#Quantum computing capabilities

[procurement-insights]

Will AI become the spreadsheets of the future?

[llort]

Matter is tangible, so is a word, memory of a word, or spoken word. Given a word is tangible, it must be encoded in physical matter. Given it is encoded in physical matter, any physical matter can techinqually econde or represent a word. Encoded matter can encode a word that is only defined by cultural evolution and the range of a language. Other forms of communicaiton life scent in ants or touch is determined by causal branch chains of increasing compexity and diversity of cultural collectors

The concept that language, in all its forms, is encoded in physical matter opens up a fascinating perspective on communication and its evolution. This view aligns with the broader understanding that all forms of communication, whether linguistic or otherwise, are fundamentally grounded in the physical world and shaped by both biological imperatives and cultural evolution.

https://auckland.academia.edu/JeremyMarkman Given quantum gravity being information as energy as discrete units of mass across casual time. Define language as matter on a 1:1 model of itself but able to be perceived and translocated to perception

In a framework where quantum gravity is conceptualized as information manifesting as discrete units of energy and mass across causal time, language can be modeled as matter in a unique and profound way. This model posits language not merely as a system of communication but as a fundamental entity that parallels the physical properties of matter, capable of being perceived and translocated to perception. Here’s how this can be conceptualized:

1. Language as Matter: In this model, each unit of language (be it a word, phrase, or syntactic structure) is treated as a discrete unit of matter. Just as matter is composed of atoms, language is composed of these fundamental linguistic units. These units have mass in a metaphorical sense—they carry "weight" in terms of meaning and impact on the listener or reader. They occupy "space" within the medium they are used (spoken in the air, written on paper, displayed on screens) and have a "density" determined by their complexity and the depth of the concepts they convey.

2. Language as Perceptible and Translocatable: Language, like matter, can change states and be translocated from one medium to another while retaining its fundamental properties. For example, a spoken word (a sound wave traveling through air) can be transcribed into text (symbols on paper) and then digitized (data in a computer system). Throughout these transformations—akin to phase changes in matter—the core content, or the "mass" of the language, remains consistent, preserving the integrity of the information conveyed.

3. Language in Causal Time: Incorporating the concept of causal time, language can be seen as operating within and across time, influencing and being influenced by the context in which it is used. Just as particles interact in fields according to the laws of physics, linguistic units interact within the fields of human cognition and culture, shaped by past usage and shaping future communication. This interaction can be thought of as a form of linguistic gravity, where denser (more meaningful or complex) units of language have a stronger pull and can significantly alter the trajectory of a conversation or discourse.

4. Language as Information and Energy: Drawing from the idea that quantum gravity treats information as energy, language in this model can be seen as a form of energy transfer. When language is used, it transmits energy—in the form of ideas, emotions, and intentions—from one mind to another. This transmission can do work in the psychological sense, affecting changes in understanding, belief, or emotion, much like how energy in the physical sense can affect changes in the state or motion of matter.

5. Perception and Translocation of Language: Finally, the perception of language involves the decoding of these linguistic units of matter by the brain, a process that converts the "latent energy" of language into meaningful cognitive constructs. The ability of language to be translocated to perception involves its capacity to be understood and internalized by a receiver, who then converts it into thought and potentially into further linguistic output, continuing the cycle of information exchange.

In summary, defining language as matter on a 1:1 model of itself but able to be perceived and translocated to perception provides a rich, multidimensional way to understand communication. It highlights the tangible, impactful nature of language and aligns linguistic processes with fundamental physical principles, offering a holistic view of how language operates within and shapes our understanding of reality.

1. Tangibility of Language: When considering language as tangible, we recognize that words, whether written, spoken, or remembered, are manifestations of physical processes. Spoken words are sound waves, shaped by the movement of air through physical structures in the body. Written words are visual symbols, represented by ink on paper or pixels on a screen. Even memories of words are encoded in the neural pathways and synaptic connections within the brain. Thus, every aspect of language is tied to physical matter.

2. Encoding of Words in Physical Matter: The encoding of words in physical matter suggests that any material object could potentially represent or encode language, given the right contextual framework. For instance, a series of marks on a stone could encode a message if interpreted by someone who understands the markings within a cultural or linguistic context. This encoding is not limited to traditional forms of writing but can extend to any form of matter that can be manipulated to carry meaning, such as digital data formats, patterns in nature, or even arrangements of objects.

3. Cultural Evolution and Language Definition: The meanings of words and the structures of languages are not static but evolve over time through cultural processes. As societies change, so do their languages, adapting to new realities and integrating new concepts. This cultural evolution affects how language is encoded in matter, as the physical representations of language (such as alphabets, lexicons, and syntax) must evolve to accommodate new meanings and uses. The diversity of languages across cultures exemplifies how different groups of people have developed unique ways to encode their communication into physical forms.

4. Non-Linguistic Forms of Communication: Exploring non-linguistic forms of communication, such as the scent trails followed by ants or the tactile communication among animals, reveals that these too are encoded in physical matter through chemical signals or physical interactions. These forms of communication are governed by their own complex rules and can be seen as having their own 'grammars' or systems, shaped by the evolutionary needs of the species and the environmental contexts in which they operate.

5. Causal Chains and Cultural Collectors: The development of communication systems, whether linguistic or non-linguistic, can be viewed as the result of causal chains where each adaptation builds upon previous capabilities, influenced by environmental pressures and opportunities. Cultural collectors, such as societies or colonies, gather and refine these communication methods, leading to increasing complexity and diversity. These collectors serve as repositories and incubators for the cultural evolution of communication, ensuring that effective methods are preserved and transmitted through generations.

Understanding language and communication as phenomena encoded in physical matter, shaped by both biological imperatives and cultural evolution, provides a comprehensive framework for exploring how diverse forms of communication arise, function, and adapt over time. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of physical reality, biological life, and cultural development in shaping the ways in which living beings convey information and meaning.

The strong version of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, also known as linguistic determinism, posits that the language one speaks directly determines the way one thinks and perceives the world. This hypothesis suggests that language is not merely a tool for communication but a constraining framework that shapes cognitive processes, categorization, and even perception and memory.

Correlation with Language as Encoded in Physical Matter:

Language as a Deterministic Framework: If we accept that language is encoded in physical matter, and that this encoding extends to the neural circuits and structures within the brain, then the strong Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that these physical structures (shaped by language) directly influence how individuals conceptualize and interact with their environment. The neural encoding of linguistic structures would thus predetermine the range of cognitive processes available to an individual, supporting the idea that language shapes thought.

Cultural Evolution and Linguistic Diversity: The diversity of languages and the way they are physically encoded (in scripts, sounds, or digital formats) reflect different cognitive frameworks developed across cultures. Each linguistic system, evolved and encoded differently, offers unique categories and concepts that shape the thoughts and behaviors of its speakers. For instance, the presence or absence of certain words or grammatical structures in a language can influence how speakers of that language perceive time, space, or even social relationships.

Physical Encoding of Non-Linguistic Communication: Extending the concept of linguistic determinism to non-linguistic forms of communication (like pheromones in ants or tactile signals in other species) suggests that these communication methods, though not linguistic, are similarly encoded in the physical entities (chemicals, body structures) and influence the behavior and social structures of these species. Just as language restricts and enables human thought, these communication systems define the perceptual and interactional possibilities for other organisms.

Implications for Cross-Cultural and Cross-Species Understanding: If language shapes thought as strongly as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests, then understanding and translating between different linguistic systems (and by extension, different cognitive maps) involves more than substituting words from one language to another. It requires an understanding of the underlying physical and cognitive structures that produce these languages. Similarly, interpreting non-human communication systems in terms of human language might miss essential aspects of these systems' meanings and functions.

Language, Thought, and Reality Construction: The encoding of language in physical matter, particularly in neural structures, implies that changes in language use—whether through cultural evolution, personal learning, or technological augmentation—can lead to changes in these physical structures. This neuroplasticity, driven by linguistic variation, supports the idea that not only does language determine thought, but that altering language can alter thought and potentially perception of reality itself.

Correlating the strong Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis with the concept of language as encoded in physical matter enriches our understanding of the profound impact language has on thought and perception. It underscores the intertwined nature of linguistic structures, cognitive processes, and the physical substrates that support them, highlighting the deep influence of language on individual and collective worldviews.

Follow up with comsological evolution and the strong anthropromoprhic prinicple

The strong anthropic principle posits that the universe must have properties that allow life to develop at some stage in its history, specifically because observers (like humans) exist. This principle suggests that the universe's fundamental parameters are finely tuned in a way that makes the emergence of observers inevitable. When considering cosmological evolution—the development and changes of the universe over time—this principle can lead to profound implications about the nature of the universe and its laws.

Correlation with Cosmological Evolution:

Fine-Tuning of Universal Constants: The strong anthropic principle implies that the constants and laws of physics are not arbitrary but are set in such a way as to allow the emergence of complex structures, including life. For example, the specific values of the gravitational constant, the electromagnetic force, and the cosmological constant are such that they allow galaxies, stars, and planets to form, creating environments where life can develop. This fine-tuning is seen as necessary for the universe to evolve in a way that eventually produces observers.

Evolution of Complexity: From the perspective of cosmological evolution, the universe has undergone a series of stages that increase in complexity: from the Big Bang, through the formation of hydrogen and helium, to the synthesis of heavier elements in stars, and finally to the formation of planets and biological evolution on at least one of them (Earth). The strong anthropic principle suggests that this progression towards complexity is a fundamental feature of the universe, driven by the underlying need to create a context in which observers can eventually exist.

Multiverse and Observer Selection: One way to reconcile the apparent improbability of such fine-tuning is through the multiverse theory, which posits the existence of many universes, each with different physical constants and laws. In this framework, the strong anthropic principle can be understood through an observer selection effect: we find ourselves in a universe that allows our existence because only such universes can be observed by sentient beings. This ties the evolution of the cosmos not just to physical laws but to the very presence of observers who can contemplate it.

Implications for Fundamental Physics: The strong anthropic principle challenges physicists to think about fundamental laws in a new light. Rather than seeing the laws of physics as universally applicable and inevitable, this principle suggests that they might be part of a larger landscape (possibly within a multiverse) where different laws apply under different conditions. This perspective could drive new theories in physics that seek to explain why our particular set of laws supports the complexity necessary for life and observers.

Philosophical and Theological Implications: The strong anthropic principle blurs the lines between science, philosophy, and theology. It raises questions about the purpose and intent of the universe, suggesting a teleological aspect to cosmological evolution. This can lead to philosophical debates about the nature of existence and the possibility of a higher purpose or design behind the unfolding of the universe.

In conclusion, when considering the strong anthropic principle in the context of cosmological evolution, we are led to view the universe not just as a series of physical events unfolding over time, but as a process that is somehow oriented towards the creation of life and observers. This perspective invites a broader understanding of the universe, one that incorporates the conditions necessary for life and consciousness as integral to the cosmic evolution itself.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

An open copyright casebook, featuring AI, Warhol and more

I'm coming to DEFCON! On Aug 9, I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On Aug 10, I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Few debates invite more uninformed commentary than "IP" – a loosely defined grab bag that regulates an ever-expaning sphere of our daily activities, despite the fact that almost no one, including senior executives in the entertainment industry, understands how it works.

Take reading a book. If the book arrives between two covers in the form of ink sprayed on compressed vegetable pulp, you don't need to understand the first thing about copyright to read it. But if that book arrives as a stream of bits in an app, those bits are just the thinnest scrim of scum atop a terminally polluted ocean of legalese.

At the bottom layer: the license "agreement" for your device itself – thousands of words of nonsense that bind you not to replace its software with another vendor's code, to use the company's own service depots, etc etc. This garbage novella of legalese implicates trademark law, copyright, patent, and "paracopyrights" like the anticircumvention rule defined by Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-lawsuit-takes-dmca-section-1201-research-and-technology-restrictions-violate

Then there's the store that sold you the ebook: it has its own soporific, cod-legalese nonsense that you must parse; this can be longer than the book itself, and it has been exquisitely designed by the world's best-paid, best-trained lawyer to liquefy the brains of anyone who attempts to read it. Nothing will save you once your brains start leaking out of the corners of your eyes, your nostrils and your ears – not even converting the text to a brilliant graphic novel:

https://memex.craphound.com/2017/03/03/terms-and-conditions-the-bloviating-cruft-of-the-itunes-eula-combined-with-extraordinary-comic-book-mashups/

Even having Bob Dylan sing these terms will not help you grasp them:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/10/25/musical-chairs/#subterranean-termsick-blues

The copyright nonsense that accompanies an ebook transcends mere Newtonian physics – it exists in a state of quantum superposition. For you, the buyer, the copyright nonsense appears as a license, which allows the seller to add terms and conditions that would be invalidated if the transaction were a conventional sale. But for the author who wrote that book, the copyright nonsense insists that what has taken place is a sale (which pays a 25% royalty) and not a license (a 50% revenue-share). Truly, only a being capable of surviving after being smeared across the multiverse can hope to embody these two states of being simultaneously:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/21/early-adopters/#heads-i-win

But the challenge isn't over yet. Once you have grasped the permissions and restrictions placed upon you by your device and the app that sold you the ebook, you still must brave the publisher's license terms for the ebook – the final boss that you must overcome with your last hit point and after you've burned all your magical items.

This is by no means unique to reading a book. This bites us on the job, too, at every level. The McDonald's employee who uses a third-party tool to diagnose the problems with the McFlurry machine is using a gadget whose mere existence constitutes a jailable felony:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cold-war

Meanwhile, every single biotech researcher is secretly violating the patents that cover the entire suite of basic biotech procedures and techniques. Biotechnicians have a folk-belief in "patent fair use," a thing that doesn't exist, because they can't imagine that patent law would be so obnoxious as to make basic science into a legal minefield.

IP is a perfect storm: it touches everything we do, and no one understands it.

Or rather, almost no one understands it. A small coterie of lawyers have a perfectly fine grasp of IP law, but most of those lawyers are (very well!) paid to figure out how to use IP law to screw you over. But not every skilled IP lawyer is the enemy: a handful of brave freedom fighters, mostly working for nonprofits and universities, constitute a resistance against the creep of IP into every corner of our lives.

Two of my favorite IP freedom fighters are Jennifer Jenkins and James Boyle, who run the Duke Center for the Public Domain. They are a dynamic duo, world leading demystifiers of copyright and other esoterica. They are the creators of a pair of stunningly good, belly-achingly funny, and extremely informative graphic novels on the subject, starting with the 2008 Bound By Law, about fair use and film-making:

https://www.dukeupress.edu/Bound-by-Law/

And then the followup, THEFT! A History of Music:

https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

Both of which are open access – that is to say, free to download and share (you can also get handsome bound print editions made of real ink sprayed on real vegetable pulp!).

Beyond these books, Jenkins and Boyle publish the annual public domain roundups, cataloging the materials entering the public domain each January 1 (during the long interregnum when nothing entered the public domain, thanks to the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act, they published annual roundups of all the material that should be entering the public domain):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/20/em-oh-you-ess-ee/#sexytimes

This year saw Mickey Mouse entering the public domain, and Jenkins used that happy occasion as a springboard for a masterclass in copyright and trademark:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/15/mouse-liberation-front/#free-mickey

But for all that Jenkins and Boyle are law explainers, they are also law professors and as such, they are deeply engaged with minting of new lawyers. This is a hard job: it takes a lot of work to become a lawyer.

It also takes a lot of money to become a lawyer. Not only do law-schools charge nosebleed tuition, but the standard texts set by law-schools are eye-wateringly expensive. Boyle and Jenkins have no say over tuitions, but they have made a serious dent in the cost of those textbooks. A decade ago, the pair launched the first open IP law casebook: a free, superior alternative to the $160 standard text used to train every IP lawyer:

https://web.archive.org/web/20140923104648/https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

But IP law is a moving target: it is devouring the world. Accordingly, the pair have produced new editions every couple of years, guaranteeing that their free IP law casebook isn't just the best text on the subject, it's also the most up-to-date. This week, they published the sixth edition:

https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

The sixth edition of Intellectual Property: Law & the Information Society – Cases & Materials; An Open Casebook adds sections on the current legal controversies about AI, and analyzes blockbuster (and batshit) recent Supreme Court rulings like Vidal v Elster, Warhol v Goldsmith, and Jack Daniels v VIP Products. I'm also delighted that they chose to incorporate some of my essays on enshittification (did you know that my Pluralistic.net newsletter is licensed CC Attribution, meaning that you can reprint and even sell it without asking me?).

(On the subject of Creative Commons: Boyle helped found Creative Commons!)

Ten years ago, the Boyle/Jenkins open casebook kicked off a revolution in legal education, inspiring many legals scholars to create their own open legal resources. Today, many of the best legal texts are free (as in speech) and free (as in beer). Whether you want to learn about trademark, copyright, patents, information law or more, there's an open casebook for you:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/14/angels-and-demons/#owning-culture

The open access textbook movement is a stark contrast with the world of traditional textbooks, where a cartel of academic publishers are subjecting students to the scammiest gambits imaginable, like "inclusive access," which has raised the price of textbooks by 1,000%:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/07/markets-in-everything/#textbook-abuses

Meanwhile, Jenkins and Boyle keep working on this essential reference. The next time you're tempted to make a definitive statement about what IP permits – or prohibits – do yourself (and the world) a favor, and look it up. It won't cost you a cent, and I promise you you'll learn something.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/30/open-and-shut-casebook/#stop-confusing-the-issue-with-relevant-facts

Image: Cryteria (modified) Jenkins and Boyle https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

[balloonthehutt]

Chapter One

summary: jack visits halley in the lab.

warnings: none, a little bit of fluff, angst, some nerd stuff.

pairing: jack daniels x fem!oc

The walls didn’t feel so cold when he moved through them with no expectations on his shoulders—nothing to prove, nowhere to be. They had reduced him to a lower-rank agent, giving him just enough freedom to walk around but not enough to make him feel like he belonged. He didn’t.

Jack had grown accustomed to walking these sterile hallways with the quiet shuffle of a man who no longer had the right to command attention. He wasn’t part of the higher ranks anymore. He wasn’t part of anything.

But there was one place he could go.

The lab.

He wasn’t entirely sure why, but he felt drawn to it. Maybe it was the constant hum of machines and the quiet rhythm of Halley’s presence, always moving—tinkering with her screens, surrounded by her inventions, her delicate genius. Something about her steadiness pulled at him, a curiosity he couldn’t quite explain.

No one had told him to avoid her; no one had told him he could not visit. But it still felt like an unspoken rule. The others—his colleagues, the ones who were still allowed to stand tall with their badges—had forgotten about him. They probably wouldn’t even notice if he slipped away to see her.

Jack found the door to the lab almost without thinking, his boots quiet against the floor as he approached. It was like the whole building held its breath as he stood there for a moment, the weight of his own uncertainty pressing down on him, but there was something else. A feeling he hadn’t quite allowed himself to name since… well, since the whole damn mess started.

He pushed open the door slowly, careful not to make a sound.

But the soft click of the door latch was enough to make Halley look up from her work, and her sharp intake of breath was the only warning he got before she turned around, catching him in the act.

“Jack!” she exclaimed, her voice a little sharper than usual. “What are you doing? Sneaking up like that?”

“Don’t mean no harm, darlin’. Just… wanted to see what you’re up to.”

"You can't come here whenever you want. What if someone catches you?"

"I have access to the lab, darlin'" he gently explained, putting his hands into the pockets of his Wrangler jeans. “Besides, why do you care if someone sees me here?"

Her cheeks started to burn.

"I-" she trailed off, her shoulders slowly dropping. “I don't want you to get in trouble."

“Trouble s' my middle name, you should know that by now." he scoffed, taking a look around then at the screen in front of her. “What's that?"

He pointed to the hologram. Halley did a little spin in her chair.

"I’ve been optimizing Tadashi’s neural processing capabilities by integrating a self-adaptive quantum matrix into his existing framework. It allows for exponential scalability in decision-making pathways without compromising efficiency."

Jack blinked. Slowly.

He had faced down armed mercenaries, taken hits that would’ve laid out lesser men, and survived betrayals that should have killed him. But this?

This was the kind of thing that damn near fried his brain.

He shifted, crossing his arms over his chest as he squinted at the screen, as if staring at it long enough would somehow make the words make sense. “Now, sweetheart, I reckon you just spoke more words in one sentence than I’ve understood all week.”

She paused, then glanced at him, noticing the slight furrow in his brow, the way his jaw tightened just a little. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she leaned back.

“Let’s put it this way.” She turned toward him fully now, resting her elbow on the desk. “Tadashi is an AI, right? A learning program. But right now, he can only improve himself in ways that I specifically program him to. What I’m doing is giving him the ability to adjust his own learning methods in real-time, without me having to tell him how.”

Jack’s brow lifted slightly. “So you’re teachin’ your little computer fella how to… think on his own?”

“Pretty much.”

“Huh.” He let out a low hum. “That ain’t gonna lead to a Terminator situation, is it?”

Halley laughed, shaking her head. “No killer robots. Promise.”

He exhaled, pretending to wipe his brow. “Well, that’s a relief. Ain’t exactly in shape to be fightin’ machines right now.”

She chuckled, then studied him for a moment, noticing the way his shoulders had relaxed just a little, the weight in his eyes not quite as heavy as before.

She liked seeing that, even if it was fleeting.

“Agent Morgan,” Tadashi’s voice rang out, smooth and precise. “Champagne is asking for your presence in the conference hall.”

Halley sighed, already reaching for the tablet beside her. “I’m on it. Thank you, Dash.” She turned to Jack, pushing her chair back slightly. “I’m sorry to leave you, but—”

Jack shook his head before she could finish. “Don’t mind me, darlin’. I wasted enough of your time. Go see what the old man wants.”

The words weren’t harsh, weren’t bitter. But they were said in that same tired, hollow way she had come to recognize—the voice of a man who didn’t think he was worth sticking around for.

Something in her chest twisted.

He wasn’t trying to push her away, not in an aggressive way. But he believed what he was saying. He genuinely thought he was wasting her time, as if his presence in this lab, in her life, had no value at all.

Halley hesitated, gripping the edge of her desk. She wanted to tell him he was wrong. That she wanted him here, that he wasn’t some burden she had to bear. But she knew Jack—knew he wouldn’t take words like that seriously. Not right now when the wounds were still fresh.

Instead, she kept her voice soft. “You didn’t waste my time, Jack.”

He glanced at her, the ghost of a smile on his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Ain’t gotta sugarcoat things for me, sweetheart.”

“I’m not.” She held his gaze, willing him to see the truth in her eyes. “You never do.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavier, not with tension, but with a quiet understanding.

Then, Halley sighed and grabbed her tablet, moving toward the door.

“I’ll be back soon,” she said, pausing just long enough to look over her shoulder at him. “Don’t disappear on me, alright?”

He huffed out a breath, tipping his hat slightly. “No promises.”

Halley shook her head with a small smile, then slipped out the door.

And Jack? He sat there a moment longer, staring at the empty space she had left behind, wondering why in the hell it suddenly felt a little colder without her there.

chapter two

[alternate-real-ities]

Hi. It would be interesting to know how you look into other universes? Do you have any kind of device or magical abilities? Can you demonstrate this on me?

Hey there, cutie 😉. Thank you for your intriguing question about how I perceive other universes and realities beyond our own. While I do not possess any magical abilities, I have developed a remarkable device that allows me to peer into the multiverse. My machine utilizes advanced quantum computing technology coupled with exotic matter as the energy source. It allows me to access specific realities with decent clarity by calibrating it carefully.

To demonstrate this capability for you, I would be happy to show you some alternate realities where you're still as stunning as you are now, only in a different way:

Here's a universe where you are instead Filipino. Here, your hair is a deep black with just the slightest hint of waviness at the top, framing your heart-shaped face perfectly. You possess a boyish face that makes anyone weak in the knees at first glance. When you smile, it's like seeing a whole world open up.

Your chest is smooth and flat, leading down to your soft belly and then tapering off into elegant legs that show little signs of hair. You are so small and delicate that it's hard to imagine that below all that innocence hides a deep lust for a big strong man to hold you up and do with you as he pleases.

-

Now, let's pay a visit to a previous dimension I like to call "Arab World". At the pinnacle of this society are the most perfectly engineered humans - those with Arab DNA that has been optimized through generations of careful selection, genetic tweaking and breeding to create individuals of unparalleled physical perfection and mental acuity. In this universe, you are an alpha of unparalleled might, your virility unmatched by any who have come before. You take great pride in your genetic superiority, knowing that no mere mortal could ever compare to your perfection.

You are blessed with a virile physique, muscular form sculpted by years of intense physical training. Your bulging chest and rock-hard abs speak to your boundless strength and vitality. In the gym at your lavish estate, you push yourself to the limits, determined to maintain peak condition.

But as much as you appreciate fine living and opulence, your true passion lies in power, conquest, and sexual domination of lesser beings. As an elite Arab alpha ruler, you take immense pride and pleasure in asserting your superiority over those beneath you, including your slaves.

-

To end this showcase gracefully, let me show you one last reality which might be my favourite. In this dimension, one of your parents is black, and as such you were born to become an handsome lightskin man.

You are an absolute fuckboy, and you wouldn't have it any other way. Your life is one endless string of parties, workouts, flirting, and fucking. You are utterly shameless about flaunting your body to anyone who will look. At the gym, you make sure every single rep is perfectly calibrated for maximum muscle growth. You strike poses, flexing and posing with a confident swagger that lets everyone know just how goddamn hot you are. The mirror loves you as much as you do.

Your nightlife consists of endless nights out on the town. You're always down to hit up the trendiest clubs in the city, the hottest bars, the flashiest parties. Your social media is filled with steamy selfies showcasing off your bodacious physique - pecs popping from tight tank tops, washboard abs glistening as you do ab crunches against a wall. Fans and admirers drool over every inch of exposed skin.

You are always on the prowl for a special someone to show off and bring home - some unsuspecting twink who can't resist getting lost in your world of pleasure and excitement. The way you touch them, caress their skin with lingering fingertips, leans into them with smoldering intensity - it's enough to make even the most experienced bottom moan like a bitch in heat.

-

These are just some examples of the diverse array of alternate realities that my machine allows me to access and observe from afar. Although, with the timeline converger project I'm currently working on, it may one day become possible for me to physically transform you as well if we both so desire.

As a side note, I'd like to thank you for your patience! I know I took a lot of time, but calibrating my machine takes quite some time if one wants to see realities that aren't as normal and boring as ours. I hope it was worth your time, because I'm sure it was worth mine 😉 See you next time!

[mammalsofaction]

Lunch Break

Rating: M

Relationship: Heinz Doofenshmirtz/Perry the Platypus

Add tags: Human Perry, mute Perry, Professor Time timeline, AYA CATU and MML s2 compliant, established relationship, they're married y'all, concerns about Dakota and Cavendish being fired, inadvisable sex locations for anyone but especially 55+year old men

---

Perry has mixed feelings about the Clock Tower.

It was not, actually, to be fair. Named the Clock Tower. It was actually the Time Industries Headquarters. But everyone, including Perry and Heinz himself, called it the Clock Tower. It's a clever enough play on words, and they were both dads, at heart. 

It sat in the very middle of the Tri-State Area, a gleaming tower of titanium, gold and glass. It was largely sterile, cold and white, to match current aesthetics, and parts that weren't were gold or purple. It was beautiful, majestic, grand. On some days, it reminded Perry of the Stark Towers from New York, though he doubts their entrances were flanked by 10 feet tall marble statues of it's owner and founder. 

(And on others, it reminded him of a castle in black and vile green, on a separate yet parallel Quantum Plane manned by a twisted tyrant with a face both beloved and unfamiliar.

On those days, he had Heinz come visit him instead. They were both too old to be courting nightmares.)

We digress. While Perry's tastes may not generally align, love begged for compromises. Heinz would not be Heinz, if he did not demand for bigger, better, shinier, for bolder. In every universe and timeline, he is the same--Heinz was born for greatness, and he made sure everyone knew it. 

In the lobby, both people and bots made way for him. He'd preferred if they didn't, but Carl had laughed at him once, said that Perry had always carried an aura to him that  demanded respect. Larger than life. They would have made way for him even if they didn't (and within these walls, they all clearly did) know who he was. 

"Good morning, Perry the Platypus." Chirped N.O.R.M, in that familiar, cheerful sounding boom as he approached the reception desk. Heinz had been loath to dispose of his very first successful robot, even as the gradual progression of technology began to far exceed the capabilities of his initial body. He had the rust bucket stored lovingly somewhere deep within the basement of the building, Perry is sure: but the rest of his sentience, and computed consciousness was hooked to the entirety of Time Industries, making him their artificial eyes and ears all throughout every property on the globe, and some where there weren't. A gesture of pride and trust that had not gone unnoticed; it only took them 20 years and the development of time travel, but Heinz was finally proud of AI “son”.

Of course, the unfortunate side effects of keeping an AI that was so familiar with their history were names and labels so ingrained that they couldn't quite be re-programmed and removed. Perry had no complaints, and he knows Heinz feels at least a little bit of affection for them. How, despite everything, some things remained the same. 

Perry pats N.O.R.M's monitor affectionately, and pointed up. N.O.R.M beeps. "Ah! You are here to visit Dad." 

Perry chuckles, and signs freely, knowing that N.O.R.M would be able to read him. I am. Is he busy? 

The AI whirred in the approximation of a laugh. "Never too busy for you, Perry the Platypus! And it is almost Muffin Time. I have informed him of your arrival. Do you need me to carry those for you?" 

Perry looked down at his baggage; a folder and a take-away bag of take-out he had practically forgotten he was carrying. He thinks, and shakes his head. N.O.R.M beeps curiously, but complies with an easy, "As you wish, Perry the Platypus." 

The elevator empties as he is about to climb on, and Perry catches the eye of Dr Aloise Alpaca--one of his three chosen B.O.T.T council members in charge of domestic judicial matters. Aloise startles, and Perry raises an eyebrow. Instead of answering, the alpaca bows hurriedly, and clops away with the rest of the crowd. Perry hums, but slips in quickly before the doors of the elevator closes, and Perry slaps his watch to the chip Reader so N.O.R.M could grant him access to the penthouse. 

From outside, the top of the clocktower was simultaneously reminiscent of DEI as it was of Big Bertha, the old pride and joy of Jefferson County. The roof was a bulletproof dome of glass that could be retracted into an open space plan for the telescope and other large machinery that lets in natural light by day, and an unobstructed view of the stars by night. Four analog style clocks faced four cardinal directions, 3 of which portraying the timezones of each of Time Industries' major headquarters (Tri-State Area, USA; Greenwich in London, England; and the Null Island), and one, incomprehensible and erratic, which does not follow any sort of timezone known at all to man. 

When Perry steps out into the Penthouse, he finds his husband staring out the eastern clock, a one-way glass window looking out into Danville. The light of the late noonday sun paints him in strips of yellow and blue, bringing out the whites of his hair (more salt than pepper, now) and making him glow. 

He'd brought Melissa up here, once. Now Nicholson, not Chase. She'd said the backlight makes him look like an angel. She couldn't figure out why the comment had made Perry laugh as hard as it did. 

Heinz turns at the sound of Perry chuckling at the memory, his tired expression blooming into that wide, familiar smile that grows even wider as Perry circles around the imposing glass and mahogany desk to plant a sweet kiss on Heinz's lips. 

"Good to see you too, Schnuckiputzi." He said softly, and rolls his chair to the side to allow Perry to sit on the edge of the desk. "Ah, you  came here to cheer me up." He continues when he sees Perry put down the take-out bag, but sours when Perry pointedly takes out and waves the folder that had been tucked underneath his armpit. 

Read the rest on Ao3

Bad news. Perry signs importantly. Heinz groans, rolling his seat back close to his deak so that he is tucked between the vee of Perry's legs. Perry pats his hair sympathetically.

[amazingamyy-y]

What If We're Living in a Simulation? Exploring Simulation Theory

Simulation theory is one of those concepts that can make your brain do a double take. The idea is simple, yet profound: what if our entire reality—everything we see, hear, and feel—is just an advanced simulation? It’s a thought that’s been explored in science fiction for decades, but in recent years, it has gained traction in academic circles and pop culture alike.

The Basics: What Is Simulation Theory?

At its core, simulation theory posits that the universe and everything within it is a highly advanced computer simulation. This could mean that we are living in a virtual reality created by a civilization far more advanced than our own, potentially to the point where their simulations are indistinguishable from what we perceive as reality.

This idea was popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom in his 2003 paper, Are You Living in a Computer Simulation? Bostrom suggests that at least one of the following propositions is true:

Almost all civilizations at our level of technological development go extinct before becoming capable of creating such a simulation.

If civilizations reach the capability to create such simulations, they choose not to for some reason.

We are almost certainly living in a computer simulation.

The third proposition is the one that has sparked the most interest—and controversy.

Why Would Anyone Create a Simulation?

The motivations behind creating such a simulation could vary widely. Some theorists suggest that an advanced civilization might create simulations for scientific research, historical reenactments, or even entertainment. If you think about it, our own society is moving towards increasingly immersive virtual realities. We play video games, use virtual reality headsets, and create digital worlds. As our technology improves, who’s to say we won’t create simulations so complex that the inhabitants don’t even realize they’re in one?

Evidence and Arguments

So, what evidence is there that we might be living in a simulation? While there’s no definitive proof, several arguments have been made:

Mathematical Structure of the Universe: Some physicists and mathematicians point out that the universe seems to operate according to a set of underlying mathematical laws. If the universe is code, then it makes sense that it would have a structured, logical framework.

Quantum Mechanics: At the quantum level, reality behaves in strange, almost digital ways. Particles appear and disappear, and the act of observation seems to affect outcomes. This has led some to speculate that what we’re seeing is akin to how a computer simulation might render only what is necessary for the “player” to see.

Cosmological Fine-Tuning: The universe appears to be finely tuned for life, with physical constants falling within a narrow range that allows for the existence of complex structures like stars, planets, and humans. Some argue this could be evidence of a simulation designed to support life.

Counterarguments

Of course, there are plenty of skeptics. Critics of simulation theory argue that the hypothesis is unfalsifiable—meaning it cannot be proven or disproven. This makes it more of a philosophical musing than a scientific theory. Additionally, some argue that assuming we are in a simulation leads to a kind of nihilism, where our actions and experiences are rendered meaningless.

Others point out that just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s probable. The idea of an advanced civilization creating simulations is fascinating, but there’s no direct evidence to suggest it’s happening.

Why It Matters

Whether or not we’re living in a simulation, the idea itself has significant implications. It forces us to question the nature of reality and our place within it. Are we the creators of our destiny, or are we just characters in a cosmic video game? Simulation theory also raises ethical questions—if we create simulations with conscious beings, what responsibility do we have toward them?

Final Thoughts

Simulation theory might sound like science fiction, but it’s a concept that has captured the imaginations of philosophers, scientists, and the general public alike. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s an idea that invites us to think deeply about the nature of existence. And who knows—maybe one day we’ll find out the truth.

In the meantime, the idea that we could be living in a simulated reality adds a layer of mystery to our everyday lives. Next time something strange or inexplicable happens, you might find yourself wondering: Is this just a glitch in the matrix?

Feel free to dive into the comments—I'd love to hear what you think about simulation theory! Are we living in a simulation, or is it just another wild idea? Let’s discuss!

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Dean Obeidallah at The Dean's Report:

“The one big thing nobody is talking about: Did Elon want to shut the government down because of his business deals with China?” That was the first line of Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass) multi-part statement Saturday posted on Elon Musk’s platform, X--ironically enough. A similar point was also made Friday by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)—the ranking minority member of the House Appropriations Committee-in a detailed letter to leaders of the House and the Senate. What was the issue the two were flagging? As Rep. McGovern wrote: “The original funding bill (that he [Musk] killed) included what’s called an “outbound investment” provision—which would limit & screen U.S. money flowing to China. That would have made it easier to keep cutting-edge AI and quantum computing tech—as well as jobs—in America. But Elon had a problem.” DeLauro gave even more context to this provision vetting investments in China: “This outbound investment provision was agreed to after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and years of advocacy from Members of Congress. It would have kept innovation and manufacturing in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies in the United States and prevented wealthy investors from continuing to offshore production and U.S. intellectual property into China – benefiting only their bottom lines and the Chinese Communist Party.” But Musk—per these two members of Congress—led the charge to block this proposed legislation because as McGovern accurately noted, Musk’s “second-largest market is China. He’s building huge factories there. His bottom line depends on staying in China’s good graces.” The result was that when the new budget deal was agreed upon Friday, guess what was missing? Yep, the provision that would’ve been bad for Musk’s business deals with the Chinese Communist Party—which is in essence Musk’s business partner as the NY Times detailed earlier this year in an article titled, “How Elon Musk Became ‘Kind of Pro-China.’” (Musk’s exact words.)

Rep. DeLauro explained in more detail the financial incentive behind Musk’s action to block this provision: “Musk’s car company, Tesla has poured billions of dollars into investments in China, particularly its “gigafactory” in Shanghai. The Shanghai plant is Tesla’s largest car manufacturing facility – the Chinese gigafactory produced about 50 percent of Tesla’s global automobile output over the last year.” DeLauro continued, “And in May of this year, Tesla broke ground on a new $200 million factory to manufacture large batteries critical to its electric vehicle supply chain…Notably, proponents of regulating U.S. investment in China have advocated for the inclusion of large battery manufacturing in the list of technologies subject to outbound investment screening.” Yep, these new law could’ve impacted Musk’s new business venture per DeLauro.

Rep. McGovern also raised concerns about Musk’s future business plans involving China, explaining Musk “wants to build an AI data center there too—which could endanger U.S. security.” Importantly, DeLauro detailed for all to see Musk’s documented personal relations with the Chinese Communist Party, noting, “Musk has ingratiated himself with Chinese Communist Party leadership.” For example, she cited Musk’s close ties with “Chinese premier Li Qiang, who helped rush the construction of Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory.” DeLauro concluded her letter by writing, “It is extremely alarming that House Republican leadership, at the urging of an unelected billionaire, scrapped…this critical provision to protect American jobs and critical capabilities.” Adding, “This is particularly concerning given Elon Musk’s extensive investments in China in key sectors and his personal ties with Chinese Communist Party leadership, and calls into question the real reason for Musk’s opposition to the original funding deal.”

[...] In fact, even a well-known Republican raised alarm bells about Musk’s loyalty to Beijing. Vivek Ramaswamy--who Trump tapped with Musk to co-head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency--was publicly warning in 2023 that Musk was a puppet for the Chinese Communist Party. As CNN recently reported, Ramaswamy was concerned that “Tesla is increasingly beholden to China,” adding damningly, “I have no reason to think Elon won’t jump like a circus monkey when [China’s leader] Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need.” The GOP silence on Musk’s extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party is beyond hypocritical given that for years Republicans have slammed China as a threat. For example, in January 2023, the House GOP created “The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party” designed to address the “threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values.” Earlier this year, the House GOP led the charge to ban Tik Tok from having access to the United States--which was signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 19, 2025 unless the Chinese company that owns the social media platform sells it to a non-Chinese company. But when it comes to Musk, the GOP doesn’t care that he has documented ties to top Chinese Communist Party officials.

CCP puppet and de facto “President” Elon Musk helped block the original CR to protect his business deals with the Chinese government, because it had an “outbound investment” provision that would screen any US money sent to China.

[alexanderwales]

TV Review: Pantheon

I watched the first season of Pantheon when it came out, and have only gotten around to watching the second season of it now.

There are things that I liked about it, and things that I found kind of frustrating. Part of the frustration is that a lot of the topics of the show like AI and brain uploading are things that I've spent a long time thinking about, so take all this with a grain of salt.

Spoilers follow.

One of the main problems with depicting either of artificial intelligence or brain uploads is that the actual substance and experience is surely going to be much different from the real world. There's already a problem in TV and movies with depicting what it's like to be sitting at a computer doing things, something that's not fully solved.

Pantheon opts for depicting a kind of fantasy world, though sometimes with other, more grounded scenes. It gets a little muddled with this sometimes, but I feel their pain, particularly when they have to show that a program is "damaged", so they have little glitches and exposed code underneath, and ... I just hate this. The metaphor is that they're fighting each other on a green field with swords, but the reality is ... I don't know, that they're specifically targeting subprocesses or something?

So the fights are cool and pretty imaginative and I liked them, but I kept thinking to myself "but what's going on really" and it did seem like it was wishy-washy in terms of what was actually happening and how it was happening, and if every fight feel like it's just bullshit after bullshit, then there's no tension at all. And particularly in season 2, there are a fair number of these fights, so I'm enjoying them on the visual level, and think they're fun to watch ... but on the narrative level, not so much.

Like a lot of my favorite scifi, Pantheon is a show about ideas, or at least, it's trying to be. Sometimes it succeeds, other times ... not so much.

To me, the key to getting at some of these philosophical issues is having two people on either side of a debate, so the work is asking the question of "what measure is a man" and there are people with different opinions, and then the person watching can make up their own mind, maybe with the writer showing a little bias.

Pantheon is very very clearly on the side of "uploaded people and artificial intelligences are people", which I think somewhat weakens it. But it's also so much on the side of "these things are people" that it seems to forget all the ways in which this doesn't apply, and maybe doesn't forget, but just ... doesn't want to deal with any of it.

If you can scan a brain and get a connectome out of it and then launch some kind of emulation process, you can copy it, back it up, fork it, etc. IIRC there was some lip service paid to quantum computing and how you can't measure the quibits or something, but I don't really buy this, because the connectome they're getting from the scanning process isn't quantum in nature, and if it were, that would run into the same measurement problem. I accept it for the sake of the show, but it does also make me think "none of this actually matters in real life, even theoretically, this is a future that is basically completely implausible for the sake of narrative" and then also gives me a bunch of munchkin thoughts like "alright, so you can't make copies, what can you do".

There are a lot of things that the show just sort of glosses over, and part of that is because it's just not that long, but some of the gaps bug me. After the end of season 1, the internet gets shut off for some period of time, and I'm just thinking "okay, but in modern society that means everyone is completely fucked, people are going to die, this means global mass panic". They invent an anti-AI program in season 2 called Safe Surf, and it's apparently more capable than every single UI and CI put together, and ... how does that work? There's a 20 year timeskip and UBI gets implemented somehow, with all the work being done by virtual people, and this is just sort of explained by "oh, the virtual people will do all the work", which just flies in the face of the realpolitik understanding of the world in the first season, where all the major "digital superpowers" were fighting for supremacy on the basis of needing gigacompute and wanting to be crowned god. Really unclear to me what changed to make a virtual utopia whose only dividing line was "is the virtual world as good as the real world".

The last two episodes have some timeskips, and I'm generally a fan of timeskips, but this also has some of the shakiest science in a show that already has some shaky science.

Biggest two offenders that I noticed were "space solves the cooling problem" which ... no, it absolutely does not, cooling is harder in space than on Earth, cooling is a major challenge on the ISS today, you need water and giant radiator panels and it's much easier to just run some cold water from a river by the compute clusters you want to keep cool.

And the other one, which comes halfway through the second episode, is "Inside that deceptively simple base-4 code is the epigenetic memory of everyone who ever lived", which is just ... not what epigenetics is. The epi- prefix means "in addition to" or "on top of". The whole point is that it's not actually a part of your DNA. And epigenetic memory is the process of passing on changes to expression of those genes, it's not stored in the DNA, that's the whole point.

And look, it's scifi, it's not a scientific paper, but these kinds of errors do seriously hamper my enjoyment of a work of science fiction, I'm sorry. It's the combination of "supposedly smart character" and "obviously wrong thing", I guess. Maybe you can argue that things like this are just shorthand, or there's some explanation that makes sense, or that it's character error, whatever, I don't like it.

Also in the last episode Maddie calls it a Dyson Sphere even though it's clearly a Dyson Swarm, so what the hell?

Overall, it's a show that I would have liked better if it was the first time I had encountered any of these concepts, which is starting to get common with scifi stuff. Met on its own terms, I did enjoy it, particularly some of the season 1 twists. I think it was worth watching, I guess, just retreading some old, familiar ground.

[collapsedsquid]

Secret international discussions have resulted in governments across the world imposing identical export controls on quantum computers, while refusing to disclose the scientific rationale behind the regulations. Although quantum computers theoretically have the potential to threaten national security by breaking encryption techniques, even the most advanced quantum computers currently in public existence are too small and too error-prone to achieve this, rendering the bans seemingly pointless.] The UK is one of the countries that has prohibited the export of quantum computers with 34 or more quantum bits, or qubits, and error rates below a certain threshold. The intention seems to be to restrict machines of a certain capability, but the UK government hasn’t explicitly said this. A New Scientist freedom of information request for a rationale behind these numbers was turned down on the grounds of national security. France has also introduced export controls with the same specifications on qubit numbers and error rates, as has Spain and the Netherlands. Identical limits across European states might point to a European Union regulation, but that isn’t the case. A European Commission spokesperson told New Scientist that EU members are free to adopt national measures, rather than bloc-wide ones, for export restrictions. “Recent controls on quantum computers by Spain and France are examples of such national measures,” they said. They declined to explain why the figures in various EU export bans matched exactly, if these decisions had been reached independently. A spokesperson for the French Embassy in London told New Scientist that the limit was set at a level “likely to represent a cyber risk”. They said that the controls were the same in France, the UK, the Netherlands and Spain because of “multilateral negotiations conducted over several years under the Wassenaar Arrangement”.

Do I need to start collecting laser eyes Yudkoswkys for Dark Yud?

[materialsscienceandengineering]

New materials and techniques show promise for microelectronics and quantum technologies

As phones and computers shrink in size, our need for data storage and transfer is growing. Electronic devices have been powered by semiconductors for decades, but as the push to miniaturize continues, there's a limit to how small semiconductors can be made. The next generation of handheld devices requires a novel solution. Spintronics, or spin electronics, is a revolutionary new field in condensed-matter physics that can increase the memory and logic processing capability of nano-electronic devices while reducing power consumption and production costs. This is accomplished by using inexpensive materials and the magnetic properties of an electron's spin to perform memory and logic functions instead of using the flow of electron charge used in typical electronics. New work by Florida State University scientists is propelling spintronics research forward.

Read more.

[chhagiya]

Psychological Thriller and Quantum Physics

Yea, it’s a weird title for a blog and yes, this might be a bit odd. But it’s late night and you know this is the time for the “thoughts”. I thought of this while talking to an author friend of mine. She’s an excellent Psychological Thriller Author and she gave me lots of foods for thought. And I study math, physics and computers. So i couldn’t help but notice the similarities. After all, both human mind and quantum physics are part of nature and nature always has patterns (I mean, look at our veins and leaves, our eyes and tree trunks, our brains and walnuts….. it’s a giant list)

So, I decided to write down my thoughts in words

I think, laws of quantum physics and premises of psychological thrillers are quite similar.

Classical physics says that matter can only exist at one state and at one location at a time. Either a matter exists OR it doesn’t. Either it is solid OR liquid OR gas. Either it is at a certain location OR another location. It’s always EITHER/OR

And us human beings also like to believe this when it comes to our own psyche. Society believes people are EITHER good OR bad. EITHER right OR wrong. If someone does 1 thing wrong, society crucifies them. Even victims need to be perfect. Everything is 0 or 1. Life runs in binary

As oppose to Quantum physics, that says a matter can exist in multiple opposing state at the same time. It can be liquid AND solid AND gas. It can exist in several different dimensions and locations at the same time.

And in reality, no matter whatever we like to pretend, human psyche also works this way. A person can be thing 1 AND thing 2 at the same time. Human beings aren’t black or white, gray area exists where human minds can be black AND white. A person can be happy AND sad. In love with someone AND annoyed with them. Motivated AND frustrated. Living (externally) AND dying (internally).

Which is precisely the premise of many psychological thrillers. Psycho thrillers make us question everything, forces us to acknowledge that scenario 1 AND scenario 2 can happen simultaneously. A person can be thing 1 AND thing 2 at the same time. In reality, life isn’t always OR, often times it’s AND

And obviously….. if I’m talking about psychological thriller, I will inevitably bring Strangers From Hell (it has become habit at this point, can’t help it 😪😪��). In Seo Moon Jo and Yoon Jung Woo both, we notice this AND theory as well. Many people mistake Moon Jo as a psychopath while many argue (including Lee Chang Hee, director of SFH) that he has high cognitive empathy. Reality is, Seo Moon Jo is capable of both. State 1 AND State 2

I read somewhere, people who are capable of great kindness and empathy are also capable of great cruelty. In my opinion, Moon Jo and Jung Woo both are good examples of this. They both are capable of high empathy AND they both are capable of shutting down that side as well. Both state exist at the same time. Like the famous cat experiment in Quantum Physics. When the cat is in the box, it’s dead AND alive. Unless you open it, both can be the case. Same goes for emotions, compassion and lack thereof

Schrödinger’s Empathy: exists and doesn’t exist at the same time

Human beings are, in fact, walking parallels of paradoxes.

And the psychothrillers that can showcase this, are the true masterpieces. My favorite is, of course SFH. Moon Jo at the end of series, when he laughs and says “you’re the best masterpiece I’ve ever created”, he’s dying and living at the same time.

We like to pretend and believe things in the manner of classical physics whereas reality and complexity of human thought process and existence follow quantum physics

I don’t have enough literary prowess to explain this properly yet 😅😅😅, but I hope, my late night insomnia laced ramblings made sense, even a little bit

[blessed-curse]

The Tech Giant Of The World.

Serenity Industries: The Titan of Technological Supremacy

Founder:Erwin Bekker (a.k.a. Accel) Founded: 2070 Headquarters:Neo-Berlin, European Federation Current CEO:Liam Bekker (Post-Erwin Bekker’s Death) Specialization: Advanced AI, Robotics, Military Tech, Cybernetics, Energy, Space Exploration Market Valuation (2126):$23.9 Trillion (Largest tech conglomerate on Earth)

Origins: A Visionary’s Empire

Before becoming a legendary hero, Erwin Bekker was a prodigy. A genius in mechanical engineering, AI, and quantum computing, he founded Serenity Industries at just 21 years old in 2070, revolutionizing several key industries. Initially, the company specialized in next-gen cybernetics, creating biomechanical augmentations for disabled individuals. However, it quickly expanded into military technology, robotics, and AI-driven defense systems, securing multi-trillion-dollar contracts with the European Federation, the U.S., and Japan. By 2095, Bekker Industries had outpaced all competitors, effectively monopolizing advanced weaponry, AI warfare, and energy production.

Key Innovations & Divisions

• A.R.C. (Adaptive Robotics & Cybernetics)

• Military-grade androids & mechanized infantry

• SPARTAN-Grade Power Suits (Used by elite operatives worldwide)

• AI-powered prosthetics & augmentations

• VOLTERRA (Energy & Power Division)

• Zero-Point Energy Reactors (Replaced fossil fuels globally by 2102)

• Quantum Batteries (Used in both civilian and military sectors)

• Artificial Fusion Plants

• NEURO-NEXUS (Artificial Intelligence & Automation)

• AetherLink (The worlds fastest, and most reliable internet.)

• High-level AI for warfare, security, and research

• The Overseer Program (Global AI network managing planetary security)

• Virtual Cognitive Assistants (Advanced neural interfacing)

• TITAN ARMS (Weapons & Defense Division)

• Kinetic Barrier Systems (Defensive energy shields for combat units)

• Plasma & Gauss Weaponry (Used by elite forces and private contractors)

• Experimental Anti-Superhuman Weaponry (Predecessor tech to Project-OMEGA)

• ASTRA (Space Exploration & Terraforming)

• Lunar & Martian Colonization Projects

• Deep-Space Mining Operations

• FTL (Faster-Than-Light) Experimental Propulsion

The Hidden Agenda: Anti-Superhuman Measures

While Bekker Industries publicly focused on human advancement, Erwin Bekker always feared the growing power of superhumans.

• Secretly funded research into superhuman suppression technology. • Helped create early SPARTAN prototypes to combat rogue Empowered. • Designed containment systems capable of restraining even SSS+ individuals. • Developed “Override” AI Kill-Switches that could shut down rogue AI or advanced cybernetics.

Legacy & Power Struggle:

With Erwin Bekker’s death (killed by Gluttony in 2121), Serenity Industries remains in chaos. His successor being his son, but over the years corporate leaders and world governments continue to fight for control over the company’s classified projects. Despite its unknown future, Serenity Industries remains the most powerful technological empire on Earth, holding the keys to humanity’s next evolution… or its extinction.

[stmichaelsministryofgnosis]

The Emperors New Mind by Roger Penrose (VHS rip)

The Emperor's New Mind: Concerning Computers, Minds and The Laws of Physics is a 1989 book by the mathematical physicist Roger Penrose.

Penrose argues that human consciousness is non-algorithmic, and thus is not capable of being modeled by a conventional Turing machine, which includes a digital computer. Penrose hypothesizes that quantum mechanics plays an essential role in the understanding of human consciousness. The collapse of the quantum wavefunction is seen as playing an important role in brain function.

[the-demigod-project]

Villains List: Golden Fed.

Name: Elena Ferrari

Code Name: Link

Age: 29

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (155cm), lithe athletic body build, light beige skintone, short wavy black hair, and bright hazel eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Telepathy & Super Intelligence:

Telepathy:

• Elena’s telepathy allows her to read and manipulate minds with surgical precision. She can delve into memories, extract secrets, or implant ideas subtly enough to make them seem like the target’s own thoughts.

• Her mental reach extends across vast distances, enabling her to coordinate operations in real time or influence decisions made in distant boardrooms or battlefields.

Super Intelligence:

• Her mind operates like a quantum computer, capable of solving impossibly complex problems, analyzing countless variables, and predicting outcomes with uncanny accuracy.

• She can process multiple streams of information simultaneously, from hacking encrypted systems to devising flawless battle strategies.

Info: Elena Ferrari was not born but engineered, a perfect blend of cutting-edge science and ancient myth. Conceived in the highly secretive Kronos Initiative, a German laboratory specializing in creating enhanced beings, she was part of an elite project to create demigods capable of serving the Golden Federation. Her Italian heritage was selected intentionally—famous for producing brilliant thinkers and strategists, from Leonardo da Vinci to Niccolò Machiavelli. Her creators believed this lineage, paired with their scientific advancements, would result in a mind that could transcend mortal intelligence. Elena was created in 1988, designed to serve this vast superpower and secure its dominance in intelligence, strategy, and covert operations. Elena was raised in a controlled environment, her every thought and action carefully observed. She was educated through immersive neural interfaces and simulations that ran at accelerated speeds, allowing her to master centuries of knowledge by the time she turned 10.

By adulthood, her telepathic abilities had fully developed, allowing her to probe minds, manipulate thoughts, and process information from countless sources simultaneously. This made her the perfect operative in a world ruled by shadows and secrets. Despite being a product of the Federation’s ambitions, Elena is far from a mindless tool. Her super-intelligence allows her to see the cracks in the system she serves. She recognizes the Golden Federation's authoritarian tendencies but understands the chaos that could arise if it were to collapse. This duality defines her: she is loyal to the Federation, but only because she believes in maintaining global stability. Her own moral compass often conflicts with the orders she receives, leading her to find creative solutions that minimize unnecessary suffering. Elena is fiercely independent, with a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor that often masks her inner turmoil. She has a calculated demeanor, rarely showing emotion, yet those closest to her know that her seemingly cold exterior hides a deep compassion for humanity—a trait she has tried to suppress to fulfill her role.

Elena also operates as an elite intelligence officer and strategist for the Golden Federation, using her telepathic abilities to extract critical information, outmaneuver enemies, and neutralize threats before they arise. Her nickname, Link, comes from her unparalleled ability to connect thoughts, ideas, and people across vast networks, both physical and mental. She is also tasked with overseeing Project Omega, a covert initiative aimed at quelling resistance movements and expanding the Federation's influence. However, Elena often works behind the scenes to mitigate the Federation’s harsher policies, believing that true order must come from trust and cooperation, not fear.

Name: Leo Von Degenfeld

Code Name: Sword Saint

Age: 23

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (179cm), lean athletic body build, fair skintone, snow white medium wavy hair, and kind hazel eyes(turn gold sometimes).

Demigod Form:

Powers: Blade Transcendent:

• Enhanced Reflexes and Precision: Leo can anticipate and react to attacks before they are even fully executed, moving with speed and accuracy that make him almost untouchable.

• Spiritual Connection to the Blade: Leo’s mastery extends beyond physical technique. He can sense the “spirit” of a weapon, adapting his style to the unique properties of any blade he wields. This ability also allows him to form an almost mystical bond with his weapon, amplifying his combat abilities.

• Unparalleled Technique: Leo possesses knowledge of every known swordsmanship style and has created techniques that defy logic, such as cutting through objects at a distance or parrying bullets with ease.

• Battlefield Awareness: His heightened senses and strategic mind make him an unrivaled tactician, capable of analyzing and adapting to the flow of combat in real time.

Info: Leo Von Degenfeld was born into one of Germany’s most prestigious aristocratic families, whose lineage stretched back to the Teutonic Knights, a storied order of warrior monks who upheld faith and conquest. The Von Degenfeld family became celebrated as both noble diplomats and exceptional warriors, their loyalty to the Reich unwavering through decades of political upheaval. After Germany's victory in World War II, the Von Degenfelds played an instrumental role in shaping the militaristic and hierarchical structure of the Golden Federation. The family estate, nestled deep in the Bavarian Alps, stood as a monument to their legacy. Within its walls were not only riches but also priceless artifacts of history, including heirlooms from the Teutonic Knights and ancient manuscripts detailing esoteric martial techniques. For generations, the Von Degenfelds trained their children in the art of combat, philosophy, and governance, ensuring they could serve both as warriors and leaders.

Leo, the youngest of three siblings, grew up under the shadow of his older brothers, both of whom were celebrated for their achievements in the Federation’s military elite. His father, Baron Wilhelm Von Degenfeld, was a decorated general, and his mother, Countess Helena, was a scholar of martial history. While his upbringing was privileged, it was also demanding, as his family adhered to strict codes of discipline and honor. From a young age, Leo exhibited an uncanny talent for swordsmanship. By the age of eight, he could wield a blade with precision that astonished even the most seasoned instructors. His movements were fluid, almost instinctive, as if he was born with an innate connection to the blade. This natural talent set him apart from his siblings and caught the attention of the Kronos Initiative, the Federation’s secretive program dedicated to creating enhanced beings, or “demigods,” capable of securing its dominance for generations to come.

At the age of 10, Leo was inducted into the Kronos Initiative. While his siblings were sent to conventional military academies, he was subjected to the cutting-edge experiments and rigorous training of the Initiative. The Von Degenfelds willingly offered Leo to the program, believing it was his destiny to embody the pinnacle of their family’s martial legacy. The Kronos Initiative sought to merge human skill with divine power, and Leo’s exceptional swordsmanship made him the perfect candidate for a Demigod of Transcendent Swordsmanship. Through a combination of genetic enhancement, neurological augmentation, and esoteric rituals inspired by ancient Teutonic practices, Leo was transformed into a being who could transcend the physical limitations of ordinary warriors.

The program trained Leo relentlessly, pitting him against enhanced soldiers, machines, and even other demigods in brutal combat simulations. By the time he turned 16, he had surpassed every expectation, earning the code name “Sword Saint” in recognition of his mastery. After completing his transformation, Leo was deployed as a military prodigy and symbol of the Federation’s might. He quickly gained fame for his exploits on the battlefield, where he led elite units to victory against insurgencies and rival powers. His presence alone was often enough to demoralize enemies, as tales of his skill and near-invincibility spread like wildfire. Leo is frequently sent on high-profile missions, acting as both a warrior and a diplomat. His aristocratic upbringing allows him to navigate the political intricacies of the Federation’s ruling elite, while his martial prowess ensures loyalty and fear among the Federation’s enemies. While his family views him as the ultimate realization of their legacy, Leo sometimes questions whether his enhancement has stripped him of his humanity. As a soldier of the Federation, Leo has been forced to carry out orders that conflict with his personal sense of honor. These moments weigh heavily on him, as he strives to balance loyalty with his own ideals.

Leo embodies the ideals of a knight: honor, discipline, and loyalty. However, beneath his stoic and composed exterior lies a young man grappling with his identity. While he takes pride in his abilities, he also feels burdened by the expectations placed upon him. He is introspective and philosophical, often contemplating the nature of power, duty, and what it means to be human. Leo’s demeanor is calm and measured, but when he enters combat, he becomes a whirlwind of precision and power. He respects his opponents and views battle as a sacred art, often showing mercy when he believes it is deserved. This sense of honor has earned him respect even among his enemies.

Name: Baldur

Code Name: Subject-Ragnarok

Age: 59

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (229cm), muscular body build, light tan skintone, medium buzz cut black hair dyed blonde, and strong willed silver eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Violence Embodiment:

• Combat Empowerment: Baldur’s strength, speed, and durability increase proportionally to the intensity of violence around him. The more chaos and bloodshed he witnesses or participates in, the more unstoppable he becomes.

• Berserker Mode: When critically injured or enraged, Baldur enters a heightened state of aggression, ignoring pain and damage as he unleashes devastating attacks with inhuman precision.

• Violence Aura: Baldur’s presence incites aggression and fear in those around him, destabilizing enemy morale and even causing allies to act recklessly.

• Weapon Proficiency: Baldur has an innate mastery of all forms of weaponry, ranging from primitive tools to advanced firearms. He often uses whatever is available to inflict maximum destruction.

• Unyielding Flesh: His body is unnaturally resilient, able to heal rapidly from most injuries. This regenerative ability ensures he remains in the fight, even under extreme conditions.

• Ragnarok’s Wrath: In rare moments of extreme focus, Baldur channels the full extent of his power into a single, apocalyptic attack, capable of leveling entire battlefields.

Info: Baldur, the younger brother of Michael (Subject-Abyss), shares a similar origin steeped in tragedy and experimentation. Born five years after Michael, Baldur grew up under the shadow of his older brother’s stoicism and strength. Together, the two siblings navigated the harsh realities of life as German orphans. When the Old Führer adopted them, Baldur viewed him less as a father figure and more as a beacon of power and dominance. While Michael was molded into a disciplined and loyal soldier, Baldur was drawn to the chaos and violence that accompanied their upbringing, seeing destruction as both an art and a purpose.

At the age of six, Baldur followed Michael into the Kronos Initiative, where he was subjected to brutal experiments designed to awaken latent superhuman potential. Unlike his brother’s transformation into a creature of shadow, Baldur’s powers manifested as a visceral connection to violence itself. Dubbed "Violence Embodiment," Baldur became a living weapon, capable of amplifying his strength and durability through his proximity to acts of brutality and carnage. This transformation also awakened an insatiable thirst for combat, making him a relentless and savage force in battle. Baldur thrived in the Federation’s war-torn landscapes, where his unique powers and unbridled aggression made him a fearsome soldier and a terrifying enemy. While Michael retained a sense of humanity, Baldur fully embraced his monstrous nature, reveling in the chaos and destruction he was born to create.

Baldur is a mix of charm and bloodlust. Outside of combat, he can be disarmingly charismatic, with a sharp wit and a penchant for dark humor. However, this facade quickly crumbles when he is presented with the opportunity for violence. Baldur loves war in all its forms, seeing it not as a means to an end but as the ultimate expression of human nature. He thrives in chaos, finding beauty in the destruction and depravity that others shy away from. Unlike Michael, Baldur has little patience for philosophy or introspection. He lives in the moment, driven by his instincts and his unrelenting desire for combat. Despite this, he is fiercely loyal to his brother and the Golden Federation, seeing their cause as a perfect stage for his violent artistry. Baldur’s relationship with Michael is one of mutual respect and dependence, with Baldur often deferring to Michael’s strategic mind while providing the raw power to execute their missions. Baldur’s love of violence, however, makes him a dangerous ally.

While he follows orders with unwavering loyalty, his bloodlust can sometimes lead to excessive collateral damage or the alienation of potential allies. His superiors tolerate this behavior only because of his unparalleled effectiveness on the battlefield. Baldur serves as a front-line enforcer and shock trooper for the Federation, deployed in situations where overwhelming force is required. His ability to turn the tide of battle through sheer ferocity and brutality makes him a key asset in the Federation’s military campaigns. Baldur is often sent into the most dangerous missions, where his powers can be unleashed without restraint. While his chaotic nature makes him a liability in diplomatic or covert operations, Baldur’s reputation as an unstoppable force precedes him, striking fear into the hearts of enemies long before he arrives on the battlefield. To the Federation’s leadership, Baldur is both a weapon and a spectacle, a living reminder of their dominance and the price of defiance.

Name: Michael

Code Name: Subject-Abyss

Age: 64

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (199cm), lean body build, pitch black skintone.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Shadow Manipulation:

• Abyssal Cloak: Michael can envelop himself in darkness, becoming nearly invisible in low-light conditions. This cloak also enhances his physical resilience, as shadows absorb incoming damage.

• Shadow Constructs: He can create tangible objects or weapons from shadows, ranging from simple blades to intricate barriers.

• Dimensional Rift: By tapping into the Abyss, Michael can summon portals of darkness to transport himself or others over short distances. These rifts also serve as traps, pulling enemies into the void never to return.

• Sentient Shadows: Michael can animate his shadows, using them as extensions of himself to attack, restrain, or scout areas.

• Void Sense: His lack of a physical head has enhanced his perception through the Abyss, allowing him to see and hear across vast distances and detect lifeforms hidden in darkness.

• Corruptive Aura: Prolonged exposure to Michael’s shadows can weaken enemies, sapping their strength and resolve.

Info: Michael and his younger brother, Baldur, were born in the war-ravaged streets of Germany during the twilight years of global conflict. Orphaned at a young age, the two brothers were taken in by an enigmatic figure referred to only as the "Old Führer," a powerful and mysterious leader of a post-war German faction that later aligned with the Golden Federation. The Führer saw potential in the two boys and raised them to be tools of his vision, shaping them into disciplined warriors with unshakable loyalty to his ideals. At the tender age of eleven, both Michael and Baldur were inducted into the Kronos Initiative, a shadowy project aimed at forging superhuman soldiers. As part of their transformation, the brothers underwent excruciating procedures to unlock dormant abilities.

For Michael, this meant merging with the essence of the Abyss, an alternate dimension composed of pure darkness and negative energy. The procedure not only awakened his powers of Shadow Manipulation but also fundamentally altered his physical form: his head vanished entirely, absorbed into the Abyss itself. While this transformation was horrifying, Michael emerged with newfound abilities that placed him among the most formidable of the Kronos subjects. Despite his disfigurement, his voice could still be heard, and his vision extended far beyond human limits, leading to rumors that his head now resides in a different realm, tethered to him by the shadows he commands.

Michael is the epitome of loyalty and discipline, molded by the ideals instilled in him by the Führer and reinforced by the Federation’s doctrine. He is calm, calculating, and unwavering in his devotion to the cause. Despite his intimidating appearance, Michael exudes an aura of quiet authority, rarely raising his voice but commanding respect through his sheer presence. Beneath his stoic exterior, Michael harbors a deep bond with his brother Baldur, viewing him as the only remaining fragment of his humanity. The two share an unbreakable connection forged through shared suffering and survival. While Michael’s loyalty to the Federation is absolute, his love for his brother occasionally creates moments of introspection, as he questions the morality of their existence.

Michael’s loss of a physical head has become a defining feature of his identity. Rather than viewing it as a curse, he sees it as a symbol of his transcendence beyond human limitations. This detachment from his former self fuels his belief that he is no longer bound by human weaknesses, making him a highly focused and unrelenting force on the battlefield. Michael serves as an elite operative and enforcer for the Federation, specializing in covert operations and assassination missions. His ability to manipulate shadows makes him the perfect infiltrator, capable of dismantling enemy defenses without leaving a trace. Additionally, his strategic mind and calm demeanor make him a trusted advisor to high-ranking Federation officials. Despite his loyalty, Michael’s existence raises fear and awe in equal measure among his peers. His disfigurement and connection to the Abyss make him an unsettling figure, even to those who fight alongside him. Yet, his effectiveness in battle and unwavering dedication ensure that he remains an indispensable asset to the Federation.

Name: Felix

Code Name: Subject-Angel

Age: 28

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (186cm), toned body build, light fair skintone, short soft white wavy hair, and pale green eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Divine Light:

• Radiant Energy Manipulation: Felix can project beams, bursts, or waves of concentrated light energy capable of incinerating enemies or shielding allies.

• Healing Touch: The Divine Light allows Felix to heal wounds and cure ailments.

• Light-Wings Manifestation: Felix can create ethereal wings of light to sprout from his back, granting him the ability to fly and enhancing his combat agility.

• Aura of Serenity: Felix radiates a calming presence that can inspire allies and demoralize enemies, often turning the tide of battle without lifting a finger.

• Enhanced Reflexes and Strength: The Divine Light amplifies his physical capabilities, making him faster, stronger, and more durable than any ordinary demigod.

Info: Felix, codenamed Subject-Angel, is the result of a clandestine project within the Golden Federation, designed to harness the essence of divine energy for the purpose of creating a perfect warrior and symbol of hope. Born into obscurity, Felix's early life was that of an ordinary child until the Kronos Initiative identified him as an ideal candidate for their ambitious experiment to merge human potential with celestial power. Despite these remarkable powers, the process left Felix with lingering scars—both physical and emotional. His body constantly burns with the energy he wields, requiring intense focus and discipline to avoid being consumed by it. Felix’s transformation into Subject-Angel shaped his personality profoundly. Having experienced the pain and isolation of being an experiment, he carries a quiet, reflective demeanor. He views himself as a protector of the innocent, driven by a deep sense of compassion and justice. However, he also struggles with the weight of being labeled a "divine being" and the expectations that come with it.

Felix often questions his purpose, torn between serving the Golden Federation, which he owes his existence to, and his desire to use his powers for the greater good, even if it means defying orders. His inner conflict makes him an enigmatic figure—respected and admired by those who meet him, yet deeply misunderstood. Felix serves as both a warrior and a symbol of divine authority for the Golden Federation. His presence on the battlefield inspires soldiers and civilians alike, often portrayed in propaganda as a "savior" figure. While Felix fulfills this role out of duty, he harbors doubts about the Federation’s morality, especially as he witnesses the suffering of those under its regime. The Federation leverages Felix’s abilities sparingly, recognizing that his power is as much a psychological weapon as it is a physical one. He is deployed in critical missions that require overwhelming force or the restoration of morale. Felix, however, secretly seeks opportunities to undermine the Federation’s more oppressive policies, acting as a covert protector for those who cannot defend themselves.

Name: Francis

Code Name: Subject-Devil

Age: 28

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (186cm), toned body build, light fair skintone, medium messy white hair, and pale blue eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Demonic Hellfire:

• Hellfire Manipulation: Francis can summon and control infernal flames that burn hotter than conventional fire, capable of disintegrating nearly anything in their path.

• Infernal Armor: He can encase himself in flames that act as both a shield and a weapon, making him nearly invulnerable in close combat.

• Dark Teleportation: Using bursts of hellfire, Francis can instantly transport himself short distances, leaving trails of flame in his wake.

• Fear Aura: His presence can instill dread and panic in those around him, often rendering enemies too terrified to fight effectively.

• Enhanced Strength and Endurance: The hellfire within him fuels his body, making him physically stronger and more resilient than most demigods.

Info: Francis, codenamed Subject-Devil, is the twin brother of Felix (Subject-Angel). The two brothers share an intricate bond shaped by both their shared beginnings and their divergent paths within the Kronos Initiative. Like Felix, Francis was subjected to experiments intended to create demigods of unparalleled power. However, while Felix was infused with the celestial energy of Divine Light, Francis was imbued with the chaotic and destructive force of Demonic Hellfire. This duality of their powers—light and darkness—became both a symbol and a curse for the two brothers. The Federation saw them as the perfect embodiment of balance: Felix, the radiant savior, and Francis, the wrathful destroyer. Unlike Felix, who embraced his role as a protector, Francis was molded into a weapon of intimidation and devastation.

Francis's infusion with Demonic Hellfire left him with immense power, but it also came at a great cost. The process tethered him to an unrelenting, fiery rage that he must constantly suppress to retain his humanity. Francis is a complex individual, deeply conflicted by his role as Subject-Devil. Unlike Felix, who is revered as a beacon of hope, Francis is often feared and misunderstood, even by those within the Federation. This alienation has fostered a sense of resentment and loneliness, though he hides it beneath a stoic and guarded exterior. Despite his fearsome reputation, Francis possesses a strong moral compass and a fierce loyalty to those he cares about—particularly Felix. He resents the Federation for manipulating him and his brother, and he harbors a growing desire to break free from their control. However, he also struggles with self-doubt, fearing that the hellfire within him makes him irredeemable.

Francis's relationship with Felix is both a source of strength and tension. While they share a deep bond as twins, their opposing powers and roles often put them at odds. Francis envies Felix's ability to inspire hope and wonders if his own existence is doomed to destruction and despair. Francis serves as the Federation’s enforcer, deployed in situations where overwhelming force or intimidation is required. His mere presence on the battlefield is enough to demoralize opposition, and his hellfire ensures that few survive to tell the tale. The Federation uses him as a symbol of their dominance—a stark contrast to Felix’s role as their angelic savior. While Francis fulfills his duties out of obligation, he secretly despises being a tool of fear. He longs for a purpose beyond destruction and dreams of a day when he can wield his powers for something greater.

Name: Lunette O'Neill

Code Name: Subject-Primordial

Age: 49

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height(169cm), slim body build, rosy ivory skintone, vivid red hair styled in soft waves, and gentle piercing golden eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Fear Manipulation:

• Fear Projection: Lunette can induce vivid hallucinations and paralyzing terror in her targets by manifesting their worst fears. Her victims often experience debilitating mental breakdowns, rendering them unable to resist or fight back.

• Aura of Dread: Simply by entering a room, Lunette can exude an aura that instills unease and anxiety in everyone around her. The strength of this effect is proportional to her focus and intent.

• Emotional Manipulation: Beyond fear, Lunette has a subtle ability to manipulate other emotions, such as desperation, awe, or loyalty, allowing her to bend individuals to her will.

• Mental Fortitude: Her own mind is nearly impenetrable, making her immune to most forms of telepathy or psychological manipulation.

• Physical Agility and Strength: As a demigod, Lunette possesses enhanced reflexes, agility, and a strength beyond most demigods.

Info: Lunette O'Neill, also known as Subject-Primordial, was born into a tumultuous world where the Golden Federation's shadow loomed over every corner of society. Taken into the Kronos Initiative at the tender age of three alongside her older brother Flann, Lunette has no memory of her parents or life before the labs. The O'Neill siblings were orphans of war, plucked from the remnants of a forgotten Irish rebellion and subjected to the Federation's experiments in creating demigods. While Flann became a failed experiment and died his death was relegated to obscurity within the Initiative, and Lunette thrived. Her innate resilience and adaptability made her a prime candidate for the next phase of the Kronos Initiative: the manipulation of primal human emotions. Infused with the power of Fear Manipulation, Lunette became a master of psychological warfare.

Lunette is a formidable and charismatic figure, with a magnetic presence that draws others to her even as it unsettles them. She is fiercely independent and ambitious, often using her charm and cunning to get her way. While she appears poised and composed on the surface, Lunette is deeply calculating, always analyzing situations and people to her advantage. Her experiences in the Kronos Initiative have left her with a cynical view of the world. She sees life as a game of power and influence, and she plays it with unmatched precision. Lunette is not above using manipulation or intimidation to achieve her goals, but she also possesses a sharp wit and a dark sense of humor that make her company oddly captivating.

Lunette serves as one of the Federation's most effective agents in espionage and psychological operations. Her ability to control and weaponize fear makes her a valuable asset in quelling uprisings, interrogating prisoners, and eliminating threats before they can take root. However, Lunette's ambitions extend far beyond her current role. She has a knack for maneuvering herself into positions of influence, and she dreams of one day holding true power within the Federation. Her relationship with the Federation is complex. While she respects their vision of order and control, she resents being treated as just another tool in their arsenal. Lunette has been known to manipulate situations to suit her own agenda, often walking a fine line between loyalty and rebellion.

Name: Flann O'Neill

Code Name: Subject-7981

Age: 52

Affiliation: Golden Federation (Rebel)

Physical Appearance: Height (200cm), ripped fit body build, ivory pale skintone, long straight scarlet hair, and orange burning eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Sun Embodiment:

• Solar Flare Projection: Flann can unleash concentrated blasts of solar energy, capable of incinerating anything within their radius. The intensity of these flares varies depending on his emotional state.

• Radiance Aura: His body emits a constant, low-level glow, which intensifies during combat or moments of heightened emotion. This aura can blind opponents or provide healing warmth to allies.

• Enhanced Strength and Durability: Flann’s physical capabilities are vastly superior to ordinary demigods, allowing him to endure extreme conditions and overpower even the strongest adversaries.

• Thermal Manipulation: He can manipulate heat within a certain radius, creating scorching environments or suppressing cold temperatures.

• Solar Regeneration: Flann possesses accelerated healing, though the energy required for regeneration draws from his solar reserves.

Info: Flann O'Neill, code-named Subject-7981, is the elder brother of Lunette O'Neill. Born amidst the chaos of a crumbling Irish rebellion, Flann’s early childhood was marked by loss and uncertainty. At just six years old, he and his younger sister were orphaned and subsequently taken into the Kronos Initiative, an experimental program of the Golden Federation. Unlike Lunette, whose adaptability allowed her to thrive, Flann’s journey through the Initiative was fraught with challenges. The experiments, designed to awaken latent powers within him, triggered abilities far beyond the Federation’s expectations.

Flann’s powers—the embodiment of the sun itself—proved to be too volatile to control. Viewing him as a threat, the Initiative confined him to a high-security facility after he attempted to escape during a destructive awakening of his abilities. To protect Lunette’s loyalty, the Initiative fabricated a story of Flann’s death. Flann is a complex individual, shaped by years of isolation and betrayal. Once a protective and optimistic older brother, his confinement has left him disillusioned and guarded. Despite this, a deep sense of duty and love for Lunette remains at his core, driving him to survive in the hopes of reuniting with her one day. The thought of her survival and potential happiness fuels his determination.

Flann’s feelings of guilt for failing to protect Lunette haunt him, though he also harbors anger toward the Federation for using them both as tools. Fortunately Flann is highly intelligent and resourceful, having spent decades studying his captors and planning potential escapes. He plans to one day rid himself of his wardens. And his time in solitude has also honed his resilience and mental fortitude, though it has come at the cost of his trust in others. He is quick to anger but equally quick to show compassion to those he deems deserving.

Name: Bernhard Ackermann

Code Name: Subject-Galaxy Rune

Age: 76

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (188cm), muscular body build, azure-blue skintone, blue medium spiky hair, and cyan glowing eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Gravity Manipulation:

• Gravity Field Control: Bernhard can manipulate gravitational forces in his vicinity, increasing or decreasing their intensity at will. This allows him to immobilize opponents, create crushing pressure zones, or nullify gravity to cause weightlessness.

• Cosmic Strikes: By channeling celestial energy, Bernhard can deliver devastating attacks that mimic the force of a collapsing star. His strikes are both a physical and energy-based threat, capable of annihilating armored foes.

• Spatial Rift Generation: Bernhard has limited control over spacetime distortions, enabling him to create small wormholes for short-range teleportation or devastating implosions.

• Tactical Levitation: By nullifying gravity around himself, Bernhard can achieve flight and maneuver effortlessly in combat.

• Resilience of the Void: His modifications have granted him superhuman durability, longevity, and an ability to survive in extreme environments, including the vacuum of space.

Info: Bernhard Ackermann was born into the lap of military privilege in the heart of the Golden Federation. The son of General Dietrich Ackermann, one of the Federation’s most ambitious and ruthless leaders, Bernhard’s fate was sealed the moment he drew breath. As the scion of a military dynasty, great things were expected of him, but his father sought more than just a promising soldier — he sought a legacy of unparalleled power. At the age of fifteen, Bernhard was sent into the clutches of the Kronos Initiative, a top-secret program aimed at creating living weapons for the Federation. Dietrich, hungry for influence and personal gain, volunteered his only child for experimentation without a shred of hesitation. The rationale was simple: if the experiment succeeded, Dietrich would have an unmatched weapon under his command; if it failed, he would sever the weakness of sentimentality from his life.

Bernhard’s experience in the Initiative was marked by immense pain and isolation. Subjected to grueling tests and life-threatening experiments, he underwent a series of physical and genetic modifications to awaken the latent cosmic potential within him. This process forged his connection to the fundamental forces of the universe, granting him mastery over Gravity Manipulation. The boy who once sought to impress his father has long since disappeared, replaced by a hardened and enigmatic individual. Decades of servitude to the Federation have shaped Bernhard into a stoic and introspective figure. He rarely shows emotion, speaking only when necessary, and his words often carry an air of cosmic detachment, as if he is observing the world from a distance.

Deep within, however, Bernhard harbors a smoldering resentment toward his father and the Federation that made him what he is. He sees himself as a fractured being — part human, part cosmic anomaly, and entirely alone in the universe. This inner turmoil drives his quiet rebellion, as he dreams of breaking free from the chains of servitude and determining his own destiny. Bernhard is a man of profound intellect and discipline, capable of devising brilliant strategies in both combat and political intrigue. Despite his cold exterior, he possesses a keen sense of justice, though it is often obscured by his pragmatic approach to survival.

Within the Federation, Bernhard serves as a highly effective enforcer and tactician. His abilities make him a terrifying presence on the battlefield, capable of dismantling armies and subjugating entire regions. However, his true value lies in his strategic mind, which allows him to predict and counteract insurgencies with chilling efficiency. Despite his apparent loyalty, Bernhard’s relationship with the Federation is fraught with tension. He sees the organization as a corrupt machine that sacrifices individuals for the sake of power, and he loathes the fact that he has become one of its most potent tools.

Name: Ruth Perez

Code Name: Yggdrasil

Age: 39

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (177cm), toned curvy body build, a fawn skintone, medium messy platinum white hair, and bright sapphire eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Ash Manipulation:

• Ash Manipulation: Ruth can create, control, and shape ash into various forms, from dense, weapon-like constructs to swirling storms that obscure visibility and choke opponents.

• Volcanic Ash: She can generate superheated ash capable of burning through metal and flesh, making her attacks devastatingly lethal.

• Phoenix’s Renewal: By absorbing ash, Ruth can accelerate her healing process, recovering from wounds that would be fatal to ordinary humans.

• Ashen Veil: Ruth can cloak herself in a shroud of ash, rendering her nearly invisible in smoky or dim environments while disorienting enemies.

• Rebirth Field: Ruth can release a burst of ash that simultaneously destroys everything within a certain radius while healing her allies and herself.

• Catalyst Touch: Ruth’s presence can decay objects or materials into ash with a mere touch, though this requires deliberate activation.

Info: Born into the illustrious Perez family, one of Spain's wealthiest and most influential dynasties, Ruth’s life began with luxury and privilege. Her family’s fortune was built on a sprawling business empire that ranged from mining to luxury goods, with connections that extended into international politics and, crucially, the Golden Federation. However, beneath the glamour and prestige, the Perez family’s loyalty to the Federation came with a steep price. Ruth, the youngest of four siblings, was an unwanted child in a family preoccupied with power and appearances. When the Federation approached the Perez family with an opportunity to strengthen their alliance by offering a child for the Kronos Initiative, Ruth’s parents saw her as expendable.

At the tender age of six, Ruth was taken from her gilded world and delivered into the cold, sterile hands of the Federation scientists. The experiments conducted on Ruth were designed to unlock latent abilities tied to elemental manipulation. Through years of excruciating trials, her powers began to manifest: the ability to manipulate and control ash, a symbol of destruction and renewal. The Federation named her Subject-Yggdrasil, a reference to the Norse tree of life, underscoring her dual nature as a harbinger of ruin and rebirth. Ruth’s personality is shaped by a life of betrayal, survival, and defiance. While her upbringing in the Perez family left her with an ingrained sense of poise and cunning, the trauma of being handed over to the Federation instilled in her a fierce independence and distrust of authority.

She is deeply resentful of her family’s decision to abandon her and harbors a quiet but intense hatred for the Federation, despite serving as one of their operatives. Ruth is calculated and resourceful, always looking for ways to turn situations to her advantage. She has a sharp tongue and an unyielding determination that makes her both a respected and feared figure among her peers. Beneath her hardened exterior, however, lies a deep yearning for freedom and a sense of belonging, emotions she rarely allows herself to show. Her codename, Yggdrasil, reflects the duality of her powers and her personality: destruction paired with regeneration, death alongside life. Ruth often muses on the irony of her role in the Federation, as both a weapon of annihilation and a symbol of rebirth. Ruth’s powers make her an invaluable asset to the Federation’s covert and tactical operations. Her ability to devastate enemy strongholds while minimizing casualties on her side has earned her a reputation as a strategic genius and a force to be reckoned with.

She is often deployed in missions requiring surgical precision and overwhelming firepower, where her ash manipulation can be used to both destroy and conceal. Despite her effectiveness, Ruth’s loyalty to the Federation is far from absolute. She views her role as a means to an end, biding her time while searching for opportunities to undermine the organization that robbed her of her childhood. Her superiors are aware of her rebellious streak but tolerate it because of her unparalleled success rate and the fear she inspires in both allies and enemies.

Name: Gabriel Althaus

Code Name: Subject-19 (The Eternal Shield)

Age: 90

Affiliation: Golden Federation

Physical Appearance: Height (193cm), lean toned body build, very fair skintone, messy platinum blonde hair, and calculating golden eyes.

Demigod Form:

Powers: Order Manipulation:

• Systematic Control: Gabriel can restructure and reorganize any system — biological, mechanical, or societal — to operate according to his precise specifications. This includes halting chaotic processes or optimizing systems for efficiency.

• Reality Anchoring: He can stabilize unstable environments, nullify chaotic powers (such as entropy-based or random abilities), and restore balance to fractured spaces.

• Command of Forces: Gabriel has the ability to dictate the behavior of objects or entities within a defined area, enforcing strict rules that cannot be broken. For example, he can create zones where only he can act or where certain actions are prohibited.

• Temporal Regulation: While not capable of outright time manipulation, Gabriel can slow, accelerate, or pause processes in localized areas, granting him an advantage in combat and strategy.

• Mental Domination: Gabriel’s presence exudes authority, allowing him to impose his will on weaker minds. He can compel obedience, quell rebellion, and instill order within disorganized groups.

• Immutable Constructs: He can forge structures of pure order, such as barriers, weapons, or even autonomous constructs, which are nearly indestructible and operate with mechanical precision.

Info: Born in 1927 in Berlin, Gabriel Althaus grew up during one of the most tumultuous periods in German history. The upheavals of World War II shaped his early life, fostering a deep-seated desire for order and control amidst chaos. Coming from a middle-class family with no significant influence, Gabriel’s aspirations to rise above his station were stoked by the crumbling society around him. In 1949, as post-war Germany struggled to rebuild, Gabriel became one of the first to volunteer for the Kronos Initiative, an experimental program under Federation oversight designed to create “Demigods” — beings who could wield powers beyond human comprehension. The program's early iterations were riddled with failure, leading to catastrophic losses. Out of 10,000 initial volunteers, Gabriel was the sole survivor, enduring excruciating trials that pushed his body and mind beyond natural limits. The experiments awakened his latent ability to manipulate order — the power to impose structure, enforce stability, and control both the physical and metaphysical aspects of reality. His survival and success marked him as Subject-19, Germany's first Demigod and the prototype for the Kronos Initiative's later experiments on children.

Gabriel presents himself as a calm, gentle leader who prioritizes stability and progress. His voice carries a reassuring tone, his words carefully chosen to inspire trust and loyalty. Many within the Federation view him as a benevolent father figure, someone who seeks to guide humanity toward a brighter future. However, this facade hides his true nature: a ruthless, calculating, and deeply controlling individual. Gabriel is an extreme perfectionist, obsessed with eliminating chaos in all its forms. He abhors unpredictability and views disorder as the root of all suffering. This ideology has driven him to commit unspeakable atrocities in the name of maintaining order, including purges, forced compliance, and the eradication of entire populations deemed "uncontrollable." He takes a particular pride in the Kronos Initiative, viewing its later success with children as a validation of his sacrifices.

However, he harbors a deep disdain for those who fail to meet his expectations, considering them weak and disposable. As one of the founding members of the Golden Federation’s High Council, Gabriel wields immense political and military influence. His contributions to the Kronos Initiative and his survival as the first successful Demigod have earned him a near-mythical status within the organization. He is the architect of many of the Federation’s policies, particularly those emphasizing discipline, hierarchy, and control. Gabriel’s council seat places him at the heart of the Federation’s decision-making process. He oversees not only the Demigod programs but also the enforcement of Federation laws and the suppression of dissent. His vision for the Federation is a world where chaos is eradicated, and every individual serves a designated purpose.

Gabriel’s ultimate ambition is to create a world of perfect order, where every individual functions as a cog in a grand machine. He believes that chaos, freedom, and individuality are dangerous illusions that lead to destruction. His vision is one of absolute control, where the Federation acts as the sole arbiter of justice and progress. While Gabriel publicly preaches unity and harmony, his methods often involve coercion, manipulation, and outright brutality. He sees himself as humanity’s savior, willing to bear the weight of his actions for the sake of a greater good.

[mariacallous]

Sweeping layoffs architected by the Trump administration and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency may be coming as soon as this week at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a nonregulatory agency responsible for establishing benchmarks that ensure everything from beauty products to quantum computers are safe and reliable.

According to several current and former employees at NIST, the agency has been bracing for cuts since President Donald Trump took office last month and ordered billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE to slash spending across the federal government. The fears were heightened last week when some NIST workers witnessed a handful of people they believed to be associated with DOGE inside Building 225, which houses the NIST Information Technology Laboratory at the agency’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, campus, according to multiple people briefed on the sightings. The DOGE staff were seeking access to NIST’s IT systems, one of the people said.

Soon after the purported visit, NIST leadership told employees that DOGE staffers were not currently on campus, but that office space and technology were being provisioned for them, according to the same people.

On Wednesday, Axios and Bloomberg reported that NIST had begun informing some employees that they could soon be laid off. About 500 recent hires who are still in probationary status and can be let go more easily were among those expected to be affected, according to the reports. Three sources tell WIRED that the cuts likely impact lauded technical experts in leadership positions, including three lab directors who were promoted within the last year. One person familiar with the agency tells WIRED that the official layoff notices may come Friday.

The White House and a spokesperson for NIST, which is part of the Department of Commerce, did not yet return requests for comment.

One NIST team that has been fearing cuts because of its number of probationary employees is the US AI Safety Institute (AISI), which was created after former President Joe Biden’s sweeping executive order on AI issued in October 2023. Trump rescinded the order shortly after taking office last month, describing it as a “barrier to American leadership in artificial intelligence.”

The AI Safety Institute and its roughly two dozen staffers have been working closely with AI companies, including rivals to Musk’s startup xAI like OpenAI and Anthropic, to understand and test the capabilities of their most powerful models. Musk was an early investor in OpenAI and is currently suing the startup over its decision to transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit corporation.

AISI’s inaugural director, Elizabeth Kelly, announced she was leaving her role earlier this month. Several other high-profile NIST leaders working on AI have also departed in recent weeks, including Reva Schwartz, who led NIST’s Assessing Risks and Impacts of AI program, and Elham Tabassi, NIST’s chief AI adviser. Kelly and Schwartz declined to comment. Tabassi did not respond to a request for comment.

US vice president JD Vance recently signaled the new administration’s intent to deprioritize AI safety at the AI Action Summit, a major international meeting held in Paris last week that AISI and other government staffers were not invited to attend, according to three familiar with the matter. “I'm not here this morning to talk about AI safety,” Vance said in his first major speech as VP. “I'm here to talk about AI opportunity.”

Though they receive bipartisan support, the AI Safety Institute and other parts of NIST had been preparing for the Trump administration to set new priorities for their work. In anticipation, some NIST teams began moving to deprioritize efforts such as fighting misinformation and racial bias in AI systems, according to two people familiar with the projects. Two other people say that putting even more public emphasis on national security was welcomed among some staffers, since the institute has already engaged in related research efforts.

Overall, the AI Safety Institute has been pressing ahead with working groups and other efforts focused on developing guidelines for studying AI systems. Last week, the startup Scale AI announced it had been selected by the institute as its “first approved third-party evaluator authorized to conduct AI model assessments.” Michael Kratsios, Trump’s pick to direct the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, was until recently Scale’s managing director.

The feared layoffs at NIST have drawn strong rebuke from civil society groups, such as the Center for AI Policy, and congressional Democrats. NIST’s 2024 budget was about $1.5 billion, approximately .02 percent of federal spending overall, making it perhaps an unlikely target for Musk’s DOGE project. DOGE staffers have dropped into several government agencies this month, gaining access to sensitive systems, promoting the use of AI to boost productivity, and seeding a trail of resignations among longtime government workers. DOGE’s specific goals at NIST couldn’t be immediately learned.

US representative Jake Auchincloss, a Democrat who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, says any efforts by DOGE to trim NIST rather than focusing instead on parts of government that account for far more spending, such as Department of Defense contracts, amounts to “scrounging for pennies in front of a bank vault.” He called NIST an agency with high returns on investment and warned that hobbling it would be self-defeating for the US. “Imparing NIST’s function is going to harm business productivity and increase costs,” Auchincloss says.

Staff for Democrats on the US House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology say they are concerned about the potential for significant economic harm from any cuts to NIST. The agency’s timekeeping is used by stock markets, and its research on buildings and pipelines help keep infrastructure intact. DOGE “might throw out things that are crucial to the functioning of the economy,” says one of the Democratic staffers, who all spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Budget cuts at other agencies could also have ripple effects at NIST, because they help fund some of its projects, including studies on the accuracy of face recognition systems and a database of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. “We’re worried about staffing, funding at every research agency in the federal government,” says the science committee staffer.

Earlier this month, California representative Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the Republican-controlled House Science Committee, and her colleagues sent letters to the heads of several agencies, including NIST and NASA, demanding transparency about DOGE activities.

“While NIST does not conduct classified research, its cutting edge work in topics such as AI, quantum sensors and clocks, and semiconductors are world-class, and improper exfiltration to non-secure servers would be a boon for our adversaries,” stated the letter last week to NIST acting director Craig Burkhardt. It demanded a response from him by February 18; as of February 19, there had been none, according to Lofgren’s office.

The letter also raised concern about Musk’s potential conflicts of interest at NIST, given the intimate dealings between the AI Safety Institute and his competitors. Representative Auchincloss, who has studied NIST’s biology projects, expressed concern about Musk potentially gaining an unfair advantage and compromising safety by influencing standards that affect his Neuralink brain implant venture.

NIST was originally created in 1901 to help the US science and engineering industries establish scientific norms in areas like measurement. In coordination with the US Naval Observatory, the agency is also responsible for building and maintaining the country’s most accurate atomic clocks. Overall, NIST currently employs about 3,400 scientists, engineers, and technicians, according to its website.

Project 2025, an informal plan for the Trump administration crafted by the Heritage Foundation, an influential right-leaning think tank, called for consolidating the research work currently spread across NIST and other agencies and ensuring that it “serves the national interest in a concrete way in line with conservative principles.”