In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, companies face a critical choice when it comes to rewarding and motivating their key talent.

The debate between adopting traditional token distribution models and embracing Synthetic Equity with deferred cash payments based on performance continues to shape the compensation strategies of organizations worldwide. This expository essay aims to shed light on this important decision-making process, offering insights into the advantages and pitfalls of each approach.

Token Distribution:

Pros:

1. Immediate Ownership: Token distribution provides immediate ownership, aligning team members with the project’s success from the outset.
2. Strong Incentive: Tokens are potent incentives, as their value can soar if the project prospers.
3. Transparency: Blockchain-based tokens often offer transparency and traceability in ownership and transactions.
4. Avoiding Ownership Dilution: Tokens allow companies to avoid diluting their cap tables.
5. Payment Efficiency: Salaries and performance-based bonuses in token form can conserve cash reserves, with employees seeking liquidity in the market.

Cons:

1. Market Volatility: Token values can be highly volatile, creating uncertainty for team members.
2. Limited Liquidity: Token liquidity constraints make converting tokens into cash challenging.
3. Tax Implications: Transferring token value can trigger income tax obligations.
4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Issuing tokens, especially in countries like the US, often involves legal, financial, and administrative hurdles.
5. Access to Top Talent: High-caliber talent may be hesitant to accept tokens due to market volatility.

Synthetic Equity:

Pros:

1. Performance-Driven: Synthetic Equity and deferred cash payments link rewards directly to individual or team performance, fostering a strong work ethic.
2. Predictable Rewards: Cash payments offer stability and predictability compared to volatile tokens.
3. Flexibility: Synthetic Equity and cash incentives can be customized to align with specific performance metrics and goals.
4. Avoiding Ownership Dilution: Tokens allow companies to avoid diluting their cap tables.
5. Value for Investors: High-performing organizations often deliver greater value to shareholders.
6. Utility Token: Synthetic Equity tokens, being a derivative of work, carry no inherent value, making them utility tokens with fewer legal implications.
7. Bottom-Line Impact: Additional payments are derived from bottom-line growth, directly rewarding employees for business expansion.
8. Tax Implications: Specify payouts such as “time certain” and separation of service, all of which are 100% compensation expense for tax purposes. Have the lowest predictable cost to the company based on after- tax cash flow.

Cons:

1. Performance management system set up: Synthetic Equity requires strong expertise in establishing performance management and incentive structures.
2. Delayed Ownership: Synthetic Equity lacks the immediate ownership associated with tokens.
3. Administrative Complexity: Implementing and managing a comprehensive incentives program can be administratively intricate.

SyntheticEquity.io combines innovative compensation strategies designed to simulate the value of actual equity shares.
Synthetic Equity offers an alternative to the traditional token issuance model, integrating performance management seamlessly. It aligns stakeholder and shareholder interests, encourages innovation, and rewards high performance. Furthermore, it addresses a common challenge faced by startups—creating and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs). Our unique performance plan methodology enhances teamwork, promotes a healthier work environment, and ensures individual productivity by emphasizing collective success.
Synthetic equity is ideal for companies committed to thriving and nurturing top talent. Individuals who meet their KPIs are rewarded, while those failing to contribute positively to the business unit’s performance forfeit part of their compensation.
The decision between token distribution and Synthetic Equity hinges on an organization’s objectives, risk tolerance, and the preferences of founders and team members. Some organizations may choose a combination of both to balance immediate ownership and performance-based incentives. Legal, regulatory, and tax considerations, as well as project dynamics, must be carefully weighed. Consulting with legal and financial experts can prove invaluable in crafting an effective and compliant compensation strategy.
Synthetic equity is a powerful tool for attracting, retaining, and rewarding top talent, especially in owner succession planning. However, many business owners and advisors possess only a rudimentary understanding of synthetic equity and its design. This essay defines synthetic equity, explores its appropriateness for specific capital and tax structures, illustrates its flexibility and benefits in owner succession, and showcases its potential through a compelling case study.
Synthetic equity, unlike traditional equity plans, is a compensation approach that grants executives and contract-based employees the right to a defined portion of enterprise value without requiring them to invest their own capital. It offers exceptional versatility and can be tailored to meet specific criteria related to who receives what, when, and under what conditions in terms of value sharing.
Outlined below are six fundamental examples of synthetic equity programs:

1. Phantom Stock:
   • An executive is entitled to a percentage share of the company’s value. (For example, Joe holds 5% of the company’s value expressed as phantom stock.)
2. Phantom Stock Over an Owner’s Threshold:
   • An executive has the right to a percentage share of the company’s value beyond an initial fixed threshold value or formula. (For instance, Joe has 5% of the company’s value above $10 million.)
3. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs):
   • Executives are granted the right to share in a set percentage of the company’s value exceeding its value at the time of the grant—similar to employee stock options. (For instance, Joe has 5% of the company’s value above the current valuation of $20 million.)
4. Value Band Plans:
   • Executives are entitled to a graduated percentage share of the company’s value based on predetermined thresholds. (For example, Joe has a baseline right to 3% of the company’s value and can earn an additional 1% for every $10 million in growth, with a maximum share of 7%.)
5. Sales Bonus in Event of Change of Control:
   • Executives are entitled to a percentage share of the company’s value payable exclusively in the event of a change of control. (For example, Joe has 5% of the company’s value expressed as phantom stock, payable only if a change of control occurs.)
6. Simulated Equity Plan:
   • Executives are entitled to a percentage share of the value of a specific division or segment of the company, determined by a predefined formulaic breakup value of the company. (For instance, Joe holds 5% of the European division’s value based on a preset formulaic breakup value of the company.)

These diverse synthetic equity programs offer flexibility and the ability to tailor incentive structures to meet specific business objectives and circumstances.
The possibilities are virtually endless. Synthetic equity is akin to a sculptor’s clay for incentive structures—it can be molded into a wide array of forms to suit a business owner’s preferences. It can transform from a tracking stock to a pure performance-based incentive.
Of significant significance to business owners, synthetic equity operates independently of the company’s shareholders’ agreement and related buy-sell terms. This independence grants a high degree of flexibility, particularly concerning payout. Synthetic equity agreements must adhere to IRS code section 409A, which outlines rules governing plan payouts. According to 409A, synthetic equity plans can be triggered by six permissible events or plan termination. The three events that cannot be predicted are death, disability, and unforeseeable emergencies, while the three strategic triggers are change of control, time certain, and separation of service. Consequently, business owners have the authority to determine when executives can realize the value of the plan. This contrasts with a typical employee stock option plan, where executives decide when to “exercise” their stock options independently. In summary, synthetic equity plans provide business owners with enhanced control and flexibility in terms of plan design and payout.
In conclusion, synthetic equity stands as a compelling option for organizations seeking to optimize cash resources, empower succession, and reward high performance. It offers a robust and flexible framework, ensuring that top talent remains motivated and aligned with organizational goals. Embracing Synthetic Equity can truly set a company on the path to sustained high performance and success.
Authors

Paul Lalovich

I have the unenviable task of having to maintain and extend some legacy code in ( wait for it) Pascal. I can only do this part time so I don't spend enough time to call myself a programmer. I do engineering ( the kind with real things like machines and electricity) and we use these programs to interface with our machinery products.
So far only used AI for quick syntax searches and basic boiler plate help. The bulk of my coding time is resolving algorithms to make sure machines don't crash or don't waste material or give operators clear instructions. I could spend 4hours working though code to do one word switch out, or to change > to >=.
So, contemplating whether I should throw a bit of money at one or more of the AI models , I did a short test to see what I could achieve.
I wrote out a nice long and detailed prompt describing a rectangular stock of material which was dispersed with rectangular blocks in orthogonal alignment and asked it to help me find an algorithms that would identify potential orthogonal remnants of maximum size from the stock and list them. (i.e. rectangular shapes that would not be occupied by the original rectangular blocks, or part thereof.
I used Sonnet from Poe and Copilot from Bing. The results from Claude Sonnet were interesting but the longer we struggled the further we deviated from the solution, The code was complete though and and contained some interesting structures using classes and tree structures with pointers.
Copilot was lazy and left sections undone for me to complete. but proposed better solutions overall.but still missed some major faults which it would not let go of. In any case, not a solution you could use in practice. It had better breakdown of the problem. Tried to do everything with arrays though
From both experiences, the pascal code was good, Claude tied in better with the classes that I was doing. From both, the code i got served no better than basic boiler plate code, So nah, I'l be keeping my money until I get a more advanced solution. Recommendations welcome.. I certainly learned a lot more about pascal though, They don't have trouble there in that language it seems.
I can understand why people suggest using both and using them together,

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Understanding Multiplication Strategies Anchor Charts:
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Problem-Solving Aid: Multiplication Strategies Anchor Charts serve as handy reference tools during problem-solving activities, empowering students to apply diverse strategies to solve mathematical problems.
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VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. There is some gore, nothing to descriptive, but if you have a weak stomach maybe pass on this one.
THE FINAL DRAF IS NOW AVAILABLE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m7gCg5XEeo5qTYelH2mrLN86QFCQCazjXx45bUewfEM/edit?usp=sharing
ALSO: This is a first draft, will post the revised one later.
Adonis came from a backwater mining world that had maintained much of its mining equipment and a base level of industry during the age of strife. Adonis lived a relatively uneventful life on this planet, being the only child to two parents who had gone missing when he was twelve, he would enter the mines earlier than most, but only slightly as although technically mining jobs could only be conducted by those older than eighteen, however through necessity children as young as thirteen would entire the mines to help sustain their families. These younger workers would be given relatively safer jobs compared to the older workers, monitoring equipment and other surface operations as examples. Even still this labor was backbreaking, and would more often than not result in the early demise of many inhabitants of this planet.
On his first day in the mines, Adonis would be paired with a girl who was fifteen years old, slightly taller than him, who stood at 4’11” at the time. She had short, light brown hair, and a thin but muscular build. They were trained on how to monitor the Auto-miner machine, and who to contact if anything went wrong. They were then given some time to get acquainted with one another before beginning their work. The girl introduced herself first.
“Hello, my name is Roleru, I look forward to working with you”, she responded with more enthusiasm than a young teen forced into the mines should.
“Adonis, and likewise”, He responded a bit hesitant. He was not looking to make friends. He barely wanted to be working, let alone in a mine, he would work there no longer than he had to, then he would find better work elsewhere. Adonis was still confused about where his parents had gone, and why they had left him behind
After this they were led down into the mines, making small talk on the rusty service elevator, and it turns out she was an only child as well. They shared a lot in common, her father had died in a mining accident, and her mother was unable to work due to worsening illness. She was working to support both her mother and herself, She seemed relatively upbeat despite a life of tragedy. Maybe he could learn from her, and piece back together his recently shattered life. In this rusted mine elevator a friendship was born, and many days they would start their days talking to each other on this elevator. Their main job was to monitor a large mining machine, and if anything goes wrong to immediately hit the emergency shutdown. This machine was larger than any Adonis had seen, towering over him and with many large grinding wheels to slowly break down rocks into progressively smaller chunks, until they are eventually spit out onto a long conveyor belt. An observation catwalk overlooked this series of crushers, with simple metal railings, and a solid metal floor to prevent any dropped materials from potentially damaging the equipment. They were shown to the cabin, where a vast array of displays and buttons could be found, and one large red button in a plastic case with the panel behind it painted a surprisingly vibrant yellow considering the dirty state of everything, and above it set on a background of hazard stripes the word “Emergency Shut-Down” could be seen in distinct red lettering. The operator that led them here initiated the machine to start up, and their work began in this cramped cabin where Roleru and Adonis would become practically siblings, with Roleru practically becoming Adonis’ older sister.
About 3 years of this work would go by in the blink of an eye, Adonis now fifteen is the same age as Roleru was when she started working in the mines. Now that Roleru could officially work in the mines, she would be given more training on how to actually operate the machine she had monitored for so long. Adonis was so proud of his big sister they celebrated that night, getting some slightly higher quality rations to have a feast that night. Any decent quality food was a real commodity on (insert planet name here).
However, the happy times wouldn’t last, as a couple of months later Roleru’s mother would die due to her illness. Although she would return to a happier mood after properly grieving, she never seemed quite the same to Adonis. They would continue to work in the mines together as they always had, now with no technician to accompany them to start the equipment. Together they would continue to grow closer, practically inseparable at this point, Roleru found a lot of comfort in Adonis’ presence which was sorely needed when she was grieving.
During this entire time Adonis would look for his parents in his free time, following any leads he could find. He would discover at the same time of Roleru’s mother’s passing that his parents had also passed in a mining accident, operating the same machine he and Roleru were working with. This fact would linger in the back of his mind at work from then on, disturbed by the potential lethality of the machine he interacted with daily.
Another 3 years would pass, Adonis and Roleru would continue to grow together. Moving in together, as any family should, and for financial reasons. Adonis, now 18, had recently finished his training on mining machine operation and maintenance. Roleru, now 21, had prepared the same high quality rations they had when she was promoted for that night's dinner. However, tragedy would strike during the workday, as Roleru would slip on the catwalk of the machine while it was in operation, and fall into the crushing gears. Adonis would immediately hit the emergency stop. As the loud machine whirred down, there was still energy in the gears, they would slow to a stop in the silence, but in the silence there was a sickening wet ripping sound, followed by a desperate pained scream. Adonis would quickly call for help before going down to help Roleru, however the sight he saw in the maw of this great devourer was horrifying. The entrails of his sister decorated the grinding gears like some sick and twisted form of party streamers, and the blood oh god the blood. Adonis could hear pained groans and he quickly scrambled to find the rest of Roleru. He would find her shortly after he began searching.
“No. no no no no. Stay with me! Help is on the way, you’ll be okay”, Adonis pleaded with Roleru.
“Sorry cough cough I guess I was too careless” Roleru responded, blood rolling out of her mouth. Internal bleeding, or is it external in this case? Ah semantics don’t matter, thought Adonis. The light was already fading from her eyes, unsurprising for the amount of blood loss, and the gore.
“NO! Don’t leave me, don’t leave like they did.” Adonis pleaded with a raspy voice through choked sobs, unsure of when he started crying. “Please stay with me, you promised you would.” He held her close, trying to comfort her in any way he could while desperately trying to stop the bleeding before the medical team arrived.
“I’m so sorry, I wish I could stay with you longer.”, Roleru said calmly, though the tears rolling down her face betrayed her true emotions. “I’ll always be with you in spirit.”
With that final statement she died in his arms, he would clutch the gorey remains of his sister, screaming and crying until the medical team arrived. They had to peel him off of her remains, essentially dragging him out of the mine for the day, on his walk back to their shared home, he would see a strange looking official giving a speech he only overheard part of it and he was only vaguely paying attention.
“From this day forward you will pay a tithe to the Imperium of man”, the official stated. A new ruler? Happens all the time, nothing to worry about Thought Adonis, little did he know this announcement would soon turn his already tumultuous life upside down.
He entered the hab building, and saw the two ration packets set out on the table, along with a small rectangular box. Adonis opened it, his hands still caked in Roleru’s blood. Inside was a simple silver locket, containing a photo of the two of them 3 years ago, celebrating Roleru’s promotion. Clutching the locket Adonis would fall to his knees and cry. An hour later Adonis would fall asleep, exhausted after showering. He would wake up the next morning, finding the two ration packets still uneaten on the counter.
After eating some breakfast and heading out for work, Adonis would notice something attached to the door of their hab unit.
It reads: Draft notice, You have been drafted to serve the Emperor of mankind. Report to the imperial guard training facility in 2 hours (live updated).

2 hours? Emperor of man, how conceited can one be? Oh well, it doesn't sound like I have a choice. Adonis would change his course, notifying his overseer at work before locating the Imperial guard training center. Little more than a temporary tent, it would appear there are other recruits here as well. A group of nine others were also waiting, clearly also drafted. After a bit of small talk with the other recruits, a man in olive green flak armor, a string of numbers on a plate attached on his left breast clearly some form of ID, wearing a helmet of the same color with a gold skull on the forehead. Walked out of the tent and immediately commanded the attention of all the recruits present. The man spoke in a gravelly voice, “I am Sargent Gordel, And I will make all of your lives hell over the next six weeks. You will have exactly one minute to make calls to get your affairs in order, after that you belong to the Imperial army." With that he turned and walked back into the tent, the recruits panicked at first, then followed him after a short while. That was 6 months ago, and as Adonis sat in some god forsaken trench during a particularly brutal compliance, he had wished for the thirtieth time that day that this was all some horrible nightmare. Alas it was not, he had been stationed on the frontlines, fighting against some technologically advanced humans that used bladed drones to devastating effect. Adonis was not particularly skilled at warfare, his aim was middling, his hand to hand skills less than perfect, and he had no mind for command. However, his previous work had him communicating a lot. This skill in both verbal communication, and communication equipment landed him a job as a vox-caster in his squad, lead by Sargent Gordel. Adonis disliked Gordel, a man of hubris and little talent in leadership. However, due to his role in communications Adonis had to be in close to proximity to the man during all waking hours. Ever since he had received the special vox-caster helmet he kept it on, only taking it off to eat. Adonis felt safe enclosed in his helmet, the constant line of communication meaning he could prepare for any future curveballs that might turn his life upside down, so that what happened after that horrible day will never happen again. Adonis would never be caught off guard again, or so he thought. As this compliance continued, Adonis was hearing fewer fellow vox-casters every day, until nobody responded on short-range communications one day. Alone, Adonis and his squad were all that was left in the trench line. As a forward position high casualties were to be expected, but they hadn’t been reinforced in weeks. Adonis had been given a faulty long-range vox, so he often had to make trips down the trench to the nearest squad to communicate with high command. During his last trip Adonis had heard that surrender of the planet was currently being negotiated, but in the meantime to keep fighting, that was days ago. During his trips down these lines he would often pass segments where the guardsmen had either been butchered by the drones, or fled the battlefield. He was envious of those who fled, but he would feel responsible for the deaths of his comrades if he left them to die. Today Adonis would try to retrieve a long-range vox to talk with high command. Shells were still falling on enemy positions, so they weren't abandoned. An assault on the trenches happened last night, it took 30 minutes of walking for Adonis to reach the next position, all he found there was a puddle of gore, and if he hadn’t known humans were here before, there was no way to identify what organism this pile of entrails used to be now. It sickened him, but he kept moving, not lingering on the thoughts of his past. It would take hours to find a usable long-range vox. It would take more hours to return, but in the meantime he used the vox to get updated on the situation. 

“This is vox-master Adonis in the first trench, position 38. Looks like my squad might be the last one left. High-command please respond.” Adonis hailed, hoping to hear back soon.
It would take 30 minutes for a response, but it came nonetheless. “We read you Adonis, this is High-command vox-master Gunther. How the hell are you guys still alive, the last report we got from the forward trench was 4 days ago. Anyways, peace has been reached and will go into effect tomorrow at dawn, until then keep fighting and we’ll come get you.” The man responded in a shocked voice.
“Copy command, I had to scavenge a long-range vox from a dead squad, mine has been faulty since we landed here. Thanks for the update, I will let the rest know when I get back.” Adonis replied, relieved that he would soon get to leave this hellscape. In the meantime he slowly made his way back to his position.
After hours of slowly progressing through the byzantine trench system, and hearing the wet squelch of viscera beneath his boots more often than not he finally made it back to his position. To his surprise everyone was still alive. After explaining what he heard over the vox to Gordel, Gordel called the other 9 people in the trench.
“Our vox-master has explained to me that we need to hold out until morning. Then this compliance will be over. Do you think you pansies are up to the task?”, Gordel asked, clearly just trying to raise morale.
“YES SIR!”, the squad responded loudly. Hope was something that had been in short supply in the trenches for weeks. To hear there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel made them all ecstatic. However the next 12 hours would be hell.
The first three were spent by the 11 people discussing what they would do on leave, then as the sun set, the next three hours were spent nervously watching the enemy trench. As midnight approached, metallic skittering could be heard across no man’s land. The drones were being used to secure one last victory by some egotistical commander on the other side, to break one full trench line before peace had officially started. At first it was a few, not even making it to the trench as the Guardsmen gunned them down with ease, but as 6 a.m. crept closer, the assault intensified.
Eventually these drones were leaping into the trenches, the 11 people gunned them down, but more took their place, eventually people were being butchered right in front of Adonis, reminding him of his friend's fate. Adonis was sickened by the site of it but swallowed back the bile that had risen in his throat, Gordel was the last to die, ripped apart limb from limb right before Adonis, he gunned the three drones down but by the time he had Gordel was dead, Adonis may not have liked him, but to die like that, Gordel had his sympathies. As Adonis fought on he wondered when the sun would rise, how much longer would he have to fight these horrid engines, designed to kill in the cruelest way imaginable. Adonis did his duty and reported each casualty as they happened over long-range vox. The fighting never seemed to end, he had to pick up his comrades weapons multiple times as he kept running out of ammo.
After what seemed like an eternity the hues of violet and indigo that signified the sun was soon to rise appeared in the sky, and after only 30 more minutes of desperately trying to hold on to his life the drones in the trench suddenly stopped, climbed out and marched back to the other trench line. After this Adonis reported to high-command.
“This is vox-master Adonis, the fighting is over. 10 casualties, I’m all that's left.” Adonis reported grimmly. Exhaustion evident in his voice.
“This is High-command Vox-master Gunther. We hadn’t heard from you in a couple of hours so we thought you were dead. Frankly, the fact that you’re alive is a miracle.” Gunther responded incredulously.
“Is that so?” Adonis responded without any emotion, too exhausted to care.
“Well problem is we canceled evacuations to that trench. I’ll go talk to someone higher up. In the meantime sit tight.” Gunther responded.
Adonis would trudge out of the trench. Seeing a hill, not crater pocked and covered in grass with a large, flat rock on top. Adonis would make his way over to this hill, and sit atop the rock, feet pressed together as he took his vox-caster helmet off. His face covered in sweat, he can see how utterly covered in the blood of his comrades he is. Sickened by this fact and given his reprieve, he ejects what little remains in his stomach. Tears stream down his face as he questions how much longer he’ll be in this army, how many others will he see turned to paste, and why he decided to fight instead of joining his Roleru in the afterlife.
His mental breakdown is set to the backdrop of a beautiful sunset, he has calmed down by the time a gleaming purple transport pulls up to the trench line. A tall woman in purple armor steps out, white hair flowing down her shoulders, with piercing purple eyes. She scans for something before setting eyes on Adonis.
She calls out to him, “Vox-master, your transport awaits.” Adonis walks to the transport, not bothering to go back to the trench. After the imposing, yet elegant woman climbs into the transport after him, the doors close and it speeds off.

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I compiled a list of the national team members from countries other than Canada and USA. This isn't necessarily 100% complete because Leah Lum and Taylor Baker are dual national Canadians (edit: and Hannah Miller), and Lum and Miller aren't current members of Team China; they were member at the Beijing Olympics. I verified the rest of the list by looking at place of birth on the roster lists, and checked the rosters of Division II teams (Hungary, France, Norway, etc.) for any dual nationals.
So there may be other PWHL players like Lum & Miller - a Canadian or American-born player who isn't on a current international roster - but the chances seem slim. If you know of any, let me know.
I already touched on another point to note: not all players listed here are on the team's current rosters, although most are, and all have played in at least one major tournament on the 18+ team. For current rosters see: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/39-professional-womens-hockey-league-pwhl-players-competing-in-2024-iihf-womens-world-championship
Finally, all the non-North Americans in the league are or have been on their national team, unsurprisingly. IOW, minus Lum and Baker, this is also the list of every non-North American in the league this season.
Austria:
Theresa Schafzah, F, Boston
China:
Leah Lum, F, Montreal
Hannah Miller, F, Toronto
Czech Republic:
Denisa Křížová, F, Minnesota
Dominika Lásková, D, Montreal
Kateřina Mrázová, F, Ottawa
Aneta Tejralová, D, Ottawa
Tereza Vanišová, F, Ottawa
Finland:
Susanna Tapani, F, Boston
France:
Chloé Aurard, F, Minnesota
Germany:
Sandra Abstreiter, G, Ottawa
Hungary:
Taylor Baker, D, NY
Fanni Garát-Gasparics, F, Ottawa
Japan:
Akane Shiga, F, Ottawa
Sweden:
Johanna Fällman, D, NY
Emma Söderberg, G, Boston
Switzerland:
Alina Müller, F, Boston
17 players from 10 countries. Every one of the teams represented at the 2024 WWC except Denmark are here, and all except Denmark and China by current players... those are the countries being demoted for 2025's WWC. The countries being promoted? Also on the list: France and Hungary. The league attracted an impressive array of international talent in it's first year.
Related trivia (edit: I originally stated Toronto wasn't on the above list) : Toronto is the most Canadian team, with only two Americans, both members of Team USA (edit:) and Canadian dual-national Hannah Miller, who played for China in 2022.
If you guessed Minnesota has the most Americans, you're correct. They have only one Czech and three Canadians, none of whom played for Team Canada.

This is the method under the test and then the test I'm writing. I've mocked all async method and DB calls with vi.fn() but it still runs into time out (timeout change doesn't help)

private async getOrderDataForId( orderData: any, splitOrders: any, responseOrders: any, tenant_id: number, trackingId?: string, ) { this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: "get order data for given orderID - start", data: { id: orderData.id, tenant_id: orderData.tenant_id }, }); const existingOrderData = await ManufactumCoreOrderService.getOrderById( orderData.id, orderData.tenant_id, trackingId, ); if (!existingOrderData existingOrderData.length < 1) { this.#logger.error({ trackingId, message: "Order doesn't exist with id: ", }); FbxError.throwBadRequest("WMS_Order_3", "Order doesn't exist with id: "); } const newOrderData = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(existingOrderData)); this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: "get order data for given orderID - end", data: newOrderData, }); // optimize order_items for (const [key] of Object.entries(splitOrders)) { const position = parseInt(splitOrders[key][0].splitorder_position); const number = parseInt(splitOrders[key][0].orderId); if (key === "1") { console.log("=======got into if block"); newOrderData.splitorder_position = position; newOrderData.parent_id = orderData.id; newOrderData.order_items = []; for (const [index] of newOrderData.order_addresses.entries()) { delete newOrderData.order_addresses[index].id; } for (const [index] of newOrderData.order_partners.entries()) { delete newOrderData.order_partners[index].id; delete newOrderData.order_partners[index].order_id; } // prepare new order newOrderData.splitorder_number = number; let total_weight = 0; let total_volume = 0; for (const splitOrderItem of splitOrders[key]) { const index = existingOrderData.order_items.findIndex( (item: any) => item.article_barcode == splitOrderItem.barcode && item.item_number === splitOrderItem.ManufactumPositionNumber, ); if (index < 0) continue; const orderItemData = existingOrderData.order_items[index]; orderItemData.amount = parseInt(splitOrderItem.amount); orderItemData.item_number = splitOrderItem.ManufactumPositionNumber; const articleId = orderItemData.article_id; let articleData = await DB.query( "select weight, length, width,height from articles where id = ?", [articleId], ); articleData = articleData[0]; const weight = articleData.weight; const _total_weight = await this.calculateAnyISOUnitToAnyIsoUnit( "KG", "GRM", weight * orderItemData.amount, ); const width = articleData.width; const height = articleData.height; const length = articleData.length; const realVolume = width * height * length; const maxVolume = (realVolume + realVolume * 0.05) * orderItemData.amount; total_volume += maxVolume; total_weight += parseFloat(_total_weight); orderItemData.WMS_Positionsnummer = parseInt(splitOrderItem.WMS_Positionsnummer); if (existingOrderData.order_items[index]) { existingOrderData.order_items[index].WMS_Positionsnummer = orderItemData.WMS_Positionsnummer; } newOrderData.order_items.push(existingOrderData.order_items[index]); } newOrderData.total_weight = total_weight + 200; newOrderData.net_weight = total_weight; newOrderData.volume = total_volume; // create split order this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: `Create split order for order id:${orderData.id} - start`, data: newOrderData, }); const newOrder = await ManufactumCoreOrderService.createOrder(newOrderData, orderData.tenant_id, trackingId, false); if (!newOrder) { this.#logger.error({ trackingId, message: "Failed to create order csv." }); FbxError.throwInternalError("WMS_Order_4", "Failed to create order csv."); } this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: `Create split order for order id:${orderData.id} - end`, data: newOrder, }); this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: `Update order id:${orderData.id} - start`, data: newOrderData, }); const updateQuery = "UPDATE orders SET erp_id = \"\" WHERE id = ?"; await DB.query(updateQuery, [orderData.id]); this.#logger.info({ trackingId, message: `Update order id:${orderData.id} - end`, data: newOrder, }); } else { console.log("=======got into else block"); const newOrderManufactum: any = { id: orderData.id, new_order_number: formatNumbers( parseInt(await this.getNewOrderNumber(orderData.tenant_id, "Split")), 10, ), erp_id: existingOrderData.erp_id, splitorder_number: number, splitorder_position: position, order_items: [], }; for (const splitOrderItem of splitOrders[key]) { newOrderManufactum.order_items.push({ new_order_item_number: await this.checkIfPositionIsStandardInt( splitOrderItem.ManufactumPositionNumber, orderData.id, splitOrderItem.barcode, tenant_id, ), amount: parseInt(splitOrderItem.amount), change_amount: false, WMS_Positionsnummer: parseInt(splitOrderItem.WMS_Positionsnummer), }); } responseOrders.push(newOrderManufactum); } } } describe("getOrderDataForId", () => { let repo: any; let orderDataMock: any = { "id" : 303226, "date" : "2024-04-10T14:00:11.000Z", "erp_id" : "0089123048", "tenant_id" : 4, "shipping_service_id" : 2, "shipping_type" : "", "shipping_priority" : 5, "customer_number_erp" : "", "payment_method" : "", "currency" : "", "parent_id" : 4766580, "splitorder_position" : 2, "splitorder_number" : "98873524", "order_status_id" : 47, "bill_number" : "", "sales_channel" : "", "system_id" : 4, "created_at" : "2024-04-10T16:00:11.000Z", "updated_at" : "2024-04-11T16:11:07.000Z", "order_type" : null, "order_tracking_number" : null, "tracking_id" : null, "return_tracking_id" : null, "wmsx_status" : "unprocessed", "volume_measurement_unit_id" : 5, "weight_measurement_unit_id" : 4, "volume" : 25.65, "total_weight" : 2486.0, "incoterms1" : "FH", "incoterms2" : "Frei Haus", "net_weight" : "2140.000", "number_of_packages" : 0, "ship_condition" : "Z0", "shipping_point" : "V007", "sales_organisation" : "0200", "warehouse_number" : "HER", "desired_delivery_date" : "20240403220000", "timezone" : "CET", "description" : "{}", "custom_attributes_MF" : "{\"VSART\":\"SP\",\"ZTERM\":\"D201\",\"PAPERTYPE\":\"AT\",\"BUNDESLAND\":\"Niederösterreich\"}", "is_valid" : 1, "delivery_type" : "LF", "document_status" : null, "document_timestamp" : null, "carrier_mapping_id" : 2, "label_response" : null, "Flyer" : null, "cod_amount" : null, "cod_purpose" : null, "ps_sync_id" : null, "processed_fine" : null, "WMS_Auftragsnummer" : null, "WMS_Teil_Auftragsnummer" : null, "drop_off_point" : null, "error_description" : "Failed to detect carrier. Country short name: AT, sales organisation: 200, VSART: SP, ship_condition: Z0", "packaging_id" : null, "fine_status" : null, "fine_processed" : null, "channel_id" : null, "channel_sign" : null, "channel_no" : null, "item_count" : null, "warehouse_id" : null, "priority" : null, "cancel_reason_code" : null, "cancel_reason" : null, "carrier" : null, "merchant_id" : null, "integrator" : null, "order_items" : [{"id": 2290664, "amount": 1, "article_id": 2939, "article_name": "Balkonkasten Stahl verzinkt gross", "article_barcode": "2050000804168", "article_description": "", "article_weight": 2.14, "erp_id": "000000000000018996", "hazardus_material_number": null, "short_text": "Balkonkasten Stahl verzinkt gross", "sales_unit_id": 1, "sales_unit_iso_measure": "CMT", "item_hierarchy": "000000", "loading_group": "0003", "partial_delivery": "C", "overdelivery_percentage": 0, "underdelivery_percentage": 0, "movement_type": "601", "reference_movement_type": null, "movement_indicator": "L", "cumulated_batch_quantity": "0.000", "distribution_channel": "10", "division": "01", "plant": "0100", "storage_location": "L007", "profit_centre": null, "number_profitability": "0000000000", "sales_item_number": "000000", "item_number": "000010", "sales_document": "0852011163", "sales_document_item": "000010", "sales_document_category": "C", "document_date": "20240402", "order_date_customer": null, "order_date_to_party": "00000000", "date_of_call_off": null, "weight": 2140, "material_type": "HAWA", "article_width": 19, "article_length": 91, "article_height": 15, "article_length_measurement_unit": "CM", "article_weight_measurement_unit": "KG", "WMS_Positionsnummer": "1", "change_amount": 0}], "order_addresses" : [{"id": 1060667, "salutation": "Firma", "name": null, "first_name": null, "last_name": null, "full_name": "Schlosserei Bock GmbH", "company_name": "", "street": "Ascherstraße", "street_number": "0180795", "house_number": "10", "postal_code": "2734", "city": "Puchberg am Schneeberg", "email": null, "country_short_name": "AT", "contact": "02636 2303", "floor": null, "room_number": null, "erp_id": "0026824582", "county": null, "address_notes": null, "fax": null, "time_zone": "CET", "address_info": {"AT":{"COUNTRYISO":"AT","LANGU_ISO":"DE"}}},{"id": 1060668, "salutation": "Firma", "name": null, "first_name": null, "last_name": null, "full_name": "Schlosserei Bock GmbH", "company_name": "", "street": "Ascherstraße", "street_number": "0180795", "house_number": "10", "postal_code": "2734", "city": "Puchberg am Schneeberg", "email": null, "country_short_name": "AT", "contact": "02636 2303", "floor": null, "room_number": null, "erp_id": "0026824582", "county": null, "address_notes": null, "fax": null, "time_zone": "CET", "address_info": {"AT":{"COUNTRYISO":"AT","LANGU_ISO":"DE"}}}], "order_partners" : null, "shipping_service_name" : "DHL", "order_status_name" : "Carrier and shipping type are not determined.", "order_status_code" : "error_2000", "shipped_out_date" : null, "invoice_number" : null, "weight_measurement_unit" : "G", "volume_measurement_unit" : "CDM" }; let responseOrders: any = orderDataMock; let splitOrders: any = { 1: [ { splitorder_position: 1, orderId: 123, }, { splitorder_position: 2, orderId: 124, }, { splitorder_position: 3, orderId: 125, }, ], }; beforeEach(async () => { repo = new ManufactumWmsxOrderRepository(); ManufactumCoreOrderService.getOrderById = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(orderDataMock) DB.query = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(orderDataMock); DB.query = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(true); repo.calculateAnyISOUnitToAnyIsoUnit = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(1); ManufactumCoreOrderService.createOrder = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(orderDataMock); repo.getNewOrderNumber = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue("0088123456"); repo.checkIfPositionIsStandardInt = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue("000390"); }) test("should update responseOrders array", async () => { await repo.getOrderDataForId(orderDataMock, splitOrders, responseOrders, 4); }) }, { timeout:10000 }) 

Digital ICs, also known as logic ICs, are designed to process signals in binary form, utilizing only two states, 0 and 1, to represent information. This binary signal processing approach offers several advantages, including simplicity, ease of performing logical operations, and reduced chip area.
Operating Principle:
The fundamental structure of a digital IC consists of logic gates interconnected according to a specific design. Each logic gate performs a basic logical function such as AND, OR, NOT, etc. When binary signals (0, 1) are applied to the logic gates, they are processed and generate new binary signals at the output.
Classification of Digital ICs:
Digital ICs are categorized into various types based on their function and structure, including:

1. Logic Gates

Logic gates are the fundamental building blocks of digital circuits. They perform basic logical operations on binary data, such as AND, OR, NOT, XOR, and more. These operations are essential for manipulating information and implementing various computational tasks in electronic systems.
Key Characteristics:
· Binary Inputs and Outputs: Logic gates operate on binary data, represented by two distinct states, typically 0 and 1. They take one or more binary inputs and produce a single binary output based on the specified logical operation.
· Truth Tables: Truth tables define the behavior of logic gates by listing all possible input combinations and the corresponding output values. These tables provide a clear representation of the gate's functionality.
· Hardware Implementation: Logic gates can be physically implemented using various electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, and resistors. The specific implementation depends on the desired logic family and performance characteristics.
Common Logic Gate Types:
1. AND Gate: Performs the logical AND operation, producing a 1 output only if all inputs are 1. It represents the "and" condition, requiring all inputs to be true for the output to be true.
2. OR Gate: Performs the logical OR operation, producing a 1 output if any or all inputs are 1. It represents the "or" condition, indicating that the output is true if at least one input is true.
3. NOT Gate: Performs the logical NOT operation, inverting the input. It produces a 1 output if the input is 0 and a 0 output if the input is 1. It represents the "not" condition, negating the input value.
4. XOR Gate: Performs the logical exclusive OR operation, producing a 1 output only if the inputs are different (0 and 1 or 1 and 0). It represents the "exclusive or" condition, indicating that the output is true only if the inputs have opposite values.
Applications of Logic Gates:
Logic gates are the foundation of digital circuits, enabling the construction of various electronic components and systems:
· Digital Arithmetic Circuits: Logic gates are used to build arithmetic circuits that perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations on binary numbers.
· Boolean Expression Simplification: Logic gates can be combined to represent and simplify Boolean expressions, reducing the complexity of digital circuits.
· Data Encoding and Decoding: Logic gates are employed in data encoding and decoding schemes, such as binary to gray code conversion and error detection and correction codes.
· Control Logic and Sequential Circuits: Logic gates are essential for designing control logic in sequential circuits, such as flip-flops, counters, and registers, enabling state storage and timing control.
Logic Gate Families:
Several logic gate families have been developed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
· RTL (Resistor-Transistor Logic): A simple and early logic family, but with high power consumption and slow speed.
· DTL (Diode-Transistor Logic): An improvement over RTL, offering better speed and lower power consumption.
· TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic): A widely used family known for its balance of speed, power consumption, and noise immunity.
· CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor): A modern family with extremely low power consumption, high speed, and high integration density.
· ECL (Emitter-Coupled Logic): A high-speed family used in high-performance applications, but with higher power consumption and complexity.
The choice of logic family depends on factors such as speed, power consumption, noise immunity, and cost. CMOS has become the dominant logic family due to its superior performance and integration capabilities.
Significance of Logic Gates:
Logic gates play a crucial role in the realm of digital electronics, forming the bedrock of modern computers and digital devices:
· Digital Computation: Logic gates enable the execution of complex computations and data manipulation, driving the processing power of digital systems.
· Logic Design and Circuitry: They provide the fundamental building blocks for designing and constructing various digital circuits, from simple logic functions to sophisticated microprocessors.
· Fundamental Building Blocks: Logic gates serve as the essential components that underpin the vast array of digital technologies that shape our modern world.
The development of logic gates has revolutionized the way we process information and interact with technology, enabling the creation of increasingly powerful and versatile electronic devices.

2. Memory

Memory is an essential component of any digital system, responsible for storing data and instructions that enable the system to function. It serves as the repository of information that the system processes and manipulates.
Key Components:
1. Memory Cells: The fundamental units of memory, each capable of storing one bit of data (0 or 1). Memory cells are typically based on transistors or other electronic components that can maintain a stable state.
2. Address Decoder: Responsible for translating memory addresses into specific memory cells. It receives an address from the CPU or other accessing device and identifies the corresponding memory cell where the data resides.
3. Read/Write Control Circuit: Manages the data transfer process between the CPU or other accessing device and the memory cells. It controls the reading of data from memory cells during read operations and the writing of data into memory cells during write operations.
4. Buffer: A temporary storage area that holds data during memory access operations. It acts as a bridge between the faster CPU or accessing device and the slower memory, reducing overall system latency.
Operating Principle:
Memory stores data by altering the state of memory cells. Each cell can represent one bit of data, either a 0 or a 1. The memory address serves as a unique identifier for each cell, enabling the system to locate the specific cell where data resides.
When the CPU or another device needs to access data from memory, it issues a memory request that includes the desired address. The address decoder translates this address into the corresponding memory cell. The read/write control circuit then activates the appropriate cell, either retrieving the stored data (read operation) or updating the cell's state with new data (write operation).
The buffer plays a crucial role in optimizing memory access by temporarily holding data during the transfer process. This reduces the overall delay experienced by the CPU or other accessing device, improving system performance.
Types of Memory:
Memory can be broadly classified into two main categories based on its data retention characteristics:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile memory that stores data that can be changed or modified. Data in RAM is lost when the power is turned off. RAM is typically used for storing temporary data, such as program instructions, operating system data, and currently active applications.
2. Read-Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile memory that stores fixed data that cannot be altered. Data in ROM remains intact even when the power is turned off. ROM is typically used for storing permanent data, such as firmware, boot code, and system configuration information.
Additional Memory Types:
· Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): A type of ROM that can be programmed once by the user, typically using a high-voltage device.
· Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): A type of PROM that can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times using ultraviolet light.
· Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM): A type of non-volatile memory that can be erased and reprogrammed electronically, without the need for external light sources.
· Flash Memory: A type of EEPROM that offers fast erase and write operations, making it suitable for use in portable devices and solid-state drives.
Significance of Memory:
Memory plays a fundamental role in modern digital systems:
· Data Storage: It provides the storage medium for essential data, including program instructions, operating system files, user data, and multimedia content.
· System Operation: Memory enables the continuous operation of the system by retaining critical information, such as system state, application data, and intermediate results of calculations.
· Performance Enhancement: Memory plays a crucial role in optimizing system performance by providing fast access to frequently used data and instructions.
The development of memory technologies has been a driving force in the advancement of computing, enabling the creation of increasingly powerful and versatile electronic devices.
3. Clock Circuit
Significance of Clock Circuits
Clock circuits play a crucial role in the operation of digital electronic devices. They provide the essential timing signal that synchronizes the operation of various components within the system, ensuring coordinated and efficient data processing. The frequency of the clock signal directly impacts the speed of the circuit, enabling faster and more powerful electronic devices.
Advancements in clock circuit technology have led to the development of higher-frequency, more stable, and lower-power clock circuits, contributing to the continuous improvement of electronic devices in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability..
Components of a Clock Circuit
The basic components of a clock circuit include:
1. Oscillator: Generates the fundamental clock signal. Oscillators can utilize various elements, such as quartz crystals, ceramic resonators, or RC (resistor-capacitor) networks, to produce a stable and accurate clock signal.
2. Frequency Divider: Divides the clock signal from the oscillator down to the desired frequency. This is necessary because the oscillator may generate a much higher frequency than required by the circuit.
3. Counter: Counts the clock pulses from the frequency divider. The count value can be used for various purposes, such as generating timing signals or keeping track of time.
4. Decoder: Decodes the count value from the counter into specific time signals, such as seconds, minutes, or hours. This is particularly useful for applications that require real-time clock functionality.
Operating Principle:
A clock circuit operates by generating a clock signal with a stable frequency. This clock signal is used to synchronize the operation of other ICs in the system. The oscillator generates the basic clock signal, which is then divided by the frequency divider and counted by the counter. The decoder decodes the count value into time signals.
Types of Clock Circuits
Clock circuits can be categorized into two main types:
1. Internal Clock Circuit: Integrated within the IC itself. This type of clock circuit is commonly found in microcontrollers and other integrated circuits that require a clock signal for their internal operation.
2. External Clock Circuit: Provides a clock signal for multiple ICs. This type of clock circuit is often used in larger digital systems where multiple ICs need to be synchronized.
Common Clock Circuit Types
Several types of clock circuits are commonly used in electronic devices:
1. RC Oscillator Circuit: A simple and inexpensive oscillator circuit that utilizes resistors and capacitors to generate a clock signal.
2. LC Oscillator Circuit: A more stable and accurate oscillator circuit that employs an inductor and capacitor to produce the clock signal.
3. Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Circuit: A sophisticated oscillator circuit that locks its frequency to a reference signal, ensuring high stability and precision.

4. Communication Circuits

Communication Circuits

Communication circuits enable integrated circuits (ICs) to exchange information with external devices, facilitating data transfer, device interaction, and system control. These circuits play a crucial role in modern electronic systems, enabling them to function as interconnected components within a larger network.
Key Components:
1. Physical Interface: Establishes a physical connection between the IC and the external device. This can be realized through pins, connectors, or wireless transmission mediums.
2. Data Transmission Circuit: Handles the encoding and decoding of data for transmission and reception. It ensures that data is converted into a suitable format for transmission over the physical interface and accurately interpreted upon reception.
3. Communication Control Circuit: Orchestrates the data transfer process, ensuring proper timing, synchronization, error detection, and error correction. It manages the exchange of data between the IC and the external device in a controlled and reliable manner.
Operating Principle:
Communication circuits operate by establishing a physical link between the IC and the external device, enabling the exchange of electrical signals. The data transmission circuit then encodes the data from the IC into a format suitable for transmission over the physical interface. This may involve converting the data into a serial bit stream, modulating it onto a carrier signal, or encapsulating it in a communication protocol frame.
Once transmitted, the data is received by the external device and passed to its communication circuit. The data transmission circuit then decodes the received data, converting it back into a format that the IC can understand. This may involve demodulating the signal, extracting the data from the protocol frame, or converting the serial bit stream into parallel data.
The communication control circuit oversees the entire data transfer process, ensuring that the data is transmitted and received in a synchronized and error-free manner. It may employ techniques such as clock synchronization, error detection codes, and retransmission mechanisms to guarantee data integrity.
Types of Communication Circuits:
Communication circuits encompass a wide range of technologies tailored for specific communication protocols and applications:
1. Data Bus: Enables multiple ICs to communicate with each other over a shared data path. Data buses are commonly used in microprocessors and other digital systems to transfer data between various components.
2. Serial Communication Port: Facilitates sequential data transmission between ICs, one bit at a time. Serial communication is often employed in applications where bandwidth is limited or long-distance communication is required.
3. Parallel Communication Port: Allows for simultaneous transmission of multiple bits of data between ICs, providing faster data transfer rates compared to serial communication. Parallel communication is commonly used in high-speed data transfer applications.
4. Wireless Communication: Enables ICs to communicate with other devices without the need for physical cables. Wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern electronic devices.
Significance of Communication Circuits:
Communication circuits are indispensable components in modern electronic devices, enabling them to:
· Exchange data with other devices, such as sensors, actuators, and peripherals.
· Interact with user inputs, such as keyboards, buttons, and touchscreens.
· Respond to network requests and commands.
· Participate in distributed systems and control networks.
The advancement of communication circuit technology has led to the development of higher-speed, more reliable, and more energy-efficient communication interfaces, enabling the creation of more sophisticated and interconnected electronic devices that can seamlessly interact with the surrounding environment and with each other.

5. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) serves as the "brain" of a computer system, orchestrating the execution of instructions and processing data to drive various operations. It is the heart of a computer, responsible for carrying out calculations, manipulating data, and managing the overall flow of information within the system.
Key Components:
1. Processing Unit: The core of the CPU, responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations on data. It comprises components like arithmetic logic units (ALUs), floating-point units (FPUs), and registers that handle data manipulation and computations.
2. Control Unit: The maestro of the CPU, directing the overall operation and execution of instructions. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them into understandable commands, and coordinates the activities of other CPU components to ensure proper instruction execution.
3. Cache Memory: A high-speed storage area that temporarily holds frequently accessed data and instructions, reducing the need for slower memory access. Cache memory acts as a buffer, improving overall system performance by providing faster access to essential data.
4. Data Bus: The communication highway that transports data between the CPU and other system components, such as memory and input/output devices. It serves as the data transfer channel, enabling the exchange of information between the CPU and various parts of the system.
5. Address Bus: The address decoder that identifies the specific location of data or instructions stored in memory. It acts as a pointer, pinpointing the exact memory address where data or instructions reside.
6. Control Bus: The traffic controller that manages the operation of the data bus and address bus, ensuring synchronized data transfers and maintaining overall system coordination. It regulates the flow of data and addresses between the CPU and other components.
Operating Principle:
The CPU functions by executing instructions stored in memory. These instructions dictate the operations to be performed and the data to be processed. The control unit plays a pivotal role in this process, fetching instructions from memory, deciphering their meaning, and directing other CPU units to carry out the specified tasks.
1. Instruction Fetch: The control unit retrieves instructions from memory, typically from the main memory or cache memory.
2. Instruction Decode: The control unit interprets the fetched instructions, breaking them down into their constituent parts and understanding the operations they represent.
3. Instruction Execution: The control unit directs the appropriate CPU units, such as the ALU or FPU, to execute the decoded instructions. These units perform the specified calculations or data manipulations.
4. Result Storage: The outcomes of the executed instructions, such as calculated values or processed data, are stored in registers or memory locations, making them available for further use.
The CPU continuously cycles through this fetch-decode-execute-store process, tirelessly processing instructions and manipulating data to drive the computer system's operations.
Significance of the CPU:
The CPU is the cornerstone of a computer system, enabling it to perform its fundamental tasks:
· Execute programs and applications: The CPU interprets and carries out the instructions that make up software programs, allowing users to run various applications.
· Process data: The CPU performs calculations, manipulates data, and transforms information, enabling the computer to handle complex computations and data analysis.
· Control system operations: The CPU manages the overall flow of information and coordinates the activities of other system components, ensuring smooth and efficient system operation.
The performance and capabilities of the CPU significantly impact the overall responsiveness, speed, and processing power of a computer system. Advancements in CPU technology have led to the development of faster, more efficient, and more powerful CPUs, enabling the creation of increasingly sophisticated and capable computers.
Many Sources

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Dialog Key:
[Translated]: Dates, Units of Measurement, or other Grammatical terms will be retrofitted to be legible for readers while still staying true to their definition
{Exposition}: Immediate context regarding events, People, Entities, or other key points that allow for understanding amongst different cultures.
...This is the point when we realized we had been tricked, or “conned” as the Humans would say. Locked into a deal we couldn’t get out of. Most of the “clients” were stunned, they didn’t do anything because what can you do against a conglomerate that not only has more money than you but has legal grounds over you? Fight back, maybe? Some thought that was a good idea. In some colonies, organized revolts were set up and conducted, thinking to outplay the Humans at their own game.
However, when dealing with Humans, there’s a lot to remember, and these rebels seemingly forgot that this is the species that produces the galaxy’s newest military tech, the same species that has 73 out of the top 100 military schools in the galaxy, the same species that had enough cunning to outsmart us of our independence in the first place.
So naturally when these revolutionaries attempted to capitulate the standing corporate liaisons, they were all arrested by the far more experienced local law enforcement division which comprised a recently established Human mercenary enclave, keep that in mind because it comes back later. The revolting worlds were completely seized by these Human Megacorporations, and they got an early taste of what was to come for the rest of us.
Anyways, while some of these colonies resisted, most just tried to endure. After all, the contract would end in a few [years] and the Megacorps would all leave. Well, when the contracts had finally ended, the colonists faced a problem. What we’ve seen up until now is the problems that you face when you don’t read what’s in the fine print, I never addressed what happens when you don’t read what’s not there. Here’s what I mean: The corporations stuck to their word, or at least the wording of the contract, and successfully established planetary infrastructure, they built highways, dams, power plants, rail lines, satellite arrays, and so on. However, the Humans utilized yet another power of the fine print, and that was the contract’s omission of finer details.
Let’s take an example in Clause 4, Paragraph 2, Section 3:
“[...] the provider must fully construct sufficient global infrastructure on the relevant celestial body, at minimum fulfilling the needs of highway cargo access, rail networks, interplanetary and interstellar logistics channels, planetary cellular networking designed for civilian use, and proper plumbing and electrical systems as the terms are defined in a legally recognized pan-galactic dictionary. [...]”
Now, this was clever, because all the Humans had to do was build “a track or set of tracks made of synthetic rails along which passenger and/or freight trains run” or “an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world”. The contract never further specified the requirements of these rail lines outside of their functionality, purposefully omitting the truth and leaving it up to interpretation for the very few who did read these contracts.
So while these train engines were capable of transporting [Hundreds of tons] of material at high speeds, they were only designed to be operated by specifically designed conductor drones, making it nearly impossible to operate these devices any way else. It was the same story for every other vehicle the Humans placed around. And, touching back to the initial agreement, These Megacorporations would take their employees and directly owned equipment off-world to serve some other purpose. These, as it turns out, included the very drones that were needed to pilot the vehicles that served as the lifeblood of each planet’s infrastructure.
Not only those logistics drones, but every last extraction drone, farming robot, construction probe, and angler droid was taken. The Humans simply asked us to refer to our contracts once more and deal with the consequences. However, we were becoming desperate, they forced us to change our professions and moved us [miles] away from the countryside. Logistics and transportation lines were set to rapidly break down, millions would starve if we didn’t get our infrastructure back online.
At first, many thought we could reverse-engineer human tech to suit our needs, creating our own designs and all. But those that had backgrounds in Robotics and technical engineering were conveniently taken off-world with their families, promised a new life with higher paying jobs. We should have seen this as off. There were prodigies on our planets, doctors, physicists, and those who could make more of a difference in the galaxy than just building or designing automatons. But that’s not why they were taken off the world, They were taken off the world to cripple us, while in exchange we got the unskilled working class, made to labor in factories, not designing infrastructure. Many even questioned whether or not the Roboticists were employed, instead perhaps being taken to some corporate blacksite to be shot. Knowing the cold-hearted nature of these conglomerates, many found this story to be believable.

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When selecting the best outdoor rugs for your South African home, consider design versatility, durability, maintenance ease, environmental impact, and the comfort they bring to outdoor living. These factors ensure that your chosen rug not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor spaces but also supports a lifestyle that appreciates the outdoors.

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Design plays a fundamental role in your selection process. The best outdoor rugs offer a wide range of styles, from vibrant and bold patterns to more subdued and natural tones, ensuring there's something to match every decor style. Whether you're leaning towards a contemporary look with hip Moroccan-inspired prints or preferring the timeless appeal of natural flatweave designs, there’s a rug to fit your outdoor setting.
Size and shape are also key considerations. Measure your space beforehand to ensure the rug fits well and complements your outdoor furniture arrangement, creating a cohesive look. Round rugs might suit smaller patios, while large rectangular rugs can define seating or dining areas in spacious gardens.
Lastly, think about care and maintenance. Outdoor living in South Africa can be dusty and windy, so opting for easy-to-clean rugs that require minimal maintenance can save you time and effort. Look for rugs that you can simply hose off or wipe clean, keeping your outdoor space looking its best with minimal fuss.
By keeping these factors in mind - material, design, size, shape, and maintenance tips for outdoor rugs - you'll find the perfect rug to enhance the beauty and comfort of your outdoor living space, combining style and functionality seamlessly.

PLACEMENT TIPS FOR OUTDOOR RUGS

Selecting the perfect outdoor rug for your South African home involves not just finding a design that speaks to your style, but also placing it strategically to enhance your outdoor living spaces. Whether you're looking to define a seating area on your patio, add comfort underfoot in a sunny garden spot, or welcome guests with style on your balcony, following these placement tips ensures your outdoor rug serves both functional and aesthetic purposes effectively.
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In sunny South African gardens, placing high-quality outdoor rugs under dining tables or in shaded areas can protect your feet from hot surfaces while adding a touch of elegance. Opt for rugs from renowned brands like India Ink Outdoor Rugs, known for their durability and stylish designs, to ensure your outdoor space looks its best throughout the seasons.
For balconies and smaller areas, choosing the best outdoor rug that complements your decor while maximising space is crucial. Round or oval rugs can soften the appearance of square balconies, making the area feel larger and more welcoming. Additionally, maintenance tips for outdoor rugs are paramount; selecting materials such as polypropylene ensures easy cleaning and longevity, essential for the South African climate.
Lastly, to enhance the safety and extend the life of your outdoor rug, consider using a non-slip pad underneath, especially in high-traffic areas or on smooth surfaces. This not only prevents accidents but also protects both the rug and the flooring beneath.
Incorporating these placement and maintenance tips into your outdoor decorating strategy guarantees your outdoor rugs not only elevate the beauty of your South African home but also offer practical benefits, making your outdoor living spaces more enjoyable year-round.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Maintaining your outdoor rugs in South Africa does not have to be a daunting task, especially when you choose high-quality rugs designed to weather the varying elements. Following specific maintenance tips can ensure your rug remains vibrant and durable, complementing your outdoor space for years to come.
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Outdoor rugs are engineered to resist water and dry quickly, thanks to synthetic materials in their construction. However, to extend the lifespan of your garden rug, it's wise to add an extra layer of protection during long bouts of rain or heavy precipitation. Positioning the rug under a covered patio or using a waterproof cover when it's not in use can significantly reduce moisture exposure, keeping the rug in top shape.
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In addition, flipping the rug periodically can prevent uneven wear and sun fading, especially in South Africa’s sunny climates. This practice ensures all parts of the rug face exposure evenly, preserving its colours and structure.
By incorporating these maintenance tips for outdoor rugs into your care routine, you ensure your outdoor living space remains inviting and stylish. Whether it’s a cosy seating area in your patio or a vibrant addition to your balcony, a well-cared-for outdoor rug enhances the charm and functionality of your outdoor settings, making every moment spent outside even more enjoyable.
Choosing the right outdoor rug for your South African home isn't just about style; it's about creating a durable, inviting space that reflects your personal taste while standing up to the local climate. With the right materials, size, and shape, you've got a plethora of options to enhance your outdoor living area. Don't forget the importance of regular maintenance to keep your rug looking its best. By following these simple care tips, you'll ensure your outdoor rug remains a vibrant and practical addition to your home, ready to withstand the elements and daily life. So, go ahead and select a rug that not only complements your outdoor space but also promises longevity and ease of care. Your perfect outdoor setting awaits.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT MATERIALS ARE BEST FOR OUTDOOR RUGS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S CLIMATE?

Opt for outdoor rugs made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. These materials are durable, resist fading from the sun, and can handle moisture better than natural fibres, making them ideal for South Africa's varied climate.

HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF MY OUTDOOR RUG?

Consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. Measure the area where you want to place your rug, leaving enough room around the edges. Choose a shape that complements your furniture arrangement, whether it’s rectangular for a seating area or round to match a circular table.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR OUTDOOR RUGS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions closely. Protect your outdoor rugs from excessive moisture, clean them regularly to remove dirt and debris, and flip them periodically to prevent uneven wear and sun fading. This will help keep your rugs looking vibrant and prolong their lifespan.

CAN OUTDOOR RUGS BE CLEANED WITH A HOSE?

Yes, many outdoor rugs can be cleaned with a hose. It’s a quick and effective way to remove dirt and debris. After hosing it down, allow the rug to air dry completely in the sun to prevent mildew growth.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY OUTDOOR RUG?

The frequency of replacement depends on the rug's material quality, maintenance, and exposure to the elements. With proper care, a high-quality outdoor rug can last several years. Inspect your rug regularly for signs of wear, fading, or damage to determine if it needs replacing.

Space Dogs Of Zeta 9 Mini chapter 1
Written by Pixel/Rat
NoP belongs to Space paladin
Fallout belongs to Bethesda
Memory transcript: Ziak, Farsul Technical Archivist
Date: August 12th, 2275 local [human time]
Local ship time: 10:00 [time of early light and work]
Human weapon catalog: “Energy Light Rifle”
Ziak clutched his head as the Predator energy rifle laid on a mounting in front of him, the damned gun didn't just make no sense, the fact it worked was a insult to federation weapons technology itself.
As Ziak let out a defeated whine the sound of the heavy security door opened as Ziaks partner and friend M'aiq entered holding two cups of steaming Gojid Mohi tea and a plate of warmed Venlil Strayu, something the crew had stocked up on in excess due to there extended mission.
M'aiq noticed his whining companion and approached him.
“Ziak? Is something wrong? You've been working on that new predator weapon we acquired from the last capture, is something wrong?”
His companions' sudden speech made the lanky Farsul yap in surprise and let out a low frustrated growl before noticing the morning meal his friend had fetched for the two, eagerly taking the tea and taking a few long sips of the potent stimulant.
“Oh i can find many things wrong with this damned laser weapon if i can even call it that to begin with” he growled smacking the remarkably durable yet blocky thing with a spiteful paw, it did little but make it wobble a bit on its perch.
“Oh? What have you learned while i grabbed us what was left of morning meal?” his curious companion asked as Ziak growled.
“For one, it has no internal moving components, the ONLY moving pieces on this are the trigger, and the battery release, everything else is closer to an archaic laser drive than a weapon!, i mean, its a laser magnetron firing into a compression array, farsul engineering students in primary make these in basic astrometric engineering and somehow not only do predators have the technology, but theyve weaponized it” Ziak spat indignatly as his companion nodded, Ziak taking a sip of his tea and a nibble of Strayu as M’aiq pondered the weapon quizzically, i twas a matte green and gunmetal weapon with its main…body? A simple rectangular cube. “Well…i cant imagine the weapon is all that powerful, it is just a laser after all, we have lasers, mostly used for mining or point defense on space stations or planetary outposts and they cant even effect civilian energy shielding.”
Ziak simple stood up, picked up the bulky rifle that took him a short time to adjust to the in-farsul design and pulled its trigger, without warming a sharp CHOOM was heard as a bright red, near white beam of searing light is heard burning the air in the ship as it hit and burned through an aluminum target located in the lab, the laser was not just pinpoint accurate with no recoil but it was STRONG, able to flash cook 8 inches of aluminum and another 4 inches of solid federation steel.
M'aiq jaw dropped “HOLY SMEG” M’aiq shouted and ran over to the still glowing target in shock. “How, how could they get THAT much energy into a laser that small?!”
Ziak sighed and pressed a lever on the side of the gun and released the bright, nearly fluorescent yellow, fat cylindrical battery from the side of the laser weapons rear.
“I had the computer analyze the components of this battery…its a small nuclear fission battery, y’know, like the kinds our warships use as emergency power?”
Those words struck M'aiq, although Ziak knew his friend lacked that kind of specific knowledge.
“Wait aren't those kinda…..really big?” M’aiq asked quizzically and with a twinge of fear as Zaik let out a sigh of frustration. “There twelve tons on average and are typically housed in a easily ejectable section of a ship, this battery is about….75 percent as potent as that, the other twenty five is compensated by a advanced and complex magnetic confinement system that….that's more advanced than anything i've seen and its just so CONFUSING”
The Farsul growled in frustration, tossing the weapon back to the mounting where the emergency containment field kicked in, catching the gun in zero gravity and gently placing it back down onto the pedestal.
“Its lens array is just a inferred fused silica compound and babies first laser magnatron, but the high powered electro magnets and battery capacitors are so advanced and powerful that it makes the best federation tech in comparison look like, LIKE” Ziak looked like he was about to explode as M’iaq interjected
“Hey hey, maybe this is just….some tribal weapon? Something slap dashed together out of spare parts?” M’iaq questioned as Ziak seemed to try and compose himself and lets out a deep aggravated sigh.
“It isnt….when we interrogated the predator about it he said the weapon was of ‘pre-war’ design and had actually been fabricated recently by some weapon smith a part of his war tribe, the “Enclave” or whatever, and its STANDARD ISSUE!” he howled in frustration and contempt “I even did a micron scan of the thing! There are SERIAL NUMBERS, I even cross referenced it with some of the other Laser light guns we captured and they MATCHED which means not only are these things being produced but that predator was telling the truth!” Ziak, now dejected, smacked his muzzle into the table.
“So…what does that mean?” M’iaq asked as Ziak looked up frustrated at his friend and colleague
“I means M'aiq” he said coldy and with clear frustration “That these humans can produce weapons that can reduce any federation armored vehicle to molten slag with a few volleys….lets be grateful these things aren't automatic, ancestors shield us if these damned predators figure out what a PULSE LASER is….”

im so happy that im getting ppl interested in my weird crossover fic, and for all the helpful feedback im getting! dont worry the girls will be breaking out soon
edit, I'm so sorry i ended up having to repost this due to a error with the title -_-;
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Ezeonwha was walking down a long hallway. The dry and plain painted walls and the pure white lighting of the lower levels of the 102nd Visitor Welcome Office helped to frame the dingy realities of those who could only afford these floors. Not even capable of having windows, these were for those who were the cheapest of the cheap or those who mingled with them. He'd passed several Guides on the way in, their claws echoing in the halls as a sign of authority in this lawless land.
Here, mediocrity was king, and he was a loyal servant. He drew his cloak closer about his neck, unwilling to reveal himself to those who weren't already equipped to see through it all. He was famous enough to be an abduction target if he let his guard down. This place was no exception, though Justicar tried to make them such. Too much security on the higher levels and too little on the lower levels. That was the way of things.
Another hallway, this one marked with bullet holes. Two contractors and a Guide were discussing the pricing of the fix project when he turned the corner. Their voices quieted to nothing, the stillness pressing down upon them with the same intensity as the false lighting. Ezeonwha clacked his jaws, giving them a low bow before continuing on his way. He saw the Guide's eyes light up with the sign of his implants getting a reading. It was another impromptu way of tracking via facial recognition, but it was an ancient practice.
Nothing was new about what the Guides did; only how many of them seemed to be on general patrol. Had Justicar hired more of them or actually done full conversions for all of them? Those arm cannons surely weren't cheap or ethical to insert into unwilling participants. And giving a victim a gun they couldn't be disarmed of was a very bad idea, even for Elders. And Justicar was better than most Elders when it came to abject stupidity. He'd likely only been dropped a few hundred times as a child versus the more likely Elder average of a few thousand.
Ezeonwha chuckled at his internal joke, heading deeper underground into the complex. He was going to a certain meeting, and it would be best not to be late. Even if the Guides tracked him, it wouldn't be negative. The group he had been approached by a few days ago wasn't a terror group. He'd looked them up. They dealt in 'freedom and liberation from all chains.'
The Eyes Of Liberty had focused upon Penny as their latest propaganda target and perhaps as a valuable ally in their fight against all tyranny. Though such a flowery message was likely steeped in idealism for the lower ranks, with more pragmatic and likely richer inner circle elites and leaders ensuring the pot would always simmer but never boil or grow cold. That was the way movements such as these managed to skirt the line between inaction and terrorism.
It was a dangerous thing to do. But these were dangerous times. If Penny left, he'd die. Someone with a grudge would kill him. It was a given, and he'd made peace with it now. He needed to get to work, to help others like him and those worse off, with just a small piece of the meager time he had left.
He was in the system as a friend of Penny, so little scrutiny would fall on him as he came and went. He had a new friend, one who was very interested in connecting to Penny.
The offer had come through his communicator, and he'd answered it given its interesting title. After a lengthy discussion about their goals for him and Penny, he'd agreed to at least have a meeting. He didn't tell them that he had a tracker from Phoebe, which would 'be impossible to miss' if things went badly. He knew the value he had, which was why one of the androids was also accompanying him under the guise of being a Sprilnav.
The android was 'walking' on all fours, its mechanical motion entirely silent. It was obscured by a wave of holograms and hard light holograms that would ensure that it wouldn't be considered suspicious beside him. His only guard was a capable one, and Phoebe had all the confidence of an AI who knew that the destruction of her android would only be an inconvenience for her.
Ezeonwha came to an unmarked door with a well-worn door frame. One knock. One pause. Two knocks. Another pause. Four knocks. He waited, and the door swung open. Eight Sprilnav greeted him warily but warmly, their eyes shifting to Phoebe.
The inside of the room was a dull red, coming from a pair of lights in the center of the ceiling that cast dark shadows near the edges. The whole room felt dark and dangerous, and the walls were lined with guns, computers, and several drones. Shelves and drawers were neatly stacked against the wall, as well as five couches and four double beds with ladder access to the top portions.
Bags of food rested atop a trash compactor unit, and the room service button on the inner side of the wall that Ezeonwha could see in the mirror was worn down to the raw metal. No paint jobs here, only grit and business. The room faintly smelled of body odor and assorted foods. Not entirely unpleasant, but also not what he'd expected from a group with sich a flamboyant name. Perhaps they worked in cell-based units. And that was another thing.
Minds were visible in the distance of the mindscape, but the people here were huddled together mentally. They appeared to be haphazard, but Ezeonwha recognized an old army-type defensive formation a mere step from each of their positions. They were more than they appeared. Though based on how their room looked, they probably weren't veterans, just decently trained.
As they walked through the doorway, a scanner activated. One of the Sprilnav, wearing a headset with numbers and letters swirling on the inner side of the visor, called out: "Phoebe android. Commando variant. Risk assessment: Certain Death. Ezeonwha. Carrying two pistols, one hidden in the pack on his left, and the other tucked inside a strap near the lower bottom of his chest."
That made them all pause, sizing each other up. Ezeonwha smiled nervously, failing terribly to break the building tension once again. His nerves started to get to him, but finally, Phoebe spoke. "Well, friends. I, for one, am happy to talk of the business of liberty. Tell us, what do you have in mind for my friend Ezeonwha?"
"It is not about him, AI. It is about the freedom all sentient beings deserve, and which we shall bring to the galaxy no matter if we are alive or dead."
"An honorable goal to strive toward," Phoebe said.
"Thank you. Your words are quite kind for your type."
"I didn't know I had one," Phoebe replied. "But thank you."
Ezeonwha turned his head toward the Sprilnav with all the fancy equipment.
"What is the best way for me and Penny to help in the fight?"
"The best way would be for you to start killing the gang leaders you come across. Barring that, have Penny ignore the graveyards, and continue freeing the slaves as she ought to. The dead have their freedom; the living need her work more."
"I agree with my companion," another of them said. "So far, Penny has done more for the fight for justice than any other on Justicar in generations, so it is a terrible thing to ask more, but we must ask. Even knowing the terrible toll it would have if she loses the Judgment, Sprilnav are at stake."
"People are at stake, you mean," Ezeonwha said. "There is no need to bring species into this."
"There would not be, but it is still a clear factor," another of them said, a female who looked more shifty in her gaze and demeanor. The Eyes of Liberty seemed like one of those groups with too much division.
"Do you disagree with each other often?" Ezeonwha asked innocently.
"Here and there," the tech guy said. "Not often enough to be a problem, and not when what matters is at stake."
"But that is the thing. How can you agree on when something that matters is a stake?"
"Is this a test?"
"Why would it be? Think of it as a genuine concern," Ezeonwha said. "To associate with your group, I have to be certain it will be resilient to change and risks escalating in the future. If the gangs cannot strike at Penny, they will pick the next best targets. Currently, that is me. If I associate with you in a way they can find out, and I assure you they will find out eventually, you all may be at risk as well. And your group's seemingly cell-based design also means large scale mobilization is difficult, ineffective, and risks severe coordination issues which cannot be quickly or safely remedied without changing core security features of it."
"You deduced all of that from context? You are smart, Ezeonwha. And have a good brain in your head. Everlasting knows we need one of those between all of us."
They all shared a laugh.
"I am not as young as I may look," Ezeonwha said. "Penny is not properly learned of the danger that faces us here. I am. The Underground will kill me when this is over. Do you want to die alongside me, all for your beliefs?"
Silence descended again. Ezeonwha kept the pressure on them when one of them stepped forward. "For freedom and liberty? Yes. I would die for that."
"As would I."
"And I."
They all declared the rest in orders that followed the patterns Ezeonwha was noticing. There were variances in their levels of belief and faith in their purpose. Each person had a different level of value difference, which meant that their lives would be worth more or less comparatively.
Cohesion was weaker, too. Not a full defector team, but likely pieces of several. Was that by design from a higher up leader, or was that just circumstance? Another thing to figure out later, that wasn't critical yet, but he would know before he truly went on any missions with them, if he did at all.
He suspected running messages to Penny would be the majority of their tasks. The quality of intelligence the Eyes of Liberty had offered was substantial. Perhaps enough for Penny to turn herself from a major annoyance to the gangs into an actual existential threat. With Justicar's swarming protection of the Fort Court and the 102nd Visitor Welcome Office, there was a limited amount of things that even the gangs could do. And if the rumors were correct, a Progenitor would be partaking in the trial.
"To be clear, if I join up with you, Phoebe would come too."
"Why would we let an AI join us?"
Phoebe smiled. "Without me, you'll die in this fight. You have trained for around 2000 days. You're acceptable combatants, as is Ezeonwha. But you are fighting in a city, and underneath it. You need to know how to keep a low profile. You need to know how to move through a crowd, get in and out. And you need to keep collateral damage to a zero, or the gangs will use you like they have others who had your purpose and were less careful to justify their 'protection' continuing. If you march in there and kill 50 slavers, if you kill a few slaves or a single bystander in the process, your credibility will be smeared. And frankly, with me on your team, you won't get blown up by an IED when you try clearing your first room in a fortress."
"IED?" One of them asked, while the rest digested her statement, going through various levels of offended looks.
"Your translator is too cheap. Improvised explosive device. Here, that can be old engines, reused oil, cracked plastic, frictional fuel bombs, circuit extruders, sodium splash grenades, as well as the more military style attacks they can pack, from small micro rockets all the way up to lower level fission or fusion bombs. Though if you're in a fight with those things involved, you're already dead."
"Why?"
"Because unless you're Elders, or holograms, a nuke will kill you whether you're right next to it or just inside the same shield. They concentrate the thermal pulse, so your bones would be ash before the pain hit your eyes."
"And what protection could you bring against that?"
"Telling you it's there before you start the attack. That is, if you listen to me. I value your lives over that of this android, but also I value Ezeonwha over all of you combined. I will not prevent him from doing this, but I will have you all know the risks involved."
"We are prepared, Phoebe. We have done much of the training you say, though we do not believe the gangs would plant explosive devices in their own fortresses. There is too much risk around that, with betrayals so common. However, the minefields we have scouted are easy to defeat with the right tactics. Perhaps you can give us a briefing on those, too?"
A challenge.
"I can, depending on how long you wish to do this for. But I have the stamina for either hours or weeks, depending on which you choose."
"What of your batteries?"
"They are of sufficient quality," Phoebe assured.
"I hope so."
Their tech guy nodded, more numbers flashing on his visor. Ezeonwha hoped he had a different way of display, like through an implant or something, for the missions in darker areas. The Underground was, by its name, not a place where much natural light was to be found. And the gangs controlled all the power systems in their territory. It was another part of the racket.
"Why aren't you guarding Penny?"
Phoebe's back straightened, a subconscious posture change to make her seem more confident. Ezeonwha caught the tactic for what it was, though without extensive knowledge of bipedal forms, it was less likely the surrounding Sprilnav knew it.
"Penny proved before a trillion eyes she's capable of fighting Elders, Progenitors, and a Dreadnaught Captain. Not to mention her immense power. I can shoot bullets, but she can literally snatch them out of the air and eat them. She has her own way of doing things, and it is a good way."
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Penny landed in the rubble and headed for the Vaquah with a trail of survivors behind her. Many of them, she could recognize the marks of slavery on, with numbers or brands on their skin or just the trauma crouching in their eyes dulled by the pain of a long life in a work camp. Penny went through the wreckage to the shield surrounding the rubble and the defining line between the rest of the city and the destruction. Several news drones flew above her.
More were arriving from various directions. The soft footsteps grew into a constant drumming sound, like a beating heart of doom. Penny marched with them, heading to the spaceport. A large medical operation there quickly rerouted many of its various branches to the most injured freed slaves.
Penny pressed her considerable psychic energy on the entire group, accelerating their healing, slowing bleeding, and generally repairing their bodies and cells from the trauma they'd suffered. But the cloud over their heads did not brighten. The atmosphere remained tense and mournful. Many of them had lost friends, family, and more. She had no right to ask them to feel any different.
She had freed them, that was all. They were not her servants. She was not their ruler.
Several of them came up to her, offering thanks in the small ways they could. Kind words. Attempts at hugs. Even offers of devout prayer and worship, which Penny respectfully declined. She knew, as did most of them, that veneration for her deeds was inevitable. She didn't want to be seen encouraging it at all, since this was a public place where many eyes were upon her.
She knew that it would be misconstrued as a threat if she did. Religions were some of the most major threats entrenched powers could face if not properly co-opted by the state to suit their needs. And here, the 'state' was a military dictatorship billions of years old, ripened with corruption, money, and the immortality of Elders sporting technology beyond any other in the galaxy.
The sky was blue with shields overhead. The Vaquah hung in the distance, its thrusters gently burning to keep it aloft. A trail of shuttles linked the massive ship with several spaceports, including this one. Penny watched the freed Sprilnav get on it one by one, promising themselves to a new life aboard her ship. Technically, they were citizens of the Autonomous Peoples' Stars.
That protection, Penny knew, was why the Vaquah and its innocent inhabitants were still intact. Elders already had hired mercenaries to attack it. They'd failed, thanks to Rimiaha and Penny, but also the defenses of Kashaunta's Grand Fleet when it was in higher orbit. Kashaunta, despite her willingness to use Penny as she would, also had a certain intelligence and empathy. It was highly selective, and only money and power seemed to flip that switch.
But Penny needed the Elder, and Kashaunta only had use for her as an asset. She palmed the new communicator Kashaunta had issued her after the last one's destruction. Kashaunta's hologram appeared. It looked around, noticing the news drones in the air.
"Not here."
"Where?"
"You will know."
In the mindscape, a Sprilnav appeared on Penny's layer. They felt odd to her, almost like the minds of certain humans high up in the hivemind's network. Penny greeted the Sprilnav warmly.
"Hello."
"Queen and Elder Kashaunta requests your presence on her flagship."
"Very well."
In reality, Penny looked around at the crowd. She waited until it dwindled to nothing, and then spoke.
"Displace."
Conceptual energy twisted, and she stood on Kashaunta's flagship, though nearer to the edge than she'd expected. The Elder was waiting for her in an outfit that looked much like pajamas, though they were under a few armor pieces that appeared anything but decorative. Now that Penny noticed it, it was the same sort of armor that Yasihaut had worn to their last encounter, which interfered with conceptual energy. The Sprilnav were highly advanced. She wondered just how far their technology could go. She'd heard mentions of some ships having artificial gravity, and of nanites and programmable matter. But nothing certain.
"Hmm," Kashaunta said, giving Penny a once over. "You have come back. Shall I assume you are still my ally?"
"Nervous, are we?"
"Nervous is what you should be, Penny. The Judgment is coming. Ten days. Indrafabar and Justicar will both be on the court as High Judges. That is not good for us at all. So I figured a bit of prudence was in order. I have thought long and hard about this, and with the great battles of our time so fast approaching, I figure it is time to mend our relationship before the chasm grows any wider."
Kashaunta motioned to a special looking sword sheath on her back. Slowly, she drew a sword. A Soul Blade. Penny began to draw up her armor.
"Oh, I am not wishing for a fight, Penny. I know the damage you could do, even in my sanctum in the sky. Tell me, do you know how Soul Blades are forged?"
"No."
"Good. And tell me, do you know why they draw so much power to swing, even for Elders and beings as capable as us?"
"I have a few theories."
"I am sure you do," Kashaunta said. "But here is the thing. Soul Blades are typically weapons assigned to highly promising Elders, or even Progenitors. Filnatra, undisputed sword master that she is, can wield them as easily as breathing. If I were to swing this blade, there would be no drawback. Why?"
"Because you own that Soul Blade."
"Because this Soul Blade is mine. It is not just something I own. I own around seven or so more Soul Blades, with some weapons nearing their quality lying in my various vaults even now. You did not detect them, because I willed that not to be. I need you to understand this, Penny. You have power. You have might. But you are not invincible. My Soul Blade, if it struck you, would not cutely separate Nilnacrawla or Cardinality from you. Nor would your speeding space entity be able to block this blade with his flesh. If this cut you, it would release unending agony upon you before you exploded in a burst of burnt gore."
Penny sighed. "There is no need to threaten me. Allies do not threaten each other."
"But you do not see me as an ally. You see me as your means to get through the Judgment. You believe I see you as nothing more but a linear singularity maker, and perhaps a passing curiosity I'm backing on a whim. You neglect to imagine that there might be firmer reasons why I back you, and why more Elders are getting drawn into this conflict. You believe I am comfortable with showing you my more pragmatic and ruthless sides because I am comfortable with the fact that you cannot harm me. That you would not dare to do so, when you need my assistance so badly. That I might even be aiming to normalize my 'new' self with you."
"That is hardly my belief alone."
"Is it now."
Kashaunta grinned. There was no warmth in her gaze.
"Nilnacrawla," Kashaunta said. "Cardinality. Exile. Come out and show yourselves. You are being rude as guests."
Exile detached from Penny's head. He grew into the shifting array of fractals and shapes she was more familiar with. What had once grated on her eyes did so no longer. Kashaunta stared at the speeding space entity for ten seconds, then looked back up at Penny.
"He will not work on us. I will cover his form with holograms if he walks through my ship out of courtesy for my workers and crew, if he cannot."
"I am capable, Queen Kashaunta."
"You are quite knowledgable, aren't you?" Kashaunta mused, looking at him hungrily. "Oh, how I wonder what secrets you have in your head. How many of ours do you know?"
"I will not be taken as a hostage," Exile said.
"You will not because I decide not to," Kashaunta said. "Formally, our species are still at war. There is no treaty."
"The Sp'rkial'nova no longer exist."
"Yes, they do," Kashaunta said. "The name was discontinued for use regarding the lesser specimens we created. But I can assure you, Exile, if you wish to go by that name here, that we still do exist. I am a Sp'rkial'nova in the flesh. In the blood. In the mind. In the soul."
"Say what you will, Sprilnav. It changes nothing."
"On that I agree. Though our views on how things are may differ, and yours is wrong, your opinion is not valuable enough to matter."
She turned to Penny. She would have defended Exile, but he gave her a simple shake of his head area.
Nilnacrawla formed out of psychic energy in front of Penny. Cardi did the same beside her. Kashaunta tapped a claw on the ground. Tables and chairs appeared. A chef brought in food that looked passable and a few decent attempts at human cuisine.
"We do not have to eat, though I would expect that all of you at least sit at the table. We will discuss our grievances, and how to solve them before we proceed with the future. We shall first go to the matter of the Alliance. Penny, many in their number wish to establish contact with you. Do you agree to this? If so, I will add their communicator numbers to the translation program I have reserved for your personal use, in case your own device needs another sudden replacement."
"I agree."
"Good. A first step of diplomacy, I would say. Agreement. Now, Nilnacrawla, you look like you have something to say to me. What is it?"
"Free Meridia."
"Meridia was detonated by planet cracker during the 139th Sector 9 Border War. I am sorry more could not be done."
A cold draft of air rushed out of Nilnacrawla's nose. He glared at her. "You let them die."
"I did not. A Grand Fleet was defending that star system, and three came to lay siege. I am many things. A tactician, a queen, an Elder. But I am not a god. I cannot perform miracles. I evacuated 30 billion people from that world and its surrounding stations before the planet crackers hit it. 4 trillion more souls died in that blast. The best I can do is to offer an apology."
"That will never be enough for what you did. If you had never established your nation, they would still be alive."
"They would be slaves. Chattel slaves, not that cute little 'wage slavery' concept privileged people throw around. Perhaps I should remind you just how much darker that reality would have been for your female descendents, specifically. I am a brutal warlord, a dictator with an iron fist. But my claws do not squeeze nearly as tightly as I could. Metrics say that I could extract at least 370% more profit from my people if I simply enslaved them. But despite the shock this may bring to you all, I do have principles. The Autonomous Peoples' Stars are my people. My nation. My empire, if you think I'm imperialist. But I protect them as best I can."
Nilnacrawla's cold anger didn't lessen. Penny placed a calming hand on his front left thigh. He blinked. He let out a long, pained sigh. And he bowed his head to her. Not to Kashaunta, but to Penny.
"There is no need to be cruel."
"My language was accurate, Penny. He is a strong Elder. Everlasting knows he's stronger than most of these fools. Nilnacrawla was and is a hero of the Source war. I respect him enough not to mince words, or to give platitudes. Coddling is for babies. Nilnacrawla is far more mature."
Kashaunta turned to Cardi. "You have been remarkably silent in this, concept."
"I have."
"A wonderfully succinct statement. Perhaps you can shorten it further. But nevertheless, you and I will be working together with Penny much more in the near future. Rest assured, if you refuse to become more independent, you will be nothing more than a crutch for her to rely on before leaving her to fall when you are ripped away."
"When, Elder? I would like to think your protection is sufficient."
"I am sure the truth is quite the opposite, dear. I will now get to the point. Penny needs to move faster, and needs to break out of her shell. She needs to be pushed to do more. She has signed a binding treaty, which shows she is capable of more than barbarian aliens, as some Elders would call her. You, Cardinality, will help her be a high achiever. To do this, you need to learn more about your own history.
That is the theme of the year, after all. History. My history, Penny's history, Sprilnav history, and even Gaia's history, it would seem."
"Gaia? What do they have to do with all of this?" Penny asked.
"Oh, you don't need to worry about that."
"Excuse me? You don't get to decide that, Kashaunta. You will tell me. I refuse to be coddled, like you say. I demand the respect I am owed."
"You forget yourself, Penny."
"I remember myself, actually. I am all I need to be. I can become all I need if I must. You can hold your backing against me all you want, but you won't withdraw it. As you said, more binds you and I than mere money and ideology."
"And if you're wrong?"
"Then I've doomed my species and my nation to war, and this planet to the full power of my wrath."
"Wrath, Penny. Wrath. The Sprilnav have many words for anger, rage, hatred. There is the desire for vengeance, in varying degrees. There is that for justice, which does differ. And that for belonging. I know you believe you are standing up to me as a way to assert your own authority in this relationship of ours. You believe I see you as inferior, and will pull back my help when it is profitable for me. I will not offer you the consequences of what your words could mean.
You already know them, and that argument is as stale as your view on us Elders. I will say this once, Penny. You are the Champion of Humanity. The apex predator of your planet, the only one mostly in charge of an Alliance that does more than merely dream of overthrowing us. It is easy for me to say you are not a threat, though I do not ignore the threat you and your nation are trying to become. Gaia will be a part of your movement, but even my information is not entirely complete. I will not mislead you by claiming I know Gaia's link to this, just that there likely is one.
And I am not unreasonably petty. I am willing to put all our animosity behind us and start anew. Even if you are not willing to do the same, I am willing to make this work for us. You have more people to care for than just the Alliance, now. Do not forget them."
"A lot of words that mean nothing."
"Because you heard, but did not listen. Perhaps it will be easier this way, Penny. I want you to win."
"Explain."
"You wish to overthrow the current Sprilnav led order of the galaxy. Your path to that will likely be through mass slave revolt. A viable strategy that I could spread far beyond just this planet. And I actually agree with you. This Judgment, this utter insanity around the Alliance and your species has shown me the truth. The Elders as a class and a species cannot be trusted to rule any longer. We need new leaders. Better leaders."
"And yourself?"
"As the hypocrite that I am, and the power-hungry ruler of the Sprilnav, I would obviously exclude myself from that number. Let's be realistic. The Sprilnav will never accept a non-Elder ruler. If you wish to see what our insurgencies would be like, imagine the 2090s Struggles of Asia. Expand that to billions of planets, large and small. Countless ships and space stations. We have more collective ships than you have people. And as your military planners know, there is no such thing as an unarmed ship. Without us, without me, your plans are stillborn. Your galactic Alliance or whatever you make will fall to pieces without proper counseling. In essence, my offer to you, and you alone, is this. The galaxy, for the Sprilnav."
"Who backs your offer, with the power to give it?"
Progenitors Lecalicus and Nova appeared in the room.
"I back Kashaunta," Lecalicus wheezed.
"I observe her offer, and wish it a proper outcome," Nova said.
"Thank you, esteemed Progenitors," Kashaunta said, standing just to bow to them. Penny stared at Nova, balling her fists.
"There will be time for battle later," he said. "But not now. Hear out her request. She does not make it lightly."
The Progenitors disappeared.
"If I accept your offer, it will be on a written record."
"No. It will not be, because if that record is written, my nation will be facing war on all sides. A better idea would be for us to keep this under wraps."
"Perfect for betrayal," Nilnacrawla muttered.
"It would be, yes. But consider the second part of this situation, Nilncrawla. If word of this galactic offer, not just the Pact, were to get out, which is why two Progenitors who know the price of interference were called here, it would mean the deaths of Penny and all her kind. Or do you forget what rapidly approaches us?"
Nilnacrawla frowned. "I did. I apologize, Penny."
Kashaunta spoke up again.
"Penny. You believe I will betray you. So I make an offer of collateral. An offer so unbelievably sacred for us Elders that many would recoil at the mere thought of it. Now that you have signed a backed treaty, you are fully qualified."
Kashaunta grabbed her Soul Blade and presented it to Penny.
"What does this mean?"
"Nilnacrawla, tell her," Kashaunta said. "She will trust your mouth more than mine."
"Bonded Soul Blades are priceless artifacts," Nilnacrawla said. "To offer one to another is the ultimate gesture of trust and respect among many martial Sprilnav cultures. It can also allow for a mind bridge, a soul pact, or a proposal for marriage between two great houses, martial families, or Elders of great wealth and power. To offer this to a human... to anyone... is an ultimate sign of backing, and one of trust.
It is a sacrosanct honor, the absolute agreement of speaking truth and respect. The words I can use in any human language are insufficient to describe the weight of this honor. This gesture is one of absolute truth. Family lines with hatred going back millions of years would never dare to violate this honor."
"Only one Elder in history did so, one who once led a group known as the Stannic Resistance. He does so no longer. Penny Balica, Champion of Humanity... if there is nothing else I can give you to prove that I do really back you, there is this."
"...Just how low are my chances in the Judgment for you to resort to this?" Penny asked.
"They are not zero, but your battle with be incredibly difficult even with this boon of mine. The future of the galaxy, I now realize, hinges on the outcome of this. If we do not have enough trust, they will sniff it out, and we will fail."
So she had no choice. But as Nilncrawla continued to explain in her mind, Kashaunta was getting the worse side of the deal. Which meant she was throwing her backing behind Penny for real, beyond all reproach and retraction. Kashaunta, the most powerful Elder in the galaxy.
"And if I reject this gift, or your reasons for it?"
"Circumstances would demand that I kill you and then myself using this blade as a way to cut apart the dishonor, before my remains are dumped into a black hole to be forgotten forever. I would not do this."
"A dark and archaic custom," Penny said. She would have said more, but she looked at Nilnacrawla's face. He was clearly deeply uncomfortable. Her five words had shaken him more than anything she'd ever said to him before.
"You do not understand," Nilnacrawla said. "This is not something to joke or lie about. With a Soul Blade Pact in play, all else must cease. Right now, there is you, and there is her. Accept or decline. The choice, your only choice, is yours."
"How will this look to the Elders in the court? To the Sprilnav, and the people who back me?"
She could see how it would be a boon and a curse.
"You, and I," Kashaunta said. "The whole of the universe between us right now is you and I. No others exist until this one act is done. There will be trust or there will be death. No in between. No middle ground. The nature of this bond will be a Pact of Blades."
Conceptual energy swirled between them. Penny's natural translation, as part of the hivemind, failed for the first time ever. Her communicator likewise did not translate the words Kashaunta spoke.
"Eis nama kaste Penny Balica, sun lanci Dorima Kashaunta. Ko'ri, lanci nupa bes na Dorima'Pecunyanova. Sp'rkial'nova. Sun. Homo Sapiens."
The air grew thick with tension. It was not just emotional, either. Psychic and conceptual energy gathered. The mindscape started to distort as more and more eyes began to view Kashaunta and Penny. But all of them were Sprilnav eyes. All of them were Progenitors. Nova's appeared brightest and largest, nearly six times the size of the next largest pair. They stared at her, sending psychic and conceptual energy down upon her in waves that forced her and Kashaunta to kneel to the ground.
"I apologize for my earlier words," Penny said. "I should not have denigrated this."
Penny stood for an hour, deeply contemplating the Pact. If it was as Nilnacrawla was describing to her, it was a promise that Kashaunta would not break. If she was offering it at all, especially to Penny, it meant she had a level of trust in Penny's capability far above what Penny had previously thought. Apparently, there were even higher agreements than this that were possible, with this Pact being the lowest level of bond and considered unbreakable with the enforcement of consequences coming from the Progenitors themselves.
She thought of her place in Justicar and the wider universe. Hours passed like water. And then, by the end of it, after nearly 19 hours, Penny finally had decided. She gave a short nod to Kashaunta, who had been kneeling to Nova all this time.
Kashaunta gestured at the sword. "Tol, nopa shikai."
Nilnacrawla fed her a few suggestions on what she would need to say.
"I come to this Pact seeking peace, justice, and hope," Penny said. "And a promise not to betray one another, by lies or by treachery."
Nilnacrawla translated Kashaunta's next words to her.
"I come to this seeking trust, understanding, respect, and peace," Kashaunta said. "And a promise not to betray one another, by lies or by treachery. I make this Pact before the gods, those who equal them, and those who surpass them. I bind them to an oath of silence regarding this event, until I directly instruct them otherwise, in a state of a sound mind, body, and soul. Here, we shall step into a future that needs both of us, casting aside that which is unimportant to focus on the ultimate goals we have. I offer my Blade to Penny Balica, of species Homo Sapiens. In this way, we forge a new future, and walk a new path. I accept the Pact."
"I accept the Pact."
Nova and a hundred Progenitors descended. Nova grew larger, and Kashaunta knelt to him. Penny remained standing. His sharp teeth glittered in the light. He pressed his claws to Penny's chest, and to Kashaunta's chest.
"The Pact of Blades is made before the Progenitors. We agree to your vow of silence. The penalty of breaking it will be dismemberment and disposal into a black hole. Penny Balica, Engineer Kashaunta. To break this Pact without mutual agreement is to call down our collective wrath upon yourselves. You both have agreed, and are of sound mind, body, and soul. The Pact is forged. By sword, by word, by action. I, Nova, Everlasting, Lord of the Progenitors, King of all Sp'rkial'nova, Heir to the Mantle of Power, Heir to Narvravarana, Progenitor, Elder, and Sprilnav, declare the deed done, etched in time, space, and Reality."
They winked out of existence one by one, leaving Penny and Kashaunta alone, to ponder the future. Penny's thoughts turned to the Judgment, and her confidence she could win it began to waver. How much worse was this Judgment going to be than before?
Penny stared at Kashaunta's Soul Blade. With careful fingers, she took it. Kashaunta sat up, satisfied.
"Now we can begin. I shall compile all the news about you I can find, and we shall see how to address the questions the High Judges will ask. Now that you trust me, I cannot betray you."

Spacers came, and spacers went.
And the airlock doors to Tug's Roadhouse never stopped spinning.
“Another,” Rory pushed his glass across the polished mahogany bar and signaled the owner. He preferred Tug’s place over other joints in this sector because the staff were organic. No Bots or drones. Who could have a meaningful conversation with a drone?
“Same,” said Xueagtol, adding her glass to Rory’s. “And none of that synth shit either. The good stuff, Tug. From the glass bottles.”
Tug grunted, turned and selected a large rectangular bottle full of dark liquor from a vast array of options. “Ice?” he rumbled over the music playing softly in the background.
“Nah,” Rory said. “Not for me.”
“One cube,” Xueagtol grinned. “I like a little sparkle in my drinks.”
Tug grunted.
A single square crystalline cube clinked into her glass. The liquor glugged softly, and the ice snapped and cracked. Then he filled Rory’s glass.
“Where’s Hastion?” Tug asked, glancing around the large but sparsely populated lounge. “Never see you guys without him. He still favor Farstarian Sundrop for his drink?”
Rory lowered his eyes to the bar and fiddled with his fingers. Xueagtol glanced at him, then back to Tug. Her four dark eyes glittered with hidden pain. “He is here, Tug,” she said, gesturing at a small brass urn sitting on the bar in front of the seat beside her.
Tug blinked, scratched at his long golden mane, and studied the urn. He hadn’t noticed it before. Was this some kind of joke?
“I don’t understand.”
Rory looked up. “We promised him a last drink to send him off.”
Xueagtol nodded and sniffed. “Never be another one like Hastion.”
It hit Tug, then. The urn. The subdued mood and sad eyes.
“What happened?” His voice was a gentle roll of thunder.
“Nothing,” Rory said, lifting his glass to his lips and sipping. “Old age. Found him in his bed.”
Xueagtol sipped her drink and nodded. A single blue tear broke free from one of her eyes and tumbled down her cheek. “Miss him.”
“Yeah,” Rory said.
Tug set the bottle down and turned to reach for a clear decanter of softly luminous orange liquor. He filled a tumbler to the brim and gently set it before the urn.
“Here’s to Hastion,” he said and lifted the bottle to his lips.
Rory and Xueagtol nodded appreciatively and did the same.
Tug emptied half the bottle before he stopped to breathe. He looked thoughtful. “I’ll be right back,” he said, holding up a claw-tipped finger and setting the bottle down.
He disappeared into the offices behind the bar and returned a moment later. He had three thick Gendari cigars in his big paw.
“Gonna send him off proper,” Tug said, brandishing a silver lighter.
Rory shared a look with Xueagtol. A few patrons passing by gave Tug strange eyes.
“No smoking in facilities in Fed territories,” Rory said. “Could shut you down.”
Xueagtol said nothing.
She stared at the cigars in Tug’s paw like she’d never seen something so spectacular.
Tug shrugged and refilled their drinks. “Fuck it,” he rumbled. “That the right way to say it?” He was looking at Rory.
Rory grinned. “Yea. You got it.”
Tug nodded. “Good. Then I’ll say it again. Fuck it. Fuck the Fed. This is my place.” He glanced at the urn. Hastion had been coming to his bar for as long as he could remember. Wasn’t right to see him off without a traditional smoke.
He handed them their cigars and lifted the other to his lips. He bit down and smiled with his teeth. Tears showed in his eyes, but they didn’t fall. Hastion was as good as they come, a proper spacer with leather hide, ice for blood and sunshine for a heart.
He said as much to Rory and Xueagtol as he lit their smokes. They nodded and lifted their glasses in salute. “To Hastion.”
They spent the next few hours reminiscing about the good times, recalling Hastions’ daring exploits. He'd lived three lifetimes in his short years. A hell-raising, fem-chasing Farstar of impeccable tastes.
The lights were low, and the bar empty, when the last drinks were emptied and the smokes crushed out.
They stood before the small galley airlock and watched the urn drift into the darkness. It was what Hastion wanted.
He was home.

Recently Gates of Hell released the American faction and did a full overhaul of the German faction, leading to a pair of interesting factions with an incredible variety of historically authentic uniforms. You could zoom in on any of the squads and see the diverse uniforms depicted right down to the insignia on their caps and the regiments on their patches. Shermanator’s interview of Chase/Trudel (the lead animator & 3D human artist) gave me faith in the developer’s passion for the history and the game. This made me quite excited, because we have yet to see a British Commonwealth faction but there is some heavy implication that we can expect one in the future.
I wanted to make this thread, because I wanted to express my desire to see elements in the game that would make the Commonwealth faction a wealth of interesting units, uniforms and nationalities, particularly via the doctrines system that exists within the game. The intention is to throw in representatives across all the major nations of the British Commonwealth as well as some of the Allied armies-in-exile that came under British command. I also want to highlight some of the vehicles that are rarely mentioned in other games due to their obscure theatre or role. For the record, I'm not telling the devs what to do - I'm just making some example doctrines that I came up with as an example of the variety of units I'd love to see and making their inclusion plausible. Mostly to get the community talking.
I won’t talk about early war, partially because ‘Early war’ in Gates of Hell is largely post-Dunkirk, but also because I feel like what I am asking is still quite a lot just for one faction across two eras. I also I won’t be mentioning the more obvious or general units like Stuarts, Crusaders, Cromwells, Grants etc, as I expect them to be added nonetheless. It’s the vaguer aspects of the Commonwealth I wanted to talk about; the weird, wonderful and the diverse.
Mid War Doctrines
I think the mid-war should be largely inspired by the North African Campaigns, centred largely on the 8th Army and utilising the huge variety of cultures that fought within it. Extra bits can be added from the Italian campaign where the faction is lacking, and the Italian campaign can also be represented in the ‘Temperate’ skin for the mid-war faction. There are a lot of inspirations one can draw to create a variety of options for the Commonwealth player and each doctrine should draw from their unique aspects.
All-Round: Inspired by the Desert Rats, the 2nd Battle of El Alamein and Operation Crusader this one balances the various aspects of the other doctrines while keeping it unique. I’d like to see the Infantry include British Desert Rats Infantry, 2nd New Zealand Infantry, & 1st South African Infantry. I’d also like to see South African Marmon-Herrington Armoured Cars (multiple variants) as an early-battle option, plenty of the more common tanks and maybe the Bishop as a slow but mobile artillery piece. As a special call-in, we could probably include the Free French Legionaries as a powerful assault unit, just to really complete the variety in this division.
Defensive: Inspired by the Siege of Tobruk, this doctrine should primarily represent the Australians. Variations of the Australian 9th Division troops as infantry alongside minor British elements with a heavy emphasis on field engineers, emplacements and field guns. Defensive doctrine could also include RAF Regiment infantry, RAF 20mm Oerlikon guns, RAF Rolls Royces, India Pattern Carriers (from the Indian 18th Division), air strikes and, as a special unit, they could even have captured Italian tanks from the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment! As a defensive doctrine, they should also have access to the best mid-war field guns, including the rare (but historical) ’Pheasant’ 17/25 Pounder Field Gun.
Offensive: Inspired by the Battle of Tunisia and Operation Torch, I think this one should show off the might of the UK’s heavier vehicles in the latter stages of the African campaign, particularly the Churchill III, Sherman III, the Priest 105mm and the Stuart Command Tank, alongside the more standard British tank options. As for infantry options, we can include Indian troops of the 4th Infantry Division (India), Gurkhas, and a motorised unit of 22nd Guards Infantry. I would also add the British Commandos in this division - partly because they were involved in Operation Torch, but also because they had an iconic impact on the mid-war (outside of Africa) that it would be a pity not to add them.
Irregular: This one would be quite unique in mid-war as it is effectively the light vehicle special forces doctrine. Although some standard British units would form the basis of the army, they would have access to a variety of assets representing the Long Range Desert Group; Chevrolet trucks with mounted Vickers MGs, Boys AT rifles, twin 303 Brownings or even Bofors and captured 20mm Breda guns! ‘Bamtam’ jeeps with twin Vickers Ks or 303 Brownings. The transport and logistics would be different too, using the Marmon-Herrington 6-ton Heavy Truck or the White 1064 10-ton. Other unique special call-ins would include an LRDG WACO Recon plane and the SAS (armed with the Lewes bomb). The downside to this doctrine, however, is that imagine it to be much lighter on armoured support, relying mostly on towed guns for its heavy firepower.
Other Units: I’ve tried to use inspirations from specific parts of the war to get a rounded but also diverse array of units, but there are loads of obscure units across the mid-war that I’d love to see; the Priest 105mm SPG, the AEC Deacon Gun Carrier, the Daimler Dingo, the Humber Light Reconnaissance, and so on.
That is as much as I want to say on mid-war without labouring the point. I’m sure there’s interesting things I’ve missed accidentally, and I’m afraid there’s some I have missed on purpose. For example, I considered the Australian Matilda Hedgehog, but it turned out to be late war and never used. I also considered the Greek and the Czech Division, but I think I’ve already stretched it too far as regards voice acting alone without adding units that, as distinguished their service might be, are just too obscure without adding anything extra - appearance or gameplay. That said, my hat would go off to the devs if they achieved that.
Late War Doctrines
Here we get to represent the Commonwealth units from Operation Overlord up until Operation Varsity.
All-Round: The quintessential British doctrine, combining bog-standard infantry with hardy tanks and a decent array of equipment. Partially based on Gold Beach, but also Operation Varsity/Plunder towards the end of the war, I would personally give them 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry, RAF Regiment Gunners, RAF Humber Light AC, Churchill AVRE, the Cruiser Mk. VIII Challenger and the Comet. Maybe give them some 6th Airlanding troops and 1st Canadian Parachute Infantry as a reference to the Normandy paratroopers if we feel they need more skilled infantry.
Offensive: The Canadian Doctrine - mostly inspired by the First Canadian Army in Normandy with elements of their experiences later on (including the Battle of the Schelt and Operation Veritable) with the doctrine largely focused on armoured assault infantry. They’ll look quite unique compared to the British because their uniforms were greener and they were the first to use the British-designed Mk.III helmet at D-Day. Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division as standard, supported by assault infantry. Eventually, armoured infantry can spawn in Buffalos (used at the Battle of the Schelt) and, as a special call-in, Ram Kangaroo APCs (sporting an armoured MG turret). The Otter armoured car would be an early call-in, with M4A1 Sherman Grizzly tanks as well as Ram IIs available in the standard tank tab. Some unique but limited special call-ins would include the Skink AA tank (of which 2 saw historical combat in Normandy) as well as a skilled sniper wielding the Ross rifle.
Defensive: Just as the US Defensive doctrine features the 101st Airborne (no doubt inspired by the Battle of Bastogne), the British Defensive doctrine can feature the British Airborne - particularly based on the defense of Arnhem Bridge in the Netherlands as part of Market Garden. Infantry units can include the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry, 1st Airborne Paratroopers, 1st Airlanding Infantry, Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers and 1st (Polish) Independent Paratroopers (who are distinctive with their grey berets). Armoured units can include the Tetrarch and the M22 Locust. To suit their defensive doctrine, they should get some decent guns and I’m thinking the airborne jeep-towed 20mm Polsten Gun, airborne 17th Pounder as well as (in a departure from the Parachute theme) the BL 7.2-inch howitzer. The Patchett sub-machine gun could make an appearance here too.
Irregular: Based on Sword Beach, Commandos and the 79th Armoured Division, with the more unusual units in the British arsenal. Probably with 3rd Infantry Division Infantry as standard, this unit could have access to No.41 (Royal Marine) Commandos, Fusilier Marines Commandos (based on No.4 Commando’s assault on Ouestreham), the Centaur Mk.IV QF 95mm, the Sherman DD, the Churchill Crocodile and Royal Engineer Assault Teams deployed in the cute Terrapin 4-ton Amphibious. If we want to be really wacky, we could even add the M3 Grant CDL (an unarmed searchlight tank) for armoured spotting, similar to the 150cm Flakscheinwerfer searchlight.
Other Units: Further unique units that would fit in any one (or multiple) of these divisions (based on balance) include the Land Mattress Rocket Launcher, the Loyd Carrier, the Universal Carrier WASP (flamethrower), the Sexton SPG, Sherman Firefly, the Archer TD, Achilles TD, the Priest Kangaroo, the Morris C8, Staghound and so on. There are SO many strange and obscure British vehicles that don’t often see the light of day, but would be perfect for Gates of Hell.
Post-release Doctrines -
More of a final thought than anything else, but if/when the Japanese get added into the game, I’d love to see a fifth doctrine to represent the British 14th Army to match the Japanese. A doctrine that is mostly comprised of Indian infantry and Indian tanks, with representation from the East/West African Divisions, Gurkhas and the British 2nd or 36th Infantry Divisions. Special call-ins could include the Chindits (using Thompsons and the Jungle Carbine) and paratroopers of the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade. If we’re feeling generous enough to allow the doctrine to encompass the Pacific Islands as well, we could also include an Australian squad armed with the Owen SMG, South Pacific Scouts, the Matida Frog (flamethrower) and the Matilda QF 3-Inch.
Conclusion: I apologise for such a long read. But I hope we see how a bit of ambition could really help the Commonwealth stand out and be worthy of the variety seen in the other factions since their overhaul. While the Germans have Spanish soldiers in their ranks, the Commonwealth can see the UK, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Poland, and France (and technically Nepal) all get some recognition. While the German Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe stand out on the field, the Commonwealth might get the distinctive blue battledress of the RAF Regiment, or the long white tunics of the Foreign Legion. We would see such a variety of hats including pith helmets, berets, kepis, dastars, keffiyehs and slouch hats. Some units, like the LRDG vehicles, might even stand out as unique from any of the nations already in the game. It’s a lot of colourful uniforms, a lot of voices and a lot of strange and wonderful machines.
However, it does come with its downsides. Firstly, Africa and Europe are such dramatically different theatres that their version of mid & late war are incredibly different to one another. So much so that the depth of variety might make the faction too big, making it a lot of effort for the art department (especially with uniforms changing for the map’s climate. Imagine making skins for temperate, desert AND snow). The second issue is whether France is getting its own faction in future iterations of the game (the French flag appears in the loading screen during Axis vs Allies games). The final (and probably biggest) issue is voice acting. I’m no expert on games development, but I gather that getting enough voice actors for a faction is hard enough as it is without having to accurately represent 9 countries at once. I would love to hear the developer’s thoughts on the matter - whether such a project is within the game’s scope and if they have the ambition to take it this far.
Do let me all know what you think as well.