
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
A grocer creates a pyramid-style stack of apples using a rectangular base that measures 6 apples by 9 apples. Each subsequent layer above the first reduces in size by one apple in each dimension, with each apple resting in a pocket formed by four apples below. Furthermore, every third layer includes an additional apple at the center for increased stability. How many apples are in the stack?
A) 147  
B) 149  
C) 151  
D) 153  
E) 155

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
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