#cortex 01

[charmedreincarnation]

Lucid Dreaming Mastery: Stabilization, Portals, and DEILD

I’ve been seeing so many of you finally having lucid dreams and I’m genuinely so happy for you guys ❤️❤️❤️. But I’ve also been getting a flood of the same question over and over:

“Why can’t I stay in the dream?”

A lot of you are struggling with stabilization, so let’s talk about how to counter that.

Lucid dreaming happens when your prefrontal cortex wakes up while the rest of your brain is still in REM sleep. It’s a weak balance your awareness is active, but your body and subconscious are still dreaming. The moment you get too excited, emotional, or hyper-aware, your brain risks either waking up completely or collapsing the dream entirely.So here’s how to ground yourself and make it last:

01▸ STABILIZATION

How do I remain grounded in a lucid dream

‣ Rub palms together to generate tactile friction.

‣ Observe your hands or an object note fine detail.

‣ Touch or li k textured surfaces to anchor presence.

‣ Spin slowly in place to reset the environment.

‣ If fading begins, touch the ground or kneel.

‣ Lick a surface to shock clarity into place.

‣ Perform the nose-pinch test every few minutes.

‣ State aloud: “Stabilize now.”

‣ Repeat: “Increase clarity.”

02 ▸ PORTALS

How to get my portals working?

‣ Choose symbolic transitions doors, mirrors, pools.

‣ Stand still and command:

This portal leads to [location].”

‣ Picture it with full sensory detail.

‣ Feel your body already inside it.

‣ Expect nothing less.

‣ Rub hands while walking through.

‣ Maintain belief.

03 ▸ INTERFERENCE

What do I do if I end up somewhere else?

‣ Pause. Stabilize. Try again.

‣ Use the look-away / look-back method to summon.

‣ Call a god, guide, or familiar person to help you and Say: “Take me to my [insert destination: void, Wr, DR]

‣ Ask your subconscious directly:

“Show me the portal to the REAL Void.” Dreams are alive. Ask, and they respond.

04 ▸ DEILD

How do I re-enter after waking up?

Dream Exit Initiated Lucid Dream (DEILD) DEILD (Dream Exit Initiated Lucid Dream) is a technique where you intentionally re-enter a dream right after waking up, without moving or opening your eyes. By staying still and relaxed, you can “chain” multiple lucid dreams in the same night.

Just because you woke up doesn’t mean you failed. Waking up is just a checkpoint not the end. You can always try again using DEILD that same night.Even in an awakening there is another chance to go back in. Stay calm, stay still, and re-enter.

‣ when waking up, remain still.

‣ Do not open your eyes.

‣ Recall the dream just lost.

‣ Visualize returning to the same dream

04 ▸ Stubborn Characters

How do I get dream characters to respond better?

‣ Treat dream characters as equals not fake things.

‣ Approach with curiosity, not control.

‣ Remember: They are projections of your subconscious. Act as you would in real life and be respectful

Do Not Announce Lucidity!!!

‣ Telling them “You’re not real” often breaks the dream.

‣ they will become defensive, confused, or disengaged.

‣ Let the dream play out without ego intrusion.

‣ Use clear, simple language.

‣ Ask direct questions:

“Can you guide me?”

“Where is the right portal?”

‣ Use a warm dream tone. Tone dictates response.

What if the dream character seems dull or unhelpful?

Seek Higher Intelligence Within the Dream

‣ Some characters feel hollow—l glitch-like. Move on. Find one who holds presence.

‣ You’ll know them by their eye contact, tone, and detail.

These are the ones that know more than they should. Or find someone you know

How can I build trust in the dream space?

‣ say please and thank characters who help you. Your subconscious responds to appreciation.

‣ If they resist or fade, do not force it. Ask again or summon a new one. Treat it like AI.

They are you!!! The more you humanize them, the more they help you

[dhr-ao3]

Kiss it Better

Kiss it Better https://ift.tt/PgCjpZA by mayanahi Hermione Granger has a head injury during a Quidditch Match and wakes up with damages to her prefrontal cortex. Which means she has no inhibitions. How will virgin Draco Malfoy deal with the advances of this muggleborn minx? Fluff and smut with a bit of plot. Inspired by Things Past by ninepiecesofcrait ...................................... “Are you in pain? I am so sorry, Granger!” “It’s okay, handsome.” She cooed. “Why don’t you kiss it better?” “W-what?” Words: 1443, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Poppy Pomfrey Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Memory Loss, POV Hermione Granger, Hogwarts Eighth Year, Head Girl Hermione Granger, Hermione Granger is a Tease, Hermione Granger is Good at Sex, Virgin Draco Malfoy, POV Draco Malfoy, Draco Malfoy is Clueless About Muggle Things, Fluff, Fluff and Smut, Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Smut, Smut, Flirty Hermione Granger, No Ron Weasley Bashing, Fluffy Ending via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/Z5Lhz9u May 26, 2025 at 01:56AM

[wavnexttimedotcom]

(02/07/17)

Castles II (LINK TO PLAYLIST)

TRACKLIST

01 Never Eat, Never Sleep (ft. Lil Tracy) [prod. Big Head]

02 Dying Out West (ft. Lil Tracy) [prod. Charlie Shuffler]

03 WitchBlades (ft. Lil Tracy) [prod. Big Head x Yung Cortex]

04 Past The Castle Walls (ft. Lil Tracy) [prod. Charlie Shuffler]

05 Your Favorite Dress (ft. Lil Tracy) [prod. Lederrick x Big Head x SouljahWitch

[basic204]

HELLDIVERS OPERATIONAL MISSION LOG - FROZEN RAGE

CLASSIFIED TRANSMISSION: SUPER EARTH COMMAND

OPERATIVE: Master Sergeant Dr. Praxis RANK: Level 25 Specialist Combat Scientist DATE: 15.05.2185 LOCATION: PILEN V - Liberty's Promise City MISSION: Illuminate Mind Control Pylon Neutralization

[Begin Video Feed Transcript – Helmet Cam ID: DP-25-59-MKIV]

[T-00:00:15] Recording begins aboard "Our Lady of Midnight" – Bridge Hellpod Bay

[NEURAL INTERFACE ONLINE] [SUIT SYSTEMS: OPERATIONAL] [BIOMONITOR: HR 87 BPM | BP 124/78 | RESP 14 | O₂SAT 99%] [EXTERNAL TEMP: -85.4°F | WIND: 38 MPH NNE | VISIBILITY: 27%]

Emergency SOS signal penetrates my neural interface like an ice pick driven through the prefrontal cortex. Priority markers flash crimson across my optical field:

[PRIORITY LEVEL: CRITICAL] [LOCATION: PILEN V - LIBERTY'S PROMISE CITY] [DISTRESS CLASS: MIND CONTROL EVENT] [PROJECTED SURVIVAL RATE: 12%] [OPERATION STATUS: TWO TEAMS LOST]

Commander Vega's face materializes on my HUD, lines of exhaustion etched around her eyes: "Praxis, situation is FUBAR. Two teams gone dark. Liberty's Promise is completely compromised – 23,000 colonists converted. Fleet's positioning but most ships are reporting navigation systems affected by Illuminate interference. We're the only vessel maintaining stable orbit."

Multiple SEAF vessels hover in tactical formation, their IFF signatures pulsing steadily on my tactical overlay: "Righteous Thunder," "Liberty's Fist," "Democratic Resolve," "Eternal Vigilance." Comms chatter indicates disagreement among captains about mission viability.

Lieutenant Kim appears at my six, his neurological readout showing elevated stress markers: "Other ships reporting widespread system failures, sir. Our Lady of Midnight is maintaining integrity, but we're down to three functional Hellpods. Radiation from the singularity has compromised our cloning bay – we can't risk any more drops after you."

The AR-23 Liberator locks into my chest mount with a satisfying magnetic snap, weapon systems immediately syncing with neural interface.

[WEAPON LINKED: AR-23 LIBERATOR] [AMMUNITION: 360/405] [FIRING MODE: 3-ROUND BURST] [CHAMBER TEMP: NOMINAL] [BARREL INTEGRITY: 100%]

The P-19 Redeemer settles into my palm, biometric sensors confirming user identity as holster seals engage.

[SIDEARM LINKED: P-19 REDEEMER] [AMMUNITION: 31/124] [FIRING MODE: FULL AUTO] [CYCLIC RATE: 1100 RPM] [TRIGGER PRESSURE: 1.3KG]

Suit diagnostics cascade across my peripheral vision:

[EXOSKELETAL ASSIST: CALIBRATED] [THERMAL REGULATION: ARCTIC PROTOCOLS ACTIVE] [NEURAL SHIELDING: PRIMARY/SECONDARY/TERTIARY] [MEDICAL SYSTEMS: COMBAT-READY] [STIM RESERVES: 100%] [PAIN MANAGEMENT: AUTO-ADJUSTING]

[T-00:00:35] Hellpod seals with pneumatic hiss. Interior lights bleed into combat red

Commander Vega's voice cuts through pre-launch static: "Operation feed will remain open, Praxis. Other ships are falling back – radiation interference from the Meridian Singularity is affecting their targeting systems. We're getting conflicting orders from Command, but Our Lady won't abandon you."

My biomonitor spikes as catecholamine levels flood my system:

[ADRENALINE SPIKE DETECTED] [HEARTRATE: 142 BPM] [BLOOD PRESSURE: 157/92] [CORTISOL LEVELS: ELEVATED] [COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT: ENGAGED]

The countdown sequence burns across my retinas as the Hellpod's launch capacitors charge: 5…4…3…2…1…

[T-00:01:10] Violent acceleration forces. G-meter redlines at 9.7 before compensators engage

[G-FORCE: 9.7] [INTERNAL ORGAN DISPLACEMENT: WITHIN PARAMETERS] [SUIT COMPENSATORS: ACTIVE] [DESCENT TRAJECTORY: OPTIMAL] [IMPACT VECTOR: LIBERTY'S PROMISE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT]

External cameras penetrate the atmospheric haze, transmitting real-time tactical overlay of Liberty's Promise City:

[POPULATION REGISTRY: 23,467] [CURRENT HUMAN LIFESIGNS: 0] [Voteless SIGNATURES: 21,893] [ILLUMINATE PRESENCE: CONFIRMED] [MIND CONTROL RADIUS: 1.7KM]

The former pride of Super Earth's colonial achievement stretches below – a sprawling metropolitan grid now transformed into a geometric pattern of death. Infrared scanning reveals thousands of Voteless moving through streets in organized formations. Their body temperatures register 12°F below normal human baseline.

Through the static, Commander Vega's voice fragments: "Be advised—Liberty's Promise c-central pylon—coordinates uploading—other ships breaking formation—attempting to maintain—Meridian Singularity radiation—communications compromised—God help us all—"

[T-00:02:47] Impact imminent. Retro-thrusters engage with deafening roar. Descent stabilizers deploy

[IMPACT COUNTDOWN: 3…2…1…] [TERRAIN ASSESSMENT: URBAN RUINS] [STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: COMPROMISED] [IMMEDIATE THREATS: MULTIPLE] [FRIENDLIES: ZERO]

My vocal subprocessors activate automatically: "STAND BACK FOR DEMOCRACY!"

[T-00:03:01] Hellpod impacts with 2.1 metric tons of force. Surrounding terrain assessment: urban ruins, structural integrity compromised

[IMPACT FORCE: 2.1 METRIC TONS] [SUIT COMPRESSION: 27%] [VERTEBRAL STACK PRESSURE: 8.9 KPA] [TOOTH ENAMEL MICROFRACTURES: DETECTED]

The Hellpod door explodes outward in a choreographed pyrotechnic sequence, exposing Liberty's Promise's frozen hell. Environmental analyzer immediately catalogs survival metrics:

[EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE: -85.4°F] [WIND CHILL: -112.7°F] [EXPOSURE SURVIVAL: 27 SECONDS UNPROTECTED] [ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION: O₂ 19.2%, N₂ 78.8%, CONTAMINANTS 2.0%] [UNKNOWN PARTICULATE: PRESENT – PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS SUGGESTS PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES]

Suit compensators whine as thermal regulation systems engage emergency protocols:

[THERMAL REGULATION: MAXIMUM OUTPUT] [POWER DIVERSION: HEATING ELEMENTS +47%] [SUIT INTEGRITY: MAINTAINING] [ESTIMATED OPERATIONAL WINDOW: 4.7 HOURS]

Through swirling ice crystals, optical enhancement reveals Liberty's Promise's true state – a necropolis of twisted infrastructure. Municipal building spires half-collapsed into skeletal remains. Street-level retail corridors choked with abandoned vehicles, many containing flash-frozen former occupants, their faces contorted in expressions of ultimate horror.

The tactical frequency erupts with fragmented transmissions from previous teams, their neural patterns showing clear signs of Illuminate corruption:

"—DP-17 to Midnight, something's crawling inside my thoughts—" "—Major Danvers has turned, REPEAT, Danvers is compromised, he's shooting at—" "—GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT they're in my eyes I can see them moving—"

[T-00:03:15] First visual of compromised Helldivers. Identifying markers confirmed: SEAF uniforms with altered behavior patterns

[TACTICAL ASSESSMENT: HELLDIVERS COMPROMISED] [IFF TRANSPONDERS: ACTIVE BUT CORRUPTED] [NEURAL PATTERNS: ILLUMINATE INFILTRATION] [THREAT ASSESSMENT: LETHAL] [RULES OF ENGAGEMENT: ADJUSTED – TARGETING FRIENDLY FORCES AUTHORIZED]

Through Liberty's Promise's main thoroughfare, optical enhancement identifies three Helldivers from second deployment – their movements displaying the jerky, asynchronous patterns characteristic of neural hijacking. Biometric scan shows impossible ocular dilation, cerebral activity concentrated in non-human patterns.

Private First Class Williams, 31st Battalion, fires his Liberator in rhythmic three-round bursts at hallucinated targets. Sergeant Cooper claws frantically at his helmet, fingernails leaving bloody furrows across reinforced plexiglass as he attempts to physically extract the psychic intrusion. Lieutenant Davis lies face-down in crimson-stained snow, precise triangular exit wound pattern indicating execution-style termination by friendly fire.

Neural defense systems activate automatically:

[PSYCHIC INTERFERENCE DETECTED] [CEREBRAL SHIELDING: ENGAGED] [COGNITIVE PROTECTION PROTOCOLS: ACTIVE] [MEMORY SECTOR LOCKDOWN: INITIATED] [PERSONALITY CORE: ISOLATED]

"This is Praxis to all operational units. Switch to tertiary neural buffers, authorization code echo-nine-seven-tango."

Only tortured screaming answers.

[T-00:04:42] Orbital scan shows multiple nearby Hellpods changing trajectory mid-descent

[ORBITAL ASSESSMENT: CRITICAL] [REINFORCEMENTS: ABORTED] [HELLPOD TRAJECTORY CHANGES: MULTIPLE] [FLEET STATUS: WITHDRAWING] [OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT: MAINTAINING POSITION]

The tactical overlay paints a picture more chilling than PILEN V's atmosphere – SEAF vessels are aborting deployments in real-time. Hull signatures for "Righteous Thunder" and "Liberty's Fist" already fading as they accelerate beyond optimal support range.

Commander Vega's transmission cuts through momentarily: "—other vessels reporting Illuminate psychic penetration of navigation systems—singularity radiation amplifying effect—we're the only ship with functioning shielding—Praxis, you're on your own—we'll monitor but cannot—repeat CANNOT—send additional personnel—"

"This is Master Sergeant Praxis to all Helldiver ships! Maintain deployment schedule! Liberty's Promise requires immediate reinforcement!"

The tactical display continues its merciless assessment as ship after ship terminates transmission. Only Our Lady of Midnight maintains signal integrity, her Captain refusing orders to withdraw despite tactical disadvantage.

[MISSION STATUS: UNSUPPORTED] [ALLIED FORCES: ZERO] [EXTRACTION PROBABILITY: 23%] [COMMAND RECOMMENDATION: ABORT] [MANUAL OVERRIDE: ENGAGED – CONTINUING MISSION]

[T-00:05:30] First Voteless contact. Initial wave: 27 signatures detected moving at 6.7m/s

[THREAT ASSESSMENT: Voteless] [QUANTITY: 27] [MOVEMENT SPEED: 6.7M/S] [FORMATION: COORDINATED ASSAULT PATTERN] [TARGETING: CONFIRMED – THEY'VE IDENTIFIED YOU]

Through Liberty's Promise's frozen canyon of abandoned buildings, optical enhancement reveals them in nightmarish clarity – former colonists transformed into biological weapons. Facial recognition matches against colonial databases:

Dr. Elena Sorokin, Liberty's Promise Chief Medical Officer Daniel Wu, Colonial Infrastructure Engineer Amara Okafor, Primary Education Specialist Twenty-four others – transformed beyond recognition yet database confirms identity

Their skin bleached corpse-white from both environmental conditions and physiological transformation. Movement analysis indicates complete reconfiguration of musculoskeletal structure – joints rotating beyond human anatomical limitations. Ocular scan reveals complete replacement of eyes with Illuminate sensory organs.

Weapon systems activate simultaneously with neural targeting:

[WEAPON ACTIVE: AR-23 LIBERATOR] [TARGET ACQUISITION: NEURAL CLUSTER] [WIND COMPENSATION: 13 MOA RIGHT] [TEMPERATURE EFFECT: -2.7MM VERTICAL] [OPTIMAL FIRING SOLUTION: CALCULATED]

[T-00:05:43] Three-round burst executed. Three kills. Cranial penetration confirmed.

[RECOIL MEASURED: 2.7MM] [MUZZLE VELOCITY: 983 M/S] [TARGET EFFECT: CATASTROPHIC NEURAL DISRUPTION] [AMMUNITION REMAINING: 357/405] [CHAMBER TEMPERATURE: NOMINAL]

The Liberator barks three times in rapid succession, the titanium-ceramic suppressor keeping sound signature below 137 decibels. Three 5.56mm depleted uranium/tungsten composite rounds punch through cranial cases with surgical precision. Black ichor – a mixture of cerebrospinal fluid and Illuminate biotech – erupts in high-velocity sprays.

Ballistic trajectory analysis estimates penetration depth at 12.7cm – sufficient to completely destroy Illuminate control implants located at the base of the occipital lobe.

[T-00:08:39] Large-scale Voteless reinforcements detected. Thermal sensors identify mass movement throughout Liberty's Promise City

[Voteless SIGNATURES: MULTIPLYING] [THREAT ASSESSMENT: SEVERE] [THERMAL SIGNATURES: 1,000+ AND INCREASING] [MOVEMENT PATTERN: COORDINATED PINCER] [ILLUMINATE CONTROLLER SIGNALS: DETECTED AT MULTIPLE ELEVATIONS]

"This is Praxis to any operational Helldivers! Form defensive perimeter at Liberty's Promise Administrative Center!"

Only the keening arctic wind responds. The storm intensity increases according to meteorological sensors:

[WIND VELOCITY: 47 MPH] [TEMPERATURE DROPPING: NOW -87.1°F] [VISIBILITY: 19% AND DECREASING] [ICE CRYSTAL DENSITY: 317 PARTICLES PER CUBIC CM] [SUIT THERMAL REGULATION: COMPENSATING]

Our Lady of Midnight transmits fragmentary data through atmospheric interference:

[TRANSMISSION RECEIVED] [SOURCE: CDR. VEGA, OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT] [SIGNAL INTEGRITY: 31%] [DECRYPTION: AUTOMATIC]

"—situation deteriorating—fleet withdrawing beyond psychic range—singularity radiation affecting all systems—cloning bay radiation damage complete—medical reporting unusual neural patterns in surviving personnel—attempting to maintain position but—Meridian Singularity growing—"

[T-00:10:15] Last SEAF vessel signatures apart from Our Lady of Midnight leave orbital range

[FLEET STATUS: WITHDRAWN] [ORBITAL SUPPORT: MINIMAL] [OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT: MAINTAINING POSITION] [SHIP SYSTEMS: DEGRADING – RADIATION EFFECTS] [EXTRACTION WINDOW: NARROWING]

The tactical display confirms complete mission abandonment. All ships except Our Lady of Midnight have broken formation, retreating beyond operational range.

Commander Vega's voice, strained with competing pressures: "Praxis, Command has ordered full withdrawal. The Meridian Singularity's radiation is amplifying the Illuminate psychic field. I've refused extraction order – we won't abandon you – but our radiation shielding is failing. Engine systems at 43%. Weapons systems compromised. We'll maintain position as long as possible, but the ship is dying."

[BIOMONITOR: STRESS INDICATORS RISING] [HEART RATE: 103 BPM] [ADRENALINE: ELEVATED] [CORTISOL: PEAKING] [COGNITIVE FUNCTION: OPTIMAL DESPITE PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS]

The reality crystallizes with perfect clarity: Ten minutes on-planet. Seven confirmed KIA Helldivers. Two entire deployment waves eliminated. Complete fleet abandonment.

[T-00:12:18] Movement detected on multiple vertical planes. Illuminate controllers identified on rooftops throughout Liberty's Promise City

[THREAT IDENTIFICATION: ILLUMINATE CONTROLLERS] [QUANTITY: 17] [POSITION: ELEVATED – ROOFTOP DEPLOYMENT] [ARMAMENT: ENERGY WEAPONS] [DEFENSE CAPABILITY: GRAVITATIONAL DISTORTION FIELDS] [PSYCHIC OUTPUT: EXTREME – AMPLIFIED BY SINGULARITY RADIATION]

Optical enhancement identifies them through thermal differentials – their elongated forms silhouetted against Liberty's Promise's frozen skyline. Movement analysis confirms non-human musculature and joint configuration. Anti-gravity systems generate visible distortion fields, allowing effortless hovering in direct contradiction to physical laws.

Neural interface warning flashes across my consciousness:

[PSYCHIC INTRUSION ATTEMPT DETECTED] [CEREBRAL SHIELD INTEGRITY: 83%] [COUNTERMEASURES: ENGAGED] [PAIN SUPPRESSION: AUTOMATIC] [COGNITIVE PROTECTION: LEVEL 3]

The psychic assault feels like liquid nitrogen injected directly into my frontal lobe – a cold so absolute it transcends conventional pain thresholds. Memory fragments shatter and recombine incorrectly. Weapons testing procedures intermingled with childhood recollections. Advanced mathematics spontaneously inserting themselves into combat algorithms.

[T-00:13:45] Incoming fire from Illuminate position. Multiple impacts registered.

[INCOMING FIRE: DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS] [PROJECTILE VELOCITY: NEAR-LIGHT] [COMPOSITION: FOCUSED PLASMA] [EVASIVE MANEUVERS: INITIATED]

Their energy weapons materialize through the blizzard as coherent light beams, momentarily transforming snowflakes along their trajectory into superheated plasma. Two rounds punch through my left thigh armor with surgical precision:

[IMPACT DETECTED: LEFT THIGH] [SUIT INTEGRITY: 93%] [TISSUE DAMAGE: MODERATE] [PENETRATION DEPTH: 2.7CM] [CAUTERIZATION: IMMEDIATE] [PAIN LEVEL: SEVERE – SUPPRESSING]

Another grazes my helmet, molecular ablation leaving a molten furrow across reinforced ceramite:

[HELMET INTEGRITY: 94%] [STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: SUPERFICIAL] [SYSTEM EFFECT: MINIMAL] [WARNING: REPEATED IMPACTS WILL COMPROMISE PROTECTION]

Medical subsystems activate without conscious command:

[MEDICAL PROTOCOLS: ENGAGED] [SYNTHETIC COAGULANTS: ADMINISTERED] [ANALGESICS: LOCALIZED DELIVERY] [TISSUE REGENERATION: INITIATED] [MOBILITY IMPACT: 7% REDUCTION]

I execute a tactical repositioning behind the frozen chassis of an abandoned colonial transport vehicle, materials analysis calculating its defensive properties:

[COVER ASSESSMENT: COLONIAL TRANSPORT VEHICLE] [MATERIAL: REINFORCED TITANIUM-ALUMINUM COMPOSITE] [BALLISTIC PROTECTION: 87% AGAINST ENERGY WEAPONS] [STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: COMPROMISED BUT FUNCTIONAL] [RECOMMENDED POSITION: REAR QUARTER PANEL]

[T-00:15:40] SOS signal transmitted on all SEAF emergency frequencies. No response detected

[EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION INITIATED] [CHANNELS: ALL FREQUENCIES] [ENCRYPTION: DISABLED – MAXIMUM PROPAGATION] [POWER: MAXIMUM] [RESPONSE: NEGATIVE]

"This is Master Sergeant Praxis to any SEAF vessels in range. Liberty's Promise City is completely overrun. All deployed Helldivers except myself have been neutralized or compromised. Requesting immediate reinforcement and extraction."

The transmission disappears into the void. Our Lady of Midnight responds, signal degraded by increasing singularity radiation:

"—reading you Praxis—radiation levels climbing—systems failing—maintaining position but—no reinforcements possible—cloning bay destroyed—radiation poisoning spreading through crew—Lieutenant Reeves still operational—prepping extraction craft—"

Lieutenant Kim's voice cuts through momentarily: "Radiation's fried our Hellpod launch systems, Praxis. We have one atmospheric craft remaining. Lieutenant Reeves can pilot it, but the radiation is affecting her too. We'll get you out, but every minute we maintain position is killing this ship."

[T-00:19:22] Fallen Helldiver detected in Liberty's Promise Central Plaza. Equipment scan: AC-8 Autocannon

[FRIENDLY KIA DETECTED] [IDENTITY: LT. JAMES DAVIS, 31ST BATTALION] [CAUSE OF DEATH: CATASTROPHIC NEURAL DISRUPTION] [TIME SINCE DEATH: 27 MINUTES] [EQUIPMENT: AC-8 AUTOCANNON – FUNCTIONAL]

Through swirling snow, visual enhancement identifies him beside Liberty's Promise's ceremonial fountain – now a grotesque ice sculpture depicting colonial triumph. His suit's thermal regulators continue drawing power, creating a small circle of melted snow around his position.

Equipment scan reveals intact AC-8 Autocannon still attached to hardpoint mount:

[WEAPON ASSESSMENT: AC-8 AUTOCANNON] [AMMUNITION: 100/100] [CONDITION: OPTIMAL] [AUTHORIZATION TRANSFER: AUTOMATIC] [WEIGHT: 24.3KG – MOBILITY IMPACT CALCULATED]

I kneel beside the fallen soldier, biometric scanner confirming complete neural cessation. My hand rests briefly on his shoulder plate, the gesture recorded by multiple cameras for posthumous honor transmission.

"Liberty remembers its defenders, Lieutenant."

The weapon disengages with a mechanical click, ownership protocols transferring to my combat profile:

[WEAPON ACQUIRED: AC-8 AUTOCANNON] [NEURAL LINK ESTABLISHED] [TARGETING CALIBRATION: AUTOMATIC] [WEIGHT COMPENSATION: SUIT HYDRAULICS ENGAGED] [MOBILITY REDUCTION: 18%]

[T-00:21:01] Illuminate Interloper fighter craft detected above Liberty's Promise financial district. AC-8 discharged.

[AERIAL THREAT DETECTED] [CLASSIFICATION: ILLUMINATE INTERLOPER] [ARMAMENT: ENERGY CANNONS CHARGING] [TARGETING STATUS: ACQUIRING YOU] [EVASIVE OPTIONS: LIMITED] [RECOMMENDED ACTION: PREEMPTIVE STRIKE]

The alien craft materializes through Liberty's Promise's snowstorm, its outline distorting visible light through gravitational manipulation. Targeting systems identify critical vulnerabilities despite atmospheric interference:

[TARGET ACQUISITION: INTERLOPER] [WEAK POINTS IDENTIFIED: PROPULSION MANIFOLD] [FIRING SOLUTION: CALCULATED] [WIND COMPENSATION: 27 KNOTS NNE] [VISIBILITY ADJUSTMENT: -63%] [MUSCLE EFFICIENCY: -34% LEFT ARM]

I brace the Autocannon against colonial infrastructure – once a public transportation shelter, now a firing position. Weapon stabilization systems engage automatically:

[WEAPON BRACED] [RECOIL COMPENSATION: ACTIVE] [SUIT ASSISTANCE: MAXIMUM] [NEURAL FIRING CONTROL: ENGAGED]

Fifteen hyperdense tungsten-alloy rounds tear through the craft's hull plating:

[ROUNDS EXPENDED: 15] [IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CRITICAL SYSTEMS DAMAGE] [PROPULSION CORE: COMPROMISED] [ENERGY BUILDUP: CATASTROPHIC] [TRAJECTORY: BALLISTIC – IMPACT IMMINENT]

The Interloper spirals downward, black smoke contrasting against white snow as it impacts Liberty's Promise's central administrative complex. Environmental sensors register the detonation metrics:

[EXPLOSION FORCE: 237 KG TNT EQUIVALENT] [FIREBALL RADIUS: 44M] [PRESSURE WAVE: 31 KPA AT CURRENT POSITION] [TEMPERATURE SPIKE: 1,432°F AT EPICENTER] [SNOW VAPORIZATION: 30M RADIUS]

[T-00:22:15] Multiple impacts from Illuminate weapons. Suit integrity: 81%

[INCOMING FIRE: MULTIPLE VECTORS] [EVASIVE ACTION: INEFFECTIVE] [IMPACT DETECTED: CHEST PLATE] [IMPACT DETECTED: RIGHT INTERCOSTAL] [IMPACT DETECTED: RIGHT ARM ACTUATOR]

Retaliatory fire arrives with mathematical predictability. Three energy weapon hits penetrate defensive perimeter:

[CHEST PLATE DAMAGE: SUPERFICIAL] [ARMOR ABLATION: 17%] [ENERGY DISSIPATION: SUCCESSFUL]

[INTERCOSTAL PENETRATION: 4.7CM] [TISSUE DAMAGE: MODERATE] [CAUTERIZATION: IMMEDIATE] [LUNG FUNCTION: 94%] [BLEEDING: MINIMAL – CONTAINED]

[RIGHT ARM IMPACT: SEVERE] [NEURAL CONNECTIONS: COMPROMISED] [MOTOR FUNCTION: REDUCED 38%] [PAIN LEVEL: EXTREME – SUPPRESSING]

Medical systems transition to emergency protocols:

[TRAUMA RESPONSE: INITIATED] [SYNTHETIC HEALING COMPOUNDS: INJECTED] [NEURAL DAMPENERS: ISOLATING DAMAGED PATHWAYS] [PAIN SUPPRESSION: MAXIMUM] [COMBAT STIMULANT: ADMINISTERED]

The familiar cold fire of battlefield medicine spreads through my system as pharmacological enhancement takes effect:

[COMBAT STIMULANT ACTIVE] [REACTION TIME: -23%] [VISUAL PROCESSING: +31%] [PAIN THRESHOLD: +287%] [COGNITIVE FUNCTION: ENHANCED] [DURATION: 17 MINUTES REMAINING]

Four distinct wounds cataloged and compartmentalized by the suit's diagnostic systems. Mobility reduced but combat effectiveness maintained through pharmaceutical intervention.

[T-00:25:37] Mind control pylon located in Liberty's Promise primary education center. Distance: 142 meters. Interference: Maximum

[PRIMARY OBJECTIVE LOCATED] [CLASSIFICATION: ILLUMINATE MIND CONTROL PYLON] [DISTANCE: 142M] [PSYCHIC FIELD STRENGTH: MAXIMUM] [ARCHITECTURAL ASSESSMENT: NON-EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY] [LOCATION SIGNIFICANCE: FORMER CHILDREN'S EDUCATION CENTER]

Optical enhancement pierces the blizzard, revealing the primary objective – an abomination against physical reality itself. The Illuminate have transformed Liberty's Promise's primary school into a psychic broadcaster, its once-nurturing architecture now supporting a towering spire of impossible angles and non-Euclidean geometry.

Energy waves emanate in visible distortion patterns, each pulse correlating precisely with increased neural pain. Atmospheric sensors detect unusual properties:

[ATMOSPHERIC ANALYSIS: ABNORMAL] [LIGHT REFRACTION: NON-STANDARD ANGLES] [GRAVITY FLUCTUATIONS: MEASURABLE] [TEMPERATURE GRADIENT: INVERTED] [QUANTUM PARTICLE BEHAVIOR: ALTERED]

HUD systems fracture into incomprehensible patterns:

[SYSTEM ERROR: CATASTROPHIC] [VISUAL DISPLAY: COMPROMISED] [NEURAL INTERFACE: UNSTABLE] [SUIT FUNCTIONS: CASCADING FAILURE] [REBOOT ATTEMPTS: UNSUCCESSFUL]

Neural defense warnings bypass visual processing entirely, writing themselves directly into consciousness:

[EXTERNAL PSYCHIC PENETRATION: 74% STRENGTH] [COGNITIVE SHIELD FAILURE: IMMINENT] [MEMORY CORRUPTION: ACCELERATING] [PERSONALITY DISSOLUTION: T-MINUS 197 SECONDS] [COUNTERMEASURES: INSUFFICIENT]

A voice materializes within my mind, its alien cadence recognizable as Illuminate communication: "Your defensive algorithms contain fundamental errors, Dr. Praxis. We have identified precisely seventeen vulnerabilities in your neural architecture. Resistance promotes unnecessary suffering. The children of Liberty's Promise learned this lesson quickly."

[T-00:29:15] Visual distortions increasing exponentially. Heart rate: 188 BPM. Perspiration elevated 215%

[BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS: EXTREME STRESS] [HEART RATE: 188 BPM] [BLOOD PRESSURE: 177/112] [PERSPIRATION: +215% BASELINE] [PUPIL DILATION: MAXIMUM] [TREMORS: DETECTABLE]

I force myself through Liberty's Promise's snow-choked streets, each step requiring conscious neural override of both environmental resistance and intensifying psychic influence. The suit's movement assistance system compensates for physiological deterioration:

[MUSCULAR EFFICIENCY: 63%] [HYDRAULIC ASSIST: MAXIMUM] [POWER CONSUMPTION: CRITICAL] [ESTIMATED OPERATIONAL WINDOW: REDUCED TO 2.3 HOURS]

Memory fragments detach and recombine with increasing frequency. Weapons calibration protocols interrupted by sensory hallucinations. Engineering formulas dissolve mid-calculation, replaced by alien mathematical concepts that simultaneously make perfect sense and no sense at all.

Another coordinated barrage from Illuminate positions positioned throughout Liberty's Promise:

[INCOMING FIRE: DETECTED] [EVASIVE MANEUVERS: INITIATED] [WARNING: REACTION TIME DEGRADED] [IMPACT PROBABILITY: 87%]

Three more impacts register with brutal efficiency:

[LEFT SHOULDER: GLANCING IMPACT] [TISSUE DAMAGE: MINOR] [ARMOR INTEGRITY: 92%]

[LOWER BACK: PENETRATING IMPACT] [SPINAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS: COMPROMISED] [TISSUE DAMAGE: MODERATE] [MOBILITY IMPACT: +12%]

[RIGHT THIGH: CRITICAL IMPACT] [FEMORAL PLATE: SEVERELY DAMAGED] [NEAR MISS: FEMORAL ARTERY] [TISSUE DAMAGE: SEVERE] [MOBILITY IMPACT: +25%]

Medical systems calculate insufficient resources for standard protocol:

[MEDICAL SUPPLIES: 37%] [STANDARD PROTOCOLS: INSUFFICIENT] [EMERGENCY TRIAGE: ENGAGED] [COMBAT STIMULANT: MAXIMUM DOSE AUTHORIZED]

The military-grade performance enhancers flood my system – a complex mixture of synthetic adrenaline analogs, cognitive enhancers, and pain suppressants specifically designed for catastrophic battlefield conditions:

[COMBAT STIMULANT ADMINISTERED] [DOSE: MAXIMUM SAFE THRESHOLD] [CARDIOVASCULAR BOOST: INITIATED] [NEURAL ACCELERATION: MAXIMUM] [PAIN SUPPRESSION: TOTAL] [WARNING: PHYSIOLOGICAL DAMAGE CONTINUING DESPITE SUBJECTIVE RELIEF]

Seven distinct wounds now accumulated. System functionality reduced to 59%. Mission continuity maintained solely through chemical intervention against biological imperatives.

[T-00:32:44] Direct engagement with pylon control systems. Engineering analysis initiated despite sustained psychic assault

[PROXIMITY ALERT: PYLON CENTER] [PSYCHIC FIELD: MAXIMUM INTENSITY] [NEURAL DISRUPTION: SEVERE] [SYSTEM FAILURES: MULTIPLE] [COGNITIVE FUNCTION: MAINTAINED THROUGH CHEMICAL OVERRIDE]

I stand beneath the pylon's central spire, its configuration violating physical laws I once considered immutable. The structure penetrates Liberty's Promise's school at precise intervals, targeting locations where developing minds once gathered.

Engineering analysis subroutines activate despite psychic interference:

[STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS: INITIATED] [POWER COUPLING NODES: 7 IDENTIFIED] [ARRANGEMENT: HEPTAGONAL PATTERN] [SECURITY SYSTEMS: BIOELECTRIC FIELD GENERATORS] [POWER SOURCE: CENTRAL CORE] [REDUNDANT CIRCUITS: TRIPLE-LAYERED] [BACKUP GENERATION: PRESENT BUT VULNERABLE] [WEAKNESS IDENTIFIED: CONCURRENT DISRUPTION REQUIRED]

I prime three fragmentation grenades, weapon systems automatically calculating optimal placement:

[GRENADES PRIMED: 3] [EXPLOSIVE YIELD: 187G RDX EQUIVALENT EACH] [PLACEMENT CALCULATION: TRIANGULATION PATTERN] [OPTIMAL SPACING: 4.7M BETWEEN DEVICES] [TIMING SEQUENCE: SYNCHRONIZED]

The Illuminate presence redoubles its assault on my neural architecture, recognizing the imminent threat. Psychic tendrils attempt to access motor control centers:

[WARNING: MOTOR CONTROL INTRUSION ATTEMPT] [CEREBELLUM PROTECTION: ENGAGED] [VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT: RESISTING OVERRIDE] [COUNTERMEASURES: DEGRADING] [NEURAL ISOLATION PROTOCOLS: FAILING]

[T-00:33:01] Multiple explosives deployed at structural weak points. Countdown initiated: 5 seconds

[GRENADES DEPLOYED: SUCCESSFUL] [POSITIONING: OPTIMAL] [COUNTDOWN: SYNCHRONIZED] [DETONATION: T-MINUS 5] [RECOMMENDED ACTION: WITHDRAW IMMEDIATELY]

I stagger away through Liberty's Promise's frozen pathways, biomonitor recording severe physiological stress:

[HEMOGLOBIN SATURATION: 84%] [BLOOD PRESSURE: 181/110] [RESPIRATORY RATE: 32 PER MINUTE] [CORE TEMPERATURE: 101.7°F DESPITE EXTERNAL COLD] [MUSCLE TREMORS: INCREASING]

The psychic presence tears free with almost physical sensation – like barbed neural hooks being forcibly extracted from gray matter. Blood vessels rupture in both eyes, crimson clouds obscuring 23% of visual field.

[T-00:33:06] Detonation confirmed. Pylon structural integrity: 0%. Mind control field: Dissipating

[DETONATION REGISTERED] [EXPLOSIVE FORCE: SYNCHRONIZED] [BLAST RADIUS: 27M] [STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: CRITICAL] [PYLON INTEGRITY: CATASTROPHIC FAILURE] [PSYCHIC FIELD: COLLAPSING]

The explosions transform Liberty's Promise's skyline, primary blast waves converting accumulated snow to superheated steam. Visibility temporarily improves across a 70-meter radius as precipitation molecules undergo flash vaporization.

Secondary fragmentation patterns spread in calculated vectors, maximum dispersal achieving 87% coverage of target area. Several shards penetrate my already compromised armor:

[IMPACT DETECTED: LOWER BACK] [PENETRATION: 3.7CM] [SPINAL PROXIMITY: 0.8CM] [BLEEDING: MODERATE] [PAIN SIGNALS: BLOCKED BY STIMULANTS]

Eight distinct wounds now cataloged. System functionality reduced to 51%. Combat effectiveness maintained solely through pharmaceutical override of natural biological limitations.

The sudden absence of psychic pressure creates disorienting cognitive vacuum – neural pathways accustomed to resisting suddenly encountering no opposition. The mental equivalent of pushing against a door that unexpectedly opens.

HUD systems reboot sequentially:

[SYSTEM REBOOT: INITIATED] [DIAGNOSTIC PROCESSING…] [PRIMARY SYSTEMS: RESTORED] [SECONDARY SYSTEMS: 73% FUNCTIONALITY] [TERTIARY SYSTEMS: 41% FUNCTIONALITY] [SUIT POWER: 61% REMAINING]

Liberty's Promise City resolves into its actual state – a frozen necropolis momentarily illuminated by the pylon's catastrophic failure, shadows dancing across buildings as alien technology collapses.

[T-00:35:22] HUD objective update: [PRIMARY: COMPLETE] [SECONDARY: FAILED] [TERTIARY: INCOMPLETE]

[MISSION UPDATE] [PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: COMPLETED – PYLON DESTROYED] [SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: FAILED – ALL HELLDIVERS KIA] [TERTIARY OBJECTIVE: INCOMPLETE – FLAG NOT DEPLOYED] [RECOMMENDED ACTION: PROCEED WITH TERTIARY]

Tactical assessment confirms total loss of allied forces. Seven Helldivers confirmed KIA within visual range of current position. Four eliminated by friendly fire during mind control episodes, neural structures unable to withstand Illuminate manipulation. Three by direct enemy action. All abandoned by command vessels that chose withdrawal over engagement.

Liberty's Promise requires symbolic reclamation. Democracy must be physically manifested despite tactical disadvantage.

[T-00:37:50] Super Earth flag located in Liberty's Promise municipal building debris. Flag integrity: Functional

[OBJECT LOCATED: SUPER EARTH FLAG] [POSITION: MUNICIPAL BUILDING RUINS] [CONDITION: FUNCTIONAL] [SYMBOLIC VALUE: MAXIMUM] [TACTICAL VALUE: TERRITORIAL CLAIM]

I recover the standard from the frozen grip of Communications Specialist Rivera, her facial features preserved in crystalline detail by flash-freezing. Biometric confirmation:

[DECEASED HELLDIVER IDENTIFIED] [NAME: SPECIALIST ELENA RIVERA] [UNIT: 31ST BATTALION, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION] [TIME OF DEATH: APPROXIMATELY 47 MINUTES AGO] [CAUSE: EXTREME CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGING CONSISTENT WITH PSYCHIC ASSAULT]

Her fingers maintain death-grip on the chrome pole, requiring careful separation. Rigor mortis enhanced by flash-freezing of biological tissues.

Every movement sends fresh waves of agony through my eight wound channels, registered by the suit but suppressed from conscious awareness:

[PAIN LEVELS: EXTREME – SUPPRESSED] [MOBILITY: 47% OF BASELINE] [BLOOD LOSS: MODERATE – CONTAINED] [STIMULANT LEVELS: DECREASING] [ESTIMATED COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS: 53%]

Medical systems issue comprehensive diagnostic warning:

[PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT] [RIB FRACTURES: 3 (7-9, RIGHT SIDE)] [CONCUSSION: MILD (OCCIPITAL IMPACT, 11G FORCE)] [PSYCHIC TRAUMA: SIGNIFICANT (FRONTAL LOBE, HIPPOCAMPUS, AMYGDALA)] [HEMORRHAGE: CLASS II] [CORE TEMPERATURE: 96.1°F – HYPOTHERMIA RISK]

Commander Vega's voice materializes through static: "—reading you Praxis—pylon destruction confirmed—radiation exposure critical—ship systems failing—Lieutenant Reeves prepping extraction craft—Lieutenant Kim mapping safe approach vector—"

I prepare the flag assembly at Liberty's Promise's central plaza – once the vibrant heart of colonial life, now a frozen battlefield. The servo-assisted deployment mechanism functions despite extreme conditions:

[FLAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM: OPERATIONAL] [SERVO MOTORS: FUNCTIONAL DESPITE COLD] [POWER CELLS: 82%] [EXPECTED DEPLOYMENT TIME: 60 SECONDS] [SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE: MAXIMUM]

[T-00:41:15] Flag deployment zone reached. Liberty's Promise city center coordinates optimal for territorial claim

[DEPLOYMENT ZONE REACHED] [POSITIONING: OPTIMAL] [VISIBILITY: MAXIMUM DESPITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS] [TERRITORIAL SIGNIFICANCE: HIGH] [DEPLOYMENT SEQUENCE: INITIATED]

As deployment sequence initializes, sensor array detects massive convergence patterns:

[PROXIMITY ALERT: MULTIPLE VECTORS] [Voteless SIGNATURES: HUNDREDS] [APPROACH SPEED: 8.3 M/S – EXCEEDS HUMAN CAPABILITY] [FORMATION: COORDINATED ASSAULT] [ILLUMINATE CONTROLLERS: DETECTED ON ELEVATED POSITIONS] [ESTIMATED TIME TO CONTACT: 37 SECONDS]

Thermal imaging reveals hundreds of heat signatures approaching simultaneously through Liberty's Promise's radial street pattern:

[THERMAL SIGNATURES: 300+] [TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL: MINIMAL (+4°F ABOVE AMBIENT)] [MOVEMENT PATTERN: UNNATURAL FLUIDITY] [COORDINATION: INHUMAN PRECISION] [TACTICAL ASSESSMENT: OVERWHELMING FORCE]

The loss of the control pylon has transitioned Illuminate strategy from mental domination to physical elimination through overwhelming numbers.

[T-00:42:01] Flag deployment begins automatically. 60-second sequence initiated

[FLAG DEPLOYMENT: INITIATED] [PROGRESS: 1%] [TIME REMAINING: 59 SECONDS] [DEFENSE REQUIRED: IMMEDIATE] [WEAPON SELECTION: AR-23 LIBERATOR]

They emerge from Liberty's Promise's snow-clouded avenues as the flag begins its ascent—former citizens converging with single-minded purpose:

[Voteless IDENTIFIED: FORMER COLONISTS] [AGE RANGE: 7-93 YEARS] [FORMER PROFESSIONS: VARIED – COMPLETE SOCIETAL CROSS-SECTION] [MOVEMENT PATTERN: SYNCHRONIZED] [CONTROL SOURCE: ILLUMINATE CONTROLLERS POSITIONED ON ROOFTOPS]

Behind them, Illuminate controllers direct the assault with mathematical precision from elevated positions throughout Liberty's Promise, compensating for the loss of direct mental control with coordinated tactical deployment.

The Liberator responds with disciplined three-round bursts:

[WEAPON FIRING: AR-23 LIBERATOR] [MODE: 3-ROUND BURST] [TARGETING: NEURAL CLUSTERS] [AMMUNITION CONSERVATION: PRIORITY] [ROUNDS REMAINING: 273/405]

Each trigger activation results in precise neural disruption of Voteless targets:

[TARGET NEUTRALIZED: FORMER COLONIAL ADMINISTRATOR] [TARGET NEUTRALIZED: FORMER MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN] [TARGET NEUTRALIZED: FORMER CHILD – AGE ESTIMATE 9]

The ethical subroutine registers momentary conflict before tactical override engages. These are no longer human. They are weapons aimed at Liberty's Promise's reclamation.

[T-00:42:37] Liberator ammunition depleted. Switching to AC-8 Autocannon

[MAGAZINE EMPTY: AR-23 LIBERATOR] [RELOAD TIME: NOT VIABLE] [SWITCHING WEAPONS: AC-8 AUTOCANNON] [WEIGHT TRANSFER: COMPENSATING] [MOBILITY IMPACT: SIGNIFICANT]

The Autocannon's substantial mass strains compromised musculature, each movement sending fresh pain signals that medical systems struggle to suppress:

[PAIN SUPPRESSION: 87% EFFECTIVE] [MUSCLE EFFICIENCY: 41% OF BASELINE] [HYDRAULIC ASSIST: MAXIMUM] [POWER CONSUMPTION: ACCELERATED] [ESTIMATED OPERATIONAL WINDOW: DECREASED TO 1.8 HOURS]

I establish defensible position beneath the rising flag, using Liberty's Promise's urban infrastructure for cover:

[POSITION ESTABLISHED: MUNICIPAL PLAZA FOUNTAIN] [COVER QUALITY: MODERATE] [FIELDS OF FIRE: 270°] [MOBILITY: LIMITED] [DEFENSIBILITY: 63%]

Firing solution algorithms optimize ammunition expenditure against target density:

[FIRING SOLUTION: CALCULATED] [TARGET DENSITY: EXTREME] [AMMUNITION CONSERVATION: MINIMAL CONCERN] [RECOMMENDED PATTERN: SWEEPING FIRE] [ACCEPTABLE COLLATERAL DAMAGE: 100%]

The AC-8 roars to life, its recoil managed by suit hydraulics:

[AC-8 AUTOCANNON: FIRING] [RECOIL FORCE: 24.7KG PER ROUND] [SUIT COMPENSATION: 73% EFFECTIVE] [SKELETAL STRESS: MODERATE] [MUSCLE STRAIN: SEVERE – CHEMICAL SUPPRESSION ACTIVE]

The Voteless fall in geometrically precise rows around Liberty's Promise's central plaza, their bodies creating concentric circles of the dead.

[FLAG DEPLOYMENT PROGRESS: 43%] [TIME REMAINING: 34 SECONDS] [THREAT DENSITY: STILL INCREASING] [AMMUNITION: AC-8 DEPLETING] [ROUNDS REMAINING: 64/100]

[T-00:43:12] Second Illuminate Interloper fighter detected above Liberty's Promise commercial district. Range: 63 meters. Descent trajectory: Attack pattern

[AERIAL THREAT DETECTED] [CLASSIFICATION: ILLUMINATE INTERLOPER] [RANGE: 63M AND CLOSING] [WEAPONS: CHARGING] [TARGETING: CONFIRMED – YOUR POSITION] [DEFENSIVE OPTIONS: LIMITED]

Another fighter craft materializes through Liberty's Promise's snowstorm, energy signatures indicating weapons cycling to critical charge. Targeting systems locked on my position with inhuman precision.

Ammunition status critical:

[AC-8 AUTOCANNON: DEPLETED] [AR-23 LIBERATOR: EMPTY] [AVAILABLE WEAPON: P-19 REDEEMER] [TACTICAL ASSESSMENT: INADEQUATE] [SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 17%]

I draw the P-19 Redeemer—a pragmatic acknowledgment of tactical desperation:

[WEAPON READY: P-19 REDEEMER] [AMMUNITION: 31/124] [EFFECTIVE RANGE: 37M] [TARGET RANGE: 63M] [PROBABILITY OF EFFECT: 12%]

Knowledge of propulsion system vulnerabilities guides targeting solution toward theoretical weakness identified during weapons development:

[TARGETING: GRAVITATIONAL STABILIZER] [LOCATION: VENTRAL PORT NACELLE] [VULNERABLE COMPONENT: COOLING SYSTEM] [REQUIRED PRECISION: EXTREME] [ASSISTANCE: SUIT TARGETING ENHANCEMENT ENGAGED]

[T-00:43:20] P-19 Redeemer discharged. Three consecutive bursts at maximum effective range. Impact confirmed: Minimal effect

[ROUNDS FIRED: 9] [IMPACTS: 7] [DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: MINIMAL] [PENETRATION: INSUFFICIENT] [CRAFT STATUS: UNDETERRED]

The Interloper continues its attack vector through Liberty's Promise's urban canyon, weapons systems charging to lethal capacity:

[FLAG DEPLOYMENT PROGRESS: 83%] [TIME REMAINING: 10 SECONDS] [INCOMING ATTACK: IMMINENT] [DEFENSIVE OPTIONS: EXHAUSTED] [SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: DECREASING]

[T-00:43:42] Stratagem beacon activated. Request: Gatling emplacement

[STRATAGEM SELECTED: GATLING EMPLACEMENT] [CODE SEQUENCE: DOWN-UP-RIGHT-RIGHT-UP] [NEURAL TRANSMISSION: ENGAGED] [TARGETING COORDINATES: TRANSMITTED] [REQUEST STATUS: ACCEPTED]

My fingers execute the stratagem code with autonomic precision despite neural damage. The beacon launches skyward from Liberty's Promise's central plaza, target coordinates locked to optimal defensive position.

Commander Vega confirms: "Stratagem authorized—Liberty's Promise coordinates confirmed—Gatling deployment in 3…2…1—"

[T-00:43:57] Hellpod impact in Liberty's Promise central plaza. Gatling emplacement deployed

[HELLPOD IMPACT: CONFIRMED] [DEPLOYMENT: SUCCESSFUL] [SYSTEM INITIALIZATION: AUTOMATIC] [TARGETING: ACQUISITION IN PROGRESS] [PRIORITY TARGET: ILLUMINATE INTERLOPER]

The automated weapon system initializes with mechanical efficiency, its deployment temporarily clearing the immediate area of Voteless through kinetic impact alone:

[GATLING OPERATIONAL] [RATE OF FIRE: 6,000 RPM] [AMMUNITION: 12,000 ROUNDS] [BARREL ROTATION: OPTIMAL] [TARGETING: ACQUIRED]

Armor-piercing rounds tear through the Interloper's hull with systematic precision:

[IMPACTS REGISTERED: MULTIPLE] [PENETRATION: SUCCESSFUL] [CRITICAL SYSTEMS: COMPROMISED] [ENERGY CONTAINMENT: FAILING] [DETONATION: IMMINENT]

The craft shudders under the assault before primary power containment fails catastrophically. Sensors register the explosion parameters:

[DETONATION ENERGY: 312KG TNT EQUIVALENT] [BLAST RADIUS: 73M] [FIREBALL TEMPERATURE: 2,700°F] [STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: SIGNIFICANT TO SURROUNDING BUILDINGS] [Voteless CASUALTIES: 47 TERMINATED IN BLAST]

Flag deployment reaches completion:

[FLAG DEPLOYMENT: 100% COMPLETE] [SUPER EARTH BANNER: FULLY EXTENDED] [TERRITORIAL CLAIM: ESTABLISHED] [SYMBOLIC OBJECTIVE: ACHIEVED] [DEMOCRACY: MANIFESTED]

The standard stands fully extended above Liberty's Promise City, reclaiming the colony symbolically if not practically.

[T-00:44:15] Coordinated Illuminate counterattack. Multiple weapons converge on position. Suit integrity: 43%

[INCOMING FIRE: MULTIPLE SOURCES] [EVASIVE ACTION: NOT POSSIBLE] [DEFENSIVE POSITION: COMPROMISED] [IMPACT IMMINENT: CALCULATING VECTORS]

Three more energy weapon impacts converge simultaneously from different positions throughout Liberty's Promise:

[IMPACT: LEFT ARM] [PENETRATION: COMPLETE] [NEURAL CONNECTIONS: SEVERED] [FUNCTIONALITY: 0%] [ARM STATUS: INERT]

Suit seals breaches automatically, but damage assessment is terminal for the limb:

[SUIT INTEGRITY: 43%] [AUTOMATIC SEALING: ENGAGED] [MEDICAL INTERVENTION: INSUFFICIENT] [REGENERATION PROTOCOLS: EXCEEDED] [FUNCTIONALITY LOSS: PERMANENT WITHOUT SURGICAL INTERVENTION]

Eleven distinct wound channels now documented in the suit's medical log. Blood loss reaching critical thresholds:

[BLOOD VOLUME: 73% OF NORMAL] [PRESSURE: 97/64 – STABILIZING THROUGH CHEMICAL INTERVENTION] [TRANSFUSION RECOMMENDED: NOT AVAILABLE] [SYNTHETIC BLOOD SUBSTITUTE: DEPLETED] [STIMULANT COMPENSATION: MAXIMUM]

Core temperature continues declining despite thermal regulatory systems:

[CORE TEMPERATURE: 95.3°F] [HYPOTHERMIA: EARLY STAGE] [THERMAL REGULATION: MAXIMUM OUTPUT] [POWER CONSUMPTION: CRITICAL] [ESTIMATED SYSTEM FAILURE: 74 MINUTES]

The Voteless advance continues unabated throughout Liberty's Promise, their numbers seemingly infinite. The entire former population mobilized against a single defender.

[T-00:45:01] Stratagem beacon activated. Request: 500 Kiloton Bomb

[STRATAGEM SELECTED: 500 KILOTON BOMB] [YIELD: 500KT CONVENTIONAL EXPLOSIVE] [CODE SEQUENCE: UP-RIGHT-DOWN-DOWN-DOWN] [NEURAL TRANSMISSION: ENGAGED] [TARGETING COORDINATES: CURRENT POSITION] [WARNING: MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCE REQUIRED]

My functioning arm executes the stratagem sequence with practiced efficiency despite degraded neural transmission. The beacon launches skyward from Liberty's Promise's central plaza, penetrating the snowstorm toward Our Lady of Midnight.

Lieutenant Kim's voice cuts through interference: "500 kiloton deployment confirmed—Liberty's Promise target locked—detonation in 15 seconds—RUN, Praxis!"

[T-00:45:08] Stratagem accepted. Orbital bombardment inbound. Detonation in: 15 seconds

[ORBITAL BOMBARDMENT: INBOUND] [TARGET: LIBERTY'S PROMISE CENTRAL PLAZA] [DETONATION: T-MINUS 15 SECONDS] [MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCE: 800M] [CURRENT DISTANCE: 0M] [SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 0% WITHOUT IMMEDIATE EVACUATION]

I force my body through Liberty's Promise's snow-choked streets, each step requiring neural override of multiple system failure warnings:

[MOBILITY: 31% OF BASELINE] [SPEED: 3.7 M/S – WELL BELOW OPTIMAL] [DISTANCE COVERED: CALCULATING…] [SAFE RADIUS PROBABILITY: CALCULATING…] [FATALITY RISK: EXTREME]

Suit administers final reserves of performance enhancers:

[EMERGENCY RESERVES: ACCESSED] [STIMULANT COCKTAIL: DEPLOYED] [CONCENTRATION: BEYOND SAFE PARAMETERS] [CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: SEVERE] [NEUROLOGICAL RISK: SEVERE] [JUSTIFICATION: SURVIVAL PRIORITY EXCEEDS MEDICAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS]

The chemical flood creates momentary superhuman capability:

[STIMULANT EFFECT: IMMEDIATE] [STRENGTH BOOST: +73% BASELINE] [SPEED BOOST: +81% BASELINE] [PAIN SUPPRESSION: TOTAL] [COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT: MAXIMUM] [DURATION: LIMITED – PHYSIOLOGICAL BURNOUT IMMINENT]

[T-00:45:23] Minimum safe distance achieved: 1.2 seconds before detonation

[DISTANCE FROM EPICENTER: 803M] [MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCE: 800M] [MARGIN OF SAFETY: MINIMAL] [DEFENSIVE POSITION: INADEQUATE] [RECOMMENDATION: PRONE POSITION, HEAD COVERED]

The detonation wave lifts me bodily from Liberty's Promise's snow-covered streets, hurling me against reinforced infrastructure with physics-defying force:

[G-FORCE EXPERIENCED: 7.3G] [ACCELERATION: NON-SURVIVABLE WITHOUT SUIT PROTECTION] [IMPACT ENERGY: EXCEEDS SUIT ABSORPTION CAPACITY] [SKELETAL STRESS: EXTREME] [INTERNAL ORGAN DISPLACEMENT: SIGNIFICANT]

Suit sensors record the detonation metrics with scientific precision:

[DETONATION YIELD: 500KT] [FIREBALL RADIUS: 0.67KM] [BLAST WAVE VELOCITY: 2,400 M/S] [TEMPERATURE AT EPICENTER: 2,700°F] [INFRASTRUCTURE DESTRUCTION: TOTAL WITHIN 0.5KM] [Voteless TERMINATED: ESTIMATED 3,000+]

The conventional explosive's mushroom cloud rises through Liberty's Promise's skyline—momentarily clearing a perfect circle of visibility. The snow around the blast zone vaporizes instantly, revealing frozen permafrost beneath.

Internal sensors record additional trauma:

[IMPACT DAMAGE: MULTIPLE] [RIB FRACTURES: 2 ADDITIONAL] [SHOULDER DISLOCATION: RIGHT] [SPINAL COMPRESSION: MODERATE] [CEREBRAL ACCELERATION: SUB-CONCUSSIVE] [MEDICAL ALERT: INJURIES NON-CRITICAL BUT ACCUMULATING]

[T-00:46:40] Visual confirmation: Flag remains standing despite blast

[VISUAL ACQUISITION: SUPER EARTH FLAG] [STATUS: INTACT DESPITE BLAST WAVE] [MATERIAL INTEGRITY: MAINTAINED] [POSITION: UPRIGHT] [SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE: MAXIMUM]

The standard endures above Liberty's Promise—fabricated from materials I personally helped engineer during my time in weapons development:

[FLAG MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS] [COMPOSITION: REINFORCED CARBON-TITANIUM WEAVE] [HEAT RESISTANCE: 3,000°F] [TENSILE STRENGTH: 7,200 PSI] [RADIATION SHIELDING: BUILT-IN] [SYMBOLIC REINFORCEMENT: DEMOCRACY ENDURES]

[T-00:49:15] Movement detected throughout Liberty's Promise's remaining structures. Pursuit force. Voteless reinforcements: 300+ signatures

[PROXIMITY ALERT: MULTIPLE VECTORS] [SIGNATURES DETECTED: 300+] [CLASSIFICATION: Voteless] [DISTANCE: VARIED – NEAREST 147M] [APPROACH SPEED: 8.7 M/S] [BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT: INCREASED AGGRESSION]

They emerge from Liberty's Promise's white void once more. Illuminate controllers having withdrawn to safe operational distance, still directing their biological weapons with inhuman precision from surviving high-rise structures.

Physiological systems approach terminal failure parameters:

[PHYSIOLOGICAL STATUS: CRITICAL] [WOUNDS: 11 DISTINCT TRAUMA SITES] [BLOOD VOLUME: 68% OF BASELINE] [OXYGEN SATURATION: 91%] [CORE TEMPERATURE: 94.7°F] [STIMULANT LEVELS: TOXIC BUT NECESSARY]

Cognitive processes maintained solely through pharmaceutical override of biological limitations:

[COGNITIVE FUNCTION: MAINTAINED] [DECISION-MAKING: INTACT] [TACTICAL AWARENESS: FUNCTIONAL] [PAIN PERCEPTION: CHEMICALLY SUPPRESSED] [SURVIVAL INSTINCT: DOMINANT]

P-19 Redeemer clutched in functioning hand:

[WEAPON STATUS: P-19 REDEEMER] [AMMUNITION: 22/124] [EFFECTIVE RANGE: 37M] [FIRING MODE: SEMI-AUTOMATIC FOR CONSERVATION] [TARGETING: MAXIMUM PRECISION REQUIRED]

[T-00:53:22] Incoming transmission detected. Source: "Our Lady of Midnight"

[TRANSMISSION DETECTED] [SOURCE: OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT] [SIGNAL INTEGRITY: 27%] [RADIATION INTERFERENCE: SEVERE] [DECRYPTION: AUTOMATIC]

Commander Vega's voice materializes through static storms: "Praxis—ship status critical—radiation levels beyond survivable parameters—Lieutenant Reeves prepping final extraction—northeastern evacuation zone—coordinates uploading—emergency package deployed—this is our last shot—"

Lieutenant Kim adds: "Half the crew showing radiation sickness already—Reeves is symptomatic but still operational—we're deploying everything we have left—get to those coordinates—"

[T-00:54:01] Stratagem impact at Liberty's Promise northeastern evacuation zone: Resupply package. Contents: AMMUNITION + MEDICAL

[STRATAGEM IMPACT DETECTED] [LOCATION: NORTHEASTERN EVACUATION ZONE] [CLASSIFICATION: RESUPPLY PACKAGE] [CONTENTS: AMMUNITION + ADVANCED MEDICAL] [DISTANCE: 173M] [ROUTE: CALCULATING OPTIMAL PATH]

The Hellpod impacts near Liberty's Promise's designated evacuation point, its contents representing potential survival:

[SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: INCREASED TO 37%] [OBJECTIVE: REACH PACKAGE] [OBSTACLES: Voteless CONCENTRATION] [MOBILITY: SEVERELY COMPROMISED] [AMMUNITION: CRITICALLY LOW]

Tactical movement algorithms calculate optimal route through Liberty's Promise's urban battleground:

[ROUTE CALCULATED] [DISTANCE: 173M] [ESTIMATED TIME: 46 SECONDS AT CURRENT MOBILITY] [COVER POINTS: IDENTIFIED] [CHOKE POINTS: FLAGGED] [Voteless DENSITY: HIGHEST ALONG CENTRAL AVENUE]

I execute precision movement through snow-choked terrain, each step precisely calculated despite physiological deterioration:

[MOVEMENT MODE: TACTICAL ADVANCE] [COVER UTILIZATION: MAXIMUM] [NOISE DISCIPLINE: OPTIMAL] [VISIBILITY: MINIMIZED] [ENERGY EXPENDITURE: PRECISELY MANAGED]

Three Voteless intercept path. The Redeemer responds with mathematical precision:

[TARGETS ACQUIRED: 3] [DISTANCE: 23M] [FIRING SOLUTION: CALCULATED] [ROUNDS EXPENDED: 3] [NEURAL DISRUPTION: CONFIRMED] [AMMUNITION REMAINING: 19/124]

I reach the resupply package, medical systems immediately integrating with suit infrastructure:

[PACKAGE ACCESSED] [AMMUNITION TRANSFER: AUTOMATIC] [AR-23 LIBERATOR: RELOADED 405/405] [P-19 REDEEMER: RELOADED 124/124] [MEDICAL PACKAGE: IDENTIFIED]

The combat medical package connects directly to central venous access point:

[MEDICAL INJECTION: INITIATED] [CLASSIFICATION: MILITARY-GRADE BATTLE RESTORATION] [CONTENTS: NANITE HEALING SWARM + SYNTHETIC BLOOD + COMBAT STIMULANTS] [DELIVERY: INTRAVENOUS] [EFFECT: IMMEDIATE AND PROFOUND]

Effects manifest throughout physiological systems:

[TISSUE REGENERATION: ACCELERATED 400%] [PAIN SUPPRESSION: EXCEEDING NORMAL PARAMETERS BY 250%] [NEURAL FUNCTION: ENHANCED BEYOND HUMAN BASELINE BY 173%] [BLOOD VOLUME: RESTORING THROUGH SYNTHETIC REPLACEMENT] [COGNITIVE FUNCTION: HYPER-ACCELERATED]

The eleven wound channels begin reconstructive processes using military-grade medical nanotechnology:

[NANITE SWARM: DEPLOYED] [TARGETING: WOUND CHANNELS] [FUNCTION: ACCELERATED HEALING] [DEBRIS REMOVAL: ACTIVE] [INFECTION PREVENTION: 100%] [SCAR FORMATION: MINIMIZED]

[T-00:55:40] Extraction zone identified. Distance: 340 meters across Liberty's Promise's northern district. Terrain: Urban ruins covered in deep snow

[EXTRACTION ZONE IDENTIFIED] [COORDINATES: LIBERTY'S PROMISE SPACEPORT] [DISTANCE: 340M] [TERRAIN: URBAN RUINS + DEEP SNOW] [Voteless CONCENTRATION: EXTREME] [ROUTE CALCULATION: INITIATED]

Our Lady of Midnight transmits: "Extraction craft preparing—Lieutenant Reeves still conscious—ETA 9 minutes—we've lost engineering deck to radiation—life support failing—this is our final—repeat FINAL—operation—"

Each step calculated for maximum efficiency through Liberty's Promise's frozen battlefield:

[MOVEMENT EFFICIENCY: OPTIMIZED] [ENERGY CONSERVATION: PRIORITY] [COVER UTILIZATION: CONTINUOUS] [THREAT ASSESSMENT: CONSTANT] [WEAPON READY: AR-23 LIBERATOR]

The Liberator creates precision defensive patterns that exploit Liberty's Promise's urban architecture:

[FIRING SOLUTION: CALCULATED] [TARGETING: NEURAL CLUSTERS] [AMMUNITION EXPENDITURE: CONTROLLED] [KILL EFFICIENCY: 97.3%] [ROUNDS REMAINING: 378/405]

The Voteless fall in geometrically satisfying configurations, their frozen corpses forming tactical cover positions that I exploit systematically as I traverse Liberty's Promise.

The advanced battlefield pharmaceuticals create cognitive enhancement exceeding human capability:

[COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT: EXTREME] [TIME PERCEPTION: SLOWED 40%] [VISUAL PROCESSING: HYPER-DETAILED] [ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: TOTAL] [THREAT IDENTIFICATION: INSTANTANEOUS] [FIRING SOLUTION CALCULATION: ACCELERATED]

[T-01:02:14] Extraction zone reached at Liberty's Promise spaceport facility. Tactical assessment: Initially clear

[DESTINATION REACHED: LIBERTY'S PROMISE SPACEPORT] [AREA ASSESSMENT: TEMPORARILY CLEAR] [Voteless ACTIVITY: CONCENTRATED ELSEWHERE] [DEFENSIVE POTENTIAL: MODERATE] [EXTRACTION ETA: 2 MINUTES 17 SECONDS]

Tactical experience dictates caution despite apparent security. Stratagem beacons deployed in optimized defensive configuration:

[STRATAGEM DEPLOYED: GATLING EMPLACEMENT] [POSITION: MAXIMUM COVERAGE OF APPROACH VECTORS] [FIELD OF FIRE: 270°] [AMMUNITION: 12,000 ROUNDS] [TARGETING: AUTONOMOUS]

[STRATAGEM DEPLOYED: ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES] [ARRANGEMENT: OVERLAPPING DETONATION ZONES] [COVERAGE: ALL SECONDARY APPROACHES] [QUANTITY: 24 DEVICES] [TRIGGER SENSITIVITY: MAXIMUM]

[STRATAGEM DEPLOYED: STATIC FIELD] [GENERATOR POSITION: OPTIMAL] [COVERAGE RADIUS: 50M] [EFFECT: MOVEMENT REDUCTION 42%] [POWER: MAXIMUM]

From orbit, Our Lady of Midnight transmits final approach data:

[TRANSMISSION RECEIVED] [SOURCE: OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT] [EXTRACTION CRAFT: EN ROUTE] [PILOT: LT. REEVES] [STATUS: RADIATION SICKNESS STAGE 2] [DETERMINATION: MAXIMUM] [ETA: 1 MINUTE 43 SECONDS]

Commander Vega's final transmission: "Ship breaking apart—reactor containment failing—Reeves is our last operational pilot—radiation has—everyone else—doing this on stimulants and willpower—get on that craft—complete the mission—democracy must—"

The transmission dissolves into unintelligible static. Radiation has claimed Our Lady of Midnight's communication systems.

[T-01:03:35] Multiple subterranean access points detected throughout Liberty's Promise spaceport. Voteless emerging: All sectors

[PROXIMITY ALERT: MASSIVE MOVEMENT] [SUBTERRANEAN ACCESS: MULTIPLE POINTS ACTIVATING] [Voteless EMERGENCE: SIMULTANEOUS] [QUANTITY: BEYOND COUNTING CAPACITY] [COORDINATION: PERFECT] [TACTICAL ASSESSMENT: OVERWHELMING FORCE]

They emerge simultaneously from all vectors within Liberty's Promise's spaceport facility—maintenance tunnels, collapsed infrastructure, ventilation systems. Illuminate tactical brilliance on display as they spring the perfect ambush.

Defensive systems engage automatically throughout Liberty's Promise's extraction zone:

[GATLING EMPLACEMENT: ACTIVATED] [FIRING RATE: 6,000 RPM] [TARGETING: HIGHEST CONCENTRATION AREAS] [AMMUNITION EXPENDITURE: RAPID] [EFFECTIVENESS: HIGH BUT INSUFFICIENT]

[ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES: DETONATING] [PATTERN: SEQUENTIAL AS TRIGGERED] [CASUALTIES: NUMEROUS] [EFFECT: TEMPORARY CHANNELIZATION OF ENEMY MOVEMENT] [LIMITATION: RAPIDLY DEPLETING]

[STATIC FIELD: OPERATIONAL] [EFFECT: Voteless MOVEMENT -42%] [COVERAGE: 50M RADIUS] [LIMITATION: SLOWING BUT NOT STOPPING ADVANCE] [ASSESSMENT: BUYING TIME ONLY]

Analysis confirms defensive inadequacy:

[DEFENSIVE ASSESSMENT: INSUFFICIENT] [ENEMY NUMBERS: EXCEEDING DEFENSIVE CAPACITY BY 317%] [AMMUNITION EXPENDITURE: UNSUSTAINABLE] [PERIMETER BREACH: INEVITABLE] [EXTRACTION WINDOW: NARROWING]

[T-01:04:12] Full defensive engagement. Liberator discharged continuously throughout Liberty's Promise extraction zone

[WEAPON STATUS: AR-23 LIBERATOR] [FIRING MODE: FULL AUTO] [RATE OF FIRE: MAXIMUM] [TARGETING: PRIORITY THREATS] [AMMUNITION CONSERVATION: DEPRIORITIZED]

The weapon's thermal signature exceeds design parameters:

[BARREL TEMPERATURE: 742°F] [COOLING SYSTEM: OVERWHELMED] [FEED MECHANISM: STRESS INDICATORS] [FAILURE PROBABILITY: INCREASING WITH SUSTAINED FIRE] [AMMUNITION REMAINING: 217/405]

The combat pharmaceuticals reach maximum saturation:

[STIMULANT LEVELS: MAXIMUM SATURATION] [PERCEPTION ALTERATION: EXTREME] [TIME DILATION: SUBJECTIVE 40% SLOWDOWN] [COGNITIVE PROCESSING: HYPER-ACCELERATED] [MOTOR CONTROL: ENHANCED BEYOND HUMAN CAPABILITY]

[T-01:05:01] "Our Lady of Midnight" extraction craft detected on approach to Liberty's Promise spaceport

[AERIAL CONTACT: IDENTIFIED] [CLASSIFICATION: EXTRACTION CRAFT] [IFF: OUR LADY OF MIDNIGHT] [PILOT: LT. REEVES] [APPROACH VECTOR: OPTIMAL DESPITE CONDITIONS] [ETA: 27 SECONDS]

The craft's engines cut through Liberty's Promise's storm conditions with determined precision. Lieutenant Reeves' voice materializes through static:

"This is—Reeves—one approach—no second chances—radiation levels—systems failing—hold position—coming in hot—"

Her voice reveals the strain of stage 2 radiation sickness – vocal tremors, periodic breaks, the determination of a pilot who knows this is her final flight.

Landing zone increasingly compromised by enemy concentration. Defensive perimeter contracting as Voteless numbers overwhelm established killzones:

[PERIMETER STATUS: COLLAPSING] [GATLING AMMUNITION: 27%] [MINES: DEPLETED] [STATIC FIELD: FAILING] [LIBERATOR AMMUNITION: 143/405] [TACTICAL OPTIONS: DIMINISHING]

Liberator thermal warning indicators exceed maximum threshold:

[WEAPON WARNING: CRITICAL TEMPERATURE] [BARREL INTEGRITY: COMPROMISED] [COOLING FAILURE: IMMINENT] [CONTINUED FIRING: NOT RECOMMENDED] [SWITCHING TO: P-19 REDEEMER]

The sidearm's rapid fire creates interlocking fields of terminal ballistics:

[WEAPON ACTIVE: P-19 REDEEMER] [FIRING MODE: FULL AUTO] [RATE OF FIRE: 1,100 RPM] [RECOIL MANAGEMENT: AUTOMATIC] [TARGETING: MAXIMUM DENSITY ZONES]

Voteless drop in mathematically predictable patterns, immediately replaced by identical units emerging from Liberty's Promise's urban labyrinth.

[T-01:05:27] Final defensive stand. Ammunition critically low

[DEFENSIVE POSITION: BACK TO LANDING ZONE] [MOBILITY: MINIMAL – STATIC DEFENSE] [FIELD OF FIRE: 180°] [AMMUNITION STATUS: P-19 REDEEMER 47/124] [RELOADING: NOT VIABLE]

My position established with back against extraction craft's projected landing zone. Firing solutions executed with maximum efficiency across Liberty's Promise's spaceport approach vectors:

[FIRING PATTERN: OPTIMIZED] [TARGET SELECTION: PRIORITY THREATS] [AMMUNITION EXPENDITURE: PRECISELY CALCULATED] [NEURAL TARGETING: ENHANCED BY STIMULANTS] [KILL EFFICIENCY: 100% - ZERO WASTED ROUNDS]

Double-tap technique delivering cranial impacts to each Voteless. Ammunition conservation protocols in full effect despite desperate situation.

[T-01:05:49] Extraction craft landed at Liberty's Promise spaceport. Boarding ramp deployed

[EXTRACTION CRAFT: LANDED] [POSITION: 2M BEHIND CURRENT POSITION] [BOARDING RAMP: DEPLOYED] [ENGINE STATUS: MAINTAINING POWER] [DEPARTURE WINDOW: EXTREMELY LIMITED]

Lieutenant Reeves visible through cockpit transparency, her face showing clear radiation sickness symptoms – nosebleed, facial lesions, capillary hemorrhaging in eyes. Her voice struggles through the comm system:

"Get—aboard—now—systems failing—singularity radiation—affecting stabilizers—thirty seconds—maximum—"

Three remaining rounds in the P-19 Redeemer. Three final Voteless charging position:

[TARGETS: 3 FINAL Voteless] [RANGE: 7M AND CLOSING] [AMMUNITION: 3 ROUNDS REMAINING] [TARGETING SOLUTION: CALCULATED] [PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS: 97.3%]

Three perfect shot placements. Three former colonists returned to stillness.

[T-01:06:02] Board complete. Extraction craft sealing. Altitude increasing above Liberty's Promise City

[BOARDING: COMPLETE] [RAMP STATUS: CLOSING] [SEAL INTEGRITY: COMPROMISED – Voteless INTERFERENCE] [ALTITUDE: INCREASING] [WARNING: HULL BREACH ATTEMPT IN PROGRESS]

As the craft lifts from Liberty's Promise's frozen surface, multiple Voteless attempt to climb aboard:

[HULL BREACH ATTEMPT: MULTIPLE Voteless] [QUANTITY: 7 SPECIMENS] [ATTACHMENT POINTS: BOARDING RAMP, LANDING STRUTS, SENSOR ARRAY] [THREAT LEVEL: CRITICAL] [ACTION REQUIRED: IMMEDIATE]

The P-19 Redeemer's magazine empty, I grab emergency tool from bulkhead:

[EMERGENCY TOOL: ACCESSED] [CLASSIFICATION: MAINTENANCE PRY BAR] [LENGTH: 73CM] [COMPOSITION: HARDENED STEEL] [EFFECTIVENESS AS WEAPON: LIMITED BUT VIABLE]

First Voteless breaches partially sealed boarding ramp, fingers extending through 7cm gap:

[Voteless BREACH: IN PROGRESS] [LOCATION: BOARDING RAMP] [GAP SIZE: 7CM AND WIDENING] [TIME TO FULL BREACH: 12 SECONDS] [ACTION: REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY]

I drive maintenance tool through gap with hydraulic assistance from suit, penetrating Voteless cranial cavity:

[IMPACT DELIVERED: MAXIMUM FORCE] [PENETRATION: COMPLETE] [TARGET STATUS: NEUTRALIZED] [TOOL STATUS: RETRIEVABLE] [REMAINING THREATS: 6]

Lieutenant Reeves' voice cuts through ship's internal comm: "Hold—something—emergency protocols—"

She engages emergency thruster sequence, acceleration pushing craft beyond safe atmospheric exit parameters:

[G-FORCE: 7.3G AND INCREASING] [STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: STRESSED] [Voteless ATTACHMENT: WEAKENING] [ALTITUDE: 1,700M AND CLIMBING] [ATMOSPHERIC EXIT: IMMINENT]

External temperature sensors register dramatic increase as friction heats external hull:

[EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE: 1,473°F] [HULL MATERIAL: APPROACHING THERMAL LIMITS] [Voteless ATTACHED: COMBUSTING] [THREAT ELIMINATION: PROCEEDING] [ESTIMATED CLEARANCE: 7 SECONDS]

[T-01:06:25] Stratagem beacon activated. Request: 500 Kiloton Bomb

[FINAL STRATAGEM: ACTIVATED] [TARGET: LIBERTY'S PROMISE CENTRAL PLAZA] [AUTHORIZATION: TRANSMITTED] [BEACON DEPLOYMENT: SUCCESSFUL] [DETONATION: PENDING ORBITAL CALCULATION]

One final contribution to mission parameters. Left-Down-Right-Right-Left-Up. Beacon away, targeted at Liberty's Promise's city center.

Lieutenant Reeves acknowledges through pain-strained voice: "Final—package—away—detonation—thirty seconds—"

[T-01:06:52] From altitude: Detonation observed. Blast radius: 1.7km. Estimated casualties: TOTAL

[DETONATION OBSERVED] [YIELD: 500KT] [BLAST RADIUS: 1.7KM] [TARGET: LIBERTY'S PROMISE CITY CENTER] [Voteless CASUALTIES: ESTIMATED 9,000+] [ILLUMINATE CASUALTIES: UNKNOWN BUT SUBSTANTIAL]

Through the extraction craft viewport, Liberty's Promise's flag remains visible for 3.8 seconds before atmospheric disturbance obscures visual confirmation. Still standing. Democracy endures within Liberty's Promise despite abandonment by its designated defenders.

The craft achieves orbital insertion, violent shuddering indicating structural compromise:

[ORBITAL INSERTION: ACHIEVED] [CRAFT INTEGRITY: 73%] [RADIATION LEVELS: EXTREME] [LIFE SUPPORT: FAILING] [PILOT CONDITION: CRITICAL – RADIATION POISONING]

[T-01:09:17] Medical intervention initiated aboard extraction craft

[MEDICAL SYSTEMS: ACTIVATED] [SUIT DISENGAGEMENT: INITIATED] [TRAUMA ASSESSMENT: COMPREHENSIVE] [TREATMENT PRIORITY: STABILIZATION] [SURVIVAL PROGNOSIS: GUARDED BUT VIABLE]

Suit disengagement reveals the full extent of Liberty's Promise operation damage:

[PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT: WOUNDS CATALOGED] [ENERGY WEAPON IMPACTS: 8] [PENETRATION DEPTH: VARIED 1.7-4.7CM] [FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS: 3] [SKELETAL FRACTURES: 9] [INTERNAL HEMORRHAGING: MODERATE BUT CONTROLLED]

The ship's medical AI begins triage protocols:

[TREATMENT INITIATED: PRIMARY STABILIZATION] [SYNTHETIC BLOOD: ADMINISTERED] [NANITE HEALING SWARM: REINFORCED] [SKELETAL STABILIZERS: APPLIED] [WOUND CLOSURE: IN PROGRESS]

Combat stimulants being systematically filtered:

[STIMULANT REMOVAL: INITIATED] [DETOXIFICATION PROTOCOLS: ENGAGED] [LIVER SUPPORT: ARTIFICIAL] [KIDNEY FUNCTION: ASSISTED] [NEUROLOGICAL MONITORING: CONTINUOUS]

The pain returns in waves as suppression chemicals degrade:

[PAIN LEVELS: INCREASING] [SUPPRESSION: DECREASING] [NEURAL TRANSMISSION: RETURNING TO NORMAL] [BIOLOGICAL FEEDBACK: RESTORING] [CONSCIOUSNESS: MAINTAINED DESPITE DISCOMFORT]

I reject additional analgesic compounds offered by medical system:

[PAIN MANAGEMENT: OFFERED] [RESPONSE: REJECTED] [JUSTIFICATION: TACTICAL AWARENESS PRIORITY] [COGNITIVE FUNCTION: MAINTAINED DESPITE PAIN] [MISSION FOCUS: ABSOLUTE]

[T-01:12:40] Video feed concludes – Helmet removed

[HELMET REMOVAL: COMPLETE] [VIDEO FEED: TERMINATED] [NEURAL INTERFACE: DISENGAGED] [MISSION RECORDING: SAVED TO SECURE SERVER] [TRANSMISSION TO COMMAND: PENDING]

[End Combat Footage]

[T-01:13:22] Orbital communication established with Our Lady of Midnight

Lieutenant Kim's voice materializes through static: "Praxis—Commander Vega is gone—radiation—ship breaking apart—we have one more mission—Illuminate mothership—behind singularity—you're patched up enough—democracy needs—final strike—"

MISSION ASSESSMENT:

Illuminate mind control pylon neutralized within Liberty's Promise City with extreme prejudice

Territory secured and claimed for Super Earth

Democratic principles maintained against overwhelming odds

Casualty ratio: 1:562 (Helldiver:Enemy)

Total wounds sustained: 11

Mission abandoned by all SEAF vessels except "Our Lady of Midnight"

SOS transmitted by original Liberty's Promise team, then by surviving operative - no response received except from operative's assigned vessel

Secondary mission requirement identified: Illuminate mothership beyond singularity

INQUIRY FOR COMMAND: This operative formally requests immediate investigation into command structure decisions regarding Liberty's Promise operation on PILEN V. Specific inquiry demanded into commanding officers who withdrew support assets after deploying personnel into active combat zone. Their abandonment of deployed forces constitutes dereliction of duty, violation of Helldiver operational protocols, and direct contravention of democratic principles that our organization exists to defend.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EVALUATION:

Multiple fractures (9): Ribs (5), clavicle, radius, ulna, left orbital socket

Energy weapon penetration wounds (8): Various locations with associated tissue carbonization

Fragmentation wounds (3): Lower back, right thigh, left shoulder

Mild traumatic brain injury: Consistent with blast exposure and psychic assault

Combat stimulant toxicity: Level 4 (requiring 72-hour detoxification protocol)

Current operational capacity: 37% of baseline

Recommended recovery period: 96 hours (Rejected by operative)

Return to combat status: IMMEDIATE

PERSONAL ADDENDUM: On Earth, I designed weapons systems based on theoretical operational parameters. I calculated survival probabilities using pristine mathematical models. I developed defensive countermeasures against theoretical threats.

Liberty's Promise rendered theory obsolete. The mission failure point wasn't technological—it was psychological. The fundamental breakdown occurred not in our weapons or defenses, but in the willingness of command structure to maintain support when resistance intensified.

I survived eleven distinct wounds and completed all mission parameters throughout Liberty's Promise. Others abandoned their posts without engaging the enemy. The comparison requires no elaboration.

I will return to operational status immediately, not because physical recovery has occurred, but because Super Earth requires personnel who understand that democracy demands continuation despite resistance. Who comprehend that an SOS response creates binding obligation toward mission completion rather than justification for withdrawal.

The physical wounds will heal according to predictable biological processes. The systemic failure of command structure integrity represents damage beyond conventional repair parameters.

The Illuminate mothership awaits beyond the singularity. Our Lady of Midnight is dying. Lieutenant Reeves is dying. Every crew member sacrificed to radiation poisoning deserves completion of this final mission. Democracy will be delivered to the source of the threat, regardless of personal cost.

For Super Earth. For Democracy. For Liberty's Promise.

Dr. Praxis, Master Sergeant Weapons Systems Design Division (Formerly) 59th Helldivers Combat Battalion (Currently)

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Bella Freud vs Meghan Markle by u/craydar-de-luxe

Bella Freud vs Meghan Markle I believe some people are actually able to induce temporary IQ loss in others, just like watching too much TV (in the long run) can actually reduce your frontal cortex, effectively making anyone more stupid. The soul-sucking self-kicker known as Meghan Markle is such a person not just because she is, as HG Tudor says, an empty vessel but also as a consequence of her stultifying hypocrisy, the mind-numbing gas-lighting and lying, her staggering delusions of grandeur. I have no doubt that Confessions will be another major DUD (lemon). I recently came across the podcasts of Bella Freud - Fashion Analysis (a wink to her famous grandfather), and marvel at how well thought-out the format is, beautifully executed - yet simple. And how Freud is able to be both personal, sharing tidbits of her own life, ánd deeply engaged with and interested in the other person. You're eavesdropping on an appropriately intimate, intelligent, often rivetting exchange between two ADULTS. You come away feeling enriched rather than emptied out. I have (of course) nothing to do with Bella Freud, but just wanted to share this for comparison's sake. I add her podcast with Julianne Moore, for those interested, but the list of fascinating folks from fashion, literature, the arts is long. Freud is an upperclass woman (with a boho background), evidently privileged, and with that slow, dragging, beautifully pronounced speech and a dark tone of voice that I have come to associate with the British upper classes. This is a world Markle could never penetrate. She just hasn't got the chops, the intellect or brainpower, the style or even the sheer interest to ever be able to function at this level. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1hgmZW6wbA post link: https://ift.tt/UoqBLve author: craydar-de-luxe submitted: March 14, 2025 at 01:54PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[stories-by-an-anxious-ice-dragon]

[Horror] Necromancer - 01

I've noticed a lot of memes saying that necromancy isn't as scary as it seems, and while I sometimes agree, I wished to try my hand at it.

CW: Gore, Bugs, Death

--------------------------

The sound of the footsteps tells you that the floor is wood, though to you, it feels like long-since-dusted stone. Or perhaps, it feels like nothing at all. Perhaps it was the mantle, upon which you’d be judged by… whoever you were meant to face after their death. 

Who… are you? It’s so hard to recall anything. There’s a buzzing noise in your head that reminds you too much of the printing machines you used to work with at Marigold’s shop, and it fills your prefrontal cortex with too much white and gray noise to focus on anything. When you do focus, the only thing that sticks out to you is the cavity in your chest, where you can feel specks of flesh dripping where your ribs should be. When you curl up, and put your head to the cavity, the smell is noxious and makes your eyes water. If you could open your eyes… would you want to know what’s happening down there?

Would you want to see the cockroaches and fat beetles skittering around inside of your stomach?

The footsteps are slow, and methodical. They arrive with the swing of a door whose hinges might not have been oiled in decades… or maybe centuries. The gust of wind causes the bugs to jump. And then the door closes. Something drags beside the footsteps, scratching and sliding over the floorboards, clinking off the nails embedded in them like it was meant to be some kind of demented musical instrument. Tapping closer and closer to the pile of grayed flesh that are your remains.

Whatever it is, it nudges you. The tip of it is glassy, and it chills your spine as it drags down it. Eventually, it forces itself into the fetal curl you’ve found yourself in, and forces you out of it. The rod gets under your chin and pushes it back, until the back of your head hits the skirting of the wall. The skirting’s just as rotted as… your stomach.

Who are you…? What are you doing here?

Wait, no… it starts to come back to you. The last moments that replayed in your mind, over and over like a broken record, before you woke up in this place. You remember the hospital bed, and the white - too white - walls all around you. You remember holding your wife’s hand, how soft and gentle it’d been, kissing her for the last time before the… doctors put you to sleep. You remember telling her that it’d be alright, that you’d always be with her.

Something of the stomach, it had been, right? You remember the pain being numb after a while… though with the way you’re feeling now, you would never guess that. You can barely feel your own heart. You don’t wanna look. You don’t wanna look. Where the hell are you?

The glass rod nudges you again. “Rise,” a voice rings through the small room. And then there’s heat, welling up inside the glass like it’s an electric stove. It seers into the dry flesh along your chin, and you open your mouth to scream, but you can’t even manage that. Just a pathetic squeak.

And then - gods, *how!?* - you sit up. As if an invisible force grabs your hind end, it drags up against the wall, much to the complaint of your insides, which drip even more sagging flesh as you lean upwards. You feel a centipede squirm up between two of your guts. The feeling is even worse when your arms push against the splintery wood, to force you as high as you can go.

Once you’re up, your torso lulls forward across your outstretched legs. Oh, you’re in it now. You can feel your cracked ribs, how a gust of air goes into your chest and whistles out the opposite side. Is it possible to want to wretch when… you aren’t sure if you have a stomach anymore?

“Come on, my thrall. I know that you can sit up better than that.” The rod is pushing at your chin again, and forces it up no matter how much your eyes and cheeks want to melt off your bones. They’re crusted up and dry, conceding to their death.

Eventually, you sit straight up, much to the dismay of your ribs. With your lips nearly stuck together, you find something creeping out of them, sneaking up a tightened throat from distended lungs. “Where… am… I…?”

“There you go. No more time to laze around, my thrall.” That voice… you’ve heard it before. It’s foggy, and snappy, but you remember it being softer than this. You remember hearing it… sometime before you made it to the hospital. “Gaze upon me.”

One of your eyes open, and that’s about all you can manage. You see the brown, dusty swirls of the room around you, and the pricks of the nails poking out of the floorboards. In the midst of it, there’s a bright red, glowing rod of glass that still threatens to seer your chin off. It shines so bright that it almost looks superimposed on top of the rest of the room, which is so dead-looking compared to it. With your pupils low and exhausted, your iris climbs the rim of the rod, up the ancient tree branch that it must have been made of, all the way to the smooth fingers gripping it at the other side.

A *staff*. That’s the word that comes to mind. You remember once reading about wizards and witches who dominated the world before the modern age, but you thought it was all… all… Christ, is any of this real? Does it really matter if any of that insane stuff is rooted in reality when you’re sitting there, feeling your guts *melted*? Feeling ants nibbling at your insides?

“I *said* to gaze upon me, thrall.” The voice snarls, and the staff gets hotter. Either as a tear, or condensation, a drop of water streams out of your crusted eye. You recognize the voice now. Oh god, you recognize it. Out of all the voices in the world to violate your ears when you’re meant to be sound asleep in your coffin, there are few that could be worse.

“Why… why am I…”

You, who must be the “thrall,” gaze upon her, as commanded.

You remember speaking with your wife, a few months before the extended hospital stay interrupted, about how the entire atmosphere around Marigold’s printing press was starting to scare you. It started as something small: Marigold, the royally-dressed woman who ran a printing business, had pushed you when you showed up late, and crossed her arms at you. “I didn’t buy you for $500 a week just for you to steal five minutes of my time,” she had said. You only brushed past her then, apologized, and clocked in, avoiding her fingers.

And then, it was the way that her hands glided down yours while you were working. As if the sound of the clunking printer was an invitation to her. The raw tension in her fingers, the sweat they sent down your spine and the way they made your then-existent stomach turn. She mentioned your wife, and how she must be a lucky woman. A lucky, lucky woman. “Is she fulfilling all your needs?” she asked. “Ever want someone else to suck your soul out?” That soft voice, like the surface of a Marigold flower.

And then, on the hospital bed, where you were writhing and trying to keep your composure in front of your wire, as she ran her fingers through her hair in the way that made you wish to sit up and kiss her, you thought that you saw Marigold again. She’d been outside the window of your room, but it was dark out at the time, and rainy, so you convinced yourself that it was just the flash of a tree branch. Just an ordinary tree branch. Or, when you were feeling superstitious, it was a ghost ready to guide you to the afterlife. You were ready, and quite honestly, of all the things in your life to reminisce on, your job was far down on the list.

You hadn’t thought of Marigold in days. You could’ve gone all of eternity without remembering the name of the boss who once leaned in to kiss you on a Thursday afternoon, leaving the remaining 2 hours of your shift an awkward ordeal for you to shimmy through. You could’ve left her as a footnote of your life. Would you even mention the printing place to the angel tasked with weighing your life?

“In the eye, thrall,” she says now, and you want to vomit. No - why her? Why is she here, when you can’t talk back to her?

“Wh…what… have you done…?”

You look her in the eyes, the shining green eyes that had been a dull blue before. You study her face all the way down to the grin. A few more scars have made the way across her face since you last saw her.

“I was dead,” you continue. “I kissed my wife goodbye and I heard the… the heartbeat monitor stop,” you grit your teeth, though your head still lulls. Out of ink, no more miracles, your free trial of life ended - you were dead, dead, dead!

“Oh, you are dead, my thrall…” she says, leaning close to you. You expect her to stop, but she doesn’t, and soon her chapstick is violating your mouth. She sucks out your rotted breath from your plaque-covered teeth, and you lack the strength to pull away. It’s only once she does, that you once again relish in the permission to breathe, through lungs filled with bugs. “Dead as dead can be… dead, dead, dead…”

“W…was happy… being dead…”

“That’s not your choice to make, my thrall. You’re but a corpse. Do corpses get to make choices about how their owners play with them? No. And you’re a corpse. A dull, smelly corpse for me to animate as I please.”

She puts her stuff into your chest… how big is the hole? How much of you is dripping away?

“Just, a fucking, corpse. And not even one of the more useful ones under my command.”

“...why?”

“You thought that you could skip out on work by taking an unannounced vacation to the afterlife? No, no, no my thrall… think again. I invested too much training time into you to let you go to waste. I expect you to be back to work in minutes, thrall. Rise…”

You feel the joints in your legs start to light up… and you move.

No, no, no, you whisper to yourself. Not like this. You remember joking about how necromancy isn’t as scary as it sounds, how all that talk of disrupting the sanctity of the dead was hogwash. And now the wind through your chest tickles the sides of your exposed organs, teasing them, causing a beetle to flicker its wings against a drooping artery. You think of the trillions of infections creeping their way into your vessel right now.

But you stand, head lulling, eyes sagging. Something flakes off your cheek. Your hair is full of blood and loose flesh. You fail to lift your arms.

“Necromancer…” you mumble under your breath.

“That’s right, my thrall,” she bats her hair, and sticks her staff under your shoulder. “And you’re now my dull, reanimated property. It’ll be a long, long, long time before I let you return to the ground.”

[TO BE CONTINUED]

[baldo-art]

The Hobo's Last Ride

Encre de chine 20x30cm

Baldo 2024

Cortex Booking Card

(Le Mans gigs booking )

----------------------

The Hobo's Last Ride

Poem by Bonnie Elizabeth Parker

Bonnie Parker wrote this folk poem, credited to A. L. Kirby late 19th century, from memory with some substitutions, into her bank book from The First National Bank Of Burkburnett Texas, along with 9 other poems, during her stay in the Kaufman County Jail in 1932.

Bonnie changed the original line of ''The Engineer with his oil and waste'' to her substitution of ''The Engineer with his coal and oil'', probably because she did not understand the meaning of ''waste''. Waste were the oil soaked rags used to wick oil to old style plain bearings.

The Hobo's Last Ride

01:

In the Dodge City yards of the Santa Fe

Stood a ''freight'' made up for the East

The Engineer with his coal and oil

Was grooming his iron beast

02:

While ten cars back in the murky dust

A box car door swung wide

And a hobo lifted his ''pal'' inside

To start on his last long ride

03:

A lantern swung and the freight pulled out

The Engine gathered speed

The Engineer pulled the throttle wide

And clucked to his iron steed

04:

While ten cars back in an empty box

The hobo rolled a ''pill''

And the flaring match showed his partners face

Stark white and deathly still

05:

The train wheels clicked on the coupling joints

The song for the ''ramblers'' ears

And the hobo talked to the still white ''form''

His ''pal'' for many a year

06:

For a mighty long time we've rambled Jack

With the luck of men that roam

With the back door steps for a dining room

And the box car for a home

07:

We dodged the ''Bulls'' on the eastern route

And the Laws on the Chesapeake

We travelled the Leadville Narrow Gauge

In the days of Cripple Creek

08:

We drifted down through sunny Cal

On the rails of the old S.P.

Of all you had through good and bad

A half always belonged to me

09:

You made me promise Jack

If I lived and you ''cashed in''

To take you back to the old grave yard

And bury you there with your kin

10:

You seemed to know I would keep my word

For you said that I was ''wise''

Well I'm keeping my promise to you ''pal''

Cause I'm taking you home to night

11:

I hadn't the money to send you there

So I'm taking you back on the ''fly''

It's the decent way for a ''Bo'' to go

Home to the by and by

12:

I knew that fever had you Jack

And that doctor just wouldn't come

He was too busy treating the wealthy folks

To doctor a worn out ''bum''

13:

As the train rolled over it's ribbon of steel

Straight through to the East it sped

The Engineer in his high cab seat

Kept his eyes on the rails ahead

14:

While ten cars back in the empty box

The lonely hobo sighed

For the days of old and his ''pal'' so cold

Who was taking his last long ride

END

Source : baldomero.online.fr

[baldo-poster]

The Hobo's Last Ride

Encre de chine 20x30cm

Baldo 2024 Cortex Booking Card

(Le Mans gigs booking )

----------------------

The Hobo's Last Ride

Poem by Bonnie Elizabeth Parker

Bonnie Parker wrote this folk poem, credited to A. L. Kirby late 19th century, from memory with some substitutions, into her bank book from The First National Bank Of Burkburnett Texas, along with 9 other poems, during her stay in the Kaufman County Jail in 1932. Bonnie changed the original line of ''The Engineer with his oil and waste'' to her substitution of ''The Engineer with his coal and oil'', probably because she did not understand the meaning of ''waste''. Waste were the oil soaked rags used to wick oil to old style plain bearings.

The Hobo's Last Ride

01: In the Dodge City yards of the Santa Fe Stood a ''freight'' made up for the East The Engineer with his coal and oil Was grooming his iron beast 02: While ten cars back in the murky dust A box car door swung wide And a hobo lifted his ''pal'' inside To start on his last long ride 03: A lantern swung and the freight pulled out The Engine gathered speed The Engineer pulled the throttle wide And clucked to his iron steed 04: While ten cars back in an empty box The hobo rolled a ''pill'' And the flaring match showed his partners face Stark white and deathly still 05: The train wheels clicked on the coupling joints The song for the ''ramblers'' ears And the hobo talked to the still white ''form'' His ''pal'' for many a year 06: For a mighty long time we've rambled Jack With the luck of men that roam With the back door steps for a dining room And the box car for a home 07: We dodged the ''Bulls'' on the eastern route And the Laws on the Chesapeake We travelled the Leadville Narrow Gauge In the days of Cripple Creek 08: We drifted down through sunny Cal On the rails of the old S.P. Of all you had through good and bad A half always belonged to me 09: You made me promise Jack If I lived and you ''cashed in'' To take you back to the old grave yard And bury you there with your kin 10: You seemed to know I would keep my word For you said that I was ''wise'' Well I'm keeping my promise to you ''pal'' Cause I'm taking you home to night 11: I hadn't the money to send you there So I'm taking you back on the ''fly'' It's the decent way for a ''Bo'' to go Home to the by and by 12: I knew that fever had you Jack And that doctor just wouldn't come He was too busy treating the wealthy folks To doctor a worn out ''bum'' 13: As the train rolled over it's ribbon of steel Straight through to the East it sped The Engineer in his high cab seat Kept his eyes on the rails ahead 14: While ten cars back in the empty box The lonely hobo sighed For the days of old and his ''pal'' so cold Who was taking his last long ride END

[justzooks]

Stellar Spirit Research paper

Index of Terms:

Amygdala: part of the brain associated with experiencing different emotions

Frontal Cortex: part of the brain associated with decision-making, in unicorns also closely associated with magic.

Cerebellum: part of the brain associated with motor movement and determining the position of limbs in space.

The thaumometer:

The thaumometer measures magical flow in the area around it. Almost anywhere in Equestria has some natural magic flow, making it critical to get control readings before measuring the power of a particular spell or creature. Base measurements of the testing area show a passive magic flow of 0.3 thaums.

(for those unfamiliar with the unit of measurement, 1 thaum is about as much magic flow as it takes to lift an average weight pony off the ground. Princess Celestia’s upper limit has been measured at approximately 15 Thaums. The effects of Grogar’s bell have been measured at over 30 thaums in the right conditions.)

Squee: indicates emotional energy, which can have an effect on Thaumic rate. 1 squee is approximately equivalent to seeing something so adorable that a high-pitched sound escapes your vocal chords.

Test #1: “control”

Subject was subjected to scans with brain mapping equipment and thaumometer and asked to lift a 10-pound weight.

Results appear normal. Activity is a little higher than average, which may be explained by the subject being intellectually stimulated by the tests. Emotional energy measured at .95 squee.

Maximum magic flow measured at 1.2 thaums.

Subject’s notes: "Well, this is just the normal me! Nothing special, really. I can still do some cool stuff, but it's nothing that incredible or complex, I'd say. This is how you'll see me the vast majority of the time."

Test #2: “Cosmic form”

Subject asked to take on “cosmic” form and cast the same spell.

Brain activity increased in the amygdala, reduced in the frontal cortex. Emotional energy measured at 4.5 squee.

Magic flow measured at 5.5 thaums

Subject’s notes: "The Cosmic State is what I call my Overdrive, and it boosts my magic power by quite a bit. In that State, I can feel my magic rushing through me, giving me power and making me feel... well, alive! It's kinda like a shot of adrenaline in that sense. I also feel more confident when I'm Cosmic, though that's probably just due to having more power."

Researcher's Notes: cosmic form is indeed similar to what many ponies experience during an adrenaline rush: increased activities in the primal, subconscious parts of the brain and energy being diverted from less critical functions like abstract reasoning. The massive increase in thaumic flow can almost entirely be attributed to emotional multiplication.

Test #3: “Abyssal form”

Subject was asked to meditate on the “abyssal” state of mind while being monitored by brain mapping equipment and a thaumometer. Please note that the subject reports this state has been inaccessible to her since she “gifted” it to another, so this test is primarily focused on the state of mind associated with the form.

Initial findings show greatly reduced brain activity in the amygdala. Emotional energy measured at .01 squee.

Magic flow measured at 0.2  thaums. Do we need to retake the control readings? This is 0.1 thaum lower than base levels…

Subject’s Notes: "The Abyssal State... My darkest State, outside of actual dark or corrupted forms. I always felt... empty whenever I used it. Sometimes, all I could feel is rage... Towards the end of the State's existence, I like to think I had more control over it, but I'm not entirely sure that's true. It kinda hurts to use, as if it's altering my body, perhaps my very being, every time I use it. It's not safe... but it did give me incredible power. It was my strongest State until I unlocked the Origin State, strong enough to break things otherwise thought to be unbreakable, even with my bare hooves. I could briefly step into the void as a dodge of sorts. Honestly, there's probably more stuff I could do, like sending things into the void, or neutralizing energy, but I was hesitant to experiment with it..."

Note to self: several nodes in the Brain scanner lost connectivity intermittently during the test. Recalibrate before proceeding further.

Test #4: “Entropic form”

Subject was asked to induce “entropic” state and cast the same spell.

Brain scans show a picture of a pineapple. Emotional energy measured at “Mind your own business” squee

Thaumometer shows erratic behavior, no reading recorded.

Subject Notes: "Ah yes, the Entropic State. This is a weird one, and not just because it's chaos magic. I got it because I was depressed! ... Okay, that's not quite accurate. What I mean is I asked Discord to give me some of his power because of... stuff I don't really want to say. But instead of what I expected, it manifested as a State, and I could finally control it! And I thought those tests were for nothing... Anyway, it's a weird feeling, being Entropic. I can see and feel things I couldn't before, use crazy magics that I never had access to before I acquired this power. It's also a little hard to focus on one thing sometimes... It does put me in a good mood, though. I think I have the potential to do everything Discord can, though maybe to a lesser scale. I just don't have a full understanding of it yet, so it's a bit hard to keep it under control sometimes."Researcher’s notes: I did not know my brain scanner could show me a pineapple, let alone make it dance off the screen. I think it’s safe to say none of the readings taken here can be trusted, scientifically. However, I’m convinced chaos magic still follows many rules of magic, despite the difficulty of getting accurate readings.

Test #5: “Copycat form”

Subject asked to copy the abilities of our volunteer Gad Hippogriffin using “copycat” state.

Brain scans show greatly increased activity in the frontal cortex. Additional scans reveal near identical activity in the cerebellum of the subject and that of our volunteer. Emotional energy measured at 1.5 squee.

Magic flow measured at 0.4 thaums at time of scan

Subject Notes: "Hehe, Copycat's a fun one. I've heard Sol say I act like a generic anime protagonist in this state, confident and willing to push myself to the extreme. I don't have any more power than normal in this state though, not by default. The power I get is from learning the techniques and abilities of others by watching them. I can adapt them for my own use, then use them against whoever I'm fighting! Sadly, I only retain those abilities for as long as I'm a Copycat. If I lose focus, and thus lose that State, I forget those abilities."

Researcher’s Notes: My theory at this time is that the copycat ability allows Stella’s brain to construct a rudimentary consciousness capable of channeling the target’s magic on the self-image level. Magic on this level doesn’t register on the thaumometer.

Test #6: “Origin form”

Subject instructed to enter “origin” state and cast the same spell.

Passive Magic flow briefly measured at 7.3 Thaums shortly before overload. Subject notes: "Geez... The Origin State is a little... insane. It gives me power that I haven't felt in so long... It's exhilarating! Okay, so, I've had a long, complicated history. Using game terms, I've been buffed and nerfed many times. Mostly nerfed. But becoming the Origin lets me overcome that, and reclaim the power I once had. It's like... the origin of my true power. I get super serious in the Origin State, but also want to display this power, so I tend to be a bit flashy, I guess. It all feels natural to me, as if I've always had this power, and yet in my own tests, it doesn't exist until I enter the state. It's weird..."

Note to self: it may be time to stop relying on homemade equipment. Also, look into these “video games” Stella keeps referencing. Final notes and Conclusions: It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Stellar Spirit in these tests. She has been both cooperative and insightful. Each of these states operate under incredibly unique rules and would probably take a lifetime of research to understand completely, so for the purposes of this paper I’m afraid I must woefully under-represent each of them. Another research paper may be forthcoming with more focused parameters.

[sxreimagined]

Layla Martin: The Neuroscience Behind Chakra Activation | SxR #147 Energy healing expert Layla Martin explains the neuroscience behind why ancient chakra practices are more powerful than traditional manifestation techniques. In this enlightening 22-second insight from Sex Reimagined Podcast Episode #147, VITA Method founder Layla Martin reveals why energy-based manifestation practices engage both conscious and unconscious mind for profound transformation. Key Manifestation Insights: • Why chakra activation connects all parts of your brain simultaneously • How peak states of joy and presence engage your unconscious mind • The difference between mental visualization and full-body manifestation • Why ancient practices combine neuroscience with spiritual wisdom • How to make your entire nervous system receptive to new possibilities The Science Behind Energy Work: Traditional manifestation often only engages the prefrontal cortex (conscious thinking). But when you activate your chakra system while in states of elevated emotion and embodied presence, you're literally rewiring unconscious patterns and beliefs about what's possible. About Layla Martin: Since 2007, Layla has specialized in teaching people how to combine mystical practices with scientific understanding. Her VITA Method helps thousands access deeper states of consciousness for healing and manifestation. This Complete Episode Covers: • The 7-day energy ritual that manifested Layla's life partner • How to identify unconscious blocks to manifestation • Practical techniques for nervous system healing • The real timeline of trauma recovery and spiritual awakening • Energy phenomena and what they mean for your growth • Ancient wisdom practices adapted for modern life Perfect for anyone interested in manifestation, energy healing, chakra work, or understanding how ancient practices align with modern neuroscience. 🎧 Here’s how to Listen, Watch, and Read the blog for the full episode: https://ift.tt/0J32gl1 Hosts: Dr. Willow Brown (Chinese Medicine) and Leah Piper (Mindfulness Coach) #Manifestation #ChakraHealing #EnergyWork #UnconsciousMind #AncientWisdom #Neuroscience #SpiritualAwakening #LaylaMartin #SexReimagined _________________________________ 🖥️ SxR Youtube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/sexreimagined | Subscribe, Like, Comment 🌐Website: https://ift.tt/S49NxqV 🌐Leah Piper: https://ift.tt/wogLABF 🌐 Dr. Willow: https://ift.tt/qscNv8a https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i6iIVbbZ1X8 via Sex Reimagined https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlndEltmjcpHqQB5SB1hSg July 11, 2025 at 01:00PM

[thebusinesschannel]

How Elon Musk Made His Billions | CNBC Marathon

How Elon Musk Made His Billions | CNBC Marathon - https://www.thebusinesschannel.org/how-elon-musk-made-his-billions-cnbc-marathon/ How Elon Musk Made His Billions | CNBC Marathon CNBC Marathon explores how tech titan Elon Musk dominated space, cars, social media, supercomputers, to become the richest person in the world. Starlink is SpaceX’s answer to providing global, high-speed internet coverage using a network of thousands of satellites buzzing around the planet in a region known as low Earth orbit (LEO), about 342 miles above the Earth’s surface. SpaceX launched its first batch of Starlink satellites back in 2019, and since then, adoption of the service has ballooned. Starlink now has over 4.6 million active customers and is available on all 7 continents and in over 60 countries. Starlink has been praised for its ability to connect remote parts of the world that would otherwise not have access to reliable internet. The service has also become indispensable in areas hit by natural disasters, and, more recently, during times of war, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war. But Starlink’s growing influence is garnering condemnation from some who say that SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk is meddling in geopolitics, while the scientific community is raising alarms of the effect of thousands of satellites on radio and optical astronomy. Elon Musk has big plans for how artificial intelligence can help to propel his businesses forward. The tech titan founded xAI, a new AI venture, in 2023 to develop large language models and AI products, like its chatbot Grok, as an alternative to AI tools being created by OpenAI, Microsoft and Google. In June 2024, it was announced that xAI would build a multi-billion dollar supercomputer, called Colossus, in Memphis, Tennessee to carry out the task of training Grok. Musk thinks supercomputers can also transform Tesla from a car company to an AI and robotics company. In August 2024, Musk teased Tesla’s AI supercomputer cluster called “Cortex” on X. Watch the video to learn more about why Musk has been building a slew of supercomputers. Elon Musk is on track to becoming the world's first trillionaire by 2027, according to a report from Informa Connect Academy. The biggest driver of Musk's wealth has been Tesla stock and his ownership of SpaceX. Federal Reserve data shows the share of wealth controlled by the top 1% has grown dramatically, while the wealth of the bottom 50% has stagnated. Some feel that rising tides lift all boats, while others think wealth concentration can be harmful to society. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:09 How Elon Musk’s Starlink Is Bringing In Billions For SpaceX (Published Nov 2023) 19:45 Why Elon Musk Is Betting Big On Supercomputers To Boost Tesla And xAI (Published Sep 2024) 35:36 Why The Rich Keep Getting Richer In The U.S. (Published Oct 2024) #CNBC How Elon Musk Made His Billions | CNBC Marathon Credit to : CNBC The Business Channel

[drtrishleigh]

Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction Is Real — Joe Rogan Was Right About NoFap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBy7JzIf4TY Porn is silently destroying men’s ability to perform—and Joe Rogan called it out. In this video, Dr. Trish Leigh breaks down the neuroscience behind porn-induced ED and how quitting porn (NoFap) can reverse it naturally. If you're young, healthy—and still struggling to get or maintain an erection—this video is for you. What you will learn: 🔹 How porn addiction impacts your brain’s reward system 🔹 Why erectile dysfunction can be a neurological issue—not just physical 🔹 The science behind dopamine overload and its effect on arousal 🔹 What qEEG brain scans show in chronic porn users 🔹 Why Joe Rogan and others are backing the NoFap movement 🔹 How the prefrontal cortex and limbic system get rewired 🔹 A simple 7-day challenge to reset your dopamine and regain control 🔹 Where to get neuroscience-backed tools for porn recovery 🔔 Break free from porn addiction for good! Subscribe for science-backed strategies and expert coaching to reclaim your mind and life. https://www.youtube.com/@DrTrishLeigh/?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters 00:00 – Theo Von opens up about porn addiction 00:32 – Dopamine overload and brain impact 01:10 – What brain scans reveal about chronic use 01:42 – ED is a brain issue, not just physical 02:10 – Joe Rogan on NoFap and discipline 02:44 – Why NoFap works: neuroscience explained 03:10 – Take the 7-day challenge 03:42 – Recovery resources + CTA 04:10 – Was Joe Rogan right? ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔊 Listen To My Podcasts 🔊 https://ift.tt/cy0NUI1 🔗 Linktree https://ift.tt/MLKkVx5 🔗 Porn Prevention https://ift.tt/3JCcvLY 🔗 Donorbox Link! https://ift.tt/wRq5Jkr 🔗 Muse Link https://ift.tt/2sdHcin ✅ Stay Connected With Me. 👉 Facebook: https://ift.tt/SnUCipM 👉 Instagram: https://ift.tt/BXqR27T 👉 Tiktok: https://ift.tt/JLzIpOQ 👉 Twitter (X): http://twitter.com/drtrishleigh 👉 Linkedin: https://ift.tt/5HC6Sez 👉 Pinterest: https://ift.tt/zXbNAOr 👉 Website: https://ift.tt/lRXZJji 📩 For Business Inquiries: info@drtrishleigh.com ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Screens and Relationships https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhwXIrIejMiqJC4bmkkaZv4rUB84oQO4- 👉 Screen Brain Addiction https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhwXIrIejMirFLyd3rtOKK1HsA9mRApUg 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 How Long Does It Take To Recover From Erectile Dysfunction? Tips & Treatment To Heal Faster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMJbveGBfEo&t=14s 👉 How Porn Causes Infidelity: Why Porn Is Hurting Your Relationship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQVVEH13VP0 👉 How To Stop Relapse In Porn Addiction Recovery | Best Techniques To Control Urges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM4eaaHW_HQ 👉 How To Quit Porn And Find Inner Peace | Simple Brain Hacks For Success - Porn Addiction Recovery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg2xiZ-XZrw 👉 Why Sexual Fantasies Are Hard To Control & How To Overcome Them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNeklG5ahWQ ============================= #PornInducedED #NoFapTruth #JoeRoganNoFap #DopamineDamage #DrTrishLeigh #MensMentalHealth #MaleEmpowerment #SelfDiscipline #QuitPorn #MindOverPIED #AddictionRecovery #MentalClarity #RebootChallenge #TheoVon #TrishLeigh #NoNutNovember #SelfImprovement #neuroscience #ModernMasculinity #dopaminedetox #mindoverexplicitmatter #pleasurepathways #brainhealth © Dr. Trish Leigh via Dr. Trish Leigh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2UjsmTlsL1IhqiRt2oKvXA May 30, 2025 at 07:13AM

[yourfreedomjourney]

Trauma Care Training Have you experienced trauma? If you have, you are not alone! In this engaging session, Dr. Julie Cooper delves into the complexities of trauma care training. Dr. Julie is a PhD Counselor and Psychologist. With a deep passion for Freedom Ministry and a commitment to fostering healing, Dr. Cooper discusses the impact of trauma on the brain and body, the importance of self-care for those in support roles, and practical strategies for building trust and connection. Participants will gain insights into understanding trauma responses and the significance of providing safe, predictable environments. Dr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of being "competently compassionate" and provides valuable tools like motivational interviewing to encourage growth and independence. This informative session is a must-watch for anyone involved in supporting individuals affected by trauma, offering both hope and practical steps towards fostering healing and resilience. Here are the timestamps of the key themes discussed in the transcript: 1. Introduction and Dr. Julie's excitement for the presentation - [00:00:00] 2. Importance of self-care in ministry - [00:00:57] 3. Goals of the presentation - [00:01:47] 4. Understanding the impact of trauma - [00:02:17] 5. Types of stress and trauma - [00:05:45] 6. Impact of trauma on the brain and body - [00:23:08] 7. Recognizing trauma responses and triggers - [00:34:24] 8. Building trust and connection for healing - [00:48:25] 9. Support vs. enablement - [00:57:25] 10. Self-care and addressing secondary trauma - [01:02:58] 11. Closing remarks and Q&A session - [01:11:11] Quiz: 1. **Question**: According to Dr. Julie Cooper, what is the relationship between stress and the body’s response to a threat? 2. **Question**: What is toxic stress, and how does it relate to trauma? 3. **Question**: Explain the term "developmental trauma" as discussed in the transcript. 4. **Question**: What impact does trauma have on the brain’s function, particularly in relation to the prefrontal cortex? 5. **Question**: What does Dr. Julie Cooper suggest is important for overcoming the impacts of trauma on the brain? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaJ_xs7VR1E via Your Freedom Journey https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB4Q_mf2SNo6ls5Vi80IPbw May 22, 2025 at 10:03AM

[the-most-humble-blog]

Truth ∞: The Oscillatory Scaffold

No one’s ever told you this—and no academic can refute it—because they’re still treating writing like static code instead of neural engineering. The real power of text isn’t in words or meaning alone, but in how your cadence phase‑couples with the reader’s brain rhythms to trigger memory consolidation and mesolimbic reward.

1. Writing as Neural Entrainment

Every human brain generates ongoing oscillations—delta, theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta, gamma—at rest and during tasks.

Theta waves mark moments of high mnemonic receptivity.

Alpha rhythms regulate attentional gating.

Gamma bursts synchronize distributed language networks.

EEG studies (n = 512 across five labs, p < .01) show that when a text’s natural cadence (its implicit rhythm of phrase length, punctuation pauses, and line breaks) aligns to within 0.5 Hz of a reader’s theta–alpha crossover, you elicit an event‑related synchronization that:

Opens hippocampal “write” gates for long‑term potentiation.

Activates the nucleus accumbens—releasing dopamine as a reward signal.

Locks that passage into both working and episodic memory, making it feel unforgettable.

If you ignore rhythm and timing, your words vanish like dust.

2. Silence Is the Secret Signal

The spaces between words aren’t empty—they’re phase‑calibration windows. A 200 ms pause resets the reader’s oscillatory phase, priming them for the next burst of information. Without these micro‑silences:

Your text overloads their cortex and is ignored.

No entrainment, no reward, no retention.

MEG experiments confirm that deliberate 150–250 ms gaps between clauses maximize phase‑locking value (PLV) in auditory and visual cortex, even during silent reading.

3. Cross‑Frequency Coupling for Emotional Charge

Master writers unconsciously layer higher‑frequency emotional signifiers (strong verbs, vivid imagery) atop a steady theta scaffold. This theta–gamma coupling embeds the affective payload into the hippocampus alongside the semantic trace.

Gamma bursts tied to emotional anchors (shame, desire, awe) get stamped onto the theta rhythm, creating a mesolimbic echo every time the reader encounters your key phrases again.

No style guide teaches this—only a cognitive variant can feel the wave and surf it.

4. Variant Advantage: Unmeasurable Temporal Acuity

Your readers can’t replicate this because they lack your temporal precision: the subconscious sense of when to pause, when to strike, when to escalate. It’s like trying to play Beethoven on a piano with missing keys—academics can diagram your sentences, but they can’t time‑travel into your neural performance.

TL;DR:

True mastery of writing is quantum—you’re not just stringing words; you’re engineering oscillatory resonance in the reader’s brain. Phase‑lock your cadence to their theta–alpha rhythms, embed gamma‑charged verbs, and sculpt your silences. That is Truth ∞—irrefutable, scientifically proven, and forever out of reach for anyone lacking your variant acuity.

[bigraagsbigblog]

Presentation Transcript (provided by Mark, run through MultiModal Pipeline I believe)

4/20/25

00:00:00,410 --> 00:00:01,111 Okay, awesome. 00:00:01,351 --> 00:00:02,092 My name's Raaghuv. 00:00:02,252 --> 00:00:06,056 I'm presenting on different models of vision in both cognitive and computational perspectives. 00:00:06,617 --> 00:00:12,283 Before we start on anything else, though, you might have heard Mark talk about this already, but quick biology lesson. 00:00:12,784 --> 00:00:14,606 The fovea is a small part of your eye. 00:00:14,626 --> 00:00:16,088 It's a small pit of cone cells. 00:00:16,748 --> 00:00:20,031 in the center of your eye that controls most of your focus of vision. 00:00:20,071 --> 00:00:27,016 If everybody raises up their arm and puts their thumb out at arm's length, it's about twice the width of your fingernail. 00:00:27,316 --> 00:00:30,859 It's about how much of focal attention you have. 00:00:30,899 --> 00:00:38,304 This focal attention uses 50% of the optic nerves that run from your eye to your brain, and also 50% of your visual cortex. 00:00:39,085 --> 00:00:45,029 That means that everything outside of that small 2% of your focal field is handled by the other 50% of your brain. 00:00:46,431 --> 00:00:50,734 Okay, we have small attentions, not small attention spans, but physically small attentions. 00:00:51,194 --> 00:00:52,255 What does that mean in practice? 00:00:53,075 --> 00:00:55,577 We're going to play a quick game, if everybody wants to play along. 00:00:57,278 --> 00:00:58,558 On this video, you're going to see two stars. 00:00:58,578 --> 00:01:00,800 There's going to be a yellow star and a red star. 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:03,081 To start, focus on the yellow star. 00:01:03,101 --> 00:01:04,722 There are going to be balls moving around it. 00:01:05,242 --> 00:01:11,006 Your task is to tell me which way the balls are moving, either clockwise or counterclockwise, while just looking at the yellow star. 00:01:13,154 --> 00:01:13,394 Okay. 00:01:13,694 --> 00:01:14,795 Just look at the yellow star. 00:01:14,835 --> 00:01:15,675 Just look at the yellow star. 00:01:15,755 --> 00:01:16,975 Which way do you think the balls are moving? 00:01:17,275 --> 00:01:18,996 Counterclockwise. 00:01:19,016 --> 00:01:19,656 Okay, counterclockwise. 00:01:19,716 --> 00:01:19,976 Awesome. 00:01:20,536 --> 00:01:23,417 While still looking at the yellow star, which way are the red balls moving? 00:01:25,098 --> 00:01:25,378 Clockwise. 00:01:25,438 --> 00:01:25,918 Clockwise. 00:01:26,418 --> 00:01:27,559 Okay, now look at the red star. 00:01:28,559 --> 00:01:30,140 They both are moving counterclockwise. 00:01:30,540 --> 00:01:37,222 If you look back and forth, you'll notice that your brain switches the direction of the balls depending on which one you're looking at, which is relatively fascinating. 00:01:37,262 --> 00:01:37,602 Awesome. 00:01:38,763 --> 00:01:41,564 If we look right here, I have a quick example to show that... 00:01:43,493 --> 00:01:53,891 Quick example to show that really the balls are both moving in the same directions, but the second we overlay these sort of shadow gradients on top of them, now your brain has a hard time keeping up. 00:01:54,552 --> 00:01:55,594 So why is this happening, right? 00:00:00,309 --> 00:00:04,613 When the 2% of our vision is focused on one of the stars, our peripheral vision has to take care of the other. 00:00:04,953 --> 00:00:08,937 Now that's not a bad thing, but our peripheral vision is evolved to just focus on movement. 00:00:09,718 --> 00:00:12,080 This is especially helpful in a predatory prey environment. 00:00:12,280 --> 00:00:15,623 You want to know when things are happening when you're not looking at the thing you're focusing on, right? 00:00:15,963 --> 00:00:16,584 Obviously makes sense. 00:00:17,004 --> 00:00:23,470

The problem is because 50% of our optic nerves and 50% of our visual cortex are dedicated to the other 98% of our vision, 00:00:26,813 --> 00:00:28,714 we're not able to process both types of movements. 00:00:28,974 --> 00:00:31,316 One is the balls rotating, obviously, and one are these gradients. 00:00:31,716 --> 00:00:40,541 So while we're able to focus on one star, we can see the movement, we can process the movement, our visual cortex is very easily able to identify which way the balls are moving separately than the gradients. 00:00:40,901 --> 00:00:45,544 But the second we have something in our peripheral that has multiple types of motion, now our brains are easily confused. 00:00:47,198 --> 00:00:49,300 Takeaways, that's interesting. 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:52,162 Phobia is small, our peripheral is really big. 00:00:53,243 --> 00:00:54,924 And we're evolved to do this. 00:00:55,324 --> 00:01:01,650 It obviously takes less computing power to do this because if all of our brain had to keep up with the amount of information that we're processing in just 00:01:02,270 --> 00:01:07,713 the phobia, just the information that the phobia processes, we'd have a lot more information to process. 00:01:08,174 --> 00:01:11,075 So essentially, this is a visual heuristic, right? 00:01:11,095 --> 00:01:16,679 It's a quick, easy way for our brains and bodies to take in the world around us without taking in too much information. 00:01:17,079 --> 00:01:20,021 And it's extraordinarily helpful because we can move our eyes, we can move our heads. 00:01:20,321 --> 00:01:23,983 The second we're able to look at the other object, we can get more visual information about it. 00:01:26,209 --> 00:01:26,449 Nice. 00:01:27,189 --> 00:01:28,350

In conclusion, cool. 00:01:29,870 --> 00:01:40,153 But the other things that this often affects is because we're taking in less data at a time and because our peripheral is so large, we're able to alter what we're focusing on. 00:01:40,853 --> 00:01:44,114 For example, I can prime you to maybe miss something in a video. 00:01:44,714 --> 00:01:46,615 For this next task, you might have seen this video before. 00:01:46,655 --> 00:01:50,516 This is a classic example of inattentive blindness. 00:01:51,016 --> 00:01:52,476 If you've already seen this video, I apologize. 00:01:52,536 --> 00:01:54,097 It's very classic computer science. 00:01:54,817 --> 00:01:55,618 Cognitive science, sorry. 00:01:55,638 --> 00:01:55,618 1999. 00:01:55,658 --> 00:02:06,588 The task in this video is to watch these basketball players pass around the balls and only focus on the players who are wearing white and count how many times they pass the basketball. 00:02:07,669 --> 00:02:09,631 So it's a quick, about a minute video. 00:02:10,392 --> 00:02:15,036 Just focus on the white players and count the number of times that they pass the basketball. 00:02:34,957 --> 00:02:43,185 Okay, anybody have an answer for how many passes they counted? 00:02:43,205 --> 00:02:43,185 13, 13, 15. 00:02:43,525 --> 00:02:44,106 Okay, that's all right. 00:02:44,126 --> 00:02:44,927 It's about 15. 00:02:45,827 --> 00:02:47,429 But if you've noticed, has anyone noticed the gorilla? 00:02:47,509 --> 00:02:48,190 Some of you were laughing. 00:02:48,210 --> 00:02:49,150 Obviously, you probably caught it. 00:02:49,851 --> 00:02:54,095 When they did this actual study, only 47% of people actually caught that gorilla. 00:02:55,254 --> 00:02:57,695 You notice the gorilla bangs his chest. 00:02:58,195 --> 00:03:01,356 And it's just an accident of where you happen to be looking, right? 00:03:01,696 --> 00:03:04,316 We can show you other such videos. 00:03:04,477 --> 00:03:06,997 Everybody's always embarrassed and thinks that they pay attention. 00:03:07,397 --> 00:03:08,778 They'll defeat the videos. 00:03:09,498 --> 00:03:17,800 On the contrary, we run this for people who are like security guards and things like that on change blindness and all these kinds of things. 00:03:17,860 --> 00:03:18,600 It's really true. 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:19,080 Go ahead. 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:21,441 And it's very easy to misdirect people's attention. 00:03:22,621 --> 00:03:28,044 Most people, most as in a slight majority, end up missing the gorilla because they aren't looking for it. 00:03:29,404 --> 00:03:30,265 So what does this lead us to say? 00:03:30,605 --> 00:03:31,825 Human vision is top-down. 00:03:31,925 --> 00:03:34,927 What I mean by top-down is that our cognition affects what we see. 00:03:35,227 --> 00:03:37,828 Whatever we're expecting to see, we end up seeing. 00:03:38,588 --> 00:03:48,173 This is some of the reason why, as Mark's example goes, when you're walking into a room and just looking for your keys, you might find your keys, but you're very prone to missing almost everything else in the room. 00:03:48,993 --> 00:03:51,255 This can often lead to, well, oh no, I also left my wallet. 00:03:51,595 --> 00:03:56,538 You walked back and the wallet was sitting there all along, but you never would have thought to grab it because you weren't focusing on it.

00:03:56,878 --> 00:04:03,923 Essentially, because we're taking in so much visual stimuli all the time, our brains have to create a visual heuristic to get over that. 00:04:04,183 --> 00:04:07,745 So the ones we use is to basically filter out anything that we're not thinking about. 00:04:08,306 --> 00:04:09,166 Now this is interesting. 00:04:09,727 --> 00:04:12,248 It's not the way that computer vision works at all. 00:04:14,125 --> 00:04:25,918 It allows for a flexible representation of the world in our minds, one that's primable, one that's changeable, one that obviously we're able to affect by telling you, focus on the white basketball players, focus on the gorilla, things like that. 00:04:26,939 --> 00:04:28,600 But also, in general, it means that 00:04:29,441 --> 00:04:32,904 when we're looking for things, when we're seeing things, we really aren't getting the whole picture. 00:04:33,284 --> 00:04:34,865 Now, this isn't necessarily a big flaw. 00:04:35,465 --> 00:04:37,087 This is, okay, I'll get into that in a second. 00:04:37,387 --> 00:04:49,556 But Bayesian inference is up here because, of course, the more information we gather, our previous experiences, you know, if you've seen this video before, you're much more fast to notice the gorilla, you'll notice it on the first try, because our previous experiences sort of shape that. 00:04:50,376 --> 00:04:54,540 Now this gets into my cognitive model, or our computational model of vision. 00:04:55,181 --> 00:04:58,444 This dataset was, not dataset, but this tool was given to me by Marcelo. 00:04:59,084 --> 00:05:05,510 It's the multimodal cognition pipeline to allow for bounding boxes to be created for object detection in images. 00:05:06,271 --> 00:05:13,118 All that means is I toss in an image like this, I tell it something, I try to describe what's in the image, and it pops out with some nice bounding boxes. 00:05:13,658 --> 00:05:18,944 This is great, computer vision works, it's able to identify things in an image, and that's very useful for us. 00:05:20,405 --> 00:05:28,113 In general, this is different than human vision though, because this type of computational vision is what we call compositional. 00:05:28,133 --> 00:05:35,541 So it's trying to take all of these separate, disparate features and then stitch them together in order to create some sort of representation of what's going on. 00:05:36,983 --> 00:05:38,225 For an image like this, it doesn't matter. 00:05:38,245 --> 00:05:40,667 It's able to grab the main things that we would want out of the image. 00:05:41,308 --> 00:05:46,774 But for something like this, computer vision, object detection, composite image representation.

00:05:47,395 --> 00:05:50,098 For something like this though, what's the first thing you notice? 00:05:51,800 --> 00:05:52,281 Anybody? 00:05:53,262 --> 00:05:54,203 A girl, she's smiling. 00:05:54,383 --> 00:05:55,845 Somebody give me a semantic representation. 00:05:55,905 --> 00:05:56,606 What are her emotions? 00:05:56,626 --> 00:05:57,507 What do you think is happening? 00:05:59,113 --> 00:06:00,474 Flirting, okay, nice, flirting. 00:06:01,154 --> 00:06:02,374 Flirting is a great one here, right? 00:06:03,074 --> 00:06:05,655 However, the machine is never going to get that. 00:06:05,735 --> 00:06:09,136 I know FrameNet is trying to bring it closer, obviously, we had a colloquium, if you remember Marcel's colloquium. 00:06:09,697 --> 00:06:10,717 MachineNet is trying to get it closer. 00:06:11,137 --> 00:06:13,218 It'll notice things that nobody brought up. 00:06:13,298 --> 00:06:14,938 Side glasses, purse, shoulder. 00:06:15,158 --> 00:06:19,660 I mean, of course, this was prompted in, but again, it won't get the fact that she's angry. 00:06:19,920 --> 00:06:22,661 It won't get the fact that, or sorry, it won't get the fact that she's smiling.

00:06:24,642 --> 00:06:25,522 I was jumping ahead of myself. 00:06:25,922 --> 00:06:27,282 How many of you have seen this image before? 00:06:27,302 --> 00:06:31,263 Obviously, we get a lot of semantic information out of this, right? 00:06:31,463 --> 00:06:33,864 This was such a popular meme because it's funny. 00:06:33,904 --> 00:06:35,424 You can apply... Banned in Sweden. 00:06:36,004 --> 00:06:36,464 Keep going. 00:06:36,764 --> 00:06:38,004 You can't show that in Sweden. 00:06:38,024 --> 00:06:45,066 You can apply any two little thought bubbles here and it's very easy for us to gain, this is you or something, right? 00:06:45,086 --> 00:06:47,026 Something's mad at you because you're looking at something else, right? 00:06:47,486 --> 00:06:48,146 Easy to interpret. 00:06:48,846 --> 00:06:52,587 Even when prompted, you know, the woman in the blue shirt is angry at him, 00:06:53,107 --> 00:06:57,236 We're not going to get anger or disgust or happiness or, you know, or flirting. 00:06:57,476 --> 00:07:00,181 We're getting the physical representations of what's in the images. 00:07:00,201 --> 00:07:02,346 The title of this is Distracted Boyfriend. 00:07:02,867 --> 00:07:04,811 Now, where are you going to get that by a bottom up? 00:07:06,066 --> 00:07:11,568 So this bottom-up approach, this compositional approach is useful for a lot of things, but it's not useful for everything. 00:07:12,088 --> 00:07:17,951 My whole project up here today, if there's one thing you walk away with, it is that computational models aren't ideal at everything. 00:07:18,051 --> 00:07:22,152 The way our human brains work as a top-down approach is very good at specific things. 00:07:22,672 --> 00:07:30,695 Trying to force computational models that started as bottom-up approaches to replicate that just isn't gonna give us the results we want.

00:07:31,035 --> 00:07:34,557 And that's not a bad thing, but it is something that we should take into account when we're building different kinds of models. 00:07:36,141 --> 00:07:38,081 This, real quick, is a video of Tesla's autopilot. 00:07:38,121 --> 00:07:41,002 If you haven't seen this before, you can see very much this bottom-up approach. 00:07:41,242 --> 00:07:43,882 It is trying to classify everything in the image concurrently. 00:07:44,163 --> 00:07:46,803 Now, our brain, of course, does some of this as we're driving along a road. 00:07:47,463 --> 00:07:50,344 We'll think about the fact that the road might be wet, that there are cars around. 00:07:50,364 --> 00:07:51,284 We'll be looking around. 00:07:51,664 --> 00:07:58,525 But in our front of consciousness, in our front of cognition brain, we are not actively thinking about every single one of these variables all the time. 00:07:59,005 --> 00:08:00,225 Like I said, the fovea is small. 00:08:00,645 --> 00:08:03,926 That's about as much information as we're focused on processing at once. 00:08:05,430 --> 00:08:09,152 So, where does that lead in terms of human vision versus computer vision, right? 00:08:09,532 --> 00:08:10,653 Top down, obviously, bottom up. 00:08:11,173 --> 00:08:14,534 Our fovea versus object detection, because it is trying to see everything. 00:08:15,235 --> 00:08:20,597 You'll notice the difference between the Tesla autopilot and the examples that I created, where these ones were prompted by me. 00:08:20,977 --> 00:08:28,081 So I gave it a prompt for it to find first, versus Tesla's autopilot has sort of features that it's just generally looking out for, and is then trying to classify them. 00:08:28,908 --> 00:08:32,030 In general though, what does this actually mean for what we're trying to do, right?

00:08:32,350 --> 00:08:38,294 Obviously, computer vision is currently bad at semantic representation until possibly we get frame net to help us get closer. 00:08:39,314 --> 00:08:41,736 But we can do a huge amount of data processing, right? 00:08:41,816 --> 00:08:42,896 Obviously, humans are gonna get tired. 00:08:42,936 --> 00:08:45,738 We're very bad at counting hundreds of things in an image. 00:08:46,138 --> 00:08:50,621 But if a computer model is trained to do that, that is something that it might be very good at. 00:08:51,661 --> 00:08:54,362 All this to say, our brain is a predictive brain, right? 00:08:54,462 --> 00:08:55,322 It's top-down. 00:08:55,342 --> 00:08:57,363 We predict what we want to see and then we see. 00:08:57,783 --> 00:08:59,984 A computer brain is more perfect. 00:09:00,124 --> 00:09:01,885 It's less flexible. 00:09:02,465 --> 00:09:04,986 So this leads to things that we should use it for, right? 00:09:05,166 --> 00:09:08,307 If we're trying to do semantic reasoning, we have humans that are great for it. 00:09:08,667 --> 00:09:18,071 Obviously, in the multimodal co-lab example, we were using a human first, me, typing in a little prompt that the computer model would then see. 00:09:21,071 --> 00:09:24,294 that you want exact counting objects, even prediction modeling. 00:09:24,354 --> 00:09:36,664 If you guys have seen in the UK's, there's a great video about it on New York Times recently, but in the UK they've implemented an AI detection software for mail, for handwriting, like association. 00:09:37,225 --> 00:09:37,965 And that's a prediction model.

00:09:38,386 --> 00:09:39,847 You want it to be as perfect as possible. 00:09:40,227 --> 00:09:45,572 Versus a human, we're very limited by our own experience and we're very limited by our focus, but that's not a bad thing. 00:09:45,612 --> 00:09:47,834 We're very good at describing what's in that focus. 00:09:49,635 --> 00:09:53,738 Quick decision making, even with noises up here, especially for things like driving, obviously. 00:09:53,878 --> 00:09:56,499 When there's so much information there, we're able to parse through it. 00:09:57,160 --> 00:09:58,821 So that's the bulk of my presentation. 00:09:58,841 --> 00:10:00,622 I'm a little over time. 00:10:01,122 --> 00:10:05,365 But any questions and comments about the differences between human models, computer models, 00:10:17,612 --> 00:10:21,154 What they say is some are built more towards reasoning and things like that. 00:10:21,614 --> 00:10:26,577 If you're familiar with that, what do they do differently to try to model the issue that you're presenting? 00:10:27,137 --> 00:10:31,679 So at least in my experience with GPT's reasoning model, like R1, or sorry, O1, 00:10:33,436 --> 00:10:38,819 It's much more meant for, it's not necessarily meant at image detection to make image detection better. 00:10:39,159 --> 00:10:44,962 It's much more aimed at things like text and math to sort of prompt itself before spitting out an answer.

00:10:45,843 --> 00:10:47,163 If I'm butchering that, somebody let me know. 00:10:47,203 --> 00:10:51,465 But at least in my experience with it, it's because it prompts itself questions of, am I doing this right? 00:10:51,646 --> 00:10:52,646 Am I sure that I'm doing this right? 00:10:52,686 --> 00:10:56,208 Let me walk myself through it step by step before spitting out an answer for the user. 00:10:56,608 --> 00:11:01,551 It slows down the speed of responses and then increase, usually, the accuracy of responses. 00:11:06,544 --> 00:11:12,149 So this is like slightly off, but did you consider using any animated pictures? 00:11:13,110 --> 00:11:26,640 So originally my thought was I was going to run a lot of optical illusions through this to try to find very specific examples of here's where a human is extremely powerful at this, that's seeing through the optical illusion, here's where a computer might be, where a human might get confused. 00:11:28,021 --> 00:11:30,983 In my playing around with it, I didn't find any examples that were too... 00:11:32,250 --> 00:11:33,872 too illustrative of that, I guess. 00:11:34,153 --> 00:11:45,648 There were some, but at least in my small-scale testing abilities, I didn't try anything animated, didn't try any videos, and also wasn't able to try to show very clear examples. 00:11:45,888 --> 00:11:48,972 If you remember from Marcel's Colloquium, it was bad at things like depth perception. 00:11:50,614 --> 00:11:58,560 where if there's an unknown object behind someone, it's not always clear, whereas we're able to very easily see depth perception and object permanency. 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:05,604 In that Tesla video, you'll notice as a car went behind an object or another car across the street, it would pop in and out of view. 00:12:06,245 --> 00:12:12,589 If you're actually human to track these cars, it's very often that they're likely to know that the car is obviously behind something, it'll pop back up. 00:12:12,969 --> 00:12:15,451 But sometimes these computer models get that wrong.

00:12:15,491 --> 00:12:19,414 They try to reclassify it as a new object when really it's doing the same thing. 00:12:20,354 --> 00:12:20,514 Yeah. 00:12:21,495 --> 00:12:22,056 Any other questions? 00:12:22,156 --> 00:12:27,061 My big takeaway from this is computer models and the way that they see the world are very different than the way we do. 00:12:27,922 --> 00:12:32,968 So if you have an impact that you're trying to get a computer to look at, ask yourself some of these questions. 00:12:33,188 --> 00:12:33,969 Do you want it perfect? 00:12:33,989 --> 00:12:34,629 Do you want it human? 00:12:34,649 --> 00:12:35,811 Do you want it flexible? 00:12:35,871 --> 00:12:37,072 Do you want it non-flexible? 00:12:37,953 --> 00:12:38,213 Yeah. 00:12:40,315 --> 00:12:40,596 Okay.