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'The following queued surgeries have been completed:
[Phase 5 Neuroglass Interface]: A nanomesh of bio-reactive fibers is embedded along the optic nerves and visual cortex, layering visual input through a real-time slow-motion processing filter. Users can toggle between real-time and reduced-speed perception by breaking continuous visual feed back into a series of stock images, allowing them to track high-velocity objects and anticipate motion.
[Phase 6 Cerebral Bloom Protocol]: Pluripotent stem cells are reprogrammed to replicate enhanced cortical neurons, which are then implanted into the brain's frontal and parietal lobes. This procedure significantly increased gray matter density, expanded working memory, and seamless multi-threaded thought. Allows the subconscious mind to perform calculations, make predictions, and conduct tactical assessments using constructive models based on visual stimuli. The result is an accurate prediction of objects in motion, greatly increasing innate accuracy.
[Phase 7 Synaptra Surge]: A reprogramming of neuron DNA causes the synthesis of new proteins capable of binding to trace amounts of silver that are absorbed naturally through bodily functions. This silver is then incorporated into the cellular structure of neurons, greatly enhancing transmission speed between neurons by up to 400% due to silver's high conductivity. Creating a full neural acceleration suite that encases the entire spinal column. The subject is gifted with hyper-fast processing, near-instant reflexes, and the ability to respond to threats the moment they manifest.
[Phase 8 Mnemonic Vortex Core]: A tertiary hippocampal structure is implanted within the temporal lobe to stabilize and expand long-term memory pathways. Coupled with synaptic plasticity enhancement and an assumed neural acceleration suite, it allows users to replay memories in perfect detail, cross-reference data on demand, and learn new information at an accelerated rate. While not an ideal analogy, processed information is routed through a similar process to that of many modern electronic storage devices.
[Phase 9 Multi-Thread Induction]: Graphene microfibers are woven into the prefrontal cortex with the help of seed grafts, forming a scaffold-like structure capable of processing limited information, such as motion and motor functions, in conjunction with the prefrontal lobe. This allows the brain to accomplish limited multi-threaded task management instead of rapidly switching between tasks, which reduces focus and leads to a loss in overall efficiency.
[Phase 10 Cerebral Gate]: This procedure is only necessary if phases 5-9 have been implemented in the subject. Instead of enhancing the mind, the Cerebral Gate incorporates conscious control over the hypothalamus, which is responsible for hormonal responses in the body. This allows the subject to effectively mute or reduce the intensity of their emotions while also limiting their higher functions in times of increased mental distress. However, abusing this system is only a short-term solution, and traditional therapy is still advised for traumatic experiences and encounters.
Post-Operative Treatment: Due to the treatment's intense and extensive reworking of the subject's neurological system, the recovery period will be quite significant as the patient adjusts. Both mental and physical rehabilitation are recommended to reconnect the body with the neurological augments to create a fully adjusted locomotive system.
Disclaimer: The patient may experience some initial discomfort and mental strain as their previous neural pathways are reorganized during the optimization and acclimation process.'
MJ let out a soft groan as she felt her eyes flutter open. She looked around in a daze, for a moment she couldn't place where she was, but then the heavenly padding beneath her caused her mind to make the mental connection, 'Well, I'm still alive and not in absolute agony, so I guess the surgery was a success.'
As the cradle opened with a hiss, MJ tried to sit up, only to feel like she was moving through jelly as the delay between her thinking and her body's response seemed to stretch for an eternity, 'What's going on, is that supposed to happen?'
Feeling a twinge of nervousness, MJ looked over at Harry and Madison for help, only to watch their movements slough as well, "Harry, I think something is very wrong with me."
"It's alright, just talk to me, what's going on?" Harry replied calmly, his voice surprisingly normal despite the fact that he was encased in jello.
"Everything is moving really slow, and there's this weird...lag when I try to move my body," MJ explained as she wiggled her fingers for emphasis. "Did something happen with the surgery? Am I stuck like this?"
"Ah, I know what the issue is. I was wondering how your increased perception was going to manifest," Harry muttered, which didn't help MJ's nerves one bit.
"Harry, ditch the science talk for a moment and explain what's happening to the poor girl," Madison chided as she reached over and placed a comforting hand on MJ's shoulder.
Harry coughed, "Right, sorry about that, in layman's terms, MJ, your mind is just thinking really fast and you're still adjusting to it. So, right now, everything looks like it's moving in slow motion. Over time, you'll adjust, but to help you right now, just take a few deep breaths and imagine that you're turning a dial or moving a switch like you would to adjust the volume, only its for your mind."
The analogy didn't truly click for MJ, but she decided to give it a try, taking a few breaths and holding the mental image that Harry suggested. At first, nothing seemed to change, but then MJ felt a tingling sensation pass down her spine, and suddenly she blinked as everything seemed to snap back into place.
Blinking to make sure she wasn't imagining it, MJ wiggled her fingers again and sighed when they moved normally, "Oh, that's so much better, thank god. I was worried for a moment that I was gonna be stuck like that."
"Fortunately for you, I implemented some fail-safes and safety protocols so that exact scenario wouldn't happen. Though like I said, you would have adjusted with time," Harry replied as he moved back the console and initiated the Cradle's transfer sequence to the waiting gurney, "Recovery is going to a bit more of a process this time around, but you'll be happy to hear, that we're already starting to schedule an exhibition for your grand debut."
"W-wait, are you serious?" MJ asked as a broad grin spread across her face, and she suddenly sat in the gurney, "You're finally letting me out of this basement!"
"You've been free to leave the entire time," Harry muttered as he crossed his arms disapprovingly. "I've actually advised you multiple times to go back and seek some type of closure with your family. Also basement is a bit of a stretch for a multi-billion-dollar state-of-the-art laboratory and training facility."
MJ bit her lip at the mention of her family and brushed aside her hair as she glanced away, "There's nothing I need to say to them, I've moved on to bigger things, and I know they'll only try to hold me back."
MJ then looked up at Harry, "Besides, I've got you, Betty, and Liz. You guys are all the family I need."
"And what about Gwen? Are you ever going to tell her about your decision to become a superhero?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.
MJ scoffed, "I gave up on trying to reach out to her in Sophomore year. She's never opened herself up in all the time I've known her. I don't see why she would expect me to return the courtesy."
Harry looked like he wanted to say something, but seemingly thought better of it, "Alright then, it's your life, your decision."
"Thank you, Harry," MJ replied sincerely, "All I want to focus on right now is training and getting ready. God knows how much time and money you guys have spent on me, and I really don't want to let anyone down. I know how much is riding on this."
"Well, if it's any relief, you won't be our only Ascendant for much longer. Silvija managed to contact the vigilante known as Squirrel Girl, and she's agreed to officially sign on with us." Harry announced with a broad grin, though the reaction he got wasn't nearly as positive.
"W-wait, hold on for a second," Madison stammered as she held up her hand, "You've entered negotiations with a vigilante, you're just now bringing this up?"
"There's a vigilante named Squirrel Girl?" MJ asked suspiciously, "What, does she power up after eating an acorn?"
"I don't know, I'll add it to the questionnaire." Harry commented with a smile, "Though I'm pretty confident her power set is limited to increased strength, and the ability to communicate with squirrels. And there's the tail, of course, though I'm not certain of its practical use."