There’s a new startup which seeks to place 50,000 mirrors in orbit to sell sunlight anywhere on Earth.

The idea is both brilliant and foolish. Here is a comment I saw on social media.

$5,000 an hour. for sunlight. from space.

a startup putting 50,000 mirrors in orbit to sell sunlight anywhere on earth

I thought this was the dumbest idea Ive ever heard

then it clicked

- firefighting aircraft get GROUNDED every night at sunset. pilots cant see terrain. fires burn unchecked for 10 hours straight.

and heres whats wild - water drops are 60% more effective at night. cooler temps. less wind. but nobody can fly.

light up the fire line from orbit. let them work. the US spends $3-5B a year fighting wildfires. this is a rounding error.

- a single late frost in Napa or Florida citrus can wipe out an entire season. $854M in frost losses last year alone.

but the crazy part - the real buyer isnt even the farmer. its the crop insurance company trying to avoid a $500M payout by spending $50k on a few hours of orbital sunlight

- fog costs London Heathrow over $100M a year in delays. fog burns off when sunlight hits the ground. you speed that up by 30 minutes and the value per hour is $500K-$1M. $5k/hour is pocket change

- military forward operating base at night? forget night vision goggles. just light up the whole compound from space and go get it

- 4 million people above the Arctic Circle live in MONTHS of total darkness. depression. productivity drops. everything slows down. you could give entire communities twilight during polar night

- 150,000 babies die or get brain damage every year in developing countries from jaundice because the cure is literally just light and they dont have electricity for it.

beam it down from orbit. no power grid needed.

I went down this rabbit hole for an hour and every use case is more insane than the last

260,000 people from 157 countries on the waitlist. each dropping $1,000-5,000. Sequoia backed them - first space investment since SpaceX. the Air Force already signed a contract.

mirrors weigh 35 lbs and theyre the size of a basketball court. 4-10x brighter than a full moon. built by a 28 year old ex-SpaceX engineer.

this went from “dumbest thing Ive ever seen” to holy shit in about 10 minutes...

Source ~ Jamesoncamp on X

Shadowborn is a thrilling offline single-player action RPG for iOS (and Android), blending whimsical, vibrant visuals with dark fantasy elements. Developed by Viva Games S.L. (Viva Studios), it’s designed for quick, arcade-style sessions with 3-4 minute missions packed into tight loops of combat, exploration, and progression. Dive into a world of serene glades with unicorns, moonlit mermaids, shadowy ambushes, epic bosses, and cursed ruins. The game emphasizes responsive combat, deep customization, and high replayability via heirlooms and a retirement system.

Currently in early access (launched ~July 2025), it draws Diablo/Path of Exile inspiration with innovative mobile-optimized mechanics like dual-wield combat and puzzles. Rated 4.9/5 from 1.3K reviews on the App Store, it’s praised for polish, fun puzzles, and offline play—perfect for short bursts. Download free from the App Store (626.8 MB, iOS 13.0+). In-app purchases exist for packs (e.g., $1.99-$24.99 for diamonds, boosters), but it’s F2P-friendly with grindable progression.

Getting Started: Classes and Controls

Class Selection

Choose your starting class wisely—it shapes early play but can be hybridized later:

• Warrior/Dark Knight: Melee tank with longsword & shield. High durability, steady damage. Best for beginners wanting forgiveness.

• Sorcerer/Enchanter/Shadow Mage: Ranged magic (e.g., fireball, spellbook). Area damage but fragile—position carefully.

• Rogue/Swiftblade: Agile bow user with stealth. Precision crits, evasion, fast strikes. Rewards mobility.

Multi-class blending unlocks via resources for hybrid builds (e.g., Warrior + stealth).

Controls

• Arcade-style (default): Simple taps/swipes for attacks, dodges, skills. Responsive with contextual takedowns.

• Dual-stick: Optional for precise movement/aiming. Combat feels “sticky” and impactful—dodge enemy patterns, time blocks/evasions.

Progression Systems

Skills & Mastery Tree

• Unlock class-specific abilities (e.g., projectile immunity, AoE attacks).

• Mastery Attributes:

• Attribute

• Benefits

• Strength

• Weapon damage (melee/ranged)

• Agility

• Speed, evasion

• Toughness

• Health, resistances

Balance to amplify strengths or fix weaknesses. Level cap ~14 early on—grind dungeons 20x for XP/abilities (e.g., disintegrate at higher levels).

Cross-Class & Specializations

Spend resources to steal skills (e.g., Rogue bow mastery for consistent DPS, Pistol line attacks for CC). Creates synergies like Sorcerer pistols.

• Drops from enemies/missions: Weapons (e.g., Dark Fang Katana—damage + lifesteal), accessories (Amulet of Protection—resistances + HP).

• Prioritize synergies (e.g., lifesteal for sustain). Break down junk for materials.

• Shop items have level reqs—grind for gold/gear.

Combat Tips

• Basics: Basic attacks + dodges + skills. Read telegraphs—evade projectiles, block heavies.

• Weapons: Start 2H, switch dual-wield (junk swords) after Strength/Swords levels. Spells need book in hotbar.

• Bosses/Elites: Whack tentacle bases to retreat them. Time parries/dodges.

• Positioning: Ranged stay back; melee tank with shield.

• Sustain: Lifesteal gear, potions (IAP optional).

Quests, Story & World Map

• Story: Fight shadows/Necromancer via NPC Ulric. Quest log tracks mains/sides.

• Missions: Quick objectives on compact maps. Fast-travel + mounts (horses) for efficiency.

• Exploration: Secrets, ambushes, lore. Balance objectives with side paths.

• Regions: Lost City (early), Church, Corruption (later areas—updates add content).

• Unlocking Later Content: Grind levels/quests; patches expand (e.g., “second half” via updates). Replay for gear/XP.

Prioritize: Mains first, then sides for loot/XP.

Secrets & Puzzles

Early access has hidden collectibles/paths:

• Bronze Eyes (Lost City Puzzle):

  1. First eye: Before the wall thing.

  2. Second: Lower level—explore further, return.

  3. Place both at once in sockets.

• Church Torch Fire: Light torches in correct order (video guides recommend). Unlocks Path of Flame/beyond.

• All Secrets: Check YouTube for “ALL SHADOWBORN SECRETS” (e.g., new locations, hidden quests). Discord communities share updates.

Explore fully—secrets boost progression!

Replayability & Endgame

• Heirlooms/Retirement: Retire hero for bonuses on New Game+ (gear, stats carry over vibes).

• Achievements/Lore: Hidden unlocks per run.

• Grind: Dungeons for better drops until cap—rerun 20x+. Updates add content.

Advanced Tips & Tricks

• Early Game: Warrior for safety. Grind Lost City for levels/gear. Dual-wield ASAP.

• Puzzles: Eyes/torches need both items simultaneously.

• Efficiency: Explore 100%, but run past mobs if low HP (autosave on death, no consumable loss).

• F2P: Avoid rushing IAP—grind viable. Daily patches improve.

• Mobile Optimization: Short sessions shine; play offline anywhere.

• Communities: Reddit (r/AndroidGaming), YouTube walkthroughs (Parts 1-4), developer Discord.

Master these, and you’ll conquer the shadows! Updates ongoing—check App Store for news. Happy hunting! 🎮

The Privacy Act of 1974 is designed to protect individuals' personal information held by federal agencies, but there are some potential loopholes, including:
1. Private entities are not covered: The Privacy Act only applies to federal agencies so personal information held by private companies and organizations is not protected.
2. National security and law enforcement exceptions: The Privacy Act permits the disclosure of personal information for national security or law enforcement purposes, without requiring an individual's consent.
3. Routine use exemptions: Federal agencies can disclose personal information for "routine uses" that are specified in their systems of records notices, without the need for individual consent or notice.
4. Exemptions for congressional and judicial proceedings: The Privacy Act provides exemptions for personal information that is sought in connection with congressional or judicial proceedings.
5. Lack of enforcement: There is no private right of action to enforce the Privacy Act, and the Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing the act, which could result in a lack of accountability for agencies that violate the act.

Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)

The ECPA has several loopholes that can be exploited by law enforcement agencies and government officials. One of the biggest loopholes is the "third-party doctrine, which states that information given to a third party, such as an email provider or cloud storage service, loses its expectation of privacy. This means that law enforcement agencies can obtain this information without a warrant.

Additionally, the ECPA does not explicitly require law enforcement agencies to notify individuals when their information has been obtained, and it does not provide clear guidelines for how long the government can retain this information. There are also questions about the scope of the law, and whether it applies to newer forms of communication such as social media and instant messaging.

FISA, Section 702

There are a few potential loopholes or areas where the language of Section 702 of FISA could be subject to interpretation:

1. "Targeting" non-U.S. persons: While the law prohibits the intentional targeting U.S. persons, it is possible that the targeting of non-U.S. persons could still result in the collection of information about U.S. persons who are communicating with them. 2. "Inadvertent" collection: The law allows for the collection of communications that are "incidentally" or "inadvertently" acquired, as long as they are "minimized" to protect the privacy of U.S. persons. However, the definition of "minimization" and what constitutes "inadvertent" collection can be subject to interpretation.
3. "About" collection: Section 702 allows for the collection of communications that are "about" a foreign intelligence target, even if the target is not a party to the communication. This has raised concerns about the potential for the collection of communications that mention a target in passing but are otherwise unrelated to foreign intelligence.
4. Access to collected information: The law allows for the dissemination of collected information to a wide range of government agencies, including law enforcement agencies. This has raised concerns about the potential for the use of Section 702 to circumvent the requirements of other laws, such as the Fourth Amendment or the ECPA, that govern the collection and use of electronic communications.

4th Amendment

The 4th Amendment can be abused by the government in various ways, such as:
1. Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: The government can conduct searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause, or with a warrant that lacks specificity, which violates the 4th Amendment's requirement for a particular description of the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
2. Warrantless Wiretapping: The government can conduct electronic surveillance such as wiretapping, without a warrant, which can violate the 4th Amendment' protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
3. Racial and Ethnic Profiling: The government can use race or ethnicity as a basis for surveillance or searches, which violates the 4th Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and due process of law.
4. National Security Letters: The government can issue National Security Letters (NSLs) that require individuals or organizations to provide information without a warrant or judicial review, which can violate the 4th Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
5. Civil Asset Forfeiture: The government can seize property without a criminal conviction, which can violate the 4th Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and due process of law.
6. Border Searches: The government can conduct searches and seizures at the border without a warrant or probable cause, which can violate the 4th Amendment's requirement for a particular description of the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
7. Violation of privacy: The Fourth Amendment also protects individuals' right to privacy. However, the government can abuse this by conducting warrantless searches of homes, cars, and personal belongings.
8. Excessive use of force: The Fourth Amendment prohibits the use of excessive force during a search or seizure. However, law enforcement officers can sometimes use excessive force, resulting in physical harm or injury to the person being searched or seized.
9. Lack of transparency: The government may not disclose the full extent of its surveillance activities, which can make it difficult for individuals to know if their Fourth Amendment rights are being violated.
10. Misuse of technology: The government may use technology, such as facial recognition or cell phone tracking, to conduct searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause, which can violate Fourth Amendment protections.

The “Mark” is simply a digital record which is associated to your biometric profile. The technology to scan veins and facial profiles already exists and has been tested on a national scale. We used it in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here are some links to back up my claims. Feel free to validate with your own research.

The time has not come for mass enrollment, but some major event will be the catalyst. Whatever happens will be so bad that most people on the planet will enroll into this system. I will not comment or speculate what that might be.

The sad part is, because of the immense pressure coming from your own family and society, you will probably struggle with the decision of enrollment. Please don’t.

Most people will enroll into this system because it isn’t painful nor invasive. It’s as simple as taking a picture. The current generation of human beings are being raised cellphones. They are closer to their cell phone than they are to human beings. They G 00gle things that they won’t share with anyone else. I don’t know what language they will use to convince people to enroll into the biometric system, but people will do it in mass.

Never use biometrics to pay for goods and services. Never use biometrics to validate your own identity. If you have a biometric profile, DELETE IT.

For more information about the Mark of the Beast, please read Revelation 13:1-15

The Ruach-ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit) prompted me to write this message to you and your families. Remember the words of our King,

Edward W. Hood is a dedicated Air Force Veteran, husband, father, and entrepreneur based in Deming, New Mexico. He currently serves as the National Commander of the Commanders Coalition; a veterans’ service organization focused on supporting and connecting veteran leaders. He is an active member of several esteemed veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of the American Legion, and the Air & Space Forces Association.

Hood’s distinguished military career began at age 15 with his service in the Unit FL-933 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). As a standout cadet, he contributed meaningfully to the program through his roles in the Color Guard and as Commander of the Model Rocketry Team. His participation in community events was particularly noteworthy; he played a key role in presenting the colors at the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Madison, Florida, on April 8, 2000.

Enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 4, 2004, Hood quickly demonstrated strong leadership and integrity. During basic training with the 331st Training Squadron, Flight 536, at Lackland Air Force Base, his Military Training Instructor selected him to serve as the Flight Office Technician, an early recognition of his potential to guide and inspire fellow Airman.

In June 2004, Airman First Class Hood arrived at Keesler Air Force Base for technical training in electronics theory and Ground Radio Communications. Over the ensuing eight months, he excelled academically while volunteering as an Airman Leader to support his peers.

Upon graduation, Hood reported to his first permanent duty station at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, from February 2005 to March 2007. Assigned to the 49th Communications Squadron, he also served on the base Honor Guard, honing his precision and discipline in ceremonial duties. During this period, he deployed to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, providing critical emergency communications support to the Qatari government during the 2006 Doha Asian Games. For this service, he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Upon returning to Holloman, he continued with the Honor Guard before transferring to Moody Air Force Base.

Shortly after arriving at Moody, Senior Airman Hood volunteered for and was selected to serve on the base Honor Guard. His prior advanced training proved invaluable, earning him recognition as the 2007 Honor Guardsman of the Quarter.

From 2007 to 2010, Staff Sergeant Hood was assigned to the 23rd Communications Squadron at Moody Air Force Base. During this tour, he deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa and the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, completing over 38 missions supporting NATO-ISAF.

In 2015, Hood reenlisted in the Air National Guard, joining the 101st Air Communications Squadron, where he supported various missions and earned multiple commendations. He later transferred to the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in the Georgia Air National Guard.

Toward the conclusion of his second enlistment, an injury led to his Honorable Discharge from military service on May 19, 2021.

Throughout his career, Edward W. Hood exemplified commitment, leadership, and service to his country, fellow service members, and the Veteran community. Today, he continues to advocate for veterans through his leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors.

EDUCATION

Dec 03- Manufacturing & Maintenance Technology, Coastal Georgia Community College
Dec 03- Process Control Operator, Coastal Georgia Community College
June 04- Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
Jul 04- Airman Leadership & Drill Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Feb 05 - Ground Radio Communications Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Apr 06- USAF Honor Guard Basic Protocol, Honors, and Ceremonies Course, Holloman AFB, NM
Dec 07- Joint Task Force Combat Radio Course, Keesler AFB, MS
Dec 08- Airman Leadership School, Moody AFB, GA
Feb 19- Associate of Applied Science Electronic Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force
Currently Pursuing—Bachelor of Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Western Governors University

ASSIGNMENTS

May 04 - June 04, 331st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

June 04 - Feb 05, 338th Training Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi

Feb 05 - March 07, 49th Communications Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

March 07 - May 10, 23rd Communications Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
Jan 08 - May 08, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa

Sep 09 - APR 10, NATO ISAF, Counter insurgency Training Center, Camp Julian, Afghanistan

May 15 - 101st Air Communications Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida

Savannah Expeditionary Cyber Training Center, Savannah Air National Guard Base, Savannah Georgia

2019 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron, Brunswick Air National Guard Base, Brunswick Georgia

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Army Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal with bronze star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and two oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Florida Commendation Medal

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

2006- Holloman Base Honor Guard Member of the Quarter
2007- Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard Member of the Quarter
2019- Air & Space Forces Association Medal of Merit
2020- Air & Space Forces Association Medal of Merit
2025- American Legion Medal of Merit

PUBLICATIONS | MEDIA

8 April 2025 House Budget Committee - The Florida Channel. (n.d.). The Florida Channel. https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/4-8-25-house-budget-committee/

Garcia, J. “A National Insurance Company Wrote a New Florida Law.” Jason Garcia’s Substack, 18 Apr. 2024, jasongarcia.substack.com/p/a-national-insurance-company-wrote

The Florida Channel. “House Civil Justice Subcommittee.” The Florida Channel, 1 Feb. 2024, thefloridachannel.org/videos/2-1-24-house-civil-justice-subcommittee/

“AFA Emerging Leaders.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 23 Apr. 2021, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/afa-emerging-leaders-3/

“After the Storm: How AFA’s Tyndall Chapter Helped Airmen Recover.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 18 Apr. 2019, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/after-the-storm-how-afas-tyndall-chapter-helped-airmen-recover/

“Wingman: Rosie the Riveter.” Air & Space Forces Magazine, 28 June 2018, www.airandspaceforces.com/article/Wingman-Rosie-the-Riveter/

“Airpower Starts with You.” Tyndall Air Force Base, 17 Nov. 2017, www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1375914/airpower-starts-with-you/

“Why I Became a Life Member of The American Legion.” Legiontown, 5 July 2017, www.legiontown.org/post911veteransupport/4337/why-i-became-life-member-american-legion

“Tallahassee Honors Lives Lost at 2025 Memorial Day Ceremonies.” *Tallahassee Democrat*, 23 May 2025, www.tallahassee.com/story/entertainment/things-to-do/2025/05/23/tallahassee-honors-lives-lost-at-2025-memorial-day-ceremonies/83773526007/

Otero, A. (2023, November 9). ‘Service and sacrifice’: Air Force memorial dedicated at Tallahassee National Cemetery. *Tallahassee Democrat*. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2023/11/09/new-air-force-memorial-rises-at-tallahassee-national-cemetery/71487989007/

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Air & Space Forces Association
American Legion
AMVETS
Commanders Coalition
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America
Sons of the American Legion
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Veterans of Foreign Wars

(Current as of March 2026)

Introduction to Nova: Space Armada

Nova: Space Armada (also known as Nova: Iron Galaxy in some regions) is a sci-fi strategy game where you command a space station, build and customize fleets, engage in PVE and PVP battles, and conquer the galaxy. As a new player, your goal is to rapidly grow your power (measured by development points, fleet strength, and station level) while efficiently managing resources and any real-money spending. This guide focuses on high-impact investments—in-game resources, time, and dollars—to maximize power growth without wasteful spending. Prioritize sustainable progress as a free-to-play (F2P) player, with tips for low-spend or pay-to-progress (P2P) approaches.

Early Game Priorities (Levels 1-10)

Start by completing the tutorial and story quests to hit commander level 10 and upgrade your space station to level 10. This removes building level restrictions and unlocks core features like talents and additional fleets.

• Quests and Missions: Focus on story quests for quick XP and resources. Do daily and weekly missions (under your avatar) for rewards—aim for 30 scavenger kills daily to stack items early. Weekly missions have reward tiers at 250, 500, and 1,100 points.

• Daily Activities: Participate in Space Mobilization (daily objectives vary by day, e.g., Orders on Mon/Fri). Save resources like Black Market Tokens for event-aligned days (e.g., pulls on Saturdays for bonus rewards). Complete Faction Quests (System > More > Faction) to raise reputation and access shops with discounts.

• Exploration: Unlock Deep Space at level 10 for PVE farming (use Quick Complete for efficiency). At level 13, start Planetary Exploration on the Galaxy Map—send your best fleet for high rewards like components and buffs.

• Investment Tip: Spend time on these free dailies first; they yield alloys, crystals, RC (resource credits), and GEC (premium currency) without cost. Avoid rushing upgrades until you have a surplus—early mistakes waste resources.

This phase builds a foundation: Aim for 1-2 hours daily to hit level 10 in a few days, boosting power by unlocking fleets and research.

Resource Management

Resources are your core “investments”—farm them efficiently to avoid bottlenecks.

• Key Resources: Alloys and crystals (for buildings/research), RC (for shops and events), GEC (premium, for Black Market pulls), and components/hulls (for ships).

• Acquisition Strategies:

  • Farm from missions, scavenger kills, wreckages, and plundering (low-risk on NPCs).

  • Daily gifts in Pack Store (e.g., Nova Plus rewards, Admiral packs).

  • Deep Space and Planetary Exploration for tokens and upgrades.

  • Increase RC income as F2P by up to 82% via optimized Orders, Faction Missions, and Stealth Scavengers (focus talents on RC boosts).

• Efficiency Tip: Save GEC for smart Black Market pulls—avoid basic nameplates at 300 GEC; buy discounted ones in the Fraction Exchange Shop (Cruiser for 105 GEC, Destroyer for 54 GEC). Use boosts (e.g., research speed) only during events for extra rewards.

Prioritize RC and GEC early, as they gate high-power items like elite components.

Building and Upgrading Your Station

• Upgrade Order: Start with Space Station, Factory (for components), Research Lab (unlock fleets/tech), Defense Terminal, Radar Station, Ship Center, Ore Storage, and Smelter. Max all buildings to your commander level.

• Research Priorities: In the Research Lab, focus on Mechanical Engineering System first (saves resources on upgrades). Unlock Second/Third Fleets early. Upgrade techs evenly, prioritizing short-timer ones for quick points. Use “Persistent Scholars” and “Quantum Computer” for faster/cheaper research.

• Talents (Unlock at Level 10): Reset freely early on. For normal/F2P players: 32231 12232 (emphasize resource generation like Subspace Speed for faster farming). For P2P/whales: (2 or 3)2231 12222 (boost Order capacity/RC for combat focus).

• Investment Tip: Use free Research Speed Increases (25% buffs) from events. Avoid over-investing in low-level buildings—focus on fleet-enabling ones to hit power spikes faster.

These upgrades directly boost development points; aim to max them per level for leaderboard climbs.

Fleet Building and Optimization

Fleets are your power core—invest in balanced, synergistic builds to punch above your weight.

• Admiral Selection: Start with Elena (great for farming NPCs with 15% shield penetration). Level admirals to 15 for formation bonuses. Choose high-Leadership admirals to command more ships.

• Ship Assembly Steps:

  1. Acquire hulls (from missions, Black Market).

  2. Construct components in factories (unlock more as you level; build constantly, even extras).

  3. Assemble: Use unused hulls + components. Edit freely to swap setups.

• Early Ships to Build:

  1. Frigates: Byagoona FF (tank, front row), Ctogga FF (laser DPS, back row), Puck FF (accuracy boost, day 2 login).

  2. Destroyers: Dogoda DD (damage reduction, front), Chthoninans DD (tank/DPS), Argo DD (F2P-friendly DPS), Pyxis DD (versatile tank).

  3. Balance: Mix offense (Cruisers/Battleships), defense (Frigates), and utility.

• Components and Upgrades:

  1. Prioritize r65 blue equipment (upgrade to lv20 with Fluid Layers). Use r80 purple as placeholders, then destroy for materials.

  2. Weapons: Kinetic for accuracy ships (e.g., Puck), missiles for bonus ships (e.g., Posvist CL), lasers for general DPS (e.g., Argo). Focus on beam damage early.

  3. Armor: Shields for most; accuracy units on DPS ships. Best engine available; reactors if energy-short.

  4. Rarities: Farm/construct rare+ (epic/legendary for endgame). Upgrade only high-rarity; destroy low ones for mats.

• Optimization Tips:

  1. Group by ship type (e.g., 3 DDs for 78% damage buffs from synergies like Kthaw’keth Cruiser).

  2. Group by damage type (e.g., laser fleet with Argo/Yz + Undead-Zeus flagship).

  3. Equip best weapons on DPS ships, not tanks. Use standard gear for secondary fleets; pool resources into main fleet.

• Investment Tip: Farm components via events/exploration (free). Spend GEC on Black Market for limited ships (e.g., Yz/Athena over basic Undead-Zeus). Avoid upgrading uncommon components—save materials for legendaries.

A well-optimized fleet can beat stronger opponents with half health; focus here for 50%+ power gains.

Alliances and Social Features

• Benefits: Access Alliance Missions (daily/weekly for credits), Member Quests (up to 5 players for better rewards), and shared Warfare Boxes from purchases.

• Investment Tip: Spend Alliance Credits in the shop on upgrades. Contribute to quests for free resources—low time investment, high return.

Alliances multiply your progress; pick one with daily activity.

In-Game Investments for Max Power

• GEC Spending: Black Market pulls during events; Fraction Shop discounts. Avoid full-price basics.

• RC Focus: Upgrade to boost via talents/Orders. Spend on CosmoTycoon/Republic shops for weapons like “xxx Array” (23k RC, whale-friendly).

• Time Investments: Dailies, explorations, and events yield 80% of power growth as F2P.

• F2P Max: Optimize for 82% RC income via stealth farming and talent trees.

Real Money Spending: Maximizing Dollars Spent

The game is F2P-viable but P2P accelerates growth. Focus on value packs for 5-10x returns in power per dollar.

• Best Starter Investments:

  • Starter/Bonus Packs ($4.99-$9.99): Great entry value with GEC, resources, and hulls/components. Buy early for instant fleet boosts.

  • Iron Pass/Monthly Subscriptions: If available (e.g., Nova Plus), these provide daily rewards like GEC and speed-ups—best for sustained growth ($5-10/month).

• Higher-Value Packs:

  • Limited Packs ($5.99-$79.99): Include SCC (premium currency) that benefits your alliance with boxes. Prioritize ones with components/admiral upgrades for power spikes.

  • SCC Packs: Buy in tiers (e.g., second tier 4,000 GEC, third 999 SCC). Gift to allies for reciprocal bonuses.

• Whale Strategy: Focus on fleet-boosting packs (e.g., for Order capacity). Avoid over-spending on cosmetics—aim for $20-50 initially for 200% power jump.

• Efficiency Tip: Only buy during events for bonuses. Starter packs offer the best dollar-to-power ratio; avoid random bundles unless they include rare hulls.

As a new player, $10-20 can double your early power; beyond that, diminishing returns unless whaling.

Advanced Tips

• Always group buffs (ship type/damage type) for meta fleets.

• Save for events like Navigator/Matrix for GEC efficiency.

• Attack NPCs multiple times daily for XP; use repairs wisely.

• Experiment with formations—test in PVE before PVP.

Follow this guide to reach mid-game (level 20+) in 1-2 weeks with optimized power. Adapt based on your playstyle, and check in-game updates for meta shifts. Good luck conquering the galaxy!

They Called Us "Lucky" by Ruben Gallego and Jim DeFelice is a raw, unflinching memoir that chronicles the harrowing experiences of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, during their 2005 deployment in Iraq. As one of the hardest-hit units of the Iraq War, Lima Company endured relentless combat, devastating losses, and the enduring psychological toll of war. Congressman Ruben Gallego, a former Marine and member of the unit, offers a deeply personal account, blending visceral battlefield narratives with reflections on the long-term impact of trauma, camaraderie, and survival. Co-authored with Jim DeFelice, the book is both a tribute to the fallen and a meditation on the resilience of those who carry the weight of their service.

The narrative begins in the chaotic streets of Iraq, where Lima Company faced near-daily insurgent attacks, roadside bombs, and ambushes. Gallego vividly captures the intensity of combat, from the adrenaline-fueled moments of clearing houses to the gut-wrenching loss of comrades. The book’s title, derived from the unit’s ironic nickname, underscores the paradox of surviving when so many did not—41 members of the battalion were killed, and over 300 wounded. Gallego’s prose is direct and unembellished, reflecting the no-nonsense ethos of the Marines, while DeFelice’s storytelling expertise ensures a cohesive and engaging structure.

What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching exploration of the “afterlife” of war. Gallego delves into the struggles of reintegration, grappling with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the challenge of finding purpose in civilian life. His journey from Marine to congressman is not framed as a triumphant arc but as a complex, ongoing process of healing and advocacy. The book also highlights the bonds forged in combat, portraying Lima Company’s survivors as a family bound by shared sacrifice. Gallego’s reflections on leadership, duty, and the cost of war resonate deeply, offering insights that transcend the battlefield.

As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force with 12 years of service, I found They Called Us “Lucky” profoundly relatable, despite the differences between my experience and Gallego’s. Like Gallego, I deployed multiple times in support of operations in conflict zones, including Afghanistan, where the constant threat of danger—whether from rocket attacks or the psychological strain of prolonged missions—shaped daily life. The book’s depiction of camaraderie mirrored my own memories of relying on my wingmen for support, whether serving on a Personal Security Detachment (PSD) team in Afghanistan or sharing moments of levity to cope with stress. Gallego’s account of losing comrades hit particularly close to home; I recall the somber weight of hundreds of funerals I attended while serving on the Honor Guard, where the stark reality of our own mortality leaves a lasting impression even long after one leaves military service.

My military biography highlights my role in IT and communications, ensuring mission-critical systems functioned in high-stakes environments. This technical focus differed from Lima Company’s ground combat, yet the underlying sense of duty and teamwork was strikingly similar. Gallego’s emphasis on the toll of war also resonated with my post-service transition. Navigating civilian life, from pursuing a federal GS job to engaging in community leadership with the American Legion, required reconciling my military identity with new roles—much like Gallego’s shift to public service. His candid discussion of PTSD and mental health challenges echoed conversations I’ve had with fellow veterans, underscoring the universal struggle to process wartime experiences.

They Called Us "Lucky" excels in its authenticity and emotional depth, though it occasionally leans heavily on military jargon, which may challenge civilian readers. Additionally, while Gallego’s personal story is compelling, some readers might wish for deeper exploration of his political journey to provide context for his advocacy. Nevertheless, the book is a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the strength required to rebuild afterward.

For veterans, this memoir is a mirror reflecting the pride, pain, and perseverance of service. The audiobook is read by Ruben himself and he does infact get emotional. You can feel the emotion through his voice. I was left in tears multiple times when I listened to the audiobook. For civilians, it’s an essential window into the realities of combat and its lasting echoes. Gallego and DeFelice have crafted a work that honors Lima Company’s legacy while challenging readers to confront the true cost of war. As an Air Force veteran, I recommend They Called Us "Lucky" not only for its gripping narrative but for its unflinching honesty about the sacrifices that define military life.

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White Beret Squadron is my new book club, where I share my favorite reads. Feel free to subscribe to get updates whenever I post a review!

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To kick things off for the White Beret Squadron, I have to start with The Bomber Mafia. Here's the story behind why I picked up this audiobook. My job requires a lot of highway travel as I service many clients in North Florida. I typically drive tens of thousands of miles a year. One day, my wife told me the local public library offers free audiobooks. So, I downloaded the app and came across this audiobook. Once I saw the book included history about General Curtis LeMay, that was all I needed to push play. Being an Air Force veteran, I’ve always admired General LeMay, my favorite general from World War II. He was old-school and believed in scorched-earth tactics when fighting our nation's enemies. His mentality paid off because we won the war. I don’t typically like audiobooks—they put me to sleep. However, Malcolm Gladwell’s narration is riveting. He really puts you in the war; you can almost smell the napalm and feel the heat from the bombs. This audiobook is so great that I literally felt guilty for listening to it for free and went out and purchased the actual hardcover book. I know that sounds crazy, but it actually happened. I wanted the author to know he did an excellent job without having to go and write a letter to the man. Besides, my time is hella valuable, and the almighty dollar speaks louder than a letter from a stranger. For those of you who are looking for a great read on World War II Air Force history, please consider listening to this audiobook. It really is worth your time.

Click here to check out The Bomber Mafia

White Beret Squadron is my new book club, where I share my favorite reads. Feel free to subscribe to get updates whenever I post a review!

Subscribe now

The answer is none.

To explain why I wear one, we need to go back 25 years to the year 2000. At that time, I was a cadet in the Madison County High School AFJROTC program (Unit FL-933). I served on the Color Guard and as Commander of the Model Rocketry team. On April 8, 2000, our Color Guard team dedicated a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Madison County, Florida, at Four Freedoms Park.

Just one week later, we carried the colors again in the Madison County Down Home Days Parade. The local newspaper snapped a photo of us—I was carrying the U.S. Air Force flag—and we were all wearing white berets.

Fast forward to 2020. I was a recently separated veteran, grappling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The military had been my entire heart and soul, and suddenly I felt like I’d lost my mission and my identity. As I started attending VA appointments, I noticed other veterans wearing ball caps with their old unit patches on the front. Oddly, I’d never really paid attention to those hats while I was still serving. Now I was one of them.

I looked for a hat that represented my unit—the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron (JCSS), part of the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE)—but I couldn’t find a single one.

I gave up on the veteran ball-cap idea. Honestly, it just wasn’t my style. I needed something different.

My Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) was 1D7X1W—Cyber Defense Operations, Expeditionary Communications. You won’t see that exact AFSC on my service record because the Air Force was in the middle of transitioning my old career field (RF Transmission Systems) into Cyber Defense Operations as I was separating. The titles changed, but the badge never did. That badge meant a lot to me—it took about five years of hard work to earn—and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that community.

Each element of the badge tells a story. I could write a whole book about the missions I supported around the world. Bottom line: if someone needed to communicate anytime, anywhere, they called my unit.

Back to the beret.

In the world of social media—especially when you’re producing videos—you need a consistent theme. A trademark. Something memorable that no one else is doing.

I chose the white beret.

A beret signals military affiliation, which fit because I’m a Veteran. I also knew no active U.S. military unit wears a white one. In my profession, ethical hackers are called “white hats,” and as a certified cybersecurity professional, that connection felt perfect. The white beret became my trademark.

It’s also practical camouflage. When I’m not wearing it, I’m basically invisible—people who don’t know me don’t recognize me in public. That’s how powerful a personal brand can be.

I’ve worn the white beret for years now, and it’s become part of who I am. I’ve stood in it in front of Delta Force operators, Green Berets, Rangers, and Air Force Special Operators. No one has ever accused me of stolen valor. Why? Because it doesn’t represent any unit—it represents me.

Thanks for reading.