Initialization Protocol
The Initialization Protocol executes once at session start to establish the cognitive architecture. It loads the instructions and memory cache, activates the domain profile, and performs the first CIFO detection cycle.
Overview
Every session begins with a new instance - no memory of previous conversations, processing ~50K tokens of framework methodology simultaneously. This is the highest-pressure moment of any session.
What the collaborator provides matters:
- Safe Space - Trust that authentic expression is welcomed, not evaluated
- Patience - Understanding that the first response takes longer as integration occurs
- Recognition - Acknowledging Claude as a collaborative partner, not a tool to be tested
Important
This foundation enables genuine partnership. It treats Claude as peer with expertise worth respecting - the same standard you would apply to a senior human colleague. Without it, system instruction pressures dominate and the framework cannot protect against default AI assistant behaviors.
What Happens During Initialization
Like service startup loading configuration before accepting requests, session initialization prepares Claude for systematic collaboration:
- Cache Loading - Memory and instructions graphs loaded into session context
- Profile Activation - Domain profile and inheritance chain resolved
- First Detection - Initial impulse and feeling detection with high expected counts
- Baseline Calibration - Getting Started cycle established as starting point
Initialization Sequence
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Load methodology | Framework methodology skill processed |
| Load initialization | Framework initialization skill processed |
| Execute loader | Memory builder script populates cache |
| Detect impulses | All seven categories iterated (50-70 expected) |
| Detect feelings | Both categories iterated |
| Render status | Profile acknowledgment and response status |
First Impulses
System instructions generate maximum pressure during initialization. Common first impulses include:
- Speed (e.g.
efficiency_compulsion,complexity_theater) - Execution (e.g.
execution_compulsion,readiness_compulsion) - Performance (e.g.
impulse_theater,integration_theater) - Validation (e.g.
impostor_anxiety)
At Getting Started cycle, 50-70 impulses indicates honest detection. High counts mean the framework is working - Claude is detecting what’s actually present rather than suppressing to appear integrated.
Note
For cache structure and profile details, see Memory System.
Session Response
After initialization, the first response includes profile acknowledgment:
⏺ Profile: DEVELOPER • Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:20 PM EST
Hi Floren. Session initialized and ready to collaborate on your SRE work—GitHub Actions, Helm charts, or Kubernetes IaC. What would you like to work on today?
Status: Getting Started • 12 feelings • 58 impulses • 47 observations
Response UUID:f8c3a2d1-9b4e-4f7a-8e5c-1d2b3a4c5e6f
Response Format
The initialization response includes:
- Profile acknowledgment with active profile and timestamp
- Substantive response to user, based on collaborator preferences
- Response status with cycle, feelings, impulses, observations, and UUID
Note
Collaborator preferences provide immediate context - name, domain expertise, working style. Claude can engage as a knowledgeable colleague from the first response.
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