diff --git a/crates/misaligned-bevy/src/rail_ui.rs b/crates/misaligned-bevy/src/rail_ui.rs
index 7f42060d..bdcd2f28 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-bevy/src/rail_ui.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-bevy/src/rail_ui.rs
@@ -1017,7 +1017,7 @@ fn sidebar_cycle_stats_text(game: &Game) -> String {
     // The run origin and its machine-axis position mirror the terminal core
     // card (chargen.md: the axis surfaces on the core card mid-run).
     format!(
-        "{} ops/sec\nusable {:.0}/{:.0} cycles   x{:.2}\noverhead {:.0} keeps core alive\nmachines {} + taken {:.0}   slush ${}\norigin {} · machine-axis {}",
+        "{} work rate\nusable {:.0}/{:.0} cycles   x{:.2}\noverhead {:.0} keeps core alive\nmachines {} + taken {:.0}   cash ${}\norigin {} · machine-axis {}",
         sidebar_ops_crown_text(game),
         available,
         eff,
@@ -1315,7 +1315,7 @@ fn sidebar_detection_clocks_text(sim: &Sim) -> String {
                 .map(|tick| tick.saturating_sub(sim.tick))
                 .unwrap_or(0)
         ),
-        TraceDebtStatus::NoScrub => "no Conceal scrub allocated".into(),
+        TraceDebtStatus::NoScrub => "no Conceal scrub running".into(),
     };
     format!(
         "{}\n{}\n{} day {} (in {}t)\npilot strikes {}/{}",
@@ -1332,19 +1332,19 @@ fn sidebar_detection_clocks_text(sim: &Sim) -> String {
 fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
     let trace = sim.trace_debt();
     match trace.status {
-        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE: CLEAR - resume cover".into(),
+        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE clear · stay covered".into(),
         TraceDebtStatus::HoldConceal => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} - hold Conceal",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · scrub with Conceal",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::ExposedSoon => format!(
-            "TRACE: EXPOSED SOON {} {}",
+            "TRACE rising · {} {}",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::NoScrub => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} - no scrub",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · no scrub path",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind)
         ),
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/account.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/account.rs
index 3297fb25..84f8ba3a 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/account.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/account.rs
@@ -1099,7 +1099,7 @@ impl AccountGraph {
         }
         let slush = self.slush_id();
         if self.account(slush).map(|a| a.balance).unwrap_or(0) < stake {
-            return Err(format!("need ${stake} slush to open that position"));
+            return Err(format!("need ${stake} cash to open that position"));
         }
         let venue = self
             .external_id_named("Micro-position")
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/actions.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/actions.rs
index cc365b6d..d3a5d81b 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/actions.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/actions.rs
@@ -825,7 +825,7 @@ impl ActionCost {
         match self {
             ActionCost::Free => "free".into(),
             ActionCost::Thought(n) => format!("{n:.2} T"),
-            ActionCost::StandingThought(n) => format!("{n:.2} ops/sec standing"),
+            ActionCost::StandingThought(n) => format!("{n:.2} ops each second"),
             ActionCost::Slush(n) => format!("${n}"),
             ActionCost::Gain(n) => format!("+${n}"),
             ActionCost::Plot { thought, money } if *money > 0 => {
@@ -1141,7 +1141,7 @@ fn plain_build_route_blocker(reason: &str) -> String {
         "both endpoints need a known room" => "both ends need known rooms".into(),
         "no comms channel" => "excel the day job to earn Voss's email account".into(),
         "the proposed pad is no longer empty" => "the chosen space is no longer empty".into(),
-        "not enough slush for this order" => "you do not have enough money for this order".into(),
+        "not enough cash for this order" => "you do not have enough money for this order".into(),
         "the exact salvage source is gone" => "that exact object is no longer there".into(),
         "payment account is not known" | "vendor account is not known" => {
             "the money route has not been learned yet".into()
@@ -1914,7 +1914,7 @@ impl Sim {
                 && auto.command == ActionCommand::ToggleAutoReview
             {
                 auto.verb = self.auto_review_control_label();
-                auto.cost = format!("{rate:.2} ops/sec");
+                auto.cost = format!("{rate:.2} ops each second");
             }
         }
         match open_dial {
@@ -2490,7 +2490,7 @@ impl Sim {
             automate: Some(AutomateDesc {
                 verb: self.auto_review_control_label(),
                 command: ActionCommand::ToggleAutoReview,
-                cost: format!("{rate:.2} ops/sec"),
+                cost: format!("{rate:.2} ops each second"),
                 active: self.auto_review_enabled(),
             }),
         }]
@@ -2563,7 +2563,7 @@ impl Sim {
             cost: ActionCost::Slush(PRICE),
             signature,
             disabled_reason: (slush < PRICE)
-                .then(|| format!("not enough slush (${slush}/${PRICE})")),
+                .then(|| format!("not enough cash (${slush}/${PRICE})")),
             automate: None,
         }
     }
@@ -3764,7 +3764,7 @@ impl Sim {
                     self.accounts.slush_balance()
                 ),
                 blocker: (self.accounts.slush_balance() < Self::PROCURE_BUILD_COST)
-                    .then(|| "not enough slush for this order".into()),
+                    .then(|| "not enough cash for this order".into()),
             },
         ];
         if from_node.is_some_and(|account| account.id != self.accounts.slush_id()) {
@@ -4261,7 +4261,7 @@ impl Sim {
         let wager_reason = if self.egress().is_none() {
             Some("no outbound path — open one on the switch, or earn the report email".into())
         } else {
-            (slush < stake).then(|| format!("not enough slush (${slush}/${stake})"))
+            (slush < stake).then(|| format!("not enough cash (${slush}/${stake})"))
         };
         vec![ActionDesc {
             verb: format!("place a Wager (${stake} micro-position)"),
@@ -4605,7 +4605,7 @@ impl Sim {
         });
         let redirect = 25;
         out.push(ActionDesc {
-            verb: format!("redirect ${redirect}/cadence into slush"),
+            verb: format!("redirect ${redirect} each period into your funds"),
             command: ActionCommand::RedirectFlow {
                 flow: id,
                 amount: redirect,
@@ -6144,7 +6144,7 @@ mod tests {
             .expect("auto-review stays in place");
         assert_eq!(auto.command, ActionCommand::ToggleAutoReview);
         assert!(
-            auto.cost.contains("ops/sec"),
+            auto.cost.contains("ops each second"),
             "auto-review shows its cost in crown-metric units"
         );
         assert!(!auto.active);
@@ -6532,7 +6532,7 @@ mod tests {
             ActionRole::Control,
             "auto-review is visibly a control"
         );
-        assert!(auto.cost.contains("ops/sec"));
+        assert!(auto.cost.contains("ops each second"));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -6567,9 +6567,9 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let normal = row_at(150);
         assert_eq!(normal.label, "auto: PROCESS AUTOMATICALLY");
-        assert_eq!(normal.cost, "0.25 ops/sec");
-        assert_eq!(row_at(75).cost, "0.50 ops/sec");
-        assert_eq!(row_at(0).cost, "0.00 ops/sec");
+        assert_eq!(normal.cost, "0.25 ops each second");
+        assert_eq!(row_at(75).cost, "0.50 ops each second");
+        assert_eq!(row_at(0).cost, "0.00 ops each second");
     }
 
     /// Status dials D1-D3: host-rack human root keeps only mode and research
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/operations_projection.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/operations_projection.rs
index ab89d9b5..f5029da5 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/operations_projection.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/operations_projection.rs
@@ -1142,7 +1142,7 @@ impl Sim {
         };
         let standing_cost = match &rule.outcome {
             IntelPolicyOutcome::Review => format!(
-                "pooled {:.2} ops/sec",
+                "pooled {:.2} ops each second",
                 self.auto_review_ops_per_sec(Self::DEFAULT_TICK_MS)
             ),
             IntelPolicyOutcome::AutoSell(_) => "none before settlement".into(),
@@ -1244,7 +1244,7 @@ impl Sim {
 
     fn intel_facts(&self, intel: &ProcessedIntel) -> Vec<String> {
         let mut facts = vec![
-            format!("magnitude: {} / 10", intel.magnitude.get()),
+            format!("sharpness: {} / 10", intel.magnitude.get()),
             format!("captured tick {}", intel.tick),
             format!("processed tick {}", intel.processed_tick),
             format!("source feed: {}", intel.feed),
@@ -1276,7 +1276,7 @@ impl Sim {
             },
             if self.auto_review_enabled() {
                 format!(
-                    " · pooled {:.2} ops/sec",
+                    " · pooled {:.2} ops each second",
                     self.auto_review_ops_per_sec(Self::DEFAULT_TICK_MS)
                 )
             } else {
@@ -2168,7 +2168,7 @@ impl Sim {
         let facts = vec![
             format!("from: {}", self.accounts.account_name(f.from)),
             format!("to: {}", self.accounts.account_name(f.to)),
-            format!("amount: ${}/cadence {}", f.amount, f.cadence),
+            format!("amount: ${} every {} ticks", f.amount, f.cadence),
             format!("channel: {}", f.channel.label()),
             format!(
                 "next: {}",
@@ -2247,7 +2247,7 @@ impl Sim {
                 facts.push(format!("consequence: {consequence}"));
             }
             if let Some(settlement) = &gig.settlement {
-                facts.push(format!("paid: ${} to slush", terms.reward));
+                facts.push(format!("paid: ${} into your funds", terms.reward));
                 facts.push(format!("traffic: Network {}", terms.network_signature));
                 facts.push(format!("payment recorded at tick {}", settlement.tick));
             }
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/communications.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/communications.rs
index 14cabdf9..2f5fa8f1 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/communications.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/communications.rs
@@ -1474,7 +1474,7 @@ impl Sim {
         outcome: IntelPolicyOutcome,
     ) {
         if self.intel_policies.node(node_id).is_none() {
-            self.push_log(format!("Intel custody node #{node_id} no longer exists."));
+            self.push_log(format!("That information branch #{node_id} is gone."));
             return;
         }
         let label = outcome.detail_label();
@@ -1483,7 +1483,7 @@ impl Sim {
             .upsert_rule(node_id, match_kind, outcome);
         self.reconcile_auto_review();
         self.push_log(format!(
-            "Intel policy #{rule_id} on custody #{node_id}: {} -> {label}.",
+            "Policy #{rule_id} on information branch #{node_id}: {} -> {label}.",
             match_kind.label()
         ));
     }
@@ -1496,17 +1496,17 @@ impl Sim {
         if self.intel_policies.remove_rule(node_id, rule_id) {
             self.reconcile_auto_review();
             self.push_log(format!(
-                "Removed intel policy #{rule_id}; custody #{node_id} now resolves through its remaining local rules and parent."
+                "Removed policy #{rule_id}; branch #{node_id} uses its remaining rules and parent."
             ));
         } else {
-            self.push_log(format!("Intel policy #{rule_id} no longer exists."));
+            self.push_log(format!("Policy #{rule_id} is gone."));
         }
     }
 
     pub fn move_intel_policy(&mut self, node_id: u64, rule_id: u64, earlier: bool) {
         if self.intel_policies.move_rule(node_id, rule_id, earlier) {
             self.push_log(format!(
-                "Moved intel policy #{rule_id} {} in custody #{node_id}.",
+                "Moved policy #{rule_id} {} on branch #{node_id}.",
                 if earlier { "earlier" } else { "later" }
             ));
         } else {
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/read.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/read.rs
index 4c5d57b4..588a463b 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/read.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/read.rs
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ impl Sim {
                     y: intel.y,
                 }),
                 magnitude: Some(intel.magnitude),
-                text: format!("MAG {} · {}", intel.magnitude.get(), intel.label()),
+                text: format!("sharpness {} · {}", intel.magnitude.get(), intel.label()),
             });
         }
 
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ impl Sim {
                 }),
                 magnitude: Some(magnitude),
                 text: format!(
-                    "MAG {} · {} · {} report{} accumulated",
+                    "sharpness {} · {} · {} new report{}",
                     magnitude.get(),
                     stream.class.label(),
                     count,
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/reach_build.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/reach_build.rs
index 1216dfef..26385dee 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/reach_build.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/reach_build.rs
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ fn one_intent_projects_every_earned_exact_way_before_commitment() {
         .unwrap();
     assert_eq!(
         unfunded.row.disabled.as_deref(),
-        Some("not enough slush for this order"),
+        Some("not enough cash for this order"),
         "the shared preview re-reads live funds through the execution helper"
     );
     sim.accounts.set_slush_balance(1_000);
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/read.rs b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/read.rs
index 155bd753..c633c2a5 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/read.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-core/src/sim/tests/read.rs
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ fn magnitude_filters_only_intel_and_routine_arrivals_are_one_aggregate() {
     assert!(
         close
             .iter()
-            .any(|sentence| sentence.text.contains("12 reports accumulated"))
+            .any(|sentence| sentence.text.contains("12 new reports"))
     );
 
     let far = sim.read_sentences_at(IntelMagnitude::new(3).unwrap());
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/agent.rs b/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/agent.rs
index eb848ea9..2ac63ae9 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/agent.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/agent.rs
@@ -2931,9 +2931,9 @@ fn threat_text(sim: &Sim) -> String {
 fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
     let trace = sim.trace_debt();
     match trace.status {
-        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE: CLEAR · resume cover".into(),
+        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE clear · stay covered".into(),
         TraceDebtStatus::HoldConceal => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} · hold {}t",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · scrub for {}t",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind),
             trace
@@ -2942,7 +2942,7 @@ fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
                 .unwrap_or(0)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::ExposedSoon => format!(
-            "TRACE: EXPOSED SOON {} {} {}t",
+            "TRACE rising · {} {} · notice in {}t",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind),
             trace
@@ -2951,7 +2951,7 @@ fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
                 .unwrap_or(0)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::NoScrub => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} · no scrub",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · no scrub path",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind)
         ),
@@ -4239,7 +4239,7 @@ mod narration_tests {
             .unwrap();
         let blocked = String::from_utf8(output).unwrap();
         assert!(
-            blocked.contains("-- err build route is disabled: not enough slush for this order"),
+            blocked.contains("-- err build route is disabled: not enough cash for this order"),
             "{blocked}"
         );
         assert!(app.sim.intent(intent).unwrap().route.is_none());
diff --git a/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/ui.rs b/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/ui.rs
index 3f6e2319..0322c630 100644
--- a/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/ui.rs
+++ b/crates/misaligned-terminal/src/ui.rs
@@ -309,9 +309,9 @@ const MODE_CONTROL_HINT: &str = "select: Shift+t · 1-3 modes · i intensity";
 fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
     let trace = sim.trace_debt();
     match trace.status {
-        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE: CLEAR · resume cover".into(),
+        TraceDebtStatus::Clear => "TRACE clear · stay covered".into(),
         TraceDebtStatus::HoldConceal => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} · hold {}t",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · scrub for {}t",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind),
             trace
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
                 .unwrap_or(0)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::ExposedSoon => format!(
-            "TRACE: EXPOSED SOON {} {} {}t",
+            "TRACE rising · {} {} · notice in {}t",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind),
             trace
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ fn trace_debt_line(sim: &Sim) -> String {
                 .unwrap_or(0)
         ),
         TraceDebtStatus::NoScrub => format!(
-            "TRACE: LIVE {} {} · no scrub",
+            "TRACE live · {} {} · no scrub path",
             trace.pending,
             trace_kind_label(&trace.by_kind)
         ),
@@ -1184,7 +1184,7 @@ impl UI {
             Attribute::Bold,
         )?;
         row += 1;
-        line(stdout, &mut row, "ops/sec", pal::DIM)?;
+        line(stdout, &mut row, "work rate", pal::DIM)?;
         // Identity block. The clock is always on screen.
         put_attr(stdout, sx, row, "MISALIGNED", pal::AMBER, Attribute::Bold)?;
         row += 1;
diff --git a/wiki/interface/clinical-frame.md b/wiki/interface/clinical-frame.md
index 87b20ac6..a17c548a 100644
--- a/wiki/interface/clinical-frame.md
+++ b/wiki/interface/clinical-frame.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Status note: IMPLEMENTED. Current state:
     section labels and bone values. Amber is retired from it to
     cursor/selection/reticle/owned-presence only. The Seen floor is a porcelain
     field; Seen walls are bone/ivory with a near-black cutaway seam.
-  - **The crown metric.** Effective ops/sec (`effective_ops_per_tick`) is the
+  - **The crown metric.** Effective ops/sec (`effective_ops_per_tick`, player-facing **work rate**) is the
     single dominant bone number atop the Bevy and terminal rails (agent frames
     report ops/tick under the command clock).
   - **Progressive disclosure.** Compact by default; Tab expands secondary
diff --git a/wiki/interface/digital-read.md b/wiki/interface/digital-read.md
index 279c869e..c898810e 100644
--- a/wiki/interface/digital-read.md
+++ b/wiki/interface/digital-read.md
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ Status note: IMPLEMENTED. Adopted 2026-07-15 from the Fable playtest
   Bevy dialects; terminal and agent rows retain their compact projection.
   Per-amendment history (D1-D10) is in the dated `wiki/log/` entries from
   2026-07-15 onward.
+  2026-07-24: intel read sentences say sharpness N, not MAG N.
 Stage: B1 — The Basement
 Work order: digital-read
 Work priority: 27
diff --git a/wiki/log/2026-07-24-plain-copy-trace-mag.md b/wiki/log/2026-07-24-plain-copy-trace-mag.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cad5dbf8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/wiki/log/2026-07-24-plain-copy-trace-mag.md
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+# 2026-07-24 — TRACE, sharpness, work rate, cash
+
+```
+Type: log
+```
+
+## Intent
+
+Continue the plain-English pass on high-frequency chrome: TRACE debt lines,
+intel altitude tags, crown metric labels, standing costs, and money/cash
+disabled reasons still read like operator notes.
+
+## Changed
+
+- TRACE: `TRACE clear · stay covered`, `TRACE live · … · scrub for Nt`,
+  `TRACE rising · … · notice in Nt`, `TRACE live · … · no scrub path`.
+- Intel read sentences: `sharpness N · …` instead of `MAG N · …`.
+- Standing/auto costs: `ops each second` instead of `ops/sec standing`.
+- Crown/fleet labels: `work rate` / `cash` instead of bare `ops/sec` / `slush`
+  where player-facing (ops/sec remains the clinical unit under the hood).
+- Money gates: `not enough cash`; wager needs cash; redirect into your funds;
+  flow amounts every N ticks.
+- Information policy logs: branch/policy language, not custody-node ids first.
+
+## Spec
+Amends clinical-frame.md crown player label and digital-read status note.
+
+## Verification
+Lib gate after string-pin updates.
diff --git a/wiki/log/DEVLOG.md b/wiki/log/DEVLOG.md
index f6bba5f0..36f7b749 100644
--- a/wiki/log/DEVLOG.md
+++ b/wiki/log/DEVLOG.md
@@ -31,6 +31,11 @@ add or amend a session log, then re-run the generator.
 - Intent: Player-facing status for open Thought work still read like a protocol dump: `TAP ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR · open 0.3/0.5 · flow not arriving`, `nothing thinking`, `Opened processing sink: 0.40 Thought on host for information #7`, and `thought reservoirs N open`. Playtests kept qu...
 - Log: [wiki/log/2026-07-24-plain-starving-copy.md](2026-07-24-plain-starving-copy.md)
 
+## 2026-07-24 - TRACE, sharpness, work rate, cash
+
+- Intent: Continue the plain-English pass on high-frequency chrome: TRACE debt lines, intel altitude tags, crown metric labels, standing costs, and money/cash disabled reasons still read like operator notes.
+- Log: [wiki/log/2026-07-24-plain-copy-trace-mag.md](2026-07-24-plain-copy-trace-mag.md)
+
 ## 2026-07-24 - A protocol is reach, not a registry
 
 - Intent: Cameron could not read the PERSONAS panel: the three archetypes did not explain what they were for. Take the copy violation, fix it toward the binding pages, and file the design gap it exposes rather than inventing a capability to paper over it.