#electrical panel inspection

[jctermografia0]

Ensuring Safety Through Precise Electrical Testing and Inspection at JCTermografia

JCTermografia stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of electrical safety testing, offering comprehensive services that prioritize the well-being of individuals and the integrity of electrical systems. With a focus on precision and thoroughness, jctermografia provides unparalleled electrical safety inspection services, encompassing various critical aspects of electrical systems.

Electrical safety testing is a crucial component of preventive maintenance, ensuring that electrical installations meet industry standards and comply with safety regulations. JCTermografia employs cutting-edge technology and experienced professionals to conduct rigorous electrical safety inspections. These inspections encompass a range of assessments, from evaluating the condition of electrical panels to scrutinizing the overall integrity of wiring and connections.

The meticulous electrical panel inspection services offered by JCTermografia delve into the heart of the electrical system. This includes assessing the functionality of circuit breakers, identifying potential fire hazards, and checking for signs of wear or damage. By pinpointing potential issues early on, JCTermografia plays a pivotal role in preventing electrical failures and mitigating safety risks.

Beyond inspections, JCTermografia emphasizes the importance of overall electrical safety awareness. Their services extend to educating clients on best practices, potential hazards, and the importance of regular electrical safety assessments. This holistic approach ensures that clients not only receive top-tier inspection services but also gain valuable insights into maintaining a safe and reliable electrical infrastructure.

In conclusion, JCTermografia's commitment to electrical safety testing goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements; it strives to create environments where safety is paramount. Through meticulous inspections and a dedication to client education, JCTermografia stands as a trusted partner in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems.

Visit:

Call: 1-705-280-9076 

Email:  jctermografia@gmail.comAddress: 444 lakeshore drive lot 15, North Bay, ON, Canada, Ontario

[thermoeliteinc]

Thermography for Electrical Panels: Why Thermo Elite is Your Best Choice for Electrical Safety

Electrical systems are complex and essential components in any commercial, industrial, or residential setting. Over time, these systems can develop issues such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components, which can create overheating and become significant fire hazards. This is where thermography for electrical panels plays a critical role. Thermo Elite offers top-tier thermography inspections, using advanced infrared technology to detect temperature variations and identify potential issues before they escalate.

What is Thermography for Electrical Panels?

Thermography is an infrared imaging technique that uses high-resolution cameras to detect heat patterns within electrical systems. Electrical issues often generate excess heat, which thermography can detect early, helping to prevent unexpected failures and maintain the safety of your systems. Thermo Elite specializes in thermography inspections, focusing on electrical panels where these issues commonly occur.

Why Choose Thermo Elite for Thermography?

Thermo Elite provides expert thermography services designed to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your electrical panels. Here’s why businesses trust Thermo Elite for thermography inspections:

Certified Experts: Our team consists of certified thermographers experienced in handling electrical inspections, guaranteeing precise and accurate results.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Thermo Elite uses advanced infrared cameras that capture high-resolution images, allowing us to detect even the slightest anomalies in temperature.

Detailed Reporting: Each inspection includes a comprehensive report with thermal images, analysis, and clear recommendations for any necessary corrective actions.

Custom Solutions: We understand every business is unique, which is why we offer customizable inspection plans, from one-time assessments to ongoing maintenance services.

Non-Disruptive: Our thermography inspections are quick and non-invasive, meaning your operations can continue without interruptions.

Benefits of Thermography for Electrical Panels

Early Problem Detection: Thermography identifies issues such as loose connections or overloaded circuits before they escalate, helping you avoid costly repairs and downtime.

Fire Hazard Prevention: Detecting overheating spots early reduces the risk of electrical fires.

Cost-Effective Maintenance: Preventative thermography inspections help maintain equipment longevity, reducing repair costs over time.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency: By addressing inefficiencies, thermography testing can lead to lower energy consumption and more sustainable operations.

Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require regular electrical inspections for compliance and safety. Thermo Elite’s thermography services meet these standards and help you stay compliant.

Who Can Benefit from Thermography for Electrical Panels?

Thermo Elite’s thermography for electrical panels is ideal for:

Commercial Buildings: Maintain a safe environment and avoid unexpected power issues.

Industrial Facilities: Ensure smooth operations with efficient, safe electrical systems.

Data Centers: Prevent overheating in critical infrastructure and avoid downtime.

Residential Properties: Safeguard your home from potential electrical fires and hazards.

[businessreviewspro]

Electrical Panel Replacement Cost in Hudson County NJ

Understanding the electrical panel replacement cost in Hudson County NJ is crucial for homeowners looking to upgrade their electrical systems. An electrical panel serves as the central hub for your home's power distribution, and its proper functioning is essential for safety and efficiency. As homes in Hudson County age or as electrical demands increase, panel replacements become necessary to meet modern power needs. Professional electricians in the area are equipped to assess your current panel, recommend appropriate upgrades, and provide accurate cost estimates for replacement. Investing in a new electrical panel can improve your home's safety, increase its value, and accommodate the growing power requirements of modern appliances and technologies.

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Replacement

Several indicators suggest it's time to consider replacing your electrical panel. Frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or outdated fuse boxes are common signs. If your home is more than 20-30 years old and still has its original panel, it may be due for an upgrade. An electrical system inspection in Hudson County NJ can help determine if your panel needs replacement.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Upgrading your electrical panel offers numerous advantages. It increases your home's electrical capacity, allowing you to safely run more appliances and devices simultaneously. A new panel also enhances safety by reducing the risk of electrical fires and providing better protection against power surges. Additionally, it can potentially lower your insurance premiums and increase your home's resale value.

Factors Affecting Replacement Costs

The electrical panel replacement cost in Hudson County NJ can vary based on several factors. The size and amperage of the new panel, the complexity of the installation, and any necessary upgrades to meet current electrical codes all influence the final price. Labor costs and the need for permits or inspections also contribute to the overall expense.

Selecting a qualified electrician is crucial for a successful panel replacement. Look for licensed and insured professionals with experience in residential electrical work. Many reputable electricians offer electrical troubleshooting services in Hudson County NJ, which can help identify issues before they become major problems.

The Replacement Process

The panel replacement process typically involves several steps. It begins with an electrical system inspection in Hudson County NJ to assess your current setup and determine the best replacement options. The electrician will then disconnect the old panel, install the new one, and reconnect all circuits. Finally, they'll conduct thorough testing to ensure everything is working correctly.

While replacing your electrical panel, it's an opportune time to consider other electrical upgrades. This might include adding new circuits, installing surge protectors, or upgrading outdated wiring. Many electricians who offer electrical troubleshooting services in Hudson County NJ can provide recommendations for comprehensive electrical improvements.

Preparing for Your Panel Replacement

Before the replacement, prepare your home by clearing the area around your electrical panel. Inform your electrician of any specific concerns or requirements you have. It's also wise to back up electronic devices and prepare for a temporary power outage during the installation process.

After your new panel is installed, regular maintenance can help ensure its longevity and efficiency. Schedule periodic inspections and address any issues promptly. Keeping your panel clean and free from obstructions can also help maintain its performance.

Understanding the electrical panel replacement cost in Hudson County NJ is just the first step in upgrading your home's electrical system. 

Are you looking for a residential or commercial electrical contractor? Call Johan. Click HERE

Johan, On Call Electrical Contractor, Electrical Services Company has been in the business since 2022 in the NJ Area.

Proudly Servicing Union City, West New York NJ, North Bergen, NJ, Jersey City NJ, Fairview NJ, Bergenfield, Englewood NJ, Dumont, Hackensack NJ, Garfield, Clifton NJ, Keyport NJ, Redbank NJ, freehold NJ, Neptune NJ, Plainfield NJ, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Carteret, Middlesex, Woodbridge, South River, North Brunswick

In Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Hoboken New Jersey counties.

[rinaldielectric]

Rinaldi Electric | Electrician | Electrical Installation Service in White Plains NY

Rinaldi Electric, your premier Electrician in White Plains NY, provides reliable and efficient services for all your electrical needs. Whether you're renovating your home or updating your office's electrical system, our expert team is here to assist. We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, handling everything from minor repairs to major electrical overhauls with professionalism. Moreover, our precise and accurate Electrical Installation Service in White Plains NY, is designed to meet the diverse requirements of modern electrical systems. We focus on delivering high-quality installations that enhance your property's functionality and safety.

[hop2itelectrical]

Electrical Safety Inspections: Preventing Fires and Accidents

Electrical inspections can help identify any potential issues before they cause harm to the people living or working in the space. These are particularly important in older buildings, as aging wiring can deteriorate over time and cause catastrophic failures if not appropriately maintained. This article will discuss the importance of Fort Worth, TX, safety inspections.

Identify Potential Issues: Electrical inspections help identify any potential issues in a building's electrical system before they can cause harm. During an inspection, the technician will check all of the wiring in the space for signs of wear and tear, frayed wires, or other defects that could cause an accident. This helps to ensure that any problems are found and fixed before they become dangerous.

Fire Prevention: These inspections are also necessary for fire prevention. Faulty wiring that goes unchecked can lead to a short circuit, which can cause an electrical fire in the building or home. By having regular inspections done, any potential problems are identified and fixed before they become dangerous.

Meet Legal Requirements: Many local governments have laws that require buildings to have regular inspections. These laws are in place to ensure that buildings and homes remain safe for the people living or working there.

Save Money: Regularly scheduled inspections can help save money by preventing damage from fires and accidents caused by faulty wiring. Furthermore, having an inspection done regularly can help identify any potential problems early, which can help reduce the cost of repairs.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your building or home is safe and up-to-code can give you peace of mind. Regular inspections will ensure that potential issues are identified and repaired quickly, helping keep everyone living or working in the space safe from harm.

These inspections can help identify potential issues before they become dangerous, helping keep everyone in the space safe. Furthermore, the same will also identify when you should opt for electrical panel replacements in Burleson, TX, and help save money and meet legal requirements.

Contact a qualified electrician from Hop2it Electrical today if you are looking for reliable electrical services in Fort Worth, TX. Contact us at (817) 618-4528 for more information.

[diamondcertified]

Electrical Service- an utmost security aspect of our daily life

Electrical repair is the foremost requirement in any residential or commercial property. Many governmental policies have explained the necessity of electrical inspections to maintain the safety features of commercial or residential property as negligence can be very fatal It is a must-do for every house owner to pay attention to the preventive steps required for electrical services.

What is an Electrical Inspection?

An electrical inspection requires a comprehensive survey of all the electrical connections in a house. Complete inspection of each wiring, installed in a commercial or residential property, is an utmost necessity too.

There are multiple reasons for an electrical inspection failure. The causes are very common and usually ignored by most house owners.

What is the key role of the Electrical Inspector?

An electrical inspector gets authority from the local municipal bodies, state and federal governments. Inspectors are solely responsible to examine the electrical connections and verify their correctness. A thorough observation by an experienced supervisor ensures an effective outcome that causes full electrical usage-related safety for all types of property.

When Electrical Repair Service is required?

Property owners will need to get their homes electrically inspected as needed. A complete inspection is a must when one has decided to sell or buy a home. New electrical servicing must be done if any property is older than fifty years or if any major renovation has already been done there.

Apart from inspection, electrical repairing service is a smart idea too. A repairing solution is applicable when anyone gets new electrical appliances in the home. A professional electrician observes the wiring system first and then informs the owners whether everything is up to code or not. They are capable of recognizing any probable issue which can affect and arise in the future.

Getting a reliable home electrical service is comparatively more straightforward and hassle-free. Most certified electricians can do it within an hour. Good maintenance and prevention will help to save money in the long run.

Electrical Repairing Service and its Importance

Electrical repair service is a necessity for residential or commercial property and offers an opportunity for electricity upgrades. Homeowners need to take protection against possible surges as well as electrical disruption, a common phenomenon that arises during storms. Electrical surges are the main reason for short circuits in a house, which can create a lot of problems. Before repairing any electrical goods, a complete inspection is required.

The inspector examines all points in the wiring system to avoid any kind of mishap

Fire: An electrical short circuit can cause a fire outbreak in a household or on a commercial property. A short circuit can lead to significant or minor accidents, making it essential for property owners to be aware of potential hazards. In particular, homeowners should prioritize a comprehensive inspection by professional inspectors. These inspectors have the expertise to identify upcoming short circuit issues, especially if loose wires are present in the existing meter. A professional inspector is capable of recognizing these errors. Once identified and observed, they recommend that homeowners rectify all wire-related issues.

Electrical Shocks: Improper wiring of electronic appliances can result in electric shocks for some individuals. The sudden surge of electric current through the body can have dangerous and even fatal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid such shocks.

Even though minor shocks may only damage electronic devices, the potential for life-threatening effects is present, making it a serious concern. Additionally, these shocks can lead to other unforeseen accidents. Moreover, the presence of body current in an electronic appliance can hinder its performance or render it non-functional.

To address these issues, electrical inspectors play a vital role. They possess the expertise to identify wiring errors and rectify them promptly, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of electronic appliances.

Precautions against upcoming danger

Some precautions can be helpful to avoid property danger and make the premises safe for its occupants.

Correct equipment:

The electric wires in a home need to be genuine by nature. They should be finely arranged according to the requirements of US laws, regulations, and guidelines.

A proficient technician:

It is highly recommended that individuals prioritize the correctness of their electrical work. This can be achieved by seeking the services of a skilled electrician.

Checking all possible actions and precautions during the installation of cables and wires is essential. Conducting a thorough survey helps guarantee security. When working on residential or commercial properties, it is crucial to have a qualified electrical technician who can apply their expertise and experience. This safeguards all electrical systems within the property from potential damage.

A damaged electrical connection can lead to accidents and disasters, emphasizing the need for awareness among property owners. Opting for electrical repair and inspection services ensures the safety of both the property and its inhabitants.

[purpledreamerblizzard]

At Nosvindico we believe in Quality and Reliability and focus on Reliability Engineering solutions for various industries, starting from Project Conceptualisation to handover stage. 

Address: 14A S.N Banerjee Road, Kolkata-700013, W.B, India

Phone: 09674531111

Email: info@nosvindico.co.in

Website:https://nosvindico.co.in/

[mcnairelectricllc]

Mcnair Electric llc | Electrical Installation Service in East Hartford CT

We are your reliable go-to for top-quality Electrical Installation Service in East Hartford CT. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled electricians are equipped to handle any electrical project, big or small. We specialize in electrical installation services such as wiring, lighting, and power distribution systems. Additionally, we provide detailed Electric Inspection in East Hartford CT, to ensure your electrical systems are up to code and functioning properly. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, making us the best choice for all your electrical needs. So, don’t tackle risky electrical tasks on your own; hire us with a call today.

[mitchellisacc]

Bring Benefits To Home With Wireless Switching

Bring benefits to the home with wireless switching. Think of it as smart light switches for a smart home. Wireless switching can be effortlessly controlled from a distance. Paired with smart LED light bulbs or LED light panels, lighting can be adjusted from any place in the home. Lighting can be dimmed, or adjusted from warm to cold light. Use a remote or app to control outlets in the home.

[iloivar]

For some reason all the social media keeps feeding me Home Inspection Videos and wow, yes, wow there are a lot of things worth checking on if you own a home (or, obv, before buying one if that is the position you are in)…

Wood is wood, right?

[fernsproutxx]

GR96

@fusionspruntcityjournal

So how do you produce electricity with living plants? Simply by using the natural processes that already occur. In short: the plant produces organic matter via photosynthesis. Only part of this organic matter is then used for its own growth. The rest is excreted via the roots. Around the roots, bacteria feed on the organic matter and they release electrons. If you’re able to harvest the electrons into an electrode, you can couple the first electrode to a counter-electrode and build an electrical circuit, like in a battery. The electrons flow back into the natural system via the counter-electrode, so it’s completely circular. Because we use the natural processes around the plant, nature is not harmed. It works day and night, summer and winter. It only stops when the plant and its surroundings completely dry up or freeze over.

Sedum Oviferum

Sedum pachyphyllum is a ground-hugging succulent that spreads by rooting fallen stems and leaves. The succulent also goes by the names “Cerise Moonstones” or “Mauve Pebbles”. The short and stumpy round leaves have a light silvery-purple color; positioned at a right angles to the stem and curve upward, which in the wintertime, the tips of said leaves will turn into a notorious red.

Sedum Oviferum is a succulent that is very easy to grow and maintain. It is a resilient plant that can tolerate drought, moist and dry soils, and when given adequate exposure to sunlight and sufficient water, Cerise Moonstones will thrive outdoors. The Sedum Oviferum succulent grows at its best with regular exposure to sunlight. If Mauve Pebbles are planted in an area in a garden that gets plenty of sunlight per day, you will be rewarded with bright coloured leaves and flowers. In winter and early spring, Cerise Moonstones actively grow and produce blooms featuring red-orange petals and sepals that have the same pigmentation as the leaves. The flowers produced by Cerise Moonstones have a bell shape and a sugary fragrance.

Subterranean Clover

Trifolium subterraneum is also known as the subterranean clover (often shortened to sub clover), or subterranean trefoil. The plant's name comes from its underground seed development, a characteristic not possessed by other clovers. It can thrive in poor-quality soil where other clovers cannot survive.

This species is self-fertilizing, unlike most legume forage crops such as alfalfa and other clovers, which are pollinated by insects, especially honeybees. It is also grown in places where the extreme ranges of soil type and quality, rainfall, and temperature make the variable tolerances of sub clover especially useful.

Functionality

GR96 are powered by any plant of choosing on their back pod (the one we are going to discuss has a giant Sedum Oviferum and multiple sub clovers to operate) which is held in place by five strong suction cups. They’re manufactured for community gardens (strictly only one per garden), but they can also be bought by high class citizens for private properties, though at a way bigger cost since they’re financed by the city.

They can use their hands as scissors, shovels, and for watering (hence the big forearms, for storing the water), the latter which they do by dipping their hands in a bucket, opening the valve on their forearms so they can fill them up and releasing the water from the pinholes on their palms. Their “eyes” are actually a screen that can show plenty expressions, but the two circles above that peripheral screen are the real environmental sensors. They also have the same sensors on their ankles for inspecting the lower plants and ground without the need of kneeling, and their feet are shaped in a way so that weight is evenly distributed, lowering the chances of damaging a plant if they were to step on it. The ear like protrusions are small solar panels, used as backup energy (they don’t have any communication properties). Their speaker aka their “voice” is the mohawk-like structure on the top (which also has their series barcode 128 on the lower back), but when they speak there are these strips at the sides of the face mask that light up with the volume. The mask (non removable) has a set of pipes that are used for analyzing the air quality and humidity of the area surrounding them.

[sjsmith56]

A Better Man, Part 6 - Transformation

Summary: The renovation on Andrea’s house finally begins. As the transformation of Barnes Contracting gets underway, Mrs. Parker brings up regulatory aspects they have to follow. Bucky returns home to find Andrea in bed, sick, so he takes care of her and Lily.

Length: 5.9 K

Characters: Steve, Sam, Thor, Mrs. Parker, Bucky, Andrea, Winnifred.

Warnings: Steve being suspicious. Symptoms of mastitis discussed. Andrea feeling too sick to look after Lily and Bucky worries about her.

Author notes: Some changes are happening, both openly and behind the scenes. Is it foreshadowing? Maybe.

<<Part 5

Part 6

With the rest of the stolen inventory delivered, Bucky, Steve, and Sam began transforming Barnes Contracting into a legal renovation company.  While Bucky supervised the four men who moved the rest of Andrea's belongings into storage, he went up on the ladder to check the exterior brick façade, finding it in good condition.  The one set of windows with the crumbling caulk that allowed rainwater in was a singular occurrence and once those were replaced and finished properly the seal on that wall would be waterproof again.  He also called his roofing guy who went up his extra long ladder to inspect it and give him a quote on replacing it.  Then he called in the electrician he trusted the most to look at the electrical panel and the hodgepodge of copper and aluminum wiring in the house.  He came that day, shaking his head at the setup; agreeing it would all have to come out.  Like Bucky, he suggested trying to recycle the copper wiring but since he would charge for it suggested that one of Bucky guys should be assigned that task to keep costs down.

Bucky phoned in a request for an asbestos test on the house with the appointment set for the next day.  As rooms were cleared, he opened the ceilings up where the water stains were to look at the plumbing, confirming that several original parts of it was lead and would need to be replaced.  With his mother promising the funding he began tackling the building permit forms, filling out what needed to be done and the time frame he needed to do it.  By the end of the first day, he felt like he had accomplished a lot. 

With the house now empty of everything he was able to picture what he really wanted to do with it.  There were even some additions that he wanted like a small window alcove turned into a book nook with a window bench at the window; a perfect place to curl up with Lily to read to her.  Another book nook could be put in her room as he pictured it in a cream and rose-pink colour scheme.  There were several parts of the house that could accommodate a built-in storage or bookshelf unit.  As he stood in the living room then impulsively pulled back the old carpeting from one of the corners, he smiled at the original hardwood floors that were underneath.  No doubt there would be some areas that would be damaged, but he could always pull the old wood out of the upper floors to patch those areas, then redo the upper floors in newer materials to keep the main floor look intact. 

For the first time in a long time Bucky didn't feel anxious about his work.  He really wanted to do this and prove that he had what it took to be a general contractor on a legitimate job site, using honest tradespeople, and legally acquired supplies.  Even though he was doing it for Andrea and Lily, he was doing it for himself as well.  I'm really looking forward to this.  This is what I've always wanted to do. Locking up the house he returned home, where he enjoyed another quiet evening with Lily and Andrea, after one of her home cooked meals.

While Bucky spent the first day at the house Steve and Sam began assessing what they needed to do to drum up more renovation business.  Inviting Mrs. Parker into their office, because let's face it, she was an asset to their business, they threw some ideas around.

"We need to get signage," said Steve.  "Advertise that we're a contracting business in general, specializing in home renovations.  I know you just did your thing to get us off Google, but we have to get back on the search results."

"There are a few trade shows coming up soon," said Mrs. Parker.  "You could always rent a booth in them and have some photographs of a renovation in process then of the finished job.  You'll have to have a presence there for the whole day and it should be someone who knows the business, like you two.  I could arrange for the printing of some pamphlets and business cards to hand out.  The only problem is that your last renovation project was over a year ago and it went up in smoke because of arson so we don't have any photographs.  The house project is still in the beginning stages, but we should document the process for later advertising."

The sound of the phone ringing in the office took Mrs. Parker out for a moment, leaving the other two talking.

Steve shook his head, remembering that job.  "Yeah, he didn't have the money to pay us, but he did have insurance.  All that time working on it, and he torched it to get the money to pay us.  It didn't make sense.  What a waste of time and materials.  We did a good job on that place, too."

"Then he sold the property to a developer."  Sam grimaced.  "Didn't even invite us to be part of the rebuild."  He groaned.  "How many guys have building experience out of our workforce?"

Steve leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling.  "Five, maybe.  I think Clint has the most because he's been with us the longest, but most have no experience." 

Mrs. Parker returned, catching the last part of their conversation, to say it was a client from the other aspect of their business who needed them to hold a shipment.

"I told him we had to suspend that part of the business for a while," stated Mrs. Parker.  "I think Bucky will probably take the more experienced guys for the house renovation.  He wants to do it right.  One or both of you is going to have to run a construction boot camp for the others."

The two men grimaced as it was something they hadn't even considered before. 

"Do we even have enough tools for everyone?" asked Steve.  He didn't wait for an answer.  "Let's go get an idea of what our guys know.  Mrs. Parker, can you do your magic and come up with some business cards and a pamphlet for the business?  Use stock photos since we don't have a choice.  Maybe once we get some jobs under our belt, we can change those up.  Truth in advertising, right?"

They left her in charge of that part of their "rebranding" and headed for the warehouse where they were surprised by the sight of Thor, one of their bigger guys, who had only been with them for six months, in front of a mockup of an unfinished wall.  He was in the middle of demonstrating how to fasten drywall to a stud.  The others were gathered around him, listening in rapt silence as he performed the task, then handed the drill and a drywall screw to each one of them in turn.  Then he noticed Sam and Steve watching, grinning at them.

"I've done drywall before so I figured I would help these others learn it," he said.  "We're all in this together, right?"

"Right," said Steve as he approached.  "You worked construction?"

"Summers mostly, when I was in college," answered the big man.  Sam and Steve looked at each other.  Thor was in college? "I know what you're thinking.  How did a college guy end up in prison?  I helped a buddy out when he asked me to hold a hockey bag for him.  Said it was a surprise for his girlfriend.  Didn't know it contained a whole lot of heroin.  Got pulled over and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.  Had a shit lawyer but I kept my nose clean in the joint and got out early for good behaviour."  He looked apologetic.  "I'm sorry I didn't say that part when you gave me the job.  I don't want to be involved in drugs or the bad stuff in any way.  You guys were the only outfit that kept their noses relatively clean compared to the others.  I'm excited that you're going legit."

"Okay," said Steve, cautiously.  "What else do you know?"

"Basic plumbing, finishing, taping, mudding, kitchen installation."  He scratched his head as he scrunched his face up.  "Window installations, deck building, roofing, painting, flooring ... I've done most of it, except for electrical because you want an electrician for that and HVAC."

"Huh," grunted Sam.  "Okay, carry on, then.  We're just going to take an inventory of our tools and other equipment."

"Good idea," smiled Thor.  "I just grabbed this drill from the shelf.  Mrs. Parker gave me some petty cash to get drywall and some studs and screws to make this mockup.  Hope that was okay."

"Yeah, that was good thinking," said Steve, pulling at Sam's arm, until the latter man glared at him.  "Like Sam said, carry on."

As he went into one of the storage rooms where they kept tools Sam stopped him. 

"What were you pulling at me for?" he asked.  "He's doing a good job in there."

"He lied!" spat Steve.  "About college, about what he was in prison for, and about construction experience.  I interviewed him and he said nothing about any of that.  What else has he lied about?"

"What do you mean?

"What if he's undercover?  How did we end up on a task force's radar when we keep such a low profile?"  He pulled his cell phone out and called Mrs. Parker.  "Yeah, it's Steve calling.  Doesn't your call display say that?" He rolled his eyes.  "I'm sorry Mrs. Parker.  I didn't mean to get snippy with you.  Listen, do you still have that contact in the gang division?  Can you find out if Thor is an undercover cop?  Yes, Thor.  Did you know he went to college and that he was in prison for heroin trafficking and that he has considerable construction experience?  You did?  Why didn't you say anything?"  He paused for a long moment as even Sam heard her tell Steve off over the cell phone even though he didn't have it on speaker.  "My apologies.  You are an exemplary employee who certainly knows her job very well.  Thank you, Mrs. Parker."

He hung up and stood there breathing heavily for some time until Sam pushed him lightly in the arm.

"What did she say?"

"She runs an extensive check on everyone," he replied, looking into the distance.  "He's exactly what he says he is.  She asked him about it, and he admitted he didn't want anyone to think he was smarter than they were, and he was ashamed of being caught holding heroin."  He looked at Sam then.  "She knows that Natasha is a cop.  Recognized her.  She thinks we have a future together."

"How does she do that?" asked Sam.  "I swear that she's the one who tells Mrs. Barnes all of our secrets although she manages to worm it out of us anyways."

"Just be happy she's on our side," said Steve.  "Imagine if she worked for the cops."

They looked at each other for a moment then both of them shook their heads.  There was no way Mrs. Parker was an undercover cop.  She had been with them since just before George Barnes died, ten years before.  It was her expertise in computers that got them through some sticky situations plus she was efficient, generally pleasant and her nephew was also on their payroll, although he worked for the city.  Putting the thought out of their minds the two men began testing all their electrical tools, making sure they worked.  They also took an inventory of what they had, knowing that they had to look the part of successful contractors to make customers willing to hire them.

🪛🔨 🪚

By the end of the week, Bucky had the word from the asbestos guy that only the insulation in the attic and the flooring in the kitchen had asbestos in it.  As best they could tell there was none in the walls.  It was a big relief to him as it meant the abatement process would go quicker and be less invasive.  He booked the abatement guys for the following week and phoned the planning department to find out if his building permits had been approved yet.  He also contacted the roofing guy to book that job.  Until he had the permits in hand, he wasn't willing to do anything else that could jeopardize the project.  Instead, he went into the warehouse where the construction boot camp had been underway for the week.  After Steve told him about Thor's background, they put him and Clint in charge of getting the rest of the guys up to speed on their building skills.  Everything looked good to Bucky when he was there.

It was obvious that some of the guys were better than others at it.  After Luis sent a nail into his foot from the nail gun, and Steve took him to Dr. Banner, the doctor who usually treated people in their line of work, he insisted that everyone had to have steel toed boots immediately, blaming himself for not insisting on it to begin with.  Thank goodness Bucky was in the office at the time otherwise he would have been sick on the spot.  Two guys had already spent their last pay, so Bucky took them out to the work wear store, staying with them while they tried boots on.  He paid for them, as well as enough hard hats and tool belts for everyone, but made sure they knew the boots would be taken out of their next pay.  On his return Mrs. Parker appeared at his door.

"We need to talk," she said, closing the door behind her and sitting across from him.

"What about?" he asked. 

"Well, the only people officially on the payroll are you three, me, and Clint.  The others are paid cash under the table."

"Yeah," he replied, unsure where this was going. 

"If they're working at a job site, you can be sure that there may be some surprise inspections on your workforce.  Immigration is going to want to make sure they're legally entitled to work here, OHS is going to want to make sure they have the proper safety gear and training, and IRS might show up to make sure that your paperwork on them is all up to date.  They should have healthcare coverage as well in case they get injured on the job.  We have to get the others added officially to the payroll, so they need to fill out a bunch of forms.  They may have to provide background checks to satisfy certain insurance requirements.  They will also have to get bonded under the Federal Bonding Program to cover theft or other crimes which they may be tempted to commit at the job site."  He frowned.  "I can email you the details of why it's needed, but we should have it considering their backgrounds.  I mean, they're all ex-cons, right?  It's kind of a big deal in getting insurance coverage.  No one is going to hire you for a legitimate job if you don't have that."

He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and rubbing his face with his hands.  Then he breathed in and out a few times. 

"Are you able to handle that?  You already do our payroll, right?"

"Yes, but doing it for five people is easy.  Doing it for 25, plus handling all the paperwork and I'm also busy getting our advertising needs set and answering the calls ....  Bucky, I am already swamped.  We need another person in the office."

"Part-time?" She shook her head.  "More than minimum wage?"  Mrs. Parker shrugged then nodded her head.  "Do you know anyone who can do this?"

"I have a person in mind," she admitted.  "She was sexually harassed at her other job and quit, as her official complaint went nowhere, so the guys have to know they can't come on to her or any woman that works for the company, for that matter."

"Fine, get her in here and I'll interview her just to make sure I'm satisfied she can do the job.  I'll have a meeting with everyone to warn them about proper behaviour in the workplace.  Is there anything else?"

"Just one thing," she smiled.  Bucky looked at her with trepidation, wondering what it could be.  "I think you're doing the right thing.  The side business was getting a bit complicated, and I've heard rumours that Hydra was pushing the smaller companies to join them or be shut down by them.  I know you don't want to be associated with them or go to the extremes they go to.  You're not that kind of man."

Her words surprised him.  She joined the company shortly before his dad died, as his mother had her hands full taking care of him.  After his death, they were both so impressed with her that his mother asked that Mrs. Parker take over the secretarial duties completely.  Her cheery nature and work skills had been greatly appreciated by all of them. 

"Thank you.  I just hope that we're able to turn this thing around," he said.  "If we don't, I may have no choice but to get back to the other line of work."

"You'll do it," she stated, as she got up from the seat.  "I have faith in you, Bucky.  All of you.  Even the guys, with their backgrounds, believe in you.  Many of them are happy that you're going legit.  They want you to succeed."

He gave her a slight smile then sat back in his chair again.  When he proposed stepping away from the illegal jobs they were doing, he had no idea that trying to do the right thing was going to be so complicated.  He just hoped that he could manage it.

The following day Bucky arrived at the office to the sight of a younger, dark-haired woman waiting in a chair.  He said good morning to Mrs. Parker then entered his office.  She followed him in, carrying some papers.

"The young lady out there is here for the other office job," she said, placing the papers on his desk.  "Her name is Hope Van Dyne and that's her resume.  Be nice."

"I'm always nice," he answered, as she walked out the door.  "My mother taught me well.  You know that."

He looked at the resume.  She worked at a legal competitor's business, but the owner was a pig.  Bucky wasn't surprised she quit over sexual harassment.  It appeared she had all of her qualifications in order, including experience in payroll, accounts payable and receivable, as well as experience in web site maintenance.  They would need a web site.  Maybe she and Mrs. Parker could create one together.  He called her in, just as two uniformed police officers walked in the door.

"Ms. Van Dyne, would you just wait in here a moment while I see what the officers want?" he asked. 

He closed his office door and approached them.

"Can I help you, officers?" he asked politely.

One of them looked at the other and shrugged then stepped back. 

"Um, are you the company that's working on the brownstone a few blocks from here?"

"Yes, we are," he asked.  "Is there a problem?"

"Oh, no, no problem.  One of our detectives said you were doing the renovations on it.  I just bought a flat in a converted brownstone not far from there, and it needs some work before I can move in.  I was wondering if you had the time to do it.  That brownstone must take up a lot of time."

Mrs. Parker smiled at him. 

"Sure, just let me call one of my colleagues to speak with you as I'm interviewing a potential employee right at the moment.  Mrs. Parker, could you call Steve out from the warehouse, please?"

"Right away, Mr. Barnes," she answered perkily, as she picked up the handset.  "Would that be Detective Romanoff who recommended us?"

"Yeah, she did," said the officer.  "Says you're a good bunch of guys.  We had someone from Sitwell Renovations have a look at it, and that guy was slimy as fu... as anything."

"Just so you know, we do have ex-convicts for employees, but they are all in the process of being bonded under the Federal Bonding Program," said Bucky.  "I can personally vouch for any of them.  We don't take anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime.  They're mostly family men who want to turn their lives around.  Will that be an issue for you?"

"No."  The officer shook his head.  "I think it's a good thing that you're giving them honest work.  I didn't know you were a contracting business, not having a sign or anything."

"Yeah, just never got around to it and we kind of operated by word of mouth to a select clientele but business is competitive and we're stepping up to increase our presence in the community," said Bucky.  Where did that come from?  Steve walked in.  "Here he is.  This is Steve Rogers, my second in command, so to speak.  This is Officer ...?"

"Benson," said the other man, offering Steve his hand.  "That's my partner, Porter."

Steve waved at him.  "Come on into my office and I'll get your information, and we can set up a time to view your property."

Bucky nodded at Officer Porter, then went into his office where Ms. Van Dyne was waiting.  She looked nervous so he sat and picked up her resume.

"This is all on the level?  It's not padded?"

"No, Mr. Barnes.  I'm good at my job.  I liked it until ...."

"You don't have to tell me details," he said.  "Unique Renovations is run by a worthless piece of slime.  We all know it, but he gets away with it because his dad has connections.  Has Mrs. Parker told you about our company?"

"She said you had a limited client base before and decided to shift your focus to general contracting and home and office renovations.  She also said you employ ex-convicts, but I know May and if she wasn't comfortable working with them, she would tell me.  I'm willing to give you my best so long as I'm treated properly."

"Well, I read them the riot act yesterday, because Mrs. Parker insisted I had to hire you, so I expect them to be gentlemen around you.  If they're not you tell me ... and tell Mrs. Parker.  She'll kick their backsides.  The job is yours if you want it.  I noticed you have experience in setting up websites.  We're looking to have one, since we operated by word of mouth before.  Would you be interested in handling that as well as your other duties that you and Mrs. Parker work out between you?"

"Absolutely," she exclaimed.  "The pay?"

He wrote down her hourly pay on a slip of paper, noting her vacation time and that health care was included, although that still had to be set up.  She smiled broadly and he stood up, offering her his hand to shake.

"Welcome to Barnes Contracting.  I'm going to show you around and then Mrs. Parker will get you to fill in the paperwork."

The tour went well, except for Scott becoming a little weird around Hope, even for him.  She didn't seem to mind him so much, as he didn't come close to being inappropriate.  In fact, he seemed quite taken by her.  By the time Bucky was done showing her around Steve had finished talking to Officer Benson and set up a time the next day to look at the flat for the estimate.  Boot camp continued with Steve and Sam doing their part, while Bucky was shown a mockup of their pamphlet and business cards that Mrs. Parker had worked on.  She ordered in lunch for everyone, and the three of them ate in his office while the guys ate in the warehouse, playing the radio loud.  After lunch, Bucky started sourcing what was needed for the brownstone renovation, using many of his legitimate contacts.   By the end of the day, he felt good about everything that was accomplished.  As everyone left, the three of them sat in Bucky's office, while he took a bottle of scotch out of a drawer and poured them each a drink. 

"This has been the weirdest week I can ever remember having," said Sam.  "From finding out about Natasha being a cop, switching to becoming a legitimate business, Thor being a college graduate and an experienced construction worker, and now getting our first referral."  He looked at Steve.  "When are you seeing Natasha again?"

"Tonight," he smiled.  "She's coming over.  When are you seeing Maria again?"

Sam grinned.  "Tonight.  She's coming over."

"Are you guys official?" asked Bucky, sipping from his glass.

They looked at each other.  "Haven't been out on an official date since we left them at the tapas bar," said Steve, grinning.  "Seen plenty of her though."

"Yeah, yeah, but how do you feel about her?"

"There's something there," admitted his friend, with Sam nodding his head in agreement.  "It's only been a week."  He looked at Bucky.  "What about you and Andrea?"

"Taking it slow.  I had an episode in front of her." 

Both Sam and Steve sat upright as Bucky told them the details. 

"She was cool with it?"  Bucky nodded.  Sam smiled kindly at him.  "That says a lot about the type of person she is.  I hope you two can make it work."

"Me too."  Bucky drained his glass.  "I'm headed home.  Can you two lock up?"

On the way home he thought of how he hadn't seen much of Andrea and Lily this week, except for when his mother came over for dinner.  He had headed out early and returned home late most days, but Andrea always had something ready for him to eat when he walked into the apartment.  As he passed an open florist's he stopped and ran inside, picking up a bouquet of flowers.  When he came out of the elevator and called out that he was home, there was silence.

"Andrea?" he called out again, leaving the flowers on the kitchen counter. 

He headed to her bedroom, knocking gently on the closed door, then opening it slowly.  She was on the bed, not moving, and for a moment he felt the icy cold knife of fear in his stomach.  Then he heard Lily fussing and went over to the crib where she was awake.  Taking her out of her sleeping bag he held her and approached the bed, sitting next to Andrea.

"Hey, wake up," he said gently.  "You, okay?"

"Bucky?" She turned towards him.  "Oh, I must have fallen asleep.  I don't feel good."

He put his free hand on her forehead.

"Sweetheart, you're burning up," he said.  "How long have you felt sick?"

"A while after you left.  I got a bad headache, then hot all over and just felt like I couldn't move.  What time is it?"

"After six," he answered.  "When did you last feed Lily?"

"I don't know, noon, maybe?  She must be so hungry."

Andrea started to cry.  Bucky stroked her forehead, trying to settle her.

"Hey, it's okay.  I'm here now.  I can feed her some of your milk that's in the freezer, right?  I'll just thaw it in lukewarm water then warm it up.  You stay here."

"She's probably wet, too," moaned Andrea as she tried to get up. 

"It's okay, I'll change her.  I'm going to call a doctor friend of mine, alright?"

Andrea laid back and nodded, too sick to speak.  Bucky turned on the light and laid Lily on the change table.  He didn't really know what he was doing but he had seen Andrea do it.  Looking closely at how the diaper was fastened before, he unfastened it and wiped Lily's bottom clean with a baby wipe.  Then he laid out the new diaper, sliding it on underneath, and doing it up.  It was a little loose, so he tightened the sticky tabs then put the baby girl's legs back into her sleeper.  Turning off the light he took Lily to the kitchen, holding her in one arm while he took one of the bottles of breast milk out of the freezer.  Washing his hands first was a challenge but he did it, then he filled a bowl with lukewarm water and put the bottle in it to thaw the milk.  Next, he called Dr. Banner, describing Andrea's symptoms. 

"Do you have a thermometer?" asked Banner.

"I don't know," answered Bucky, going back into the bedroom.  "Andrea?  Do you have a thermometer?"

"In the bathroom," she said wearily.  "It's the type that you place on the forehead."

He found it, turned it on and placed it against Andrea's forehead.  It read 102.3° which he passed on to Dr. Banner, who was quiet for a moment.

"Does she hurt all over?  Are her breasts hot, red, and swollen?"

He asked Andrea who answered yes to the first question, then she surprised him when she pulled her top up for Bucky to look.  Gingerly, he touched the skin visible above her bra, confirming that one breast was hot and swollen.  There was a reddish area on it. 

"It's mastitis," said Dr. Banner.  "She's going to need some antibiotics and pain killers.  She also needs to express milk or breastfeed for a few minutes to relieve the pressure, not a full feeding.  It's okay for the baby.  I can phone the prescription into a pharmacy, but you'll have to pick it up."

"Okay, do that," said Bucky, giving him the number of a pharmacy nearby.  "I'll call my mother to come sit with her while I pick it up."

After Bruce told him more that could be done for Andrea's symptoms, Bucky called his mother who did one better, stopping off herself to pick up the medication.  When she entered the apartment and saw him feeding Lily, she felt a burst of pride in her son.  She put the medication on the counter, took her coat off and placed it over a chair with her purse then held her hands out to him.

"Please, may I feed her?"

"She's almost done but I think she's still hungry as Andrea didn't feed her for a while," he said.  "She was so sick she was in a deep sleep."

"I remember those days," she smiled, as she cradled the little girl in her arms.  "What did Bruce say?"

"To give her the medication right away, get her to drink lots of fluids and to either breastfeed or express her milk to get it going again."  He blushed.  "I don't have to do that for her, do I?"

"I think she can manage that," smiled his mother.  "Why don't you give her the medications and see if she's up to trying to feed Lily for a few minutes.  If not, she can put an ice pack on it.  You could always massage it for her.  That helps as well."

"Ma, please, don't joke."

"I'm not," she chuckled.  "Your dad used to do it for me when I got it with you or your sister.  It's not a sexual thing.  You're just trying to relieve the pain."

Bucky grabbed the medication, taking it to Andrea, not wanting to hear about breasts from his mother.  After getting a glass of water from the bathroom he sat on the bed next to her, and read the medication instructions.  Taking a pill out he touched her arm, as her eyes were closed.

"Andrea, sweetie, I have the antibiotics," he said quietly.

"Where's Lily?" she asked, as she turned over.

"My mom's here.  She's feeding Lily."

He gave her the pill, then handed her the water, encouraging her to drink it all.  She handed the glass back and laid against the pillow looking up at him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"For what?" he answered.  "You got sick, that's all.  You looked after me when I cut my knee.  I'm just returning the favour."  He put the thermometer on her forehead, happy to see her temperature had come down a couple of degrees since he gave her the painkillers before he fed Lily.  "The pills already did their thing with your temperature."

She smiled sadly.  "You're so nice."

"Thank you.  So are you.  I bought you flowers."

"You did?  Why?"

"Because I've had such long days, and you still made me something to eat every day.  No one's ever looked after me like that since I was a kid.  You make me feel special."

"You are special."

Taking her hand in his he stroked it, then raised it to his lips and kissed her fingers.  She didn't pull her hand away.  Swallowing, he released it, then leaned down and kissed her forehead.  A warm hand cupped his cheek as he pulled away a little.  Her eyes stared intently into his then went to his lips. 

"You're sick," he murmured, wanting to kiss her more than anything.

"I know, but I still want to.  It's not catching."

"Get better first."  He stroked her hair.  "I'm not going anywhere."

"Alright," she whispered.  "Will you bring Lily to me so I can nurse her?"

"Yeah.  I'll send my mom in while I make you some soup."

He got up, but Andrea took his hand, keeping him near the bed.

"Thank you for looking after me."

With a squeeze of her hand, he pulled away and left the room.  His mother had Lily on her shoulder, gently rubbing her back. 

"She wants to try to feed Lily for a few minutes, just to relieve the pressure.  I'm going to make her some soup."

When he came out of the pantry with a can and began looking for a pot, Winnifred stood near him.

"You're a good man, Bucky," she murmured.  "Someday, you'll be a good husband and father."

He smiled self-consciously and opened the can of soup as his mother took Lily into the bedroom.  Stirring it with a can of water, he tried to focus on that, but his mind kept going back to how natural it felt to take care of Andrea and Lily.  It just seemed like he knew what to do.  Leaving the soup to warm up at a lower temperature, he got a vase out, filled it with water and poured the little packet of plant food into it, using a wooden spoon to stir it up.  As he arranged the flowers in the vase, he pulled a red rose out of the bunch and placed it in a smaller single stem vase. 

Something had changed between them since he got home and realized she was sick.  Earlier in the week Andrea said she wanted to take it slow, and he respected that, but she also wanted to kiss him when he was sitting on the bed next to her.  Maybe it was the next step in their relationship.  But he wouldn't do anything until she felt better.  In the meantime, he liked taking care of his family.  That made him smile at the realization that they were his family now.  Perhaps that was the change he was sensing.  Taking care of them both had changed how he and Andrea thought of each other.  It was the best feeling in the world.

Part 7>>

Series Masterlist

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[lunar-rcp]

could you do something with Roy being cared for by Poli. I don’t mind it being anything, I just want my favorite character to be comforted—Kidshowsarecool

Putting out your flames of emotions

# . . ! tags; fluff/angst (mostly on roy's part, though)

Having achieved his dream of being a recuse member, he already had his life set in stone. Saving others from unfortunate incidents.

However, the firetruck never could save himself at times. (Which was, mostly.)

And today was one of those days.

Roy sighed wearily, his gaze saddening as he closed the electrical panel after inspecting it thoroughly at Mr.Builders place. Today was quite the exhausting day, even the overworking fire truck could admit that to himself. It was one of those days where he just wanted to quit and imagine himself laying onto his bed, happy to even hear his own thoughts.

But, he couldn't. He had to please others around him, that was the goal he set for himself.

“Roy!” Mr.Builder yelled with glee as he approached the firetruck, quickly making Roy snap out of his carousel of thoughts.

“O-Oh! Erm, ah-..” Roy fiddled with his fingers, desperately trying to compose himself as quickly as possible. He couldn't just show off this state to anyone. Even his own rescue team. The firetruck despised it when anyone would worry about him. He was fine. 

Well, he thought he was fine.

“..Yes?” Which was what he managed to mutter out, cringing at his own answer. His eyebrows furrowing, pondering as to why he just didn't feel his best.

“Seems like you've finished ya work here? Well, that's great! Oh, and also–” Mr.Builder suddenly tilted his head, taking notice of how dull the firetrucks expression was. “Hey, Roy? What's with the long face? Is your day not going swell?..” Mr.Builder spoke with a concerned tone. In response, Roy shook his hands frantically.

“Oh, nono! Don't worry, don't worry! I'm just fine!”

Roy gulped. He just lied. But, he didn't want to worry anyone about his day.

His day contained of bratty children screaming at the firetruck, all because he was concerned for their safety. He also had to set out many fires, having to face families look at their now charred houses.

..But he couldn't tell Mr.Builder that.

“Ya sure? Well, can't be helped! I'm just a big worrywart, aha.” Mr.Builder scratched his head, chuckling. “As I was sayin’, could ya check out some fallen signs in the mountains? Me and my team jus’ don't have the time with the new construction.” 

He didn't want to. But, what could he say? He'd rather toss his emotions into a bottle and ship it overseas than to face a disappointed citizen's face. “Oh, of course Mr.Builder. I'll get on to it.” Roy spoke with a quiet soft sigh, saying his goodbyes and transforming into his vehicle form to drive off to the mountains. 

. . .

The police car was patrolling the road to the mountains, humming softly along with the whimsical tunes of birds chirping. 

Poli stopped his humming when he spotted quite the familiar red silhouette from the distance, it wouldn't take a genius to find out who that red paint belonged to.

“Roy! Hey, Roy!”

Roy stopped in his tracks. He knew Poli too well; and so did Poli. It would take a matter of seconds for the police car to find out that something wasn't right.

‘Pretend you didn't see him, pretend you didn't see him..’ Roy talked to himself in a whispered tone, swiftly turning around and driving the other way. To which leaving the police car puzzled.

“Huh? What's going on?” Poli raised an eyebrow, this wasn't like Roy. Concerned, Poli started to drive towards Roy's direction.

“Roy! C'mon, what's up?” Ack. That concerned tone left a bitter taste in Roy's mouth and heart. The guilt started to settle in, and so were emotions that started to bubble.

“..D-Don't..-” Roy swallowed his stutters, his voice obviously cracking. This only added to Poli's concerns. “Don't worry, I'm, u-uh.. fine.” The guilt at last has come up to the surface as his eyes were pricked with bubbles of tears. Roy refused to face Poli, not in this way. He needed to escape the situation. “U-Uhm, gotta go. See you.” The firetruck started to drive away, his tears already spilling on his frame.

“..Roy? Wait, no! Roy!” Before Roy could react, Poli sped right in front of him. No surprise for the fastest car in Broomstown. “Roy, you're acting off. Please tell me wha-” Poli stopped his rambles of questions to a halt when he saw tears bubbling in the beady eyes of the firetruck. “Oh, Roy..” Poli sighed sadly, driving closer next to his best friend, touching his tire against his.

And that was the final arrow to break the bottle of emotions as Roy started to sob. The guilt completely ate his composure away. “I'm- I..! S-So..” Roy choked on his words, only to be interrupted by his sobs.

“Shh,” Poli shushed the firetruck, softly rubbing against his tire. “It will be okay. Just spill it all out, friend.” 

. . .

After Roy finally had calmed down from this aching moment, the two had transformed and were sitting on the hills of Galaxy hill, admiring the view while Roy had finally talked out his problems.

“Ah, so that's what happened.” Poli sighed with a hint of frustration. Those damn kids.. He'll be sure to speak to their parents after this ordeal. “Thank you for telling me, Roy. But you could have told me sooner.” 

“I'm sorry..” Roy looked down to his hands. “I just, don't want to worry anyone. Everyone always has this image of me being the strongest, and I just have to keep to that expected image of theirs.”

“Not true, I don't.”

“What?” Roy was rather surprised by this answer, his mouth slightly open.

“Sure, you're the strongest and can lift an entire boulder with ease. But that doesn't mean you always have to throw your feelings way like nothing. I care about you, Roy. And so does the entire team as well. We all care about you.” Poli smiled at him, a glint of appreciation in his eyes. Roy has always protected the town with such care.

And now it was his turn to take care of Roy.

Roy's mouth was about to open to say something, but he was met by an embrace from the police car.

“P-Poli, I..” A tear formed in his eye. But this was a happy one. “Thank you, Poli.” Roy hugged him back tightly, finally finding his usual warm smile plastered on his face.

“Roy, I'll be there for you, whenever and wherever.

Word count: 1090 !

➽──────────────❥

wow, this was an emotional one shot. thank you for the ask !

[collapsedsquid]

Exploitation by Hezbollah extends beyond the banking system. In one notable post-default development, the group began advertising loans for solar power installations (see figure 1). These pitches surged amid stricter rationing by Électricité du Liban, a general deterioration of services, inflation-bloated prices for generator power, and the lifting of a fuel subsidy.The sustainable offering appeared to dovetail with U.S. and European efforts to provide solar power to the Lebanese people as part of new humanitarian aid programs. But inspection of the details reveals cracks. Although Hezbollah-furnished solar energy is essentially cheaper than generator power, AQAH loan amounts cover only panels made by Chinese companies operating in Lebanon. In the final analysis, Hezbollah benefits, the Chinese companies benefit, and AQAH borrowers get access to electricity. But the Chinese panels do not last very long. And municipalities have somehow skirted rules against taking out loans and have borrowed from Hezbollah, meaning government institutions are directly supporting the growth of AQAH.

This piece was published June 2023 and may relate to the solar panels exploding

[noorthehood]

Until You • 03

Miguel O'Hara/Reader

Ch. 01 Here

Ch. 02 Here

Faster updates on Ao3!

With a glimpse of a futuristic cityscape and an encounter with a Spiderman seemingly much different from the one you’re used to, you unknowingly find yourself thrust into a web of intrigue and danger as the very fabric of space and time is warping. Who will you trust?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A surge of electricity arcs through the air, causing Miguel and Margo to stumble back. You recoil, shielding yourself from the sparks that fly around you. 

The machine emits a final blinding flash, and in that moment, everything goes still.

As the light fades, Miguel’s eyes gradually readjust to the environment around him. Still dazed by the blinding glare, he hobbles to the side with a hand over his mask as Spider-Byte frantically inspects every screen for a possible answer to the malfunction. 

“I—I don’t understand what just—” Byte stammers. “Everything was fine, it shouldn’t…”

He blinks a few times, disoriented by the extreme stimuli his acute senses had just been subjected to, and looks at the distant platform. Catching a blurry glimpse of you slightly crouching on the metallic ground, seemingly unharmed but visibly shaken, a sense of relief briefly washes over him—at least you had avoided physical harm.

The room is filled with an unsettling silence as he tries to process the situation. He takes another look at the DNA scan, hoping he had read it wrong somehow.

Earth-928.

That couldn’t be. There was no way.

“Boot it up again.” He demands. Both Byte and Lyla instantly turn to look at him, incredulous.

“What?”

“I said,” He repeats with furrowed brows, feeling the frustration building within him. “Boot up the machine again.”

Her avatar flickering with concern, she hovers closer to Miguel. "But—You saw the reading yourself, another attempt won't work, and she’s already—."

Miguel's frustration continues to grow, clouding his judgment and overriding any caution, his voice filled with an increasing irritability—or perhaps apprehension. 

“Now.” He growls.

The young woman bites her lower lip and sighs, before hesitantly getting back to work.

You raise your head, looking at them from the platform, unable to tell whether what had just happened was normal—based on the looks on everyone’s faces and the ongoing commotion, it clearly wasn’t. Hell, even that sassy holographic AI looked concerned.

Taking a long glance in your direction, Spider-Byte catches the unease in your eyes. “We just had a little technical issue, nothing to worry about! We’ll try this one more time!” She shouts in your direction with an obnoxiously forced cheerfulness. “Everything’s fine!”

“Is it really?” You whisper under your breath, hands raised to your face to brace for another potential surge. 

The go-home machine cacophonously springs to life once more, its mechanical arms whirring into action, as if eager to fulfill their intended purpose. Miguel watches with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, his gaze fixed on the platform where you stand.

But as the machine loudly whirs and sputters, hope quickly turns to disappointment. It fails. Again. And again. And again. Three more times, the go-home machine refuses to cooperate, intensifying Miguel's frustration to a boiling point. 

“Again.” He barks. 

Byte hesitates. She opens her mouth to protest, to remind Miguel of your fragile state, but his impatience overrides her objections. Reluctantly, she obeys his command, hoping against hope that the machine will somehow cooperate this time.

For the fourth time in a row, the device fails to transport you back to your own universe. It's as if fate itself was playing a cruel joke on him. He throws another glance at the nearby screen—still Earth-928. His hands slam against the control panel, and it takes him an immense amount of restraint to not retract his talons and rip it apart.

He doesn’t understand. That’s not what was supposed to happen.

Lyla had provided him with a thorough account of the two women's sudden appearance on the device he had seized from Alchemax. She had described in vivid detail the strange energy signature that accompanied their arrival, and the way they materialized out of thin air as if stepping through an invisible portal.

He had watched the footage, over and over again, studying every frame, analyzing every detail. Everything pointed to one thing: cross-dimensional travel. It was undeniable. Alchemax had been tinkering with the idea of exploring and using the multiverse to their own advantage for decades. And this contraption he now possessed, it seemed to be the culmination of their efforts; a device designed to facilitate interdimensional exploration—which he couldn’t allow.

The pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit perfectly. The women themselves, their appearance, their attire, their overall demeanor—they all screamed "otherworldly." It was as if they had stepped right out of a different dimension and into his world. The evidence was right there before him, yet the go-home machine stubbornly refused to comply, shattering his expectations.

Why wasn’t it working?

“Agai—”

"Miguel, enough!" Amidst the chaos, Lyla’s yells cut through the noise and take him out of his trance, her voice filled with urgency and concern. "Just look at her!"

He tears his gaze away from the screens and turns his attention to the woman. 

She was kneeling on the platform, her trembling form illuminated by the flickering lights of the malfunctioning machine. Her tears and trembling hands spoke volumes, revealing the terror and confusion she must have been experiencing within the maelstrom of lights and sounds, distress painting her features like a wounded animal caught in a crossfire.

She looked so painfully vulnerable.

With a surge of urgency, he halts the machine, cutting off the relentless surge of energy that had been wreaking havoc. In a swift motion, he swings over to the platform closely followed by Byte, landing beside you, concern etched across his masked face.

“Shock, hey, are you alright? Can you hear me?” He shouts, in vain, as Byte promptly scans your vitals.

You couldn’t hear a thing. You felt like the continuous cacophony caused by the machine would never stop ringing between your ears. The discord that resounded inside of the alien-looking device only aided the panic that had been bubbling beneath the surface to finally erupt within you, overwhelming your senses and consuming you with a suffocating intensity. The events of the past few hours, coupled with the lingering confusion and stress you had been suppressing since your unexplainable arrival in this strange place, had finally made you reach your breaking point.

“It’s likely she’s having a panic attack” Lyla chimes in.

Your breaths came in rapid gasps, each one a struggle to inhale the precious air that seemed to elude you. Your chest tightens with an unrelenting grip and tears stream down your face, intermingling with the sweat that had formed on your forehead.

Everything around you blurs—the lab, the machines, and even the masked man’s concerned face becomes distorted and distant. It was as if you had been transported into a nightmare, trapped in a swirling vortex of fear and confusion.

“I’m—” You pant with a weak voice. “I think I’m dying”

He felt a sting in his heart, guilt washing over him like a tidal wave. This scene, her fearful voice, the look in her eyes—it was not unfamiliar to him.

“No, no you’re not.” The man’s voice echoes faintly in your ears. “You’re okay.”

With a tenderness that belied his imposing figure, the Spiderman reaches out and gently lifts you into his arms, cradling you as if you were fragile glass, under Spider-Byte’s watchful gaze. His movements were slow and deliberate, careful not to exacerbate your distress. As he brings you closer, he can feel the rapid rise and fall of your chest, as well as the tremors that still coursed through your body.

"We’re here. I'm here." he says softly, his voice a soothing murmur. "Take all the time you need. Breathe.”

Leaving the malfunctioning go-home machine behind under Lyla’s and the other young woman’s care, the man swiftly carries you away from the platform and the chaos that had consumed it. He navigates through the lab, his steps steady and purposeful, until he finds a quieter corner where you could find respite from the equipment’s flashing lights and blaring alarms.

Lowering you to the ground, he sits down a few feet away, his back resting against the same wall as you.

In the relative calm of your secluded spot, your panicked breaths begin to slow little by little, your trembling body finding solace within the dimly lit and peaceful corner of the lab, as well as the man’s calm presence next to you. 

He offered no words for several minutes, perhaps understanding that silence could be a balm for a mind overwhelmed by confusion and fear.

“...I’m just an office employee, you know.” You finally break the silence with a weak whisper.

The man slightly turns his head to face you, an inquisitive look on his masked face.

“Earlier, when you were talking about the…the multiverse and all.” You begin to explain. “You said you saw the Alchemax badge on my clothes. I guess you were implying that because I work there, I should know about that kind of thing… Maybe you thought I was a physicist or something.”

He looks down at your tear-stained face and puffy under-eyes, noticing your breathing had finally steadied.

“But I don’t know.” You turn your face towards his, head resting against the wall. “I have absolutely no idea what any of this means.”

You look away, sniffling, while his gaze is still fixed on you.

“And maybe that’s a good thing, you know, maybe I—I gotta leave it up to the real smart people to understand that kind of stuff.” You let out a faint chuckle. “I’m just a desk worker after all.”

The Spiderman’s eyes are still fixated on your face as you speak, perhaps to signify his attentiveness to your words.

“Maybe that’s why I lost it back there.” You admit, your voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. 

“There’s no shame in that.” He says, more gentle than usual. “Happens to the best of us.”

You look up at him with a small smile.

“Even to swinging heroes?” You immediately cringe after letting out that phrase, realizing the strange implication of the words you had just said. 

He nods with a scoff.

“Even to swinging heroes.”

You both let out a faint laugh, and your eyes meet for a brief moment before he turns his gaze away.

"I'm sorry," he finally says. “I…should’ve been more forthcoming with you.”

His voice carried a genuine tone of regret, which slightly takes you aback.

“I don’t mean to make excuses for myself, but…you’ve seen the pace at which we go in here.” He begins hesitantly. “I knew you wouldn’t stick around for very long and I just…didn’t want to waste time. I was so eager to find answers to this whole ordeal that I overlooked the toll it was taking on you.”

The Spiderman’s masked gaze turns back to face you, and for a moment, you swear you see his eyes soften through the mask.

“I’m sorry. Really.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air, and you can sense the sincerity behind them. You’re not sure how to respond. 

A few seconds pass before you finally decide to speak again.

“It’s alright. You were just…trying to help in your own way.” You say with a smile tugging at your lips. “...I appreciate the honesty, though.”

He gives a slight nod, conveying a sense of gratitude for your understanding, and gently pats your shoulder as a sort of silent peace offering.

“Well, now that you said you’d be more transparent with me”, you begin. “Can I ask you a few things?”

He raises an eyebrow in anticipation. “Go ahead.” 

“How’d you know we were from a different universe?”

The Spiderman places his hands on both sides of his imposing body as he thinks.

“Intuition, I suppose.” He rests his head back against the wall. “Once you’ve been in the game for a while, you just know.”

“Oh! I’ve read about that.” You exclaim. “There was an interview with Spiderman a few months ago in the free paper, what’d he call it—spider-sense?”

He quickly interjects.

“No, no, I don’t have ‘that’.”

Silence.

“...What do you mean, you don’t ‘have that’?”

He shrugs. “I just don’t.”

“But you said you were Spiderman!” 

“Yeah, but I’m not your Spiderman, if you hadn’t noticed already” He says, his voice hinting at a slight exasperation.

You laugh. He could tell you were finding his irritation amusing.

“Well, until I go back to wherever it is you think I’m from, I guess you’re gonna have to take on the role of ‘my Spiderman’.” You say, highlighting the last words with pronounced air quotes. His eyes widened at the statement.

“You’re in a building filled with Spider-people. I’m sure you could find a better, much friendlier candidate to fit the position of ‘your Spiderman’” The man responds while mirroring your air quotes.

Your laugh fills the air as you stand up, dusting off the back of your jumpsuit.

“Oh but see, you and I have history.” You make a vague injection gesture on your arm, referring to the tranquilizer. “You can’t just find something like that anywhere.”

He shakes his head with a scoff and also stands up, his sheer height disconcerting you for a second as he towers over you with crossed arms—there was no way he was under six foot five.

“I guess I owe you that much.” The Spiderman concedes as you follow him out towards the elevator platform from whence you came. You smile victoriously and follow at his heel.

“Oh, by the way. I don’t know if you were bluffing but…” You hesitate. “You said my cells would decay if I stayed out here too long. Should I…be worried about that? Since, you know, Plan A was kind of a flop?”

He shakes his head. “As long as you’ve got your day-pass bracelet on, it’ll keep you from glitching. You’ll be fine, no need to worry.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“A day-pass what now?”

“Don’t you know what a bracelet is? The kind of thing that goes around your wri—”

“Yeah, no, I know what a bracelet is. But whatever it is you’re talking about, I definitely don’t have it.” You raise your hands in the air to highlight your point.

He frowns and turns his head towards you. “What are you—”

His gaze lingers on your hands and he catches a glimpse of your delicate wrists.

Your delicate, empty wrists.

.......................................................................................................................................

Faster updates on AO3! Because I get more motivated to write faster if I get comments. Call it positive reinforcement 💀

Ch. 04

[seat-safety-switch]

Recently, my fridge started beeping at me. This was because I had left the door open, and it was being friendly and reminding me to close that door, or it wouldn’t work properly anymore. Now, this sort of friendliness is surprising to me, not least because the house I’m squatting in after my landlord’s unfortunate (and I assure you, accidental) high-speed public dismemberment does not currently have electrical service.

Or so I thought. It seemed that, while I was sleeping, some greenwashers had arrived and retrofitted some government-subsidized solar panels into the house. With a zeal only witnessed in those unlucky workers who are getting paid by the job, they plowed through the pile of broken car parts and miscellaneous electronic trash in the basement to hook up the panel and drop off a massive battery. As a result, my house was now officially “off the grid.”

Now, in my municipality, it’s illegal to be off the grid. Even if you make electricity purely from the power of the sun or your own man-portable nuclear reactor, you have to at least vig up to the local power company between fifty and two hundred dollars a month. It seemed that I had located a loophole in their rules, however, and now could enjoy opulent comfort such as “refrigerated food” and “lights” without any guilt or cost out of my pocket.

A true dream, and it was all thanks to some computer system, deep within the bureaucracy, that hadn’t yet figured out my landlord is no longer of this earth and that the home should rightly have been condemned. Of course, those proud city workers had missed me during their “random inspections,” because my sleeping position is so covered in trash as to serve a sort of suburban camouflage. They might have left with some of my cars, it is impossible to tell, but that’s a small price to pay for unlimited guilt-free electricity use.

Of course, it was not to last. As soon as the power came back on, prowling gangs of realtors began to notice that the house was inhabitable again, and aggressively approached in order to make offers for the land value. I couldn’t exactly fend them off, not without exiting the house and giving away my squatter-status, so instead I just turned off all the lights and hid in the darkness. It’s not so bad. Now I can finally charge my phone without having to sneak down to the convenience store and unplug their coffee maker when they’re not looking.