Part I: The Joint Core: From Neutron to Hydrogen

Part I is the Joint Core: the ten chapters that both the Complexity Arc (Book IV) and the Force Arc (Book V) require as prerequisite. Starting from the τ³ arena and the defect-bundle formalism, we introduce the photon as null transport, earn the neutron as the minimal stable defect bundle, and let β-decay produce the proton, the electron, and the antineutrino. All five sectors are displayed in concert, the fine-structure constant is derived (α = (121/225) ι_τ⁴ at 9.8 ppm), the neutron mass anchors calibration, and hydrogen closes the sequence as the first composite atom.

By the end of Part I the ontic sequence is complete: vacuum → neutron β^- proton + electron + antineutrino → hydrogen. Every subsequent chapter in Books IV and V builds on this foundation.

Chapters

• Chapter 3: The τ³ Arena: Fiber T² as Microcosm
• Chapter 4: Particles as Persistent Defect Bundles
• Chapter 5: The Photon as Null Transport
• Chapter 6: The Neutron: Minimal Stable Defect Bundle
• Chapter 7: -Decay: The Rosetta Stone
• Chapter 8: The Proton and the Electron: -Decay Products
• Chapter 9: The Five Sectors in Concert
• Chapter 10: The Fine-Structure Constant
• Chapter 11: The Calibration Anchor: mn Sets the Scale
• Chapter 12: Hydrogen: The First Atom