#solar powered gate operator

[illillsa]

Philadelphia Driveway An example of a traditional full sun front yard driveway.

#aluminum fence #swing gate #aluminum estate gate #wireless key pad #aluminum frame #solar powered gate operator #solar caps

[pandoraescape]

After the War of Pandora, humans and Na'vi are slowly reconstructing their homes and lives from scratch. Cristina Prince, a horticulturist, was given a job that may well be her greatest challenge yet, for she's given the position of raising a few weeks old baby girl, Myla Socorro, daughter of Miles Quaritch and Paz Socorro.

Spider: A few weeks Cristina: 25 Jake: 22 Neytiri: 18

Archive of our own version: Here

"War brings death and conveys life, for when one door is closed, another is opened."

A slight sense of bewilderment overtook Cristina as she gazed at the written words in her notes, causing her to blink in confusion. The atmosphere at Hell's Gate was peaceful that night following the intense battle between Hometree and the Tree of Souls. The RDA personnel were exiled, except for a group of scientists, the avatar team, and some RDA defectors who were allowed to stay.

After the intense battle, Pandora's wounds were tended to, and with time, she gradually regained her strength. Eventually, tranquility was restored to the once chaotic environment, bringing much-needed peace. Harmony was finally restored to Pandora as it slowly healed from the fight. After the incident, those who stayed behind helped the survivors by building new homes for the Na'vi and replanting the burned forest. Some even took in orphans who lost their families during the fight. Dr. Norm surprised everyone by bringing out a group of Na'vi children he was holding, looking like a proud father filled with joy.

Many scientists continued their work in the field while not assisting the people. However, instead of making discoveries for the progress of Earth, they strive to enhance their knowledge. They were inspired by Dr. Grace Augustine's beliefs and actions with the Na'vi and empathized with their situation. Some crew members also devised ways to maintain the operation of Hell's Gate, which is partly uncomplicated since their energy sources are mainly solar-powered.

Although particular necessities such as sustenance and apparel, as well as the management of avatar operators, pose considerable challenges, Cristina managed to rest for only a few hours before alternating with a fellow team member to persevere in pursuing long-term remedies.

That's why she's been reevaluating the documents of her recent studies of Pandora's flora data from the previous ones.

She hopes to have an operable means of improving the growth of plants that will provide enough provisions for the years to come. It was at that moment that she stumbled upon the quote. She was puzzled as to why she had written it there. It was a reference from her younger days, an old textbook she had used for an article report on the consequences of war. She couldn't understand why she wrote it there; it was a reference from her younger years, some old textbook she'd needed for an article report on the outcomes of warfare. An immediate sense of cruel irony dawned on her mind. She faced war and, like many, suffered the loss of friends, family, and close comrades in protecting a world not even their own. However, if offered another opportunity to change anything, she'd pick saving a world full of life and freedom over allowing the destruction of another.

It's a sad and harsh reality that Earth is facing inevitable destruction. The thought sometimes crosses our mind that if we had treated our planet with respect, taken care of its environment, and not exploited it for our selfish needs, could we have had a chance to survive?

Feeling drained from hours of intense concentration, Cristina took a deliberate breath and carefully placed her meticulously organized documents onto her workspace's cold, unyielding steel surface. She leaned back on the sturdy stool and closed her eyes, gently rubbing her tired face to alleviate the strain and tension that had built up throughout her work. Despite her efforts to maintain focus, the endless stream of numbers and words had begun to blur and merge, making her feel her efforts were in vain. Unbeknownst to her, Cristina started to experience discomfort in her stomach as low grumbles emerged. What was the last time she'd eaten?

Jumping off the stool, she briefly stretched her back before she went toward Hell's Kitchen, hoping to find any ration bars left in the cabinets or any premium coffee Max usually hides behind the bookshelves, which she discovered while cleaning. To keep quiet, Max now shares it with her.

She managed to pass Habmods across the north and central parts of the triangle; however, as she neared one of the residential areas, she heard faint bellows in one of the rooms. Confused, Cristina went to the doorway, pressing her ear against the cold metal surface, waiting for the noise. After a long pause, she pulled back about to leave, thinking it might be something else or her imagination getting to her since she was hungry.

The soft bellows turn to bloody shrieks.

With a swift movement, she lifted her hind leg and directed her attention toward the door. Without a moment's hesitation, she exerted an incredible amount of force, causing the door to break apart from its hinges and fall with a resounding bang onto the floor. Stepping forward, the only things in the bleached room were a single bed, dressers, a miniature bookstand, and a wardrobe. She swiftly starts rummaging around the space, probing at everything, leaving nothing to chance in finding the source. It wasn't until she proceeded to the closet that she uncovered what she'd been looking for, utterly horrified at what was surrounded by a linen basket: a tiny baby girl. With tender care, Cristina reached out to the little one wrapped in a pink blanket, crying inconsolably for an indeterminate time.

The baby's face was flushed and puffy, indicative of the distress she had experienced. Cristina held the infant close to her chest, murmuring gentle words of reassurance, even though she was uncertain if Eywa or her words were reaching the child. Gradually, over a few minutes, the baby's sobs tapered off, eventually becoming intermittent hiccups, as Cristina comforted her with loving care. Taking this opportunity, Cristina quickly stands, darting back to the South side of the Avatar link room.

Upon returning to the room, she immediately spots Dr. Norm Spellman and Dr. Max Patel huddling on her workbench, browsing through the documents she left moments ago. Walking towards them, Norm looks up and greets her," Ah, Dr. Prince, Max, and I was looking over your notes-" Cristina pushes them to the side, ignoring Norm as the horticulturist swipes the papers and other caseloads off the table. Norm and Max were puzzled as they observed their friend silently dumping everything on the floor. Max was worried that she might have a mental breakdown and was about to ask her about her strange behavior when she carefully placed the baby on the ground and started unwrapping the blanket. The two men were frozen in shock, unable to move from the table's side as they watched the scene before them. Norm, completely amazed, approached the table and gazed at the baby girl. "Is that a baby?!" he exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.

Cristina glanced up and gave a disapproving look at the foolish question. "Yes, I found her alone in one of the rooms in the residence. The poor baby was crying nonstop until I arrived." She carefully inspected every inch of the infant's body, gently moving her arms and legs to check for any injuries or skin irritations. Finding nothing, she then checks the baby's diaper. That's when she uncovered the cause of her screams; her diaper was completely full and leaking from the seams meaning whoever left her in that room had been locked in that room longer than Cristina initially thought. Which didn't settle right with her. Placing her hand on the baby's arm, she turned to the two scientists, "Max, I need nurses here for a complete diagnosis, clean fabric, and anything we can feed her," Max could only nod as he ran out of the room. She then turns to Norm," Norm, I need records of whoever is or was pregnant and find answers to why she wasn't in the sanitarium, or nobody claimed her." Norm keeps staring, still unable to process the situation, "Norm!" Cristina shouts at the anthropologist, snapping him out of it, mumbling her sorry as he heads to the Operations Center.

"And bring me, Jake Sully, while you at it!"

"Meet Myla Socorro, daughter of Miles Quaritch and Paz Socorro."

Jake wasn't expecting that sentence as soon as he wheeled himself into the infirmary, barely within the enclosure. Norm and Max were there, along with Cristina, who held a small bundle in her arms, which is probably why Norm called him hysterically. Claiming that he needed to get here quickly, being the greatest possible importance, which he was right about now. As Jake slowly propelled himself forward, the soft hum of his wheels barely audible, his eyes fixated on the tiny bundle before him. With its delicate, creased features, the baby looked up at Jake, and their eyes locked in a moment of mutual curiosity. The baby's gaze was intense, with its large, hazelnut-colored eyes piercing into Jake's own, and for a few seconds, neither of them looked away.

Norm seeing Jake's silent state, continues, "It seems that the relationship between Socorro and Quaritch was kept confidential besides from the higher-ups, and private nurses were attending to her needs; however-" Norm was immediately cut off, "We shipped them all away with the remaining RDA personnel," Cristina said bitterly," and those incompetent bastards didn't have the decency to tell anyone of this little angel." she spoke subduedly and tenderly, stroking Myla's cheek, causing the baby to lean more to the warmth. The two scientists beside her hum in agreement, smiling at Myla. Glancing back toward Jake, Cristina frowned at the man's frozen state, still staring at Myla, so having enough, she went up to the Marine veteran. Gently positioning the baby in his arms, causing Jake finally snapped out of his daze, replaced with slight fear and panic while stiffly holding the newborn.

"I know that you'll be transferring your consciousness to the Na'vi tonight," she said with a small grin, acknowledging the man's unease, "but we really need your assistance in figuring out what to do next."

Due to her young age, cryosleep was not a viable option for Myla to return to Earth. The journey alone would be fatal for her, and even if they waited until she was old enough, she would be too attached to the beautiful landscapes of Pandora to leave her dying home world. Jake knew raising a human child, especially the first one in Eywa'eveng, would be a challenge.

He suggested to Max, "Maybe we could place her with a family in Hell's Gate? There must be some willing to take her in." Max let out a sigh and replied, "We already tried that. Everyone is still adapting to their new roles, and honestly, nobody seems eager to take on more responsibilities."

Jake sighed. However, he'd understood his reasoning. They're mainly comprised of individuals that came to further their work and passions and encounter discoveries, not raising a child. Looking down, he began to truly study the baby's features, from the soft strands of strawberry-blonde hair to her teeny toes that reminded him of those little Tic Tac candies Tommy used to like when they were kids. Smiling, he places his thumb against her hand, marveling at how her soft skin feels against his. Suddenly, sensing his touch, Myla moves toward Jack's hand, clutching onto his ring finger with a firm grip causing Jake's breath to hitch. He gasped as she tried her hardest to bring his hand to her mouth, deeming it food. Cristina giggles at the scene, along with Max and Norm, as they observe Pandora's heroine, the mighty Toruk Makto, be awestruck by a mere baby girl.

"I think someone is hungry~," Cristina chirped, leaving for the kitchen. She later returns with a small glass bottle along with a white cloth. However, rather than grabbing Myla to feed her, Cristina sets the fabric on Jake's right shoulder, placing the bottle into his free hand. The man wanted to send the woman a foul glare at the position she'd put him in, but he moved his fingers away from the tiny baby's toothless jaws, substituting them with the warm bottle. Quickly latching on, Mlya drank happily as Jake's poster became more relaxed, his heartwarming as he watched the girl blissfully aware of her situation as she enjoyed her meal.

Throughout his life, he never thought he'd be someone that liked anything associated with kids; Sure, Jake adored them; however, Jack never imagined having one of his due to his own responsibility and feared he wasn't good enough to be a dad. Growing up, his father, an intoxicated bastard barely around, rendered him and his brother nothing but despair and endless mistreatment. He and Jack constantly fought and even had fistfights that left them with bloody knuckles and bruises that lasted for days. Jake protected Tommy with everything in his being, never wanting that monster to hurt his baby brother, dealing with years of their father's rage until they both turned eighteen, leaving him in the middle of the night for a better life away from that hell.

A sudden belch snapped out of his thought, chuckling he'd move the bottle away from Mlya, "Better out than in, right?" Myla babbled at him as he raised her up to his face. Jake took a moment to appreciate the baby bobble before he handed her back to Cristina, "I need to further discuss this with Neytiri and Mo'at. Until then, Cristina, you will be her primary guardian until we make a permanent decision." Jake declared as he wheeled himself to the exit. Approaching the metal doorways, Jake heard a slight 'wait' from behind him; turning his wheelchair slightly, he looked at Cristina, smiling at him, "Ya?"

"Good luck, and… happy birthday."

Jake glances down, grinning, before he responds in a subdued tone, "Thanks."

#avatar #avatar fandom #avatar pandora #spider socorro #female spider socorro #life of a spider series

[ariadnelives]

Chapter 21 - The Rug Pulled Out

Missed a chapter? Catch up here!!

“The hack is complete,” Ariadne said, “we have a lock on her receiving pad. Ghostrunner, Vigil, standby.”

“Standing by,” Ghostrunner said. She was buzzing with excitement and anxiety. This operation needed to be timed perfectly.

Ghostrunner and Vigil would teleport onboard the Nameless' flagship mere moments before the EMP went off. A second too early, and their unauthorized teleport would be flagged and their cover blown. If they were a second too late, the ship would be disabled along with the receiving pad, causing Ghostrunner and Vigil to be torn to atoms on arrival. They couldn't even use the stasis field trick, because once the ship's power was offline, there was no way to pinpoint a safe location to teleport them to, and Ariadne was not about to risk putting Ghostrunner through a wall or out into open space.

Ariadne had briefly considered sending a larger strike force to invade the ship straightaway, but there were over 10,000 soldiers on her flagship. Even with Pilar's power armor and the whole of Tontine Division, they would be quickly overpowered, and besides, the Nameless would rather blow the ship to hell and go down with it than allow them to get close to her.

This would only work if the Nameless believed the true action was on the ground. She had to see Ariadne and Pilar fighting on the front lines, so that Vigil and Ghostrunner's mission would allow them to strike. Ghostrunner and Vigil each carried a pack containing a collapsible Teleportal gate and a shielded power pack. When the Nameless was busy overseeing a ground war, Spacebreather's forces would slip onboard her ship, capture her, bring her back to the station to finally try her for her crimes, and put her to death.

“Remember, your safety is my number one priority,” Ariadne said. “I trust you enough to let you handle this danger, but that doesn't mean I want you taking unnecessary risks. If things go south, you use that Teleportal to get to safety, and activate the failsafe.”

“Yes, Captain,” Ghostrunner and Vigil said. The failsafe was a function unique to this Teleportal gate– a massive explosive payload, large enough to take out the Nameless' whole ship. This way, no one could follow Ghostrunner and Vigil to the safe zone.

“I love you, Ghostrunner,” Ariadne said, putting her hands on Ghostrunner's shoulders. “Be safe.”

“I love you too, mom,” Ghostrunner said. Ariadne smiled.

***

For the first time in centuries, Mars had no civilian population. Blue had done her job exquisitely– all of the Martian bio-domes had been teleported to the surface of the Oort Hypersphere, a legendary megastructure hidden deep within the Oort cloud, leaving only hollow glass shells, with a hologram of the cities projected within, behind.

Chief Magistrate Santiago had asked Blue how she'd hidden such a massive teleportation signal, or found the energy to power the holograms, and she'd simply responded “You want to know how I do my shit, either come back with a warrant or throw me a bone. You know, pole the electorate.”

Santiago didn't quite have the words to respond to this, so he just replied “I'm flattered, but I'm married.”

“'Married' is just a number,” Blue replied flatly.

Santiago dropped the subject.

On the surface of the Oort hypersphere, the Martian people showed their trademark aggressive hospitality, even though they were the guests and the Oort were their hosts. Pete had done his job as Liaison very well, even if he hadn't expected to have such a job, and the people of Mars were out in full force, mostly hosting block parties and admiring the beauty of the stars from the edge of the solar system.

“So this has been out here for what, four, five hundred years?” An old, friendly man named Alan said, flipping a piece of chicken on his grill.

“You got nice fingers,” Father Y replied.

Alan flipped a bratwurst. “Thanks,” he said nervously, and to break the tension, added “I've had them since I was a boy!”

“I'll buy 'em off you for fifty dollars,” Father Y offered.

“I think I'll pass, for now,” Alan said, “but thank you!”

On the surface of Mars, five hundred thousand Earth marines and one hundred thousand Martian marines gazed up at the sky and watched as 50 fully armed battleships came into view. They were barely discernible shapes, they were so far away, but each of them carried over 10,000 troops. The Rizzo Army had become the largest mercenary force in the system.

The Mercs that Sweettalk had recruited only numbered about a thousand, and some of them were beginning to question why they'd agreed to this.

One of them, a beefy loudmouth who asked everyone to call him The Cleaner but who everyone just called Bill, looked around at the hundreds of thousands of marines surrounding him and wondered if he really couldn't increase his prize payout by eliminating some of his own teammates. They'd all been given Oort rifles, which had been modified to fire ballistic projectiles, but did not seem to have a clip or anywhere for bullets to be loaded in, and they'd been assured they wouldn't run out of ammunition. They had spent the morning shooting rocks and cans to test the rifles out, so he knew they worked. He pointed his rifle at a teammate and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened.

Huh, Bill thought, guess that short girl was telling the truth.

Tontine Division would have to win their prize fair and square: their guns wouldn't fire if an ally was in the crosshairs.

“I saw that,” said the big, hulking figure in power armor with a gun mounted on one arm and a crystal blade on the other. “Try it again and you'll have a new career as a blunt instrument.”

A smaller figure in lavender armor scuttled behind her on spindly mechanical spider-legs. The lavender figure nodded at the power armor user, and held up three fingers to count down until the EMP went off.

The basic functions of their armor– movement, weaponry, and life support– would be unaffected, but all higher functions– primarily their HUD and targeting systems– would all go dark in three, two…

***

The Nameless stood at the head of the Bridge as her flagship approached the upper atmosphere of Mars. It was finally happening.

“I can feel her,” the Nameless said. “That mind. Ariadne is on the planet's surface. She thinks we don't know about the Earth forces. She thinks we're unprepared.”

“She underestimated me again,” Nicks said.

“Wait,” the Nameless said, “she's going to–”

Just then, the instruments all seemed to spring to life, and cut out entirely, along with the lights.

The Nameless smiled, as the emergency lights flickered back on.

“Looks like they hit us with an EMP,” one of the soldiers replied. “We're down to emergency power. Everything's down, we're just floating in space.”

“You were right,” Nicks pointed out, “they really would be dumb enough to take down their own defenses just to gamble on the element of surprise.”

“Idiots,” the Nameless said, “I overestimated her. Using the same trick twice, like we wouldn't be prepared for it. Send an order to the other ships to load everybody into the drop pods. Send down as much gear as possible, and convert the pods into bunkers on arrival.”

“Yes ma'am,” the soldier replied, “we'll–”

“Shut up,” The Nameless said. “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what, ma'am?” The soldier asked.

The Nameless shot him in the face, and he crumpled to the floor.

“Nicks?”

“Here boss,” Nicks replied.

“Could anybody have gotten onboard?” The Nameless asked her. “Any unauthorized teleports?”

“No way to know,” Nicks said, “all our instruments are scrambled.”

“She's here,” the Nameless explained. “I can feel her slipping through the ducts. Ghostrunner is onboard, and she brought a friend.”

“Soldiers!” Nicks barked, “fan out and find–”

“No!” The Nameless cut her off. “She's got an escape route and a bomb. At the first sign we're onto her, she'll blow us all to hell. You–”

She gestured at a nearby soldier who was about the same height and build as Nicks with her pistol. “Trade armor with Nicks. You–”

She gestured at another nearby soldier, and said, “help me into this dead guy's armor.”

They quickly suited up and slipped into a back corridor that led all the way to the ship's aft docking bay. As she slipped out, she gave the order: “The crew of this ship is the last line of defense should the ground forces fail. Betray no sign that we know there's an infiltrator onboard: we'll deal with that personally. Focus on getting this ship online again and then make our retreat.”

The door to the corridor slid shut behind them.

“We can't get out of here,” Nicks said, “your fighter will be down to emergency power too.”

“I expected them to pull something like this,” the Nameless said. “Our guards on their station didn't have an exit strategy for an EMP. I knew better than to make that mistake. As we speak, all emergency power on this ship is flowing into my fighter. We have two minutes until it's ready to fly, and five until they notice what we're doing.”

“All emergency power?” Nicks said, “even life support?”

“It'll take everything to get us out of here before anyone can stop us,” the Nameless said.

“Libs, there's ten thousand souls on board. They'll die if we–”

“I'd kill a hundred thousand more if it takes out Ghostrunner,” the Nameless hissed. “Do you want to live or do you want to stay here and die with her?!”

Nicks actually found herself disgusted, but did not want to die, and followed the Nameless through the corridor and to the ship's docking bay, where sure enough, the Nameless' personal fighter was wired to the charging station, ready to go.

“Think of it this way,” the Nameless said, “at least we'll have air superiority.”

The Nameless and Nicks flew out the open docking bay, taking the last shreds of power on the ship with them. The last thing they did was fire a single plasma blast into the housing of the drop-pod launchers, fusing it shut and preventing any possible escape for Ghostrunner. Most of the soldiers onboard weren't wearing helmets, and would asphyxiate immediately. Those who were wearing helmets would have about ten minutes before their suit's climate control failed from the strain of trying to compensate for the cold of open space, and they would freeze to death minutes after that. Within 20 minutes, everyone left on the ship would be dead.

On the surface of Mars, over 600,000 marines watched as approximately 5,000 drop-pods landed just outside the bio-domes.

Upon landing, the drop-pods shifted, twisted, and laid themselves out flat until they resembled medium-sized garrisons. Dozens of soldiers flooded out of each one and surrounded the domes, but to their surprise, the domes cracked open, and shifted down to reveal thousands of marines in each dome.

Guns began blazing wildly. In the initial moment of surprise, several hundred of the Nameless' forces were gunned down. Many of the Earth and Mars marines were hit as well, but Sasha's serum patched them up quickly, while their suits' life support systems got to work patching up any damage to their suit that could cause decompression.

Within minutes, the planet was consumed in an all-out ground war. Hundreds of the Nameless' forces faced off against thousands of Earth and Martian marines, while the bulk of her forces remained protected from the gunfire in the garrisons.

The user of the heavy power armor slid through a group of a few dozen soldiers and got to work mowing them down and chopping them in half, while the wearer of the lavender armor set up force field generators to provide cover to the allied forces.

Nearby, a cluster of the enemy garrisons, which had released significantly more marines than its allied garrisons, was on the verge of overpowering the allied forces, but failed to watch their feet. The ground shifted underneath them, and a figure rose from the dust, her blue mohawk standing out against the dull red of the martian landscape. She wore no suit or helmet, only her trademark boots, jeans, and overcoat, and carried no gun, only her handy machete. The enemy soldiers stared in awe, wondering how she breathed, and how she wasn't dead from decompression sickness.

Then reality hit them again, and they began to fire their rifles at her. She moved too quickly to hit, faster than any human should be able to move, even in the decreased gravity of Mars, and managed to skewer two enemy soldiers with a single jab of her blade, and pulled it right out. She continued to shift, bob, and weave, dodging every bullet that came her way.

“NOBODY KILL THAT ONE,” she called to the nearby allied forces, gesturing at a random marine in the crowd. “I WANT TO RIP OUT HIS GODDAMN HEART.”

The enemy soldier unloaded a clip of ammunition in her direction, but almost miraculously, she always managed to move just slightly faster than the bullets. Her machete cut clean through the armor of another soldier, and she was nearly drenched in blood and oil. Soon, the entire garrison was dead except for the one enemy marine she'd pointed out.

She wiped the blade of her machete clean on her jeans and, panting and laughing wildly, rushed over to that marine, brought her face close to his, and punched her hand clean through the chestplate of his armor, ripping his heart out in her fist. The last thing he saw before he died of shock was her tossing it aside into the dust, and shaking blood off her hand.

From their command center, far behind the lines, Santiago and Upendo watched.

“How does she move like that?” Upendo asked, “How does she punch through armor?! How is she alive out there?”

“She won't tell you without a warrant,” Santiago replied, “or– well, you'd be better off just letting it stay a mystery.”

Ariadne's voice buzzed on comms. “She's Oort,” she said, “her body is so augmented I doubt there's anything these mercs could throw at her that would kill her.”

“How are we looking on the ground, Captain?” Santiago asked.

“It's looking like war, Magistrado. Tontine division has been wiped off the map, and the Allied Marines are barely holding the line,” Ariadne replied. “Any sign of her yet, Fastwing?”

Santiago looked at the maps on his console. It didn't look like the allied forces were faltering, but he supposed it might, if he was on the ground. He had tried in vain to suit up and fight alongside the marines, but Spacebreather had insisted he remain behind. She respected his desire to fight for Mars, but told him that without the proper training, it was too dangerous for him to be in the thick of it.

Alicia's voice crackled into the feed. “Her fighter is inbound, ETA two minutes.”

“Remember, Fastwing, you have to let her see us before you pursue,” Ariadne said. “Oh shit, I see her! Be ready!”

The Nameless' fighter swooped into view and immediately clocked Ariadne's lavender armor and spindly spider-legs. The berserker in power armor next to her dicing her way through hundreds of marines must be Spacebreather.

She targeted their position and pulled the trigger on two hunter-seeker missiles powerful enough to penetrate even that hulking suit of armor.

However, that hulking suit of armor had rockets of its own, and fired them in exactly the right trajectory to intercept the missiles and detonate them safely in the air.

“She's good,” the Nameless said, “but I'm better.”

As she said this, as if to prove her wrong, the ship shook.

“Two direct hits to shields,” Nicks said, “there's another fighter in the skies.”

“How can that be?”

Alicia's fighter had just teleported onto the scene, from just outside the range of the EMP, and began her pursuit of the Nameless' ship. The Nameless left her forces to the task of killing Ariadne and Pilar, and took flight.

“She's not firing,” Nicks said, “why isn't she firing on us?”

“Ariadne's pathetic moral code,” the Nameless replied, “even after all this, she still won't kill me.”

“I don't think that's–”

“Focus on getting us the hell out of here!”

On the ground, Blue laughed her chilling, shrill laugh, and said into her comms unit, “Is that my girl?”

“Hi Blue,” Alicia's voice crackled back through the comms unit, “miss me?”

Blue cut her way through three more marines. “Got a lot of blood and oil on me, sexy,” she said, “gonna need somebody to help me wash it off!”

“Got a few weeks of shore leave saved up,” Alicia said, “maybe I'll see you.”

“Just a few weeks?” Blue asked, punching her machete through a marine's visor, “I'm gonna have to use every second.”

The Nameless did her best to out-pilot Alicia, while Nicks fired from the gunner turret.

“How many life-signs onboard that ship?” The Nameless asked.

Nicks checked the scanner. “Just one!” She said, “Wait a second…”

“What?”

“There's a third life-sign on this ship,” Nicks said.

“Little bitch, that's why she's not firing on us,” the Nameless said. She was briefly mad at herself for not detecting that, but quickly pivoted towards being mad at Nicks for not warning her sooner. “Take the controls, Nicks. I'm going to handle this.”

“She'll blow the ship if she sees you,” Nicks warned, taking her seat at the controls and resuming evasive maneuvers.

“She won't have a choice,” the Nameless said, pressing her will into Ghostrunner's mind.

Ghostrunner felt her body wrench to attention.

“Corantine?” Vigil asked, in their hiding spot in a storage closet at the back of the ship's bridge.

“No,” the Nameless' voice came out of Ghostrunner's mouth. “Oh, so you're who she chooses to spend her time with now. Might as well come out of hiding. If you don't, I'll make her kill herself.”

Vigil stood up, and Ghostrunner's body followed suit. They walked together out into the opening so that Nicks and the Nameless could see them.

“So,” the Nameless said, “this was your plan?”

“Libs,” Nicks replied, “there's three more–”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP NICKS,” the Nameless shrieked, “I'M TALKING! DO YOU HEAR ME GODDAMN TALKING?!”

Nicks decided she no longer cared about giving her partner the vital information that three more life-signs had just appeared on their scanners.

“You put some sort of… teleportation device on my ship, distract me with Fastwing's pursuit, and Ariadne's forces sneak onboard and capture me,” Nameless said. “I thought better of Ariadne. That plan sucks. I am a god of the mind. I can shut off your heart with a thought. I'll do the same to her when she walks in here.”

“Let her go,” Ariadne said, emerging from the hiding spot with Sweettalk and Spacebreather in tow. “It's me you want to kill.”

The Nameless was shocked. “How can you two be here? I see you on the ground, fighting!”

“You see a skilled actress wearing my colors,” Ariadne said, “Magenta's really caught the theatre bug, and if I recall correctly, she's got some experience playing me. Something in her past, I think.”

“I was hoping I'd get to take that armor out for another spin,” Pilar said, smiling broadly, “but Flax is doing just a bang-up job with it.”

The Nameless fired two blasts at her. All three pirates were wearing personal shields, and absorbed the blasts.

“No matter,” the Nameless said, and pressed her will into Ariadne's mind, willing her to raise her own sidearm to her temple and pull the trigger.

Ariadne's eyes glazed over, and she did none of what the Nameless willed her to do.

The Nameless pressed harder and Ariadne began to seize up, and fell to the floor, twitching and writhing as the Nameless scrambled her mind until nothing remained but static.

“Ari!” Ghostrunner cried out. Vigil only stared in horror. Sweettalk and Spacebreather remained stone-faced. Ghostrunner began to weep.

The Nameless stared at Spacebreather and Sweettalk. “Cry or something!” She commanded. “I just killed her!”

“Did you see her plan, first?” Spacebreather asked.

“Every word,” the Nameless said. “These ground forces are all you've got, and they're failing. In a few hours, my ships will be back online, and the remaining crew has orders to nuke the planet from orbit. You've failed.”

“The plan you saw sure has,” Sweettalk said, “too bad that's not the real plan.”

“Come on,” Pilar said derisively, “Tontine Division? You thought we'd leave the fate of the system in the hands of a group of hired goons?”

Ariadne chuckled on the ground and stood up. “What a headache,” she said.

The Nameless probed Ariadne's mind again and found it was almost exactly as she'd left it. She fired another psychic pulse, and Ariadne collapsed from another seizure.

“See, you had to think this was all we had, or you would've brought more,” Spacebreather said.

“You had to think we were helpless against your psychic attacks, or you would've found another secret weapon,” Sweettalk explained.

Ariadne stood up from the floor again. “But I found a way around that,” she said.

The Nameless sent another pulse through her mind, but nothing happened. She attempted to stop her heart, but nothing happened. She tried to read her mind, but found no thoughts whatsoever.

“See, we worked something out early on,” Ariadne said. “Your psychic powers don't work on machines.”

“Her most brilliant piece of engineering yet,” Pilar said. “A small processor and hard drive, powered by her body heat, capable of housing a human mind.”

Ariadne tapped her temple. “All the memories of our real plan, right here. My organic brain didn't have access to it. That way, you couldn't see what we had planned even if you read my mind.”

“Sasha did a great job installing it,” Sweettalk said, “it's controlling your body right now, isn't it?”

“Bypassing any attempts to psychically switch off my vital functions?” Ariadne asked, “it sure is! And it contains a complete live-backup of my consciousness and all my memories. No matter what you do to my brain, this little beauty can put it back the way it was. I've spent the past year watching my own back, stopping me from asking the wrong questions, or noticing the months missing from my memory. Making sure I didn't make the same moves twice, and that my every move would lead you right here.”

The Nameless fired another psychic pulse towards Spacebreather's mind, trying to switch off her heart, but as soon as she made contact, she felt only a surge of blinding pain in response. Spacebreather's mind was inaccessible to her too. She tried the same thing on Sweettalk. Same result, only she could feel the joy Sweettalk felt at inflicting that pain.

“You know, it almost seems a waste,” Spacebreather said, “maybe we could've just lied to her the old-fashioned way. She doesn't seem to notice a con when she sees one.”

“Right? Maybe I could've done what you guys did, protected myself without brain surgery,” Ariadne said. “Call me paranoid, but I didn't expect her to be stupid, bless her heart.”

The Nameless tried to rip into her mind once more, but found only the cold steel psychic barrier she was hiding behind.

“Ghostrunner didn't know any of this,” The Nameless said, “I saw her mind! You lied to her!”

“A necessary deception,” Ariadne explained. “We needed to feed you false information, and the easiest way to do that was to hide it somewhere we knew you'd sneak a peek. We didn't lie to her, we used her to lie to you.”

“Don't you see how she uses you, Corantine? She lets you walk into danger and she doesn't even trust you with her real plan! She manipulated you into misleading me!”

“Ari?” Ghostrunner asked.

Ariadne laughed. “Ghostrunner agreed to this. You think I'd use my daughter as live bait without her permission?”

“Your daughter?” The Nameless hissed.

Ghostrunner had no idea what Ariadne was talking about, until Ariadne said the trigger word: “Tartarus.”

The Nameless peered into Ghostrunner's mind, and heard only one phrase, desperately hoping for some answers as to what could be happening:

You fucking moron.

Ghostrunner's mind went dark, and the only one left for her to read to make sense of all this was Ariadne's. But stepping into Ariadne's mind, her true, full mind, was like stepping into coursing rapids. The Nameless was swept along in the current of the memories that had recently come rushing back to Ariadne.

She saw everything.

After they'd lost their fortress in the sky, Ariadne had spent several months simply spinning her wheels, operating on the defensive, running their new home like a refugee camp. Morale was low and she couldn't stand to see her charges suffering any longer, so she realized quickly that she had to come up with an offensive strategy.

At their hideout, Ariadne had spent several weeks constructing a machine that allowed the wearer to enter another's mind, based on the psionic interface at Dr. Simon's temple. Each of Ariadne's inner circle had undergone a procedure where one of them would enter the other's mind and assault them relentlessly in scenarios Sweettalk had constructed, until the machine was no longer effective against them. Sasha had played the part of tormenter against her own sister, berating her for everything she'd been through, calling her a psychopath and a murderer, condemning her to hell, and repeatedly plaguing her with visions of Sasha's death that Spacebreather had failed to prevent. She didn't mean a word of it, of course, but after Spacebreather had confronted a psychic assailant wielding her worst fears against her, her mind closed to the machine.

Her mind had conditioned itself against psychic attack, the same way the body conditions itself against pathogens after a vaccine. Pilar had taken on the guise of Sweettalk's deceased mentor Prescott to inoculate her against psychic assault, and Sweettalk had taken on the persona of Ghostrunner's younger sister Nahomie, tormenting her with rejections and admonitions. Soon, at great emotional cost, all of Ariadne's inner circle was protected. Ariadne spent the next several months designing her own implant, and making arrangements for her real plan. Sasha had spent those six months manufacturing and stockpiling as much of her regenerative serum as possible– enough to get a massive army through the coming battle.

She'd wiped her own memory– keeping the real unabridged memories preserved on her cybernetic implant– and even had Alicia stage an argument to convince her she'd been doing nothing, when she'd actually spent several months building gear and weaponry, colluding with her allies on Earth, and laying the tracks for this plan to reach its final climax. After the memory wipe, the last thing she remembered was their months of hiding out.

The Nameless was amazed. Almost every event of the past six months had been foreseen and planned for by Ariadne. The only thing she hadn't expected was the death of Jane.

The final piece of the puzzle was Ghostrunner. She knew the Nameless would be unable to resist looking to her former victim's thoughts. She suggested that they suppress her conditioning. She wouldn't know the deck was stacked in their favor in the battle with Sasha's serum. She wouldn't know about Magenta and Flax impersonating Ariadne and Pilar, or the fleet of Earth warships set to arrive and overpower the remaining forces. When the Nameless looked into her mind, she would think she was on the verge of winning, and she'd let her guard down. This mind-wipe could only be undone with the trigger word Tartarus, spoken in Ariadne's voice.

The memory froze, and Ariadne– not the Ariadne in the memory, but the real one, stepped into the scene.

“Do you see now what you're up against?” Ariadne asked. The memory fizzled away and left them standing in a black void.

The Nameless lunged at her, but her hands just couldn't reach.

“You're in my mind, now,” Ariadne said, “and you tried to wipe it clean. This is a projection from my cybernetic implant. You can no more harm me than you could strangle a hologram.”

“Your real plan,” the Nameless said, “it has nothing to do with me, does it?”

“Capturing you is important to me personally,” Ariadne said, “but no, my plan is much bigger than you. I didn't use Ghostrunner, but I did use you.”

“Used me to do what?” The Nameless asked.

“Every mob enforcer, every hitman, every gun for hire in the Colonial moons is getting blown apart on the surface of the planet below, right alongside the abusive parents of all the kids I've given shelter to, and all the far-right reactionaries who joined up with you after your little speech,” Ariadne said. “When all the dust clears, there won't be a single casualty on our side. Sasha and her serum are seeing to that right now. All the while, the divisions between Earth and Mars are healing, and the Oort have stepped into the light and everybody's seeing them for the good people they are. Your power-grab has exposed all of the most corrupt politicians in the system for what they are, and when you're defeated, they won't come back from this. The Rizzo crime family, which stupidly spent the last several months eliminating anybody who might take their place, will be in shambles, and all the people held in their grip will finally be able to breathe. My plan was to concentrate the cancer into a single location so it could be cut out.”

“That's your goal? You start a war to end war?”

“Of course not,” Ariadne said, “this was never a war. You had to think it was, right up until the moment I got close enough for your psychic attack to fail. That's why I had to think it was a war. I couldn't remember any of the things I'd done to stage this. I manipulated myself as much as I manipulated you, darlin'. Had my own voice whispering in my ear, tellin' me the only way I could possibly hope to beat you is to contrive a massive battle on the ground. I couldn't have let myself know the trap was foolproof, or else you would've known it. Couldn't turn my mind into a brick wall, or you'd think I had something hidden behind it. What would you have done then?”

“I'd have fled,” the words escaped the Nameless' mouth involuntarily, “I only do things I'm sure I can get away with, and when I don't get away with them, I–” She struggled to keep the words in “–lash out at the people who caused my failure, because I need to have control and they… force me to confront how little control I actually have.”

Ariadne grinned.

“You can't lie here, not even to yourself,” Ariadne said, “our minds are connected. I'll hear what you mean instead of what you say.”

“This wasn't a war,” the Nameless sneered, “so what was it?”

“This was a test. See, you surprised me when you broke free from the prison, and then again when you drove us out of our home. But I thought, let's give her one last chance. All you had to do was leave us alone. Walk away. Go find somebody else to torment. But you just couldn't stop picking at the wounds you inflicted on us. You tried to take over the whole system just to keep your claws in my family. You could've turned your ship around, flown off into the black, and I wouldn't have pursued you. We never wanted to see you again, but you just kept showing up. And when we set up a trap, and told you it was a trap, you still walked right into it, just so you could hurt us one more time.”

“You're killing hundreds of thousands of people, just to teach me a lesson, and you call me the monster?”

“Actually,” Ariadne said, “only a fraction of that number will die. And every single one of them was given a choice.”

“What?”

“Just before the battle began,” Ariadne explained, “we managed to broadcast this little message to all of your forces, courtesy of my new friend Vigil, who you apparently didn't see, lurking in the ducts.”

The Nameless saw an image of herself and Nicks appear between them.

“Libs, there's ten thousand souls on board. They'll die if we–”

“I'd kill a hundred thousand more if it takes out Ghostrunner!”

“Amazing, how few of your troops will stand by you after they hear you admit they're expendable to you,” Ariadne said. “Learned that when I was sixteen. I call it Beam's Gambit. Told them that they could choose their fate: walk away without consequence, or stay and accept the consequences of fighting. Why do you think so many of them stayed inside the garrisons? Most of your troops lay down their arms immediately, and all of my troops are armed with Oort weaponry that cannot harm anybody except in self-defense. Only the soldiers still loyal to you even could take a bullet.”

“My, but you like to hear yourself talk,” the Nameless snarled.

“Actually, now I'd like to hear you talk,” Ariadne said. “See, darlin', this is the last chance I'll ever get to have an honest conversation with you about what you did, and lucky me, for once, you can't lie.”

“Bitch,” the Nameless said.

“Maybe so,” Ariadne said. “So tell me, now, about how my crew is toxic. How we mistreated you. How you were the victim.”

The Nameless strained to remain silent. It took all of her mental energy to resist the question. Unfortunately, in a battle of mental energy, she would've been outmatched by an Ariadne without a recently installed second brain.

“I… I…” The Nameless stammered, and strained so hard not to finish the sentence that by the time she did, she was practically screaming. “I SEEK TO CONTROL OTHERS BECAUSE I DON'T THINK OF ANYONE BUT MYSELF AS A REAL PERSON.”

Ariadne smiled mirthlessly. “Go on.”

“I'm the only one who matters,” the Nameless admitted, looking as though the words were being ripped out of her, hating herself for admitting them because she knew they were how she really felt. “I think that I deserve to be obeyed and catered to without question. I believe I alone decide what the truth is, and that makes anyone who questions me a liar. I know that I won't find this, so I have to make it by attempting to break people so that they view me the same way I do. Whenever someone gets wise to what I'm doing, my control over them breaks and they sever all ties, and I claim it was my choice and do my best to discredit or dispose of them. I believe that whatever I do to them is their fault, because they could've just done as they were told, been as they were told.”

“Tell me about what you did to my crew.”

“I… I… I lied about my age, my name, and my personal history,” she strained against the truth, “to get close enough to them that they'd reveal their traumas, which I could use as leverage against them. Once they feared me, I used them for my own gratification– emotional, personal, sexual, whatever form it took– it was always just about exercising my power over them. If anyone saw through me and challenged me in the eyes of my people, I would either discredit them or– or– try to kill them.”

“Is that what you did to Sasha and Sweettalk?”

The Nameless wanted to lie and claim she was framed, but she simply vomited out the truth: “I tried to kill them. They tried to break my control over Ghostrunner. I had to.”

“So you weren't framed?” Ariadne asked.

“No,” the Nameless said, the muscles on her neck rock-hard from the effort of trying and failing to lie, “I'm a serial abuser and I know it, and I've been doing it for a long time. I accuse my victims of the things I've done to them, because it punishes them for daring to challenge my authority, and forces them into a defensive position.”

“Discredit… Attack… Reverse victim and offender,” Ariadne said, “Good god, you're not even interesting or unique. You're just a garden-variety abuser. Amateur hour, darlin'. The only difference between you and every other sociopathic piece of shit power-tripping over the people you claim to love is that you managed to get yourself an army. Do you regret any of it? Trying to kill Sasha and Sweettalk? The massacre during your escape? All those therapists?”

“N…no…” the Nameless said, “they… were… trying to… stop me…”

“From hurting people? Doing things you know are wrong,” Ariadne asked, “but think you should be allowed to do anyway?”

“I… decide… what's right… and wrong…” The Nameless confessed to the egotistical belief, “anything I do is right… anyone who doesn't do as I say… is against me… and anyone who's against me… deserves what they get.”

“You want to know the difference?” Ariadne asked, “the real difference between me and you? And remember… we have to be honest with one another here.”

“No,” the Nameless said, “I don't give a shit what you think.”

“Too fuckin' bad, sweetheart,” Ariadne replied. “See, I'm a criminal. I hurt people all the time, for what I think is a good cause, and I love my job. The difference is, I do what I do to give people the freedom and opportunity to make their own choices. Be who and what they want to be. I only hurt people who'd take that freedom away from others. People like you, who hurt people because you get off on controlling and degrading others just to feel powerful. Am I wrong?”

The Nameless looked like she was about to vomit from rage. “…No.”

“Good to know,” Ariadne said. “See, the other difference between me and you is, I actually considered whether you were right about me. Even feared you might be, before some good people reassured me I wasn't. If I didn't have you bound to tell the truth, would you ever have worried I was right about you?”

“Never.”

Ariadne laughed. “You know, being right doesn't make me feel all that much better. So let me ask you one last question. Who are you, really?”

A spike of anger flared off the Nameless, and she finally managed to rip herself free of Ariadne's mind. She shrieked, and lashed out at Spacebreather's mind again. No effect except excruciating pain. She tried Ghostrunner's. It was like throwing a tennis ball at a brick wall and having it grow spikes and rebound into her face. She tried Sweettalk's. Sweettalk laughed at her, and her body was wracked with agony.

“You think that's all I've got? You think I care if I go with you?!” The Nameless asked, and they felt the ship shudder and shake around them. She was about to tear the ship apart, killing herself just to take them down. “YOU DIE TODAY, ARIADNE!”

At this point, her forehead exploded outwards. As she collapsed to the ground, the stunned pirate crew, sprayed with her blood, stared at Nicks, holding a smoking revolver.

“Surprise!” Nicks said.

[silmenmerac]

How to find the best automatic gate opener in Dubai?

An automatic gate opener is a device that allows for the automated opening and closing of gates or doors without the need for manual intervention. These openers can be powered by electricity or solar panels and are typically controlled through a remote control, keypad, or card reader. They offer convenience, security, and privacy for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

In Dubai, the BFT Vektor Automatic Gate Opener is recognized as one of the best options available. This heavy-duty opener is suitable for various applications and features a self-locking mechanism, built-in motor overload protection, self-monitoring system, and solar-powered operation. With a 6-meter remote control and an LCD display, it offers high-security protection and durability.

Remote control gates, on the other hand, are automated gates that can be opened and closed using a remote control device. These gates are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings for enhanced security and convenience. They eliminate the need for manual gate operation, allowing property owners and authorized visitors to access the property with ease. Remote control gates provide quick access, improve security by restricting unauthorized entry, and can be programmed to respond to specific codes or access cards. They also offer privacy by blocking unwanted visitors or prying eyes.

For more information and convenient solutions, you can visit the official website of Silmenmerac. They offer various options for automatic gate openers and can provide further assistance.

#Automatic gate opener #Remote control gates

[nationalfacilitiesdirect01]

Understanding the Real Difference Between Hard and Soft Facilities Management

The nature of facilities and property management is dynamic and ever-changing. Between meeting safety regulations and ensuring systems are functioning at an optimum level, managing a facility is no easy feat. Not to mention that every building, room, and worksite has its own character, quarks, and unique needs.

Whether you’re new to facilities management or a seasoned pro, you probably know that most maintenance functions can be broken down into two categories: Hard and Soft facilities management.

Let’s review the differences between the two and why balancing both is essential to your organization’s operations.

What is Hard Facilities Management (FM)?

Hard FM services are the “core services” in regards to the physical assets connected to a facility. Typically, these are the functions and services that are “non-negotiable” as they can have a significant impact on a property’s structural integrity, its largest investments, and the safety and welfare of employees and visitors.

Some examples include:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Cooling (HVAC)

Utility Equipment Maintenance

Electrical

Plumbing

Fire Safety Systems

Lighting

Mechanical

Building Maintenance

Generator Maintenance

What is Soft Facilities Management (FM)?

Soft FM, on the other hand, is considered to be more for general well-being and comfort, rather than structural integrity. These are the services that improve a building’s security and the comfortability of employees, guests, and customers.

As such, these services can be deemed as “non-essential”. But let’s be honest–in today’s environment, these “non-essential” services are actually quite vital because of the experience they create for employees and customers. This is important because the experience of a facility can impact employees, visitors, shoppers and their willingness to advocate for a company or store. When Soft FM functions are cared for, a facility fosters a good environment which improves employee retention as well as customer loyalty.

Some examples include:

Landscaping & Snow Removal

Cleaning & Janitorial

Waste Management & Trash

Biohazard

Parking Lot & Road Maintenance (Street Sweeping)

Power Washing

Locksmith

Pest Control

Security

Porter Services

Restaurant Equipment Cleaning

Duct Cleaning

Window Cleaning

COVID Cleaning

Other Key Facilities Management Functions

Because facilities management is such a diverse and multifaceted job function, there are many projects that fall outside of the two distinctions above. Two key areas are Building and Construction as well as Energy and Environmental projects.

Building and Construction services are essential to the functional and structural aspects of the facility. These services can affect the design, layout, and function of the facility. While not considered directly “Hard FM,” they often accompany many of the functions of Hard FM.

Some examples include:

Remodeling

Renovation

Carpentry

Roofing

Handyman

Signage

Doors & Roll Up Gates

Glass installation

Board-ups

Energy and Environmental services are those that promote sustainability within a facility and the conservation of the space and resources that are used each and every day.

Similar to Soft FM, these functions are deemed “non-essential” but by today’s standards are modern convenience functions that today’s employees and customers come to expect.

Some examples include:

Energy Management

LED conversions

EV Chargers

Energy Storage Systems

Recycling Programs

Solar

Building Synergy in Facilities Management

Both Hard and Soft facilities management services are integral to ensuring a safe and well-functioning facility. While they address specific areas and needs of a facility, they work cohesively to deliver an experience that employees, guests, and customers can safely enjoy.

At National Facilities Direct, we specialize in both Hard and Soft FM solutions as well as Building and Construction and Energy and Environmental services. Whether your needs are indoors or outdoors, essential or negotiable, let National Facilities Direct be a trusted partner. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help take your facility to the next level.

Visit Our Website - https://nationalfacilitiesdirect.com/

#self-performing trends #best practices technology

[rockislandadultreads]

Goodreads Choice Awards 2022: Science Fiction Opening Round Nominees 

Pick up one of these science fiction nominees for the 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards! For the full list of opening round nominees for this genre, click here. 

Sleepwalk by Dan Chaon

Sleepwalk’s hero, Will Bear, is a man with so many aliases that he simply thinks of himself as the Barely Blur. At fifty years old, he’s been living off the grid for over half his life. He’s never had a real job, never paid taxes, never been in a committed relationship. A good-natured henchman with a complicated and lonely past and an LSD microdosing problem, he spends his time hopscotching across state lines in his beloved camper van, running sometimes shady, often dangerous errands for a powerful and ruthless operation he’s never troubled himself to learn too much about. He has lots of connections, but no true ties. His longest relationships are with an old rescue dog with posttraumatic stress, and a childhood friend as deeply entrenched in the underworld as he is, who, lately, he’s less and less sure he can trust.

Out of the blue, one of his many burner phones heralds a call from a twenty-year-old woman claiming to be his biological daughter, Cammie. She says she’s the product of one of his long-ago sperm donations; he’s half certain she’s AI. She needs his help. She’s entrenched in a widespread and nefarious plot involving Will’s employers, and continuing to have any contact with her increasingly fuzzes the line between the people Will is working for and the people he’s running from.

Lost in Time by A.G. Riddle

One morning, Dr. Sam Anderson wakes up to discover that the woman he loves has been murdered. For Sam, the horror is only beginning - he and his daughter are accused of the crime. The evidence is ironclad - they will be convicted. And so, Sam does what he must: he confesses to the crime.

But in the future, murderers aren’t sent to prison - they’re sent to the past. Two hundred million years into the past - to the age of the dinosaurs - to live out their lives alone, in exile from the human race. Sam accepts his fate. But his daughter doesn’t.

As she peels back the layers of the mystery that ripped her father from this world, Adeline finds more questions than answers. Everyone around her is hiding a secret. But which ones are connected to the murder that exiled her father? That mystery stretches across the past, present, and future - and leads to a revelation that will change everything.

Leviathan Falls by James S.A. Corey 

The Laconian Empire has fallen, setting the thirteen hundred solar systems free from the rule of Winston Duarte. But the ancient enemy that killed the gate builders is awake, and the war against our universe has begun again.

In the dead system of Adro, Elvi Okoye leads a desperate scientific mission to understand what the gate builders were and what destroyed them, even if it means compromising herself and the half-alien children who bear the weight of her investigation. Through the wide-flung systems of humanity, Colonel Aliana Tanaka hunts for Duarte’s missing daughter... and the shattered emperor himself. And on the Rocinante, James Holden and his crew struggle to build a future for humanity out of the shards and ruins of all that has come before.

As nearly unimaginable forces prepare to annihilate all human life, Holden and a group of unlikely allies discover a last, desperate chance to unite all of humanity, with the promise of a vast galactic civilization free from wars, factions, lies, and secrets if they win. But the price of victory may be worse than the cost of defeat.

This is the ninth volume in “The Expanse” series. 

The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang

This is the story of Misery Nomaki (she/they) - a nobody from a nowhere mining planet who possesses the rare stone-working powers of a saint. Unfortunately, these saint-like abilities also manifest in those succumbing to voidmadness, like that which killed Misery’s mother. Knowing they aren’t a saint but praying they aren’t voidmad, Misery keeps quiet about their power for years, while dreaming and scheming up ways off their Forge-forsaken planet.

But when the voice of an angel, or a very convincing delusion, leads Misery to the center of the Empire, they find themself trapped between two powerful and dangerous factions, each hoping to use Misery to win a terrible war.

Still waiting to be convinced of their own divinity and secretly training with a crew of outlaws and outcasts, Misery grows close to a rebel royal, Lady Alodia Lightning, who may know something of saints and prophecy herself. The voice that guides Misery grows bolder by the day, and it seems the madness is catching...

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

Beginning in 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus.

Once unleashed, the Arctic Plague will reshape life on earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy. In a theme park designed for terminally ill children, a cynical employee falls in love with a mother desperate to hold on to her infected son. A heartbroken scientist searching for a cure finds a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjects - a pig -  develops the capacity for human speech. A widowed painter and her teenaged granddaughter embark on a cosmic quest to locate a new home planet.

From funerary skyscrapers to hotels for the dead to interstellar starships, Sequoia Nagamatsu takes readers on a wildly original and compassionate journey, spanning continents, centuries, and even celestial bodies to tell a story about the resiliency of the human spirit, our infinite capacity to dream, and the connective threads that tie us all together in the universe.

#science fiction #science fiction books #goodreads #nominees #library books #book recommendations #book recs #reading recommendations #reading recs #TBR pile #tbr #to read #booklr #book tumblr #book blog #reading blog

[slowlyteenagestarlight]

Namaste 🙏

To set free the Melchizedek Logos and Emerald Order Melchizedek family, the Nibiruian Net system had to be in free fall decline so the Guardians could strategically gain control over the NAA network frequency fences and begin to repurpose the Crystal Temples located underground. The original planetary body in this Solar System that functioned as the 12D portal access into the Universal Lyran gate system was actually Nibiru, before it was invaded and subsequently outfitted by the NAA races as a battle star. The Thoth, Enki, Enlil Collectives from Nibiru installed selenite rods programmed from the battle star and then placed them underground in order to hijack the organic crystal caverns and Crystal Temples of the planet. These underground bases became the extensive NET system forcing the metatronic reversal current into the ley lines, in which the planetary reversal merkaba system ran as the checkerboard matrix mutations, with its main operational hub in Stonehenge connecting to the Nibiru-Tiamat phantom matrix. The full turning on of this artificial NET network happened during the Atlantian Cataclysm, which infected the crystal caverns and aquifer system with metatronic reversal frequency, which led to the NAA inserting the Black Queens and installing her hive mind lunar hierarchy deep underground.

The artificial global NET system has a toxic byproduct, an unnatural ozone layer that generates assorted interference on how photonic light reaches into the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. As the Cosmic Mother’s Supermagnetism manifests and the NETS fall, the ozone layer will also shift and possibly dissolve, at which point the controlled media will likely alert the public of the dangerous state of the holes appearing in the ozone layer. Science tells us the ozone layer acts as a sunscreen from the Sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays. In actuality, it is an artificially created interference layer for false magnetism, combined with the toxic chemtrails to divert solar plasmic codes that potentially activate dormant human DNA. As the planet is in her solar symbiosis ascension cycle, the controllers are especially aggressive with all things relating to the Sun, generating fearful propaganda to control the masses. Thus, the wide spread media publishing papers on the destruction of the ozone layer is largely a psychological operation by those controlling the mainstream sciences to promote fear of the sun and sunlight to the masses. Light is radiant energy-frequency that controls gene expression. Thus, it becomes clearer that the quantum of light is the Universe’s way of transferring packets of intelligent energy into the consciousness of the planetary species. Namaste 🙏.

[investinselfstorage2]

The Impact of Technology on Self-Storage Investment: Trends and Innovations

Technology has significantly transformed the self-storage industry, creating new opportunities and efficiencies for investors.Self-storage investment offers numerous benefits, including steady demand, recession resilience, and high returns. To succeed, investors should carefully consider location, market conditions, management strategies, and financing options. By leveraging technology, optimizing operations, and exploring value-add opportunities, investors can maximize the profitability of their self-storage investments. Here’s an overview of key trends and innovations impacting self-storage investment:

1. Automation and Smart Facilities

Automated Access Control Systems:

Smart locks and keyless entry systems allow customers to access their units via mobile apps, providing convenience and security.

Automated gates and doors reduce the need for on-site staff, lowering operational costs.

Remote Monitoring and Management:

Surveillance systems and IoT (Internet of Things) devices enable remote monitoring of facilities, enhancing security.

Facility management software allows for real-time tracking of unit occupancy, maintenance needs, and customer interactions.

2. Online Rental Platforms

Digital Leasing:

Online rental platforms streamline the leasing process, allowing customers to reserve and rent units online.

Digital contracts and e-signatures simplify paperwork, reducing the time and effort required for lease agreements.

Dynamic Pricing Models:

Advanced algorithms analyze market demand and occupancy rates to adjust pricing in real-time, maximizing revenue.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

Mobile Apps and Customer Portals:

Mobile apps provide customers with easy access to their accounts, payment options, and unit information.

Customer portals offer a seamless experience for managing rentals, payments, and communication with facility staff.

Virtual Tours and Contactless Transactions:

Virtual tours enable prospective tenants to view units and facilities online, making it easier to attract customers.

Contactless payment options and self-service kiosks cater to customer preferences for minimal physical interaction.

4. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Performance Metrics and Analytics:

Data analytics tools provide insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency.

Investors can use these insights to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing strategies, and expansion opportunities.

Predictive Maintenance:

IoT sensors monitor the condition of storage units and infrastructure, predicting maintenance needs before issues arise.

Proactive maintenance reduces downtime and extends the lifespan of facilities.

5. Green Technology and Sustainability

Energy-Efficient Designs:

LED lighting, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

Sustainable building materials and designs appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers and investors.

Water Management Systems:

Advanced irrigation and water management systems help maintain landscaping with minimal water usage.

Rainwater harvesting systems provide an eco-friendly solution for facility maintenance.

6. Security Enhancements

Advanced Surveillance Systems:

High-definition cameras and AI-powered analytics enhance surveillance capabilities, improving security.

Motion sensors and alarms detect unusual activity, deterring theft and vandalism.

Biometric Access:

Biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, offer heightened security for accessing units.

7. Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Targeted Advertising:

Data-driven marketing strategies enable targeted advertising, reaching potential customers more effectively.

Social media platforms and search engine marketing help attract local clientele.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

CRM systems manage customer interactions, improving retention and satisfaction.

Automated follow-ups and personalized communication foster strong customer relationships.

Conclusion

Technology is revolutionizing the self-storage industry, offering innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and security. Investors who embrace these technological advancements can benefit from increased revenue, reduced costs, and a competitive edge in the market. As technology continues to evolve, staying abreast of these trends and innovations will be crucial for success in self-storage investment.

#selfstorageinvesting #investing in storage units #self storage investing #real estate passive income

[pennyappealusaseo]

Revamping Water Access for Communities in Need

Billions of people around the world continue to live without safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services, which are critical for protecting the health and safety of individuals. Access to safe water isn’t the only challenge – countries also have to deal with water pollution, degraded water-related ecosystems, and water scarcity caused by climate change. 

Through Penny Appeal USA’s Thirst Relief programs, we’re providing safe water to enable communities to drink, wash, clean and irrigate their crops as well as hydrate their animals. Our Thirst Relief programs lead to healthier lives, better-educated communities, and a route out of poverty. 

While donors are most familiar with our hand pump and deep wells, we are encouraging donors to learn about and contribute to our more sustainable Thirst Relief programming, such as our Solar Panel Water and Power Centers. 

This amazing technology is a complete facility shared by a village and uses solar energy for its power source. Within a village, we build a water tanker with faucets connected to solar panels. These panels work under low light conditions at reduced power without stalling or overheating. 

With Solar Panel Water and Power Centers, the process is all automated through an internal motor that is powered via the sun’s solar energy. Since the wells are in the sun-drenched desert, there is never a shortage of sunlight and these make great investments because:

There is no need for fuel or electricity, making the wells ideal for rural communities

There is low maintenance cost and easy to operate

The panels, converters, and batteries that store the energy can survive up to 25 years, therefore, ensuring the sustainability of water access

The purpose of the solar wells is to provide safe drinking water through solar energy which will provide a water supply to public places through pipes and gravity. By allowing accessible water supply to local public places, women and children no longer have to walk miles to access water from neighboring villages. 

While these do require a higher investment ($30,000 per Center), building this structure ensures long-term safety and clean drinking water for the whole community! Traditional Wells require women and children to spend hours pulling levies to fetch water. Fetching water in the > 100°F weather is extremely exhausting for women and children, who are often burdened with the task. 

Solar Wells automate the process, supplying electricity to an internal motor that pulls water up from beneath the ground with the simple turn of a faucet, supplying more people with clean water in less time. Both women and children now have time to focus on other priorities! Children can spend more time learning, while women can tend to their vegetation and other forms of economic independence. 

Moreover, traditional Wells are often “open” tops, causing dirt to infect the water which could lead to water-borne diseases. Our solar-powered wells are “closed” meaning nothing (and nobody) can fall into the water system accidentally.

Finally, runoff from the Solar Powered Well System collects in a pool directly outside the gates of the facility, allowing animals to drink from it and for it to be used to feed villagers’ crops. 

These incredible feats of engineering not only provide running water to the homes of up to 1,500 people and 1,000 livestock but also supply electricity and power to schools and places of worship as well. Placed in desert areas, the Solar Water Panel and Power Center can fill a reservoir that holds three days’ worth of water to ensure they don’t go without it on those cloud-covered days.

It’s a humanitarian’s dream come true! You can learn more about our Solar Panel Water and Power Centers on our website. 

#Water well Charity #Water well Donations #Donation for Water in USA #Donation for water wells

[robertemma27-blog]

Exploring HVDC Transmission

High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission is a critical technology that plays a pivotal role in the efficient and reliable transmission of electrical power over long distances. Unlike traditional alternating current (AC) transmission, which experiences significant losses over extended distances, HVDC technology enables the efficient transmission of large amounts of power over vast distances with minimal losses. This capability has made HVDC transmission a cornerstone of modern energy infrastructure, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, interconnecting regional power grids, and enhancing grid stability and reliability.

Understanding HVDC Transmission

At its core, HVDC transmission involves the conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) at the transmission station, and vice versa at the receiving station. This conversion process is achieved using specialized electronic devices called converters, which facilitate the efficient transmission of power over high-voltage transmission lines. HVDC transmission offers several advantages over AC transmission, including lower transmission losses, increased power transfer capacity, and enhanced grid control and stability.

Applications and Benefits

HVDC transmission finds applications across various sectors and industries, including:

Renewable Energy Integration: HVDC technology enables the efficient transmission of power from remote renewable energy sources, such as wind farms and solar installations, to population centers and urban areas, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Interconnection of Power Grids: HVDC transmission interconnects regional power grids, enabling the exchange of electricity between neighboring countries and regions. This enhances energy security, promotes market integration, and facilitates the sharing of renewable energy resources, contributing to a more resilient and interconnected grid.

Long-Distance Transmission: HVDC transmission is ideal for transmitting power over long distances, such as across oceans or mountain ranges, where AC transmission may be impractical or cost-prohibitive. By minimizing transmission losses and voltage drops, HVDC technology enables the efficient transmission of bulk power over vast distances.

Key Components and Technologies

HVDC transmission systems comprise several key components and technologies, including:

Converters: HVDC converters, such as Line Commutated Converters (LCC) or Voltage Source Converters (VSC), convert AC power to DC and vice versa. These converters employ semiconductor devices such as thyristors or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) to achieve efficient power conversion.

Transmission Lines: HVDC transmission lines transport the converted DC power over long distances. These lines are typically designed to operate at high voltages to minimize losses and maximize power transfer capacity.

Substations: HVDC substations house the converters and other equipment necessary for HVDC transmission. These substations play a crucial role in the conversion, control, and regulation of power flow in the HVDC system.

Powering the Future

As the demand for clean, reliable, and efficient energy continues to grow, HVDC transmission technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure. By enabling the efficient transmission of power over long distances, integrating renewable energy sources, and enhancing grid flexibility and stability, HVDC transmission technology is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

#HVDC Transmission Market

[electricgatesfordriveways0]

Electric Gates for Driveways

Electric Gates for Driveways

Electric gates for driveways are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, security, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s an overview of what they entail:

Electric Gates for Driveways

Types of Electric Gates: Swing Gates: These gates swing open either inward or outward on hinges, similar to traditional gates. They are suitable for driveways with enough space for the gate to swing. Sliding Gates: Sliding gates open horizontally along a track parallel to the fence or wall. They are ideal for driveways with limited space or on sloping terrain. Bi-Folding Gates: These gates fold in the middle and open like a book. They’re suitable for driveways with limited space but require more maintenance due to moving parts.

Automation Systems: Remote Control: Most electric gates come with remote controls for easy operation from within your vehicle or home. Keypad Entry: Keypad entry systems allow authorized individuals to enter a code to open the gate. Intercom Systems: Intercoms enable communication between visitors and residents, allowing you to grant access remotely. Smartphone Integration: Some modern systems allow you to control the gate using a smartphone app, providing additional security features and convenience.

Power Source: Mains Electricity: Most electric gates are powered by mains electricity. They require a professional electrician to install. Solar Power: Solar-powered gates are environmentally friendly and can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially in areas with ample sunlight.

Materials and Design: Electric gates are available in various materials such as wrought iron, steel, aluminum, and wood. Choose a material that complements your property’s aesthetics and suits your budget. Consider the design and style of the gate to enhance the overall appearance of your property.

Safety Features: Electric gates should include safety features such as obstacle detection sensors to prevent accidents. They should comply with relevant safety standards and regulations to ensure the safety of users and pedestrians.

Installation and Maintenance: Electric gates should be installed by professionals to ensure proper functionality and safety. Regular maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts and inspection of electrical components, is essential to ensure the gate operates smoothly and reliably.

Cost: The cost of electric gates varies depending on factors such as size, material, automation features, and installation requirements. It’s essential to budget for both the initial installation cost and ongoing maintenance.

Before installing electric gates, check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Additionally, consider consulting with a professional to assess your driveway’s suitability for electric gates and to determine the best type and features for your needs.

[kpgreenengineering]

Exploring the Sustainability Practices of Transmission Line Tower Manufacturers in Gujarat

In the quest to understand the intersection of industrial growth and environmental stewardship, the spotlight often lands on sectors where the balance is most critical. One such area is the manufacturing of transmission line towers, particularly in Gujarat, India, where this industry plays a pivotal role in the nation's energy infrastructure. This article explores how manufacturers in this region like KP Green Engineering are navigating the path of sustainability, intertwining technological advancement with ecological sensitivity. 

1. Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

The journey towards sustainability begins in the factories where transmission line towers are crafted. In Gujarat, leading manufacturers have adopted green manufacturing techniques to reduce their environmental footprint. These practices range from utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations to implementing stringent recycling protocols for metal scraps and other materials. By doing so, these manufacturers not only comply with global environmental standards but also set a benchmark for the industry.

For instance, the use of solar panels and wind turbines within factory premises underscores a commitment to renewable energy. Moreover, the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies minimizes waste production and energy consumption, illustrating how traditional industries can evolve to meet contemporary environmental challenges. These steps are crucial in ensuring that the best transmission line tower manufacturers are also leaders in ecological responsibility.

2. Resource Management and Efficiency

Effective resource management is pivotal in the production of transmission line towers, where the need for high-quality materials must be balanced with environmental considerations. Manufacturers in Gujarat have pioneered the use of sustainable materials and processes that enhance efficiency without compromising on quality.

This approach includes the meticulous selection of raw materials that are both durable and eco-friendly, alongside investment in technology that optimizes material use and reduces waste. By integrating these practices, manufacturers ensure that the production of transmission line towers aligns with sustainability principles. Furthermore, water conservation measures and the treatment and reuse of industrial wastewater exemplify a holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

3. Commitment to Community and Environment

Beyond the factory gates, the best transmission line tower manufacturers in Gujarat extend their commitment to sustainability through community engagement and environmental initiatives. This includes planting trees around manufacturing sites and contributing to local green spaces, which enhances biodiversity and provides a counterbalance to industrial activity.

Moreover, educational programs aimed at raising environmental awareness among employees and local communities underscore the importance of collective action in sustainability. By fostering a culture that values environmental responsibility, these manufacturers not only contribute to the ecological well-being of Gujarat but also inspire other industries to follow suit.

4. Innovations in Material Use

One of the most significant areas of innovation among transmission line tower manufacturers in Gujarat is in the materials they choose. Stepping away from the traditional, these pioneers are embracing materials that offer the same, if not better, performance characteristics while significantly reducing environmental impact. High-strength, lightweight steel variants and composites are coming to the fore, marking a departure from the old and a step towards a more sustainable future. These materials not only reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing but also enhance the efficiency of the towers themselves. By requiring less energy to produce and transport, and by extending the lifespan of the towers, these innovations in material use represent a win-win for both the manufacturers and the environment.

5. Waste Management and Recycling

Waste management and recycling are critical components of a sustainable operation. The best transmission line tower manufacturers in Gujarat have established comprehensive systems to ensure that waste materials are either repurposed or recycled, dramatically reducing the environmental impact of their production processes. From the melting down of metal scraps to be reused in new towers to the careful disposal of non-recyclable waste in accordance with environmental regulations, these practices embody a commitment to the planet that goes beyond mere compliance.

Additionally, manufacturers are increasingly turning to suppliers who can provide recycled or sustainably sourced materials, further embedding the principles of circular economy within the industry. This not only lessens the demand for raw materials but also promotes a culture of sustainability throughout the supply chain.

6. Community Engagement and CSR

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are a testament to the industry's commitment to not just environmental sustainability but also social wellbeing. The best transmission line tower manufacturers in Gujarat like KP Green Engineering actively participate in community development projects, from improving local infrastructure to supporting educational programmes. These efforts are aimed at uplifting the communities they operate in, ensuring that the benefits of industrial activity are shared widely.

Environmental education plays a significant role in these CSR activities, with manufacturers hosting workshops and seminars to spread awareness about sustainability practices. By involving community members in tree planting campaigns and clean-up drives, they foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the local environment. This collaborative approach not only enhances the social impact of their operations but also strengthens the bond between the industry and the community.

Conclusion: KP Green Engineering

KP Green Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a leader in telecom tower manufacturing, mirrors the sustainability ethos described above. With a sterling record in telecom infrastructure, underscored by environmental sensitivity, transparent pricing, and a team of seasoned professionals, KP Green Engineering exemplifies the fusion of engineering excellence with sustainable practices. Their array of services, from Transmission Line Towers to Solar Module Mounting Structures, not only powers global markets but does so with an unwavering commitment to the planet. In Gujarat's industrial landscape, KP Green Engineering and its peers are not just manufacturing towers; they're building a sustainable future.

Source URL:

https://kpgreenengineering.com/exploring-the-sustainability-practices-of-transmission-line-tower-manufacturers-in-gujarat

#telecom tower manufacturers #top wind and solar energy

[govindhtech]

The Arm Cortex M4 CPU in Motor Control Applications

Arm Cortex M4 CPU A 32-bit processing core intended for use in microcontrollers is the Arm Cortex M4 CPU. Because of its reputation for being strong and effective, it is a well-liked option for many different kinds of embedded systems.

Silent attributes Performance: Considering its size and power consumption, it offers excellent performance. Provides a three-step pipeline for effective execution of instructions. Possible to get a Dhrystone Million Instructions Per Second per Megahertz of 1.25 DMIPS/MHz. Power Efficiency: Optimal for battery-operated devices, it is designed for low-power applications. Provides options to cut down on power use while not in use, such as power gating and sleep modes. Dedicated DSP instructions are included in digital signal processing (DSP) to execute mathematical calculations utilised in signal processing activities efficiently. For applications like industrial automation, audio processing, and motor control, this makes it a good fit. Optional Floating-Point Unit (FPU): For applications needing computations with a greater level of accuracy, a single-precision FPU is available as an alternative.

Scalability and Usability: Facilitates the easy porting of code across various Cortex-M based microcontrollers by supporting the Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS). This expedites the time to market for new goods and streamlines development. Uses: The Cortex-M4 is used in many embedded systems due to its versatility. Some common examples:

Automation controls motors, sensors, and other equipment in factories and other industrial environments. Motor control runs electric motors in power equipment, robots, and drones. Power management controls solar inverters and battery chargers’ power supplies. Processed audio signals in speakers, headphones, and musical instruments are embedded audio. The Internet of Things (IoT) powers connected devices with processing, data collecting, and transfer. Wearable electronics power fitness trackers, smartwatches, etc. Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has added eight new products with 512KB/1MB flash memory capacity and four types of packages to the M4K Group of the TXZ Family Advanced Class 32-micro controllers equipped with CortexM4 core with FPU.

Management and Efficiency for Mixed-Signal Equipment The Arm Cortex M4 CPU family is intended to let developers construct power- and cost-efficient solutions for a wide variety of devices. The high-performance embedded Cortex-M4 processor was created to meet the needs of the digital signal control industries, which need a user-friendly, effective combination of control and signal processing capabilities.

Characteristics and Advantages of Arm Cortex M4 CPU Floating Point Processing: Achieve More With the integrated floating-point unit (FPU), you may reduce power consumption and increase battery life by 10 times for single precision floating-point computations. When paired with the Arm CMSIS-NN machine learning libraries, Cortex-M4 provide battery-operated embedded and Internet of Things devices cutting-edge intelligence.

Include DSP Features By combining control and signal processing into a single processor, chip system costs may be decreased. MAC, SIMD, and integrated digital signal processing (DSP) instructions streamline software development, debugging, and overall system architecture. With a large library of DSP operations and C programming support, it streamlines signal processing, lowers development effort, and makes DSP more accessible to a wider audience.

Reduce Design Risk and Get to Market Quicker One of the most popular Arm Cortex M4 CPU may help lower risk and provide first-time success. It is simple to build on existing software to produce powerful embedded devices with less work and a quicker time to market because to its wide ecosystem of tools, codecs, and other DSP code.

The Cortex-M4 processor Details The Arm Cortex M4 CPU is designed to meet the needs of digital signal control industries that need a user-friendly, effective combination of signal processing and control functionality. Numerous markets are satisfied by the Cortex-M series of processors’ low power, cheap cost, and simplicity of use combined with their high efficiency signal processing capabilities. These sectors include embedded audio, power management, motor control, automotive, and industrial automation.

Essentials of Arm Cortex-M Microcontroller System-on-Chip Design Get access to a thorough manual on embedded systems based on Arm Cortex-M processor cores, covering everything from the basics of microcontroller architectures and SoC-based designs to high-level hardware and software perspectives.

Arm cortex m4 microcontroller Continuing advances in the functionality of motor applications supporting IoT is increasing demand for large program capacity and firmware over-the-air support.

The new products expand code flash memory capacity from the 256KB maximum of Toshiba’s current product to 512KB[1]/1MB[2], depending on the product, and RAM capacity from 24KB to 64KB. Other features, such as an Arm Cortex-M4 core running up to 160MHz, integrated code flash and 32KB data flash memory with 100K program/erase cycle endurance, have been maintained.

The microcontrollers also offer various interfaces and motor control options, such as advance-programmable motor driver (A-PMD), advanced encoder 32-bit (A-ENC32), advanced vector engine plus (A-VE+) and three units of high-speed, high-resolution 12-bit analog/digital converters. As a result, the M4K Group products contribute to wider application of IoT, and bring advanced functionality to AC motors, brushless DC motors and inverter controls.

The new products implement the 1MB code flash in two separate 512KB areas. This realizes firmware rotation with the memory swap method[3], allowing instructions to be read from one area while updated code is programmed into the other area in parallel.

Devices in the M4K Group have UART, TSPI and I2C integrated as general communications interfaces. Self-diagnosis functions incorporated in the devices for flash memory, RAM, ADC and Clock help customers to achieve IEC 60730 Class B functional safety certification.

Documentation, sample software with actual use examples, and driver software that controls the interfaces for each peripheral are available. Evaluation boards and development environments are provided in cooperation with Armglobal ecosystem partners.

Toshiba is planning to increase capacity of flash memory also for M4M Group with CAN interface.

Applications Motors and inverter control of consumer products, industrial equipment IoT of consumer products, industrial equipment, etc. Features High-performance Cortex-M4 core with FPU, max 160MHz Increased capacity of internal memory Code flash memory: 512KB/1MB RAM: 64KB Memory swap method firmware rotation function, supporting firmware updates while the microcontroller continues to operate Self-diagnosis functions for IEC 60730 class B functional safety Four types of packages

Read more on Govindhtech.com

#ArmCortexM4CPU #cpu #flashmemory #toshiba #technology #technews #govindhtech

[originalsandwichpaper]

Gilroy Automatic Gate Repair: Upgrading Your Gate for Increased Functionality

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Gilroy automatic gate repair and how upgrading your gate can enhance its functionality. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of upgrading your gate, discuss common problems faced by gate owners, and provide expert solutions to ensure optimal performance. Whether you reside in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Fremont, San Jose, San Francisco, Pleasanton, Gilroy, Santa Cruz, Oakland or Hayward, this guide is tailored to help you make informed decisions regarding your automatic gate repair needs.

Why Upgrade Your Gate?

Upgrading your gate not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also improves its overall functionality. As technology advances, new features and innovations are introduced into the market. By upgrading your gate system, you can enjoy the following advantages:

1. Improved Security Measures

By upgrading your gate with advanced security features such as access control systems, intercoms, and surveillance cameras, you can enhance the safety of your property. These modern security measures provide real-time monitoring and control options that give you peace of mind.

2. Enhanced Convenience

Upgrading to a modern automatic gate system allows for seamless operation with remote controls or smartphone applications. No more hassle of manually opening and closing the gate; simply press a button or use an app to grant access to authorized individuals.

3. Increased Property Value

An upgraded automatic gate system adds value to your property. Potential buyers appreciate the added security and convenience that a well-maintained and upgraded gate offers. It becomes an attractive feature that sets your property apart from others in the market.

4. Energy Efficiency

Modern automatic gates are designed with energy-saving features such as solar power options and efficient motors. By upgrading to an energy-efficient system, you can reduce electricity consumption and contribute towards a greener environment.

Common Problems Faced by Gate Owners

Before deciding to upgrade your gate, it is essential to understand the common problems faced by gate owners. By addressing these issues, you can ensure that your upgraded gate functions optimally. Some of the frequently encountered problems include:

1. Gate Misalignment

Over time, gates may become misaligned due to ground movement or regular usage. This misalignment can cause the gate to scrape against the ground or not close properly. Upgrading your gate system allows for adjustments and realignment to ensure smooth operation.

2. Motor Malfunctions

Motor malfunctions are a common issue faced by automatic gates. This can be caused by worn-out parts, electrical problems, or improper maintenance. Upgrading your motor with a high-quality and reliable one will minimize the risk of motor failures and ensure consistent performance.

3. Sensor Failures

Sensors play a crucial role in detecting obstructions and preventing accidents. Faulty sensors can lead to safety hazards or inconvenience when entering or exiting your property. Upgrading to advanced sensor technology improves accuracy and responsiveness.

4. Wear and Tear

Regular usage and exposure to weather conditions can cause wear and tear on gate components such as hinges, automatic gate repair san mateo rollers, and tracks. Upgrading these components with durable mat

[cropark]

An automatic swing gate, also known as an electric swing gate, is a type of gate that operates automatically to open and close using an electric mechanism. These gates are commonly used for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, offering convenience, security, and aesthetic appeal.

Gate Structure: The gate consists of one or two panels attached to hinges, allowing them to swing open and closed like a door.

Power Source: Automatic swing gates typically require a power source, which can be mains electricity or solar power for eco-friendly and remote locations.

#AutomaticSwingGate

[interest-articles]

The Challenges and Potential of AI in Space Applications

Overcoming Obstacles to Bring AI Onboard Satellites

Space exploration has always pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and technology. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into space-related applications. However, the implementation of AI in space comes with its own set of challenges.

From power management to radiation protection, the environment of space poses unique obstacles that must be overcome. This article explores the difficulties of running AI in space and the potential benefits it offers.

Power Management and Radiation Protection

One of the major hurdles in running AI onboard satellites is power management. Advanced processors used in AI applications are power-hungry, requiring large solar panels and extra batteries to operate efficiently. Additionally, the radiation in space can pose a threat to electronics, potentially frying them.

The demands that AI devices place on power management are new to the space industry, making it difficult to find efficient and small form factor power and management parts that can supply power to AI devices in space.

Software Adaptation for Space Missions

Running AI in space also requires software modifications. Space missions demand AI techniques that can crunch data with limited power and memory. The software used for AI applications on Earth must be adapted to run on satellites, taking into account the constraints of the space environment.

This presents a unique challenge as electronic companies producing AI chips have not fully considered the specific requirements of space missions.

Impressive Potential Benefits

Despite the challenges, there are certain missions where the potential benefits of onboard AI are too impressive to ignore. For example, an algorithm trained to spot ships could downlink ship locations, sizes, and headings directly to the Coast Guard, eliminating the need to downlink enormous ocean scenes from an Earth-observation satellite. Onboard AI could also improve spacecraft performance by identifying and remedying problems such as latchups, a type of short circuit, through power cycling or other means.

Enhanced Autonomy and Data Processing

Further autonomy supported by AI will be crucial for complicated long-duration platforms or long-distance missions where human interaction is limited. AI and machine learning can also play a significant role in processing or pre-processing data from remote-sensing satellites. By optimizing devices for AI and machine learning, satellites can transmit the most important datasets first and compress the remaining data for onboard storage, improving data transmission efficiency.

Creative Solutions and Space-Qualified Components

To make AI viable for space applications, companies are developing creative solutions and space-qualifying components. Shielding terrestrial components and space-qualifying AI-optimized chips and circuit boards are some of the approaches being taken. For example, Mercury Systems has co-developed a space-qualified processing board for field programmable gate arrays, while OrbiSky is working on high-performance, secure AI components for spacecraft and drones.

Singapore-based Zero Error Systems produces hardware and software to protect space-based electronics from latchups and errors in commercial memory devices.

Testing and Mitigating Radiation Effects

One of the key challenges in bringing AI onboard satellites is understanding and mitigating the effects of radiation on AI-optimized chips. Voyager Space Technology Systems works with universities to investigate the impact of radiation on these chips and develops strategies to mitigate the risks. Testing involves identifying devices that exhibit destructive single event effects and finding ways to mitigate soft errors caused by high-energy particles striking spacecraft.

Bringing AI onboard satellites is a complex and ongoing endeavor. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of onboard AI in space applications are immense. From improving spacecraft performance to enhancing data processing and analysis, AI has the potential to revolutionize space exploration.

With the development of space-qualified components and creative solutions, the integration of AI in space is becoming more feasible. As technology advances and our understanding of the space environment deepens, the future holds exciting possibilities for AI in space.