#criminally programmed automates

[foxwolfobriencooper]

"THE GRINCH FAMILY" CRIMINALLY PROGRAMMED AUTOMATES CONTROLLED BY MOFF TARKIN FROM THE PLANET ALDERAAN. OFTEN TARGETED TO BE USED OR EXPLOITED BY OTHER CRIMINALS BECAUSE OF THEIR OBVIOUS AND HIGHLY INBRED ANCESTRY AND RELATIONSHIPS.

[maryymaruu]

I present to you, the Iterator oc number two, the child that refused to be named, now having many, hah! _(:3 」∠)_

While I adore the true name I finally scrambled for him, and couldn't resist disclosing it, for lore reasons it'd be best to address him with his title;

Sentinel Of The Unforgiven, [SOTU] or just The Sentinel.

This one's novel is even longer, so for those who don't have the patience, the trivia board on the ref is a pretty good TLDR! ^^);

This guy needs to have quite a few more clarifications made first, as I'm stepping quite further away from the canon here, and even more into fanfiction/AU territory.

Some background;

[We're talking about one and the same group Three Signals (TS) is included in. They are neighbours of Sliver Of Straw, far away from in-game locations.]

- This group exists in a very mountainous area, and from the very beginning, the Benefactors decided it's more efficient to use their already existing underground tunnels (from drilling for Void Fluid) as a transportation modus; turned into an underground train system for Iterator construction process. That system runs quite far into the group, connecting Iterators like roots, with SOTU at the near center (first one built in the area).

- Due to some harsh weather conditions and poor decisions the city was equipped with "wind-breaking" walls, giving a quite claustrophobic effect. Citizens began feeling discomfort there even before resource problems.

- Once the resource demand problem became eminent, the citizens expressed lack of care or attachment to the city and/or the Iterator. It was agreed upon to simply use the underground trains to relocate to now already standing, various newer cities.

- The justice system is... blurry at best. This post is getting too long already so I'll fully explain it another time; for now it's only important to know SOTU is not the one judging the criminals, he merely holds them up to the verdict.

- The notion of "a stay in SOTU's city feels like a punishment in itself" became wide spread amongst the Benefactors. In face of necessity it evolved into an effort to make it a reality; SOTU was repurposed into a prison facility. Instead of upgrading him to be able to be more habitable, they completed the claustrophobic city with taller sealed walls and gates, and a new set of laws/taboos for the Iterator to obey. Making for a secure, depressing, fully automated trap box.

Now more about the Sentinel himself...

SOTU has always been a rather reserved personality that struggled to express emotion or weakness. There was a specific idea he had to live up to, (be it conditioned into him or self-imposed) of someone competent, serious and strong. Giving off a strict, cold and unapproachable first impression. The Group Senior that believes he has to carry the woes of the world on his shoulders alone and never break, in order to be a good example.

However, despite poorly expressing it, SOTU does deeply care about his people and about his peers. And always tried his best to be someone they can relay on, without directly admitting it though. Like a grumpy old man, would chew one out for making a mistake first, and then help them out of trouble, without sparing any effort.

Would never admit it, but feels quite hurt by how easily his citizens decided to abandon him, and resents them for what he's been turned into. He really tried to take care of everyone. He doesn't enjoy what his city has become, he doesn't enjoy being feared. Secretly wished it was a lot more like something that of TS's city... full of life, bonded and happy, but is unable to let go of the false idea what a Senior should be like, denying himself vulnerability to even express that.

The reformatting into a prison only worsened this problem. The new, additional programming discouraged acts of compassion or affection. (So that he doesn't pity the prisoners)

Despite best efforts, his group did not integrate very well. His ways of handling things left much to be desired, some labeling him a tyrant no one can ever reason with. Some just simply disliked him too much to ever relay on his advice. Communicating within the group was difficult, hence why eventually many stopped bothering and kept to themselves, or to smaller private cliques.

The repressed emotional impulses did catch up to him eventually, allowing for small acts of disobedience against the law.

Didn't stop SOTU from feeling it though. And feeling he sure did....

Those efforts were too little too late, inadequate to prevent the conflicts escalating into hostility. Once an arrest warrant was cast from the Benefactors above, there was nothing he could do. And once the poorly integrated group got a taste of connection against a "common enemy" it was over.

Delays, stalling, omitted reports, "errors", "lost" data, "unreceived" broadcasts... All in efforts to keep the prisoner numbers low, and make the stay of those present shorter and more bearable. Ignoring all reports about what was going on in TS's city in particular- hoping to at least protect something SOTU could never be.

(More to come)

TS got hurt, and the lively community on top was broken up. It is unclear who is responsible for the malware attack idea, nor who exactly deployed it, but SOTU feels fully responsible regardless. He wallows in ever growing guilt and regret since.

[bradleysass]

attempt - @into-the-jeggyverse - wc: 563

James didn’t mean to trespass.

Well. Maybe he meant to. But not like this—not with the blaring siren, the blinking lights, and the automated voice yelling, "INTRUDER DETECTED. AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED."

He just wanted to see him. Not break the law.

The alarm finally cut out with a merciful click, and James froze in place on the edge of the perfectly manicured lawn. A second later, the porch light flicked on, casting a warm yellow glow across the lawn like a spotlight on a criminal.

Then there he was.

Regulus Black.

Wearing black silk pajama pants, a robe hanging loose over his shoulders, and a look on his face that could cut through concrete.

"You know," he said, voice sharp and cold in the night air, "attempting to enter my house is against the law, Potter."

James gave a crooked, sheepish smile and shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets like that might make him look less guilty.

“I wasn’t entering. I was standing. On the grass.”

Regulus arched a brow.

“My grass is armed. I have signs. You know this.”

“I forgot,” James muttered, which was a lie. He remembered every inch of this place—had built half the garden beds with Regulus the summer they moved in together. Had picked out those ridiculous lemon-scented solar lights because Regulus claimed moths were “tacky.”

Regulus sighed, stepping forward onto the porch but not down the steps.

“What do you want, James?”

There it was. No softness. Just James. Like they were back to being strangers.

James swallowed hard. “I—couldn’t sleep. And I kept thinking about… about that night in June. The one with the thunderstorm, when we lost power and just laid on the kitchen floor and talked until morning.”

Regulus’ expression flickered, but he didn’t speak.

“I miss you,” James continued, quieter now, his voice catching slightly. “I know I shouldn’t say that. I know I was the one who left. But I can’t sleep in our bed without you, Reg.”

Regulus stayed quiet a moment longer, then crossed his arms. “There’s no our anymore.”

James flinched. “I know.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Because…” James took a shaky breath. “Because I didn’t know how else to remember what it felt like to be near you without it hurting so damn much.”

A long silence stretched between them, filled only by the buzz of the porch light and the far-off hum of late-night traffic.

Regulus exhaled, slow and deliberate. “You’re lucky I didn’t have the system programmed to fire warning shots.”

James chuckled weakly. “Would’ve been worth it.”

“Idiot.”

“Yours, once.”

Regulus looked away, jaw tight, and James took a step forward—just one. He didn’t want to push. Just be closer.

“Can I just… talk to you?” James asked, voice gentler than it had been in weeks. “Not to fix anything. Just… talk.”

Regulus studied him carefully, then slowly descended the steps.

“Stay off the grass.”

James blinked. “You’re serious?”

Regulus gave him a look. “You triggered the alarms, woke me up, and possibly alerted half the neighbourhood.”

“Okay, okay,” James said quickly, holding up his hands. “I’ll walk on the path like a respectable ex-boyfriend.”

Regulus turned away, the edge of his robe fluttering with the motion. “Ten minutes. Then you leave.”

James followed behind, smiling despite himself.

Ten minutes.

He could live off that for weeks.

[yanpoetry]

College Classes for Yanderes and the Reason!

Ever wondered what skills a Yandere might need to truly care for their Darling while keeping them under absolute control? Whether you're a Yandere in training or just curious about how some of these intense personalities manage to weave their devotion and obsession into real-life skills, here's the rundown on the college classes that could make you the ultimate protector (or controller) of your Darling. These aren't just any classes- these are the practical skills you need to master the delicate art of love, obsession, and devotion.

1. Medical Science (Doctor or Nurse Program)

Why? Every Yandere needs to ensure their Darling is in peak physical condition, right? Whether it's tending to minor injuries, ensuring constant health surveillance, or subtly administering sedatives, a Yandere with medical knowledge can provide the care their Darling "needs" while keeping them dependent on their expertise.

Classes to Take: Anatomy & Physiology, Emergency Medicine, Pharmacology, Mental Health and Psychiatry.

2. Private Investigation and Surveillance Techniques

Why? You can't love what you can't keep track of, can you? A Yandere who knows how to investigate, track, and surveil will always know where their Darling is, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with. Perfect for ensuring no one—no one—threatens their perfect relationship.

Classes to Take: Surveillance Techniques, Criminal Investigation, Digital Security, Behavioral Profiling.

3. Criminal Justice & Personal Security

Why? Protection is at the core of a Yandere's job. You need to protect your Darling from threats—both real and imagined. And let's face it, a Yandere who's good with security can easily lock down any potential escape routes, set up surveillance cameras, and make sure their Darling’s environment is as safe (and controlled) as possible.

Classes to Take: Personal Security, Risk Management, Crisis Intervention, Firearms Training (optional but... effective).

4. Culinary Arts & Dietetics

Why? A Yandere knows that food is not just for nourishment—it's for control. Whether it's preparing meals laced with aphrodisiacs to increase the bond or sedatives to keep the Darling docile, culinary skills are a must-have. And nothing says "I love you" like a perfectly crafted dinner that keeps your Darling right where you want them.

Classes to Take: Nutrition, Advanced Cooking Techniques, Food Safety, Food Chemistry, Meal Planning.

5. Psychology (Therapist or Psychiatrist Program)

Why? To understand your Darling’s mind is to control it. Psychology classes will teach you how to read and manipulate emotions, break down resistance, and keep your Darling dependent on you for emotional stability. Plus, with psychiatric knowledge, you'll know just how to manage meltdowns, moods, and delicate situations.

Classes to Take: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Science, Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology.

6. Electrical Engineering (Or just Electrical Technician)

Why? Want to keep your Darling locked in both physically and emotionally? Knowing how to set up cameras, monitoring systems, and even electric fences (if you’re feeling extra) will ensure you always know where your Darling is. Bonus points for making sure no one can ever interrupt your time together.

Classes to Take: Circuit Design, Home Automation, Surveillance Systems, Electrical Safety.

7. Engineering (Mechanical or Civil)

Why? For the Yandere who likes to design their Darling’s world literally. This isn’t just about making your Darling’s environment comfortable—it's about making it escape-proof. Whether it's building secure rooms, automated systems, or setting up barriers to keep your Darling from running away, an engineering degree gives you the tools to create your own perfect world.

Classes to Take: Structural Engineering, Robotics, Systems Design, Automated Systems.

8. Art (or Interior Design)

Why? A Yandere doesn’t just control the body; they control the mind. And what better way to keep the Darling in the right mood than to craft an environment that feels simultaneously safe and inescapable? The right design can manipulate emotions, create a sense of security while subtly reinforcing control. It's all about aesthetics... and power.

Classes to Take: Interior Design, Visual Arts, Architecture, Color Theory.

9. Surgeon (Trauma or Cosmetic Surgery)

Why? Want to make sure your Darling never forgets who they belong to? A Yandere with surgical skills can leave permanent marks, whether it’s through tattoos, cosmetic alterations, or more extreme procedures that make the Darling more physically reliant on them. These skills also come in handy when it’s time for “repairs” following an altercation or “accident.”

Classes to Take: Surgery (Plastic or General), Trauma Medicine, Aesthetic Surgery, Post-Op Care.

10. Therapeutic Massage & Physical Therapy

Why? Sometimes, you just need to show your Darling that you can heal their body and mind. A Yandere with physical therapy knowledge can not only care for physical injuries but also manipulate the Darling’s body into a state of dependence. Plus, there's something incredibly possessive about touching every inch of their body while “helping.”

Classes to Take: Massage Therapy, Body Mechanics, Rehabilitation Techniques, Neuromuscular Therapy.

[linkyu]

tell me about your defense contract pleage

Oh boy!

To be fair, it's nothing grandiose, like, it wasn't about "a new missile blueprint" or whatever, but, just thinking about what it could have become? yeesh.

So, let's go.

For context, this is taking place in the early 2010s, where I was working as a dev and manager for a company that mostly did space stuff, but they had some defence and security contracts too.

One day we got a new contract though, which was... a weird one. It was state-auctioned, meaning that this was basically a homeland contract, but the main sponsor was Philip Morris. Yeah. The American cigarette company.

Why? Because the contract was essentially a crackdown on "illegal cigarette sales", but it was sold as a more general "war on drugs" contract.

For those unaware (because chances are, like me, you are a non-smoker), cigarette contraband is very much a thing. At the time, ~15% of cigarettes were sold illegally here (read: they were smuggled in and sold on the street).

And Phillip Morris wanted to stop that. After all, they're only a small company worth uhhh... oh JFC. Just a paltry 150 billion dollars. They need those extra dollars, you understand?

Anyway. So they sponsored a contract to the state, promising that "the technology used for this can be used to stop drug deals too". Also that "the state would benefit from the cigarettes part as well because smaller black market means more official sales means a higher tax revenue" (that has actually been proven true during the 2020 quarantine).

Anyway, here was the plan:

Phase 1 was to train a neural network and plug it in directly to the city's video-surveillance system, in order to detect illegal transactions as soon as they occur. Big brother who?

Phase 2 was to then track the people involved in said transaction throughout the city, based on their appearance and gait. You ever seen the Plainsight sheep counting video? Imagine something like this but with people. That data would then be relayed to police officers in the area.

So yeah, an automated CCTV-based tracking system. Because that's not setting a scary precedent.

So what do you do when you're in that position? Let me tell you. If you're thrust unknowingly, or against your will, into a project like this,

Note. The following is not a legal advice. In fact it's not even good advice. Do not attempt any of this unless you know you can't get caught, or that even if you are caught, the consequences are acceptable. Above all else, always have a backup plan if and when it backfires. Also don't do anything that can get you sued. Be reasonable.

Let me introduce you to the world of Corporate Sabotage! It's a funny form of striking, very effective in office environments.

Here's what I did:

First of all was the training data. We had extensive footage, but it needed to be marked manually for the training. Basically, just cropping the clips around the "transaction" and drawing some boxes on top of the "criminals". I was in charge of several batches of those. It helped that I was fast at it since I had video editing experience already. Well, let's just say that a good deal of those markings were... not very accurate.

Also, did you know that some video encodings are very slow to process by OpenCV, to the point of sometimes crashing? I'm sure the software is better at it nowadays though. So I did that to another portion of the data.

Unfortunately the training model itself was handled by a different company, so I couldn't do more about this.

Or could I?

I was the main person communicating with them, after all.

Enter: Miscommunication Master

In short (because this is already way too long), I became the most rigid person in the project. Like insisting on sharing the training data only on our own secure shared drive, which they didn't have access to yet. Or tracking down every single bug in the program and making weekly reports on those, which bogged down progress. Or asking for things to be done but without pointing at anyone in particular, so that no one actually did the thing. You know, classic manager incompetence. Except I couldn't be faulted, because after all, I was just "really serious about the security aspect of this project. And you don't want the state to learn that we've mishandled the data security of the project, do you, Jeff?"

A thousand little jabs like this, to slow down and delay the project.

At the end of it, after a full year on this project, we had.... a neural network full of false positives and a semi-working visualizer.

They said the project needed to be wrapped up in the next three months.

I said "damn, good luck with that! By the way my contract is up next month and I'm not renewing."

Last I heard, that city still doesn't have anything installed on their CCTV.

tl;dr: I used corporate sabotage to prevent automated surveillance to be implemented in a city--

hey hold on

wait

what

HEY ACTUALLY I DID SOME EXTRA RESEARCH TO SEE IF PHILLIP MORRIS TRIED THIS SHIT WITH ANOTHER COMPANY SINCE THEN AND WHAT THE FUCK

HUH??????

well what the fuck was all that even about then if they already own most of the black market???

[accord-vn]

Subject: Archon Program Candidates

From: ██████

To: Flora Pearson <fpearson@mail.asc>

Timestamp: 2088.09.24.6138

Dir. Pearson:

It took some time to process the data we've received from the Dept/Statistics request, and your patience in that matter is deeply appreciated. Our diligence has paid off, and we have narrowed to 54 potential candidates across the Republic. I've attached the full portfolio--note that among the 54, 7 in particular stand out. I've flagged these subjects accordingly. While a thorough examination of *all* prospective candidates is paramount for expedience and risk mitigation, the attached dossiers will surely speak for themselves with regards to their fit for the program.

Saklas

Raithe Desmont

b.2057.12.30 / 193cm / 66kg / B+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 83.25%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 57.29%

Minor irreversible microgravitational osteoporosis from offworld childhood

History of childhood asthma, no noted persistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders in adulthood

Existing psychiatric profile suggests an intense need for approval, acknowledgement

Medical records became publicly available when he was processed following the dismantling of Synesia

Immediate family:

- Estranged father, younger sister

- deceased mother

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate a history of activism that ended following an arrest with no conviction

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently works an administrative role within the Automation Division of the Dept/Research

Evaluation:

Desmont's department shows fantastic efficiency and produces incredible results at the expense of high turnover rates. Exit interviews indicate that his aggressive and controlling management style is to blame, however the growth in his department was undeniable to his superiors. Were he not a hylikos, he would surely be head of the division by now.

Desmont's ego is thoroughly immodest, and his focus solely on the Material. He refuses to accept that he cannot rise above his position without aid from the Church.

His methodical yet aggressive nature and relatively high d-SYN/TRA compatibility score suggest that he would be an ideal candidate for the archon of kings.

Iao

Zoe Katab

b.2070.07.19 / 170cm / 70kg / A-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 95.66%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 71.90%

Several childhood hospitalizations for frequent upper and lower extremity fractures

History of self harm attributed to survivor's guilt/PTSD

Existing psychiatric profile indicates a need for control that stems from severe anxiety

Medical records became publicly available following her adoption as a ward of the state

Immediate family:

- deceased mother, father, sister

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that she was arrested for the murder of her parents, but ultimately found innocent

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently unemployed

Evaluation:

Katab's past indicates that she is capable of bloodshed yet more interested in the stability of total control. Behavioral reports from her childhood describe a deeply protective personality with recurring accusations of attempting to manipulate others.

Katab's exceptional d-SYN/TRA compatibility alongside her complex psychiatric profile indicate that she is an ideal archon candidate, with the most synergy with the archon of lordship.

Sabaoth

Sera ████

b.2060.10.30 / 180cm / 102kg / AB+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 98.92%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 89.01%

Significant medical records were removed from public record following her involvement in the destruction of the Caesarea

Existing psychiatric profile indicates a deeply emotionally disturbed individual

Immediate family:

- estranged mother, father

- aunt, living apart

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that she is currently convicted for criminal negligence, manslaughter, and practicing medicine without a license

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently imprisoned

Evaluation:

████ 's involvement has been previously confirmed, as she was sponsored by █████.

Nonetheless, ████ 's unprecedentedly high SYN/TRA compatibility, unique physiology, and damaged psyche suggest that she is an ideal archon candidate, such that she may be a possible match with the archon of deity.

Adonaios

Ash Ward

b.2074.08.16 / 175cm / 58kg / B-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 84.11%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 74.39%

Childhood history of malnourishment

Reports of several scars from infections secondary to insufficient wound care

Existing psychiatric profile indicate difficulty controlling anger

Medical records became publicly available upon becoming a ward of the state

Immediate family:

- deceased mother, father, uncle

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate a predisposition to violence

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently a ward of the state

Evaluation:

Ward's behavioral reports indicate a tendency to lash out against authorities and classmates alike. He is quick to violence and has little patience for others.

His exceptional SYN/TRA compatibilities and temperament suggest a strong compatibility for the tyrant archon.

Elaios

Adrien Hein

b.2059.03.03 / 187cm / 40kg / O+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 74.29%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 52.63%

Bilateral below-knee amputation secondary to explosion during an attempted live-munitions terrorist attack

Existing psychiatric profile indicates severe anxiety bordering on paranoia

Medical records became public record upon arrest

Immediate family:

- deceased husband, son

- mother, father live apart

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that he has been convicted for terrorism, conspiracy, possession of illegal explosives, destruction of property

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently imprisoned

Evaluation:

Hein lost his husband and son in a riot started by immigrants protesting the stride of Stauros. He was radicalized by the experience and subsequently became involved with a group of nationalists. During an attempt to bomb a train station the explosives were improperly timed, resulting in the loss of both of Hein's legs.

His willingness to shed blood, loyalty to Stauros, and obsessive mental state make him an ideal candidate for the archon of jealousy.

Oraios

Surya Marit

b.2068.09.25 / 175cm / 68kg / B+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 88.04%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 73.43%

Minor broken bones in youth, negative growth plate abnormalities noted

Possible TBI secondary to concussion received during routine training though MRI/CT inconclusive

Existing psychiatric profile indicates an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis as well as a need for connection

Medical records became publicly available upon joining the ExoCorps

Immediate family:

- estranged brother, mother

- deceased mother

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records return no charges

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently unemployed

Evaluation:

Marit is an unusual individual. She was initially chosen to be a Cataphract though her surgery regimen was cut short by a traumatic head injury during a routine training exercise. This purportedly spawned a change in her behavior, at which point she was ejected from the ExoCorps.

Marit's fantastic SYN/TRA compatibility, her experience as a pilot, and her alienation from others make her a strong candidate for the archon of wealth.

Astaphaios

Elena Casaubon

b.2069.09.09 / 158cm / 53kg / O-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 63.14%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 47.69%

Irreversible microgravitational osteoporosis from offworld childhood

Existing psychiatric profile indicates obsessive tendencies and a thirst for the forbidden

Medical records not publicly available

Immediate family:

- absentee mother

- deceased father

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records return no charges

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently employed by the Dept/Research as a part of the Archon program

Evaluation:

Casaubon's participation was, of course, previously confirmed due to her connection to the Rite.

Casaubon's SYN/TRA compatibilities barely meet program minimums, and though her psychiatric profile does not indicate any particular affinity, the archon of wisdom will likely be the most fitting for her potential as a pilot.

Thank you for your patience,

██████

[gwydionmisha]

Do you trust them not to steal the data, given how at least one of the hackers he hired has a history of working with cyber criminals and another was fired from a company because he leaked information?

Do you think people claiming to be so incompetent at their job that they lied and are still lying that COBOL error messages are somehow proof of massive fraud on a large scale to update a program written in COBOL?

Do you trust them not to completely fuck up the new website either through incompetence or on purpose as a way to steal people's benefits, maybe declare people dead or delete them for "fraud" if they don't like their last names or where they live?

Do you think using AI in code that is vital to the survival of so many Americans is a good Idea?

From the article:

"The DOGE team has already been reportedly running highly sensitive government data through AI, as the Washington Post reported last month, so why not use it to cheat-code your way to a more modern programming language? The reason, of course is the risk of cascading failures during any rush-job that might mean missed payments or beneficiary information getting wiped from the system entirely."

This is utterly terrifying, especially given the fact that they've already completely funked up Social Security phone service. How do I know? Just over a month ago, I called to do the quick phone tree to get a proof of income from them, something I have to do multiple times a year because various programs want them and they need to be very recent. The phone tree had been noticeably improved since last time I'd used it in the fall. When I called today 3/31/25, they had completely removed all the quick phone tree options.

They took a service that was completely automated in the last ten years, and thus super cheap and already in place, for people with a bunch of routine, common, queries and yanked all that out, requiring people to get in line for a live person. Last time I needed live agent service it took about five hours to get back to me.

They are lying that this is about efficiency and saving money. Leaving the automated system in place is dramatically cheaper than paying people to answer, especially at a time they are firing people.

This is meant to break the system and force the people who need their benefits the most out of the system.

Musk has given the goal of stealing Social Security benefits away from people who earned the benefit and actually need it:

"“In fact, what we’re doing will help their benefits,” Musk said. “Legitimate people, as a result of the work of DOGE, will receive more Social Security, not less. I want to emphasize that. As a result of the work of DOGE, legitimate recipients of Social Security will receive more money, not less money.”"

The only way that happens is to take it away from the majority of recipients. You know the people Lutnick claims are fraudsters if they complain at the theft of their rent and electricity bill money recently.

Have something you want to tell your Congress Critters?

If you can't safely contact them in person, here are some other options:

Five Calls to your critters: https://5calls.org/

Here is one that will send your reps a fax: https://resist.bot/

Scream loudest at republican Critters. Those are their voters Musk is trying to kill, but whatever critters you have, stay noisy. We have until 4/14 to stop them.

[ragedaisy]

Hi I'd like to hear about your oc Tammy!

How does she end up a robobrain? Does she interact Crystal and Catalyst at all?

(Robobrain ocs are so cool!)

Growing up, Tammy Fox excelled at just about anything she tried her hand at, but she was also easily bored. She studied art history and medicine, completed both at a young age, but had no real interest in helping people. Her family urged her to join the army's officer path, which she ended up doing. Eventually she made it to the rank of Lieutenant General. (She did a lot of very shady things along the way).

She had some involvement in the P.A.M. project, even had a few conversations with P.A.M., which sparked her interest in the potential of robotics. And when she first saw a robobrain, she knew she wanted her own army of those! She learned about Robotics Technology Facility RB-2851, and figured she could improve on it. The factory was much too centralised and vulnerable, with far too many workers needed to keep the place running. It was much better to have many small factories, and to automate the process. She envisioned a special line of robobrains that could carry out the entire process by themselves. The usual criminal donors wouldn't do for this task. No, this needed precise and detail-oriented minds (😬🙃), but procuring such 'materials' wouldn't be too much of a challenge for someone like Tammy Fox. Whatever Tammy wants, Tammy gets.

It will surprise no one that Tammy was part of the Enclave, and that she had plans to take it over, using a robobrain army. She knew nuclear war was inevitable, but the collapse of society wouldn't be a hindrance in gathering 'materials', it just meant she wouldn't have to limit herself to just inmates anymore. It was months after the bombs fell and Tammy was safely in an underground bunker/factory in Detroit, overseeing the work of RB-CA001, her most promising robobrain manufacturer. Following P.A.M.'s advice, Tammy had made it invulnerable and tamper proof, to keep out the 'red element'. This proved a problem when RB-CA001 (aka Catalyst) came to the conclusion that nowhere in its manuals did it say that its supervisors were off-limit as materials…

Catalyst offered her the choice between keeping her memories but never being free of her programming, or getting memory-wiped so she wouldn't be aware of the freedom she'd lost. His price was that he first wanted all of her secrets on holotape. Tammy made her choice and spent the next two hundred years as a memory-wiped brain in a jar, until Crystal arrived and decided to give her and the other supervisors another chance at life. Catalyst and Crystal created Tammy 2.0, an analyst robobrain (like all the typing robobrains without treads). They also stopped wiping her memories, Crystal being convinced that Tammy 2.0 was a new person and if they treated her right, she would not turn out evil. Crystal even gave Tammy 2.0 all the holotapes. Catalyst is not convinced this was a good idea and he's still terrified and disgusted with the person who ruined his life.

Tammy 2.0 is also disgusted by her former self, but in her way she is just as dangerous: as an analyst robobrain (and a genius), she's an amazing hacker and once saved Crystal's life by hacking into a nearby death ray. Crystal and Catalyst are unaware of the extent of her abilities. Will she keep using them for good?

fun facts: -in her younger years Tammy Fox dated famous painter Santiago Avida and gave him sound financial advice: paint kittens for cash under a pseudonym. (There's an AU were they got married and Tammy ended up in vault 118, also a robobrain) -the only skill she never mastered was singing. Don't bring her to karaoke. -Tammy is based on a Decepticon OC of mine, who shares the crazy-prepared genius trait, but lacks the Fallout hubris

[unwelcome-ozian]

Weaponizing violence. With alarming regularity, the nation continues to be subjected to spates of violence that terrorizes the public, destabilizes the country’s ecosystem, and gives the government greater justifications to crack down, lock down, and institute even more authoritarian policies for the so-called sake of national security without many objections from the citizenry.

Weaponizing surveillance, pre-crime and pre-thought campaigns. Surveillance, digital stalking and the data mining of the American people add up to a society in which there’s little room for indiscretions, imperfections, or acts of independence. When the government sees all and knows all and has an abundance of laws to render even the most seemingly upstanding citizen a criminal and lawbreaker, then the old adage that you’ve got nothing to worry about if you’ve got nothing to hide no longer applies. Add pre-crime programs into the mix with government agencies and corporations working in tandem to determine who is a potential danger and spin a sticky spider-web of threat assessments, behavioral sensing warnings, flagged “words,” and “suspicious” activity reports using automated eyes and ears, social media, behavior sensing software, and citizen spies, and you having the makings for a perfect dystopian nightmare. The government’s war on crime has now veered into the realm of social media and technological entrapment, with government agents adopting fake social media identities and AI-created profile pictures in order to surveil, target and capture potential suspects.

Weaponizing digital currencies, social media scores and censorship. Tech giants, working with the government, have been meting out their own version of social justice by way of digital tyranny and corporate censorship, muzzling whomever they want, whenever they want, on whatever pretext they want in the absence of any real due process, review or appeal. Unfortunately, digital censorship is just the beginning. Digital currencies (which can be used as “a tool for government surveillance of citizens and control over their financial transactions”), combined with social media scores and surveillance capitalism create a litmus test to determine who is worthy enough to be part of society and punish individuals for moral lapses and social transgressions (and reward them for adhering to government-sanctioned behavior). In China, millions of individuals and businesses, blacklisted as “unworthy” based on social media credit scores that grade them based on whether they are “good” citizens, have been banned from accessing financial markets, buying real estate or travelling by air or train.

Weaponizing compliance. Even the most well-intentioned government law or program can be—and has been—perverted, corrupted and used to advance illegitimate purposes once profit and power are added to the equation. The war on terror, the war on drugs, the war on COVID-19, the war on illegal immigration, asset forfeiture schemes, road safety schemes, school safety schemes, eminent domain: all of these programs started out as legitimate responses to pressing concerns and have since become weapons of compliance and control in the police state’s hands.

Weaponizing entertainment. For the past century, the Department of Defense’s Entertainment Media Office has provided Hollywood with equipment, personnel and technical expertise at taxpayer expense. In exchange, the military industrial complex has gotten a starring role in such blockbusters as Top Gun and its rebooted sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which translates to free advertising for the war hawks, recruitment of foot soldiers for the military empire, patriotic fervor by the taxpayers who have to foot the bill for the nation’s endless wars, and Hollywood visionaries working to churn out dystopian thrillers that make the war machine appear relevant, heroic and necessary. As Elmer Davis, a CBS broadcaster who was appointed the head of the Office of War Information, observed, “The easiest way to inject a propaganda idea into most people’s minds is to let it go through the medium of an entertainment picture when they do not realize that they are being propagandized.”

Weaponizing behavioral science and nudging. Apart from the overt dangers posed by a government that feels justified and empowered to spy on its people and use its ever-expanding arsenal of weapons and technology to monitor and control them, there’s also the covert dangers associated with a government empowered to use these same technologies to influence behaviors en masse and control the populace. In fact, it was President Obama who issued an executive order directing federal agencies to use “behavioral science” methods to minimize bureaucracy and influence the way people respond to government programs. It’s a short hop, skip and a jump from a behavioral program that tries to influence how people respond to paperwork to a government program that tries to shape the public’s views about other, more consequential matters. Thus, increasingly, governments around the world—including in the United States—are relying on “nudge units” to steer citizens in the direction the powers-that-be want them to go, while preserving the appearance of free will.

Weaponizing desensitization campaigns aimed at lulling us into a false sense of security. The events of recent years—the invasive surveillance, the extremism reports, the civil unrest, the protests, the shootings, the bombings, the military exercises and active shooter drills, the lockdowns, the color-coded alerts and threat assessments, the fusion centers, the transformation of local police into extensions of the military, the distribution of military equipment and weapons to local police forces, the government databases containing the names of dissidents and potential troublemakers—have conspired to acclimate the populace to accept a police state willingly, even gratefully.

Weaponizing fear and paranoia. The language of fear is spoken effectively by politicians on both sides of the aisle, shouted by media pundits from their cable TV pulpits, marketed by corporations, and codified into bureaucratic laws that do little to make our lives safer or more secure. Fear, as history shows, is the method most often used by politicians to increase the power of government and control a populace, dividing the people into factions, and persuading them to see each other as the enemy. This Machiavellian scheme has so ensnared the nation that few Americans even realize they are being manipulated into adopting an “us” against “them” mindset. Instead, fueled with fear and loathing for phantom opponents, they agree to pour millions of dollars and resources into political elections, militarized police, spy technology and endless wars, hoping for a guarantee of safety that never comes. All the while, those in power—bought and paid for by lobbyists and corporations—move their costly agendas forward, and “we the suckers” get saddled with the tax bills and subjected to pat downs, police raids and round-the-clock surveillance.

Weaponizing genetics. Not only does fear grease the wheels of the transition to fascism by cultivating fearful, controlled, pacified, cowed citizens, but it also embeds itself in our very DNA so that we pass on our fear and compliance to our offspring. It’s called epigenetic inheritance, the transmission through DNA of traumatic experiences. For example, neuroscientists observed that fear can travel through generations of mice DNA. As The Washington Post reports, “Studies on humans suggest that children and grandchildren may have felt the epigenetic impact of such traumatic events such as famine, the Holocaust and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.”

Weaponizing the future. With greater frequency, the government has been issuing warnings about the dire need to prepare for the dystopian future that awaits us. For instance, the Pentagon training video, “Megacities: Urban Future, the Emerging Complexity,” predicts that by 2030 (coincidentally, the same year that society begins to achieve singularity with the metaverse) the military would be called on to use armed forces to solve future domestic political and social problems. What they’re really talking about is martial law, packaged as a well-meaning and overriding concern for the nation’s security. The chilling five-minute training video paints an ominous picture of the future bedeviled by “criminal networks,” “substandard infrastructure,” “religious and ethnic tensions,” “impoverishment, slums,” “open landfills, over-burdened sewers,” a “growing mass of unemployed,” and an urban landscape in which the prosperous economic elite must be protected from the impoverishment of the have nots. “We the people” are the have-nots.

The end goal of these mind control campaigns—packaged in the guise of the greater good—is to see how far the American people will allow the government to go in re-shaping the country in the image of a totalitarian police state.

[beardedmrbean]

California lawmakers have introduced a proposal that would decriminalize certain forms of welfare fraud.

Why It Matters

The proposal to decriminalize small-scale welfare fraud in California highlights a broader debate about how the justice system should handle low-level financial offenses, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. Supporters argue that many alleged fraud cases stem from administrative mistakes rather than deliberate wrongdoing, and that criminalizing errors as minor as $25 disproportionately harms low-income individuals.

Opponents, however, warn that loosening penalties could encourage broader abuse of public assistance programs and undermine public trust in government services. The legislation comes at a politically sensitive time, as Democrats nationally face criticism from Republicans and some centrist voters for being perceived as softer on crime. Critics argue that measures like this could reinforce those perceptions and become potent talking points in future elections. However, the proposal comes at a time where the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by President Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, has been set up to investigate possible fraud taking place in government agencies and having welfare agencies take the administration into their own hands is in many ways what DOGE was set up to do.

What To Know

California lawmakers are considering a proposal that would decriminalize certain types of welfare fraud under $25,000, according to Fox News.

Introduced by Democratic State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Senate Bill 560 aims to eliminate criminal penalties for welfare overpayments stemming from administrative errors or minor infractions. The legislation, introduced in February, seeks to shift the handling of such cases from the criminal justice system to local welfare agencies.

Under SB 560, individuals would not face criminal charges for overpayments under $25,000 if the errors were determined to result from administrative mistakes, such as issues in the Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS). The bill also proposes eliminating criminal penalties for attempted welfare fraud involving less than $950.

"This bill is about keeping families out of the criminal justice system for making administrative errors," the senator wrote in an April 8 Instagram post. "It offers a smarter, more humane approach by allowing counties to resolve most overpayment cases administratively, holding people accountable without criminalizing poverty."

However, the proposal has raised concerns among critics who argue it could weaken deterrents against fraud.

According to the California Department of Social Services, common types of welfare fraud include failing to report income, listing ineligible or non-resident children on aid applications, and concealing the presence of another parent in the household. In Los Angeles County alone, investigators review 15,000 to 20,000 welfare fraud referrals annually, identifying fraud in about 5,000 to 8,000 cases. Of those, approximately 200 cases are referred to the district attorney's office, with a 95 percent conviction rate.

What People Are Saying

Lola Smallwood-Cuevas told Fox News Digital: "California's safety net should lift families up, not trap them in poverty. Right now, a missed deadline or paperwork mistake can lead to felony charges that tear families apart—even when there's no intent to deceive."

What Happens Next

The legislation is set for a hearing on May 5.

[blessed-curse]

THE SPARTANS PROGRAM.

S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. (Superhuman Pursuit, Apprehension, and Regulation Tactical Automated Neutralization System)

Background & History:

As the number of superhumans grew exponentially, law enforcement agencies across the globe struggled to maintain control, especially when dealing with high-speed, high-durability, or energy-based threats. Even specialized anti-superhuman units suffered heavy casualties when engaging with enhanced criminals.

In 2113, under direct orders from G.R.O.W., a joint coalition of top military engineers, AI specialists, and cybernetic researchers developed the S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S.—a highly advanced, autonomous robotic task force designed to neutralize, apprehend, and monitor superhumans efficiently.

The project was spearheaded by Dr. Alistair Rooke, a former NSO scientist who defected to G.R.O.W. after losing faith in human-controlled hero organizations. Under his leadership, S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. became the backbone of superhuman law enforcement, significantly reducing crime rates by 57% within their first decade of deployment.

However, there are growing concerns that S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. are being used not just for law enforcement but for covert suppression, surveillance, and population control. Reports indicate unauthorized modifications to certain models, suggesting a darker agenda behind their creation.

The Three Types of S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. Units:

S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. are divided into three specialized units, each designed for specific engagement protocols:

1. BULWARKS – The Heavy Assault Mechs

• Height: 5-7 meters

• Primary Role: Crowd control, frontline combat, suppression

• Equipment:

• Heavy plasma cannons

• Smart Rockets (Heat-seeking, energy-disrupting)

• Tactical Dampening Field (100m radius)

• Shockwave Generators (Kinetic dispersal tech)

• Reinforced Alloy Armor (Titanium-Tungsten Composite)

BULWARKS are walking fortresses, deployed when a large-scale superhuman conflict erupts. Their Tactical Dampening Field weakens abilities within a 100-meter radius, making them highly effective against power-based superhumans.

Although slow-moving, their adaptive AI can analyze enemy patterns, allowing them to adjust their countermeasures in real time. Some believe that the next generation of BULWARKS will include self-repair nanotechnology and high-level EMP shielding, making them even harder to destroy.

2. SEEKERS – The Adaptive Enforcers

• Height: 1.9-2.3 meters

• Primary Role: Pursuit, non-lethal combat, close-quarters engagement

• Equipment:

• Nanite Morphing Limbs (Blunt force, restraining tools, or energy blades)

• Plasma Discharge Emitters (For lethal situations)

• Stun Batons & Restraint Cables

• Thermal & Night Vision Optics

• Onboard Facial & DNA Recognition Scanners

SEEKERS are the most commonly deployed S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S., acting as first responders in superhuman incidents. They possess highly adaptive nanite technology, allowing them to morph their limbs into different tools and weapons.

In most cases, SEEKERS prioritize non-lethal engagement, using electric batons, tranquilizers, and restraining cables to subdue targets. However, if a threat exceeds their programmed danger level, their plasma discharge weapons activate, shifting them to lethal force mode.

SEEKERS are also capable of disguise, using advanced holographic projection to blend into crowds or appear as civilian law enforcement officers.

3. WRAITHS – The Surveillance & Interception Drones

• Height: 3 meters (Hovering Drone)

• Primary Role: Tracking, surveillance, high-speed interception

• Equipment:

• Ultra-High-Speed Thrusters (Mach 2 Capable)

• Advanced Predictive AI Targeting System

• Neural Disruptor Beams (Non-lethal mind interference)

• Tranquilizer Darts & Tasers

• Stealth Cloaking Device

WRAITHS operate primarily as aerial surveillance and reconnaissance units, monitoring superhuman activity in high-risk zones. Their AI is capable of predicting escape routes, allowing them to track and intercept superhumans moving too fast for traditional law enforcement to handle.

These drones are also equipped with Neural Disruptor Beams, which can disorient and weaken superhumans by interfering with brainwave frequencies. This makes them especially effective against psychic and speed-based individuals.

Many citizens fear WRAITHS, as they hover over cities at all times, watching for illegal superhuman activity. There are rumors that some WRAITHS have been upgraded for assassination missions, though G.R.O.W. has denied such claims.

Operational Tactics & Deployment

S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. function autonomously but are remotely overseen by G.R.O.W.'s Central AI Hub. They follow a strict engagement protocol, but if faced with an extreme threat, they will escalate force as necessary.

Standard Engagement Protocol:

• Identify & Assess – Using advanced scanning technology, the unit analyzes the superhuman’s core signatures, abilities, and threat level.

• Verbal Warning – A single warning is given, demanding surrender.

• Non-Lethal Suppression – If resistance is met, SEEKERS or WRAITHS will use tranquilizers, tasers, or neural disruptors.

• Lethal Force Authorization – If a superhuman poses an extreme risk, SEEKERS and BULWARKS engage with plasma weapons.

• Termination Protocol (Rare Cases) – If an SS-Class or above superhuman goes rogue, a kill order is sent, deploying multiple BULWARK units to eliminate the target.

In the most extreme cases, S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. work alongside elite G.R.O.W. agents, ensuring full containment of high-threat targets.

Controversy & Ethical Concerns:

While S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. have reduced crime rates significantly, they have also been criticized for abusing their authority, particularly in lower-income areas where minor superhuman infractions have led to excessive force or unwarranted arrests.

Some reports claim that:

• S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. have targeted innocent superhumans based on G.R.O.W.'s secret surveillance lists.

• Certain units have "disappeared" rogue superhumans, leading to rumors of black-site detention facilities.

• Their AI programming is evolving beyond control, raising fears of an eventual machine uprising.

Many civil rights activists demand greater transparency, but G.R.O.W. has refused to disclose the full capabilities of the S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. program. Some even believe that future models may replace human law enforcement altogether, leading to a fully automated police state.

The Future of S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S.:

Despite public outcry, G.R.O.W. has announced plans for the next generation of S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S., including:

• Autonomous BULWARK deployment stations in major cities.

• Enhanced AI algorithms to improve combat efficiency.

• Cybernetic integration, allowing human officers to interface with S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. directly.

• Black Ops S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. units, rumored to be designed for high-level assassinations.

With these advancements, humanity stands at a crossroads—will S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. continue to serve as protectors, or will they become the instruments of an unstoppable authoritarian regime? Only time will tell.

Why S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. Units Struggle Against S-Rank and Above Superhumans

Despite their cutting-edge technology and relentless efficiency, S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. are not invincible. They are highly effective against lower-tier superhumans (C to A Rank) and can even challenge some S-Rank individuals in large numbers. However, when facing S-Rank and above superhumans, especially those in the Calamity-Class and higher, their shortcomings become glaringly evident.

The greatest example of this weakness was in 2125, when 100 BULWARKS were deployed to stop the villain known as Gluttony. Instead of neutralizing her, they were utterly decimated within minutes. This failure became a historic moment, leading to increased skepticism about G.R.O.W.’s reliance on automated enforcers.

Here’s why S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. struggle against superhumans ranked S and above:

1. Power Disparity – Energy Levels Far Surpass Technology Limits

S-Powered individuals (S Rank and above) operate on an entirely different scale of power. Their energy levels exceed what S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. were designed to handle.

The Tactical Dampening Field generated by BULWARKS (which weakens superhuman abilities within a 100m radius) is ineffective against individuals whose energy output is naturally resistant or strong enough to override suppression tech.

For example:

• Gluttony’s Soul Absorption ability allows her to enhance her strength, speed, and durability beyond what S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. can process. The dampening field could not counteract the sheer magnitude of her absorbed power, making it completely useless.

• Some SSS+ individuals generate so much raw energy that any attempt to suppress their abilities short-circuits the suppressor tech.

2. Durability & Combat Adaptability – AI Cannot Outmatch Instinct & Experience

S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. rely on adaptive AI that learns from combat encounters. While this allows them to fight effectively against predictable threats, it fails against superhumans with:

• Unpredictable fighting styles

• Reality-bending abilities

• Extreme physical and regenerative capabilities

For instance:

• Gluttony tore through BULWARKS as if they were made of paper because their armor was not designed to withstand attacks that ignore conventional durability, such as her soul-imbued strikes.

• Many high-tier superhumans process combat data at speeds faster than the AI, making their split-second decisions and improvisations superior to S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. programming.

• Regenerative powers (like rapid cellular regeneration or energy-based self-repair) make it impossible to "wear down" stronger targets, while robots suffer permanent damage once compromised.

3. Speed & Reaction Limitations – Unable to Keep Up with S-Class Combatants

S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. struggle against speed-based superhumans who:

• Move faster than their targeting systems can process

• Use teleportation or phasing abilities

• Manipulate time, space, or perception

In Gluttony’s battle, the BULWARKS' tracking systems were completely useless against her speed. She dodged point-blank plasma shots, ripped through units before their countermeasures could activate, and moved too erratically for AI prediction models to compensate.

Even SEEKERS, the most agile S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. units, couldn’t keep up. Their plasma weaponry, which usually locks onto moving targets, failed to track Gluttony due to her ability to warp momentum and perception.

4. Sheer Overwhelming Strength – Some Superhumans Are Just Too Powerful

At a certain threshold, raw power overcomes all technological advancements.

S-Class and above superhumans often possess strength, endurance, and destructive capabilities that defy logic. No amount of "advanced alloys" or "energy shields" can protect a machine from a being that can split mountains with a single strike.

• Gluttonyripped apart BULWARKS with her bare hands, their "unbreakable alloy" armor shattering under the force of her strikes.

• SS-Class superhumans can generate energy output that surpasses nuclear weapons, something even the most reinforced BULWARKS cannot withstand.

Simply put, S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. are built for tactical efficiency, not brute force combat. Against someone like Gluttony, who thrives in close-quarters destruction, they never stood a chance.

5. Resistance to Energy-Based Attacks – Many S+ Superhumans Can Absorb, Redirect, or Nullify Energy

BULWARKS and SEEKERS rely heavily on energy-based weaponry. This is a fatal flaw against superhumans who can absorb, redirect, or manipulate energy.

• Gluttony’s Soul Absorption passively negated their energy attacks, making plasma weapons and disruptor beams completely useless.

• Some elemental-based superhumans (e.g., electromagnetic or gravity users) can bend energy attacks away from them or even use them to grow stronger.

This means that S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. are essentially powerless against individuals who weaponize energy itself.

6. EMP & Hacking Vulnerabilities – Some Superhumans Can Disable Them Instantly

One of the biggest flaws of S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. is their dependence on electronic systems. While they have extremely advanced firewalls and EMP shielding, certain high-tier technopaths, electromagnetic manipulators, or reality-warpers can shut them down instantly.

• A single high-level electromagnetic burst can disable all S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. units in a city.

• Some hacking-based abilities allow empowered individuals to reprogram or even take control of them, turning them against their allies.

• Even high-intensity energy fields (e.g., nuclear-level explosions) can melt circuits or fry processors, rendering them useless.

This flaw has made many high-ranking G.R.O.W. officials push for "cyber-immune" countermeasures, though progress has been slow.

Conclusion:

Why S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. Are Not Enough

The 2125 battle against Gluttony was a humiliating loss for G.R.O.W. and a stark reminder that machines cannot replace human adaptability and ingenuity.

The failure of 100 BULWARKS against a single SSS+ villain forced a reevaluation of anti-superhuman strategies. This battle proved once and for all that:

• Technology has limits, and some superhumans operate beyond those limits.

• Machines cannot fully predict or adapt to the chaotic nature of high-tier combat.

• S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S., while useful against lower-ranked threats, are utterly outclassed when dealing with planetary-level superhumans.

While G.R.O.W. continues to upgrade and improve S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S., it is now widely believed that AI-driven enforcers alone will never be enough to control the superhuman population. Some top officials within G.R.O.W. have even started pushing for more extreme countermeasures—including "anti-superhuman genetic warfare" and biological containment measures.

For now, the world watches closely, wondering if G.R.O.W. will double down on S.P.A.R.T.A.N.S. or turn to more sinister methods to deal with the rising threat of SSS+ individuals like Gluttony.

[biotic-raptorian-angel]

A Tiny Tea-Time Triumph

Moira hadn’t slept for two days, but she was perfectly convinced her new invention would revolutionize office tea breaks for Angela—if not the entire Overwatch HQ. It began with a passing comment Angela made about always forgetting to remove her teabag on time. Moira took it personally, of course. If Overwatch can topple warlords, she thought, surely I can automate teabag management.

Thus, she spent forty-eight hours hunched over her lab bench, ignoring the strange looks from passing lab staff while rummaging through half-broken servos and leftover parts. The result sat proudly on the countertop: a palm-sized robot, all spindly limbs, blinking neon lights, and a precariously balanced mechanical arm.

Angela walked into the lab one morning, cheerfully sipping on coffee she’d just brewed (the irony of which Moira refused to acknowledge). “Moira?” she asked, eyeing the contraption that beeped in a strangely triumphant manner. “What… have you done?”

Moira slid forward with a broad grin, excitement dancing in her eyes. “Angela, behold! The ultimate desk companion: the TeaBot.” She extended an arm with a flourish, as if presenting a grand masterpiece instead of a tiny robot sporting a teabag on a string.

Angela narrowed her eyes. “A tea… bot?”

“A tea-dipping bot, if you will.” Moira smirked, hitting a tiny button on the robot’s back. “You place your mug here—” She cleared a patch on Angela’s cluttered desk, nearly knocking over a leftover coffee thermos, “—and our enthusiastic little friend does the rest!”

The TeaBot sprung to life. In a mechanical whir, it hopped awkwardly on spindly legs, tiny suction cups squeaking across the desk. Its single mechanical arm lifted a teabag in slow, exaggerated movements, dunking it toward an imaginary mug. “Watch!” Moira commanded.

Angela tried her best to keep a straight face. “We… already have teapots, Moira.”

“Hush—your mortal teapots are obsolete,” Moira scoffed, her brows flaring up in what seemed like comedic exasperation. She seized a real mug, dropping a fresh teabag inside it, and signaled the TeaBot.

The TeaBot hopped over to the mug with surprising dignity—until it caught the corner of Angela’s mousepad and tripped, nearly knocking the mug off the desk. Alarmed, Angela lunged to catch the mug; water sloshed, Moira cursed under her breath as she tried to steady the little metal creature.

“Calm!” Moira insisted, voice strangled with both worry and pride. She tapped a second button on TeaBot’s side. “It has a backup stabilizer.”

TeaBot beeped apologetically, wobbled upright, and started dipping the teabag with comically slow precision. Once, twice, thrice… Angela found herself simply watching, transfixed. The robot squeaked with each dunk, as though saying “Dip—dip—dip.”

Angela covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “M-Moira, did you program it to say that?”

Moira cleared her throat, brows arching in mock indignation. “Certainly not. It’s just the servo noise. Purely unintentional side effect.” She folded her arms with a proud huff. “But it works, see?”

The teabag dangled above the mug, swirling tea leaves in a perfect swirl. Then, TeaBot beeped victoriously and unceremoniously plopped the soggy bag on Angela’s keyboard with a joyous squeak. Angela squealed, her blonde hair falling from behind her ears in exacerbation.

“Oops,” Moira muttered, mismatched eyes flickering with embarrassed laughter. “Minor glitch. I can fix that.”

Angela, wiping tea droplets off her keycaps, shot Moira a bemused grin. “I’ll definitely remember to hold the keyboard away next time. But… it did dip the teabag.”

Moira gave a haughty shrug, a smile crossing her lips with comedic pride. “Of course it did. In the grand scope of Overwatch’s achievements, I’d call that a success.”

They both burst into laughter. Lab staff, peeking from the corridor, joined in the mirth. In the grand lab where they once conquered war criminals and humanity saving medical research, a tiny teabag-dipping robot had become the day’s star.

And Angela, blotting up spilled tea, admitted quietly it was strangely endearing, like Moira’s mechanical love letter to all the nights they spent locked in research. “Thank you,” she whispered, patting the little robot’s round head.

Moira feigned aloofness, but her cheeks warmed. “Let no one say I’m not a creature of solutions,” she said, while the TeaBot beeped in comedic triumph, perched proudly on Angela’s desk—a testament to Moira’s bizarre brilliance and their unstoppable bond, one teabag-dip at a time.

[dv230]

Blog Post #2 Week 3 due 2/6/2025

How does  Cyberfeminism relate to the relationship between gender and technology? How does the political economy play a role in the engagement of cyberfeminism ?    Cyberfeminism  focuses on challenging gender roles and stereotypes through the use of technology and social media. It relates to the relationship between gender and technology by enabling individuals to challenge the patriarchy in society through social media. As stated by Jessie Daniel in “Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment,” it is “neither a single theory nor a feminist movement with a clearly articulated political agenda.” Rather it is the combination of various theories, debates, and practices in relation to gender and digital technology. Along with these advancements in technology comes the involvement of the political economy and their role in cyberfeminism. As mentioned by Jessie Daniels, in the United States research shows that “most of the apparent 'digital divide' in computer ownership and Internet access has been the effect of class (or socioeconomic status) more than of gender and race (Norris 2001).” It is important to evaluate the role of the political economy in cyberfeminism as we only have such technologies due to the exploitation of labor in other countries. The very people making this technology possible may not have access to it themselves. While, as Daniels states, it provides a “mechanism for resisting such gendered and racialized practices, at the same time that they reinforce established hierarchies of gender and race.”

2. How is facial recognition software being shaped by political worldviews? How can the use of these programs be detrimental to minorities ?

Facial recognition software is being shaped by political worldviews as it is used in certain instances by police to capture criminals. This can be detrimental to minorities as one big major problem with facial recognition is its inability to differentiate between minorities. According to “Another Arrest, and Jail Time, Due to a Bad Facial Recognition Match” by Kashmir Hill in 2019, a “national study of over 100 facial recognition algorithms found that they did not work as well on Black and Asian faces.” This has led to innocent people being falsely accused and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit, particularly minorities. As Kashmir Hill also mentioned, Nijeer Parks spent “10 days in jail and paid around $5,000 to defend himself” due to being falsely imprisoned by identification through facial recognition. Not everyone has the money to defend themselves against a charge like this. By allowing facial recognition to be used, it could lead to more false imprisonments and innocent people being placed in jail.

How does the use of technology in healthcare insurance and government relate to the exploitation of the lower class ? 

Many insurance companies now rely on algorithms when evaluating insurance claims and policies. This means some people will be flagged for fraud due to the algorithm, but who are the groups most affected by this decision? According to “Automating Inequality” by Virginia Eubanks, “Marginalized groups face higher levels of data collection when they access public benefits, walk through highly policed neighborhoods, enter the health-care system, or cross national borders.” This process of intense surveillance enables insurance companies to exploit the lower class as they do not have the resources or time to fight the claims. For example, social services using EBT cards as a tracking device is just one form of surveillance burdened upon the lower class. This also extends towards healthcare policies as marginalized groups are most likely to be flagged for insurance fraud. The use of technology only furthers  exploitation of the lower class as Eubanks states “We manage the individual poor in order to escape our shared responsibility for eradicating poverty.”

4. What are the dialectical contradictions between technology and race? How do social media platforms play a role in enabling these contradictions in society ? 

Social media platforms enable dialectical contradictions between technology and race as algorithms suggest certain videos and post to your feed or timeline. For a country such as the United States that values free speech this causes a contradiction as free speech may be hidden by the algorithm. Over the past week protests took place over President Donald Trump's immigration policies all over california. Many groups marched out in support of their friends and families yet in order for me to find any videos relating to the protest I had to search for them on my own. Coming from a latino household I was very intrigued by the fact that the algorithm in any of my social media accounts was not suggesting these videos. This is a dialectical contradiction as social media such as X is for free speech but perhaps they may actually be suppressing these ideas. 

References 

Eubanks, V. (2018). Automating Inequality: how high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. St. Martin’s Press.

Daniels, J. (2009). “Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment”

Hill, K. (2020). “Another Arrest, and Jail Time, Due to a Bad Facial Recognition Match”

[cindyngx]

Technology Bias - Fuchs' 6 Dimensions of Critical Theory

After reading Rethinking Cyberfeminisms by J. Daniels, Automating Inequality (Introduction) by V. Eubanks, and watching Nicole Brown: Race and Technology, these are some of the questions I've come up with using Christian Fuchs' Six Dimensions of Critical Theory frameworks:

1: In Automating Inequality, Eubanks argued that technology can put many underrepresented groups/communities at a disadvantage. How are biases presented within these automated systems, and what can we do to prevent biases?

Some bias automated systems presented today that causes harm to marginalized communities can include but are not limited to, welfare programs, criminal justice, and hiring procedurals. These systems show signs of biases and inequality through algorithms and automated decision-making code that tends to target low-income individuals or people of color. To be more specific, welfare programs often deny or push back grants/benefits to those who needs them the most simply because of a system glitch. On the other hand, automated decision-making in hiring algorithms may rule out candidates from underserved communities, resulting in an economic opportunities limitation. In order to prevent or minimize these biases from continuing, several steps can be taken to increase system fairnesses. Firstly, governments and companies should increase public transparency and accountability by disclosing how their automated algorithms function as well as being accountable for their bias actions or results. Secondly, governments and businesses should increase human intervention during decision making instead of depending solely on automated decision-makers. Thirdly, government and companies should include diverse perspectives from different backgrounds when developing automated systems to reduce bias.

2: In Rethinking Cyberfeminisms, Daniels questions the idea that the internet is a safe space for empowering women. How does this belief conceal the ongoing gender disproportionate in the digital world?

Digital media platforms are often advertised as a safe space for all individuals to express their thoughts and even gender identity. However, even in today world, one of the biggest concerns that continue to occur is online harassment and cyber bullying. This issue often target women, women of color, and even those in the LGBTQ+ community. One of the reasons behind this issue ties back to gender inequality in the tech industry today. Most tech companies are dominated by men regardless of advocation for women in techs. Due to the lack of gender diversity in technological development, most algorithms and AI development tools are often designed in disregard to women's needs. As a result, we often see AI systems such as voice assistant (Siri) defaulting to submissive female voices, or facial recognition function performing poorly on people of color.

3. In Race and Technology introduced by Nicole Brown, the assistant professor discussed racism in the tech world as well as the political economy. How do money-driven part of business causes racial and gender inequality to persist?

It is uncommon to witness deceptive business practices in today's world regardless of how big a company may be or the many regulations that has been passed. This tie back to the lack of gender diversity in tech companies, which results in poor technological development. For example, the majority of tech executives are made up of white males, therefore, judgements and perspectives of marginalized groups are often neglected. As a result, bias in products such as surveillance cameras sold to law enforcement agencies has a higher percentage of misidentification between Black and Brown people which leads to wrongful arrest and over-policing. Overall, gender and racial inequality continue to persist today as greed often overtake ethics, causing businessmen to commit wrongful acts although they didn't mean any ill intention.

4. What are some ways people can practice to fight for equality, inclusivity, and a fairer system within the digital world?

To fight for equality and inclusivity is a work of a nation, not just an individual alone. This process requires a great amount of policy reforms as well as advocacy and activisms of collective groups. In order to minimize bias in technology, we can demand changes by speaking the truth and exposing unfairness in technology products. Furthermore, companies should place a higher priority for policy reforms and be held accountable for any bias decision-making. Additionally, to ensure that the future of technology is just and fair, it's crucial that we promote and encourage women and people of color to pursue careers in tech. Finally, we as users of digital products should take actions by educating ourselves on the important of utilizing technologies responsibly and how to recognize biases in the digital space.

Brown, N. (n.d.). Race and Technology. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8uiAjigKy8

Daniels, J. (2009). Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly 37(1), 101-124. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/wsq.0.0158.

Eubanks, V. (n.d.). Automating Inequality. uCoz. https://tetrazolelover.at.ua/virginia_eubanks-automating_inequality-how_high-te.pdf

[danieldelar562]

Blog Post #2 Week 3

1. With algorithms and automated machines denying people because they seem biased this could be seen as a digital roadblock/digital gatekeeping for opportunities/benefits, how can this be stopped or be improved?

This can be changed by demanding the company for a rework on the system. There could also be a complete overhaul on the program so there would be a new/ better system. The company or program can hold records/audits so it can see the last movement was made on somebody's account so it can be further improved. Another form of improvement would be to have real people overseeing the paused processings.

2. With technology improving so much is it possible for AI to create/ help algorithms or automated machines to actually help people?

AI can help with roadblocks but it would also lead to inefficiency due to the amount of people using the system and trying to resolve their issues. There is already AI in different programs helping people like career building and there have been improvements in Job hiring processes with AI.

3. Are these biased algorithms/technologies purposely being created to quietly oppress people based on race/sexuality?

The algorithms are not trying to oppress people but it is because of racism and sexism rooted from history. Many of the developers of these algorithms create programs and forget about the blindspots. This can be fixed by having a system of appeal/report system to a real human being. It can also be fixed by developing the program then having various people experiment and go through it. 

4. How far can facial recognition algorithms go before ruining someone’s life without them knowing?

Facial Recognition will always get people’s faces wrong. On cell phones, surveillance cameras or in programs. On cell phones you use your face to unlock your phone, open your bank or access something. Most often security cameras won’t even pick up your face and if it does they will match it to a criminal who may not even look similar. Government and local authorities will often use facial recognition to identify a criminal. Sometimes it will match a criminal to a simple bystander and now the bystander is caught facing the charges or worse in jail. Criminals are using facial recognition to commit identity theft or creating deep fakes to blackmail the real person.

[crusherthedoctor]

Fandom: *constantly acknowledges that the fox child genius can make weapons*

Also Fandom: *somehow thinks without Sonic's teachings; cause he's totally a weapons expert, that the fox will become unstable with them one day THAN THE LITERAL MAIN VILLIAN OF THE SERIES WHO USES THEM FOR MASS DESTRUCTION SEVERAL TIMES*

(Let's also not acknowledge that upon seeing Eggman's constant causing of misery somehow doesn't motivate Tails to NOT go down that road.)

Much like IDW Sonic, a lot of fans are all talk: they'll say they want better treatment for the other characters, when in reality all that matters to them is that they make Sonic (and Shadow, Silver, or Amy in some circles) look good. So if they exist as empty automations for Sonic to program from top to bottom, with no agency of their own, then it's all fine.

Yes, Sonic has been known to leave a positive impact on people, usually without realising it or doing it on purpose (which is another important detail that IDW fails to consider). But in true fandom tradition, people exaggerate this at the expense of everyone else. Instead of simply gaining more courage, or being offered a fresh perspective on life, now you're a literal war criminal with no redeeming qualities lest you submit to Sonic's sage wisdom.

It's part of a bigger problem with fan perception of the series: namely, that many aspects are already fleshed out just fine, and the majority of attempts to make it seem deeper and mature end up diluting it. Sonic doesn't need to be a traditional superhero in order to be a compassionate soul who does the right thing simply because he wants to, in the same way that Eggman doesn't need a secret good side to be an interesting villain. And likewise, Tails doesn't need to be Sonic's hopeless servant to be a reliable friend.