporary work needs.

3. Are staffing agencies near me able to find remote workers?Yes, many staffing agencies can help you find remote workers as well as local talent. They can connect you with candidates who can work from anywhere, depending on your business needs.

4. How long does it take to hire through staffing agencies near me?The timeline varies depending on the type of position and the agency’s resources. However, since staffing agencies already have a pool of pre-screened candidates, they can typically fill positions faster than traditional hiring methods.

5. Can I use staffing agencies for temporary staffing needs?Yes, staffing agencies specialize in providing temporary staffing solutions, whether you need short-term workers for specific projects or to cover seasonal demands.

[socialroots-ai]

Our Nonprofit Recruitment Software simplifies the recruiting process with advanced AI features, helping you find the right volunteers and mentors efficiently.

Key Features of Our Talent Acquisition Software:

Centralized Smart Dashboard for easy tracking

Quickly create,review and modify job descriptions for clarity

Efficient applicant monitoring with the Job Hiring Tracker

Bulk Resume Upload feature for managing applications

Interview Score Tracker for effective candidate evaluation

To Request a Free Demo: https://www.socialroots.ai/

[peopleequations]

People Equations: Transforming HR Solutions for the Modern Workforce

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, human resources (HR) departments face a myriad of challenges—navigating remote workforces, ensuring compliance with changing regulations, and managing diverse teams, to name a few. People Equations, an innovative HR solutions company, is here to help businesses effectively manage their workforce, streamline processes, and foster a productive, compliant, and engaged work environment.

At People Equations, we understand that the key to a successful organization is its people. Our goal is to equip companies with the tools, strategies, and technology they need to ensure that their HR operations run smoothly, enabling them to focus on their core business objectives. This blog will delve into how People Equations stands out in the HR industry and the key services we offer to our clients.

Our Vision: Empowering Businesses with Human-Centered Solutions

At People Equations, we believe that people are the most valuable asset of any organization. Our mission is to provide human-centered HR solutions that address both the administrative and strategic aspects of workforce management. From automating routine tasks to offering guidance on strategic workforce planning, we create solutions that enable businesses to focus on their growth while ensuring their employees are supported, motivated, and aligned with company goals.

Our philosophy is rooted in these core values:

Innovation: Leveraging technology to create efficient and effective HR systems.

People First: Developing solutions that prioritize the well-being, productivity, and growth of employees.

Collaboration: Working closely with clients to tailor services that meet their unique HR needs.

Key Services Offered by People Equations

HR Consulting

Navigating complex HR regulations and laws can be overwhelming. Our team of HR experts provides comprehensive consulting services to help businesses stay compliant with labor laws, improve employee relations, and implement best practices in performance management. Whether you need assistance with policy development, employee engagement strategies, or restructuring your HR department, People Equations has the expertise to guide you.

2. Payroll and Benefits Administration

Managing payroll is one of the most time-consuming aspects of HR. People Equations offers payroll and benefits administration services that ensure timely and accurate payments while handling tax compliance, deductions, and employee benefits. We simplify the payroll process, helping businesses avoid costly mistakes while offering employees a seamless experience.

3. Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

Finding the right talent is crucial to the success of any organization. Our recruitment services include everything from talent sourcing and screening to onboarding. We partner with businesses to create recruitment strategies that attract high-quality candidates who fit the company culture and align with long-term goals.

4. Employee Training and Development

People Equations is committed to helping organizations invest in their workforce through employee training and development programs. Our customized training solutions help employees enhance their skills, stay engaged, and grow within the company. From leadership development programs to technical training, we ensure that your team has the tools they need to succeed.

Why Choose People Equations?

Tailored HR Solutions

Every business is unique, and so are its HR needs. People Equations takes a personalized approach to understand the specific requirements of your business and provides tailored solutions that align with your goals and challenges. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all; instead, we focus on delivering value through customized HR strategies.

2. Focus on Employee Engagement

Employee satisfaction and retention are central to our approach. We work with clients to implement strategies that enhance employee engagement, improve workplace culture, and foster a positive, inclusive environment. Our goal is to help businesses build strong, motivated teams that are committed to the organization’s success.

3. Compliance and Risk Management

Staying compliant with ever-changing labor laws and regulations is a significant challenge for HR departments. People Equations offers compliance solutions that help businesses mitigate risk, avoid legal issues, and maintain a healthy, lawful workplace. From regulatory guidance to risk assessments, we ensure that your HR practices adhere to all necessary standards.

Client Success Stories

People Equations has worked with a diverse range of clients across industries, helping them overcome HR challenges and improve their workforce management.

One of our success stories includes a retail business that faced high employee turnover and low engagement. Through our recruitment and employee engagement services, they were able to attract and retain top talent, leading to a significant improvement in overall team morale and productivity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of HR Solutions with People Equations

As the workplace continues to evolve, so do the demands on HR departments. People Equations remains committed to staying ahead of industry trends and providing our clients with the best possible solutions to meet these challenges. Whether it’s integrating artificial intelligence into our HR platforms or offering new services to support hybrid workforces, we are dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the future of work.

At People Equations, we don’t just offer HR solutions, we transform the way businesses manage their people. With a focus on technology, innovation, and employee engagement, we help organizations create a thriving workplace culture that supports both business objectives and employee well-being. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to navigate the complexities of HR, streamline your processes, and empower your workforce, People Equations is here to help.

Contact Us today to learn how we can help your business succeed with customized HR solutions that make a real impact. Let’s work together to solve your people equations!

Website - https://peopleequations.com

[elsa16744]

Maximizing Value in Private Equity – How Comprehensive Support Services Drive Operational Excellence 

Top private equity (PE) firms are known to be experts at finding undervalued companies and bringing strategic improvements to them for business enrichment. Later, PE firms sell those remarkably transformed organizations for a higher value. However, this approach has little to do with the “buying low and selling high” principle. 

Instead, it depends on the actual creation of operational improvement that is real and sustainable within the portfolio companies to empower and enable them to succeed. This post aims to explain in detail how comprehensive support services drive operational excellence by maximizing value in private equity investments.  

The Need for Operational Excellence in Private Equity 

Operational excellence means the ability of a company to deliver products or services in a way that is highly efficiency, least waste-generating, and quality standard compliant. Even though operational excellence is non-negotiable in unlocking value for private equity players, the competitive marketplace now suggests that PE firms must go beyond conventional financial engineering and risk forecasting to achieve results. 

Private equity firms often focus on improving the operational efficiency of their portfolio companies via significant management overhauls and automated workflows for strategy-driven initiatives. Refinements in operations by private equity outsourcing services enhance every company’s overall profitability and scalability. It essentially makes the value of the business go up, which would ultimately result in better returns after selling. 

Such specific strategies for idea implementation ensure the proper and time-bound transformation of a business and require the best team possessing specialized knowledge and tools. As a result, hunting for the best talent equipped with excellent financial technology credentials becomes mandatory. Still, if you struggle with talent acquisition, it might be time to seek reliable, comprehensive support services to conduct business enrichment campaigns in a well-planned manner. 

What Are Comprehensive Support Services in Private Equity? 

Today, you will encounter a broad range of comprehensive support services, which are distinguished by specific functions within portfolio companies with a potential for impressive operational excellence. Such services can be provided in-house by a diverse, multidisciplinary team or through third-party providers, such as external consultants. 

Most comprehensive PE assistance programs typically comprise strategy determination, human resource management, digital transformation, multipronged investment research, supply chain optimization, sales tracking, and marketing effectiveness. 

How Do Comprehensive Support Services Drive Operational Excellence by Maximizing Private Equity Value? 

1| Identification of Operational Inefficiencies   

Intricate PE and business enrichment support will enable private equity firms to conduct a more detailed analysis of their portfolio companies. The analysis may involve financial audits and operational diagnostics that identify cost-saving ideas, process optimization opportunities, and productivity gain hacks. 

2| Tailor-Made Improvement Plans 

In private equity firms, once inefficiencies are diagnosed, they use comprehensive support services tailored to each company’s specific needs, market circumstances, and fundamental activities that contribute the most to its future performance. Whether it is technology systems, supply chain optimization, or improving customer service, the aim of such arrangements is to bring about sustainable improvements in value creation over time. 

3| Accelerating Value in Operations 

In the high-velocity private equity environment, time is money. Comprehensive support services allow private equity firms to fast-track the deployment of operational modification endeavors, reducing the period between policy revisions, company-wide implementation, and value capture. 

At the same time, third-party consultants may be hired to analyze and quickly transform the way a firm “buys within the firms,” meaning acquiring other commercial entities, with the intention of immediately reaping cost savings. 

4| Innovation and Digital Transformation 

To foster innovation and digital transformation, many private equity firms are embracing comprehensive support services as an operational excellence catalyst. It is not surprising because many support providers nourish many uniquely skilled fintech veterans and strategy experts. 

They can be called in to assist portfolio companies in the digitalization of anything and everything. Their innovative tech also ranges from predictive data analytics to customer engagement tracking tools. Using them will make companies much more agile and responsive. Therefore, they will be better equipped to face future challenges due to industry disruptions. 

Conclusion 

The days when standard statistical models and generic job responsibilities would be enough to deliver above-the-average returns in private equity are over. As a result, private equity firms must drive operational excellence within portfolio companies, maximizing value via novel fintech adoption campaigns. Otherwise, they cannot achieve consistent results and recreate past successes. 

Comprehensive support services play a critical role in creating value within acquired or partnered organizations, whether through optimized supply chains, instituting digital transformation committees, or executive position changes. 

Ultimately, modern private equity firms are best positioned to optimize enterprise operations to enhance profitability and achieve superior returns for investors, expecting a holistic business enrichment approach for true value creation that lasts for decades and unprecedented gains. 

[trufynd01]

Explore how TruFynd’s Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services empower businesses to optimize their hiring process, reduce costs, and secure top talent. Learn how our tailored RPO solutions improve time-to-hire, scalability, and talent acquisition metrics, ensuring your business stays ahead in today’s competitive market.

[ymishraofficial]

Top 10 Projects for BE Electrical Engineering Students

Embarking on a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering opens up a world of innovation and creativity. One of the best ways to apply theoretical knowledge is through practical projects that not only enhance your skills but also boost your resume. Here are the top 10 projects for BE Electrical Engineering students, designed to challenge you and showcase your talents.

1. Smart Home Automation System

Overview: Develop a system that allows users to control home appliances remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands.

Key Components:

Microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module

Sensors (temperature, motion, light)

Learning Outcome: Understand IoT concepts and the integration of hardware and software.

2. Solar Power Generation System

Overview: Create a solar panel system that converts sunlight into electricity, suitable for powering small devices or homes.

Key Components:

Solar panels

Charge controller

Inverter

Battery storage

Learning Outcome: Gain insights into renewable energy sources and energy conversion.

3. Automated Irrigation System

Overview: Design a system that automates the watering of plants based on soil moisture levels.

Key Components:

Soil moisture sensor

Water pump

Microcontroller

Relay module

Learning Outcome: Learn about sensor integration and automation in agriculture.

4. Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Overview: Build a prototype for an electric vehicle (EV) charging station that monitors and controls charging processes.

Key Components:

Power electronics (rectifier, inverter)

Microcontroller

LCD display

Safety features (fuses, circuit breakers)

Learning Outcome: Explore the fundamentals of electric vehicles and charging technologies.

5. Gesture-Controlled Robot

Overview: Develop a robot that can be controlled using hand gestures via sensors or cameras.

Key Components:

Microcontroller (Arduino)

Motors and wheels

Ultrasonic or infrared sensors

Gesture recognition module

Learning Outcome: Understand robotics, programming, and sensor technologies.

6. Power Factor Correction System

Overview: Create a system that improves the power factor in electrical circuits to enhance efficiency.

Key Components:

Capacitors

Microcontroller

Current and voltage sensors

Relay for switching

Learning Outcome: Learn about power quality and its importance in electrical systems.

7. Wireless Power Transmission

Overview: Experiment with transmitting power wirelessly over short distances.

Key Components:

Resonant inductive coupling setup

Power source

Load (LED, small motor)

Learning Outcome: Explore concepts of electromagnetic fields and energy transfer.

8. Voice-Controlled Home Assistant

Overview: Build a home assistant that can respond to voice commands to control devices or provide information.

Key Components:

Microcontroller (Raspberry Pi preferred)

Voice recognition module

Wi-Fi module

Connected devices (lights, speakers)

Learning Outcome: Gain experience in natural language processing and AI integration.

9. Traffic Light Control System Using Microcontroller

Overview: Design a smart traffic light system that optimizes traffic flow based on real-time data.

Key Components:

Microcontroller (Arduino)

LED lights

Sensors (for vehicle detection)

Timer module

Learning Outcome: Understand traffic management systems and embedded programming.

10. Data Acquisition System

Overview: Develop a system that collects and analyzes data from various sensors (temperature, humidity, etc.).

Key Components:

Microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)

Multiple sensors

Data logging software

Display (LCD or web interface)

Learning Outcome: Learn about data collection, processing, and analysis.

Conclusion

Engaging in these projects not only enhances your practical skills but also reinforces your theoretical knowledge. Whether you aim to develop sustainable technologies, innovate in robotics, or contribute to smart cities, these projects can serve as stepping stones in your journey as an electrical engineer. Choose a project that aligns with your interests, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors and peers. Happy engineering!

[bizionictechnologies]

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[weyrwolfen]

Eidola: Chapter 03 - ARC-2813 Shark

Rating: T

Characters: Gen, Clone Trooper OCs, Captain Rex, Ahsoka Tano, and other canon members of the 501st/332nd

Warnings: canon-typical violence; references to self-harm, injuries, and substance abuse; PTSD; it’s post-Order 66 and nobody is having a good time (but they’re all working on it)

Summary: The mission was never to bring down the Empire. Not really. The mission was to save every single one of their chipped brothers. But if doing do helped break the Empire’s stranglehold on the galaxy? Well, that was just a bonus.

Stormtrooper CT-8842 was a very mediocre mechanic.

He was probably the worst mechanic anyone at the Imperial relay station on Imbolt Minor had ever seen. Things had gotten bad enough that Lieutenant Fell, who rarely deigned to speak to any of the five clones assigned to the station, had made a rare appearance on base specifically to drag CT-7071 into his personal office and demand an explanation for the failure of his subordinates to run the station efficiently in his absence.

After that, CT-7071 had requested permission to obtain a datapad with full access to the HoloNet, specifically to provide CT-8842 with access to Imperial user manuals and detailed tutorials for handling common mechanical issues he could expect to encounter in his new position. The acquisition wasn’t, strictly speaking, following Imperial security protocols. Unsecured datapads could be a significant security risk in the wrong hands, but Lieutenant Fell had not been terribly concerned when he had signed the paperwork. In his experience, clones like CT-8842 never deviated from their programming.

After the datapad had arrived, the speed with which repairs were completed improved noticeably. Lieutenant Fell was happy. He could go back to ignoring the clones and concentrate instead on entertaining his mistress on Imbolt Major. CT-7071 was happy. His commanding officer was no longer threatening to have the lot of them sent to an Imperial reconditioning facility for gross incompetence and dereliction of duty. CT-4247, CT-62-1118, and CT-9382 were happy, for precisely the same reason. They were good soldiers, and they took pride in doing their duty to the Empire. And CT-8842 was very happy, because the datapad would be extremely helpful in completing his mission.

Except his designation wasn’t CT-8842. It was ARC-2813, though he preferred to be called Shark, and while he was admittedly a fairly mediocre mechanic, he was quite skilled in other areas.

Espionage, for example.

It had been an underutilized talent while he’d served in the G.A.R. A clone tended to stick out in any Separatist settings worth monitoring, but all that had changed with the end of the war and the removal of his inhibitor chip. And if that entire experience had taken his natural penchant for risk-taking and twisted it into a dangerous recklessness, then at least Shark had the presence of mind to aim his skillset at appropriate targets.

Appropriate targets, like the Imperial relay station on Imbolt Minor.

It had taken weeks to convince the Captain to let him undertake this mission, and then weeks after that to get the Commander on board. Shark was pretty certain that they both thought he was demanding to be sent on a suicide mission.

Maybe he was.

In the end, they’d only agreed because if he pulled this off, it could change everything.

Getting to Mandalore had been the easy part. Kryze’s people might not be overfond of clones on principle, but they were generally supportive of any mission harmful to the Imperial occupation of their home world. He’d been dropped off in a run-down sector of Sundari in freshly stolen stormtrooper armor with a detailed map of the parts of the city under direct Imperial governance and a comm code to reach the closest Mandalorian resistance cell programmed into his borrowed helmet.

Picking an appropriate mark had taken a few weeks. Shark had needed a lone clone trooper, without any particularly distinguishing physical deviations (at least from the neck up), who was set to be deployed somewhere of only minimal strategic importance to the Empire. He’d haunted the bars nearest the largest Imperial base, chatting with the chipped clones that moved through the establishments like pale, hollow imitations of their former selves. He’d identified a few likely candidates until he’d settled on CT-8842, who had been perfect.

The real CT-8842 had been spirited away to the Draboon VIII base by Shark’s Mandalorian contacts, and Shark himself had donned the lucky clone trooper’s gear, read every saved order and building schematic saved in his new armor, and presented himself at the barracks later that afternoon, a standard duffle bag of equipment tucked inconspicuously under CT-8842’s assigned bunk with a few non-standard bonuses hidden in plain sight. He’d faked his way through one cycle of uneventful guard duty, and the following morning, he’d been deployed to his new posting.

Integrating himself into the Imbolt Minor station hadn’t been terribly difficult. The fact that he was unfamiliar with the base or the people stationed there was just to be expected, after all. He’d thrown himself into learning his way around the facility, playing the role of a hardworking, if rather dull, chipped clone to perfection. He’d sunk into CT-8842’s life, but every step, every bungled repair, every friendly chat, every awkward apology, had put him closer to his real end goal.

The datapad had been the final piece of the puzzle.

When the day arrived to finally execute his plan, Shark had woken up with a sharp, driving anticipation that made everything feel brighter, more tangibly present, and more desperately real. He had never been particularly tempted by chemical intoxicants of any kind, but he couldn’t deny that setting his wits against dangerous opponents was an incredible rush.

Shark laid in his bunk, his sharp appraisal of his surroundings concealed under CT-8842’s penchant for stealing an extra five minutes of sleep whenever possible. The base’s tiny barracks were empty, except for CT-62-1118, who was still asleep in the neighboring bunk. CT-9382 was not in his cot, but the hum of the sonics from the neighboring refresher was evidence enough of his location. CT-7071 and CT-4247 would both still be on duty in the control room, and as for Fell… Well, Lieutenant Fell had left hours ago, wearing his dress grays. Apparently he was attending some kind of fancy gala on Imbolt Major.

The timing was perfect, and so Shark let CT-8842 fall away like a worn set of blacks.

There was a crisp efficiency to Shark’s movements as he geared up that the other clones would not have recognized in CT-8842. CT-8842 might march and salute as he ought, but it was obvious to everyone that behind his visor, he avoided eye contact whenever possible, preferring to stare at the floor or the boots of any officer addressing him. CT-8842 tended to have a resigned droop in his posture, like a cur who’d been kicked so often, he’d just come to expect it. CT-8842 was soft-spoken, tended to fidget when he thought no one was watching him, and had a small, but growing collection of unusual rocks he picked up whenever it was his turn for a foot patrol of the grounds surrounding the base.

Shark set CT-8842 aside, folding up that uniform and tucking it away even as he latched the pieces of his borrowed identity’s armor into place. Then, when he was fully kitted up, he’d activated the video record function in his helmet, turned around to look at CT-62-1118, drew his blaster, and casually stunned his sleeping brother in the back.

CT-9382 finished his sonic shower a few minutes later. He walked out of the refresher in a clean set of blacks and right into another stunning blast. Shark heaved his unconscious body up onto his bunk and left him there with an affectionate pat on the cheek. Then he pulled CT-9382’s blaster out of its charger and walked out into the station’s main hallway with a bounce in his step.

The machinery hummed behind closed doors, an ambient noise that had more than covered the sound of his earlier blaster fire. He rounded the first corner, passing the communal dining area, and arrived at the armory. It was pretty spare, but there were a couple things every Imperial base stocked, just in case. Clipping four cuffs onto his belt made him rattle a little as he walked, but he wasn’t terribly concerned. CT-8842 often wandered the base with tools rattling on his belt, and CT-7071 and CT-4247 would be expecting CT-8842, their well-meaning if woefully substandard mechanic, not Shark.

They’d never met Shark.

The control room was behind a blast door, standard Imperial base design. Shark holstered his blaster, keeping the spare one low in his offhand, and punched in CT-8842’s access codes. The doors lensed open, revealing the beating heart of what had been his entire world these last couple months.

CT-4247 was at his station on the left, entering something into his terminal with his back to the door.

CT-7071 was off to the right, one foot propped up on his knee with a heavy folder of flimsi pages balancing on his ankle, no doubt working through the never-ending assortment of reports Fell typically dumped on the clones.

Shark drew his blaster again and walked through the door, twin weapons coming up and settling on their disparate targets with smooth, practiced ease.

CT-7071 looked up, turning to greet CT-8842 when the stunning blast hit him in the chest. A second ring of blue energy hit CT-4247 in the back at essentially the same time.

Shark almost regretted that the plan was unfolding so neatly.

“Well, that was anticlimactic,” Shark said to himself, cocking his head to one side and surveying the room. He’d really expected something to go wrong, but he wasn’t exactly going to argue. He holstered his own blaster and walked forward, still keeping the other one out and ready, just in case.

CT-7071 had simply slumped over in his chair after being stunned, but CT-4247 had fallen forward, into his workstation. Shark set down his borrowed blaster and eased his unconscious brother back into his chair. The readouts on the screen all looked normal, so Shark typed in a series of commands to synch his helmet with the terminal. Nobody ever commed the station as long as it was functioning up to spec, but leaving that possibility dangling would have been a stupid oversight. Then Shark took CT-4247’s arm and levered the unconscious clone up and across his shoulders, hooking his other hand around an armored leg to balance the weight.

“Should have told you to lay off the extra rations,” Shark grumbled without any real heat as he trudged out of the room and back to the barracks.

He repeated the process with CT-7071 until all four of his brothers were deposited in their bunks. The feed from the control room remained silent as transmissions arrived and were redirected automatically in Shark’s HUD.

The hover cart was meant to be used on the base’s small landing platform, but it would fit through the station’s main doors if you just cussed at it a little. Shark loaded it up with the trunks of personal equipment from the foot of his brothers’ cots. The one that had belonged to CT-8842 he opened and considered for a moment. There were only a few useful items in it, so he set his personal duffle and a few of the other odds and ends aside and dumped the rest unceremoniously into the floor. Then he loaded up the mostly-empty trunk, put CT-62-1118 and CT-9382 on top of the row of crates, and set off towards the landing platform again, whistling to himself in the privacy of his own helmet.

Fell had taken his personal ship, but the station also maintained a small shuttle in the event of an emergency. It was easy enough, wrestling first CT-9382 and then CT-62-1118 into seats, locking down the harnesses over their slumped forms, and then cuffing their hands to the grab bar running above their heads. The trunks were going to be a tight fit, so Shark unloaded them outside of the shuttle and then returned to the barracks for CT-7071 and CT-4247. Once his last two brothers were similarly secured in the shuttle, along with their packed crates, Shark loaded CT-8842’s mostly empty trunk on the cart again, picked up several spare fuel canisters, and went back into the station.

He dropped the fuel canisters off in the room that housed the station’s generators and life support before continuing back to the command room.

Shark’s borrowed blaster and the station’s burn book were still sitting at CT-4247’s station. Technically the physical records of the Empire’s codes should have been secured in Lieutenant Fell’s office, but that would actually require that he be on base from time to time to perform his duties in person. Shark pulled out his mostly-emptied duffle bag, dropped the book and the spare blaster into it, and then continued on into the CO’s office.

Fell did like his little luxuries. Shelves lined the space, filled with little artworks and oddities, antique books that Fell never read, but they certainly looked expensive, on the rare occasion a higher-ranking officer or government representative toured the base. There was a large, hand-knotted rug spread across the office floor as well. The clones were never allowed in this space, unless they were being reprimanded in some way, and Fell never failed to point out the relative worth of the rug in comparison to the clone standing at attention on it.

Shark derived a deep, petty pleasure from tracking dirt and dust from the landing platform across the red and orange knotwork.

There was a crystalline music box on the corner of Fell’s desk. It responded to touch, filling the space with low, chiming music. It was very expensive, very classy. Very peaceful.

Very funny, if you were in the right mindset.

Shark swept everything else off of the desk, letting it fall to the floor. Then he placed his duffle bag and his helmet on the newly cleared space.

Fell’s chair was just as comfortable as it had always looked.

Shark pulled his unsecured datapad and a hygiene kit out of the bag and set them both on the desk. The kit was unusually well-stocked for a clone, with duplicates of a few key items in the event of damage or loss, but there wasn’t anything there that would draw undue attention during a cursory inspection. That was all be design, of course.

Tech had drilled Shark on the process until he could have completed it blindfolded. The casing on the razor’s grip popped apart, revealing some extraneous cords and a datastick concealed on the inside. The handle of the ultrasonic toothbrush contained a wealth of circuitry that had little to do with dental care, and its charging cord included a rather non-standard socket if you pulled away the plug housing.

Shark connected the slicing circuitry to the unsecured datapad, plugged in the datastick, and then wired the entire contraption into Lieutenant Fell’s terminal.

A little circle appeared in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, just as Factor had promised it would.

Shark leaned back in the cushy chair and put his booted feet up on the Alderaanian hardwood desk, ankles crossed comfortably. His right hand came to rest on the grip of his blaster, but his left hand drifted in time with the soft chiming music.

Factor had explained it to Shark, when Tech’s attempts had devolved into something too hyper-technical to follow. The datapad wasn’t extracting any real intelligence from the terminal, it was building itself a backdoor into the Empire’s network, convincing the system that the datapad was, in effect, just another officer’s workstation, with all the access codes and security clearances that went along with that.

Ten minutes and two chiming modulations in musical key later, and the circle on the terminal’s screen turned red and started to blink.

Time to go.

Shark unplugged the datapad from the terminal and detached the datastick and the womprat’s nest of wires and circuits from the device. All of it went into the empty hygiene kit, which in turn, went back into his duffle bag.

He stopped at the armory first, just to top off CT-8842’s trunk with as many weapons as it could hold. Then there were two additional crates of miscellaneous medical supplies in the storage closet next to the station’s dining area. He was sure his brothers back at Draboon VIII could put them to good use. Shark loaded them onto the cart as well, and then continued down the hallway.

The base hummed along around him, automated systems going about their business as if nothing was amiss. CT-8842 had mostly caught up on his backlog of repairs.

Mostly.

He’d never completely fixed the base’s climate control system; the coolant lines kept overheating. It wasn’t a top concern, the liquid coolant wasn’t flammable, it just made the whole system pull more energy than usual to work effectively.

Shuttle fuel, on the other hand, was highly flammable.

Shark didn’t even need to do much, beyond unhook the tanks of coolant and attach the lines to the fuel canisters instead. Force bless the Empire’s boundless dedication to increasing efficiency through aggressive standardization.

He stopped by the wall terminal long enough to enter two time-delayed commands. The first would cycle the coolant lines twenty minutes from now. The second would decrease the internal temperature of the base by several dozen degrees. That should put more than enough strain on the system.

None of the bound clones were stirring yet as Shark secured the last crate on the shuttle. Once he sealed up the hatch, he shouldered his duffle bag, scaled the ladder up into the small cockpit, and fired up the shuttle’s engines.

There were just all sorts of fun things in the station’s code book. Shark’s helmet was still synched with the base’s control room, so once he found some suitably amusing distress calls, he started entering them into the station’s broadcast system. First he sent the code for ’extreme priority’ followed by ‘attack by insurgents.’ Then, just to inject a little more chaos into the proceedings, he added the code for ‘geologic event,’ and then another that meant ‘biohazard,’ and then a final one for ‘attack by non-sentient fauna.’

He received an almost immediate call request from the main Imperial base on Imbolt Major.

Shark’s grin was feral as he cut his helmet’s connection to the base. He rather suspected that Lieutenant Fell’s fancy evening out was about to be irretrievably interrupted. Shark flipped the switch to engage the vertical takeoff thrusters and wrapped his hands around the steering grips.

The explosion, when viewed from orbit, was simply glorious. Even though the record icon was still blinking in the corner of his HUD, Shark couldn’t quite repress a slightly maniacal giggle.

When the smoke started to clear from the crater that had once been a relay station, Shark finally shut off the recording, saved the file, and took off his helmet. The only thing that explosion had lacked was a celebratory snack, but there would be time enough for that later.

It took a little over an hour to navigate the sublight shuttle to a suitable rendezvous point and send out a coded message via an encrypted subspace communication frequency.

His brothers were starting to wake when Shark decided to come down out of the cockpit and hunt for some food. After filching a ration bar from CT-9382’s trunk, he’d just walked down the line, casually stunning each of them in turn. They’d have kriffing wretched headaches by the time they all got picked up, but this was the safest option for everybody. Frankly, Shark wasn’t in the mood to listen to them rattle on about him being a traitor to the Empire, and he definitely wasn’t in the mood to deal with any kind of misguided escape attempts. Not that he would have taken any of it personally, it was just that chipped clones could be so tedious when their programming got thrown.

And besides, if there was one thing Shark didn’t take risks with, it was his brothers’ lives.

Shark had quite the welcoming party when the cargo ship landed in the Draboon VIII base. Their four chipped brothers had taken precedence, that was just standard operating procedure, but Shark sauntered down the ramp right after the last attending medics, bag slung over his shoulder and helmet clipped to its strap, eyes taking in every detail of the landing platform.

The Commander was there, white facial markings scrunched up in concern, but he’d come back with all of his limbs intact, as promised, so after a few seconds, her worried expression melted into a welcoming smile. Next to them, the Captain was talking with Tech and Factor, both of whom seemed to brighten with anticipation as Shark approached.

And yup, there was the kid, hanging back with Hunter, Echo, and Wrecker next to their ship, seemingly laughing at some joke. Excellent.

“I take it the mission went well?” the Captain asked, extending a hand in greeting.

Shark reached out and took the proffered arm, gloved hand gripping the blue and white vambrace. “Well, my Imp lieutenant just had to go and make it so easy for me,” he said, releasing the Captain’s arm and reaching for one of the pouches on his belt. His very standard, very regular belt, without kama or extra holsters or anything interesting.

Kark, he did miss his actual armor on these kinds of missions. The garbage the Imps were mass producing these days was less than worthless, and it chaffed in all the worst possible places. He couldn’t wait to toss it in the nearest recycling receptacle.

“I do know how you love your reports,” Shark said to the Captain, handing over the datacard he’d had in his pouch. “So here’s a very long one, complete with photographs and direct footage. All the trimmings, for my favorite Captain.”

His flippancy earned him a raised eyebrow, but Shark didn’t miss the way the corner of the Captain’s mouth was trying not to twitch. “I look forward to reading it,” he said dryly.

“Commander, I’m afraid the medics just wandered off with your presents,” he said with his most winning grin, gesturing vaguely in the direction his Imbolt Minor brothers had been taken. “I know you’re trying to collect the whole set.”

She shook her head in wry amusement, her small smile still managing to flash some very sharp teeth. “Thanks, Shark,” she said, playing along with his fairly dark humor for the moment. “I’ll find a good spot for them, alongside all the others.”

Shark tried to collect smiles from her the way CT-8842 had hounded rocks. If the Commander was happy, the rest of the base tended to follow suit. It was all for a noble cause.

Plus, casually flirting with her always managed to get under the Captain’s skin. If nobody else would ever tweak their entirely too self-serious leader’s nose for him, the job had to fall to Shark.

Blithely ignoring the Captain’s dark scowl, Shark fished around in his bag, pulling out the slicing equipment first. “Now, I believe this is yours,” he said, placing the mess of circuits and cords into Tech’s impatient hands. “And this,” he said, drawing out the word to increase the drama a little as he pulled the datapad out of his bag. He held it up, tantalizingly close to Tech again, but then turned to present it to Factor instead. “This, I think, is yours. Reg solidarity and all that,” he concluded with a sideways look and a falsely apologetic smile for Tech, who was looking a little thin-lipped and covetous.

Shark knew perfectly well that the two of them would be tearing through the files together later. That wasn’t, after all, the point.

“Now, does anybody need anything else from me, or can I go change out of this trash gear?” he asked, gesturing down at his stormtrooper armor.

“No Shark, I think that just about covers it,” the Captain said, sounding more than a little resigned. “I can debrief you after I’ve looked over your report.”

“Excellent, I’m starved for some decent food,” he said, with a casual, two fingered salute. Then he yelled past them all, bouncing up on his tiptoes. “Hey kid! Cards in the mess hall in thirty?”

Omega grinned at him from her perch on top of a stack of cargo boxes. “Sure thing, Shark!”

And now Hunter was glowering too. Really, he was too easy of a mark.

Shark gave her a thumbs up, gloved hand held high above Tech’s head where she could see it clearly.

Kark, it was great to be home.

Shark had earned his name for persistently destroying his brothers at sabacc in the barracks and fleecing unpleasant civvies at the same game in dive bars anywhere he found himself stationed. He’d kept it by racking up a record of successful high-risk missions whose creative details evoked equal parts pride and chagrin from his commanding officers.

So now he got his pick of bizarre missions, but none of his siblings would play him at sabacc anymore. At least not more than once, and definitely not if any kind of wager was involved. None of them except for Omega.

Not that they were betting with credits. As much fun as it was to ruffle Hunter’s feathers, Shark wasn’t actually trying to get himself pinned to a wall with a vibroblade. No, the wagers on the table were stories.

“You sure about this, kid?” he asked, watching Omega closely.

She looked at him over her hand of cards, light brown eyes sparkling suspiciously, but she was also playing with the curl of hair behind her left ear, which typically meant she wasn’t feeling too confident about her hand. “I’m sure,” she said.

Stang. He really wanted to know how she’d managed to get her hands on a Zygerrian energy bow, and not only because of the embarrassed wince he’d seen on Echo’s face when she’d wagered that information. Twenty was an okay hand, and she was still playing with that lock of short, blond hair, twining it slowly around her fingers. He’d told her about that tell, more than once.

Oh well, her loss.

“Alright, how you got that bow against the time I almost got kicked out of the ARC program,” he said, laying down his own hand of cards. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Omega’s smile was brilliant. “Pure sabacc,” she said, fanning out her cards on the table.

Shark looked at her cards, looked up at her beaming face, looked back down at her cards again, and yup. They definitely tallied to twenty-three.

She’d played him.

She’d played him.

She’d let him underestimate her, deployed one of her known tells under false pretenses, and scammed him.

Shark was so proud, he thought he might burst. “You’re gonna go far, kid,” he finally said with a feral grin of his own.

“Pay up,” she said, nearly bouncing on the bench in excitement.

He chuckled, leaning across the table to pick up her cards. “How much has your babysitter told you about ARC training?”

“Not much,” Omega said cautiously, eyes sliding to her left where Echo had abruptly stopped half-heartedly eating his bowl of soup. She was obviously wondering if she’d stumbled into a topic she shouldn’t have.

Echo, who had made no particular secret of the fact that he was there to ensure Shark was only a moderately bad influence on their younger sister, gave his fellow ARC a hard, warning look.

Shark smirked at him, but he also flashed a quick ‘Stand down’ signal with his hand as he picked up his own cards and added them to the deck as well. As if he was going to give the kid any more nightmares about Kamino than the ones she probably already had.

“Well, it wasn’t much fun,” he said, starting to shuffle the deck in preparation for their next round. “But probably the worst part was the last week, when we had to pass a series of final exams.”

That was a flagrant lie. The worst part was during week four, when their instructors had covered advanced techniques for resisting torture and interrogation. Some of the tension went out of Echo’s expression, and he went back to picking disinterestedly at his meal.

“We were tested on marksmanship, improvised explosives, all that kind of stuff, but the one we all dreaded was the hand-to-hand combat practical against our instructors. No weapons, no rules, just a bare-knuckled thrashing from some of the toughest kri–,” he paused again at Echo’s returned glare. Which okay, fair. “Uh, toughest brothers the Kaminoans had ever decanted.”

Omega was now giving both of them a rather critical, unimpressed look. Which was also fair. There wasn’t any way that she’d been spending this much time around active-duty clones without hearing at least a few profanities. But again, Shark had no interest in explaining that little fact of life to Hunter, so he put a lid on his more colorful language and continued.

“They posted who we’d be up against the evening before the exam,” Shark said, shuffling the deck and bridging the cards together by feel alone. “And just my luck, I got Renz.”

Echo made a sour, commiserating face.

“Ask Echo about him sometime. He was a real sweetheart,” Shark said, dealing out their next hand of cards. “Anyway, they’d made such a huge deal about making sure we knew there weren’t any rules, and anything was fair game, and all sorts of other intimidation tactics garbage, that I decided to take them at their words, and the morning of the fight, I palmed a couple laxative tablets from the infirmary. You know, the ones they make you take whenever they’re going to do one of those fancy, dye-contrast medical scans?”

Omega was on the edge of her seat, but it was Echo who spoke. “You didn’t,” he said, sounding aghast.

Shark’s grin just sharpened. “Of course I did. Dropped them right in his water bottle while he was fighting Inks.”

“You’re insane,” Echo said, but he also sounded a little impressed.

“Probably,” Shark agreed, picking up his cards. It was an okay hand, nothing to write home about. He started rearranging them, mostly at random, but it looked good for an opponent who thought they were being slick. “So those pills are pretty fast-acting. We hadn’t taken more than a couple jabs at each other before Renz starts getting this kind of pinched look about him. Couple more, and he’s starting to get kind of red in the face, and then finally he just vaulted out of the ring and took off for the refreshers. Nobody knew what to make of it. Anyway, he comes back out eventually, and I still have to get back in the ring with him, but let’s just say I took significantly less of a thrashing than expected. Everybody’s suspicious at that point, and I guess somebody had the bright idea to go back and watch the security videos. Caught me red-handed.”

He reached across the table and nudged the stack of cards towards Omega, who picked them up, not really paying them any attention. She was hanging on to his every word, eyes wide.

Heh, maybe he could keep her this distracted through the next hand and trick her into making a careless mistake.

“They tore me up one side and down the other, but I swear the other instructors were trying not to laugh, especially when I pointed out that they were the ones who said there weren’t any rules of engagement. Finally, I got sent off to the barracks while they discussed what they were going to do with me.” Shark watched Omega pick up her cards without paying them the least bit of attention. He smirked – he’d get that story about the energy bow out of her yet – and continued, “You can probably guess, I didn’t sleep so well that night. They showed up two hours before wake up, jerked me out of bed, and tossed me back in the ring with Renz. Apparently he didn’t think the whole thing was very funny at all. I’ve never taken a beating like that, he just absolutely ground me into the mat, but you know what? I passed my civvie and seppie weapons test that afternoon with one eye swelled shut and my left arm in a sling, and the day after that, they gave me my new set of armor. So, what’s the moral of that story kid?”

Omega grinned again. It was becoming an old joke between the two of them. “Don’t get caught,” she chirped dutifully.

Echo just shook his head and went back to stirring his slowly congealing food, but Shark didn’t miss the small, nostalgic smile on his brother’s unnaturally pale face.

“Right, don’t get caught,” Shark agreed. “Buy in’s a minimally embarrassing confession. You in?”

Omega looked down at her cards, eyes bright. “I’m in. Two cards, and I really, really want to know if Captain Rex dyes his hair, or if it’s naturally light, like mine.”

Shark chuckled. That was a good one. Oh, what the kriff. She could have this one on the house. “The good Captain’s a natural blonde, just like you,” he told her conspiratorially. He handed her two cards and looked again at his own hand. “Three cards, and I keep a memento from every personality I invent for missions.”

Omega looked up at him quizzically. “What do you mean, a memento?”

He dealt out his three cards and picked them up, adding them to his hand. Not bad. Not great, but not bad either. He dispersed them throughout his hand. “Like this last mission? I was a mechanic named CT-8842. A lot of his personality I picked because it was tactically important, but to make him real, he needed some flourishes. You know, some personalizing touches. So I decided he liked to collect rocks.” He reached into his belt pouch and pulled out one of CT-8842’s collection, a gold and green-flecked chunk of some unknown mineral, the size of a decent pika pit. The rest had gone up with the base, but this one had been CT-8842’s favorite, so Shark had kept it. “Here’s my memento of him.”

Maybe that had been too much. Omega was giving him a look like he’d just told her his tooka had died. Echo’s expression wasn’t much better.

“You’re pretty good at that,” she finally said. “Pretending to be something you’re not. That’s why you’re so good at sabacc.”

Shark snorted, but his heart wasn’t in it. “Kid, we’re all pretending at this point,” he said, but he could tell that she didn’t entirely get it. He’d heard that she hadn’t had a chip at all, much less been under the control of one. He was thankful for that, she didn’t need that kind of osik in her head, but how could he explain to someone who hadn’t gone through it that most all of the clones on base were pretending? Everybody was just trying to act like the person they wished they could be instead of the one they actually were.

Even Shark.

Maybe especially Shark.

“So, do you want to up the ante or sit tight?” Shark asked, slipping CT-8842’s rock back into his belt pouch. “I may, or may not, have a story about little Cadet Rex’s hair and a can of black armor paint up my sleeve.”

Echo actually choked on a mouthful of bread at that. After a moment of sputtering coughing, the look he turned on Shark was equal parts reproving and intrigued.

Shark’s grin was all teeth. He’d thought that story was common knowledge. “What do you say, kid, are you in?”

“I hear that you’ve been sharing some old war stories.”

Shark had been sitting in his bunk in the largest of the base’s communal barracks, one of his DC-17s disassembled across the bed and awaiting cleaning. He looked up at the sound of the unexpected interruption. It was the Captain.

Which meant that Echo had been sharing some stories too. Good. At least someone else was willing to poke their big brother, from time to time.

“I will have you know that story about drugging Renz was entirely true and not at all exaggerated for dramatic effect,” he said, knowing perfectly well that the Captain was talking about the gossip he’d told the kid about his hair. Shark wasn’t about to confess to that without putting up some semblance of a fight though.

Instead of arguing the point, the Captain just sat down on the next bunk over. It was Taq’s, not that Shark had gotten to see much of him since he’d returned a couple days ago. Pretty much all of the medics apparently had their hands full with an unusually large haul of brothers delivered by the Reapers and Shark’s own contributions to the cause. “How much reading did you do on that datapad on the way home?”

“Enough,” Shark said, picking up the slide of his blaster and looking down the inside of the charge accelerator. There was some carbon scoring in there he’d need to clean out.

“That information is going to save a lot of our brothers’ lives,” the Captain said.

Rex. Shark really needed to drop that worshipful, capital C, ‘Captain’ osik inside his own brain, no matter how widespread it was around the base.

“I believe that was the entire point,” Shark said lightly, picking up a brush from his cleaning kit.

The Captain, Rex, let out a low huff, but whether it was in amusement or annoyance was anyone’s guess. “I’m trying to tell you that was a kriffing good piece of work,” he said, leaning forward, arms propped up on his cuisses, hands hung casually between his knees.

Shark looked at him dubiously. “Thanks?” he said, not entirely able to keep the question out of his tone. He knew he did good work, but he also knew that he was generally a pain in the shebs when he wasn’t on missions. Usually those two traits tended to counterbalance each other enough to keep him out of significant trouble, but that didn’t mean that he was used to receiving commendations.

“We’ve already given some of the intel to the Reaper teams to check out,” Rex continued. “And we think we might have a line on another base. One where we could send our non-combatants.”

“Yeah?” Shark asked rhetorically. That was good news. Given how the Raiders were laser-focused on hitting slavers for vital salvage, they were starting to have a sizable number of non-clones on base who didn’t have anywhere else to go. No one had the heart to turn them away. And that didn’t even touch on the handful of partners, spouses, and even kriffing children who had come out of the woodwork once they’d started rescuing more and more of their chipped brothers. That had kind of blown Shark’s mind at first.

Maybe it shouldn’t have. Maybe it had been an option for all of them, all along. The Kaminoans had put more garbage in all of their heads than just the karking chips.

“Yeah,” Rex confirmed, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. He looked tired. “Which brings me to the reason for this visit. We’re putting together a team to start planning how to go about taking the–”

“I’m in,” Shark interrupted before Rex could even finish his thought.

Rex gave him a hard look. “You’ve been on a mission behind enemy lines, alone, for months. You sure you don’t need some downtime?”

Shark wasn’t sure what he would do with more downtime. Maybe play more sabacc, but the Bad Batch never stayed on base for long, taking his only card partner with them. As much as he enjoyed being home, after a while he’d get antsy if he was cooped up here without anything to do, and that generally led to all sorts of inadvisable misadventures.

Besides, what did he need downtime from? CT-8842’s rock was in one of Shark’s belt pouches, next to CT-9921’s whittled bird, CT-1008’s caf spoon, CT-486’s favorite hard candy, and all of the others, including a couple that had to be from his time under the chip’s influence. Those were a little disconcerting, but he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away. They were a part of him. All of them.

“I’m in,” Shark repeated. “Just tell me when and where.”

AN: Other chapters are available here

I'm trying out some very spiffy dividers made by @freesia-writes using helmet illustrations by @lornaka. You can find more here.

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