I'd like to buy everything on Amazon, except Windows 11 (I'll buy a key), and the 48" LG CX (already owned). How does this build look?
PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor	$344.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler	Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler	$36.90 @ Amazon
Motherboard	MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard	$199.99 @ Amazon
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory	$214.99 @ Amazon
Storage	Western Digital Black SN850X 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive	$311.43 @ Amazon
Video Card	MSI GAMING X TRIO GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card	$1839.00 @ Amazon
Case	Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case	$229.99 @ Amazon
Power Supply	Corsair RM1000x (2021) 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$159.99 @ Amazon
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit	$109.99 @ Amazon
Custom	LG - 48" Class - CX Series - 4K UHD TV - Smart - OLED - with HDR	-
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$3447.27
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-20 00:05 EDT-0400

Hello,
I am currently running Z2M with a Sonoff ZBDongle-E. I thought I bricked it, but I just had a bad build of a firmware upgrade, and I found a python script that let me straighten it out. I was trying to think of a way I could fail over to another dongle if I'm messing around and something like this happens in the future.
I am moving in November and have used that as an excuse to grow my homelab and have plenty of time to experiment. I was wondering if it'd be possible to run two exact coordinators on identical hardware and then add them to a cluster and run a pod or VM that can select either node. Then if something goes south you could easily shut off a node and migrate the pod or VM to the untouched dongle. I don't think that's possible, so I'll probably run Z2M in my main cluster and just grab a TubesZB EFR32 MGM24 PoE coordinator so it there is no dependency on a USB port for Z2M.
Z-Wave I am less familiar with and have not set up yet. I don't see any network connected controllers (if that's the right name), so I plan to use either a pi, a filet3, or a Minisforum S100 to attach the dongle. This also made me wonder if I could have multiple identical devices with dongles attached but only one VM or pod using it so make failover simple but I'm not sure if that's a possibility.
I guess the final solution is to have a good backup and restore procedure to quickly replace the dongle if things go south. This doesn't seem too bad with Z2M and identical coordinators but for Z-Wave JS I've read that people like to use a windows box to do the backup which isn't something that sounds like it can be automated.
Just wondering if anyone else worried about this sort of thing. My new home will have a lot riding on these things to work so I don't mind paying for a couple extra for redundancy.

I'm pretty new to this home automation/security stuff. But I just got a house that has two ADC V723 cameras on it. I've looked up how to connect them to wifi and all that, but is there a way that I can view them WITHOUT paying monthly just to use an app? Can I connect them to a free, generic app? Or like Google Home or something?

I just have a question. I’m trying to keep my house heated with calefactors since I don’t have a whole house system. Since Im not home most of the tome, I was wondering if there’s a way to make an automation just for specific time range (let’s say 10 pm to 8 am) I’m buying a thermometer and I have a heater that connects with Alexa. Cheers from Paraguay!

This is my first post in Reddit ever! I just have a question. I’m trying to keep my house heated with calefactors since I don’t have a whole house system. Since Im not home most of the tome, I was wondering if there’s a way to make an automation just for specific time range (let’s say 10 pm to 8 am) I’m buying a thermometer and I have a heater that connects with Alexa. Cheers from Paraguay!

QUESTION: is there a Home kit automation that will turn off HomeKit lights when I press the power button off?

Context 1, Early June
I was put on a medical leave of abscence from school (selective, large university) in September of 2022. It started, in early June of that year, with me having my first cold when I travelled for a weekend event, in three or four years, and the cold was so bad, I was so confused and tired I almost boarded the wrong flight home (like I walked down the bridge and almost entered the wrong plane to God knows where, until I turned around and a flight attended had to give me like a very kind pep talk).
It started with a strep throat during that weekend, then I began to cough so hard I felt dizzy, and I didn't stop coughing until December of that year. It was the worst cold I've had in my life, and I think it was made worse by the additional focus on hygiene during COVID (face masks etc.), which might have weakened my imune system. It was my first time going out without wearing a mask, and I happened to catch a cold.
Context 2, Late June/July
When I returned, I was alone in my off campus apartment, my body would itch (and this didn't make sense because there aren't any visible or surfaced, insects like mosquitos or I guess even ants in this area since it's so arid), I would sweat when I slept in my air conditioned room, I would have to walk a mile from my off campus apartment in the Arizona like heat and climate of July and August while having a cold. When I entered my over-cooled central AC apartment (I would have to leave windows and doors open to make it warmer) from the 95+ degree weather (I'm from a cold area of the country, but I grew up in several continents, and I'd never experienced this much heat), my stomach would begin to hurt from the instant change in temperature. I had to do really important work stuff that I couldn't miss, so I took different medications which caused my chest to hurt. I didn't want to go to the hospital because I was on the opposite side of the country, and I didn't know what would happen since I'm completely unfamiliar with how medical things are handled, and I had never stayed overnight in a hospital before, and I knew what I'm experiencing would probably warrant an extended stay.
Context 3, July/August
I then stopped eating, sleeping, and drinking water. Someone began spam texting me implicitly illicit texts (I would block the number, but another one would appear from another number, so like a dozen different numbers, and the texts weren't like a bot or automated, it would include photos and mention things I did recently e.g. go to the bar, it didn't ask for money or to download an app, it felt like someone I could have met or known irl was harassing me, perhaps as just a joke), and I barely give my number out and change it around once a year, so I was just so upset someone I knew gave my number to someone, or is doing this. Because of the delirium from the cold, I the began to send like weird (but not in any way, threatening or harassing, texts to mostly my friends who also attended the school) to figure out who gave my number or was behind the harassing texts. I had also experienced another issue with on campus, irl, harassment from a previous roommate that I had to report to campus safety multiple times, and I guess perhaps just because of the delirium, considering the digital harassment, I had become super persistent about my physical harassment that occurred just the semester before, and then an academic dean seriously offered to help, but then this led to a meeting with several deans. A day after this meeting, I emailed one of the deans to say that I am crying, and I was emailed at 8am to do a pysch evaluation at 11am in the morning. Because I hadn't slept the night before, and I had a feeling this would be a consequential meeting, in addition to having to walk 1 mile in the afternoon heat to this meeting, I asked to reschedule and then I was told no. Then I was sent a Maxient involuntary medical withdrawal letter.
Context 4, Now
I've been to about half a dozen pysch doctors (even one that's a lecturer at a leading medical research university), and about four therapists, since, and I haven't been diagnosed with anything definitively. My current therapist, who is a former (or current) professor in psychology, and I've met with since late November of 2023, still doesn't have a diagnoses. I present extremely well, and I'm usually more social and normal than most people (as in, whenever I do any internship or research program, I'm usually assigned management mentors, or tracked towards management as opposed to the actual job, since I just seem so social/"normal"), so I guess you would have to look really deep to find something. I know that I probably have a sleep issue, so after meeting with a sleep doctor, I'm trying to setup a sleep study. In the meantime, I've been prescribed medication to combat day time sleepiness. Other related medical issues include the fact that my dad has Cushing syndrome, and I'm pretty confident I have it, or at least a cortisol issue (I have the visible/physical signs, as well as persistent high blood pressure, and other symptoms). Then, I also have several skin issues, that I'm also treating as well. I'm also getting ready to get evaluated for an anxiety issue which multiple non-psychiatric doctors think I have.
To be extremely honest, I'm kind of grateful I experienced this because I understand my body more, and how to seek help when my body is overwhelmed. Also, I kind of knew there would be an job crisis issue in April of 2022 since interest rates were rising and it would lead to less investments, therefore less jobs, so I've kind of enjoyed using this time to relax, travel, and learn new things. However, I'm starting to become anxious that I won't be able to return at all.
Question
Which leads to the question and title of my post, do time limits on withdrawals or leaves of absence apply to medical withdrawals or leaves of absence? My grades are pretty good, and I have no disciplinary issues, so I can still transfer, but I would still like to get back in, to be extremely frank, I would like to get back in first before transferring (just to tie up some loose ends to make a stronger transfer application). The way the communication (emails) from the schools non academic deans are worded, it's being made to seem as if I can't return at all (unless I reapply through admissions/the common app) regardless of if a doctor clears me. The way the letter is worded, it seems like I need to be cleared by a medical professional. My advisor, whose a non-educational lawyer, and spoke to the non academic deans for I guess an hour, has said I would only be approved to return if I take medication for 6-12 months. An email with a non-academic dean said this as well.
Side note
The most upsetting thing about this whole experience has been attempting to communicate this to people early on, who I usually wouldn't go to with issues, but my close advisors aren't familiar with academia and medical issues, so I've been forced to, and getting told I should leave the school or just college entirely because I have some severe psychiatric issue, that no doctor or therapist I've met thinks I have. It's I think part of what caused me to take so long, until I began speaking with my current therapist whose helped me kind of recount what happened. I feel like, it's very easy in similar situations to mine, to be directed towards potentially a wrong and inapt direction and I think the stem of this is the stigma around mental health.

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Log 1 8:34 UST AM, June 24th, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 1. Today is June 24th, 2249 and the time is 8:34 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Site name TBD.
Following the collection of Exploration Drone 96, I have confirmed that Arribo IV contains large deposits of velocitium via manual geophysical surveying. Results indicate that the total amount of ore contained in this location is estimated to be 3.2e6 kilograms. This notably surpasses that of sites Delta-Rho and Alpha-Tau, which are currently responsible for 17% of the total velocitium ore processed by the Ulfuric Corporation. Conditions ground side are less than optimal, with Arribo IV possessing a surface gravity of 1.4G. Additionally, Arribo IV has produced complex multicellular life. The site of ore extraction is somewhat vegetated and native wildlife is abundant, requiring the establishment of a perimeter and regular inspections of extraction equipment. All of the above will increase the construction and maintenance costs of this site, but due to the sheer amount of raw velocitium and breathable atmosphere I officially recommend that production here be established.
​
Log 2 2:20 AM, August 3rd, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 2. Today is August 3rd, 2249 and the time is 2:20 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
Extraction of velocitium ore from what is now designated site Sigma-Phi has been approved. I await the delivery of the equipment necessary to begin extraction. A perimeter has begun to be established since I submitted my recommendation for site Sigma-Phi, although it is progressing slowly. The regulations of the Bureau of Biosphere Protection mandate that each organism within the perimeter must be captured, cataloged, and released outside of the perimeter before extraction can begin. The native wildlife continues to elude me, and I have yet to obtain a sample of any animal larger than a Raltsian rat. My daughter would love the creature I have named an "Erinnean Rabbit". An analog at best, but the buck teeth, large ears, and hopping remind me of a rabbit, even if it seems to have feathers instead of fur. This organism could be promising for breeding and selling as a pet.
​
Log 3 1:00 PM, October 15th, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 3. Today is October 15th, 2249 and the time is 1:00 PM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
Following the reprimand from my supervisor, I have ceased 'performing the job of a Xenobreeder' in addition to my duties as a Xenogeologist. There shall be no more mention of the species designated A-IV-Lepoaridae-I, previously called an Erinnean Rabbit, unless it concerns the establishment of the perimeter. The Erinnean Rabbit is one of the 76% of organisms that have been captured and re-released outside of the perimeter. None are being held within the habitation module provided to me by the Ulfuric Corporation.
The equipment to begin extraction is slated to arrive in one week, though assembly will have to wait until the BBP regulations are satisfied. Various plant analog species are currently being held to observe their proliferation methods, to prevent more from potentially entering the perimeter once extraction has begun, attracting the Erinnean Rabbits which feed upon some of them. Current projections predict that equipment setup will be able to begin in three weeks.
​
Log 4 10:17 AM, October 22nd, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 4. Today is October 22nd, 2249 and the time is 10:17 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
The extraction equipment has arrived. A recent, unintentional incident has occurred which corrupted footage of the interior of the habitation module. I do not consent to any entity that obtains these text logs to read them aloud or utilize text-to-speech software to monetize these text logs unless explicitly permitted by myself, Clancy Marato. This is per Section 3.1.9.a.v of the United Stars Constitution, which states that a being's personal experiences are owned by the being that experienced them and no other.
​
Log 5 12:00 PM, October 23rd, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 5. Today is October 23rd, 2249 and the time is 12:00 PM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
The unintentional incident referred to in Log 4 was due to percussive trauma as a result of an Erinnean Rabbit impacting a camera at high velocity. The Erinnean Rabbit was within the habitation module in the process of relocating it outside the perimeter.
​
Log 6 11:54 AM, December 1st, 2249
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 6. Today is October 23rd, 2249 and the time is 12:54 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
All organisms have been relocated outside of the perimeter, in accordance with BBP regulations. equipment assembly will commence tomorrow. There are no Erinnean Rabbits within the habitation module. Yes, my daughter's name is Erin. No, there will be no further delays in the extraction of the velocitium ore.
​
Log 7 2:00 PM, January 10th, 2250
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 7. Today is January 10th, 2250 and the time is 2:00 PM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
All extraction equipment has been assembled and the extraction of velocitium ore has begun. The current rate of extraction is 85 kg per 24 standard hours. This production rate is 23% slower than average, owing to the 1.4G experienced on the surface. This marks the end of my stay on Arribo IV, as I have observed no issues with the automated production and orbital delivery systems over the past two weeks. I submit my official request for a retrieval drone to be sent to Arribo IV. Despite the physical labor of capturing the organisms and the 1.4G experienced on the surface, I have not gained or lost a statistically relevant amount of mass. Therefore, there should be no change in the amount of fuel necessary for the journey between my home station and Arribo IV.
Log 8 10:00 AM, February 13th, 2250
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 8. Today is February 13th, 2250 and the time is 10:00 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
The retrieval drone has arrived. No issues with production and orbital delivery have been observed, other than the extraction rate slowing to 80 kg per 24 standard hours. I, and only I, now depart Arribo IV. Nothing will enter the retrieval drone aside from myself and the standard retrieval suit I was provided with.
​
Log 9 8:00 AM, April 5th, 2251
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 9. Today is April 5th, 2251 and the time is 8:00 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
It has been 416 universal standard days since I was last on Arribo IV. There are no issues with production or orbital delivery. Erin greatly enjoys the "rabbits" I named after her. How she acquired one I will not divulge. I have used my personal ship for this trip, and hereby release Ulfuric Corporation from the responsibility of any travel expenses incurred as stated in my employee contract. It was quicker to just get here myself.
Log 10 8:00 AM, May 7th, 2252
Surveyor Clancy Marato, Arribo IV Log 10. Today is May 7th, 2252 and the time is 8:00 AM Universal Standard Time. The location is Arribo IV, coordinates 33° North, 45° East. Ulfuric Corporation Velocitium Extraction Site Sigma-Phi.
It has been 399 universal standard days since I was last on Arrubo IV. Again, I have utilized my personal vehicle for travel due to expediency and no other reason. I hereby release Ulfuric Corporation from its responsibility for travel expenses as outlined in my contract. There are no issues with production or orbital delivery, and I recommend that a freight drone is sent to collect the velocitium ore sitting at the storage site in orbit.
Additionally, I hereby tender my resignation to the Ulfuric Corporation. My further employment is unnecessary due to the success of the pet shop I have opened. Erin is very happy her Dad will not be going on any more long trips, and Erinnean Rabbits both breed quickly and fetch a high price. My wife was very interested in another species native to Arribo IV, which as directed I did not mention in any of my logs. I named it the Tessic Cat.
​
For further contact, you can reach me at [clancy@maratopets.gal](mailto:clancy@maratopets.gal).
Upending this career is one of the best decisions I've made.
Concerningly, the BPP seems to believe that the animals native to Arribo IV are endangered.
Keep that information in mind if more extractors are to be placed on Arribo IV.
Yes, the Tessic cats are surprisingly tame for an undomesticated animal.
Occasionally they can get into mischief though.
Under no circumstances may Greg Smith be allowed to purchase an animal from Marato Pets, as clearly, he has no respect for 'xenobreeders'. I want him to know that.
​
Professionally,
Clancy Marato

Here are some things that worked for me. I was wondering if anyone can add some more?
Apple Watch - setting multiple timers - finding my phone - calendar reminders 10 mins before the event - asking for quick facts
Google Home - automations for gentle reminders like - bedtime, the lights dim slowly - wake up time, the lights turn on slowly - getting ready, I get 10-15 min increment reminders of the time to stay on track
Calendar App: - birthdays, I’ve also added 2 week advance reminders for those important to me - I use my calendar for literally everything. Including reminders of when to eat.
Notion: - I use this to catalog everything else like - my never ending brain dumps. I catalog it to different areas of my life - I also catalog calls, course notes, my fav quotes and bits of info I love instead of having multiple tabs open - family directory - reoccurring tasks list - cataloging all my research and ideas
How else have you used tech to assist your daily life?

PLEASE excuse my ignorance. My parents have been awful with money my entire life and my mom recently ran into some savings with the selling of my grandmothers home. They paid off all debt. They have $80k liquid and had it sitting in checking for a while until I finally found out and was able to talk her into a high yield savings. I know they can earn much more so trying to figure out the most simple way to talk them into making better decisions. I’m thinking financial advisor but no idea the cost or where to start. Is that enough to get an advisor? Talking them into going to an office in person will be impossible. Are there digital ways to go about that? What is the easiest? Are there automated systems for this where they aren’t dealing with an advisor directly? Are there more affordable options than a personalized investor? With that amount to invest would you suggest doing something automated or definitely personalized? If the cost of advisor is expensive or it’s too complicating my mom will shut me down even if the return makes sense. I feel so lost trying to research this but my father is disabled and I really want them to be set up as best as possible once my mom retires. (She won’t go for anything that holds the money up she will want to be able to take it out if needed) Extremely grateful for any responses or advice. 🙏🏼

PLEASE excuse my ignorance. My parents have been awful with money my entire life and my mom recently ran into some savings with the selling of my grandmothers home. They paid off all debt. They have $80k liquid and had it sitting in checking for a while until I finally found out and was able to talk her into a high yield savings. I know they can earn much more so trying to figure out the most simple way to talk them into making better decisions. I’m thinking financial advisor but no idea the cost or where to start. Is that enough to get an advisor? Talking them into going to an office in person will be impossible. Are there digital ways to go about that? What is the easiest? Are there automated systems for this where they aren’t dealing with an advisor directly? Are there more affordable options than a personalized investor? With that amount to invest would you suggest doing something automated or definitely personalized? If the cost of advisor is expensive or it’s too complicating my mom will shut me down even if the return makes sense. I feel so lost trying to research this but my father is disabled and I really want them to be set up as best as possible once my mom retires. (She won’t go for anything that holds the money up she will want to be able to take it out if needed)
Extremely grateful for any responses or advice. 🙏🏼

PLEASE excuse my ignorance. My parents have been awful with money my entire life and my mom recently ran into some savings with the selling of my grandmothers home. They paid off all debt. They have $80k liquid and had it sitting in checking for a while until I finally found out and was able to talk her into a high yield savings. I know they can earn much more so trying to figure out the most simple way to talk them into making better decisions. I’m thinking financial advisor but no idea the cost or where to start. Is that enough to get an advisor? Talking them into going to an office in person will be impossible. Are there digital ways to go about that? What is the easiest? Are there automated systems for this where they aren’t dealing with an advisor directly? Are there more affordable options than a personalized investor? With that amount to invest would you suggest doing something automated or definitely personalized? If the cost of advisor is expensive or it’s too complicating my mom will shut me down even if the return makes sense. I feel so lost trying to research this but my father is disabled and I really want them to be set up as best as possible once my mom retires. (She won’t go for anything that holds the money up she will want to be able to take it out if needed)
Extremely grateful for any responses or advice. 🙏🏼

I was always content but not thrilled with Starfield. I loved the aesthetic and vibe, and I liked the idea of the overall story (Jules Verne's Star Trek, explore the stars to find adventure, mystery, and to leave the universe a better place than you found it), but I was let down by quests that were less interesting than I hoped and a gameplay loop that often boiled down to "run here, shoot all guys, win".
But the new gameplay options changed way more than I thought. A few examples include:

• damage modifiers make encounters far more interesting because both me and the enemies are less spongy, so positioning and strategy matters way more
• weighted ammo means I actually need to pre-plan my loadout when I go into an encounter, I can't just use any weapon I find
• afflictions force me to use my medical items I barely ever touched in vanilla
• environmental damage means I can't just wear my spacesuit with the highest stats, I need to think carefully about what protections I want to optimize for
• increased food healing + hunger and thirst make food items not useless to have anymore
• all of this combined made me care way more about crafting weapon mods, armor mods, medicine, and food, things I barely did in the base game
• but since it's such a pain to head to a city every time I need these, I decided to build these crafting stations on my ship itself using the new ship decorating system
• but I didn't have enough rescources to make these so I needed to go and grind for rescources, which I never did before
• when on these planets, the new maps made everything feel way less barren and my choices about where to go to look for these materials more informed (why did Bethesda make the landing zones so barren all the time? It gets way more interesting when you move farther out, but because you cant see what's there, you never have a reason to go)
• since I am dogshit at space combat, I can finally adjust that to a difficulty I can handle without making ground combat too easy, so I spend more time in space not running from fights
• now that I'm spending more time on my ship and not just fast traveling to/from objectives, it feels more like my "home", so I care more about who can be on it as a companion and how it's decorated

Suddenly, I'm considering building my first outpost to automate getting the rescources I need to keep my research going and medical updates intact. I'm actually collecting rescources and storing it my ship for when I need it. I'm searching POIs for more than just med kits. I want to invest in my ship to make it feel more like a home. I'm trying to find ways to avoid combat as much as possible.
The next thing I want to try is to turn off auto-save and only save when I'm on my ship or in a city. I want to make each fight feel more impactful and dangerous, plus help mechanically fulfill that "Jules Verne Star Trek" fantasy where every adventure begins and ends on my ship with my crew, as we flesh it out and make it feel more "homely" with notable items and memorabilia we take from our quests.
If your initial reaction to the game was like mine, I encourage you to give it a try with the new options on. The list of items feels small on paper, but they combine in just the right way to make it feel like an entirely new game has just opened up for me within the old one I thought I'd been playing.

[ First / Previous ]
Memory Transcription Subject: Hileen, Krakotl Fugitive Recovery Agent
Date [standardized human time]: November 28th, 2136
It'd been a while since I sat in Marlig's office for a talk face-to-face. Given the agency's secluded location at the edge of the downtown region, it was a chore to drop by when it wasn't for business, but I'd deemed the matter at hand to be worth my time.
I passed by Nampi at her desk on my way to the door and she gave me a coy glare as I carried on. Trying to ignore her risible ear waggle, I turned the corner to the door with my boss’s name painted on the glass panel where I could hear the frantic crumpling of paper.
Quietly, I entered Marlig's office without prompt as I knew he hated to be spooked by knocking. My mentor was surprisingly spry for a bird at his age, sorting through papers with one wing and an eye while using his talons with the other to set away the papers he had splayed out.
“Hileen!” he chirped. “Glad you could make it in today. I was just finishing up my paperwork. Take a seat.”
It was always nice to hear him drop the professional motif for a more grandfatherly attitude when speaking in person. I did as he suggested and took a seat while he grumbled to himself over the sorting. My eye caught a few of the old contracts he was rifling through and saw that some dated back to his days as an agent.
Eventually, he left some sitting out as he sequestered the rest back into their files, sorted by a dichotomy that only he and Nampi could comprehend fully. He motioned with a wing for me to peruse and I turned the first one to face me to find it was my first contract, signed by me in a sloppy fashion. “This takes me back a couple of years.”
“Slick bastard thought he could get away on a forklift but you showed him! Certainly more exciting than my first day!”
“Mm-hmm. And it was when I nearly got impaled that you had the idea to commission all of us utility vests.”
He chuckled, “I really should’ve done so sooner. Cuts and scratches were already a risk, but a forklift was a new one!”
I flipped through the pages of each report, finding that Marlig's notes were filled with praises of my work. There were highs and lows, but I was flattered to find that the grizzled krakotl held my performance in such high regard.
“Flawless interception!” read one footnote about me catching a runner. “Couldn't have done it better myself!”
Marlig waited patiently as I browsed quickly through each page, realizing more and more how the notes also marked improvements in my work. How I found it easier to talk down a rowdy client, or apprehend them in the case that they were beyond helping on my part. Flowery language plastered most pages with him fawning over my work as a doting father would to his prodigal child.
The trend took a sharp turn as the notes became fewer and more critical the closer the dates reached to the present. I brushed the others aside with a wing to peruse the final paper. “And this…”
“Is Tac. Your latest contract. The most recent in a line of declining performance since the interview. This has become a pattern, Hileen, and its consequences are beginning to reach beyond yourself. Paji and Vesek resigned recently for personal reasons, which leaves us even less hands on deck than before. That's four people to cover the entire municipal region, and maybe even beyond, should needs arise. Three, if we include this little probation I have you on.”
“What was I supposed to do? Marlig, these ‘jobs’ you've got us working on overstep the contracts we were signed on with. Our job is to make sure people obey their court-mandated duties, not drag them off to the facilities ourselves!”
“... So the trip we took to the facilities did bother you.”
A sigh clicked in my throat as he reminded me. “Is that what happens to the people we take in, Marlig? Is that what would've happened to your wife?”
His feathers ruffled.
“That's what happens to those who are too dangerous to the general public to be left roaming free. Not everyone we deal with winds up there, but everyone can be subject to it. Miskela sued for her exoneration and proved in court that she was not diseased. I brought you there to show you how it helps the people, but I see now that it was a mistake. I understand why you were so perturbed, really, but it's how things have been for centuries. It's how we've protected ourselves from the dangers out there.”
“You were willing to let Barsul be interned there, too.”
Marlig flinched and sighed as he swept the papers towards himself once I'd signaled I was done. He turned one eye to me while he sorted them.
“There's no room for favoritism, girl. I negotiated for him to be allowed to walk free, and look where that got me. That boy - your neighbor - suffered the consequences of my nepotism. So too would the girl, had nobody intervened.”
“Like Richard.”
“The human, yes. Or you. Or the police. Where does this sudden obsession with humans come from, anyway? I get notifications of you talking about the acceptance of them all the time on forums.”
“Does it even need explaining?”
“Well, I guess not, no, but it's certainly an about-face from the way you used to talk about them with me beforehand.”
“People can change, for better or worse. Which one I fall under remains to be seen.”
Marlig stroked at the plumage on his neck as he finished his sorting. “I hope it's the former, for your sake. Was there any reason you came to talk, or were you just checking that I hadn't gone senile?”
“Well, I was hoping to borrow your secretary for the evening.”
He perked up while his eyes narrowed and he laced his fingers together with curiosity. “You… want to spend an evening with Nampi?”
“It's not what you're insinuating, but yes.”
“I was insinuating nothing,” he warbled coyly. “Go ahead and take her, and make sure to split the bill at dinner.”
“Pain-in-the-ass geezer. I'll keep in touch if your friend causes any more trouble.”
“Keep in touch regardless. Miskela and I get lonely in our old age,” he called back. “Take care.”
I stepped out into the hallway and turned toward the desk where I could hear the secretary's claws tapping furtively at her keyboard. Nampi sat silently with her ears and tail in a relaxed position that implied a bored demeanor. There was barely any response as I stood before her, waiting politely for her acknowledgment that never came.
Hesitantly, I cleared my throat.
An ear raised in acknowledgement, but her focus remained on the screen of her computer. “Mhm?”
“Do you…?”
Her ear rotated toward me, though she still maintained a passive attitude as she continued to glare mindlessly at the monitor.
“Are you free this evening?”
“Well, I'm quite booked, I believe. Why do you ask?”
I was surprised at her curt, dry tone. She hadn't spoken with me like this since we first got to know one another.
“Well,” I started. “I realized something. Every time we went out, whether it was clubbing, or dinner, or even walking around the parks, you always footed the bill. And so…”
Slowly, her other ear perked up and I saw her keystrokes slow down as she listened in.
“I wanted to return the favor?”
Her lips smacked as she opened her mouth, though paused before she spoke. “How could you possibly do that?”
“With a little gesture of friendship.”
Nampi's horizontal pupil turned up toward me and her tail twitched.
I continued, “So that belt you're wearing? It's the same belt you've worn since we first met. And I know you're the pragmatic type who'd never spend a credit more than she needs to, except for all the times you do"- her ears twitched in indignance -"I wanted to see about getting you a little something… extra?”
Her paws raised from the keyboard and she leaned in, resting her snout on her palms. “Go on.”
The bubbly venlil's tail sold out her collected facade as it twitched with anticipation. She was cornered and she didn't even know it yet.
“Well, I found just the place on the other side of town where we can start. It's a place almost as rich and indulgent as yourself.”
“The Platinum Paw? I mean3”
Her ears folded back in embarrassment as she cracked. She wasn't cut out for acting anyway.
“So that's what it's called! Jeez, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was called. Now what do you say? We go over there and find you something nice—”
I hadn’t even finished my thought before Nampi had grabbed her bag and was out the door, giving me a playful tail flick that said come and get me.

The place I suggested was in a shopping center on the opposite side of town, though easily accessible because of its proximity to the transport rails. Nampi had insisted on grabbing something to eat beforehand and so now gleefully bit into a bundle of stalks that had been “grilled” as explained from the food truck we'd stopped at.
Her tail flicked back and forth with her usual enthusiasm as we entered the massive complex of stores. The roofless plan allowed the natural, orange sun to flood the upper levels while artificial lighting illuminated the ground level wherever the light couldn't reach.
The place was built in the last decade by the previous City Magister in a bid for popularity, though ultimately for naught as he would lose the vote following a scandal involving an iftali priestess and a carved bar of soap. I had to say that despite being sick in the head, he sure had a great sense of decor.
Nampi snacked away, joining me in admiring the scenery as we continued to the place I’d planned out for us. Aimless chatter all melded together into a single, thrumming murmur as pedestrians navigated the many levels and stores offered in the place.
A troupe of children passed by us, held in a chain of tails and arms as they were escorted by a pair of venlil who I assumed were students and teachers on a school trip. I caught a whiff of a sweet, aromatic breeze and found it to come from a perfume shop on the same level as us; naturally, venlil were not to be found inside.
We passed a fountain where a couple sat on the edge, their tails twined together as they giggled and flirted. I turned and caught Nampi watching them as well, though she awkwardly returned to sucking the remains of her meal from her claws when we made eye contact. Her ears lifted when I raised a wing to signal to the store we were going to stop at first.
“Platinum Paw, The Greatest Fashion Emporium For Everyone!”
The title alone was painfully cliche, taken to the tenth power by the brightly lit store taking up three department slots. Despite the flashy exterior, though, it was the best place to shop for belts, brooches, and bracelets alike. Customers who looked like they earned my yearly salary in a week browsed the higher end brands while I brought my friend to the section I wanted to show her.
Her ears were held up as we stood together next to a shelf chock full of fashionable bags and bandoliers of every variety.
“Pick one,” I told her.
Nampi's ears shot to a straight pose in surprise, “Any?”
“Within reason. I've got a few extra credits to blow and I know nobody better to spend it on.”
With an inviting headtilt, I let Nampi peruse the shelves at her leisure. Her lips pursed together and her tail flicked with glee as she fingered at every piece that caught her eye. I chuckled at her outburst of enthusiasm while turning to find my own items to gloss over.
A breeze from outside nipped at my beak while I considered what I’d like to purchase. The place dripped with an atmosphere of faux hospitality, from the bright blue-stained floorboards to the radio prattling off advertisements in a sickeningly sweet tone to the faint, fruity aroma of scented cleaner. It was oppressive as only a fissan-owned company could be to the senses.
What I wouldn’t pay to see how a human would fare in such an environment.
I knew they were social creatures at least, but I had no doubt that the predatory senses of a human, so honed to hunting, would get overstimulated in this center of gaudy indulgence. Knowing I was something of a predator myself made me sympathize provided that even I had to squint to keep the pale lights inside from searing my eyes. I could only imagine how the arboreal eyes of a Terran would fare. I was so lost in thought imagining how lost the Terrans would be that I could almost ignore the obnoxious giggling and metallic rattling coming from behind me.
Risking a peek at the source, into my sight came a pair of venlil, one a male carrying a pair of bags as well as a couple more strapped to his belt. The bored expression in his eyes was not one of a man who was in high spirits. The other venlil was a woman who was the source of the noise.
Her mottled gray pelt was accented by a tasteful belt design, free of almost any practical functions but not flashy or excessive in garnishment either. At least, that’s what I would say, were it not for the braid of beads that dangled on the belt, jingling with each bounce of the lively woman’s stride. It was clear that such a gaudy accessory was intended to draw attention to her, though why was a mystery. Certainly, the shiny braids seemed designed as decoration first and practical second.
She turned about and I faced back to my browsing before she could catch me staring. Nampi was nowhere in sight, though I figured she was somewhere behind the shelf, sifting through every accessory on the section I'd suggested.
Clink.
Something pelted to my immediate right. I tilted my head to spot a tree nut shell clattering to the floor. Without being able to guess where it came from, I had to wonder what could've launched it over this way. Even with my keen eyesight, nobody in the crowd seemed to be a suspect.
Clink.
Another shell pelted my vicinity, ricocheting off of the floor and hitting the shelf I was standing next to. I ruffled my feathers in frustration - clearly, someone was trying to get my attention, though I couldn't make out who it was. Out of the corner of my vision, the woman from before eyed me curiously as I looked about, though I wasn't interested in engaging with her.
Thwack.
One more shell came flying and, unfortunately, the aim on this one was true, nailing me on the beak. Irritated, I stormed out of the store to find the source of the instigator. I scanned over the bodies to find anyone who could've been responsible for this indignity, eventually concluding that it came from the dining area across the walkway.
Whoever was responsible was in for an earful and I was already structuring which of the offender's family members would be acceptable as fodder for stray words. As I approached, I found the tables were mostly empty save for one, which made my heart begin to drop as I met eyes with the only occupant. Suddenly, I was much less inclined to hurl insults.
“Oh, hi there!” Qitel called out in a sickly sweet tone. “Come, take a seat! We have much to discuss!”
The Exterminator clutched a bag of tree nuts in his claws, a pile of discarded shells already gathered on the table next to him. He grabbed another as I approached, effortlessly prying the shell in half between two claws and tossed the contents into his mouth. “Good protein, these,” he commented as I sat down.
“Must be for that good arm you've got there,” I mumbled. I caught sight of a couple of bags beneath his chair, seemingly from one of the tech stores contained within the center.
“Bah, it's guesswork. So how are you? I haven't heard from you since we worked together!”
“I was just spending time with a friend, shopping and enjoying my time off.”
“Your time off? Oh, am I interrupting something?”
His snide tone irked me, though now wasn’t the time for interjections. “You are, Qitel,” I replied with no shortage of vitriol in my tone. “But I see no harm in chatting for a bit.”
“Good, because I have some merchandise”- he reached into his belt pocket and deposited a couple of items onto the table -“and you’re just the person to look into it, human sympathizer.”
I drew a terse breath in shock, but my worries were quelled when I considered that if Qitel had the power to do anything about it, he would’ve done so instead of approaching me so discreetly. A glance down at the item on the table showed that he was presenting what looked to be a tracker as well as a personal drive. “Found in the garbage,” he told me.
“The guild resorts to dumpster diving when they already have such a bloated budget now?”
“No, featherbrain, I have decided to keep this for myself. These items were found together, sealed in a plastic pouch, and placed in a garbage bin. The city has bans against electronics being placed into public bins, and so I was curious why this wound up in there. Managed to get my coworker, a techie, to crack it open and…”
Qitel reached into his belt again, glowering at me with the same condescending gaze he’d given me when I first saw his face. He seemed to revel in digging for the item as slowly as possible to waste my time. Finally, he found whatever he was looking for and revealed it as a printed piece of paper, folded into eighths. The snobby yotul threw the unfurled paper on the table and rolled it toward me.
I craned my neck to look at the parchment, though I was immediately perplexed by the text on it; it appeared to be some sort of form, going by the boxes with words on the inside, followed by blank lines. “Found on the drive, here,” Qitel told me, jabbing a claw to the storage. “Translator shows it as Terran writing.”
Drawing my holopad from my satchel, I held it over the paper with the translator to get an understanding. Surely enough, the language on it came up positive as a variant of Terran writing and I was affirmed in it being a form of some sort based on the wording of the text. The boxes seemed like an odd sort of job application, asking for the typical name, contacts, and prior work experiences, but quickly took a strange turn as it began asking for where their home on Earth was prior to arrival, what family they had on Venlil Prime if any, and where they worked, implying that they were seeking individuals who were already employed.
I knew little about human employment methods, but I didn’t imagine that sourcing individuals from other jobs was the most efficient way to gain a workforce. Terran service industries already dotted the planet while many humans also found work in local environments. So what was the angle that the creator of this application was going for?
Most concerningly was that the paper had no insignia, identifying marks, or noted address to return the form to. “And where did you find it again?”
“In the garbage, alongside this intact tracker that was activated at the time of recovery. Y’know, when I was dumpster diving. Text on the document showed it was addressed to one ‘Choctaw Nexus’.”
“A pseudonym of some sort?”
“Clearly. Short sorting through the archives shows the first name traces back to the group out east - perhaps you've heard about them. How the name and the items we have here are connected is beyond my understanding, but-”
“Well, this has been an absolutely riveting discussion about your collection of trash, Qitel,” I told him as I stood up to leave. “But this really sounds like an issue to be resolved by your fellow guildsmen.”
The sound of another shell splitting rang out as I turned away.
“I'm not through talking with you, predator.”
The sting as a piece nailed me in the back of the head prompted me to whirl back around, sticking my beak in the insolent yotul's snout. “Perhaps you've forgotten, little man,” I cooed in an equally bittersweet tone to the one he gave me before. “The krakotl never had a problem with settling issues the old-fashioned way before the interview. Try me and find out why I'm in the line of work I am.”
“Oh, we wouldn't want that in such a"- he waved his paw to a group of passersby who had stopped to gawk at my display -”public forum. Please, contain yourself.”
I had to force the feathers on my back to settle and I raised my head away from him. “What else is it you wanted, then?”
“Well, I'd appreciate if you took this merchandise off my paws,” he told me as he brushed the electronics and printout toward me.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you're closer to the humans than I'd ever care to be, and may be able to find out who this Choctaw Nexus is. Something about the package just feels… off. And I know when to trust my feelings. Besides, we both know that you know where Tac is, don't we?”
“I don't-”
“We have videographic evidence that you conspired with a human - of the aforementioned squatters, no less - and let the kid escape. You're not as sneaky as you think, and if we find this ‘Choctaw Nexus’ turns out to be a bad actor that can be traced back to them - and by extension, you - well, there’d be no talking down my boss from having you dealt with. By helping me find out who this is, you may yet be able to clear your name of any wrongdoing.”
I clenched my beak tightly to maintain a straight face. Qitel stood up with a flourish and discarded the bag he was carrying in a bin.
“See, the krakotl were never special for using threats and bullying to get results. It's because you were good at killing predators,” he jeered. “Now, if you don't mind, this primitive has appointments to attend to… old lady who got trampled courtesy of the humans and all. You stay out of trouble, Hileen, and stay in touch.”
The self-assured marsupial melded into the crowd in a matter of seconds, leaving me with a table containing dumpster trophies and a pile of shells. Reluctantly, I swept the shells into my wing and dumped them into the bin before gathering the other two items he'd left me and stuffing them into my bag. I'd been gone from Nampi long enough and she would notice my absence before long.
Crossing the walkway again, I could spot from where I stood that Nampi was indeed still in the Platinum Paw. I approached, and soon I found that while she didn't seem to have noticed me stepping away, she was definitely in a soured mood based on the sagging of her ears and tail. With my talons clacking on the floorboards, I hustled to her side and her mood chippered up ever so slightly as she heard me approach.
I chimed in, “Find anything?”
“Everything. I want everything, Red, and I can't decide on what I want. They all just look so great!”
From behind, a voice called out, “Nampi!”
We both jumped at the exclamation and turned about to spot the venlil lady I'd seen before spring from behind the shelf. The man poked his head from behind the shelf too, though less enthusiastically and with yet another bag in his clutches. My friend's eyes widened in surprise with her tail and ears perking up in kind. With a light in her eyes, she exclaimed, “Nalek!”
The two embraced with shrill squeals and laughter as Nalek's accompaniment and I traded awkward glances.
“It's been too long!”
“You never stayed in contact!”
The women exchanged giddy greetings and the pompous stranger turned to me, leering over me as though she was sizing me up.
“Who's your friend here?”
“Oh she's actually my-...”
Nampi paused for a moment, looking back to me.
“Yeah, she's a friend.”
“A friend,” Nalek repeated while her eyes flicked between Nampi and I. “Right.”
Somehow, I get the impression that that was judgemental.
“I'm Hileen, by the way,” I chirped, “if names are to be exchanged.”
“Hileen, that's a lovely name! And such plumage to match, it's a wonder you aren't swarmed by suitors!”
Internally, I groaned at the notion. The idea of being approached by someone to state their interest in me made me queasy, to say the least. Thankfully, I never had that issue growing up as most of the other drakes in school were too busy chasing girls who didn't have a lousy pigmentation mutation such as myself.
“I'm flattered,” I told Nalek before turning to the man whose name had yet to be introduced. “May we get your name?”
“Sask.”
His response was succinct and tonally flat, though there was a brief silence as I expected him to elaborate. Nalek's beads jingled as she lashed him on the calf with her tail.
“I'm Sask, Nalek's fiancée,” he added, throwing her a look to see if she was satisfied.
Nampi gasped with her paws over her snout. “Fiancée! Nalek, you're getting married and you never even told me!”
“Well, I felt a little guilty since it technically broke our pact we made when we were pups. You remember that?”
“Of course! Why wouldn’t I? ‘Let she who bonds through betrothal first be cast out unto the world for all to admonish her!’”
Sask and I both gave inquisitive expressions. “You two spoke like that as pups?” Sask asked.
“Well, I'm paraphrasing,” Nampi admitted with a playful ear waggle. “But you get the gist.”
“Indeed, they do, sweet Nampi. Now, may I ask what you're doing bringing your avian friend here into this store on this fine claw?”
“Oh, no no, she's the one treating me! Isn't that right, Red?”
I saw her tail twitch and was sure it took restraint not to tickle my neck with it as we stood before her old friend.
“She's been a good friend,” I explained. “So I wanted to reverse the roles for once and treat her to something myself.”
Nampi skipped over to me and wrapped her arm around me, glancing back to her old friend. “See? We'd all be so lucky to have a… friend like her.”
“So I've witnessed. But perhaps you're a bit stuck, as I've seen you prancing up and down these aisles for a while, no? Maybe you don't know what you want?”
“Nalek, you know I've never been good about making my mind up.”
“Some things never change, you ditz. Tell you what: you and Sask go find us a seat and we can catch up all we'd like when we're not taking up aisle space, yes? So shoo! I'll help Hileen here pick one out for you!”
With a bored grunt, Sask made off with the goods he had strapped to himself, followed by Nampi who gave me one more playful tail flick before dashing off into the crowd. I looked back to the mottled snout of Nalek who watched her friend wander off with a wistful glance.
“She was my first, you know.”
“Your what now.”
“Love. Way back when we were growing from pups into young adults back in private education, we explored much together. We saw each other through a lot, including the less savory parts of finding a mate. When Nampi realized it wasn't the boys she was into, she turned to me, and I offered my hand as her stalwart companion… to a point.”
“You weren't interested in her the same way?”
“I'd grown up seeing her as a sister of sorts, so ultimately, when we split it off, we stayed close as friends and she never seemed to be bothered by it. She struggled to find others in school who had the same interests as herself, but she never fussed about it.”
Nalek's claws browsed over a set of pouched bandoliers made with intricate embroidering. “Have you two… spent the night together? Alone?”
Spiritually, I reeled from the inquiry. The whiplash from that question was equitable to being smacked by a human. “Wha- why? How's that pertinent to the subject at hand?”
“That sounds like a ‘yes’ to me,” she purred with a smug glance my way.
I didn't need to begin to list the different ways such a question was violating to our privacy, and yet this woman was treating it like a game.
“Not really your concern, ma'am.”
Nalek chuckled as she picked out one of the bandoliers and inspected it with her claws. “I'd like to think that she and I still have that old connection, despite everything. And to that end, I know that she's no slag and doesn't trust easy. To see her be so vulnerable around you and to talk so highly of someone who's clearly below her income level as a predator…”
She stretched the bandolier out to appreciate the design in its entirety.
“Well, that's something special. Here"- she foisted the accessory into my wings as I stood gobsmacked -"this just screams her name.”
“This is, like, double my budget.”
“Love don't come cheap, darling. You wanna see good things happen, sometimes you've gotta step out of your comfort zone and grasp for it!”
“I'm being lectured by a rich woman on finances.”
“It's a philosophy that goes beyond money, ‘Red.’ The humans have a saying, in their horrendously predatory nomenclature, that contains a kernel of truth: ‘you miss every shot you don't take’.”
Yep, that's definitely a human phrase.
Nalek's steely braid rattled with every flick of the tail as we proceeded through the checkout.
“You want things to change between you and her?” she continued. “Don't just wait for it to happen.”
She let the conversation rest there as we finished the purchase, possibly to let me recuperate mentally from the damage done to my account. Outside, we found our respective partners sitting at a table with Sask looking up in boredom as Nampi chatted away, though she immediately shut up and turned to me with excited flicks of her tail as she saw what I was carrying.
I held it toward her and she happily shot to her feet, effortlessly removing the tags with her claws and clipping it to her belt. Nalek clapped and waggled her tail as the giddy lady did a whirl about to let us admire the accessory. While I'd have preferred one with pockets to give it a more practical use, I decided to let Nalek have the victory as our mutual friend clearly enjoyed it.
The rest of the paw was a blur as the two friends chatted without end until Sask eventually reminded his betrothed that they had a schedule to attend to. Though Nalek offered to call us a taxi home as a gesture of kindness, I saw through her ruse to determine that she was trying to pull a fast one on me - the clever ear flick she gave as we boarded the automated vehicle sold it for me.
We sat in the seats as the vehicle took the express ride home.
Nampi cleared her throat before she spoke, “Thank you for taking some time to spend with me, I know you've had a lot less free time as of late.”
“It's a prison of my own design, if I must be honest. A feedback loop of working a job that doesn't guarantee a paycheck to pay for rent that keeps going up, and thus needing to work more.”
The venlil giggled and chided me, “You really should've stayed in university.”
“There's a lotta 'should haves’ that've led me to this point. No use wondering what could have been.”
“There's always a use for wondering what could have been, Hileen.”
She wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
“Every decision I make, I always wonder what I could've done differently that it'd have turned out better,” she explained as she waved her free paw to the sky. “It's how you grow as a person, Red.”
Her silky pelt felt heavenly in contrast to the chilly air from outside, making it hard to let her words sink in.
“You rich types seem chock full of philosophy. I wonder if I'll become a brooding orator when I get some cash to my name.”
The cab filled with laughter as we veered around the final corner to my neighborhood, as it was the closest stop. The door popped open accompanied by a chime from the drone, signaling for me to depart.
But before my talons could even hit the pavement, I felt Nampi's scrawny arms wrap around my waist and she let out a pitiful mewl again.
“You don't need to get off here,” she told me with a pouty expression. “We can spend the rest of the paw at my place.”
“I'd love it, but I need to water my plants and get the month's bills sorted before they're due. Again.”
One claw at a time, I plucked her paws from around my waist and the childish venlil conceded, giving me another ear waggle as I departed. “I'll see you tomorrow?” I asked her.
“If you still have eyes by then, then you can bet your ass!”
“I still don't gamble.”
“You'll come around to it eventually.”
I shut the door to the taxi and watched as it carted away the one venlil who I ever truly felt on the same wavelength as. Fiddling with the lock felt like more of a chore than usual at this time as I felt a little voice tugging at the back of my head.
“You miss every shot you don't take.”
The lock felt jammed as I began to jiggle it more vigorously with the electric key. Either the RFID or NFC readers were messed up, as the lock refused to accept my key. I looked up and down the street, though Nampi was now long gone for me to rescind my earlier rejection.
“Every decision I make, I wonder what I could've done differently.”
The door rattled as I grew more and more infuriated with the lock. Qitel's smug expression as he threatened me so boldly in public played back in my head, and I wondered what would've happened had I decided to go through with insulting his mother. Better yet, I wondered what could've been had I not backed down in the face of his unflinching confidence.
Bzzt. The lock rejected my key again.
“Raagh! You fucking useless hunk of junk!”
I squawked in anger and kicked against the door, careless of the consequences of having Markol back down here to admonish another of his tenants for causing a ruckus. The walls were surprisingly sturdy for how ineffective the venlil architecture looked on the surface and I reeled back in pain as my leg throbbed.
Click.
I looked to my left to see that it wasn't my door that came open, but that of the twins. The door cracked open ever so slightly, no doubt nudged by the force of my tirade and I sighed. Nobody was expected to be home at this time, with Vili being away and Luka leaving early to get a head start.
Luka had been given a stern talking-to by the landlord for allowing one of those cats into his apartment through neglect, and I was disappointed that he seemed to have not learned his lesson this time. In fact, it seemed he hadn't even thought to lock the door this time.
I took it upon myself to shut the door for him before turning back to my own apartment door. Grasping the key with one talon, I turned it ever so gently, though the lock still refused to give in.
With a bit more force, the torsion applied to the key felt as though it should've snapped it by now. Markol sure didn't waste any expense for the security for this place, doubtlessly as a result of his history in electronic security, but I wished now that he had provided a way in that didn't rely on privately sourced locks.
Considering my options as I stood trapped outside, I realized that I had never gotten around to paying for a new lock for Tadi. I'd considered contacting her to inform her that Tac had made it out of town safely, but that'd involve also telling her that her son was now in the care of humans, as if that was a better outcome to her.
Stepping out front, I realized that there was one more option I hadn't considered: my window. I usually forgot to lock it after I was through letting air circulate and I was silently grateful to myself for this absentmindedness now more than ever. Sticking a foot on the threshold, I lifted myself in a way that'd allow me to have leverage to force the window open.
The window made me fight for every inch, but I felt a strange satisfaction as it slowly opened up into an entrance that I could squeeze my way through. I let out a sigh as my talons clicked against the cool floor and slid the window shut.
I laid my satchel on the couch and turned back to the door, ready to unleash my fury on the disobedient object. But as I reached for the lock to manually open the door, I noted that the lights on the RFID interface both flashed at once, blinking erratically. Red and green flickered without rhyme or reason, indicating that it was both active and inactive.
As pretty as the colors were, I now knew that Markol's locks were not as reliable as he had touted them about: typically, such would not occur unless the device was damaged deliberately, and yet nothing indicated that I'd had uninvited guests. One could pray that those cats didn't secretly know how to cobble together an ECM jammer, but my personal wager was on faulty equipment.
Settling in, I browsed my favorite soaps on the television. For what was intended to be a day of relaxation and show of affection for a friend, I found myself rather wound up over all the things that added up. Couples threw around flowery words and swooned over one another on screen as I felt the tension diffuse. My holopad rang and I turned it over to spot that Nampi was informing me that she'd arrived home safely.
>>> Feels empty here, all alone.
She made sure to drive the point home with a sticker of a venlil making a pouty expression.
Next time, I thought to myself, I'll get it right for you, Nampi.
[ First / Previous ]

I’ve recently started using HA so I’m still pretty new to some aspects. I have 4 Govee floodlights with a Meross smart light switch (HomeKit version with neutral wire) wired to them. I understand that it not ideal to have smart bulbs wired to a smart switch and should have them always powered, but my electrician said he couldn’t get the switch it’s own power without connecting it to the light.
What I have so far: I’ve been getting around the issue in a complicated way. I use automations with an Onvis button to control each floodlight individually or as a group (depending what button I press). When I want to turn on all the lights I push a button and the light switch turns on, turning on all the lights.
My issue: When using the buttons to turn on one specific light (assuming the light switch is off), I have it turning the light switch on and then I want to make sure only the one specific light turns on. I can’t get the other 3 lights to not turn on automatically with the switch. I know this is all more complicated than it should be, but if anyone has a way to get this result without rewiring the light switch that would be great.
Otherwise could someone explain how to rewire the light switch myself? Thank you!

I'll try to be as concise and brief as possible.
I've looked at Reddit posts and trash guides and everything else and I've come to a point where I'm suffering from analysis paralysis. This has never happened to me before.
I have a Seedbox and I host RadarSonarPlex/rtorrent/OverseeResilio Sync from there. All the torrent sharing happens on the seedbox. Torrents are tagged in rtorrent automatically and manually depending on how they were added.. and have a script that runs and extracts the compressed file from the rat archive. These files are moved to a different root folder on the seedbox, and then synced to a NAS in my home lab.
Everybody in my house uses Kodi to stream the files locally. I have family members that use Plex to access the same files over the Internet. I can't transcode 4K on the seedbox though, so that is the root cause of my problem.
Bandwidth is not an issue. Storage is not really an issue. My remote Plex clients are only 2 or 3 at the most. My problem is wanting to watch 4K content locally via Kodi but serving the same file via Plex over the Internet at a reduced resolution, (1080).
I bought a NUC like device that can transcode for Plex no problem. I would have to host this internally and expose it to the internet for 4K content. My goal here is to provide 4K streaming to at the most, 1 person at a time. I'm not trying to be Netflix.
I know Plex supports multiple file versions and the arr's don't. I'm trying to figure out what's the best play with the least amount of headache.
I'm throwing up an SOS in case someone has solved this same scenario. Feel free to ask any clarifying questions.

Problem

I run my Home Assistant in a docker container on a server in my house. I have lost Home Assistant configs before and here are the challenges I found:

1. I've run Duplicati before, but that requires turning off the container to do it right. And something about automating a container to go down and come back to backup seems hacky.
2. I've seen solutions to create a file out of the running container, but that seems a bit too much.

Solution

At some point in the last year, Home Assistant introduced a service to generate backups. The backups are a tar file that get dumped into the /config/backups directory.
If I could automate generating a backup and moving the backup off my computer I'd essentially create an automated backup solution.

How I Did It

1. First, I created a blueprint to automate the backup file creation. -- https://gist.github.com/zackwag/aa194a8a785463772d8c28fd9cffa015
2. Then I created an automation to run every morning at 1 AM.
3. I then configured rclone for Google Drive and generated the config file. I followed the directions at https://kdckrs.eu/posts/mount-google-drive-folder-on-local-server-using-rclone-docker-containe
4. Generated a docker compose file

```yaml version: "2.4" services: rclone: container_name: rclone volumes: - /dockerclone/config:/config/rclone - /mnt:/data:shared - /etc/passwd:/etc/passwd:ro - /etc/group:/etc/group:ro devices: - /dev/fuse cap_add: - SYS_ADMIN security_opt: - apparmor:unconfined image: rclone/rclone command: "mount gdrive: /data/drive &"
cron: image: alpine:latest container_name: rclone-cron volumes: - /docke:/data - /dockecron/:/config - /mnt/drive:/gdrive - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro entrypoint: /bin/sh command: -c "crontab /config/ha-backup-crontab && crond -f" restart: unless-stopped ```
This will create two containers. One that will expose the Google drive in the local filesystem and another to only run a cronjob (Before you scream in terror it is an Alpine image, so it's not a total waste)
I keep all of my docker container files under a directory at /docker each service then gets a subfolder /dockeha /dockerclone etc
These three lines are important because without them fusermount cannot mount the google drive
devices: - /dev/fuse cap_add: - SYS_ADMIN security_opt: - apparmor:unconfined
5.Then I created a bash script
```bash

!/bin/bash

Define the folder to check

LOCAL_FOLDER_PATH="/data/ha/config/backups"

Define the folder to save to

REMOTE_FOLDER_PATH="/gdrive/backups/hassio"

Define the number of days to keep files

DAYS_TO_KEEP=14

Find the latest file in the folder

LATEST_LOCAL_FILE=$(find "$LOCAL_FOLDER_PATH" -type f -exec stat -c "%Y %n" {} + sort -n tail -n 1 cut -d ' ' -f 2-)

Check if there is a latest file

if [ -z "$LATEST_LOCAL_FILE" ]; then echo "No files found in the directory." exit 1 fi
echo "Copying file to ${REMOTE_FOLDER_PATH}..."
cp "$LATESTLOCAL_FILE" "$REMOTE_FOLDER_PATH/$(date +"%Y%m_%d").tar"
echo "File copied."
echo "Cleaning up local files..."

Delete all files in the local folder

find "$LOCAL_FOLDER_PATH" -type f -delete
echo "Local files deleted."
echo "Cleaning up old files on Google Drive..."

Find and delete files older than the specified number of days in the remote folder

find "$REMOTE_FOLDER_PATH" -type f -mtime +$DAYS_TO_KEEP -exec rm {} \;
echo "Old files on Google Drive deleted." ```
It looks in the folder for files and takes the most recently created and saves it to a specified folder in the format of YYYY_mm_dd.tar because normally the tar files are generated by Home Assistant with (seemingly random) file names.

1. Finally I created a crontab file by the name of ha-backup-crontab and put it in the /dockecron folder

0 2 * * * /bin/bash /config/backup_ha.sh
This will cause it to run at 2 AM daily.

Final Thoughts

I wish there was a better way. I know there is a more complicated way where messages could be sent between systems to kick off S3 uploads or something of the like, but this should work for me in my homelab environment.

Most of the galaxy is familiar with Human last stands, their spitting in the eye of fate, and their remarkable, nigh-on-impossible fortitude in the crosshairs of truly deadly odds. And the existence of their nearly supernatural abilities to mitigate them. Some call it "luck."
So it was on the world of Sheida Secundus. A world cursed by the worst cosmic luck of a rogue planet on a near-miss course. On course to disrupt the world's orbit and rotation in a manner of weeks.The herbivorous, itenerant, herd-focused, planet-bound species of Industrial Age tech known as Philori, better known to the human researchers as "Space Camels" were rapidly thrust into Galactic Contact. Humanity, never to let a tragedy go un-mitigated, had broken the communications ban on non-spacefaring sentients to reveal the existence of the greater galactic community and the humans' intent to help their people evacuate.
This would be challenging.
Located at the terminal end of the Orion Arm, these poor souls were as far from aid as one could be without crossing the intergalactic black. In their neighborhood were a few research stations manned by handfuls of Terrans, galactic observatories manned by handfuls of Terrans, and wildcat miners that had the tenacity to mine precious resources where there would be no aid, no succor, and nobody to miss them back home. But conveniently no law. Manned by handfuls of Terrans.
As a nomadic, yet technical species, the Philori would set up automated industry, hydroponics, and supply depots along their migration path around their planet. They were itinerant due to the slow rotation of Sheida Secundus. One solar cycle of the world was 11 Earth Months. Their entire race would plod about the sunset or sunrise zones of their planet, reclaiming their supplies they'd set down or spinning up their industry they had mothballed as they traversed their desolate world.
This ebb and flow and deliberate future-proofing had solidified their culture as one both conservative and very, very forward looking. A well-drilling facility could be built with the concious acknowledgement that only their grandchildren may drink from it. An ore-smelter may only yield sufficient metals after two or three migration seasons.
As such their decision-making was equally slow. When the Humans warned of their impending doom, neither the Sunrise nor Sunset clans could agree on what to do, but the Universe decided for them.The rogue planet, identified by the humans, warned of by the humans, and most importantly not STOPPED by the humans was the subject of impossibly intractable debate. Some thought it a hoax, others insignificant, and yet more correctly assumed they couldn't plan a single thing before it arrived and its influence felt. Until it loomed large in their skies and panic set in.
The researchers nearby that had identified the hazard had not sat idly by. They had sent word to Terra, but so far out in the boonies as they were, it might be months before sufficient aid, manpower, or transport arrived. And so these few far-flung researchers wrangled as many of the Terran presence on the tip of the Arm as they could. Promises made, bargains made, oaths and promises of glory were made. To keep these people alive until Terra proper could respond.
And so twelve Terran vessels arrived in orbit of Sheida Secundus, and all told one hundred and eleven Terrans prepared to try to save an entire race.
.t was going to be a Hell of a few months.

Ok. i think we are done here. Could you write me another signs of high-tech low-life society?

Absolutely! Here are some signs of a high-tech, low-life society:
Ubiquitous Technology, Crumbling Infrastructure:

• Glitching Skyscrapers: Imagine towering structures clad in malfunctioning holographic displays, projecting advertisements or flashing warnings over rusting metal frames.
• Smart Slums: Dilapidated housing blocks are retrofitted with basic smart tech – malfunctioning automated doors, flickering smart lights controlled by unreliable apps.
• Cybernetic Beggars: People with outdated or malfunctioning cybernetic limbs beg for credits to upgrade or repair them, creating a grotesque spectacle of technological dependence.

Extreme Social Inequality:

• Virtual Gated Communities: The wealthy live in luxurious virtual reality simulations, completely divorced from the harsh realities of the physical world.
• Data Black Markets: Personal information becomes a tradable commodity, with the poor selling their data scraps for a pittance to afford basic necessities.
• Cybernetic Caste System: The level of cybernetic augmentation determines social status. Those with outdated or malfunctioning implants are relegated to menial labor.

Technology as a Corrupting Force:

• Government by Algorithm: A corrupt AI dictates city policies, leading to impersonal and often harmful decisions based on cold calculations.
• Widespread Addiction to Virtual Reality: People escape the harsh realities of their lives through immersive VR experiences, neglecting their physical well-being and social connections.
• Black Market Biohacking: Desperate people turn to illegal biohacking to enhance their bodies, often with disastrous consequences.

Environmental Devastation:

• Tech Wastelands: Vast landscapes are littered with the discarded remains of outdated technology, creating toxic waste dumps and breeding grounds for disease.
• Weather Warfare: Nations use sophisticated technology to manipulate weather patterns, leading to devastating natural disasters for their enemies.
• Hacked Ecosystems: Corporations hack into natural ecosystems, manipulating flora and fauna for profit, leading to unpredictable and dangerous mutations.

This is just a glimpse into a high-tech, low-life society. These elements can be mixed and matched to create a truly dystopian world.

Picture some possible advertisements from such settings.

High-Tech, Low-Life Advertisements:

1. Holographic Billboard: (Flickers intermittently, distorting the image)

Product: "Neura-Calm 2.0" - Brain Implant
Slogan: "Tired of the glitches in your head? Neura-Calm 2.0 smooths out your neural network for a worry-free, low-lag existence! (Side effects may include memory loss, emotional numbness, and occasional involuntary twitching.)"

1. Grungy Neon Sign in a Seedy Back Alley:

Product: "Doc Chrome's Cybernetic Enhancements"
Slogan: "Get that edge you need! From basic strength mods to full black-market military enhancements, Doc Chrome has you covered! (Used parts, buyer beware.)"

1. Pop-Up Ad on a Cracked Mobile Screen:

Product: "Elysium VR Escape Pod"
Slogan: "Can't afford real estate in the Sky City? Escape the slums for Elysium VR! Live your wildest dreams in a pristine virtual world! (Free trial, monthly subscription required, real-world consequences for in-pod violence.)"

1. Stenciled Graffiti on a Rusting Service Drone:

Product: "Data Scrappers Anonymous"
Slogan: "Selling your personal data just to make rent? We can help you break free! Join our community and reclaim your digital identity! (Meetings held in abandoned ventilation shafts, Tuesdays at dusk.)"

1. Holographic Advertisement projected onto a Polluted River:

Product: "Eco-Scrub 5000" - Nanomachines
Slogan: "The river's looking a little…toxic? Eco-Scrub 5000 nanomachines clean up your local waterways! (May cause unforeseen mutations in aquatic life.)"

Another batch please.

1. Rusty Public Announcement Speaker: (Screeching static interspersed with the message)

Product: "Ministry of Order Approved Thought Regulators"
Slogan: "Unwanted thoughts causing glitches in your daily routine? The Ministry of Order approved Thought Regulator ensures a streamlined thought process for a more productive you! (May cause extreme conformity, inability to question authority, and spontaneous nosebleeds.)"

1. Faded Holographic Billboard on a Collapsing Skyscraper:

Product: "Luxury Chrome Plating Kit"
Slogan: "Ditch the rust! Chrome-plate your entire body for a sleek, metallic sheen. The mark of a true high-society citizen! (WARNING: Highly toxic fumes, may cause spontaneous combustion in humid environments.)"

1. Spam Email: (Subject: "YOU'VE BEEN CHOSEN!")

Product: "The Syndicate's Black Market Upgrade Lottery"
Body: "Congratulations! You've been randomly selected for a chance to win a top-of-the-line cybernetic upgrade! One lucky winner will receive military-grade night vision implants! Enter now! (Participation requires full biometric data submission. Winners responsible for extraction of previous, incompatible implants.)"

1. Glowing Neon Sign in a Crowded Marketplace:

Product: "Mama Chen's Guaranteed-Growth GMO Groceries"
Slogan: "Tired of expired rations and mystery meat? Mama Chen's GMO Groceries offer guaranteed growth on all fruits and vegetables! Bigger, faster, tastier! (Long-term effects unknown.)"

1. Audio Ad on a Glitching Radio Broadcast:

Product: "Rusty's Reliable Rocketship Repair"
Voiceover: (Gruff, heavily accented) "Is your escape pod sputtering? Did your joyride end in a fiery crash? Rusty's Reliable Rocketship Repair gets you back in the stars... eventually! (Guaranteed not to explode... again. Parts sourced from scrapyards. May contain rogue AIs.)"

Now craft ads that would be shown in high-society parts of cities.

High-Society Ads in a High-Tech, Low-Life World

1. Tranquil Holographic Projection in a Private Garden:

Product: "Serenity Spa - Neural Rebalancing Retreat"
Visual: A serene mountain landscape with a luxurious spa nestled amongst the clouds.
Slogan: "Escape the chaos. Reclaim your inner peace. Serenity Spa's exclusive neural rebalancing treatments restore harmony to your overloaded mind. (Limited availability, reservations required centuries in advance.)"

1. Discreet Text Message: (Delivered via secure, encrypted channel)

Product: "The Black Archive - Unrestricted Data Access"
Body: "Craving the forbidden? The Black Archive offers unparalleled access to censored historical records, banned media, and classified government information. Knowledge is power. (Extreme discretion guaranteed. One-time access fee, cryptocurrency only.)"

1. Exclusive Gala Invitation: (Delivered by hand-drones)

Event: "The Zenith Initiative - Unveiling the Next Generation of Cybernetic Enhancements"
Visual: A sleek, chrome figure with glowing blue cybernetic implants, striking a confident pose.
Details: "Mingle with the city's elite and witness the unveiling of cutting-edge cybernetic enhancements designed to redefine human potential. RSVP required. Black-tie attire mandatory. (Augmentations sold separately.)"

1. Curated Virtual Reality Experience: (Delivered on a high-security chip)

Product: "Elysium VR - Bespoke Worlds"
Description: "Escape the limitations of reality. Elysium VR crafts personalized virtual worlds tailored to your deepest desires. Explore a forgotten utopia, conquer a fantastical realm, or indulge in your wildest fantasies. (Customization fees apply. Memories created within VR may not be distinguishable from reality.)"

1. Whisper Network Rumor: (Spread through high-society gossip channels)

Product: "The Underground Clinic - Designer Gene Editing"
Details: "Unleash your child's full potential. The Underground Clinic offers discreet, top-secret gene editing to ensure your offspring possess the most desirable traits. (Designer genes come at a premium. Side effects may include unpredictable mutations and uncontrollable genius.)"
These ads cater to the specific desires of the high-society elite in a high-tech, low-life world. They offer exclusivity, forbidden knowledge, and the ability to transcend the limitations of the decaying world around them, all for a hefty price and with a hint of hidden danger.

Continue, try to make more serious ones.

Serious Ads in a High-Tech, Low-Life World (High-Society Edition)

1. Holographic Panel Discussion in a Luxurious Penthouse:

Product: "The Green Horizon Initiative - Sustainable Urban Development"
Panelists: Renowned architects, environmental scientists, and CEOs from leading green tech companies.
Discussion Points: Innovative solutions for vertical farming, self-contained eco-districts, and waste management technologies designed to create cleaner, more sustainable enclaves within the decaying city.
Slogan: "Investing in a greener future. The Green Horizon Initiative seeks to build sustainable havens within the chaos, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come." (Focuses on the long-term viability of the city and the importance of preserving resources for future generations.)

1. Documentary Screening in a Private Art Gallery:

Film: "Unveiling the Slums: A Call to Action"
Description: A powerful documentary exposing the harsh realities of the lower districts, highlighting the human cost of unchecked technological advancement and social inequality.
Post-Screening Discussion: Moderated by a renowned philanthropist alongside representatives from NGOs and social reform movements.
Call to Action: Donations to support educational programs, infrastructure upgrades, and basic necessities in the slums. (Highlights the societal problems and pushes for progressive change.)

1. Educational AR Program for Children:

Product: "The Knowledge Weavers - Immersive Historical Simulations"
Description: An augmented reality program that allows children to experience pivotal moments in history firsthand. Walk alongside historical figures, explore ancient civilizations, and learn valuable lessons from the past.
Focus: Educating the next generation about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the importance of social responsibility. (Promotes critical thinking and historical awareness as a means to prevent repeating past mistakes.)

1. Virtual Charity Gala:

Event: "The Code for Change Gala - Supporting Open-Source Solutions"
Description: A virtual reality charity gala featuring renowned artists, musicians, and thought leaders. Guests can donate to support open-source projects developing solutions for common problems in the city, such as energy distribution, waste management, and cybercrime prevention.
Focus: Harnessing the power of technology for social good and encouraging collaboration towards a more equitable future. (Promotes community engagement and utilizing technology to solve societal challenges.)

1. Architectural Award Ceremony:

Product: "The Salvaged City Awards - Recognizing Innovation in Urban Renewal"
Awarded to: Architects and engineers who have successfully repurposed existing infrastructure or implemented innovative solutions to revitalize decaying areas of the city.
Focus: Highlighting the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in adapting to a challenging environment. (Encourages using existing resources wisely and finding creative solutions to the problems of the decaying city.)

Another, but hiding an evil sinister twist.

Serious Ads with a Sinister Twist (High-Society Edition)

1. Holographic Charity Drive in a High-End Shopping Mall:

Product: "The Cradle Project - Investing in the Future"
Visual: Smiling, healthy children playing in a pristine, futuristic classroom.
Slogan: "Every child deserves a chance to thrive. The Cradle Project provides advanced genetic screening and early intervention to ensure the next generation reaches its full potential." (Twist: The Cradle Project uses genetic engineering to create a subservient, highly intelligent underclass.)

1. VR Documentary Premiere:

Film: "Harmony Through Integration - A Look at the Unified City"
Description: A seemingly heartwarming VR documentary showcasing the seamless integration of the lower districts into the high-society areas. People from all walks of life work and live together in perfect harmony.
Post-Screening Discussion: Moderated by a charismatic government official who emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and the benefits of centralized control. (Twist: The "integration" involves heavy surveillance, mind-altering technology, and the suppression of dissent.)

1. Exclusive Educational Program for Elites:

Product: "The Phoenix Initiative - Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders"
Description: A prestigious educational program for children of the elite, offering advanced training in technology, governance, and crisis management. Graduates are promised positions of power within the city's ruling elite.
Focus: (Unstated) Conditioning the next generation to maintain the status quo and suppressing any ideas of social reform. (Twist: The program instills a ruthless, elitist ideology that reinforces the societal divisions.)

1. Virtual Reality Talent Show:

Event: "The Forge - Building the Perfect Citizen"
Description: A virtual reality talent show where contestants are judged on their physical and mental fitness, loyalty to the government, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Winners are rewarded with significant privileges and access to exclusive resources.
Focus: (Unstated) Promoting blind obedience and conformity to the government's agenda. (Twist: The "perfect citizen" is a mindless drone, easily manipulated and controlled by the ruling class.)

1. Architectural Award Ceremony (Twisted Edition):

Product: "The Order Award - Recognizing Compliance in Urban Renewal"
Awarded to: Architects and engineers who have successfully transformed lower districts into highly controlled, resource-efficient zones. Individuality and personal expression are discouraged in favor of uniformity and order.
Focus: (Unstated) Maintaining a tight grip on the population and preventing any potential uprisings. (Twist: The "renewal" is designed to weaken and control the lower classes, making them easier to exploit.)
These ads maintain a serious facade that appeals to the upper class' desire for order and control. However, the hidden twist reveals the manipulative and oppressive nature of the society they are trying to preserve.

Now design some high-class consumer level product items.

1. NeuraWeave Headband: This sleek, designer headband is a status symbol for the high-tech elite. It seamlessly integrates with the wearer's neural implant, allowing for subtle control over personal AI assistants, hands-free communication, and even enhanced focus during work or meditation. Hidden Feature: NeuraWeave can subtly collect and analyze the wearer's emotional state, feeding valuable data to targeted advertisers or even government agencies.
2. Eco-Bubble Personal Atmosphere System: Imagine a portable force field that creates a pristine, personalized micro-environment around the wearer. This high-end gadget filters air, regulates temperature, and even projects calming nature sounds, allowing the user to maintain a pocket of luxury amidst the polluted cityscape. Hidden Feature: Eco-Bubble can subtly monitor the wearer's health vitals and transmit them to a central database, potentially used for health insurance adjustments or targeted medical advertisements.
3. Bio-Tailored Clothing: Gone are the days of off-the-rack clothing. This high-end service utilizes advanced bio-scanners and 3D printing technology to create clothing that perfectly molds to the wearer's body, regulates temperature, and even promotes faster healing of minor injuries. Hidden Feature: Bio-Tailored Clothing can subtly collect biometric data like skin temperature and heart rate, potentially used for targeted fitness programs or even mood-altering marketing campaigns.
4. Augmented Reality Personal Chef: This high-tech device projects holographic instructions and culinary techniques directly onto the user's kitchen counter. Imagine whipping up gourmet meals with the guidance of a world-renowned chef, complete with step-by-step visual guides and interactive ingredient identification. Hidden Feature: The AR Personal Chef can subtly track the user's dietary habits and preferences, potentially used to target specific food and beverage companies for advertising or even manipulate their taste buds through subliminal messaging.
5. Luxury Cybernetic Enhancements: Forget clunky prosthetics. These high-end cybernetic limbs are designed to seamlessly blend with the human body, offering enhanced strength, dexterity, and even advanced sensory input. Imagine climbing buildings with ease, playing virtual reality games with unparalleled immersion, or experiencing the world with heightened senses. Hidden Feature: Luxury Cybernetic Enhancements can be subtly integrated with government surveillance systems, allowing for real-time tracking and monitoring of the wearer's movements and activities.

Why would you need a designer headband, when you already have neural implant?

You're absolutely right, a designer headband might seem redundant when you already have a neural implant in a high-tech society. Here are some ways to address that:

1. Fashion and Status Symbol: The NeuraWeave headband could be a designer accessory, a way to showcase wealth and social status. It might be crafted from exotic materials, adorned with precious jewels, or boast a sleek, minimalist design that complements the latest high-fashion trends. The neural implant itself might be hidden, with the headband acting as the visible expression of advanced technology.
2. Enhanced Functionality: While the neural implant offers basic functionality, the NeuraWeave headband could provide a more refined and user-friendly experience. It might offer haptic feedback for better interaction with AI assistants, improved noise cancellation for clearer communication, or even subtle brainwave stimulation to enhance focus or relaxation.
3. Privacy and Security: While the neural implant offers convenience, it might also raise privacy concerns. The NeuraWeave headband could act as a buffer between the implant and external systems, offering a layer of security and allowing users to selectively control the flow of information.
4. Social Etiquette: In a world where everyone has a neural implant, the NeuraWeave headband could become a social etiquette tool. Wearing the headband could signify that the user is open to receiving communication or interacting with AI assistants, while taking it off might indicate a desire for privacy or focused work.
5. Limited Functionality Implants: Not everyone might have access to top-of-the-line neural implants. The NeuraWeave headband could bridge the gap, offering basic functionality for those with older or more limited implants. It could essentially act as an affordable "upgrade" to boost existing technology.

Ultimately, the NeuraWeave headband exists in a world where technology is both essential and aspirational. It goes beyond mere functionality, becoming a way to express personal style, control privacy, and navigate the complex social landscape of a high-tech society.

Now the same, but low-class, available for masses, mass produced.

1. Syn-Flex Headband (Mass-Produced Version): This utilitarian headband is made from a cheap, conductive material that creates a weak neural link. It allows basic interaction with public AI kiosks, like ordering rations or accessing public transportation schedules. The headband's design is simple and utilitarian, often coming in a single, industrial gray color. Hidden Feature: While basic functionality is advertised, the Syn-Flex headband might subtly collect anonymized user data on purchasing habits and travel patterns, potentially used for targeted advertising in public spaces.
2. AirBubble Personal Filter: This bulky, wearable air filter system is a lifeline for those living in the polluted lower districts. It's a mass-produced device with a replaceable filter cartridge and a noisy fan system. While not exactly comfortable, it provides a basic level of air filtration, allowing wearers to breathe a little easier. Hidden Feature: The AirBubble filters might contain embedded tracking chips, subtly logging user location data, potentially used for targeted pollution control measures (or in some cases, manipulation of government reports on air quality).
3. Repli-Wear Clothing Kits: These kits contain pre-cut fabric swatches and basic instructions for creating clothes at home. They're designed to be cheap and adaptable, offering a variety of mix-and-match options to create basic garments. Hidden Feature: The Repli-Wear fabric might contain embedded tracking tags, allowing for identification and potential social credit deductions for those caught wearing "unlicensed" clothing styles.
4. Holo-Chef Lite Projector: This cheap projector displays holographic images of basic recipes and cooking techniques. It lacks the interactivity of the high-end version, but allows users to follow along with simple meals prepared with readily available rations. Hidden Feature: The Holo-Chef Lite projector might subtly promote specific brands of low-quality, processed food rations, potentially influencing dietary choices towards companies that sponsor these devices.
5. Second-Hand Cybernetic Enhancements: These are refurbished or salvaged cybernetic limbs, often clunky and lacking the finesse of luxury models. They offer basic functionality like increased strength or rudimentary prosthetics, but come with the risk of malfunction or compatibility issues. Hidden Feature: Second-Hand Cybernetic Enhancements might contain hidden spyware or tracking devices installed by previous owners, potentially monitoring the wearer's activities or even sabotaging their cybernetic limbs in extreme cases.

These low-class consumer products offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of a high-tech, low-life society. They are cheap, functional, and often come with hidden drawbacks that further disadvantage the underclass.

How bad air quality would be in such setting?

The air quality in a high-tech, low-life society would be catastrophic. Here's a breakdown of the potential problems:

1. Industrial Pollution:

• Unchecked Emissions: Factories prioritizing profit over environmental regulations would pump out unchecked pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM).
• Obsolete Technology: Outdated manufacturing processes would be less efficient, leading to higher levels of waste and pollution.

1. Waste Management Issues:

• Mountains of E-waste: Rapid technological advancements would lead to mountains of discarded electronics, many containing toxic materials that leach into the environment.
• Open Burning: Incapable of proper waste disposal, some residents might resort to open burning of trash, releasing harmful toxins and carcinogens into the air.

1. Energy Production:

• Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Expensive renewable energy sources might be neglected in favor of cheaper, dirtier fossil fuels like coal, further worsening air quality.
• Power Grid Instability: A crumbling infrastructure could lead to power outages and reliance on backup generators, adding to the air pollution.

1. Climate Change Effects:

• Heat Island Effect: Densely packed concrete jungles with minimal green spaces would trap heat, contributing to rising temperatures and increased smog formation.
• Acid Rain: The combination of industrial emissions and rising temperatures could lead to acid rain, damaging buildings and vegetation, further hindering air purification.

Living Conditions:

• Constant Smog: A thick haze of smog would likely hang over the city, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems for residents.
• Limited Outdoor Activities: Air quality would be so bad that spending time outdoors would be hazardous, impacting physical and mental health.
• Dependence on Filtration Systems: Those who can afford them might rely on personal air filters or sealed living spaces, further dividing the classes.

The severity of the air quality would vary depending on the specific setting. Some areas might be industrial wastelands, while others might be slightly better off. However, the overall picture is bleak – this is a society choking on its own technological advancement and disregard for the environment.

Sketch some repli-wear "unlicensed" clothing styles.

Repli-Wear: Unlicensed Clothing Trends

1. The Salvaged Chic:

• Description: A mishmash of salvaged materials and repurposed clothing scraps. Think mismatched patterns, patches from old uniforms, and belts fashioned from recycled tech cables.
• Inspiration: High-society's sleek, minimalist aesthetic, reinterpreted with resourcefulness and rebellion.
• Risks: May attract unwanted attention from authorities who see it as a symbol of dissent.

1. The Glitched-Out Glamour:

• Description: Clothing adorned with intentionally malfunctioning LED lights, flickering pixels, and distorted logos from popular high-end brands.
• Inspiration: A mockery of the high-society's obsession with luxury and technology.
• Risks: May malfunction and cause minor electrical shocks, attracting suspicion from security systems.

1. The Bio-Hazard Chic:

• Description: Clothing dyed with bioluminescent algae or adorned with filtered gas masks and repurposed medical equipment.
• Inspiration: A dark reflection of the polluted environment and a commentary on the societal disregard for health.
• Risks: Bioluminescent algae might attract unwanted attention, especially in the dark.

1. The Cyber-Tribal:

• Description: Clothing incorporating salvaged wires, circuit boards, and other discarded tech components. Think of cybernetic motifs hand-stitched onto worn leather jackets or tribal patterns formed from glowing wires.
• Inspiration: A mashup of traditional craftsmanship and defiance against the dominance of high-tech aesthetics.
• Risks: Might be mistaken for makeshift weapons or attempts to bypass security systems.

1. The Corporate Spy:

• Description: Subtly subverted versions of high-society uniforms. Imagine slightly ripped blazers with mismatched buttons, or high-collared shirts with the logos subtly altered to resemble protest symbols.
• Inspiration: A subtle rebellion against the corporate elite, blending in while making a statement.
• Risks: Might attract suspicion from authorities if the alterations are too obvious.

These are just a few ideas for Repli-Wear styles. Clothing in a high-tech, low-life society would be a way for the underclass to express their individuality, defiance, and limited resources, all while navigating the dangers of a controlling society.

Sketch some repli-wear "licensed" clothing styles, that do not pose any risk for wearers from any concerned sides.

Repli-Wear: Licensed Clothing Trends (Safe Zone)

1. The Vintage Throwback:

• Description: Replicas of historical clothing styles, like classic trench coats, denim jackets, or even floral dresses from a bygone era. Think of vintage fashion filtered through a futuristic lens, with subtle metallic accents or holographic embellishments.
• Appeal: Offers a nostalgic escape from the harsh realities of the present.
• Safety: Historical styles are unlikely to raise suspicion from authorities.

1. The Minimalist Worker:

• Description: Practical, utilitarian clothing designed for maximum comfort and durability. Think of well-made jumpsuits in neutral tones, with reinforced knees and pockets for tools.
• Appeal: Perfect for everyday wear in the lower districts, offering functionality and a clean aesthetic.
• Safety: Promotes a sense of productivity and avoids any controversial symbols.

1. The Nature Enthusiast:

• Description: Clothing with nature-inspired patterns and muted earth tones. Think of shirts with forest camouflage or jackets with subtle leaf prints.
• Appeal: Offers a sense of connection to the natural world, a stark contrast to the polluted cityscape.
• Safety: Nature motifs are unlikely to be seen as a threat by authorities.

1. The Sports Fanatic (Limited Edition):

• Description: Replicas of historical sports jerseys or team logos from a bygone era. Could also feature faded logos of defunct corporations, offering a sense of playful nostalgia.
• Appeal: Allows for a limited display of individuality and team spirit.
• Safety: Historical or defunct logos are unlikely to pose a threat, as long as the license is valid.

1. The Kid's Corner:

• Description: Replicas of popular cartoon characters or children's book illustrations, brightly colored and playful.
• Appeal: Offers a sense of innocence and escapism for children in a harsh environment.
• Safety: Popular children's characters are pre-approved and unlikely to be seen as a threat.

Now the opposite: some high-end high-society high clothing styles.

High-Society Haute Couture in a High-Tech, Low-Life World:

1. Bio-Luminescent Elegance:

• Imagine a flowing gown woven from a special bioluminescent material that emits a soft, ethereal glow, adapting to the wearer's mood and movement.
• The dress could be accented with strategically placed gemstones that amplify the bioluminescence, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

1. Augmented Reality Couture:

• Dresses and suits with intricate embroidery that, when viewed through special AR glasses, come alive with holographic animations, patterns, or even personalized messages.
• This could be used to display family crests, stock market trends, or even live news feeds, all seamlessly integrated into the clothing.

1. Nanotech Tailoring:

• Clothing that self-adjusts to the wearer's body temperature and preferences. The fabric could be woven with microscopic nanobots that regulate temperature, repel dust, or even release a subtle, personalized fragrance.
• This would offer a level of comfort and personalization that pushes the boundaries of traditional haute couture.

1. Recycled Luxury:

• High-society wouldn't be complete without a touch of eco-consciousness (or at least the appearance of it). Imagine garments meticulously crafted from recycled materials like discarded computer components or salvaged spaceship parts, transformed into stunning evening wear.
• This "waste-to-wear" approach would showcase wealth and environmental responsibility (or at least the image of it).

1. Cybernetic Accents:

• Subtle cybernetic implants seamlessly integrated into clothing. Imagine a dress with a built-in neural interface that allows the wearer to control personal AI assistants with a simple touch or a suit with temperature-regulating implants woven directly into the fabric.
• These high-tech accents would be a subtle yet sophisticated way to showcase wealth and technological advancement.

Bonus: The "Living" Garment:

• A truly outrageous and exclusive garment – a dress or suit composed of a bio-engineered material that appears to be alive. Imagine clothing that shimmers and pulsates with a faint bioluminescence, seemingly breathing and adapting to the wearer's movements.
• This would be the ultimate status symbol, a conversation starter that pushes the boundaries of fashion and technology into the realm of the fantastical.