#security risk and threat assessment

[dsp-consultants]

Strengthening Urban Resilience: DSP Consultants’ Strategies for Blast Impact Mitigation in the UAE

In the UAE, safeguarding high-risk areas such as bustling urban centers, critical infrastructure, and industrial zones is essential for maintaining public safety. To address these unpredictable security threats, DSP Consultants employ advanced blast analysis techniques and comprehensive security threat risk assessments. Our goal is to effectively mitigate blast impacts and enhance the protection of both people and property.

Customized Security Threat Risk Assessment

DSP Consultants initiate the process with a tailored security threat risk assessment. This involves identifying potential explosive threats, evaluating the security posture of existing structures, and considering the unique characteristics of the UAE’s landscape. By analyzing blast loads on various materials—such as concrete, steel, and carbon fiber—our team provides a clear understanding of risks and develops customized strategies to mitigate them effectively.

Advanced Blast Analysis and Design

Leveraging cutting-edge blast analysis and design software, DSP Consultants model the effects of blasts on both new and existing structures. Using 2D and 3D visualizations, we predict blast force distribution, assess containment measures, and design solutions that enhance structural resilience. This proactive approach ensures compliance with safety standards and prepares structures to withstand explosive impacts.

Implementing Explosive Safety Design

A key aspect of our services is our expertise in explosive safety design. We create strategic plans to minimize explosion risks, incorporating blast-resistant materials and structural reinforcements. By implementing these designs, DSP Consultants help maintain building integrity and occupant safety, providing peace of mind for clients throughout the UAE.

The Benefits of DSP’s Blast Analysis Services

DSP Consultants' blast analysis and security consulting services offer numerous advantages:

Enhanced Safety: Accurate blast impact predictions safeguard lives and property, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures.

Cost-Efficiency: Effective damage prediction and preventive measures lower the costs associated with post-blast repairs and operational downtime.

Regulatory Compliance: Our designs meet local and international safety standards, helping clients avoid potential legal and financial penalties.

Conclusion

DSP Consultants’ expertise in blast analysis and security master planning plays a vital role in enhancing public safety across high-risk areas in the UAE. Through detailed risk assessments, advanced modeling, and innovative safety designs, we deliver tailored solutions that protect people and assets from the unpredictable threat of explosions. Securing your developments with blast analysis is essential for safeguarding both your projects and the people who rely on them. Contact DSP Consultants info@dsp-consultants.com at to explore how we can address your blast analysis needs in the UAE.

[atozofsoftwareengineering]

Advanced Persistent Threats: Understanding the Characteristics, Tactics, and Strategies for Prevention and Mitigation in Today's Cyber Landscape

A detailed read on Cyber security in today's digital landscape. Happy Sunday everyone!

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are a type of cyber attack that is specifically targeted at organizations or individuals to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations. These attacks are carried out by highly skilled and organized hackers who use sophisticated techniques to gain access to networks and systems. In this paper, we will discuss APTs in detail, including their…

[jcmarchi]

Cyberbiosecurity 101: protecting life sciences in the digital age - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/cyberbiosecurity-101-protecting-life-sciences-in-the-digital-age-cybertalk/

Cyberbiosecurity 101: protecting life sciences in the digital age - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

In May of 2017, the life sciences industry contended with the WannaCry campaign, one of the most widespread and destructive cyber attacks in history. It rapidly propagated across networks, encrypting data and systems; leaving organizations crippled and desperate.

Some life sciences groups permanently lost intellectual property or data. Others were forced to halt production of certain drugs and vaccines. The combination of costly system downtime and ransom demands left a few enterprises financially insolvent.

Why life sciences? Cyber criminals perceive life sciences as an attractive target due to the intellectual property available on computer systems. Ninety-five percent of all cyber attacks in the life sciences sector center around intellectual property (IP).

For the life science sector, WannaCry served as a cyber security wake-up call. However, not every organization took adequate action and the threat landscape has grown more perilous in the years since.

Here’s what to know about preventing and defending against cyberbiosecurity threats:

Addressing the challenge

First, know where the problems are. Conduct a thorough risk assessment – one that’s specific to your organization’s unique network environment. Identify critical assets, including intellectual property, research data and other proprietary information. Implement layered defenses to mitigate risks. These include firewalls, intrusion detection systems and endpoint detection systems.

But that alone isn’t enough. Be sure to train your employees effectively. Provide education around cyber threats, including social engineering. Develop a cyber security-conscious culture, where everyone understands the importance of safeguarding information. Provide regular supplemental training to address evolving threats.

Beyond that, ensure that your organization’s software developers use secure coding practices. Regularly patch and update software to address vulnerabilities.

Develop and test incident response (IR) plans that are specific to cyberbiosecurity/incidents in the life sciences sector. As goes for any IR plans, establish communication channels, delegate roles and clarify responsibilities, all of which will hasten the response in the event of a breach. Practice tabletop exercises to simulate real-world scenarios.

Leverage threat intelligence and information sharing efforts. Participate in Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) or working groups that are focused on cyberbiosecurity. This will enable your organization to learn from peers and to exchange tactics. Your organization may also wish to collaborate on joint prevention and defense initiatives.

Cyber and physical system integration

Another aspect of the cyberbiosecurity situation to consider is reliance on cyber-physical systems. These types of systems integrate cyber-based control mechanisms into physical infrastructure. Examples include building automation systems and certain types of data collection and analysis instruments.

To protect these systems, ensure that your organization limits physical access to critical infrastructure and the toggles that control infrastructure functions. In addition, consider installing surveillance cameras and monitor access points.

Further, ahead of acquiring new cyber-physical technology, assess the security practices of the vendors who are providing the equipment. Ensure that vendors follow cyber security best practices.

More recommendations for CISOs

Have you completed all of the aforementioned recommendations? Great work! Take the next step: thoroughly test for vulnerabilities. Based on the results of the testing, devise and implement a remediation strategy. This will significantly minimize cyber risk. If you’re looking for experts with deep knowledge concerning how to resolve cyber security gaps, click here.

Closing thoughts

The life sciences community has an opportunity (and perhaps, an obligation) to lead when it comes to securing digital resources. Investing in cyberbiosecurity ensures the secure future of scientific research, life-saving vaccines, and life-changing pharmaceutical treatments.

For more insights like this, please see CyberTalk.org’s past coverage. Lastly, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter for timely insights, cutting-edge analyses and more, delivered straight to your inbox each week.

[marciodpaulla-blog]

Cybersecurity Report: Protecting DHS Employees from Scams Targeting Personal Devices

🔒 DHS Cybersecurity Alert! 🔒 Scammers targeting personal devices threaten national security. Our new report reveals these risks & offers robust solutions - MFA, security software, cybersecurity training & more. Safeguard yourself & critical operations!

Introduction The digital age has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity and technological advancements, but it has also given rise to a new breed of threats that transcend traditional boundaries. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, exploiting vulnerabilities in both organizational systems and personal devices to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, and…

[reallytoosublime]

Are you aspiring to step into the crucial position of a risk manager? In this video, we delve deep into the pivotal role of a risk manager in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. 👉 Subscribe to my channel to stay tuned:    / @tolulopemichael001  

In today's video, we'll explore the responsibilities, skills, and certifications essential for thriving in the role of a risk manager. From conducting risk assessments to overseeing mitigation strategies, we uncover this vital position's diverse and challenging aspects.

Communication is key in cyber security, and we emphasize its importance along with other critical soft skills like decision-making and problem-solving. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we provide valuable insights into breaking into the field and advancing your career.

Discover the vast growth potential and lucrative opportunities in cyber security risk management. With dedication and staying abreast of the latest trends, you can pave your way to Senior Management roles or specialize in areas like crisis management and strategic risk consulting.

[knovos]

How to Protect Intellectual Property (IP) Data from Modern Bad Actors?

Safeguard Intellectual Property IP Data from Insider and outsider bad actors Kirit shares 6 steps roadmap for the protection of IP data.

[quartergremlin]

Shelldon inherited Donnie's need for validation. PSDD inherited their need to protect its family bloodlust.

first/prev/next

transcript:

PSDD:

Father. I have decided that tomorrow I will be accompanying you to your office lab.

Donnie:

Are you now?

P:

Yes! Since SHELLDON "let the cat out of the bag" there's no reason for me to not go! (I have the paperwork to prove it.)

I am far more optimized for security and risk assessment than SHELLDON, and unlike you two I am unimpressed by most humans, so I can accurately evaluate their threat levels!

I can finally do an in-depth assessment of your public work environment and vet your employees firsthand!

Security! Contingencies! Exit strategy!

[matan4il]

What's your evidence that Joost Klein harassed Eden at ESC? I've only seen evidence of Joost being harassed by Israeli delegation. And he was an assholeish idiot at the press conference but he wasn't the worst. And can people pleaaase stop spreading the smear campaign the EBU put out about him. He made a rude gesture, that's it.

Hi,

I'm gonna admit that if you saw the Dutch performer's behavior at the press conference, IDK how that doesn't constitute harassment? I mean, the part where he didn't like that the ESC organizers made him sit next to the Israeli singer, and he didn't want to be in the same frame with her, so he covered himself with the Dutch flag wasn't just being an asshole, he was publicly humiliating her, transmitting to everyone what a pariah she is, not based on anything she's said and done, but simply based on her nationality (and this little stunt was obviously going to attract attention, meaning he minded being photographed next to her, but he didn't mind being photographed covered up with the flag like that in the same frame with her, making it clear this wasn't him wanting to avoid political stuff).

In my book, that's bad enough, but then he added insult to injury. Eden was asked a disgusting question by a Polish journalist. He wanted to know whether she considered that she would be putting everyone else at ESC at risk (victim blaming much? Eden was the target of a violent mob besieging her hotel room, and turning her participation into an event requiring security. She didn't ask them to do this, she didn't force them to, she's a 20 year old girl, who has dreamt of representing her country at ESC for years, and when she finally gets to, she's being asked to carry the blame for the violence aimed at her due to her nationality... Imagine asking Ariana Grande after her Manchester Arena performance if she took into account that she was risking the lives of all of her fans, because an Islamist decided to use her event for a terrorist bombing that killed 22 young people, and would she never perform again, now that she was aware of the risk? No, that didn't happen, because it's a disgusting, victim blaming, terrorism-rewarding question). The panel host rightfully grasped that this was a political and harassing question, and told her she didn't have to answer it. Joost Klein then shouting at that, "Why not?" was harassment. He was piling up on the victim blaming, on top of showing zero empathy for a fellow performer targeted for her nationality, in a way he never would have agreed to be himself.

(I think that's last assessment is obvious since we now know he thought, even for a split second, that it was okay to threaten with fists a female camerawoman working for ESC, doing her job, filming the performers when they got off stage after their performances. This was done to the other performers as well, IDK what made Klein think his consent was needed in that moment, since to me it seems implied by agree to represent the Netherlands at ESC, but even if he had the right to refused being filmed, I have no idea what made him believe it was okay to use violent threats against an ESC employee).

I'd like to ask you where did you see "evidence" that Klein was harassed by the Israeli delegation? As far as I'm aware, there was only one vid trying to make that claim, and what was seen in that one, was an Israeli journalist (so, not a part of the performing team), working as a European correspondent (he also covered the war in Ukraine, to give you an idea of what that job entails, so he's a "respectable" journalist, not just a guy with a mic interviewing people for his ESC blog), called Dov Gil-Har (as far as I know, he's aligned with the left politically, so not exactly someone likely to be harassing people out of nationalistic sentiments), who was trying to ask Klein questions. Which... the last time I checked is his duty as a journalist. And Klein refused to answer Gil-Har's questions, which is his prerogative (though I do think it was pretty disgusting when some performers, like the Norwegian ones, refused to give interviews to any Israeli media outlets. Since it's based on nationality, it's once again hateful IMO), but then the Dutch team's manager (or whatever he was) really got in Gil-Har's face, and more than that, because I clearly heard Dov saying, "Don't touch me." Keep in mind, this was after Klein's shameful behavior at the press conference, and also after he missed a rehearsal that day, there were rumors circling around it somehow had something to do with Israel, so it is honestly the most natural thing for Gil-Har as a journalist, that he wanted to ask the Dutch team some questions. That should not have ended with him having to say, "Don't touch me," but to further misconstrue this as him harassing the Dutch team...!? WHAT?

It feels like another instance of DARVO, where the attacker/harasser/abuser shifts the fire away by reversing who was doing the harassment and who was being harassed. Everything we saw on camera was harassment of the Israelis, including even the media, while I've not seen one documentation on film of the Israelis harassing others. Plus, I heard the claim that the Israeli team was harassing everyone, yet we know that some performers didn't feel, act or express themselves that way.

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Let’s assume for a second Meghan has been‘flagged’ as a fixated person or even a person of concern, can they be eligible for IPP? If she has been identified as a concern, can the government simultaneously give her that level of protection and access to intel?

This is all just speculation.

Disclaimer first: This is beyond my knowledge of national security.

Can a fixated person be eligible for IPP? Yes. Because everyone is eligible for IPP.

Would they actually get it? Mm, probably not.

Let’s talk it out.

First, the kind of information that protected people get in this case is information about the security threats against them and details of security plans designed to keep them safe. They wouldn’t be getting information about other protectees unless they’re at the top of the hierarchy (like say Charles or William) or the other protectee is their minor child because the compartmentalization of whereabouts and security plans is part of the safety plan.

Could a fixated person extrapolate the knowledge from their security plans to make educated guesses about someone else’s plans? Yes, they could. So that’s a risk that would be taken into consideration while determining someone’s IPP status.

But by and large the issue with fixated people (as I understand it) is not access to information but access to the person of their fixation. Which is why security exists in the first place. As long as there’s a degree of separation and security - and there would be between Meghan and Kate because Kate is the Princess of Wales and that comes with a totally different security posture than, say, the Duchess of Edinburgh - that’s really all that’s necessary. The security posture could change if the fixated IPP is in the same room, for instance like at the Platinum Jubilee service of thanksgiving where William and Kate sat in the front row of Section A but Harry and Meghan were sat across the aisle in the interior third row of Section B with sleeper agents positioned all around them.

Second, all the IPP (Internationally Protected Person) designation means is that the person has diplomatic status worthy of a protection detail. That’s all. It doesn’t come with a special security clearance or unrestricted access to anywhere or anyone their cold black heart desires. There are still rules and procedures they have to follow because all being IPP means is that they’re protected from the public. IPP does not mean that they don’t have to follow the rules and procedures of *other* IPP.

So what does that mean? It means that if the IPP fixated person wants to go somewhere near the subject of their fixation, they still have to follow the rules and procedures of the subject’s security team. They don’t get to just waltz right through the security checks and get all up in Michelle Obama’s business (IYKYK).

In other words, just because Meghan is IPP doesn’t mean she has free access to Kate. She still has to follow the rules set by Kate’s security team and I would imagine that if Meghan were to return to the BRF, William would draw his family’s security net even tighter to block any chance of Harry and Meghan trying to get through. For instance, there’s renewed gossip that Harry wants to move into KP Apartment 1 and/or KP Apartment 7 (Apt 1 being the former Gloucester residence next door to William and Kate’s 1A apartment, which supposedly the Waleses have taken over for more office space, and Apt 7 being part of Diana’s former residence). William will mostly likely probably block that because his family still uses 1A. And likewise, he’d probably block the Sussexes from returning to the Windsor estate, since his family is there now as well. (Meaning Harry and Meghan’s only options is St. James’s Palace or a country estate outside of London…neither of which meet Meghan’s very exact specifications.)

Third, the last piece of the puzzle: the security risk and threat assessment. Everyone who goes up for IPP status (or heck, even just to take a job in the civil service - which, let me remind everyone, the BRF is. They’re essentially government workers who live very cushy lives supplemented by generational wealth) has to go through a security risk and threat assessment where everything from our families to our hobbies to our known associates to our health to our travel to our neighbors and home is investigated and assessed via background checks and investigations.

(And yes, this most likely means that anyone who marries into the royal family who does not come from a known associate - eg a family known to the BRF like the Spencers and Fergusons were - probably has had background investigations done for them to be able to meet principal members of the royal family. Kate and the Middletons probably had one, though perhaps not as in depth since she and William were together for so long, but there certainly was one done on Meghan when Harry got serious enough with her that he wanted her to meet The Queen.)

Now the thing about background checks and investigations, security clearances, and IPP status is that if you leave the civil service to go work in the private sector for a few years and then you decide to come back and be a fed again, your old checks and clearances aren’t there waiting for you like an old coat you buried in the back of your closet for 5 years. You have to undergo a total and complete reinvestigation. And if there are things that pop up in your reinvestigation over behaviors or diagnoses or actions you did while employed by a fake mental health startup and Netflix (for example) that have violated certain codes, standards, ethics, laws, or that exponentially increased your vulnerability to being exploited by foreign adversaries, or that have exposed you as a significant threat to the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of a principal staffer, well, then, you’re not getting that job and you can kiss your old security clearance or your old diplomatic status or your old RAVEC status goodbye. Even if you’re related to the principal staffer(s) in question.

So to sum up. A fixated person is eligible to be declared IPP. But they still have to go through all the checks and threat analyses to actually receive IPP status, and that’s where the issue is.

Ignoring “fixated person” (since again, that hasn’t actually been confirmed and is only just gossip and speculation), this is why Harry’s latest tactic is to say “if only my father would just give it back to me.” He is eligible for IPP just on the basis of being King Charles’s son, and he has Tier 3 (case-by-case) status because of that. But Tier 3 isn’t good enough; he wants Tier 1 (25/8 permanent) status, but RAVEC’s position is that Harry is disqualified Tier 1 because of his own behaviors and actions. Harry wants Charles to overrule the government and so far Charles hasn’t, because he’s likely read the report that bringing Harry back in poses more danger to the Waleses than leaving him out.

To which I say yes, that’s true, but bringing Harry in means they can better control him and what he does, so it’s a safer security posture to begin with. The issue is Meghan, who has proven time and time again that she doesn’t play by anyone’s rules but her own and has no interest in being on a team. In that case, it’s a safer security posture for her to be on the outside and away from everyone where it’s easier to monitor her so that her arrival or appearance can be more easily and more carefully planned for.

Which is ultimately the core conflict. Harry wants Meghan. The BRF doesn’t (or can’t). So Harry will emotionally blackmail everyone to force them to accept her. They refuse. Meghan says “it’s me or Kate and if you don’t choose me, you’re all racist.” The BRF laughs and chooses Kate anyway. They go on a worldwide tour of privacy to declare everyone is racist. No one cares. So they go crawling back to the BRF. The BRF says “only Harry, no Meghan.” But Harry wants Meghan. The BRF doesn’t. And around and around and around we go.

[dsp-consultants]

Strengthening Security in Saudi Arabia: DSP Consultants' Expertise in Security Risk Assessment

In today's dynamic and evolving landscape, security risks are a constant concern for businesses across Saudi Arabia. Whether you operate in the bustling cities or remote regions of the Kingdom, understanding and mitigating potential threats is crucial to maintaining the safety and integrity of your operations. At DSP Consultants, we specialize in providing comprehensive security risk assessment services tailored to your unique needs.

 Expertise in Security Risk Assessment

At DSP Consultants, we understand that security risks are not one-size-fits-all. Each organization, regardless of its size or sector, faces a unique set of challenges. Our team of experienced security risk assessment consultants in Saudi Arabia is equipped to conduct thorough reviews of your current security measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop robust strategies to address them.

Our approach begins with a detailed assessment of your organization's existing security framework. We evaluate the effectiveness of your current security measures, identifying any gaps or weaknesses that could be exploited by potential threats. This process involves a comprehensive analysis of both physical security controls and procedural measures to ensure that your organization is fully prepared to face a wide range of risks.

 Customized Security Strategies

Understanding that each business has its own specific needs, DSP Consultants offers bespoke consulting services designed to align with your objectives. Whether you require guidance on securing critical infrastructure, protecting personnel during travel, or ensuring the safety of your assets, our experts develop tailored solutions that are both practical and effective.

In the context of Saudi Arabia, where the security landscape can be complex, having a strategic plan in place is essential. Our security risk assessment consultants not only help you identify potential risks but also provide actionable recommendations to mitigate them. By developing a customized security strategy, we enable your organization to be proactive in managing security challenges, rather than simply reacting to them.

 Enhancing Your Organization’s Maturity

Security is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution. At DSP Consultants, we assist organizations in advancing their security programs by providing strategic direction and support. Our consultants work closely with your team to enhance the maturity of your security operations, ensuring that you are better prepared to respond to evolving threats.

We recognize the importance of a well-structured security program, especially in a region as critical as Saudi Arabia. By partnering with DSP Consultants, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that empowers your organization to stay ahead of potential risks. Our goal is to help you build a resilient security framework that can withstand the challenges of an ever-changing environment.

 Why Choose DSP Consultants?

As a leader in security consulting in Saudi Arabia, DSP Consultants is committed to delivering top-tier services that meet the highest standards of excellence. Our team brings a deep understanding of the local context, ensuring that our solutions are both relevant and effective for your business.

With DSP Consultants, you can trust that your security risk assessment is in the hands of experts who prioritize your safety and success. We are dedicated to helping you strengthen your organization’s ability to prepare for and respond to security risks, providing peace of mind in an increasingly uncertain world.

To learn more about our security risk assessment services in Saudi Arabia, please contact us at info@dsp-consultants.com.

[the-empress-7]

"And RAVEC and Co, already told him that they have checked the level of threats he and his family have, and that they can’t give more because for now is ‘low’ the risk. That’s why Harold wants to see those documents, because he believes they are lying to him and that he is the most prosecuted man in the world, and that his family is taking revenge and that’s why he isn’t having security "

This. What Ravec is telling him is that they are sure that his security can be assured by a private security team and instead of being relieved, he feels insulted. It says everything.

How can anyone take him seriously while he is saying at the same time that the met has the best risk assessement mesures AND that the met/ravec doesn't really know what threats he is the target of are. They know better than him, period, I don't know why anyone else's opinion about this should be listened to.

Yep. How's that for backwards logic?!

The source at Torchwood (the private security company providing him services) claims that the Met hasn't assessed his risk since 2019. Which is an impossible claim to make given that they assess his security needs (based on current threat levels) every single time he visits the UK.

[pongnosis]

The first, unedited section of a sequel to the Yassen-dies AU (... so an AU of an AU that refused to leave me alone until I put it down on paper, because that's what I need in my writing life) in which the Commander of Yassen's security team/babysitters/personal problem solvers finds himself the unwilling victim of a time travel fix-it and has to stop the whole shitshow somehow.

In which everyone fucking lives or by God, he going to fucking murder them himself.

Hill is surrounded by dead people. This is not unusual, given that he’s in command of a SCORPIA hunter-killer team, but these ones are walking, talking, breathing people that died a year ago and haven’t realised it.

Hill is pretty sure it’s a nightmare. More vivid and coherent than most he’s had about that day but still a nightmare. Trapped in a situation he knows exactly how will play out and with no way to change anything. He’s lost counts of the nightmares where he’s yelled and screamed and shot people and nothing changed. Where everyone around him carried on without seeing him, walking towards certain, inexorable doom.

Gregorovich appears from his office and Hill recites the words in his mind even as the man starts talking.

“Change of plans, Commander. Arrange for transportation to M’Hamid base. We depart within the hour.”

“That’s not enough time to arrange for security, sir.” Hill has made that objection before – not when it mattered, not when it could have changed things, but in every nightmare since. He knows it will change nothing now. He has to try, anyway. “We will need at least four hours to ensure the location is secure.”

“Speed and anonymity will compensate.”

Gregorovich sounds so sure of himself and Hill has wondered, night after night, if the man was really that confident in his risk assessment or if whatever had been in that phone call – and a year later, they still didn’t know the details – had been important enough to run the risk.

“Not if the threat is internal.” Which is a valid concern given that the rat-fucker who had been behind the assassination had been an internal threat in the first place; the first volley in a cowardly would-be coup, and Gregorovich should know this given that he took out most of the old Board himself.

“Commander,” Gregorovich begins and something in Hill snaps.

“Don’t make me call Orion. Sir.”

The only person more invested in Gregorovich’s safety than Hill is, and sure, they’ve had a rocky start after – everything but Hill knows that in this matter, Orion will back him up without hesitation.

Gregorovich pauses. It reminds Hill of a particularly vindictive viper laying in wait.

“Threats, Commander?” he asks mildly.

“Promises,” Hill responds flatly. “My job is to ensure your security and survival against all threats, sir. Yourself included.”

The silence stretches on. When is the last time someone told Gregorovich no, outside of Orion in a particular vicious mood? Based on how long it takes his Imaginary Boss’ brain to go through what has to be a mental reboot of the factory settings, the answer is a long fucking time.

Hill knows how it goes. In a moment, Gregorovich will refuse, Hill will try to stop him, stop his team, stop anyone, but no one will see him and his hand will go through anything he touches – like he’s the ghost instead of them – and he will wake up drenched in sweat and with the smell of explosives and burned concrete in his nose as the world disappears in a fireball around him.

Gregorovich nods slightly. Opens his mouth, and -

“… Very well, Commander. Alert me when arrangements have been made.”

- Hill’s brain grinds to a halt.

Because Gregorovich listens.

And Hill doesn’t wake up.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved on our archive

As a new stronger covid strain spreading across Europe is identified, Zoe Beaty looks at the symptoms and how we’re still living with the virus four years after the world went into lockdown

Her morning coffee was the first clue. Earlier in the summer, Rebecca Jones made her usual pot at 8am, and took the much-awaited first sip. Only, it tasted off. “It was just horrible,” says Jones. She’d tasted it once before, back in 2020. “That’s when I knew it was Covid.”

During this year’s unsettled summer, Covid has been quietly lurking in the background of many people’s lives. Four years ago, the sense of urgency was still in its infancy – we would still experience two more nationwide lockdowns and UK death figures would reach 227,000 by May of 2023. Worldwide, that toll stretched to more than 7 million. We wore masks, we distanced ourselves, isolated – and worried.

The road back to normality was long and arduous, but very sweet for the majority. Our simplest pleasures – hugging, holidaying, not worrying about where a surgical mask is – for a while were consistently vocalised. It made sense that much of the thrill of being able to nip for a pint after work or do a food shop without queuing wore off relatively quickly.

For a while, it was almost a surprise when someone told you they’d tested positive. Isolation seemed silly again. But now, that confidence is steadily being chipped away at. A morsel of fear is back – but this time with little to no solid advice. And with a wider perspective of the new threat that long Covid poses.

Reports earlier this year found that up to two million people are living with long Covid in the UK, or one in 20 people who have contracted the disease. And according to experts a new ‘stronger’ variant is now spreading across Europe. First identified as the XEC strain in Germany in June, global health experts believe that it could be the dominant variant within months and cause a new spike when the weather turns colder.

Symptoms include tiredness, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath and chest pain, among many others. The latest UK figures show there has been a 4.30 per cent rise in Covid cases week-on-week and England reported 1.465 hospital admissions up until August 30. Detailed data is still being collected on the new variant.

Most people will get better within a few weeks, but for others it could take longer to recover. People who smoke or who are overweight, who have been admitted to hospital due to the severity of their Covid symptoms in the past . or who live in deprived areas are most at risk. Age is also linked to “persistent symptoms”.

“Over the last few years, Covid-19 has become an illness that we have learnt to live with. But that does not mean it’s not still a deadly disease,” says Professor Mark Wass, head of the University of Kent’s School of Bioscience. “Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that over the last few months there have been 100-200 deaths related to Covid-19 per week.

“While Covid-19 is still deadly, for many symptoms are now similar to a cold – but there is always the risk of long Covid,” Wass adds.

This year’s “summer Covid wave” – a rise in cases – is difficult to prove. “The surveillance of Covid cases in the UK is far less intensive than it once was, so it is more difficult to track the rise and fall of waves of infection, or to assess the severity of different variants, or to know how effective the vaccines are against them,” Mark Woolhouse, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, told the British Medical Journal (BMJ) recently.

In our homes, the trend has followed suit. Most of us now only test as an afterthought. None of us are sure if old Covid tests are out of date. And we’re reluctant to spend £29.99 for one.

While it is hard to track infections, there has been an increase in the number of cases where Covid is recorded on death certificates in the UK in the past months. After a spike in January and February, numbers fell sharply until May when the lowest number of deaths in a week stood at 93, before climbing again above 200 on several weeks in July and August.

Being vaccinated reduces the risk of contracting long Covid by four times, some studies suggest – but, right now, only the most vulnerable are able to access a booster vaccination. Government vaccine advisers, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) closed the spring campaign offering boosters to the over-75s, people in care homes or those who are immunosuppressed – on 30 June.

Wass says that vaccine programmes are now seasonal, no autumn vaccine programme has been announced – those who wish to be vaccinated must now pay £45 to £99 for a booster. “If you are eligible, then the advice is to get vaccinated. We know that the immunity offered by vaccines reduces over time, so getting vaccinated offers the best protection.”

Anecdotally at least, those unable to get boosters who catch the virus appear to be feeling the after-effects. And since knowledge of long Covid will only increase as the years go by, we’re learning of more cases or more severe cases.

One friend was diagnosed with Parsonage-Turner syndrome – a neurological condition that causes sudden, severe pain in the shoulder and upper arm – after contracting Covid in June. Despite being a healthy 39-year-old who regularly works out, he’s now living with consistent pain and weakness, which can last for months.

“At first I thought it was arthritis,” he tells me. About a week before he felt “unbelievably sharp pains” across his shoulder and he’d begun to experience brain fog and feeling faint. “The next day I was bedridden and by the end of day three I had a rash across my body.” The initial symptoms went away relatively quickly – but since then he’s been left with an incurable condition.

“The doctors said it was probably the virus attacking my joints,” he explains. “It means I can’t lift anything remotely heavy with my left arm. It’s been incredibly debilitating – especially as weight lifting is how I stave off depression.”

Others express the same difficulties and frustrations – at GPs who “treat it just like another germ”, or being “horrified and upset that no one tests these days, and expects you to be okay after a couple of days”. Olivia, 35, whose name has been changed, has been dealing with long Covid for almost a year. “It’s crazy being someone whose life has been so affected by Covid, and having these conversations with friends who are going around knowing they’ve got Covid, going to work, all those things.

“Because there’s no acknowledgement by society that it’s a bad thing if you catch it, or it can be. It’s way higher than you think.” Next week Olivia will move in with her boyfriend who contracted long Covid this summer. “We’re partly moving in so I can help look after him. A lot of the symptoms are the same as I’ve had.

“It seems mad that both of us could have it. But that seems to be the situation.”

Olivia had to take three months off her role as a programme director to try and recover – greatly affecting her work – an experience that millions of others share, some of them in extremes. This week the Wall Street Journal reported that “long Covid knocked a million Americans off their career paths”. “Years after infection, even answering email remains arduous for some,” they found.

BBC Breakfast recently ran a 15-minute segment on those who have contracted ME, or chronic fatigue syndrome, as a result of contracting Covid. They reported on cases such as young newlyweds James and Karen Hargrave.

While Karen, who has launched a campaign – There for ME, to raise awareness of their experiences – recovered from the virus and ME enough to go back to work part-time, her husband, previously a keen runner, can no longer function. He is now unable to speak – she hasn’t heard his voice in a year – and he struggles to swallow.

Rebecca Jones, from Holton-le-Clay in Lincolnshire, also contracted long Covid the first time she caught the virus. It left her with alopecia and fatigue and even caused her to fail a memory test for dementia, which she says was “terrifying”.

This time she’s been left with “ghost smells”, and disruption to her senses. Now, she’s unable to get vaccinated, despite previously being on the vulnerable list and can’t afford to pay for a private vaccine. Her menopausal hot flushes, which had been dormant for two years before she contracted Covid, have come back and have not stopped since, she says.

“I’ve even emailed my MP,” she says. “But I was just sent the same advice word for word as is on the NHS website. I can’t get vaccinated, even though I want to. In our group of friends, I’ve seen people get Covid and just ignore it and go down to the local. I just thought, how can you be so irresponsible?”

“If you have Covid-19, then the advice is the same as for other contagious respiratory diseases,” says Wass. “We should try to reduce their spread by trying to stay at home and avoiding contact with people.”

Still, many aren’t – or can’t – adhere to that advice. The disruption to work and personal lives has already been great and, while hybrid working continues to help stop the spread of infection of any kind, workers rely on the discretion of their employers to support those experiencing chronic conditions like long Covid. In the US, the condition has been registered as a disability, though it’s yet to be determined in the UK.

In the coming months and years, experts say we’ll be subject to more “waves” as the disease is “driven by a combination of new variants and a partial waning immunity to infection”, Woolhouse told the BMJ.

Will we begin to see a more conscientious approach to dealing with the virus? Those suffering the long-term effects warn that we should.

[capypub]

Without Warning - Mafia!Joel Miller Scene 1

AU Mafia!Joel Miller x Original Female Character

Rating: T (language, sexual themes, drug use)

Minors DNI. 18+ content!

Scene 2 Scene 3

Summary: Joel's worked hard to build his empire. He's put the blood, sweat and tears of himself and others into creating his wealth and success, only ever worried about providing for himself and his brother. After years of being hardened by crime and violence, he finds someone that stirs feelings and urges inside of him that he'd long forgotten. She somehow brings out a softness in him without doing a thing and he will do everything in his power to keep her at his side, under his arm, and in his bed.

Been sitting on this idea for a while and finally got some time to write it out. Right now it's just a little scene in my head, but I might add some actual smut and fluff content soon.

Joel was at the Tipy Bison her first night working the floor. He watched from his corner table, away from the neon lit signs and noise of the crowded bar. She was following Lacy around, the older redhead talking quickly as she explained how to put in orders on the bar’s computer system. She was smaller than Lacy, a cute little thing that had something primal stirring low in his core. 

“She’s a looker, ain’t she?” Tommy asked, coming up to the table with a knowing smirk as he set a fresh glass of bourbon in front of his brother.

“Where’d you find this one?” Joel asked around the rim of his glass, finishing the contents in one drink. 

“Grad student at UT, one of Jared’s friends needing a job, he vouched for her and everything,” Tommy shrugged while refilling Joel’s glass with practiced ease. 

“Grad student, huh?” Joel muttered, his eyes following her around the tiny bar as she tried to keep up with Lacy. 

“Yeah, psychology or somethin’...think her name’s Indi,” he said.

Joel couldn’t help the low scoff as he finally looked away from the girl and at his brother. “What kind of name is that?”

Tommy chuckled. “The fuck if I know,” he said through a snickering huff. 

The brother’s shared a brief laugh, always being able to relax around the other when they needed a moment of quiet, something which was hard to come by in their line of work.

“Tess been getting the boys ready for the Alvarez meeting?” he asked quietly, scanning the room slowly, the way he learned in the military, assessing and searching for threats.

“She better be,” Joel muttered, scanning the room as well, but for one target in particular.

A moment later, his target passed their table, Lacy leading the way to the backroom, most likely to show her where the girls take their breaks, away from customers, as Tommy insisted when he bought the rundown bar. 

Daniel, one of the newest and youngest runners for Joel approached the table slowly, eyes slightly glazed over. Joel suspected the kid was high, whether from their own product or someone else’s, still riding on the thrills of the lifestyle, the women, the drugs, hell, even the food tasted better when you ran for Joel Miller. 

“Hey boss,” Daniel said, waiting for Joel to acknowledge him with cold eyes and a slight arch of his brow, the warmth of laughter gone once the circle between the two brothers was invaded. “Um, we finished the job last night without any issues, the boys were wanting to head over to Sugar’s to check out the oil wrestling night after a big move like that, thought you two might want to join,” he explained, obviously having been put up to it by some of the more experienced runners and grunts. 

“Boy, you just stopped suckin’ on your momma’s titty last week and now you’re tryin’ to go see some more,” Tommy scoffed with a wry grin, always lighthearted and sharp with his wit, making the kid laugh nervously with a shake of his head.

Lately, moving products had become more of a risk with the increased security around the border. Joel had lost more men than he’d like  in the past two months to those DEA assholes thinking they were outsmarting the complex system of drug and weapon trafficking he had built over the last twenty years. He didn’t even want to think about the amount of cocaine he lost just last month to a drop gone off track. The numbers infuriated him to the point of seeing red if he thought about it too long, usually signaled by a headache and the urge to punch holes into the nearest wall. 

Just then, the subject of Joel’s initial interest reappeared, passing by the men without Lacy this time. Joel openly admired how her sleeveless black top accentuated the curves of her body. He caught the edges of black ink on her left inner forearm, the full tattoo stretching from her wrist to the inner crook of her elbow. Her hair swayed behind her with every step, long loose locks falling in waves and curls down her back. He spotted the hints of a second, much smaller tattoo on her shoulder blade, her hair covering most of it. 

His staring attracted the curiosity of Daniel, the kid turning as he followed Joel’s gaze. His hum of appreciation is what drew the older Miller’s attention away from the pretty little kitten walking away from them, completely unaware of how many men's interest she had peaked in the short amount of time she’s been clocked in. 

“Damn Tommy, how do you keep finding all these hotties?” he chuckled, a lustful smirk on his slimy lips as he looked her over before turning back to the two men. 

That comment was enough to have Joel itching to pull his gun from the holster and shoot the kid in his goddamn mouth. The clench of his jaw and hardness of his glare was enough to wipe the punk’s disgusting grin off his face. Unfortunately, Tommy insisted on a “No Guns” rule for all of the men when they entered the Bison, usually leaving their weapons at the door or behind the bar before they could even get a drink. While Joel respected the rule, he didn’t often feel like following it.  If Tommy didn’t ask, Tommy didn’t need to know. 

“Uh, everything good, boss?” he asked, shifting back to his original nervous state under Joel’s cold eyes. 

“Thought you were goin’ to Sugar’s, kid?” Joel questioned, his voice dropping to a low growl.

“Uh, y-yeah, w-we’re goin’,” Daniel agreed, taking a hesitant step backwards, the intimidation evident in the quiver of his lip, “I-I’ll see you around, Tommy,” he added with a stiff nod towards the other brother. 

Tommy simply nodded with his usual easy grin, sensing his brother’s sudden shift and realizing quickly that Joel was not amused with the kid’s comments. When Daniel turned around, he didn’t bother to realize how far away he’d stepped back from the table, unintentionally obstructing the walkway. He spun around sharply, his elbow bumping the tray of the Tipsy Bison’s latest waitress. 

Joel was on his feet instantly, grabbing Daniel by his collar and shoving him away from her as she tried to regain her balance. With the much taller and broader stature of Joel’s body, it was like looking at a bear grabbing a stick. Tommy watched her successfully manage to steady the three pint glasses with minimal spillage. 

“The fuck is wrong with you, huh?” Joel seethed at Daniel, shaking the kid by the collar for emphasis.

“I’m sorry, boss, I’m sorry!” Daniel whimpered, trying to get out of Joel’s grasp.

“The fuck you sayin’ sorry to me for, you should be sayin’ it to ‘er,” he grunted, cocking his head to the side briefly in Indi’s direction.

Tommy shook his head with a dramatic sigh. Poor girl was watching Joel threaten Daniel with wide eyes, holding her tray close to her chest, almost like she was frozen in place. While Joel continued to berate and threaten Daniel, Tommy took it upon himself to slowly approach his newest employee, offering a kind smile as he placed his hand on her shoulder and guided her towards the bar.

“I…I didn’t mean to cause trouble, I’m sorry,” she immediately said, her lower lip a little shaky as she looked up at Tommy with worry. 

“Not your fault, sweetheart, Joel’s just…protective of our girls here, has a soft spot for ‘em, you know?” Tommy tried to explain, easing her panic with a comforting squeeze to her shoulder. 

He kept her distracted for a few moments, answering the few questions she had so far until Joel and Daniel approached them near the service well. Joel had Daniel by the back of shirt, his jaw tensed as he gave the kid a light shove in Indi’s direction. 

“S-sorry for gettin’ in your way, ma’am, I promise not to let it happen again,” Daniel said softly, his eyes on the ground the entire time, practically shaking in his shoes.

“It’s fine, really, no harm done,” she said quickly, looking past Daniel to Joel, who’s gaze softened just slightly when their eyes met. 

After she accepted Daniel’s apology, Joel stepped forward and leaned down, muttering something lowly to Daniel that had the kid practically running out of the bar. Tommy scoffed with a smirk, asking her one more time if she was okay before heading towards the office. When left alone with Joel, Indi hesitated in meeting his gaze. He took a slow step forward, allowing enough space for her to move away if she wanted. 

“I’m sorry you had to see that, darlin’, I usually don’t have to remind my boys ‘bout their manners,” he said, his voice no longer an intimidating growl, but a warm and inviting timber that had her relaxing just slightly. 

“No worries, I-I, um-.”

“Hey! Are you okay? What the hell, girl? I step outside for five minutes to smoke and you’re already getting guys kicked out,” Lacy said, coming up to them, grinning a little too wide for Joel’s comfort as she laughed and nudged Indi’s arm. 

“Yeah, crazy, right?” Indi said softly, her attention still on Joel as Lacy teased her lightly. 

“You need something Joel? My trainee isn’t going to learn just standing over here,” Lacy said, hand on her hip as she looked to Joel with an arched brow, one of the few who didn’t find him intimidating for some reason.

“How ‘bout ‘nother bourbon on the rocks?” Joel suggested, “the good stuff, not that well shit Tommy just gave me,” he added with a low chuckle, the edges of his lip twitching just a bit higher when Indi let out a soft laugh of her own. 

“You’re the boss,” Lacy shrugged with a nod, linking her arm with Indi and pulling her away, demanding details of what happened as they went to put his order in. 

With a heavy sigh, Joel watched the little doe-eyed waitress leave, her pleated black skirt swaying with each step. He originally never understood why Tommy had the girls dress in all black as part of the Bison’s uniform, but he could honestly appreciate his brother’s decision in having the girls wear those little black skirts. 

He had to bite his inner cheek to suppress the groan building in his stomach as Indi stumbled forward slightly, slipping on some substance on the floor. The sudden movement and her bending forward exposed more of her legs, the hints of tiny spandex shorts peeking beneath the fabric, accentuating her ass. 

Her little slip and recovery took less than three seconds, but Joel was watching her so closely it felt like she was moving in slow motion, his heated gaze soaking in every detail before he lost sight of her in the crowd. This little gatita had definitely made an impression on him and he was hungry for more…

Scene 2

[jeanniebug623]

This chapter was running long (at least long for word length for this story), so expect another chapter in a few days. 🐞💙

🕸️🕷️ Weaving the Web 🕷️🕸️

Chapter 23: Aftershock

Spider stayed completely silent all while Ja assessed and treated the stab wound to Quaritch’s hand. Wainfleet was especially agitated as evident by his flat ears and flipping tail as he spoke to the colonel, but the poor kid was so shell shocked by his own actions that he didn’t know what the corporal was most angry about. He fucked up…by Eywa, did Spider fuck up! What had he done?!

“I want cameras on that mirror from all angles.” Quaritch ordered, completely immune to the fact that Ja was sewing thick stitches into the palm and back of his hand from the penetrating wound he saved his son from.

”Yea, boss…I’ll take care of it.” Wainfleet said quietly from where he stood in the hall, eyes on Spider who was sitting on the floor in his room with his hood pulled up over his head. While he was concerned for the kid, he was more concerned for his best friend who almost had his throat slit by said kid. And he didn’t want Quaritch to let his feelings for the boy overlook the threat…

”Lyle,” Quaritch said firmly, getting his second to look at him. He could read Wainfleet’s mind and said quieter, “I’ll handle it.”

Wainfleet didn’t say anything at first until Quaritch hardened his gaze and raised brow. He nodded as he crossed his arms and said, “Yes, sir.”

”What’s the damage, doc?” Quaritch said, his ears flicking back as he looked to his hand as Ja applied a layer of synthetic second skin to protect the wounds before wrapping gauze around his hand.

”Aside from the obvious?” Ja asked without looking up from the damage, “You should be in the med wing getting this scanned for vessel and nerve damage.”

”Am I gonna lose the hand?” Quaritch asked, not appreciating the tone.

”No, sir.” Ja said, checking his attitude with the colonel even though it came from a good place.

”You can run those tests for me tonight.” The colonel said, tempering his own attitude. His men were loyal and they would neutralize any threat just like he’d do for them. But this wasn’t just any threat. Spider, his SON, was his responsibility. The risk would never outweigh how much he loved the kid.

”Tonight?” Ja asked, glancing at his watch as he finished securing the gauze wrapping. It was almost 0500. Night and day shifts would start switching over. The kitchens had probably been prepping for the last hour for breakfast.

”Sir-…” Ja started to protest but Wainfleet beat him to it.

”Miles, are you fucking insane?” Wainfleet said, forgetting the sensitivity of his choice of words. He didn’t see Spider, who’d been trying to control his shaking by hugging his knees to his chest, glance at the recom.

”Lyle.” Quaritch said with a hint of warning in his voice. He really did understand why his men were concerned but now they knew why Spider had been acting the way he was. The bad attitude, picking fights, being disrespectful to the squad…he was afraid of someone and trying to identify the threat himself. The pang of discomfort he felt when Quaritch realized that he, himself, was at the top of Spider’s list of suspects.

”Ja, I think Spider-man could use a once over.” Wainfleet said, “Before they head out.”

Spider lifted his head slightly and turned enough that they could see his face. And he still looked like a wreck. His eyes were still puffy and red from crying and they only looked worse by the dark bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Quaritch was still going to take him out to the forest after last night? He should be locked in a cell and the key shot out into space.

”Yea, Spider, let’s go get your meds, ok?” Ja said with a weak smile. He liked the kid like the rest of the squad, but the incident from last night couldn’t be overlooked. He slipped a sedative in a capped syringe into his cargo pockets out of Spider’s view…just in case he needed it at the quick draw. Quaritch saw it but understood the precaution, as much as it pained him to see his men take such measures.

Spider nodded quickly. Anything to show feel more normal and that last night’s incident wasn’t something he wanted to do. His hands shook as he unwrapped his arms and used them to push himself back upright. He immediately hugged his arms around his middle to be as small as possible as he looked down as he slipped by Wainfleet. He couldn’t look any of them in the eye for more than a second. The shame he felt for betraying their trust was too great…

Wainfleet felt bad seeing the teenager like this. After the colonel, he had bonded the most with the kid and he KNEW Spider was a good kid. He was there that day; the day they strapped Spider into the neuroscanner. He saw how strong and resilient and loyal the kid was. But he also heard his screams of pain and pleading through his lies and the blood that dripped from his nose for his stubbornness.

”Hey,” Wainfleet said, sweeping his hand out in front of the teen, but not touching him, before he cleared the hall, “I got a great flick for us to watch tonight. While the boss is getting looked at. Sound good?”

Spider jumped when Wainfleet stopped him, the movement of his hand expecting to result in a hell of a hit. But, no. They never hurt him unless they had to, and he had to remember that. And it wasn’t HIM they were hurting; it was Miles. Spider just had to deal with the repercussions of Miles acting like a psycho. He stared at Wainfleet’s hand then, realizing the corporal wanted an answer before he’d let him pass, Spider nodded silently.

”Sounds good, kid, I think you’ll like it.” Wainfleet said, not bothering to put on a fake smile as the kid wasn’t looking at him anyways. He watched Spider go into the kitchenette and start fumbling with the pill bottles on the counter. Giving Ja a nod to leave, Wainfleet stepped into Quaritch’s room and closed the door.

”Say your piece.” Quaritch said with a sigh, testing the mobility of his hand. If he’d been half a second smarter, he would have used his non-dominant hand to block. He stared at Wainfleet as he waited for the lecture the corporal obviously wanted to deliver.

”I’m going to follow your orders, Miles, and place those cameras. If someone’s messing with the kid, we’ll find out who and skin them alive, but you know it could be one of his other sides trying to keep Spider on edge.”

”Spider has valid reasons to be on edge.” Quaritch said in defense of his boy, “I’ve been doin’ damage control ever since that little psychopath showed himself.”

“I know and you been doing a damn good job of it, but that kid could have fucking killed you. He had you under his fucking knife. He’s not some goddamn stray kitten, he is dangerous and smart. Which means so are his alters.” Wainfleet said, not bothering to sugar coat it.

“I never said he wasn’t,” Quaritch agreed, a silence falling between them. The colonel knew Spider was a challenge, just one he underestimated until Miles showed just how dangerous a less restrained version of Spider was. He reiterated his agreement by nodding and saying, “I know Spider’s dangerous, but he’s my responsibility. He’s my son. I can’t change that anymore than goin’ back and not fuckin’ up being his father in the first place. And I wouldn’t either. I got this crazy kid that’s giving me more of a reason to live than why we woke up in these bodies in the first place.”

Wainfleet went silent. Colonel Miles Quaritch had always been a man of very few emotional words and even less expressions. But to hear the colonel say that Spider was more important than the mission to take down Sully? That was not a dedication he expected. The colonel always liked to be the one in control and holding all the pieces, but now? Sully and the Na’vi weren’t even on the playing board anymore.

”Miles…” Wainfleet started slowly, unable to choose his words.

”I know what it sounds like, Lyle.” Quaritch interrupted when Wainfleet couldn’t find what to say, “I know it sounds like treason. Abandoning the mission. Desertion worth a firing squad. But I’m gonna make this world safe for him, even if I gotta trek across this godforsaken moon on my hands and knees to find Sully. I’ll do it.”

”Good to know, boss, but…um…” Wainfleet said, then cleared his throat, “Don’t wait.”

Quaritch raised a brow as he stood to meet his friend eye to eye.

”If the kid comes first, don’t wait to put him first. I’m sure the woman I was going to marry moved on. And the baby girl I only saw a few times is all grown up. Coming to Pandora wasn’t putting them first.” Wainfleet said, his ears going back as his gaze dropped, “Not really, anyways. Yea. I was here to make way for humanity just like the rest of the meatheads and could tell myself that every night that in the long run, I was doing right by them. But I don’t fucking know if I did. So…don’t wait to find out if you’re doing the right thing if you got a chance to make it happen now.”

Quaritch was just as stunned by Wainfleet’s seemingly out-of-character heartfelt speech. It was one of those moments they’d never speak about again. Wainfleet pulled a spare pair of gloves out of his back pocket and held them out to Quaritch. It would be easier to hide the injury if it wasn’t just wrapped up and out in the open.

”Just one more thing, boss…” Wainfleet said, his ears turning back and downward as an uncomfortable expression took over, “The kid was ready to do the hard part last night. If it comes to it…if Spider continues to go downhill, you gonna help him with the hard part if it becomes the right thing to do? For him?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

”And let’s increase the anxiety meds by 25 milligrams across the board, three times a day.” Ja said as he scribbled down a new set of medication rules, “No skipping if you’re feeling good, you’ll want to keep it in your system.”

Spider just nodded fervently, letting Ja know he was on board with doctor’s orders even though he still couldn’t bring himself to speak since sobbing his heart out in his father’s strong arms hours before. His shaking had stopped due to the fast-acting nature of his anxiety meds, but was still afraid to speak up given what he’d done to their commanding officer.

”I’m also working with Prager to get you off these,” Ja said as he picked up the bottle of sleeping pills, “For something natural found on Pandora that will be safe for you. Who knows? Maybe we’ll get you off all these one day…”

The teen stared at the medic as he finished writing down his instructions for him and the colonel to follow. Despite his nearly fatal attack on Quaritch, Ja was still treating him like his patient? Still wanted to help him? His throat got tight as the thoughts raced through his mind. He had good friends at the village…but did he ever have someone look out for him like this? Quaritch, Wainfleet, Ja…and the other four in their own way.

Were the recoms…his family?