i will talk about joint work with julia pevtsova.  we construct a sheaf of categories x_q over the flag variety which simultaneously connects the small quantum group, its small quantum borels, and sheaves on the springer resolution.  for example, the global sections of x_q contain representations for the small quantum group as an embedded monoidal subcategory, and its fibers over the flag variety recover representations for the borels.  i will introduce the object x_q, elaborate on its relationships to the aforementioned categories, and discuss connections with earlier works of arkhipov, bezrukavnikov, and ginzburg.  no familiarity with the representation theory of quantum groups will be assumed, and i will properly motivate our analysis in the talk.