/* ============================================================
   ELITEOPS — SINGLE EDGE
   One continuous world, not slides. Graphite, never blue-black.
   Accents: electric blue / signal orange / ops teal / valor red / recon purple
   ============================================================ */

:root {
  --bg: #0b0c0f;
  --panel-glass: rgba(17, 18, 23, 0.66);
  --panel-solid: #14151a;
  --ink: #eef0f4;
  --ink-dim: #c4cad4;
  --ink-faint: #828997;
  --hairline: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.09);
  --hairline-strong: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);

  --blue: #4da3ff;
  --blue-deep: #1a6cf2;
  --orange: #ff8a1e;
  --teal: #00dcdc;
  --red: #ff5d5d;
  --purple: #9d4edd;

  --font-display: "industry", "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;
  --font-body: "industry", -apple-system, sans-serif;
  --font-mono: "JetBrains Mono", "SF Mono", monospace;

  --wrap: 1360px;
  --radius: 12px;

  /* spacing system: capped so gaps never grow with monitor height */
  --sec-pad: clamp(60px, 7vh, 88px);
  --head-gap: 26px;
}

@media (min-width: 1680px) {
  :root { --wrap: 1500px; }
}

* { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }

html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }

body {
  background: var(--bg);
  color: var(--ink);
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 18px;
  line-height: 1.66;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  overflow-x: hidden;
}

/* ============ THE WORLD ============ */

#world {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  z-index: 0;
  display: block;
}

.world-scrim {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(11,12,15,0.35) 0%, rgba(11,12,15,0.0) 26%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 120% 70% at 50% 50%, transparent 48%, rgba(11,12,15,0.42) 100%);
}

main, .nav, .mobile-menu, footer { position: relative; z-index: 2; }

.wrap { max-width: var(--wrap); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 30px; }
.mono { font-family: var(--font-mono); }

::selection { background: rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.35); }

.accent-blue   { color: var(--blue); }
.accent-orange { color: var(--orange); }
.accent-teal   { color: var(--teal); }
.accent-red    { color: var(--red); }
.accent-purple { color: var(--purple); }
.dim           { color: var(--ink-dim); }
.nb            { white-space: nowrap; }
@media (max-width: 700px) { .nb { white-space: normal; } }
.lede-one { max-width: none; white-space: nowrap; font-size: 18px; }
.h2-oneline { max-width: none; white-space: nowrap; }
@media (max-width: 1080px) {
  .lede-one, .h2-oneline { white-space: normal; }
  .lede-one { max-width: 700px; }
  .h2-oneline { max-width: 900px; }
}

.grad-text {
  background: linear-gradient(92deg, var(--orange) 10%, var(--blue) 90%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  color: transparent;
}

/* hover underline sweep for emphasized phrases */
.emph {
  position: relative;
  cursor: default;
  transition: color 0.25s;
}
.emph::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 0; bottom: -2px;
  width: 0; height: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, currentColor, transparent);
  transition: width 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
}
.emph:hover::after { width: 100%; }

/* ============ TYPE ============ */

.h2 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(36px, 4.4vw, 60px);
  line-height: 1.04;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.002em;
  margin: 0 0 var(--head-gap);
  max-width: 1020px;
}
.h2 em { font-style: normal; }
.h2-big { font-size: clamp(40px, 5.2vw, 72px); max-width: 1180px; }

.kicker {
  color: var(--orange);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .kicker { font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.12em; }
}

/* quiet header: light weight, lets the content carry the section */
.h2-quiet {
  font-weight: 300;
  font-size: clamp(28px, 3.2vw, 44px);
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  max-width: 860px;
}
.h2-quiet em { font-weight: 800; }

/* hollow header: outlined type, solid colored payoff */
.h2-hollow {
  color: transparent;
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1.5px rgba(238, 240, 244, 0.85);
}
.h2-hollow em {
  color: var(--blue);
  -webkit-text-stroke: 0;
  text-shadow: 0 0 44px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.5);
}

.lede {
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  font-size: 20px;
  font-weight: 400;
  max-width: 820px;
}
.lede-center { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }

/* punch lines — the deck's "bottom line", grown up */
.punch {
  margin-top: clamp(26px, 3.5vh, 38px);
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
  text-align: center;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 300;
  font-size: clamp(19px, 2.3vw, 28px);
  line-height: 1.3;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  max-width: 1000px;
}
.punch b { font-weight: 800; color: var(--ink); }
.punch { max-width: 1100px; }
.punch-pre { color: var(--orange); font-size: 0.7em; vertical-align: 0.15em; }
.punch-side { font-size: clamp(17px, 1.6vw, 21px); margin-top: 34px; }

/* ============ SECTIONS ============ */

.sec { padding: var(--sec-pad) 0; position: relative; overflow: clip; }

/* heroes, story scenes, and the final CTA stay full-screen and dramatic;
   standard sections are content-driven with a CAPPED gap so spacing
   never grows with monitor height */
@media (min-width: 861px) {
  .about-hero, .ask {
    min-height: 100svh;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
  }
  .about-hero > .wrap, .ask > .wrap { width: 100%; margin-top: auto; margin-bottom: auto; }
}

/* boundary: full hairline + centered gradient tick, so sections break clean */
.sec::after, .story::after, .ask::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: min(var(--wrap), calc(100% - 60px));
  height: 1px;
  pointer-events: none;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255,255,255,0.13) 16%, rgba(255,255,255,0.13) 84%, transparent);
}
.story { position: relative; }

/* readability scrim behind each section's content */
.sec > .wrap, .story .wrap {
  position: relative;
}
.sec::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 85% 90% at 42% 50%, rgba(11,12,15,0.62), transparent 75%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

/* ============ NAV ============ */

.nav {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  background: rgba(11, 12, 15, 0.75);
  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline);
}

.nav-inner {
  max-width: var(--wrap);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 30px;
  height: 74px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 30px;
}

.nav-logo img {
  height: 38px;
  display: block;
  transition: opacity 0.35s, transform 0.35s;
}
body.at-hero .nav-logo img { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-8px); }

.nav-links { display: flex; gap: 28px; margin-left: 10px; }

.nav-links a {
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 15px;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: color 0.18s;
  padding: 4px 0;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
}
.nav-links a:hover { color: var(--ink); }
.nav-links a.active { color: var(--blue); border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }

.nav-right { margin-left: auto; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 18px; }

.nav-readout {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 13px;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.nav-readout b { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 700; }

.ro-seg {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  font: inherit;
  letter-spacing: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 6px 2px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: color 0.15s, border-color 0.15s;
}
.ro-seg:hover { color: var(--ink); border-bottom-color: var(--hairline-strong); }
.ro-seg.ro-open { color: var(--ink); border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }
.ro-seg.ro-on { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 700; }
.ro-sep { color: var(--ink-faint); }

.ro-menu {
  position: absolute;
  top: calc(100% + 10px);
  left: 0;
  min-width: 190px;
  background: rgba(13, 14, 18, 0.96);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  border-radius: 10px;
  padding: 8px;
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
  z-index: 120;
}
.ro-menu-right { left: auto; right: 0; }
.ro-menu a {
  display: block;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  padding: 10px 13px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  transition: color 0.12s, background 0.12s;
}
.ro-menu a:hover { color: var(--ink); background: rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.12); }
.ro-menu a.on { color: var(--blue); }
.ro-menu a.on::after { content: " ◂"; }

/* Every anchor target inside <main> clears the fixed 74px nav (+18px air). */
main [id] { scroll-margin-top: 92px; }

.nav-progress {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -1px; left: 0;
  height: 2px;
  width: 0%;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--blue), var(--teal));
}

.nav-burger {
  display: none;
  margin-left: auto;
  background: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  border-radius: 6px;
  padding: 9px 8px;
  cursor: pointer;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 4px;
}
.nav-burger span { display: block; width: 18px; height: 2px; background: var(--ink); }

.mobile-menu {
  display: none;
  position: fixed;
  top: 74px; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 99;
  background: rgba(11, 12, 15, 0.97);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  padding: 18px 30px 26px;
  flex-direction: column;
  max-height: calc(100vh - 74px);
  max-height: calc(100dvh - 74px);
  overflow-y: auto;
  overscroll-behavior: contain;
  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
}
.mobile-menu.open { display: flex; }
.mobile-menu a {
  color: var(--ink);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 17px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  padding: 13px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline);
}
.mobile-menu a.btn { border: none; margin-top: 16px; text-align: center; }
.mobile-menu .mm-label {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 24px 0 7px;
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
}
.mobile-menu .mm-label:first-child { padding-top: 4px; }

/* ============ BUTTONS ============ */

.btn {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 15px;
  letter-spacing: 0.09em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  text-decoration: none;
  white-space: nowrap;
  padding: 15px 30px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  transition: transform 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1), box-shadow 0.2s, border-color 0.2s, color 0.2s;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.btn-primary {
  color: #061019;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #6db6ff, var(--blue) 40%, var(--blue-deep));
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(109, 182, 255, 0.4), 0 6px 28px rgba(26, 108, 242, 0.4);
}
.btn-primary:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.03);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(109, 182, 255, 0.75), 0 10px 40px rgba(26, 108, 242, 0.6);
}

.btn-ghost {
  color: var(--ink);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
}
.btn-ghost:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); transform: translateY(-2px); }

.btn-sm { padding: 11px 22px; font-size: 13.5px; }
.btn-lg { padding: 19px 46px; font-size: 19px; }

/* ============ HERO ============ */

.hero {
  min-height: 100svh;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 92px 0 78px;
  position: relative;
  overflow: clip;
}

.hero-bracket {
  position: absolute;
  width: 40px; height: 40px;
  border: 0 solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.55);
  z-index: 3;
}
.bk-tl { top: 88px; left: 26px; border-top-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; }
.bk-tr { top: 88px; right: 26px; border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; }
.bk-bl { bottom: 26px; left: 26px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; }
.bk-br { bottom: 26px; right: 26px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; }

.hero-inner {
  margin-top: auto;
  margin-bottom: auto;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 0.9fr;
  gap: 70px;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.hero-logo-img {
  height: 48px;
  width: auto;
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 6px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6));
  transition: filter 0.3s;
}
.hero-logo-img:hover {
  filter: drop-shadow(0 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.6)) drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.45));
}

.hero-main { position: relative; }

/* one scanline sweep across the title after the entrance */
body.fx .hero-main::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: -4%; right: 30%;
  top: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(155, 205, 255, 0.85), transparent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.8);
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  animation: scan-sweep 1.6s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 1.9s 1 forwards;
}
@keyframes scan-sweep {
  0%   { opacity: 0; top: 6%; }
  12%  { opacity: 1; }
  88%  { opacity: 1; }
  100% { opacity: 0; top: 64%; }
}

.hero-kicker { font-size: 14px; }

.hero-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(60px, 10vw, 138px);
  line-height: 0.92;
  letter-spacing: 0.005em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin: 12px 0 8px -0.045em; /* optical left alignment: Industry's side bearing */
}
.hero-title .line { display: block; }
.hero-title.clipping .line { overflow: hidden; }
.hero-title .char { display: inline-block; will-change: transform; }
.hero-title .accent-blue { text-shadow: 0 0 70px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.5); }

.hero-focus {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 18px;
  color: var(--ink);
  font-size: 16px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.34em;
  text-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.35);
  margin: 4px 0 22px;
}
.hero-focus::after {
  content: "";
  height: 2px;
  flex: 1 1 auto;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--orange), var(--blue) 55%, transparent);
}

.hero-copy {
  font-size: 16.5px;
  font-weight: 400;
  max-width: 600px;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.hero-copy b { font-weight: 600; }

.hero-sub {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(24px, 2.7vw, 34px);
  line-height: 1.12;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin: 18px 0 0;
}

.hero-ctas { display: flex; gap: 16px; margin-top: 26px; flex-wrap: wrap; }

/* short windows: compress further so the whole hero is above the fold */
@media (max-height: 880px) {
  .hero { padding: 84px 0 56px; }
  .hero-logo-img { height: 40px; margin-bottom: 18px; }
  .hero-title { font-size: clamp(54px, 8.6vw, 104px); }
  .hero-focus { margin-bottom: 16px; }
  .hero-copy { font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; }
  .hero-sub { font-size: clamp(22px, 2.4vw, 30px); margin-top: 14px; }
  .hero-ctas { margin-top: 20px; }
  .hud-strip { padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px; }
}
@media (max-height: 740px) {
  .hero-title { font-size: clamp(48px, 7.6vw, 88px); }
  .hero-copy:nth-of-type(2) { display: none; }
  .stat-num { font-size: clamp(32px, 3.2vw, 42px) !important; }
  .hero-stats { gap: 22px; }
}

/* right-hand tactical stat rail */
.hero-stats {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 34px;
  align-items: flex-end;
  text-align: right;
  padding-left: 34px;
}

.tactical-rail {
  position: absolute;
  left: 0; top: 6px; bottom: 6px;
  width: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent, var(--hairline-strong) 15%, var(--hairline-strong) 85%, transparent);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-around;
  align-items: center;
}
.tactical-rail i {
  width: 8px; height: 8px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--blue-deep);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(26, 108, 242, 0.9);
  animation: dot-pulse 3.2s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.tactical-rail i:nth-child(even) {
  background: var(--orange);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(255, 138, 30, 0.9);
}
.tactical-rail i:nth-child(2) { animation-delay: 0.4s; }
.tactical-rail i:nth-child(3) { animation-delay: 0.8s; }
.tactical-rail i:nth-child(4) { animation-delay: 1.2s; }
.tactical-rail i:nth-child(5) { animation-delay: 1.6s; }

@keyframes dot-pulse { 0%, 100% { opacity: 0.3; } 50% { opacity: 1; } }

.stat { cursor: default; transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1); }
.stat:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); }

.stat-num {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(42px, 4vw, 60px);
  line-height: 1;
  transition: text-shadow 0.3s;
}
.stat:hover .stat-num { text-shadow: 0 0 26px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.7); }

.stat-label {
  margin-top: 8px;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  transition: color 0.3s;
}
.stat:hover .stat-label { color: var(--ink-dim); }

.hud-strip {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 2;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto 1fr;
  align-items: center;
  max-width: var(--wrap);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 18px 30px;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
}
.hud-strip > span:first-child { justify-self: start; }
.hud-strip > span:last-child { justify-self: end; }
.hud-strip b { color: var(--blue); }
.hud-scroll { animation: hud-pulse 2.4s ease-in-out infinite; }
.hud-caret { display: inline-block; animation: hud-bob 2.4s ease-in-out infinite; }

@keyframes hud-pulse { 0%,100% { opacity: 0.5; } 50% { opacity: 1; } }
@keyframes hud-bob { 0%,100% { transform: translateY(0); } 50% { transform: translateY(4px); } }

/* ============ PANELS ============ */

.panel {
  --series: var(--blue);
  position: relative;
  background: var(--panel-glass);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 30px 30px 26px;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1), border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.25s;
}

.panel::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 8%; right: 8%;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255,255,255,0.25), transparent);
}

.panel::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 16px; bottom: 16px; left: 0;
  width: 2px;
  background: var(--series);
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.panel[data-accent="blue"]   { --series: var(--blue); }
.panel[data-accent="teal"]   { --series: var(--teal); }
.panel[data-accent="orange"] { --series: var(--orange); }
.panel[data-accent="red"]    { --series: var(--red); }
.panel[data-accent="purple"] { --series: var(--purple); }
.panel[data-accent="dim"]    { --series: var(--ink-faint); }

.panel:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--series) 55%, transparent);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5), 0 0 40px -16px var(--series);
}

.panel h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 22px;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.panel p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 16.5px; font-weight: 400; }
.panel p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.card-tag { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.2em; color: var(--series); margin-bottom: 12px; }

/* ============ STORY (pinned scrollytelling) ============ */

.story { position: relative; }
.story-pin {
  min-height: 100svh;
  display: flex;
  position: relative;
  overflow: clip;
  padding: var(--sec-pad) 0;
}
.story-pin::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 85% 90% at 42% 50%, rgba(11,12,15,0.62), transparent 75%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.story-pin > .wrap { margin-top: auto; margin-bottom: auto; width: 100%; }

.story-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.1fr;
  gap: 60px;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.story-steps { position: relative; margin-top: 10px; min-height: 150px; }

.story-step {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0 0 auto 0;
  font-size: clamp(19px, 2vw, 24px);
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(18px);
  transition: opacity 0.45s, transform 0.45s;
}
.story-step b { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); }
.story-step b.accent-orange { color: var(--orange); }
.story-step.is-on { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

/* the 3D stage where chips collapse into the platform */
.story-stage { perspective: 1000px; margin-left: clamp(0px, 4vw, 64px); }

.stage3d {
  position: relative;
  height: 480px;
  transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

.chip3d {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%; left: 50%;
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--ink);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  background: var(--panel-glass);
  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
  border-radius: 8px;
  padding: 10px 18px;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translate3d(var(--tx), var(--ty), 60px) rotate(var(--rz));
  will-change: transform, opacity;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
}

.platform3d {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%; left: 50%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  border: 1px solid var(--orange);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(255,138,30,0.12), rgba(255,138,30,0.02));
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
  padding: 40px 52px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 8px;
  align-items: center;
  box-shadow: 0 0 60px -12px rgba(255, 138, 30, 0.55);
  will-change: transform, box-shadow;
}

.platform-label { font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.26em; color: var(--orange); }
.platform-name {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 38px;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}

/* ============ CENTERED HEAD / WIDE LEDGER ============ */

.center-head { text-align: center; }
.center-head .h2 { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-wrap: balance; }

.ledger-wide { margin-top: 8px; }
.ledger-wide .ledger-row { padding: 13px 6px 11px; }
.ledger-wide .ledger-row p { font-size: 16px; }
.ledger-wide .ledger-cols {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr;
  gap: 30px;
  align-items: baseline;
}
.ledger-wide h3 { font-size: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 2px; }

.gap-callout {
  margin-top: 28px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 34px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  padding: 22px 32px;
}
.gap-callout > div:first-child { max-width: 640px; }
.gap-callout h3 { font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 4px; }
.gap-callout p { font-size: 16px; }
.gap-callout .plat-chips { margin-top: 0; }

.punch-center { text-align: center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }

/* --- ledger: full-width numbered rows, no boxes --- */
.ledger { list-style: none; }

.ledger-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 34px 1fr;
  gap: 22px;
  padding: 22px 6px 20px;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  transition: background 0.25s, padding-left 0.3s;
}
.ledger-row:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline); }
.ledger-row:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,138,30,0.05), transparent 60%);
  padding-left: 14px;
}

.ledger-mark {
  width: 9px; height: 9px;
  margin-top: 12px;
  background: var(--orange);
  transform: rotate(45deg);
  box-shadow: 0 0 14px rgba(255, 138, 30, 0.7);
}

.ledger-row h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 20px;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}
.ledger-row p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; font-size: 16.5px; }
.ledger-row p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.ledger-plus .ledger-mark { background: var(--blue); box-shadow: 0 0 14px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.7); }

/* --- why: borderless 4-across strip with oversized numerals --- */
.why-strip {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  margin-top: 8px;
}

.why-item {
  --wc: var(--blue);
  position: relative;
  padding: 26px 26px 6px 0;
  margin-right: 26px;
  transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
}
.why-item::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0;
  width: 44px; height: 3px;
  background: var(--wc);
  box-shadow: 0 0 18px color-mix(in srgb, var(--wc) 70%, transparent);
  transition: width 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
}
.why-item:hover { transform: translateY(-6px); }
.why-item:hover::before { width: 100%; }

.why-item h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 22px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  color: var(--wc);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  min-height: 3.35em; /* true two-line reserve: all four descriptions start level */
}

.why-item p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; font-size: 17px; }

/* --- proof: horizontal node band, echoes the curve --- */
.proof-band {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 40px;
  position: relative;
  margin-top: 14px;
  padding-top: 32px;
}
.proof-band::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.22), rgba(255,255,255,0.14) 66%, transparent 88%);
}

.proof-item { --pc: var(--blue); position: relative; }

.proof-node {
  position: absolute;
  top: -36.5px; /* dead-center on the 1px band line (padding-top 32) */
  left: 0;
  width: 10px; height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--pc);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px color-mix(in srgb, var(--pc) 60%, transparent);
}

.proof-item h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 22px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  color: var(--pc);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.proof-item p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; font-size: 17px; }
.proof-item p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.plat-chips { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; margin-top: 18px; }

.plat-chips span {
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  color: var(--blue);
  border: 1px solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.35);
  background: rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.07);
  border-radius: 6px;
  padding: 6px 12px;
  transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1), border-color 0.2s, color 0.2s;
}
.plat-chips span:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); border-color: var(--blue); color: #9ecbff; }

/* ============ THESIS — the equation ============ */

.equation {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: clamp(20px, 3vw, 44px);
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-top: 8px;
}

.eq-term { max-width: 330px; }

.eq-word {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(32px, 3.8vw, 54px);
  line-height: 1.0;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.eq-term:last-child .eq-word { text-shadow: 0 0 44px rgba(255, 138, 30, 0.45); }

.eq-note {
  display: block;
  margin-top: 12px;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  font-size: 16px;
  font-weight: 400;
  max-width: 280px;
}

.eq-sign {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 300;
  font-size: clamp(40px, 4.6vw, 64px);
  line-height: 1;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  padding-top: clamp(8px, 1vw, 18px);
}

/* ============ MATURITY CURVE ============ */

.curve-stage {
  position: relative;
  margin: 8px 0 18px;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 380px;
  gap: 30px;
  align-items: center;
}

#curve-svg { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; overflow: visible; }
#curve-svg text {
  paint-order: stroke;
  stroke: #0b0c0f;
  stroke-width: 7px;
  stroke-linejoin: round;
}

.curve-node { cursor: pointer; }
.curve-node circle.hit { fill: transparent; }
.curve-node circle.dot {
  fill: var(--bg);
  stroke: var(--ink-faint);
  stroke-width: 2;
  transition: stroke 0.2s, fill 0.2s;
}
.curve-node text {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 19px;
  font-weight: 700;
  fill: var(--ink-dim);
  text-anchor: middle;
  transition: fill 0.2s;
}
.curve-node .node-name {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 15.5px;
  font-weight: 500;
  fill: var(--ink-faint);
}
.curve-node:hover circle.dot { stroke: var(--ink); }
.curve-node.active circle.dot {
  stroke: var(--blue);
  fill: var(--blue);
  transform-box: fill-box;
  transform-origin: center;
  animation: node-pulse 1.6s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes node-pulse {
  0%, 100% { transform: scale(1); }
  50% { transform: scale(1.35); }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .curve-node.active circle.dot { animation: none; } }
.curve-node.active text { fill: var(--blue); }
.curve-node.active .node-name { fill: var(--ink); }

.curve-zone-label {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 14px;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
}

.curve-detail {
  padding: 26px 30px;
  min-height: 190px;
  align-self: center;
}

.curve-detail-head { display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 16px; margin-bottom: 6px; }

.curve-detail-lvl { font-size: 28px; font-weight: 700; color: var(--blue); }

.curve-hint {
  margin-top: 14px;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
}

.curve-detail h3 { margin: 0; }

/* mobile maturity stack: rows built by JS from LEVELS; desktop never sees it */
.curve-steps { display: none; }

/* ============ MODEL ============ */

.model-frame { display: grid; gap: 14px; margin-top: 4px; perspective: 1200px; }

.model-rail {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 14px;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 15px 26px;
  font-size: 15.5px;
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
}

.rail-command {
  border: 1px solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.45);
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(77,163,255,0.12), rgba(77,163,255,0.02));
}
.rail-command .rail-icon, .rail-command .rail-name { color: var(--blue); }

.rail-automate {
  border: 1px solid rgba(0, 220, 220, 0.45);
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,220,220,0.10), rgba(0,220,220,0.02));
}
.rail-automate .rail-icon, .rail-automate .rail-name { color: var(--teal); }

.rail-icon { font-size: 19px; }
.rail-name { font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.16em; font-size: 15px; }
.rail-desc { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; }

/* phones: rail label row on top, description underneath */
@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .model-rail {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: auto 1fr;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px 12px;
    padding: 15px 20px;
  }
  .rail-desc { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
  .rail-dash { display: none; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .model-rail { padding: 14px 16px; }
  .rail-name { font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1em; }
}

.model-phases {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 14px;
  transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

.phase { padding: 24px 26px 20px; outline: none; }
.phase:hover, .phase:focus-visible {
  transform: translateY(-6px) scale(1.045);
  z-index: 2;
}
.phase:focus-visible { border-color: var(--blue); }

.phase h3 { font-size: 22px; letter-spacing: 0.05em; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
.phase h3::before {
  content: "";
  width: 9px; height: 9px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--series);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px var(--series);
  flex: none;
}
.phase > p { font-weight: 600; color: var(--ink); font-size: 15.5px; }

.phase-more {
  font-size: 14.5px !important;
  color: var(--ink-dim) !important;
  font-weight: 400 !important;
  max-height: 0;
  opacity: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  margin-top: 0;
  transition: max-height 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16,1,0.3,1), opacity 0.3s, margin-top 0.3s;
}

.phase:hover .phase-more,
.phase:focus .phase-more,
.phase.open .phase-more { max-height: 140px; opacity: 1; margin-top: 12px; }

/* ============ ENGAGE ============ */

.engage-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 18px; }

.engage-grid { gap: 20px; }
.engage-card { padding: 30px 32px; }
.engage-card h3 { font-size: 26px; }

/* ============ WHY NOW — 3D STACK ============ */

.stack3d-scene {
  perspective: 1400px;
  margin: 46px 0 10px;
}

.stack3d {
  transform-style: preserve-3d;
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
}

.plane {
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 25px 32px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 22px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
  will-change: transform, opacity;
}

.plane-label { font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.2em; }
.plane-desc { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; }

.plane-top {
  border: 1px solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.55);
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(77,163,255,0.14), rgba(77,163,255,0.03));
  box-shadow: 0 0 50px -16px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.6);
}

.plane-mid {
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  background: var(--panel-glass);
  margin: 0 26px;
}
.plane-mid .plane-label { color: var(--ink-faint); font-weight: 500; }
.plane-mid .plat-chips { margin-top: 0; }

.plane-bot {
  border: 1px solid rgba(0, 220, 220, 0.5);
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,220,220,0.11), rgba(0,220,220,0.02));
  margin: 0 52px;
  box-shadow: 0 0 50px -18px rgba(0, 220, 220, 0.5);
}

/* ============ VETERANS ============ */

.vet-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.15fr;
  gap: 52px;
  align-items: center;
}

.vet-monument {
  position: relative;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 34px 0;
}

.vet-eagle {
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  top: 50%;
  width: min(440px, 92%);
  transform: translate(-50%, -54%);
  opacity: 0.15;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 44px rgba(255, 93, 93, 0.3));
  pointer-events: none;
  animation: eagle-drift 8s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
}
@keyframes eagle-drift {
  from { transform: translate(-50%, -56%); }
  to   { transform: translate(-50%, -50%); }
}

.vet-third {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(120px, 13vw, 210px);
  line-height: 0.9;
  color: var(--red);
  text-shadow: 0 0 90px rgba(255, 93, 93, 0.45);
}

.vet-third-label {
  position: relative;
  display: block;
  margin-top: 16px;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.34em;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
}

.vet-h2 { margin-top: 20px; }

.vet-copy p:not(.kicker) { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; max-width: 620px; }
.vet-copy p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.vet-creed {
  margin-top: clamp(22px, 3.5vh, 36px);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  padding: 20px 6px;
  /* symmetric grid: the middle word locks to the page's center axis,
     same axis as the section-break tick and centered kickers */
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto 1fr auto 1fr;
  align-items: center;
  justify-items: center;
  gap: 18px;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: clamp(16px, 2.2vw, 27px);
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.vet-creed i {
  flex: 0 0 9px;
  height: 9px;
  background: var(--red);
  transform: rotate(45deg);
  box-shadow: 0 0 14px rgba(255, 93, 93, 0.7);
}

/* ============ PROOF ============ */

/* ============ ASK ============ */

.ask {
  text-align: center;
  padding: clamp(80px, 12vh, 130px) 0;
  position: relative;
  overflow: clip;
}

.ask-glow {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 62% 55% at 50% 62%, rgba(26, 108, 242, 0.18), transparent 70%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 40% 35% at 50% 100%, rgba(255, 138, 30, 0.1), transparent 70%);
}

.ask-inner {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
}
.ask-inner > * { margin: 0; }

.ask-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(48px, 7vw, 96px);
  line-height: 1.0;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.ask-title em { font-style: normal; }

.ask .lede { margin-bottom: 12px; }

.ask-note { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 17px; font-weight: 400; max-width: 620px; }

.ask-mail {
  display: inline-block;
  
  color: var(--blue);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 15px;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.4);
  padding-bottom: 2px;
}
.ask-mail:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }

/* ============ ABOUT PAGE ============ */

.about-hero-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.5fr 0.9fr;
  gap: 70px;
  align-items: center;
}

.punch-left { text-align: left; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; }

.ident-word {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(26px, 2.3vw, 38px);
  line-height: 1;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.h2-zline { font-size: clamp(26px, 3.1vw, 42px); max-width: none; white-space: nowrap; }
@media (max-width: 1080px) { .h2-zline { white-space: normal; max-width: 900px; } }

@media (max-width: 1020px) {
  .about-hero-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 44px; }
  .about-idents { border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline); padding-top: 28px; }
}


/* two-column editorial split (base) */
.split {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.2fr;
  gap: 48px;
  align-items: center;
}
.split-copy p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 18.5px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.split-copy p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

.about-split { align-items: center; }
.split-award { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.15fr; gap: 56px; }

.about-copy p { margin-bottom: 22px; font-size: 18.5px; }
.about-copy p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }

.about-panels { display: grid; gap: 18px; }

.award-link {
  display: inline-block;
  margin: 4px 0 18px;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  color: var(--blue);
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.4);
  padding-bottom: 2px;
}
.award-link:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }

.award-photo {
  width: 100%;
  height: clamp(200px, 24vh, 280px);
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: 50% 42%; /* favor the team, trim stage floor */
  border-radius: 9px;
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  display: block;
}

.award-panel { text-align: center; padding: 30px 32px; }
.award-panel h3 {
  font-size: 27px;
  margin: 6px 0 16px;
  text-shadow: 0 0 44px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.4);
}
.cert-row-compact { justify-content: center; gap: 18px; }
.cert-row-compact img { height: 84px; }

.about-link { color: var(--blue); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(77,163,255,0.4); }
.about-link:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }

.about-monument { padding: 10px 0; }
.about-monument .vet-third {
  /* one line at every width: never let a line start with ">" */
  font-size: clamp(23px, 7vw, 56px);
  line-height: 1.06;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
@media (min-width: 861px) {
  .about-monument .vet-third { font-size: clamp(38px, 3.6vw, 56px); }
}
@media (max-width: 860px) {
  /* the absolutely-positioned eagle overhangs the monument top on phones;
     cap its size and add margin so it clears the CTA buttons stacked above
     at every width in the stacked band, not just ~375px */
  .about-monument { margin-top: 60px; }
  .about-monument .vet-eagle { width: min(300px, 92%); }
}

/* ============ VOICES ============ */

.voice-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 18px;
  margin-top: 6px;
}

.voice-card {
  padding: 20px 22px 16px;
  text-align: left;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.voice-card blockquote { flex: 1; line-height: 1.55; } /* names/titles align on one baseline across cards */
#voices .lede { margin-bottom: 4px; }
#voices .h2 { margin-bottom: 18px; }

.voice-photo {
  width: 60px;
  height: 60px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border: 2px solid var(--series);
  box-shadow: 0 0 24px -8px var(--series);
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.voice-card blockquote {
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 16px;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.voice-initials {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 26px;
  color: var(--series);
  background: rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.08);
}

.voice-card figcaption b { display: block; font-weight: 700; }
.voice-card figcaption .mono {
  font-size: 11px;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  color: var(--series);
}

@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .voice-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ============ LEGAL (privacy) ============ */

.legal { position: relative; padding: 150px 0 90px; }
.legal::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 85% 90% at 42% 40%, rgba(11,12,15,0.7), transparent 80%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.legal-wrap { max-width: 860px; position: relative; }
.legal h1 { margin-bottom: 6px; }
.legal-updated { color: var(--ink-faint); font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.2em; margin-bottom: 34px; }
.legal h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 21px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  color: var(--blue);
  margin: 34px 0 12px;
}
.legal p, .legal li { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 16.5px; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.legal p b { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }
.legal ul { padding-left: 24px; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.legal li { margin-bottom: 6px; }
.legal a { color: var(--blue); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(77,163,255,0.35); }
.legal a:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--blue); }
.legal-contact { border-left: 2px solid var(--blue); padding-left: 18px; }

/* ============ VETERAN PROGRAM PATH ============ */

.vet-program { margin-top: clamp(22px, 3.5vh, 34px); }
.vet-program-label {
  color: var(--red);
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.vet-path {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto 1fr auto 1fr auto 1fr;
  gap: 14px;
  align-items: start;
}
.vet-step { position: relative; padding-top: 14px; }
.vet-step::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0;
  width: 10px; height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--red);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(255, 93, 93, 0.7);
}
.vet-step h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 17px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.vet-step p { color: var(--ink-dim); font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0; max-width: 260px; }
.vet-arrow {
  align-self: start;
  margin-top: 10px;
  font-style: normal;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 22px;
  color: var(--red);
  opacity: 0.8;
}
.vet-step-final h4 { color: var(--red); }
.vet-step-final::before { box-shadow: 0 0 18px rgba(255, 93, 93, 1); }

@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .vet-path { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 12px; }
  .vet-arrow {
    transform: rotate(90deg);
    justify-self: center;
    align-self: center;
    width: max-content;
    line-height: 1;
    margin: 0;
  }
  .vet-step p { max-width: none; }
}

/* ============ HEALTH CHECK FORM ============ */

.hc-overlay[hidden] { display: none; }
.hc-overlay {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 200;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 24px;
  background: rgba(8, 9, 11, 0.72);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
}

.hc-modal {
  position: relative;
  width: min(560px, 100%);
  max-height: 90svh;
  overflow-y: auto;
  background: #101116;
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  border-radius: 14px;
  padding: 38px 40px 36px;
  box-shadow: 0 30px 90px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7), 0 0 60px -20px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.5);
}
.hc-modal::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 8%; right: 8%;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255,255,255,0.3), transparent);
}

.hc-close {
  position: absolute;
  top: 14px; right: 14px;
  background: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  border-radius: 6px;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  font-size: 13px;
  padding: 7px 10px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: color 0.15s, border-color 0.15s;
}
.hc-close:hover { color: var(--ink); border-color: var(--hairline-strong); }

.hc-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(26px, 3vw, 36px);
  line-height: 1.05;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin: 10px 0 10px;
}
.hc-title em { font-style: normal; }

.hc-sub { color: var(--ink-dim); font-weight: 400; font-size: 15.5px; margin-bottom: 22px; }

.hc-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 14px; }

.hc-field { display: block; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.hc-field > span {
  display: block;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  margin-bottom: 7px;
}
.hc-field > span i { font-style: normal; color: var(--ink-faint); opacity: 0.7; }

.hc-field input,
.hc-field textarea {
  width: 100%;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  border-radius: 8px;
  color: var(--ink);
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 16px;
  padding: 12px 14px;
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color 0.15s, box-shadow 0.15s;
  resize: vertical;
}
.hc-field input:focus,
.hc-field textarea:focus {
  border-color: var(--blue);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.18);
}

.hc-hp { position: absolute; left: -9999px; width: 1px; height: 1px; opacity: 0; }

.hc-submit { width: 100%; margin-top: 6px; }
.hc-submit[disabled] { opacity: 0.6; pointer-events: none; }

.hc-error { color: var(--red); font-size: 11.5px; letter-spacing: 0.08em; margin: 4px 0 10px; }
.hc-error a { color: var(--red); }

.hc-done { text-align: center; padding: 26px 0 10px; }
.hc-done-tag {
  margin-top: 26px;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  font-size: 11px;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  padding-top: 18px;
}

@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .hc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .hc-modal { padding: 30px 24px 28px; }
}

/* ============ FOOTER ============ */

.footer {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  background: rgba(9, 10, 12, 0.92);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  padding: 72px 0 38px;
}

.footer-top {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 40px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  padding-bottom: 44px;
}
.footer-top > * { min-width: 0; max-width: 100%; }

.footer-logo { height: 34px; display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; }

.footer-motto { color: var(--ink-faint); font-size: 11.5px; letter-spacing: 0.24em; }

.footer-certs-label { color: var(--ink-faint); font-size: 12.5px; letter-spacing: 0.18em; margin-bottom: 18px; }

.cert-row { display: flex; gap: 22px; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; }

/* footer showcase: the badge belt — all certs scrolling across */
.cert-belt {
  overflow: hidden;
  width: min(700px, 100%);
  mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 8%, #000 92%, transparent);
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 8%, #000 92%, transparent);
}
.cert-belt-track {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  width: max-content;
  animation: cert-scroll 28s linear infinite;
}
.cert-belt-track img {
  height: 130px;
  width: auto;
  margin-right: 32px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 5px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5));
}
.cert-belt:hover .cert-belt-track { animation-play-state: paused; }
@keyframes cert-scroll { to { transform: translateX(-50%); } }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .cert-belt-track { animation: none; } }
body.noanim .cert-belt-track { animation: none; }

.cert-row img {
  height: 118px;
  width: auto;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.5));
  transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
}
.cert-row img:hover { transform: translateY(-4px) scale(1.03); }

.footer-bottom {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  padding-top: 26px;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 18px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  color: var(--ink-faint);
  font-size: 12.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
}

.footer-bottom a { color: var(--ink-dim); text-decoration: none; }
.footer-bottom a:hover { color: var(--blue); }

/* ============ BG PICKER (dev, ?pick) ============ */

.bg-picker {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 18px;
  right: 18px;
  z-index: 90;
  display: flex;
  gap: 6px;
  background: rgba(11, 12, 15, 0.85);
  border: 1px solid var(--hairline-strong);
  border-radius: 9px;
  padding: 6px;
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
}
.bg-picker button {
  font-family: var(--font-mono);
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: var(--ink-dim);
  background: none;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  border-radius: 6px;
  padding: 7px 12px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: color 0.15s, border-color 0.15s;
}
.bg-picker button:hover { color: var(--ink); }
.bg-picker button.on { color: var(--blue); border-color: rgba(77, 163, 255, 0.5); }

/* ============ MOTION PREFS ============ */

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  html { scroll-behavior: auto; }
  .hud-scroll, .hud-caret, .tactical-rail i, .vet-eagle { animation: none !important; }
  .story-steps .story-step { position: static; opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; margin-bottom: 14px; }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) and (max-width: 860px) {
  .chip3d { --tx: 0px !important; --ty: 0px !important; }
}

/* ============ RESPONSIVE ============ */

@media (max-width: 1150px) {
  .nav-readout { display: none; }
  .nav-links { gap: 18px; }
}

@media (max-width: 1020px) {
  .hero-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 50px; }
  .hero-stats {
    flex-direction: row;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    align-items: flex-start;
    text-align: left;
    gap: 30px 44px;
    padding-left: 0;
    padding-top: 30px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--hairline);
  }
  .tactical-rail { display: none; }
    .equation { flex-direction: column; gap: 18px; }
  .eq-sign { padding-top: 0; }
  .model-phases { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .ledger-wide .ledger-cols { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 6px; }
  .story-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 30px; }
  .story-stage { margin-left: 0; }
  .story-steps { min-height: 200px; }
  .stage3d { height: 380px; }
  .curve-stage { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 18px; }
  .curve-detail { min-height: 0; }
}

@media (max-width: 860px) {
  .nav-links { display: none; }
  .split { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 30px; }
  .hero-focus { font-size: 12.5px; letter-spacing: 0.2em; gap: 12px; }
  .nav-burger { display: flex; }
  .nav-right { margin-left: auto; margin-right: 14px; }

  .sec { padding: 60px 0; }
  .ask { padding: 64px 0; }
    .engage-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .proof-band { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 34px; padding-left: 26px; }
  .proof-band::before { width: 2px; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0; right: auto; background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--blue), var(--teal) 50%, var(--orange)); }
  .proof-node { top: 4px; left: -32px; }
  .why-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; row-gap: 34px; }
  .ledger-row { grid-template-columns: 26px 1fr; }
  .hud-strip { padding: 18px 30px; }
  /* corner brackets are a desktop framing device; on phones the hero is
     content-driven and they no longer wrap the content — hide them */
  .hero-bracket { display: none; }

  .vet-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 30px; }
  .vet-creed { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 10px; } .vet-creed i { display: none; }

  .plane-mid { margin: 0 14px; }
  .plane-bot { margin: 0 28px; }

  .story-pin { min-height: 0; }
  .story-layout { gap: 20px; }
  .story-steps { min-height: 130px; }
  .stage3d { height: 260px; }
  .chip3d { font-size: 12px; padding: 8px 13px; }
  /* static modes never run the collapse animation: stack chips on the platform.
     !important is required — the inline style --tx/--ty would win otherwise */
  body.noanim .chip3d { --tx: 0px !important; --ty: 0px !important; }
  .platform3d { padding: 28px 36px; }
  .platform-name { font-size: 28px; }
}

/* --- maturity curve: vertical accordion replaces the shrunken chart --- */
@media (max-width: 700px) {
  #curve-svg { display: none; }
  .curve-steps:not(:empty) + .curve-detail { display: none; }
  .curve-steps {
    display: block;
    position: relative;
    padding-left: 30px;
    margin-top: 6px;
  }
  .curve-steps::before {
    content: "";
    position: absolute;
    left: 8px;
    top: 16px;
    bottom: 16px;
    width: 2px;
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--red), var(--orange) 32%, var(--blue) 64%, #2ce6c8);
    opacity: 0.65;
  }
  .curve-zone-tag {
    margin: 24px 0 8px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  }
  .curve-zone-tag:first-child { margin-top: 0; }
  .curve-zone-tag.zone-orange { color: var(--orange); }
  .curve-zone-tag.zone-teal { color: var(--teal); }
  .curve-step-break { margin-top: 18px; } /* L3 is unzoned on the chart: break it out of the "stuck" group */
  .curve-step {
    position: relative;
    display: block;
    width: 100%;
    min-height: 52px;
    padding: 14px 26px 14px 6px;
    text-align: left;
    background: none;
    border: 0;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--hairline);
    color: inherit;
    font: inherit;
    cursor: pointer;
    -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;
  }
  .curve-step::after {
    content: "+";
    position: absolute;
    right: 2px;
    top: 15px;
    font-family: var(--font-mono);
    font-size: 15px;
    color: var(--ink-faint);
  }
  .curve-step.active::after { content: "\2212"; color: var(--lvl); }
  .curve-step-dot {
    position: absolute;
    left: -27px;
    top: 19px;
    width: 12px;
    height: 12px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    border: 2px solid var(--lvl);
    background: var(--bg);
    transition: background 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
  }
  .curve-step.active .curve-step-dot {
    background: var(--lvl);
    box-shadow: 0 0 12px var(--lvl);
  }
  .curve-step-id {
    display: inline-block;
    width: 44px;
    vertical-align: top;
    font-size: 17px;
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.3;
    color: var(--lvl);
  }
  .curve-step-name {
    display: inline-block;
    width: calc(100% - 48px);
    vertical-align: top;
    font-family: var(--font-display);
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 600;
    line-height: 1.3;
    color: var(--ink-dim);
  }
  .curve-step.active .curve-step-name { color: var(--ink); }
  .curve-step-body {
    display: none;
    padding: 8px 0 2px 44px;
    font-size: 14.5px;
    line-height: 1.55;
    color: var(--ink-dim);
  }
  .curve-step.active .curve-step-body {
    display: block;
    animation: step-body-in 0.25s ease;
  }
  @keyframes step-body-in {
    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-4px); }
    to { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
  }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    .curve-step.active .curve-step-body { animation: none; }
  }
}

@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .nav-right { display: none; } /* header CTA lives in the burger menu at phone widths */
  .model-phases { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .hero-logo-img { height: 42px; margin-bottom: 26px; }
  .hero-focus { font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0.22em; gap: 12px; }
  .hero-ctas .btn { width: 100%; text-align: center; }
  .footer-top { flex-direction: column; }
  .cert-row img { height: 96px; }
  .hud-strip span:first-child { display: none; }
  .hero-stats { gap: 24px 30px; }
  .stat-num { font-size: 36px; }
}


/* ============ PHONE GRID (<=560px) ============
   One primary gutter (34px) and one secondary indent (56px) so every
   section's text sits on the same invisible vertical grid. Layout only:
   colors, alignment, and content untouched. */
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .wrap { padding: 0 34px; }
  .hud-strip { padding-left: 34px; padding-right: 34px; }

  /* secondary indent: all card/structure interiors start at 34 + 22 = 56px */
  .panel { padding: 24px 21px 22px; } /* +1px border = 56px interior */
  .proof-band { padding-left: 22px; }
  .proof-node { left: -26px; }
  .curve-steps { padding-left: 22px; }
  .curve-steps::before { left: 0; }
  .ledger-row, .ledger-wide .ledger-row {
    grid-template-columns: 12px 1fr;
    gap: 10px;
    padding-left: 0;
    padding-right: 0;
  }
  .ledger-row:hover { padding-left: 0; }
  .model-rail { padding: 14px 22px; }

  /* display titles sized for phone columns, clear of both edges */
  .hero-title { font-size: clamp(38px, 11.5vw, 50px); }
  .ask-title { font-size: clamp(30px, 9.4vw, 44px); }

  /* thesis: the three pieces read as one stacked formula */
  .equation { gap: 12px; }
  .eq-sign { font-size: 34px; margin-bottom: -4px; color: var(--ink-dim); }
  .eq-note { margin-top: 8px; }

  /* hero stats: fixed 2x2 grid on the gutter, no ragged flex wrap */
  .hero-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 26px 24px; }

  /* punchlines get a pinch more air above them */
  .punch { margin-top: 42px; }

  /* a touch more air between the voices lede and the testimonial cards */
  #voices .voice-grid { margin-top: 20px; }

  /* thesis: bigger words and full-measure notes so the column fills the screen */
  .eq-word { font-size: 38px; }
  .eq-note { max-width: none; }

  /* veterans: seat the 1/3 stat on the eagle's center and give the copy
     below the monument more room to breathe */
  .veterans .vet-monument { padding: 60px 0 34px; }
  .veterans .vet-grid { gap: 54px; }

  /* four-column strips go single column; drop the equal-height clamp */
  .why-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr; row-gap: 30px; }
  .why-item h3 { min-height: 0; }

  /* problem stage: platform sits tight to the story copy */
  .stage3d { height: 200px; }
}