Previously:

During Amiyah St. John's GIFTS evaluation, her Sense VT harness syncs to the virtual feed of the witnessing environment. When an active shooter scene triggers the tactile immersion feature, her harness unexpectedly erupts with synthetic blood, creating a messy and unsettling scene on the simulation stage. Embarrassed and disoriented, Amiyah flees to the girls' locker room. With two safety protocols in place to prevent it, she questions how the virtual feed could still sync to her harness, sparking suspicions of a more sinister explanation behind the incident than a simple tech malfunction.

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Chapter One: The Unexpected GIFTS (Part Two)

By Neshamah CrosbyJones

My mind races as I stumble through the halls, but the more I think about it, the less any of it makes sense. When she issued our harnesses, Dr. Willard made sure to lock the immersion feature on every Sense-VT unit manually. Plus, the academy also has the feature deactivated in the administrative control settings. Either way, the simulation's virtual feed shouldn't have synced with my harness in the first place. I don’t get it. It’s one thing if a safety precaution fails, but for two separate safety precautions to fail at the same exact time? Something or someone must have activated the feature, but how?

---

          Weary, I slosh through the corridor leading to the girls' locker room, the squelch of my sodden boots echoing through the empty space. “Thank goodness the essential labor students are still in their sessions,” I murmur, struggling to push open the locker room door. 

          Each step feels like a struggle, my breath coming in ragged gasps, my heart pounding against my ribs like a relentless intruder. Synthetic blood clings to me, saturating my clothes and hands. Its sickly hue contrasts sharply against the tranquil, zen-inspired locker room. All the while, my defective harness, the glorified camera rig that it is, continues to ooze, an obnoxious reminder of the fiasco that just unfolded. 

          When I reach my locker, I brace myself against it for support, slumping over to let my head rest against the tempered glass door. My entire body pulses with tension as I try to steady my breathing. Every inhale ambushes me, leaving me gasping for air before I've had time to finish with the last.  I raise my arm, reaching under with my trembling hand, trying to release the harness, but the slick surface makes it nearly impossible. My frustration grows as my fingers fumble over the latch, unable to find a good grip for all the sticky mess.

          "Amiyah, are you okay?" Ziyah's booming voice fills the locker room before she does, crashing through the heavy air like a lifeline. Her tone is urgent, cutting through my panic and bringing me back to reality. "On the record, I don’t know what that was back there, but it was EPIC!" Her eyes widen as she takes in the gruesome scene leading to my locker. With agile movements, she leapfrogs a path that navigates the slick floor until she is standing at my side.

          I can't help but flinch at her words, the weight of my failed GIFTS pressing down on me like a lead blanket. "Epic, Ziyah?" I snap, my voice filled with frustration. "The only thing 'epic' here is the epic fail I’m going to have to explain to my mother," Ugh, I can already see how that conversation will go. "'Did I let you and your friend run mock sims in my private Holo-studio for months just so you could embarrass yourself in front of everyone?'" I mimic my mom's stern tone, the words echoing in my mind with a sting of disappointment.

          Ziyah's expression softens as she tugs at her sleeve. "You seriously sound just like her," she says with a chuckle. "Amiyah, I'm really sorry. Please don't hate me right now. I'm just freaked out, that’s all. I can't even process everything."

          I give Ziyah a look, rolling my eyes as she grabs a towel from her locker and starts wiping down my harness.

          "I mean, one moment, you were assimilating into the sim, capturing an account," Ziyah says, her voice filled with disbelief, “and the next, boom! You burst into a massive spray of synthetic blood."

          I pause, taking in her words, my mind replaying the chaotic scene. "Seriously, the sim stage looked like an old historic slaughterhouse," she continues, her expression grim. "There’s synthetic blood everywhere, even on the projectors in the rafters."

          As she speaks, I can almost smell the metallic tang of the synthetic blood, and feel the slickness of it coating my skin. My stomach churns at the thought of the mess I left behind.

          "When Dr. Willard was testing the controls to see what went wrong," Ziyah adds, her voice trailing off, "the sims kept flickering on with red blotchy splatters layered on top of the holograms."

          I shudder at the image, my mind racing with questions and uncertainties. How could everything have gone so wrong? Today was the day I was going to prove my skills as a witness.

          "They rescheduled the remaining GIFTS evaluations for tomorrow," Ziyah concludes, her tone heavy with resignation, "so they can get everything cleaned up."

          My vision gets blurry as tears start rolling down. They hit the floor with tiny splashes.  "Ziyah, I just bombed my GIFTS evaluation. Not one of our mock sims, but the real deal. What now?" I say, feeling like a total failure.

          Ziyah's face softens as she sees how upset I am. "If it were only Dr. Willard, we’d have to convince, then I’d say you had nothing to worry about. Dr. Willard would definitely let you retake…”

          "Hold on, Ziyah, what do you mean if it was only Dr. Willard?"  I interrupt. My heart skips a beat, anxiety clawing at my chest.  "Who else would we have to convince?" I say, with desperation heavy in my voice.

          She looks unsure, hesitating before she speaks. "Amiyah, there's something you need to know. Krista Quinn was auditing the evaluations today. She saw everything." she says, her expression grim.

          Dread washes over me like a tidal wave, my thoughts spinning with what this means. "Oh no, this is so bad." Krista Quinn, Matriarch Of Humanities and Citizen Development, witnessed me bomb my GIFTS evaluation. If my mother hasn’t already, she’ll hear all about it before I even get home. “This is the worst. I was laughing up there on the stage. Krista Quinn’s gonna think I had something to do with this.”

          Ziyah squints, shaking her head. "Huh? No, how could you have anything to do with your harness malfunctioning?"

          I sigh sharply. "I don't know how she pulled it off," I reply, my voice barely a whisper. "But my harness didn’t just malfunction. I think Abigale sabotaged my evaluation." My words hang heavy in the air as Ziyah finally unhinges the latch of my harness and helps me lift it off.

          "Okay, Amiyah, I hear you, but come on, sabotage? That's a stretch, don't you think? Abigale can be a pain, especially to you, but this is way out of her league. I mean, distracting you during a training sim or convincing a few girls not to be your friend is one thing, but messing with your GIFTS evaluation? That's a whole other level." Ziyah bites her lip and tilts her head to one side, trying to make sense of it all. "I mean, seriously, how could she even pull that off?"

           “Think about it, Ziyah. My harness didn’t just erupt for no reason. The synthetic blood triggered right when the gunfire started in the sim, which means my harness had to have synced to the virtual feed.”

          Ziyah's eyes dart to the messy harness, understanding dawning in her eyes. She grabs the harness and starts wiping at a spot with the towel, her movements purposeful and determined.

          "The only way that could've happened is if someone messed with both the manual safety on my harness and the feature control in the admin settings during my evaluation," I explain.

          Ziyah's eyes grow wide. "This was sabotage," she gasps, her voice full of certainty. She points to the spot on the harness where she'd cleared away the synthetic blood. "Look." Ziyah motions to a broken clip jammed into the manual lock to keep it disengaged.

          "That sneaky Frack-Turd!" I grumble, clenching my teeth as I pound my fist against my locker. "I can't believe Abigale would pull something like this during the GIFTS evaluations."

           “But we still can’t accuse Abigale without proof,” Ziyah jumps in, her expression full of worry. “This only proves that your GIFTS were sabotaged, but it doesn’t explain how Abigale could have activated the immersion feature in the Administrative settings. If we accuse her without solid proof, it could turn into a bigger mess than the one you made with that messed-up harness."

          I nod, feeling a rush of determination. My hands ball into fists, and my nails bite into my palms. "Then we'll find the evidence," I say firmly, trying to sound strong despite the chaos in my head. "And when we do, Abigale will pay for what she's done."

          An alert buzzes, breaking the silence of the locker room. My smart band. “She wants to see me in her office,” I mutter, feeling a knot form in my stomach as I glance at the urgent message flashing on my wristband. 

          "Dr. Willard?" Ziyah's voice wavers with uncertainty.

          “No, Krista Quinn.”

Thank you for reading!

I hope you enjoyed this week's segment of Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel. Since this post is public, don't hesitate to share it with friends who might also find it intriguing. And make sure to join us again next Sunday as we delve further into the adventures of: Uh-Mya St. John and the residents of Humanity City as they navigate the complexities of survival. Also, upgrade to a paid subscription and join us each month for fresh, thought-provoking themes and introspective challenges that support the exploration of our own Humanity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Creator of Humanity Law

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I'm thrilled to share a preview of Humanity Law, the monthly newsletter that immerses readers in intriguing themes and life-affirming challenges!

Every month Humanity Law will present a theme carefully chosen to resonate with the very core of our existence. It's not merely about reading words; it's about feeling the heartbeat of our shared experiences, immersing ourselves in the ebb and flow of the human narrative.

Within these digital pages, you'll discover three recurring segments, each crafted to illuminate a different facet of our shared journey. I share a quote, not just as words on a screen but as a guiding light in support of the theme, urging us to reflect and ponder. The newsletter will also include a bonus flash fiction piece featuring a character from the serialized novel. I share it not just as a story but as a lens through which to gain new perspectives, inviting us to see the world through the eyes of others.

Moreover, the weekly Humanitarian challenge is not merely a call to action; it's an opportunity for us to extend our hands in kindness, embodying the very essence of humanity. This is not simply a breakdown of what you will get in this newsletter; it's an invitation to join a movement, a movement that starts with a simple belief – that the preservation of humanity begins within each one of us. We hope you'll join us on this journey of compassion and community building.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Creator of Humanity Law

Voices of Humanity:

To Share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength. - Crissi Jami

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Humanity In A Flash [Fiction]:

Step Into The Light

By Neshamah Crosby-Jones
[Featuring Raven McNeal From the prequel to Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel]

          I'm surprised when it's James Bell, a trusted comrade whose hand tugs me back by my elbow. The last time he pulled me in close to him, he was trying to talk me into something foolish, not out of it.

          "We'll find another route to the well," he says, pressing his head hard against mine as if to force better sense into me.

          "No, James. There's no time for detours," I shake him off. "Every second we waste is another drop of hope evaporating for our people."

          "Hope? Raven, you think seeing the strong among us killed or worse is going to inspire hope? Think about what exposing our situation could do! If word gets out that sickness is ravaging our camp or that our numbers are dropping, every scavenger and looter for miles will be at our doorstep ready to pick off the last of whatever little bit we have left. We can't afford to let them see us vulnerable, not now."

          I jerk away from his grip, meeting his eyes with fiery determination. “We can’t afford not to, James; ten more lives slipped away this morning. Six of them innocent children, and all because we can't keep them hydrated while their bodies fight off a simple fever. No! No more hiding in the shadows. The other camps need to know we're willing to work together, that we're stronger if we unite. If we don't find common ground now, there won't be any camps left to protect. Not for any of us. 

          His hold weakens, though not enough to release. "Do you really think they’re any better off than us?" I say, laying my hand on top of his. "We’re all hiding ourselves, James, and someone has to be the first to step into the light.”

          He searches my eyes, a mixture of fear and understanding in his gaze. For a moment, the weight of responsibility hangs heavy between us. Then, he sighs, relenting, “Damn your hope, Raven. It has no place in these times,” He closes his eyes. “I'm with you. But let's find a way to present our case without revealing too much."

          I nod in agreement, a small victory in our shared struggle. The camp may not understand my urgency, but time is a luxury we can no longer afford. I push forward, James at my side, ready to face the dangers that await outside our fragile refuge. The path forward may lead us through treacherous territory, but it's a risk we must take to ensure the survival of humanity.            

 When James and I reach the entrance of the neighboring refugee camp, an uneasy feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. The usually vigilant guard, a constant presence at this checkpoint, is missing. The silence that greets us is eerie, a stark deviation from the typical hum of activity that resonates through these makeshift communities.  

          James glances at me, a question in his eyes. We exchange a wordless communication of caution as we step forward, our senses heightened. The narrow trails branching through this camp are the shortest route to the closest drinking water source we've discovered. For the sake of our survival, there’s no turning back now.  

          As we approach the well, the stillness is unsettling. The air is thick with tension, and the usually bustling camp seems abandoned. Then, just as I'm about to lower the bucket into the well, a disheveled woman emerges from the shadows, her eyes wide with urgency.  

          "You shouldn't be here," she whispers, breathless. "It's a trap."  

          I exchange a puzzled glance with James. "What do you mean? Where is everyone?"  

          "They've left the entrance unguarded for a reason," she says, her voice trembling. "The majority of us were frightened into believing that if we keep quiet and just let the other camps continue to drink from this well, it will remove any threats away from our people. They think it'll make them safer."  

          My mind races, processing the implications. A shiver runs down my spine as the gravity of her revelation sinks in. Did these people tamper with the water? No, no one would be so reckless, but the lifeline we desperately sought may harbor a danger we never anticipated. The fate of our people now hangs in the balance, and the realization dawns on me that survival in this shattered world may demand more than just forging alliances—it may demand sacrifices I hadn't dared to consider. The woman's gaze locks onto mine, a silent plea for understanding.

        "It started a few days ago after that storm," she confesses, her voice strained. "Most travelers are so thirsty by the time they reach the well; they don't even notice the smell."

         Before I can respond, she delivers the gut-wrenching revelation that sends shockwaves through our carefully laid plans. "The well water, it's contaminated."

Challenge To Humanity:

I hope you've enjoyed this week's short fiction, delving into the vulnerable states of Humanity Law's characters. However, exploring our own vulnerability and humanity will involve putting in the work. I invite you to participate in this week's Challenge To Humanity, where we'll focus on embracing vulnerability, both with ourselves and others. Looking forward to our shared journey until next time.

Yours in hope and humanity,

Embracing Vulnerability With Self:

For the upcoming week, embark on a personal journey by crafting seven love letters addressed to yourself. The unique challenge here is to focus on aspects that you feel others may struggle to appreciate or aspects you believe might be challenging for others to love about you. This exercise encourages self-reflection and acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding of your own vulnerabilities and strengths.

Embracing Vulnerability With Others:

This week, grant yourself the freedom to show up in the world authentically. Whether engaging in a conversation with a stranger or navigating interactions with friends and family, allow yourself to share your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. By embracing vulnerability in your connections with others, you create opportunities for genuine connections and meaningful relationships.

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Continuous Improvement Is Better Than Delayed Perfection! – Mark Twain

This Post was edited on Sunday, May 24, 2024, to improve your reader experience. Humanity Law now offers recorded voice-overs, making it easier than ever to enjoy our chapters while you're on the go, during breakfast, or tackling other tasks. Simply click on the play button below to dive into the latest installment.

Wishing you an immersive and enjoyable reading experience!

Creator of Humanity Law

Chapter One: The Unexpected GIFTS (Part One)

By Neshamah CrosbyJones

          The atmosphere is charged from the moment I step into the evaluation room. It wraps around me like a cloak, pulsating with an energy that invigorates and overwhelms me.

          The GIFTS, the test that ranks all blood-bound candidates for the final rites of passage, lay before me like a daunting challenge. Goosebumps rise at the nape of my neck, and a shiver runs down my spine. This evaluation can make or break my future as a Blood-bound Witness. "Today's my chance to prove myself," I reflect quietly.

          "Slow down, Amiyah," I breathe deep to calm my racing heart. "Find the rhythm."

           Ziyah loves to say how every space has its own natural rhythm, an invisible current coursing through it like electricity. And she's right; I've felt it, too. When you tap into it, it becomes a guiding force, flowing through you like a sixth sense. It's not easy to connect with, but once you do, you instinctively know exactly where to focus your field of vision.

          I can sense the proctor's eyes on me, but I refuse to let the sensation break my focus. "Just secure a top-three ranking," I murmur, "then no one will side with Abigal anymore.”

           Abigale Dennis - what a piece of work. Every chance she gets to undermine me in front of the class, she reaches for it. It's been like this since we turned nine, and in the three years since, she's never missed an opportunity to turn the girls against me by bringing up my mother. "If it weren't for her mother's position on the High Council, I doubt she would have even passed the aptitude test," she says, trying to goad the other candidates into excluding me. 

            She’s wrong, and today—today will shut her up once and for all. When I rank in the top three, I'll earn the opportunity to complete my field assignment in any of the zones. With a high enough score, I may even move up to tier one. Then Ziyah and I can be partners for the rites of passage just as we planned.

           Two months ago, that would have been impossible. My assessment scores for stride and focus were too weak, but since Ziyah and I started practicing after school, they’ve jumped fifteen percent. They’re still my weakest areas, but if I do what we’ve practiced, I know I can pull this off. Ziyah is the only girl who’s never shunned me. She’s the only one I'd want to work with in this dangerous field.

           I scan the room for an empty section. The classroom is getting crowded. It hums with the lively chaos of students settling into their seats—shoes scuffling, chairs scraping, and a symphony of excited banter punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional rustle of papers. From the front of the classroom, the teacher orchestrates the scene with the animated grace of a conductor, trying to create harmony from the bustling chaos.

           “You can take a few more minutes with your notes, but before we begin, you must have all papers and belongings in your bags and stored under your desk,” the instructor shouts above the crowd.

            I pan over to a row of empty seats, but navigating the narrow pathways between desks is a challenge. "Saunter, glide," I coach myself, adjusting my pace to counterbalance the chaotic drumming of my adrenaline-fueled pulse.

            A sea of animated and diverse faces fills my vision. Gazing over my shoulder, I catch glances of a whiteboard filled with colorful equations and diagrams. The scent of dry-erase ink still hangs in the air from doodles that bear witness to countless lessons. Out of my peripheral, I take note of the walls. They’re adorned with educational posters and vibrant student artwork—a colorful backdrop to the lively scene. I can’t believe they assigned a basic classroom setting for my simulation. I'd expected to witness in a more demanding environment during a GIFTS evaluation. Then, I could really showcase my skills.

           There's a sudden break in the chaos as a thunderous crackling sound shatters through all the commotion. Automatic gunfire! In an instant, a stunned silence engulfs the classroom. I pause when I feel the sensation of pressure grip me in my torso. Red fluid erupts from my chest. My body goes rigid with panic. “Wait, am I bleeding?” 

           I glance down at the slick, viscous substance covering my hands. It's cool and sticky to the touch—not real blood. It's the synthetic blood from the tactile immersion feature on my V-Tech harness. It sprays everywhere around me. For the record, including a full sensory immersion feature on student-grade virtual harnesses was a questionable decision from the start. Witnessing in an unpredictable environment is difficult enough for us twelve-year-olds; adding a tactile element to the harnesses is just overkill. If it were not for the in-depth POV footage, the instructors might have scrapped the tech long ago. Still, something doesn't add up. I get that these are outdated models, but I’ve never heard of one malfunctioning before. At least not like this. There goes my top-three rank. This isn't fair? Maybe they'll let me redo my evaluation.

           I have too many thoughts to dissect. Then I hear a chuckle that grows louder and more intense.  Suddenly, I realize I’m convulsing with laughter I don't really feel. Of all the times and places for my body to betray me, this one could not have been worse.

          There is nothing funny about any of this.

          Synthetic blood splatters everywhere, yet I'm helpless. I fight to regain control, but the laughter persists, a mocking reminder of my shaken composure. Anxious, I peer out towards Dr. Willard, but it’s apparent she doesn't know what’s going on any more than I do.

           "Cut the sim!" she yells, rushing to the control booth, but she’s not as fast as I need her to be. As she reaches the controls, the edges of the scene, where I stand laughing, blur like a glitch in reality. The faces of the students become pixelated for a fraction of a second, and the ambient sounds start to distort. Suddenly, the classroom begins to dissolve. The once tangible desks morph into streams of data, and the vibrant walls become cascading lines of code. There is an eerie silence, and the virtual teacher, frozen mid-sentence, flickers like a glitchy hologram replacing the noise of discussions and footsteps.

         In the blink of an eye, the bustling classroom is revealed as nothing more than a simulation. I stand amid the room as the virtual façade cracks, and the immersive sensations wash away from me. My surroundings, once vivid and tangible, now feel surreal.

          "Too insane to be real," I continue to laugh in disbelief. The lights come up, revealing me covered in synthetic blood, staring into the faces of my actual classmates. My arms flail, and my body thrashes as I scramble to get off the slippery stage. I want to disappear. But, again, the moment is disrupted. This time by a different eruption - the roaring cackle of my classmates, sitting in the front row of the grand auditorium, thoroughly entertained by the whole insane display of me slipping across shallow puddles of synthetic blood, laying a trail of zig-zags and figure-eights as I flee to the girls’ locker room.

          My mind races as I stumble through the halls, but the more I think on it, the less any of it makes sense. When she issued our harnesses, Dr. Willard made sure to manually lock the immersion feature on every Sense-VT unit. Plus, the academy also has the feature deactivated in the administrative control settings. Either way, the simulation's virtual feed shouldn't have synced with my harness in the first place. I don’t get it. It’s one thing if a safety precaution fails, but for two separate safety precautions to fail at the same exact time? Something or someone must have activated the feature, but how? 

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Thank you for reading!

I hope you enjoyed this week's segment of Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel. Since this post is public, don't hesitate to share it with friends who might also find it intriguing. And make sure to join us again next Sunday as we delve further into the adventures of: Uh-Mya St. John and the residents of Humanity City as they navigate the complexities of survival. Also, upgrade to a paid subscription and join us each month for fresh, thought-provoking themes and introspective challenges that support the exploration of our own Humanity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Creator of Humanity Law

Share Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel

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💌 Add us to your contacts so you never miss an edition.

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Humanity Is A Literal Superpower!

I think it’s time we shake things up in our conversation about Humanity. While I’m aware that diverse ideologies and perspectives exist on the topic, the prevailing conclusions of most discussions that come across my ears are often disparaging toward humankind or divisive across cultural, socioeconomic, and generational lines. The implications of such conversations never sit well in my spirit.

Maybe it’s the language being used, but I often get the sense that when people engage in discussions about humanity, they tend to frame it in terms that would be more appropriate for a conversation about being civilized. The way these two terms get used interchangeably promotes the misconception that acting within one's humanity is in some way linked to how civilized someone behaves. But, let's pivot from this notion for a moment and explore a premise that may seem surreal at first but stick with me. An intriguing idea emerges from it, and this shift in perception could unveil fresh insights into the complex tapestry of what it means to be human. Wishing you an immersive and enjoyable reading experience!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Creator of Humanity Law

Voices of Humanity:

Society's projections can skew our self-perception, making it challenging to define ourselves authentically. To shed light on this journey of self-discovery, here's a powerful and life-affirming quote:

"You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop." - Rumi

Let these words guide us as we navigate the complexities of our unique Humanity…

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Humanity In A Flash [Fiction]:

Sometimes, the weight around certain themes can be overwhelming. To ease into the exploration of these ideas without added pressure, here's a piece of flash fiction for you to enjoy…

A Bold New Perspective

By Neshamah Crosby-Jones
[Featuring Lucas Park From Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel]

          Seedy— the word reverberates in my mind as I hesitate at the entrance of the dimly lit surgical room. I can’t be sure, but it feels like the right word for this foreboding space—a small room tucked away in an abandoned veterinarian office, concealed within a shadowy alley on the outskirts of zone three. Every step I take inside raises doubts and suspicions, especially for someone like me, who has never ventured beyond the comfort of Zone One's Legacy lots before.

          In this peculiar space, every sensory cue clashes against reason. Pristine white tiles sparkle underfoot, but the subtle groans heard as I walk hint at concealed wear and an aging floor. The surgical table appears impeccably organized, its contents aligned with precision. Yet, while the gleam of stainless steel instruments on the sterile tray suggests pristine order, the anticipated scent of antiseptic is replaced with the more familiar scent of Eucalyptus and Spearmint—the foundation scent my mother chose for my MVT settings at birth.

          Although the surgical drapes appear new, they have a peculiar sag, a subtle dip where they should hang taut. It is as though some unseen force weighs on them. My MVT device carefully orchestrates an illusion, but logic whispers a different story than the scents, sounds, and subtle irregularities beneath the surface—it’s a surgical room that defies the seamless order the MVT seeks to project.

          As I lie down on the surgical table, I retrieve two vintage books from my bag, placing them in a metal box as payment for my procedure. In exchange, I retrieve written instructions on how to prep for the surgery. Apprehension knots my stomach, but the urgency to break free from the MVT's augmented reality propels me forward.

          The surgeon emerges from a hidden room, his silhouette obscured by the low light, and the word "Seedy" echoes through my mind again. This time like an ominous refrain. It's an alien term, a concept I've only encountered in the sterile perfection of my augmented reality. The MVT has kept me cocooned in a world where imperfections are meticulously erased, where even the grime on a city wall is an illusion. But I’m ready to experience my world for the first time. I lay back on the table and close my eyes.

Challenge To Humanity…

I hope you enjoyed this week's short fiction, featuring Lucas Park from Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel, as he seeks a life-affirming perspective by undergoing surgery to remove his MVT—a perception-distorting device. Fortunately, we don’t need such extremes; a shift in our perception of reality will do. In this week's Humanity Challenge, let's explore a thought-provoking idea challenging our perceptions of Humanity. I invite you to read, ponder, and share your reflections in the comments. I look forward to the shared insights on this transformative journey until our next time…

Yours in hope and humanity,

The Premise
By Neshamah Crosby-Jones

All of existence is woven together by a complex tapestry of independent forces. Each force operates on a frequency unique to itself, yet we rarely acknowledge these forces for their distinct natures. We simply lump them together into a singular concept and call it source energy. While each independent force is an essential component of source energy, they all contribute to that source and, thereby, the whole of existence through varied and distinct frequencies, which we will call attributes.

Now, these attributes establish a self-contained order recognized as an absolute truth, a universal law. These Universal Laws not only govern our reality but also uphold the natural systems that sustain life. Here's where it gets juicy because we do not exist separate and apart from the forces that establish these life-sustaining laws. We are, in fact, each endowed with an inherent measure of these independent forces (source energy). However, in this form, we persist in lumping them together as well, labeling them a soul—the essence of our connection to source energy.

Here is where a powerful quote from the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi comes to mind, and I urge you to keep it in mind as we move forward: "You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop." Likewise, you have not been endowed with a drop of source energy; you have been endowed with source energy in a drop. You might be wondering what this has to do with Humanity. Consider for a moment that while we confidently recognize and acknowledge the laws of certain forces (gravity, attraction, cause and effect), there are other laws yet to be acknowledged as such that continue to govern all life anonymously. For example, Love, Peace, Joy, and, yes, Humanity.

I believe these are not mere terms or constructs; they are the independent forces comprising source energy. Love, dismissed by many as just a term, actually stands as an independent force with its attributes and established laws crucial to the life-sustaining fabric of existence. Peace, often treated as a mere philosophical concept, is another independent force we regard as significant, yet we fail to recognize its crucial bearing on life. So why do I say that Humanity is a literal superpower? Because, like Love and Peace, I submit that Humanity is an independent force with its attributes and established laws that sustain life.

While these forces may differ in attributes, they share a vital common feature—they produce miracles. When fully surrendered to them, the measure of these independent forces we possess is activated, enabling us to experience the miracles these attributes produce and, more excitingly, empowering us to produce miracles as well. So, it's imperative that we acknowledge these anonymous life-sustaining laws as the independent forces they truly are because, when we disregard them in ourselves and in each other, we also witness them diminish in the Earth. We simply cannot afford for Humanity Law to dwindle away.

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🌆 Geography of Humanity City:

The sprawling dystopian landscape of Humanity City encompasses nine unique zones, spreading out in the four cardinal directions, each presenting a mix of challenges, terrains, and uncharted territories. Here's a brief breakdown:

• Zone 1 (Central City): Capital and HQ for the Prime Matriarch and her High Council. This tech-fortified hub is anchored by the opulent Legacy Zone—a residential enclave of virtualized luxury and prestige exclusively for the governing elite, their apprentices, and kin.

• Zones 2 and 3: Home to the city’s Hydrologic and Agriculture Infrastructure.

• Zones 4 and 5: Residential areas for the essential laborer class.

• Zones 6 and 7: Mix of hidden underground bunkers, remnants of forgotten technology hubs, and other mysteries.

• Zones 8 and 9 (Borderlands): Venturing to the relentless Borderlands of Zones 8 and 9, one discovers the scavenger population braving lurking perils. The resilient Shanty Towers stands as the main hub for scavenger life and the location of the bazaar—an essential trading center for all post-apocalyptic needs.

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🔍 Curious About The Options? Here They Are:

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I'm thrilled to share that Humanity Law is officially launched!

I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who subscribed to this newsletter behind the sneak peek issue of Humanity Law that was released last week. Thank you for being an essential part of this vibrant community. I hope you’ll enjoy the updated post.

Your thoughts, comments, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the ongoing creative process behind this newsletter. Your enthusiasm and engagement inspire me to delve deep into my creativity to craft something truly magical with this work.

🏆 A special thanks to my mother, Faye, my sisters, Tepheret and Yahreema, and my friend, Christine, for their encouragement and invaluable feedback. I appreciate the time and effort you've dedicated to sharing your thoughts. Your contributions are a testament to the vibrant community and the human connection that I hope this project will inspire.🏆

I'm excited to announce that the first chapter of Humanity Law will be rolling out on April 1, 2024. Your patience and anticipation have not gone unnoticed, and I'm eager for you to delve deeper into the evolving tale of Humanity Law. The journey has just begun, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds and resonates with each of you.

Once again, thank you for your continued support, making Humanity Law more than just a story—it's a shared experience. Your presence enriches the narrative, and I look forward to the chapters we'll explore together.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Creator of Humanity Law

Voices of Humanity:

To Share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength. - Crissi Jami

Leave a comment

Humanity In A Flash [Fiction]:

Step Into The Light

By Neshamah Crosby-Jones
[Featuring Raven McNeal From the prequel to Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel]

          I'm surprised when it's James Bell, a trusted comrade whose hand tugs me back by my elbow. The last time he pulled me in close to him, he was trying to talk me into something foolish, not out of it.

          "We'll find another route to the well," he says, pressing his head hard against mine as if to force better sense into me.

          "No, James. There's no time for detours," I shake him off. "Every second we waste is another drop of hope evaporating for our people."

          "Hope? Raven, you think seeing the strong among us killed or worse is going to inspire hope? Think about what exposing our situation could do! If word gets out that sickness is ravaging our camp or that our numbers are dropping, every scavenger and looter for miles will be at our doorstep ready to pick off the last of whatever little bit we have left. We can't afford to let them see us vulnerable, not now."

          I jerk away from his grip, meeting his eyes with fiery determination. “We can’t afford not to, James; ten more lives slipped away this morning. Six of them innocent children, and all because we can't keep them hydrated while their bodies fight off a simple fever. No! No more hiding in the shadows. The other camps need to know we're willing to work together, that we're stronger if we unite. If we don't find common ground now, there won't be any camps left to protect. Not for any of us. 

          His hold weakens, though not enough to release. "Do you really think they’re any better off than us?" I say, laying my hand on top of his. "We’re all hiding ourselves, James, and someone has to be the first to step into the light.”

          He searches my eyes, a mixture of fear and understanding in his gaze. For a moment, the weight of responsibility hangs heavy between us. Then, he sighs, relenting, “Damn your hope, Raven. It has no place in these times,” He closes his eyes. “I'm with you. But let's find a way to present our case without revealing too much."

          I nod in agreement, a small victory in our shared struggle. The camp may not understand my urgency, but time is a luxury we can no longer afford. I push forward, James at my side, ready to face the dangers that await outside our fragile refuge. The path forward may lead us through treacherous territory, but it's a risk we must take to ensure the survival of humanity.            

 When James and I reach the entrance of the neighboring refugee camp, an uneasy feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. The usually vigilant guard, a constant presence at this checkpoint, is missing. The silence that greets us is eerie, a stark deviation from the typical hum of activity that resonates through these makeshift communities.  

          James glances at me, a question in his eyes. We exchange a wordless communication of caution as we step forward, our senses heightened. The narrow trails branching through this camp are the shortest route to the closest drinking water source we've discovered. For the sake of our survival, there’s no turning back now.  

          As we approach the well, the stillness is unsettling. The air is thick with tension, and the usually bustling camp seems abandoned. Then, just as I'm about to lower the bucket into the well, a disheveled woman emerges from the shadows, her eyes wide with urgency.  

          "You shouldn't be here," she whispers, breathless. "It's a trap."  

          I exchange a puzzled glance with James. "What do you mean? Where is everyone?"  

          "They've left the entrance unguarded for a reason," she says, her voice trembling. "The majority of us were frightened into believing that if we keep quiet and just let the other camps continue to drink from this well, it will remove any threats away from our people. They think it'll make them safer."  

          My mind races, processing the implications. A shiver runs down my spine as the gravity of her revelation sinks in. Did these people tamper with the water? No, no one would be so reckless, but the lifeline we desperately sought may harbor a danger we never anticipated. The fate of our people now hangs in the balance, and the realization dawns on me that survival in this shattered world may demand more than just forging alliances—it may demand sacrifices I hadn't dared to consider. The woman's gaze locks onto mine, a silent plea for understanding.

        "It started a few days ago after that storm," she confesses, her voice strained. "Most travelers are so thirsty by the time they reach the well; they don't even notice the smell."

         Before I can respond, she delivers the gut-wrenching revelation that sends shockwaves through our carefully laid plans. "The well water, it's contaminated."

Challenge To Humanity:

I hope you've enjoyed this week's short fiction, delving into the vulnerable states of Humanity Law's characters. However, exploring our own vulnerability and humanity will involve putting in the work. I invite you to participate in this week's Challenge To Humanity, where we'll focus on embracing vulnerability, both with ourselves and others. Looking forward to our shared journey until next time.

Yours in hope and humanity,

Embracing Vulnerability With Self:

For the upcoming week, embark on a personal journey by crafting seven love letters addressed to yourself. The unique challenge here is to focus on aspects that you feel others may struggle to appreciate or aspects you believe might be challenging for others to love about you. This exercise encourages self-reflection and acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding of your own vulnerabilities and strengths.

Embracing Vulnerability With Others:

This week, grant yourself the freedom to show up in the world authentically. Whether engaging in a conversation with a stranger or navigating interactions with friends and family, allow yourself to share your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. By embracing vulnerability in your connections with others, you create opportunities for genuine connections and meaningful relationships.

Share Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel

Want to support Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel?

💌 Add us to your contacts so you never miss an edition.

📣 Share Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel with family & friends who will enjoy it!

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As the clock ticks closer to March 1, 2024, my official launch date, I am overwhelmed by a mix of excitement and nerves. Crafting this project has been both fun and daunting at times. Some nights, I question my sanity for exposing myself by sharing such an ambitious creative endeavor, especially one that I have grappled with for over a decade now. Do I finally have enough command of this story to share it? Will I even be ready in time to launch?!? Yet, in vulnerability, we find the essence of our Humanity, and in that regard, this is exactly the challenge I have committed myself to. Of course, I have high hopes for this project. I want it to be impactful, challenging, and rewarding. But above anything else, I want the opportunity to share myself and my creativity with others authentically. That being said, I extend this sneak peek of Humanity Law as a token of gratitude for those joining me on this journey to witness the growth and depth of my own Humanity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Neshamah Crosby-Jones

Voices of Humanity:

To Share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength. - Crissi Jami

Leave a comment

Humanity In A Flash [Fiction]:

Step Into The Light

By Neshamah Crosby-Jones
[Featuring Raven McNeal From Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel]

          I'm surprised when it's James Bell, a trusted comrade whose hand tugs me back by my elbow. The last time he pulled me in close to him, he was trying to talk me into something foolish, not out of it.

          "We'll find another route to the well," he says, pressing his head hard against mine as if to force better sense into me.

          "No, James. There's no time for detours," I shake him off. "Every second we waste is another drop of hope evaporating for our people."

          "Hope? Raven, you think seeing the strong among us killed or worse is going to inspire hope? Think about what exposing our situation could do! If word spreads that sickness is spreading in our camp or that our numbers are dropping, every scavenger and looter for miles will be at our doorstep ready to pick off the last little bit of whatever we have left. We can't afford to let them see us vulnerable, not now."

          I jerk away from his grip, meeting his eyes with fiery determination. “We can’t afford not to, James; ten more lives slipped away this morning. Six of them innocent children, and all because we can't keep them hydrated while their bodies fight off a simple fever. No! No more hiding in the shadows. The other camps need to know we're willing to work together, that we're stronger if we unite. If we don't find common ground now, there won't be any camps left to protect. Not for any of us. 

          His hold weakens, though not enough to release. "Do you really think they’re any better off than us?" I say, laying my hand on top of his. "We’re all hiding ourselves, James, and someone has to be the first to step into the light.”

          He searches my eyes, a mixture of fear and understanding in his gaze. For a moment, the weight of responsibility hangs heavy between us. Then, he sighs, relenting, “Damn your hope, Raven. It has no place in these times,” He closes his eyes. “I'm with you. But let's find a way to present our case without revealing too much."

          I nod in agreement, a small victory in our shared struggle. The camp may not understand my urgency, but time is a luxury we can no longer afford. I push forward, James at my side, ready to face the dangers that await outside our fragile refuge. The path forward may lead us through treacherous territory, but it's a risk we must take to ensure the survival of humanity…

Challenge To Humanity:

Embracing Vulnerability With Self:

For the upcoming week, embark on a personal journey by crafting seven love letters addressed to yourself. The unique challenge here is to focus on aspects that you feel others may struggle to appreciate or aspects you believe might be challenging for others to love about you. This exercise encourages self-reflection and acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding of your own vulnerabilities and strengths.

Embracing Vulnerability With Others:

This week, grant yourself the freedom to show up in the world authentically. Whether engaging in a conversation with a stranger or navigating interactions with friends and family, allow yourself to share your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. By embracing vulnerability in your connections with others, you create opportunities for genuine connections and meaningful relationships.

Share Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel

Want to support Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel?

💌 Add us to your contacts so you never miss an edition.

📣 Share Humanity Law: A Serialized Novel with family & friends who will enjoy it!

✨ Upgrade your subscription to access chapter installments of the serialized novel every month, or Become a Citizen Subscriber to unlock a more interactive experience.

Mind Virtualization Technology (MVT) Device Factsheet

Overview

The concept that evolved into Mind Virtualization Technology (MVT device) originated from a collaboration between MindGuard Technologies and VirtualSense Labs. This groundbreaking innovation, situated at the intersection of nano-technology and virtual tech, was introduced to Humanity City in 2055 as a strategic response to Menzophrenia. This mental affliction predominantly affects males. The condition, triggered by the ceaseless visual reminders of global devastation in their post-apocalyptic environment, posed significant obstacles to early attempts at stabilizing Humanity City.

How The Device Works

The MVT is a sleek, discreet implant placed behind the ear. Seamlessly integrated into the user's physiology, it projects a holographic layer of augmented reality over the wearer's natural vision. Unlike standard devices that enhance external images, MVTs take a different approach. Surgically implanted into the occipital lobe, MVT devices reshape how wearers perceive their environment by providing direct neural stimulation. These implants overlay a pristine virtual image onto the wearer's natural and peripheral gaze and provide a full sensory immersion for the virtual veneer (smell, taste, touch, etc.), effectively shielding the wearer from the harsh realities of their surroundings. The device's ability to adapt the augmented virtual signal to the wearer in real time is a key factor in its success.

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Implementation

Clinical studies led by Dr. Scott Drzyzga and his team of neuroscientists showcased promising results with an 85% reduction in existing Menzophrenia cases and an impressive 98% reduction in new occurrences of the condition. This marked success established MVT as a vital tool in addressing the psychological challenges posed by the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world, offering a glimpse of hope for the citizens of Humanity City. In 2068, Humanity City's third Prime Matriarch, Pittershawn Palmer, enacted the MVT Laws, compelling the mandatory implantation of the MVT device for all male citizens of Humanity City from birth.

Controversy

Despite maintaining male sanity through augmented reality, the effects of MVT and associated laws prevent men from assuming vital leadership roles in Humanity City. There are those in society who believe this measure is the equivalent of cognitive castration. Nonetheless, the MVT continues to transcend its original purpose, becoming interestingly popular among the essential labor class. Although the initial motivation for mandatory MVTs was to combat the mental health condition Menzophrenia, administered at birth, this marvel of technological ingenuity is seen as a mercy by some parents wishing to shield their children’s young minds from the constant devastation in their post-apocalyptic surroundings. Recently, the device has begun, drawing attention from women who have no aptitude to become Blood-bound witnesses.

In the intricate tapestry of Humanity City's governance, the Upper Echelons consist of nine formidable women, each holding a seat of profound significance to the survival of Humanity Citizens. These influential women form the Matriarchs of Humanity City’s High Council. Janes of all “essential” trades, so to speak. Their vast knowledge and unparalleled creative approach have earned them pivotal roles in maintaining the city's seamless operation. The council's coordinated efforts are vital to the harmonious orchestration of critical aspects of life for Humanity City and its citizens' thriving existence.

Current Prime Matriarch: Thalia Alvarez

As the highest authority in Humanity City, the Prime Matriarch holds the pivotal role of overseeing the High Council and wielding final authority on all matters concerning the city. Her responsibilities encompass strategic decision-making, policy formulation, and ensuring the seamless operation of the city's governance. With the power to shape the destiny of Humanity City, the Prime Matriarch plays a crucial role in steering the course of post-apocalyptic society, maintaining equilibrium, and fostering the well-being of its citizens. Her leadership sets the tone for the entire city, dictating its trajectory and resilience in the face of challenges.

Matriarch Of Hydrologic Affairs: Luan Qin

She plays a vital role in ensuring clean and potable water for Humanity City. Her responsibilities include overseeing water purification, management, and distribution, navigating crises, allocating resources judiciously, and maintaining infrastructure integrity.

Matriarch Of Resource Management: Dawn Mosley

Oversees strategic resource allocation, rationing, and crisis response. Her role ensures compliance with treaties, correlates allocations with ration tickets, and manages scarcity situations. Dawn's expertise is crucial for maintaining equilibrium and sustainability, promoting the well-being of Humanity City.

Matriarch Of Humanities & Citizen Development: Krista Quinn

Coordinates the City's education efforts to ensure citizens have clearly defined roles and actionable paths to fulfillment. Appointed through a meticulous process, she aligns the city's goals with citizens' needs. She is responsible for setting recruitment standards for both blood-bound candidates and essential laborers and adapting criteria to meet the city's dynamic needs. Her strategic guidance on collaboration between the High Council and other administrative teams is key to a resilient society. knowledge dissemination

Matriarch of Agronomic Activities: Tasneem Noore

Oversees agricultural zones and strategizes soilless food production strategies with an emphasis on hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation. She ensures the implementation of sustainable practices, identifies areas for expanding soilless cultivation, ensuring a reliable food supply for Humanity City. Her role is to manage seed retention, strategize soil regeneration, and assess success. She ensures long-term agricultural sustainability for continual food production in Humanity City.

Matriarch Of Archives and Communications: Celest St. John

Oversees a variety of comprehensive communications strategies while handling records management, dissemination, and archival practices in Humanity City. Exercises authority in sanctioning information for broadcast, ensuring alignment with Prime Matriarch positions. She manages communication channels and technology, including the nanotechnology used to record the sensory experiences of blood-bound witnesses. She is responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of information flow throughout the city.

Matriarch Of Holistic Medical Intervention: Gabina Patel

Oversees holistic medical intervention in Humanity City, prioritizing the citizens' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Monitors emerging health threats, tailoring healthcare strategies to cope with fallout from global decimation. Manages records of births, deaths, and comprehensive health data. Coordinates responses to evolving health challenges, safeguarding the population's well-being. Maintains vigilance against potential health risks, implementing preventive measures. Collaborates with medical practitioners to fortify healthcare resilience. Utilizes advanced technology for tracking and analyzing health data, contributing to ongoing research and development.

Matriarch Of Technological Revisions & Engineering: Chyla Jones

Leads technological revisions and engineering initiatives in Humanity City, ensuring the city's technological infrastructure aligns with the latest advancements. Oversees the development and implementation of modified technologies to address the evolving needs of the community. Manages a team of engineers and technologists, collaborating to evaluate and upgrade existing systems, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Coordinates with other Matriarchs to integrate technology seamlessly into various sectors. Drives research and development to stay at the forefront of technological progress, contributing to the city's resilience and progress.

Matriarch Of Security: Joann Navedo

maintains order and safeguards citizens in Humanity City, handling multifaceted responsibilities. She ensures the fair distribution of scarce resources, enforcing rationing policies to prevent conflicts over essentials like food, water, and energy. The Humanity Anti-Infractions Bureau (HAIB), guided by her, enforces the law, addresses crime, and lawlessness and manages any complexities that arise from differing ideologies, conflicts, and power struggles. Social unrest is mitigated, preventing destabilizing factions. Additionally, the Matriarch pioneers strategies to overcome persisting environmental hazards. Her leadership is crucial for the overall stability, safety, and resilience of Humanity City.

During the reconstruction period following the Death Culture Era, tensions heightened between displaced refugee groups with distinct views on the root cause of the global apocalypse. Nations United, a colony founded by refugees who attributed the global apocalypse to man's ambition and disdain for inconvenience, adopted a lifestyle opposing these values. They salvaged from the ruins of the Death Culture Era, relying on Earth's remaining resources and committing to a simple yet profound existence.

Refugees belonging to the Humanity Citizens group, believing the apocalypse resulted from a failure of leadership and lack of sound judgment, established Humanity City with a strict social structure centered around the Prime Matriarch and her High Council. This group aimed to ensure survival and prevent further degradation using modified technology.

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Unfortunately, hostilities between Nations United and Humanity Citizens hindered efforts to secure infrastructure essential for both groups' survival. Three significant obstacles emerged: insufficient manpower, new climate challenges from fallout, and the physical and mental toll on the survivors due to the devastation. These challenges further strained resources, particularly potable water, with no means of replenishing them. 

Leaders from both sides called for a cessation of hostilities to work together to secure life-sustaining infrastructure. The resulting collective agreement, known as the 2035 Aquifers Treaty, aimed to bridge their differences and pool knowledge, manpower, and energy to establish solutions for food and water challenges. In this imperfect yet crucial agreement, both Nations United and Humanity Citizens engaged in a series of exchanges to ensure the survival of their communities.

Under the treaty, lands were allocated to Nations United, ensuring equitable access to vital resources. Nations United secured a percentage of future water and food rations directly from Humanity City, where they helped establish the infrastructure. This arrangement allowed them to continue emphasizing a return to a simpler way of life, preserving their commitment to a low-tech existence.

On the other hand, Humanity Citizens, rooted in the technological advancements of Humanity City, received scouting information from Nations United. This information is crucial for identifying potential threats and resources. In return for the rations set aside for Nations United, Humanity Citizens received the necessary supplies and technology to maintain their metropolis's tech-dependent lifestyle. This reciprocal arrangement aimed to foster mutual survival and cooperation in the challenging post-apocalyptic landscape.

"Tweaking" is a slang term that refers to the act of unlawfully hacking an MVT device and modifying its virtual component to enhance the color range used in the feed of augmented reality produced by the device. When the device is modified, the color range it produces can reach highly saturated neon colors, resulting in psychedelic effects. Tweaking can also be used to describe the altered state experienced by individuals who jailbreak their MVT device to hack the feed.

In the post-apocalyptic metropolis of Humanity City, a dangerous trend has emerged within the essential labor class known as "Tweaking," short for Tweaking the colors on MVT implants. The desire for a more vibrant virtual experience has driven citizens to resort to underground procedures, jailbreaking their devices to modify the color range provided in the virtual feed. While this results in a dazzling display of exciting psychedelic hues, the excess stimulation can have a severe detrimental impact on the nervous system, making tweaking a dangerous and escalating phenomenon in Humanity City. Unfortunately, the euphoric and psychedelic effects produced by the hacked MVT are highly addictive, posing significant risks to those caught in this growing epidemic.

The patterns on Scavboy scouts' faces represent confirmed safe routes they've discovered in different danger zones while scavenging for supplies. These intricate patterns double as maps, navigating them through hazardous terrain and guaranteeing a safe return home. The markings also highlight areas abundant in viable supplies, indicating spots worth revisiting for salvaging. In case the dangerous terrain shifts, these scouts have alternative routes to navigate and knowledge of safe zones. Within the community, these markings symbolize bravery, resourcefulness, and success in supporting the community. The more routes imprinted on a Scavboy Scout's face, the greater they are esteemed. It's worth noting that "Scavboy scout" is a term; there are also female Scavscouts.

Amiyah's father, Kirby St. John, wasn't born a Humanity Citizen; originally part of the Scavenger Community, he grew up in Shanty Towers. However, Kirby's mother wanted a better future for him than the hazardous life of a Scavboy scout. When Kirby turned 11, she bartered their family rations to secure him an MVT implant and enrolled him as an essential laborer student at Ember Academy. Excelling academically, Kirby gained credentials to join the essential labor class in the office of Security and Enforcement. Through dedication and hard work, he climbed the ranks and now serves in administration as the lead detective for the Humanity Anti-Infractions Bureau (HAIB).

“I have thoughts and ideas, too; I have dreams and aspirations for Humanity. Because I'm a man, you think I have nothing to contribute that is worth the risk? Who are you to put a cap on my potential? You’ve never even considered the pain it would cause me to have so much life bottled up inside of me. You just expect I’ll be able to contain it all, and now you want to silence me because just a bit of my pain has come spilling out.”

~Lucas Park

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The law, requiring MVT implants for male children at birth emerged as a remedy for Menzophrenia—a madness triggered by the continual visual cues of the worldwide devastation. Despite maintaining male sanity through augmented reality, the effects of MVT and associated laws prevent men from assuming vital leadership roles in Humanity City.

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Seventeen-year-old Lucas Ledger, born Lucas Park, is a Legacy son, who has had his MVT implant since birth and is a closeted opponent of the MVT-Laws. He resides in the Legacy Quarters with his identical twin sister, Lucinda Park, who has Turner syndrome—a condition that grants her advancement in a society where only females hold pivotal positions. However, their relationship was strained under the weight of Lucas's desire for the life denied to him.

Their devoted mother, Linda Bishop, once the Matriarch of Technology in Humanity City, saw Lucas's potential early on, noting that even as a small child, Lucas lit up with expressions of a mind ripe with ideas. Motivated by her son’s circumstance, she attempted to develop a device to counteract the MVT effects on nano accounts, intending to offer the sons of Humanity City a pathway to leadership. Tragically, Linda perished in a lab explosion, leaving behind an incomplete prototype known only to Lucas and Lucinda.

The twins' legacy lifestyle is jeopardized when they discover that Lucinda's Turner Syndrome impedes the synthesis of nano accounts, requiring her to give up her role as a blood-bound witness. Fearing the loss of everything, they agreed to keep Lucinda's condition hidden, and Lucas devised a desperate plan for her to fulfill her role. After undergoing an underground procedure to remove his MVT device, he modified his mother's prototype to filter Lucinda's nano accounts through him, achieving synthesis using his X-chromosome.

This clandestine operation secured their status for years, even securing Lucinda an apprenticeship with the Matriarch of Hydrologics. However, a heated argument arises between Lucas and Lucinda over the Prime Matriarch's intention to break a 70-year water treaty. Intoxicated, Lucas recorded an angry rant about what he’d learned from Lucinda’s nano account. When he accidentally broadcasted the recording of him publicly criticizing the Prime Matriarch's confidential decision, he is arrested by the Humanity Anti-Infractions Bureau (HAIB) and faced with a crisis: expose his information source, risking his sister's career or claim unauthorized access to her accounts.

Amid this scandal, a mysterious figure offers sanctuary to Lucas and Lucinda. To secure it, Lucas must continue broadcasting secrets from an unknown organization. Confronted with the impending loss of everything, Lucas reluctantly agrees, making him both an unintentional whistleblower and the face of a movement.

In a bold move, Lucas Park reintroduced himself to society as 'Lucas Ledger: Witness for the People', an act born of both necessity and rebellion. His newly dyed hair is now white, reminiscent of blood-bound witnesses, symbolizing his unbiased view of Humanity City. Join Lucas Ledger on his determined journey against authority as he broadcasts unsanctioned news to the citizens of Humanity, navigating dangers to protect his sister and preserve their family legacy in a city built on secrets…

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In the post-apocalyptic landscape of Humanity City, Blood-bound witnesses play a critical role. Their recorded, synthesized, and archived nano accounts provide the Prime Matriarch and her High Council, essential insights that shape the decisions necessary to ensure the survival of the city’s citizens.

12-year-old prodigy Amiyah St. John’s, journey to becoming a Blood-bound witness at Ember Academy has been a relentless pursuit since the age of 4. Amiyah, daughter of the esteemed Celeste St. John, the Matriarch of Communications, and Kirby St. John, lead detective of the Humanity Anti-Infractions Bureau (HAIB), carries the weight of her family's prestige. Yet, her aspirations are not always met with support.

Danielle Gellar, a jealous classmate, repeatedly attempts to sabotage Amiyah due to resentment over her familial advantage. Tensions between the two girls escalate despite Amiyah’s desperate maneuvers to avoid conflict. In an irritating twist of fate, Amiyah is paired up alongside Danielle to complete the final Rites of Passage instead of with her best friend, Ziyah Patel, as she’d planned. These rites, a 2-day field recon in Humanity City's unforgiving wilderness, become a formidable test of candidates' resilience and accuracy.

Determined to overcome Danielle's attempts to derail her chances, Amiyah confronts the bully amid a growing rebellion sparked by the Prime Matriarch's contentious decision to break a 70-year water treaty with the scavenger population of Nations United. Alone in the challenging terrain, Amiyah's encounter with two scavenger boys throws her into the fray, leading to a Miraculous event that changes everything.

The incident, captured on Amiyah's Hemo-band—a student-level Hemo-crypt storing synthesized nano accounts—reveals a miraculous event with far-reaching implications. Amiyah's once-crucial attention to detail transforms as this event challenges her perspective, forcing her to confront a menacing bigger picture unfolding before her eyes. In the face of unexpected revelations, will Amiyah look away, or will the deeper truths discovered along her journey compel her to confront the destiny that awaits as a Blood-bound witness for Humanity City?…

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In the aftermath of global decimation, Humanity City emerged as a beacon of survival. Thalia Alvarez, born just five years after the apocalypse, bore witness to the fragile rebirth of civilization. Her parents, John Alvarez and Kathrine Alvarez, were among the refugees fleeing the ruins of New Jersey, in search of a hopeful new start. However, Humanity City didn’t turn out to be the haven her family hoped for.

Thalia's father, a tech genius drafted into the wars of the Death Culture Era, fell victim to the madness of Menzophrenia. The turmoil shattered their family, and at the tender age of fourteen, Thalia witnessed the accidental death of her mother, a tragic consequence of one of her father's rage fits.

Haunted by this heartbreaking event, Thalia discovered her purpose as a first-generation Blood-Bound Witness. Later in her career, she apprenticed under the guidance of the Matriarch of Technology and Infrastructure; there, she would spend nine years honing her skills, fueled by a determination to prevent the horrors of Menzophrenia from haunting others.

As a Blood-Bound Apprentice, Thalia championed a groundbreaking ordinance that eventually became law—mandatory MVT implants for male children at birth—a revolutionary step against Menzophrenia. The law's success in reducing Menzophrenia cases propelled her to the role of Matriarch of Technology and Infrastructure and subsequently earned Thalia the mantle of Prime Matriarch when she was just 47. She eagerly seized this position with a vision for a harmonious and secure Humanity City.

Thalia Alvarez's journey is an odyssey of tragedy, resilience, and visionary leadership—a testament to the unyielding spirit that rises from the ashes of a shattered world. Join her as she navigates the challenges of survival, crafting a destiny for herself and the city she loves…

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