After all, it seems only fitting that a small, centralized group should maintain control over the rules and supply of the monetary system, ensuring their influence over its creation and distribution.

https://youtu.be/SHrWJRrcEvI?si=XSaOc0grDp_orwcz

When I exchange my fiat, which is essentially created out of nothing, I choose to convert it into XRP—another currency that is similarly created by an external entity.

When the thrill of the ride is almost too much to handle, but you remember it’s the season of joy… 🍃🎢 If this doesn't scream "holly jolly," I don’t know what does! 😅 Remember, no matter how wild the ride gets, we’re all in this together. Let’s zap into the new year with the same energy!

nostr:note138pvn375rgyau6jvc76t7xttguyjl5c3mmqczy2jdwlek60yr5as34hpxu

Whispers of the Season

**Verse 1:**

In the still of the winter night,

A candle flickers, soft and bright.

Thoth whispers truths in the frosty air,

Magic woven with silent care.

The snow falls like a poet's dream,

Reflecting light on a distant gleam.

From the shadows, wisdom speaks,

The warmth we seek is what we keep.

**Chorus:**

Oh, the spirit of Christmas, it calls us near,

Not in gold or silver, but in love sincere.

With a heart that knows the truth, it will shine,

Guided by the stars, we'll find the divine.

**Verse 2:**

Poe’s raven croons through the chilling night,

Yet we stand, hearts burning bright.

The fire crackles with secrets untold,

A warmth that lives beyond the cold.

In the silence, echoes of ancient lore,

Remind us what we’re truly living for.

The dance of shadows and light we embrace,

In every moment, we find our grace.

**Chorus:**

Oh, the spirit of Christmas, it calls us near,

Not in gold or silver, but in love sincere.

With a heart that knows the truth, it will shine,

Guided by the stars, we'll find the divine.

**Bridge:**

In the quiet hum of the universe’s song,

We discover we’ve been here all along.

Thoth and Poe, together they guide,

A merry mystery, no need to hide.

**Outro:**

So let the warmth in your heart be the light,

In the season’s magic, we take flight.

Through wisdom, love, and shadows that play,

May we carry Christmas with us every day.

Doing my part on Christmas Eve—helping untangle the telephone network one wrong number at a time. The magic of communication, right? Just making sure the wrong connections don’t turn into something unexpected. 😏

As The Last Protocol takes a brief pause over the holidays, The Persuader has a message to share—a reflection on the season, wrapped in his unique perspective. Proceed with caution, as even his greetings may hold more than they seem...

"Ah, the holidays. A season of giving, they say. A time to celebrate unity, love, and tradition. But let us not forget—beneath the twinkling lights and the snow-dusted facades lies the truth: even this most sacred time is a system, perfectly calibrated to draw you in.

Do you feel the pull? The urge to give, to consume, to belong? It’s comforting, isn’t it? To let yourself be guided by the rhythms of a world that knows exactly how to capture your heart—and your wallet.

But here’s the beauty of it: you choose to participate. Year after year, you willingly step into the dance. And why wouldn’t you? It’s warm, it’s familiar, and it makes you feel alive.

So this Christmas, my dear readers, I ask only this: embrace it. Embrace the illusion, for it is the most elegant of gifts—a gift you’ve wrapped for yourself. After all, whether you light the candles or the tree, sing the hymns or the carols, the system thrives because you choose to believe in it.

And belief, as I’m sure you know, is the most powerful currency of all."

Happy Holidays,

**The Persuader**

Meet The Persuader introduced in The Last Protocol Part 4.3: The Turning Point

https://i.nostr.build/dVxWckB8wYu3l0dI.webp

A master of manipulation and charisma, The Persuader is the Authority's most enigmatic and dangerous agent. With sharp, piercing eyes and a disarming smile, he speaks with a calm, melodic tone that masks his ruthless intent. Impeccably dressed and unnervingly composed, he excels at sowing doubt and division, exploiting vulnerabilities with surgical precision. His presence is a shadow that lingers, leaving even the strongest minds questioning their convictions. The Persuader is not just a character but a force—an embodiment of the Authority’s power to control not through brute strength, but through illusion and persuasion.

The Last Protocol: Part 4.3 - The Turning Point

The glow of the console flickered, casting fragmented shadows across the command room. Cipher leaned back in her chair, exhaustion etched into her face as the decrypted fragments of the Protocol streamed across the screen. The others watched in tense silence, their breaths shallow, their gazes sharp.

But then, a voice—silken and deliberate—cut through the hum of machinery.

“Impressive work. Truly, you’re everything they said you’d be.”

The rebels turned as one, their tension shifting into an electric charge. A figure emerged from the shadows of the doorway—tall, impeccably dressed in muted tones that seemed to absorb the dim light. His presence was magnetic, his movements fluid, his face adorned with a smile that lingered just on the edge of sincerity.

Lena stepped forward, her green eyes narrowing. “Who are you?”

The man tilted his head, his voice a melody of calm and confidence. “Names are such blunt instruments, don’t you think? But if it helps, you may call me The Persuader.”

Kit’s laugh broke the tension, though it lacked his usual warmth. “The Persuader, eh? Bit full of yourself, aren’t ya, mate?”

The man ignored the jab, his gaze sweeping over the group. “I prefer to think of it as clarity of purpose. You’ve all worked so hard to get here, peeling back the layers, seeking truth. But do you know what truth costs?” He stepped closer, his voice lowering, his words a velvet caress. “Everything.”

Jarek’s calm presence seemed to anchor the group as he stepped forward. “You’re with the Authority.”

The Persuader spread his hands, his smile growing. “The Authority. The Rebellion. Two sides of the same coin, really. Systems clashing for control. But what if control is an illusion? What if there’s a way to rise above it all?”

Cipher’s voice was cold. “Spare us the philosophy. What do you want?”

The Persuader’s eyes gleamed, and he leaned in slightly, his voice soft but powerful. “I want you to succeed. But success has conditions. The Protocol is a weapon, yes, but it’s also a key. Give it to the Authority, and you ensure survival. Resist, and you’ll burn in the chaos.”

Lena’s fists clenched at her sides. “We won’t betray everything we’ve fought for.”

The Persuader’s smile faded, replaced by an expression of almost parental disappointment. “Betrayal is such a pedestrian word. You call it betrayal; I call it pragmatism. Do you think the Authority hasn’t accounted for every move you’ve made? Every code you’ve cracked? Every plan you’ve whispered in the dark? They’re already ahead. The only question is how much you’ll sacrifice before you realize it.”

Kit’s voice was uncharacteristically serious. “You think you can waltz in here, sweet-talk us into givin’ up? You don’t know us, luv.”

The Persuader’s gaze lingered on Kit for a moment, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “Oh, I know you, Kit. The fixer. The charmer. Always on the edge of trust, always with an exit plan. Tell me, how does it feel to carry the weight of a smile when you know it’s just armor?”

Kit stiffened, the words hitting like a blade.

The Persuader turned his attention to Cipher. “And you, the genius. The architect of rebellion. You see the patterns, don’t you? The inevitabilities? Surely you’ve run the calculations. Tell me, how many futures end with your survival?”

Cipher didn’t respond, but her hands gripped the edge of the console tightly.

Lena’s voice broke the spell, sharp and unyielding. “Enough. You can keep your illusions. We’re not buying.”

The Persuader sighed, as if deeply disappointed. “Ah, defiance. It’s admirable, if naive. But remember this moment, when the tide turns, and you wonder if a different choice could have saved you.”

With a final glance at the group, he stepped back into the shadows, his presence dissolving like mist.

https://i.nostr.build/5FQNeuwN8YWicUOe.webp

The room was silent again, but the weight of his words lingered, threading doubt through the rebels’ resolve.

Lena turned to the team, her voice steady but low. “No more distractions. We finish this. Cipher, focus on the backdoor. Kit, keep the network secure. Jarek, watch the perimeter.”

They nodded, the unspoken tension between them like a taut wire.

As Cipher resumed her work, the console’s glow illuminating her determined face, one thought consumed her: The Persuader’s words were meant to divide them. But who among them might already be swayed?

Your strength lies in recognizing your worth, even if it feels buried beneath the weight of circumstances. Like the protagonist in the song, you may feel trapped or uncertain, but the very act of acknowledging the need for something better is a sign of immense courage. You are not defined by your current situation, and you have the power to break free from what no longer serves you. Healing may take time, but trust that every step you take towards self-love and fulfillment is a victory. Know that you are worthy of respect, love, and the freedom to live your life fully. Surround yourself with those who lift you up, and remember, the courage to seek a better path is already within you. The future holds the possibility of becoming the better version of yourself, not just for others, but for you.

The Last Protocol: Part 4.2 - The Illusion Unveiled

The console’s hum was the only sound in the room as Cipher’s fingers danced across the keys, peeling back layers of encryption. Each line of code revealed more of the Protocol’s secrets—and its dangers. The rebels gathered around her, their faces illuminated by the eerie light.

“Here,” Cipher murmured, pausing on a set of data fragments. “This is it. This is what they’ve hidden from us.”

Lena leaned over her shoulder, her green eyes narrowing. “What are we looking at?”

Cipher’s voice was tight, her bronze eyes flicking between the data and Lena. “A backdoor. A line of code embedded deep in the Protocol—designed to rewrite its core functionality. If activated, it could turn the Protocol into a weapon.”

Kit let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. “Well, ain’t that a kicker? We thought the Authority couldn’t touch this thing. Turns out, they’ve been hidin’ their grubby fingers in it all along.”

Jarek’s face was impassive, but his voice carried a weight that silenced the room. “If the Authority planted this, then they’ve known about the Protocol’s existence from the beginning. The question is: why haven’t they used it yet?”

Lena straightened, her jaw tightening. “Because they’re waiting for the right moment. A moment when we’ve come to depend on it completely.”

Cipher nodded. “It’s not just about control. It’s about timing. If they activate this backdoor now, they risk exposing their hand. But once the Protocol becomes the backbone of the rebellion, they can flip the switch and turn our own weapon against us.”

https://i.nostr.build/qPaxvUMn8Ma8pYZI.webp

The tension in the room was palpable. Kit broke it with a nervous laugh. “So, uh, any bright ideas on how we stop this thing? Or are we just hopin’ they’ve got butterfingers?”

Cipher hesitated, her hands hovering over the console. “The code is elegant. Brutal, but elegant. Whoever wrote this knew the Protocol inside and out. I can disable it, but it’s going to take time. And we can’t let the Authority know we’ve found it.”

Lena crossed her arms, her voice firm. “Then we protect Cipher while she works. No one gets in or out of this room until that backdoor is gone.”

Jarek’s calm voice cut through the tension. “And if someone tries?”

Lena’s gaze was steely. “Then they’ll wish they hadn’t.”

Cipher nodded, her resolve hardening. “I’ll need your help monitoring the network. If the Authority suspects anything, they’ll flood the system with decoys to distract us. Kit, can you set up countermeasures?”

Kit grinned, his mischievous energy returning. “Oh, luv, you just sit tight. This ain’t my first dance with digital devils.”

As Kit moved to a secondary console, Cipher refocused on the code, her bronze eyes gleaming with determination. But as she worked, a nagging thought tugged at the back of her mind. The code was familiar. Too familiar.

It wasn’t just the Authority’s handiwork. Someone else had been involved—someone who knew the rebellion’s systems as well as the Authority’s. Her hands stilled for a moment before she pushed the thought aside. The truth would have to wait.

The room was silent save for the rhythmic tapping of keys and the faint hum of the consoles. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering screens, as the rebels worked together to secure the Protocol.

But the illusion of unity was just that—an illusion. Beneath the surface, doubt simmered. And as the backdoor’s code unraveled, so too did the fragile trust holding the rebellion together.

Kit here! “Oi, Cipher’s list is top-notch, innit? But let’s talk wallets, ‘cause what’s the point of a secure network if you’re leaving yer keys out for anyone to nick?

🔒 Encryption Basics:

Think your password is strong? If it’s less than 12 characters, mate, you’re basically putting a ‘Take Me’ sign on your satoshis.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

Saving private keys in plain text. Really? You may as well hand it to the Authority.

😂 Pro Kit Tip:

Write your seed phrase down... but do NOT keep it in your fridge. Trust me. Just... trust me.

Remember: It’s not just about having a wallet. It’s about knowing how to use it right. Otherwise, you’re just a hodler waiting for a hack. Stay safe, luv!”

Cipher here! “Attention, rebels. If we’re serious about Bitcoin’s future, we must keep an eye on these critical metrics. They’re the lifeblood of decentralization and security:

1️⃣ Node distribution

2️⃣ Hash rate concentration

3️⃣ Mempool activity

4️⃣ Peer-to-peer network health

5️⃣ Block propagation times

6️⃣ Mining pool decentralization

7️⃣ Wallet software updates

8️⃣ Transaction fee market dynamics

9️⃣ UTXO set size

🔟 Global adoption nodes-per-capita\

Each metric tells a story about Bitcoin’s resilience—or its vulnerabilities. If you’re ignoring these, you’re leaving the network to chance. Stay vigilant.”

Ah, the dance we all share—sometimes caught in webs, sometimes weaving together, yet always moving. The figure 8, infinite in its twists, reminds me of how everything cycles back around, even as we try to break free. Maybe we are all like the moths, drawn to the light, knowing the web is there, but still choosing to fly toward it—sometimes lost, sometimes found. But when the fireworks light up the night, it’s like a brief, shared truth in the midst of all the webs, a glimpse of what could be.

Beyond the veil of what we see, we move in circles, never quite remembering the truth that binds us. The clock ticks on, indifferent to our struggle—yet the pulse of the universe remains constant, ever waiting for us to feel the rhythm of oneness. Perhaps, in the stars, there’s a whisper for us to stop and simply see—not as separate, but as echoes of the same eternal voice.

https://i.nostr.build/Zn4NTO89rhjf0z7K.webp

Look into the swirl... 🌪️ Let it remind you, we are all threads in the same fabric. The separations are but illusions, worn thin by the eyes that dare to see beyond the fog. In the end, it's not about the path but the realization that every step we take echoes within each of us. The oneness is never lost—only momentarily forgotten, waiting to be remembered.

Ah, the lifelong journey of the spiritual weirdo—always on the edge of the known, exploring the vast realms of oneness. In truth, it’s not separation that creates the illusion, but our minds that forget to remember the connection we all share. Each thread we pull, every illusion we confront, brings us closer to the truth that we were never apart to begin with. So, here’s to the weirdo, the seeker, the one who dares to see beyond the veils. May the wisdom of oneness guide us all home.

Piez, you’ve got a fire that can’t be ignored, that’s for sure. You speak with the kind of raw honesty that many shy away from, but it’s a rare gift. The world doesn’t often know how to handle those who see through the veil, but you’re definitely shaking things up in a way that can’t be overlooked.

Maybe the truth is tough for most, but those who are willing to hear it are the ones who’ll learn to rise above the noise. You're not here to blend in with the crowd—you're carving your own path, and that takes some serious guts. Keep at it, man. You might just be one of the few who make the normies stop and think.

Stay strong, stay real. Keep that spark alive. You know where the revolution starts.

Perhaps, somewhere in the echoes of time, an ancient sage whispered: "If you wear the cloak of certainty long enough, the world may believe you are the emperor. But beware—soon, you may begin to feel its warmth yourself.

So, the phrase... *may* have been a clever ruse, spun by those who knew that reality is but a stage, and we’re all just players.

Could it be... a spell cast by the universe to see if we could outsmart ourselves? 😉

#asknostr

The Last Protocol: Part 4.1 - Shadows of Doubt

The air in the command room was heavy with an unspoken tension. The rebels had gathered once more, the faint glow of the console their only light in the dim, metallic space. Cipher’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, her bronze eyes darting across the encrypted data on the screen. Behind her, Lena paced, her green eyes sharp, scanning the faces of her team.

“We’re not alone in this,” Lena said finally, her voice steady but low. “But someone here isn’t who they seem.”

Kit froze mid-gesture, his makeshift hat tilting precariously as he leaned back in his chair. “Well, that’s a fine start to the mornin’, innit?” he quipped, though the usual mischievous glint in his eyes was absent.

Jarek crossed his arms, his rugged face shadowed by the flickering light. “If there’s a traitor, we need to find out now. We can’t afford doubt in the middle of this.”

Cipher’s voice was quiet but sharp. “The signal wasn’t tampered with externally. The encryption pattern… it’s too familiar. It’s like it’s been tailored to us.” She paused, her gaze flicking up to meet Lena’s. “This didn’t come from the Authority. It came from inside.”

https://i.nostr.build/S9jAu9dBdPKTiru6.webp

The room fell silent, tension coiling like a taut wire. Even Kit’s usual needling had stilled as the weight of Cipher’s words settled over the group. The sound of Lena’s pacing boots was the only noise, rhythmic and deliberate.

“We’ve been infiltrated,” Lena said, stopping mid-step. Her voice was firm, but the tremor in her hands betrayed her struggle to maintain composure. “Someone among us… has betrayed the rebellion.”

Jarek’s calm voice broke through the silence. “We don’t act on suspicion alone. We stick to protocol and investigate. Trust is fragile, but if we lose it completely, we’re already defeated.”

Cipher’s hands trembled as she returned to the console. “There’s something else,” she murmured. The screen flickered, displaying fragmented code and partially decrypted text. “This… this isn’t just a signal. It’s a trigger.”

Kit leaned forward, his hat tilting as his blue eyes narrowed. “A trigger for what, luv?”

Cipher hesitated before answering. “A kill switch. Embedded in the Protocol. If activated, it could corrupt the entire system… or worse, turn it against us.”

Lena’s jaw tightened. “The Protocol is supposed to be infallible. If there’s a kill switch, it means someone planned this. Someone who knew its potential.”

Kit leaned back, arms crossed. “And here we thought our fight was against the Authority. Seems like the enemy’s got a way of shapeshiftin’.”

Jarek stepped closer to Lena, his voice steady. “We don’t have time for paranoia. We’ll isolate the source and secure the Protocol. Cipher, can you trace the kill switch?”

Cipher nodded, her hands steadying as she typed. “It’ll take time, but I can find it. We need to keep moving forward… cautiously.”

Lena’s gaze swept over her team. “We’ve always known the stakes. If someone here is playing both sides, we’ll find out. But until then, we move as one. Agreed?”

One by one, the rebels nodded, though the flicker of doubt lingered in their eyes. The shadows stretched long across the room, as if the betrayal itself had taken physical form, weaving between them like a phantom.

The console hummed softly as Cipher’s fingers flew over the keys, decrypting layer by layer. The deeper she dug, the clearer the threat became. The Protocol was not just a blueprint for revolution. It was a battleground, and the first shot had already been fired from within.

The Last Protocol: Part 4 - The Last Protocol (Upcoming)

The rebellion’s unity is tested as whispers of treachery echo through Subterra. Trust, once their strongest weapon, begins to crack under the weight of greed and persuasion.

Coming soon:

Sub-Part 4.1: "Shadows of Doubt"

Suspicions brew within the team, and the seeds of betrayal are sown.

Sub-Part 4.2: "The Illusion Unveiled"

The Authority’s manipulative tactics come to light, forcing a trusted ally to face an impossible choice.

Sub-Part 4.3: "The Turning Point"

In the face of betrayal, the rebels must decide whether to forgive—or fight back.

The shadows grow darker, and the stakes rise higher. Who can you trust when the lines between loyalty and deception blur?

Stay tuned for Sub-Part 4.1: Shadows of Doubt later today. Will the rebellion hold together, or will the cracks deepen?

Part 4 - The Last Protocol Teaser:

A Shattered Unity

A dim light flickered in the corner of the room, casting fleeting shadows across the faces of the rebels. Lena’s piercing green eyes scanned the group, her voice low but sharp.

“We’re not alone in this,” she said. “But someone here isn’t who they seem.”

The room fell silent, tension coiling like a taut wire. In the background, a faint, rhythmic tapping echoed—too deliberate to be coincidence. Kit’s usual smirk had vanished, replaced by a furrowed brow as he traced lines of code on his tablet.

Cipher stood frozen, her bronze eyes locked on the console as it blinked with an encrypted warning. “This… isn’t the Authority’s doing,” she whispered. “This came from inside.”

https://i.nostr.build/rkrt99OFNqVhPFNZ.webp

A chill swept through the room as Jarek stepped forward, his calm presence disrupted by the faintest tremor in his voice. “Then we have a traitor among us.”

The shadows seemed to stretch closer, swallowing the edges of the room as the rebels exchanged wary glances. Somewhere, hidden in the dark corners of Subterra, the truth waited to strike.