@Dr-Sassi Amazing. Thanks so much for the update! Right "Use Deform Points" is indeed flipped. Thanks for the confirmation.
Connect object worked for the slice field, but then the slice didn't stick to the sphere as it expanded.
I added a Freeze layer in the Slices Fields which worked well -- but then when I added the Mask to temper the Field Force, anything that went outside the mask recoiled, and headed back towards the center of the pumpkin. Any further advice?
Thanks again, Benjamin C4D2024.5.1