<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--Generated by DFIN XBRL Instance Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ - Version R3.0 - on 24-October-2026 [05:45:35] {AM}-->
<schema targetNamespace="http://www.massmutualascend.com/20261101" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns:cik0000723258="http://www.massmutualascend.com/20261101" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" xmlns:negated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" xmlns:vip="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026" xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2026" xmlns:deprecated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31">
  <annotation>
    <appinfo>
      <link:linkbase id="lnk" >
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#N4" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#BenefitOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/BenefitOnly"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#ClassOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ClassOnly"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#IndexOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexOnly"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#InvestmentOptionOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/InvestmentOptionOnly"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#ReturnLimitTypeOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ReturnLimitTypeOnly"  />
        <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#RiskOnly" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/RiskOnly"  />
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_InvestmentOptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember_143714405" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember_143714405" order="100" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember_143714406" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember_143714406" order="101" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714407" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714407" order="102" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember_143714408" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember_143714408" order="103" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember_143714409" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember_143714409" order="104" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714410" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714410" order="105" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714608" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714608" order="106" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714609" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714609" order="107" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember_143714610" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember_143714610" order="108" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember_143714611" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember_143714611" order="109" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember_143714612" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember_143714612" order="110" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember_143714634" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember_143714634" order="111" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember_143714635" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember_143714635" order="112" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember_143714636" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember_143714636" order="113" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714661" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714661" order="114" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714662" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_InvestmentOptionAxis_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714662" order="115" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_IndexAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member_143714417" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member_143714417" order="116" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember_143714418" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember_143714418" order="117" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember_143714419" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember_143714419" order="118" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember_143714420" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember_143714420" order="119" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember_143714421" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember_143714421" order="120" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member_143714422" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_IndexAxis_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member_143714422" order="121" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_RiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember_143714667" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember_143714667" order="122" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember_143714668" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember_143714668" order="123" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember_143714669" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember_143714669" order="124" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember_143714670" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember_143714670" order="125" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember_143714671" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember_143714671" order="126" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember_143714672" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember_143714672" order="127" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember_143714673" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember_143714673" order="128" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember_143714674" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember_143714674" order="129" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember_143714675" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember_143714675" order="130" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember_143714676" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember_143714676" order="131" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember_143714677" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember_143714677" order="132" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember_143714678" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember_143714678" order="133" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember_143714679" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember_143714679" order="134" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember_143714680" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember_143714680" order="135" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember_143714681" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_RiskAxis_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember_143714681" order="136" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_ReturnLimitTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_ReturnLimitTypeAxis_143714622" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember_143714626" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_ReturnLimitTypeAxis_143714622" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember_143714626" order="137" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember_143714627" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_ReturnLimitTypeAxis_143714622" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember_143714627" order="138" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_ClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_ClassAxis_143714642" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_C000261642Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member_143714643" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_ClassAxis_143714642" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member_143714643" order="139" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/N4" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_BenefitAxis" xlink:label="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember_143714647" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember_143714647" order="140" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember_143714648" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember_143714648" order="141" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember_143714649" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember_143714649" order="142" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember_143714650" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember_143714650" order="143" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember_143714651" />
          <link:presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_vip_BenefitAxis_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember_143714651" order="144" />
        </link:presentationLink>
        <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"  />
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/InvestmentOptionOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember_143714405" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember_143714405" order="100" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember_143714406" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember_143714406" order="101" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714407" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714407" order="102" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember_143714408" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember_143714408" order="103" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember_143714409" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember_143714409" order="104" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714410" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember_143714410" order="105" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714608" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714608" order="106" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714609" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember_143714609" order="107" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember_143714610" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember_143714610" order="108" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember_143714611" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember_143714611" order="109" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember_143714612" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember_143714612" order="110" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember_143714634" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember_143714634" order="111" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember_143714635" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember_143714635" order="112" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember_143714636" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember_143714636" order="113" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714661" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714661" order="114" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714662" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllInvestmentOptionsMember_143714404" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member_143714662" order="115" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/IndexOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllIndexesMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member_143714417" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member_143714417" order="116" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember_143714418" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember_143714418" order="117" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember_143714419" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember_143714419" order="118" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember_143714420" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember_143714420" order="119" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember_143714421" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember_143714421" order="120" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member_143714422" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllIndexesMember_143714416" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member_143714422" order="121" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/RiskOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember_143714667" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember_143714667" order="122" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember_143714668" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember_143714668" order="123" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember_143714669" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember_143714669" order="124" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember_143714670" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember_143714670" order="125" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember_143714671" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember_143714671" order="126" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember_143714672" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember_143714672" order="127" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember_143714673" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember_143714673" order="128" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember_143714674" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember_143714674" order="129" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember_143714675" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember_143714675" order="130" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember_143714676" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember_143714676" order="131" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember_143714677" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember_143714677" order="132" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember_143714678" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember_143714678" order="133" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember_143714679" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember_143714679" order="134" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember_143714680" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember_143714680" order="135" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember_143714681" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllRisksMember_143714440" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember_143714681" order="136" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ReturnLimitTypeOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember_143714622" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember_143714626" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember_143714622" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember_143714626" order="137" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember_143714627" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllReturnLimitTypesMember_143714622" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember_143714627" order="138" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/ClassOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllClassesMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllClassesMember_143714642" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_C000261642Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member_143714643" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllClassesMember_143714642" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member_143714643" order="139" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/role/BenefitOnly" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-2026.xsd#vip_AllBenefitsMember" xlink:label="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember_143714647" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember_143714647" order="140" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember_143714648" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember_143714648" order="141" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember_143714649" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember_143714649" order="142" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember_143714650" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember_143714650" order="143" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember_143714651" />
          <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vip_AllBenefitsMember_143714645" xlink:to="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember_143714651" order="144" />
        </link:definitionLink>
        <link:labelLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/link" >
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" xml:lang="en-US">Automated Withdrawals [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" xml:lang="en-US">Extended Care Waiver [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" xml:lang="en-US">Free Withdrawal Allowance [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" xml:lang="en-US">Performance Lock [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" xml:lang="en-US">Terminal Illness Waiver [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_C000261642Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_C000261642Member" xml:lang="en-US">C000261642 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_C000261642Member" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_C000261642Member" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" xml:lang="en-US">First Trust Barclays Edge [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" xml:lang="en-US">iShares MSCI EAFE ETF [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" xml:lang="en-US">iShares U S Real Estate ETF [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" xml:lang="en-US">Russell 2000 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xml:lang="en-US">S And P 500 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xml:lang="en-US">S&amp;P 500 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" xml:lang="en-US">SPDR Gold Shares ETF [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 10 Buffer 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 10 Buffer 5 Upside Participation Rate And 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 10 Buffer 5 Upside Participation Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 10 Buffer Cap Control Minimum At Least 1 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 20 Buffer 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 20 Buffer 5 Upside Participation Rate And 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xml:lang="en-US">Five Years 20 Buffer Cap Control Minimum At Least 1 [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" xml:lang="en-US">Minus 10 Floor Strategy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 10 Buffer 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 10 Buffer 1 Dual Performance Trigger Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 10 Buffer 1 Trigger Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 10 Floor 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 20 Buffer 1 Cap [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xml:lang="en-US">One Year 20 Buffer 1 Trigger Rate [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" xml:lang="en-US">Ten Buffer Strategy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" xml:lang="en-US">Twenty Buffer Strategy [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" xml:lang="en-US">Trigger Rate Return Limit [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" xml:lang="en-US">Upside Participation Rate Return Limit [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" xml:lang="en-US">Business Disruption and Cybersecurity Risks [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">DEBT SECURITIES RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">Declared Rate Strategy Risk [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">EQUITY SECURITIES RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">Indexed Strategies Risk [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">INFLATION RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" xml:lang="en-US">INTEREST RATE RISKS [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" xml:lang="en-US">Market Risk Related to Indexes [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" xml:lang="en-US">Market Risk Related to Option Prices [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" xml:lang="en-US">MARKET RISKS [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">Performance Lock Risk [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">Regulatory Risk [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">REIT RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">U S GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" />
          <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik0000723258-20261101.xsd#cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" />
          <link:label xlink:type="resource" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:label="lab_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" xml:lang="en-US">VOLATILITY CONTROL RISK [Member]</link:label>
          <link:labelArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" xlink:to="lab_cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" />
        </link:labelLink>
      </link:linkbase>
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31/types.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/deprecated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/deprecated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xl-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xlink-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/vip-n4/2026" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/vip/2026/vip-n4-2026.xsd" />
  <element name="N4Abstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_N4Abstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_AutomatedWithdrawalsMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="ExtendedCareWaiverMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_ExtendedCareWaiverMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FreeWithdrawalAllowanceMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="PerformanceLockMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_PerformanceLockMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_TerminalIllnessWaiverMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="C000261642Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_C000261642Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FirstTrustBarclaysEdgeMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_iSharesMSCIEAFEETFMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_iSharesUSRealEstateETFMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Russell2000Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Russell2000Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="SAndP500Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_SAndP500Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_SPDRGoldSharesETFMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears10Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears10BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears20Buffer5UpsideParticipationRateAnd1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_FiveYears20BufferCapControlMinimumAtLeast1Member" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Minus10FloorStrategyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Minus10FloorStrategyMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1DualPerformanceTriggerRateMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear10Buffer1TriggerRateMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear10Floor1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear10Floor1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1CapMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_OneYear20Buffer1TriggerRateMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="TenBufferStrategyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_TenBufferStrategyMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="TwentyBufferStrategyMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_TwentyBufferStrategyMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="IndexlinkedOptionAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_IndexlinkedOptionAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item10.BenefitsAvailableAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item10.BenefitsAvailableAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item2.OverviewOfTheContractAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item2.OverviewOfTheContractAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item3KeyInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item3KeyInformationAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item4.FeeTablesRelatedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item4.FeeTablesRelatedAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="TransactionExpensesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_TransactionExpensesAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item5.PrincipalRisksAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item5.PrincipalRisksAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="Item7.ChargesAndAdjustmentsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_Item7.ChargesAndAdjustmentsAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="NonvariableAnnuitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_NonvariableAnnuitiesAbstract" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_TriggerRateReturnLimitMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_UpsideParticipationRateReturnLimitMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_BusinessDisruptionAndCybersecurityRisksMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_DebtSecuritiesRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_DeclaredRateStrategyRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_IndexedStrategiesRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="InflationRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_InflationRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="InterestRateRisksMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_InterestRateRisksMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToIndexesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_MarketRiskRelatedToOptionPricesMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="MarketRisksMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_MarketRisksMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="PerformanceLockRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_PerformanceLockRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="RegulatoryRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_RegulatoryRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="ReitRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_ReitRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_USGovernmentSecuritiesRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
  <element name="VolatilityControlRiskMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" id="cik0000723258_VolatilityControlRiskMember" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
</schema>
