[Solution] Ordered Series

The seven words given in this metapuzzle can be paired up with the answers to the previous puzzles as members of seven different categories:

  • The Empress / Judgement = Tarot cards of the Major Arcana
  • Gordon / Samson = Thomas & Friends trains
  • Hydrogen / Silicon = Chemical elements
  • Monroe / Garfield = US Presidents
  • Squirtle / Beedrill = Pokémon
  • Taurus / Aries = Zodiac signs
  • Zeta / Psi = Greek letters

A closer look will show that each of these groups has an ordering, and most of them are numbered. Further examination reveals that each of the seven words given here hold a unique position between first and seventh in their sets. Sorting the list by those numbers gives the following table:

CategoryGiven Word# in SetPuzzle Answer# in Set
ElementsHydrogen1Silicon14
ZodiacTaurus2Aries1
TarotThe Empress3Judgement20
TrainsGordon4Samson15
PresidentsMonroe5Garfield20
GreekZeta6Psi23
PokémonSquirtle7Beedrill15

In this order, the positions of the puzzle answers in the sets can be converted to letters, with 1=A, 2=B, etc., to make the phrase NATO TWO. In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the second member is BRAVO. Bravo to you for solving this metapuzzle!

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