Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Strata 6. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Strata 6. Sort by date Show all posts

Jun 18, 2025

Strata 6 Trouble at the Bank (Animal Instincts) The Book of Immersion by Sarnia de la Mare

๐Ÿ”นStrata 6: Healing and Memory

In nature and old data, Renyke discovers forgotten warmth. Can a machine remember love, loss, and belonging? Healing begins with remembering.



Welcome to Immersion. You have reached Strata 6

Trouble at the Bank (Animal Instincts)



man chest heart money open shirt

The instinct to fight has been observed in both humans and animals. Dominance protects vulnerable species from harm. Neural circuits of rage, anger, and violence exist because humans and animals need them to protect offspring, and to secure food, drink, and safety.


But to be aroused or entertained by violence is more particular to humans than other species. Some humans have even fetishised the power of winning: they seek it out and are physically stimulated by it.


This pleasure in violence, along with the thrill of danger, comes from a deep innate human psychology. It is linked to a desire for competition, thrills, and excitement, as well as the promise of adrenaline which humans find stimulating.


Androids do not experience pleasure in this way. They do not experience the effects of pleasure chemicals, like dopamine, or a motivational salience which can lead to the desirability of an outcome. All androids however have been programmed to protect an asset or assets at all costs. Often these goals will result in violent acts.


But the excitement of a fight remains uniquely human and is a self motivated, self fulfilling exhilaration often irrespective of intellectual advancement.



The oversized droid tried to nudge Renyke into the chair. This small movement, a deliberate, forceful action, raised alarm bells. This droid and this place were dangerous.



POS was now completely unresponsive.


The Droids were staring intently, too close for comfort. The finger clicking was getting even more intense.


Renyke took a few moments to compose himself.


'I seem to have made a mistake,' said Renyke, 'I have nothing to exchange after all.'


Queenie, looking worried near the door, demanded access to leave.


'Let me out, this is not my affair,' she said to the door guard who had stopped her exit with his thick arm. She kicked his shin and he laughed. 'That just tickles,' he said, bending down and scowling in her face, too close for comfort.


Still nothing from POS......


Renyke realised he was on his own. This was new. total autonomy was not possible for artificially created learning machines. There was alway a system in place. The system was paramount to seamless function.


One of the droids got closer to Renyke and explained, 'You gotta have something useful for your friends at the bank. We like useful things. Must be something nice you got for the banker.'


The other droid looked at Renyke's bag. 'What's in the bag?' he said moving forward to remove it from Renyke's shoulder.


Maybeline crawled out onto Renyke's collar snarling and spitting. She was screeching violently and standing on her hind legs.


'We take anything, old phones even. Anything with data, or storage, or files, photos, NFTs. We take hardware too, your bank is really *frienly. The watch looks tasty. We like watches at the bank. Don't we like watches?'


His thick-set assistant nodded, wires and cogs vibrated inside a hole in his cheek.


Suddenly POS was available again and activated defence and attack modes.


Renyke engaged his bionics and with lightning speed, head butted the first droid who flew back and smashed the other's head with the force of a truck. Cogs crushed and whirred and they both hit the floor.


Maybeline screeched and began removing wires from orifices in the droids heads.. Then she stood victorious on her hind legs looking around for another victim.


Human, age 48, ID: possibly David Shrewen, wanted for murder, extortion, fraud, by *CASM


A short well dressed man approached trying to calm the situation. He lifted his hands in surrender. He was nervous without the protection of his now defunct droids.


The Door guard held the female guide by the neck and she was screaming, 'Let us go we're no trouble honest, no trouble!'


'Quiet', said the door guard squeezing her neck tighter and choking her.


'My name is David Shrewen and I have a reputation to uphold. One of professionalism and integrity. I must apologise for my overzealous staff.' He put his hand out to shake Renyke's hand.


Shall I lock weapons on target? asked POS.


Renyke engaged an army-issue laser bolt-gun in his hand that would take out the whole room and anyone in it.




He would prefer not to use it but he pointed it at Shrewen's face fixing a menacing stare.


'Duuuuude, we got no ishy here. No *ishy, just data. A misunderstanding my friend?' Said Shrewen.


'Drop the lady!' Shouted Renyke, 'we are leaving.'


'Let them go', shouted Shrewen, without hesitation and putting on a brave friendly smile.


The door guard released Queenie, as the banker backed off with his hands still in the air.


Renyke reversed his way towards the door watching the room through his the 360-degree embedded viewfinder.


There was a bag on the counter.


...Contains *bits, may I suggest we take it.....? said POS


Renyke grabbed the bag. It was heavy. The Banker protested. 'Not the whole bag man ......I got bills to pay!'


Renyke pulled out a handful of the contents and threw the bag on the floor. He didn't need it all, enough to get some kind of vehicle to get him to Redact. The last thing he wanted was a gang of stupid droids after him in this Hell hole. They might hold him up.


The banker was yelling as Renyke and Queenie took their exit.


Shrewen was shouting as they made their way back through the market, 'You got some neat tools man, we could use you at the bank!'


to be continued....

© 2025 Sarnia de la Mare




#BookOfImmersion #StrataSeries #SarniaDeLaMare #ImmersiveFiction #TaleTellerClub  


Book cover anime graphic novel Shabra

The Book of Immersion : Volume 1 Kindle Edition
by Sarnia de la Mare (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

Book 19 of 23: The Book of Immersion


See all formats and editions


The Book of Immersion: Volume 1
by Sarnia de la Mare

In a future where code meets consciousness, one being begins a haunting transformation. Renyke—an AI on the edge of humanity—awakens to emotion, sensory overload, and the fragile beauty of connection. Guided by the enigmatic Flex, their deepening bond explores intimacy and friendship, neurodivergence, and the complex world of feeling through an autistic spectrum lens.


Read on Kindle Unlimited for free


Complete Book All Strata on Kindle

Individual Chapters/Strata


Strata 1
Strata 2
Strata 3
Strata 4
Strata 5
Strata 6
Strata 7
Strata 8
Strata 9
Strata 10
Strata 11
Strata 12
Strata 13
Strata 14
Strata 15
Strata 16
Strata 17
Strata 18
Strata 19
Strata 20

Volume 2
Strata 21
Strata 22

Newsletter from the desk of the author Sarnia de la Marรฉ

From the Desk of Sarnia de la Marรฉ

Hello dear readers!

I’m thrilled to share what I’ve been working on—and where you can find all my latest books at your fingertips:I’m daily releasing a FREE Kindle chapter, building the story in real time. Expect immersive exploration, new characters, and fresh music to enrich your reading experience.

What’s next:

A new free chapter each day on Kindle

A full run of daily releases over the coming months

Live updates via Kindle and Amazon Author Page
๐Ÿ”— Find them all

To stay in the loop: follow me on Amazon and check your inbox for daily chapter alerts!

Thank you for journeying with me through immersive worlds and heartfelt stories. I can’t wait for you to dive into Volume 2—see you in the next Strata!

Warmly,
Sarnia de la Marรฉ
Multi‑genre author, artist & musician

๐Ÿ“š Books by Sarnia de la Marรฉ

Strata 1: The Beginning
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon

Strata 2: The Maybe Line
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon

Strata 3: Flex and the Robo-Dog
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon

Strata 10: Dinfant Trouble (Synthetic Love)
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon

Elderescence: A Manifesto
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon

Toddle Poddle: Issue 2 – Rat Gang Crew
๐Ÿ‘‰ Read on Amazon
๐Ÿ”— Follow Me on Amazon

๐Ÿ“Œ Author Page
๐Ÿ†• Daily Kindle Chapters – The Book of Immersion Volume 2

Check your Kindle each day for a free new chapter! ๐Ÿ“– Follow along as the story unfolds in real time. Music, storytelling, and AI adventures await.


From the Desk of Sarnia de la Marรฉ ✨

Hello dear readers!

I’m thrilled to share what I’ve been working on—and where you can find all my latest books at your fingertips:
 
๐Ÿ“˜ The Book of Immersion – Volume 1: Strata 1: The Beginning

A dystopian opening introducing Renyke, an android discovering purpose beyond servitude.
➡️ Read now: Strata 1: The Beginning amazon.com


Renyke meets friendship where he least expects it…
➡️ Read now: Strata 2: The Maybe Line 


๐Ÿ“™ Strata 3: Flex and the Robo‑Dog

Dive into decision‑making with Renyke and his mechanical companion.
➡️ Read now: Strata 3: Flex and the Robo‑Dog 


๐Ÿ“• Strata 10: Dinfant Trouble (Synthetic Love)

A mid‑series deep dive into artificial emotion and synthetic love.
➡️ Read now: Strata 10: Dinfant Trouble 


๐ŸŒฑ Elderescence: A Manifesto (Elderescence Academy)

Redefining aging as vitality, creativity, and lifelong growth.

๐Ÿ“’ Toddle Poddle: Issue 2 (Rat Gang Crew)

A fun, heartwarming paperback for little adventurers.

๐ŸŒŠ Current Project: The Book of Immersion – Volume 2



Follow on Amazon




#BookOfImmersion #StrataSeries #SarniaDeLaMare #ImmersiveFiction #TaleTellerClub  


Book cover anime graphic novel Shabra

The Book of Immersion : Volume 1 Kindle Edition
by Sarnia de la Mare (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

Book 19 of 23: The Book of Immersion


See all formats and editions


The Book of Immersion: Volume 1
by Sarnia de la Mare

In a future where code meets consciousness, one being begins a haunting transformation. Renyke—an AI on the edge of humanity—awakens to emotion, sensory overload, and the fragile beauty of connection. Guided by the enigmatic Flex, their deepening bond explores intimacy and friendship, neurodivergence, and the complex world of feeling through an autistic spectrum lens.


Read on Kindle Unlimited for free


Complete Book All Strata on Kindle

Individual Chapters/Strata


Strata 1
Strata 2
Strata 3
Strata 4
Strata 5
Strata 6
Strata 7
Strata 8
Strata 9
Strata 10
Strata 11
Strata 12
Strata 13
Strata 14
Strata 15
Strata 16
Strata 17
Strata 18
Strata 19
Strata 20
Strata 21
Strata 22


     



    Minor Matter by Tale Teller Club


    THE BOOK OF IMMERSION
    STRATA 8 — SHABRA (LAWS OF ATTRACTION)
    By Sarnia de la Marรฉ

    Welcome to Immersion. You have reached Strata 8.

    Desire is a glitch in the system—or so Renyke believed. Until he met Shabra.

    Fleeing the compound with rogue companion Flex and a loyal robodog, Renyke encounters a woman like no other. Fierce, streetwise, and enigmatic, Shabra offers transport through the dangerous Zoner districts—for a price. But it's not just the deal that's risky. It's what Renyke begins to feel.

    Attraction, longing, the pull of something deeper. Human emotions... or something else awakening inside?

    As this AI-human fusion experiment spirals further into the unknown, Strata 8 explores the collision between programmed logic and raw, unpredictable passion.

    Can a machine learn to love? Or is attraction a human flaw that can't be coded—or cured?

    Step deeper into the immersive, multisensory world of The Book of Immersion, where every Strata is a test, every encounter a clue, and every emotion... a potential malfunction.



    #BookOfImmersion #StrataSeries #SarniaDeLaMare #ImmersiveFiction #TaleTellerClub  


    Book cover anime graphic novel Shabra

    The Book of Immersion : Volume 1 Kindle Edition
    by Sarnia de la Mare (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

    Book 19 of 23: The Book of Immersion


    See all formats and editions


    The Book of Immersion: Volume 1
    by Sarnia de la Mare

    In a future where code meets consciousness, one being begins a haunting transformation. Renyke—an AI on the edge of humanity—awakens to emotion, sensory overload, and the fragile beauty of connection. Guided by the enigmatic Flex, their deepening bond explores intimacy and friendship, neurodivergence, and the complex world of feeling through an autistic spectrum lens.


    Read on Kindle Unlimited for free


    Complete Book All Strata on Kindle

    Individual Chapters/Strata


    Strata 1
    Strata 2
    Strata 3
    Strata 4
    Strata 5
    Strata 6
    Strata 7
    Strata 8
    Strata 9
    Strata 10
    Strata 11
    Strata 12
    Strata 13
    Strata 14
    Strata 15
    Strata 16
    Strata 17
    Strata 18
    Strata 19
    Strata 20
    Strata 21
    Strata 22